#it was truly an inspired choice to have the main character literally look into the camera and describe his personality and motivations

[cyanide-sippy-cup]

Waited until after the strike week to talk about this but I had like a whole post about how we should be positive about the new ATLA and then uh.

We got the Percy Jackson special. Shitty live action movie. New streaming adaptation that promises it will be more accurate and well written and what the fans want. And then it comes out and it's... not that.

Well at least we can go back to the trailers and pretend the show's not out yet while we enjoy the vibes presented there.

[omamervt]

yo yo! ttrpg trick or treat!

I mean if you're gonna come at me with this I'm never gonna turn down a chance to talk about City of Mist and its spinoffs, the game I am the most normal anyone has ever been about anything. (if I understand the rules correctly, this is Treat)

ahem.

City of Mist is an urban fantasy noir RPG heavily inspired by Netflix's Daredevil TV series. It now comes in LGBT-themed Sentai flavor (Queerz!) and Cyberpunk flavor ( :Otherscape) as well, with a High Fantasy version (Legend in the Mist) in the works! It also has some pretty great community support, just look up City of Mist Garage on DriveThruRPG!

The thing this game does that makes it special to me is that player creation and advancement is almost 100% driven by character development, and it does it better than most other RPGs that I've seen that try to offer the same.

at character creation, you choose four Themes for your character. You use these themes to determine what kind of character you're working with, and what kind of skills their life experience might have given them. It's also how you can tie in fantasy elements and give yourself literal super powers.

Once you've chosen your Themes, you answer four questions about your character for each Theme. These become your Power Tags, which you use in place of stats to make your roll modifiers, as well as your Weakness Tags, which you or the MC can invoke to give you a -1 to a roll, or to add a complication to the current scene. (this also gives you an XP point in that Theme so it's worth it to you to let this happen.)

But the other thing that comes with every Theme is a Mystery or an Identity. The idea of City of Mist is that you aren't born with powers, you Awaken to them when a Mythos - an idea, concept, or character from a story - decides to enact its will through you. Examples from the pre-made characters would be Excalibur, the wealthy socialite who became the Rift of King Arthur after she finds the Ultimate Weapon, which manifests for her as a piece of jewlery that transforms into whatever she needs in the moment. But the idea of a Mythos never fully survives contact with reality, as your character is still the person they were before - someone with a life, family, friends, goals - an identity. Another of the pre-gens is Kit, a Kitsune spirit who manifested itself fully in our world, but has disguised itself as a teenage girl after falling in love with a boy. Her affections form an identity outside of her purpose as a Mythos.

You as a player have the choice between trying to live the life you had before by creating Identities for your Logos themes - things that anchor you to your life in this world - or by pursing mysteries for your Mythos themes - finding out what your Mythos expects of you, and then deciding whether or not to do it.

Progression in this is interesting because the main story will put your characters' identities in conflict with the will of their Mythos, as well as the needs of the group as a whole. As you play, you can decide that your character is ignoring their Mystery to the point that getting answers no longer truly matters to them, or abandoning their Identity to the point that they wouldn't recognize their old self anymore. The attention to the themes you advance the plot of will grant you new powers in those themes, whereas the ones you allow to fade away will eventually be replaced by new character aspects that became important in the meantime. And it happens entirely at your discretion - the MC can't tell you to mark Crack/Fade on a Theme, they can't force you to explore your characters' personal story arc, but doing so MAKES YOUR CHARACTER GROW AND CHANGE, WHICH IS HOW YOU LEVEL UP!

I could probably write a few more paragraphs about this game if anyone cared.

[traceytonight]

Tracey rambles about Tron Ares again

Tron Ares fills me with so much dread, each passing day is like a countdown to the death of a franchise I care so much about.

The producer, title & main character, is literally Joker Morbius alleged pedophile since the early 2000s himself Jared Leto. That alone ruins the movie for me, and yet every following bullet point makes everything about and around it so much worse.

-Premise is explicitly "What if the Grid came to the real world".

NO, the interesting part of the series is THE GRID, where all of the deeply meditative commentary about our world and visually interesting splendor is supposed to be! Yes we had the lingering plot thread of Quorra coming to our world, however;

-Nothing directly tied to Tron Legacy is specifically being followed up

So no seeing where Sam Flynn could have taken Encom, no Quorra adjusting to our world, No Edward Dillinger Jr scheming with the resurrected MCP; But most disrespectfully of all, they didn't even bother to get Bruce Boxleitnter back, THE GUY WHO PLAYS TRON (and Alan Bradly & Rinzler). The one guy who actively loved this series and campaigned for a Third Tron film for over a decade, and previously Tron Legacy for even longer. But you know who they are bringing back?

-Kevin Flynn is back

THE GUY WHO FUCKING DIED IN THE LAST MOVIE. Undermining the noble sacrifice that was integral to the core themes of the film.

And just today we got this:

This is so far from an advancement design wise of the Light Cycle from either film. None of the simple shape language of the original. None of the sleek visual melding of human & technology of Legacy. While the light cycle was always cool for being a futuristic video game-ass motorcycle, its was just one of the multitude of visual elements that served the thematic purposes of Tron flawlessly.

Meanwhile, this not only physically separates the driver from the cycle, they further emphasize it through all the little gaps where there were none on either prior design. They so easily could've had the red line on Ares connect into the obviously aligned part of the bike.

Even if this is meant to show the separation of the programs from the grid for some thematic element we're unaware of at the moment, we're already going to be getting a lot of that considering the movie takes place in an average ass city.

Also, to be truly nitpicky, it looks really uncomfortable to sit in & I don't like all the added greebles.

To circle back around, what I really hate about the cast, besides the obvious one, is that there are a lot of actors who I think will work extremely well in the world of Tron. Greta Lee, Gillian Anderson, Evan Peters? Inspired casting choices.

Meanwhile production wise we're literally taking David Fincher's collaborator trifecta. Jeff Cronenweth (Cinematographer), Tyler Nelson (Editor), and Trent Reznor (Composer, backed up by Nine Inch Nails) all worked on The Social Network, another one of my favorite films. Jeff is literally the son of Blade Runner's cinematographer, Nelson was co-editor on The Batman, a film with incredible pacing thanks to their hardwork, and while I'm not the most familiar with Reznor's full body of work, I've sincerely liked everything I've heard and think in conjunction with Jeff & Tyler he will make something fantastic and fitting for the tone of this film.

However, the screenplay is done by the writer of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, and is being handled by the director of Pirates of the Caribbean 5. Choices that feel at odds with the prestige praise I was just handing out a paragraph ago.

Theres so many good elements that are eclipsed by its central glaring protagonist, seeming lack of the interesting setting/designs or integral thematic elements that I look for in Tron, and lack of expectation regarding the choice of director & writers.

Because my two greatest fears are not about if the movie is awful and destroys the franchise as I'm expecting it could, it's either:

What if the movie is genuinely good? Well acted and performed, somehow actually has the same level of philosophical inquiry that Legacy & Identity have? How am I gonna face that reality with the enormous horrific issue starring in it?

What if the movie is bad in everyway that I think it will be, but does financially and/or critically better than the first two? The franchise is not killed again, but revives and bases everything going forward around this awful outlier in the series?

Unless this movie fails so horrifically that Disney wants to scrub it from existence, as they tend to do, the future of any Tron media will undeniably be forced to cohere itself to the existence of Ares.

If you want something that actually expands on the musings and universe of Tron, play Tron Identity. A game so lovingly crafted for fans of those elements of Tron as a connected series. And I know this factually, as the writer of the game itself (who also created Thomas Was Alone) watched my twitch stream of it and confirmed my ramblings about the deep seeded lore and intent of design of the TREES that appear in the game. Only one example of the incredible attention to detail the game delivers on. Plus its also getting a sequel that unlike Ares, I'm awaiting with bated breath.

[norringtondeservestheworld]

Markus isn't boring, you are simply racist.

Hi. I'd like to tell you all my story with Markus.

I entered in the DBH fandom recently because I recently played the game for the first time when I finally bought a PS5 (I couldn't play it sooner because I didn't have the console) but I actually was curious about this game since it came out in 2019, but at the time (and before playing it) I knew next to nothing about it.

All I knew was that the three main characters were two males and a female robots, which one was the guy from Grey's Anatomy, one was a police officer and the female one wanted to protect a little girl from her abusive father (Kara's story was actually the one I knew better, I think it's because I watched some gameplays and I remember feeling really anxious about the chapters with Todd). I also remembered there was another female android which was North obviously, but I truly had no idea what her name was or what her face was and I had absolutely no idea about the existence of Josh, Luther, Ralph, Daniel, Simon (which is hilarious since he is my fave now) and literally any other character.

And now I'll be 100% honest with you.

When I went to the store to buy the game and I saw Markus in the cover, I was annoyed. Why you ask? Easy.

All I could see was Jesse Williams.

Do not misunderstand me, I never hated or disliked Jesse Williams, I have nothing against the guy, but to me he was the guy from Grey's Anatomy.

Tbh I always hated Grey's Anatomy but unfortunately one of my best friends love it as much as I hate it, and she has the biggest crush on Jesse Williams' character, Jackson Avery, and she made me watch, too many, oh god believe me, too many times his scenes that at one point everytime I saw his face all I did was roll my eyes and sigh. So when I saw him in DBH I thought "ugh this guy again".

So my first approach to the game was being very careful and being really interested in both Connor and Kara's storylines, but when a Markus' chapter happened I just sighed and wanted it to end it to play the other two.

Then the chapter of Markus in the junkyard happened. I was less annoyed by Markus at this point because he started to growing up on me but I still had too prejudice to admit it to myself, but that chapter moved something in me. I didn't know what, but it did something, and when Markus found Jericho and met North, Simon and Josh.. well, I was curious.

And then, finally, at the Spare Parts chapter, I started to realize how great Jericho's, and consequently Markus' storyline, was. As the story progressed, I started to realize how much I was beginning to love Markus, how everytime I looked at Jesse Williams I didn't see the Grey's Anatomy guy anymore, but Markus. Suddenly, the situation had reversed: there weren't enough chapters about Markus to me there wasn't never enough of him and at every chapter of Connor and Kara all I could think of was wanting to see Markus and the Jericrew again (I still found Connor and Kara's storylines interesting, but they were nothing compared to Markus). By the end of The Freedom March I had shivers and realized how much I cared for Markus and his story and I had the realization that if my choices towards the end would lead to his death, I would be really really sad all this while thinking what a great, inspiring character he is.

The way he is the leader of an entire species and the most important person of Jericho, and yet he is ready to risk his life for every broken single android. The way he worries for North when he heard shoots, the way one of his first thoughts when Jericho is attacked are Simon and Josh and wondering if they are okay despite being in risk himself in that moment. The way he forgives Connor without even blinking even if he is responsible of the destruction of Jericho and of the death of a lot of his people, and the way he still has no hate towards him even if he tries to kill him because despite everything, he is still one of his people. The way they are in a desperate situation and he has a lot on his mind and yet he promises Kara, an android who he just met, to help her because he can't possibly not help every android who need help. The way he is scared and worried and has doubts of what to do because he just wants the best for his people but they are getting killed and yet he never asks for help because he can't let himself to pass this burden to another android he is the one who has to deal with it. The way he accepts everyone in Jericho and let androids be themselves, never forcing them to join him or die for the cause. The way he cares. For everyone and everything. He cares he cares he cares.

Markus is all of this, and even more.

I started the game not being thrilled of him being there solely for a stupid, idiotic prejudice based on nothing, and I ended it being over the moon for this selfless, brave hero.

Despite what I was feeling at the beginning, I ended being totally in love with this amazing character and surely I won't let you all classify Markus as "boring". I won't let you. Not anymore.

I won't let you call boring a character who is nothing but positive.

I won't let you call boring a character who sacrificed himself for freeing his people.

I won't let you call boring a character for whom you would all simp for if he was white.

Markus isn't boring. Just admit you are racist and leave.

[subbyfoxelf]

[tv review] ds9 1x04-1x08 (1993)

ds9 threatening me with a good time.

1x04 “a man alone”

if you’re like me you want to write this one off for being principally about odo being so oppressed because *checks notes* it looks like he may have used his position as a cop to murder someone and then chafed at being removed from the investigation of a murder for which he is clearly the prime suspect, like regardless of whether he is or not he obviously needed to be taken off that case like a million years earlier than he was? and him being so butthurt about it is just wild?

seriously the main plot of this episode is just infuriating. and the secondary plot of keiko becoming a schoolteacher is… not that much better? like, you cannot convince me that ds9 wouldn’t materially benefit from an arboretum, and even if you wanted to take her character this direction, having her just kinda wander around scowling disapprovingly at all the children on the station is also just about the worst way you could’ve chosen to get there? so in one corner we have just absolutely wild copaganda, and in the other we have a bad idea poorly executed. super.

the problem is, this is also the episode that started jake & nog’s iconic friendship, so you can’t just totally write it off without losing something pretty vital to the series. not that their first few interactions were anything all that special, and it’s rather interesting seeing rom pop up in these early episodes because they clearly just had no idea who he was yet, but regardless jake & nog’s relationship is just such a big part of the show and one of the all-time great trek friendships in its own right, so you can’t just totally ignore this episode unfortunately.

also there’s some good quark/odo stuff and no matter how much odo infuriates me, i do certainly love how blatantly those two are husbands.

but yeah, y’know. the rest of it is still pretty awful. acab. c-rank

1x05 “babel”

there are kind of way too many episodes of season 1 that follow this basic format nearly beat for beat, but the aphasia virus is so novel that it kind of pushes this one to the top of the pack among those at least. plus we get a pretty awesome example of kira just bulldozing her way to a solution, which is pretty much always gonna be a plus. extremely “glad she’s on our side” energy.

also, with quark & odo basically the last two people on the station not affected by the virus, we get even more of them just blatantly being husbands, which is just about the only time i can stand odo. so, yeah. that’ll work. b-rank

1x06 “captive pursuit”

this wasn’t a terribly well-written episode, and o’brien is just about the least sensible character for them to decide is just… in charge of this alien just because he’s the first guy who encountered him? like, literally any other senior officer would’ve been better equipped for this, it seems like? like, don’t get me wrong, i did enjoy the clearly predator-inspired bullshit for, ah, totally not kink-related reasons. (don’t check.)

that doesn’t make this a good episode or anything, but like when the one hunter guy is berating the prey guy about how he’s gonna be put on display for people to insult & punish for allowing himself to be captured alive yeah i was hella into it, so i can’t say i didn’t get anything out of this pretty lackluster episode. c-rank

1x07 “q-less”

why the fuck was this a ds9 episode? like, i guess they needed to give ds9 one (1) and only one (1) q episode, but of all the ways to involve q in the show you’re gonna have vash’s return happen on ds9? really? what a just truly bizarre choice.

also like, in terms of q’s only ds9 appearance, following vash around making threatening comments and then getting punched in the face by commander sisko wasn’t exactly a great use of your one john de lancie appearance. c-rank

1x08 “dax”

i love a good courtroom episode, and dax is probably my favorite ds9 character, but it’s hard to say that the combination here makes an entirely satisfying whole? also like, i’m beyond infuriated that the only way dax was rescued from being kidnapped early in the episode is that bashir was being a fucking creeper? like, we’re basically being narratively told that his behavior was actually okay? so that fucking sucks.

the trial itself is actually pretty interesting, and i fucking love the old lady judge who is just doesn’t want to be there & consequently has no patience for anything. and i loved sisko fighting tooth & nail using every loophole of the legal system to keep dax from being extradited. this is a great sisko episode, honestly. the problem is that it’s not a great dax episode, and for it to work it would kind of have to be. c-rank

[hotshotriot]

hi what can you tell me about your alt sumeru idea? still irate over what we got and i love to hear fan reinterps of shit canon

hello! i'm so sorry this answer is an entire month late i got sick and then college finals hit eugheugheugheughueu

I'll try to keep this short--overall every single angle looks like it needs reworking. First I'll talk about nailing down a specific country to take inspiration from, as every other nation in Genshin has a main real source for its mythological and cultural inspiration whilst Sumeru is just an absolute mess. Personally I think Morocco is a solid choice, as not only is its nature incredibly diverse but its culture is as well, all while still belonging to the same country. It's the perfect location for wanting an area with a massive amount of variation while at the same time avoiding the disrespect that is slapping a bunch of countries together at random and calling it fair representation.

Next I think characters need to be changed (clearly). Personally I would wipe the entire cast save for Cyno, Collei, Alhaitham and the very basics behind Kusanali. Cyno and Collei would be rewritten a bit in personality but for the most part in story, while Alhaitham I feel would be best renamed, facing a mild redesign, and rewritten in personality/story entirely. Kusanali would face the same treatment. As for everyone else they're getting replaced <:)

Finally there's the main plot, which I would personally rework entirely as well. I feel that Sumeru would be absolutely fine without internal conflict amongst those belonging to the country (Genshin literally just had an internal conflict plot with Inazuma which was...not handled great). There would be conflict among those within it all the same, though, as I'd like the plot to be Fatui focused. The Fatui have an incredible amount of potential story-wise and I highly doubt Genshin has or will end up developing them in a way that's both satisfactory and sensible, so if anywhere is best to finally get their development rolling in full it's Sumeru. This isn't to cast the people of Sumeru or the country's story in their shadow; if anything I only feel this would be a good place to introduce the moral issues the Fatui cause, especially if a certain Harbinger (or maybe even a second) had ties to their god in some way. Plus, the people of Sumeru are incredibly educated--there's bound to be uncertainty towards whether any of the stationed Fatui truly have good intentions politically, economically, et cetera. If this uncertainty was to extend to morality, I feel that would make for a really good story. Especially if people on both sides, whether belonging to Sumeru or Snezhnaya, had to choose between being loyal to a nation and its ideals or being loyal to their own morals.

i hope all of that makes sense!! i've put a needless amount of thought into this for the sake of my own entertainment lmao

[gunsli-01]

There is Pandora Hearts analysis that I don't even want to think about it. I think it shaped me. The consistent inability to read Oswald's fucking characterization well ever.

It's not even like the series makes this difficult. The ending everyone reached would literally be impossible without him. He's the inspiration behind Oz's name, Lacie's choice, Gilbert's courage to make the choice he does later. Yet he's labeled as this guy who fucked up and not this guy who was immensely loved by everyone around him and loved them in kind.

So much so he wanted to respect their agency. No one ever remembers he gave Lacie that ultimatum and wanted her to take it, and she said no because she was afraid of what that could mean for Oswald if she didn't. Or that in the light novels Lacie and Levi both understood how naive Oswald was. It was a very open secret and touched on in numerous ways in the series and light novel,

The cruel thing about Oswald's story isn't that there was no love there. There was far too much. Along with an egregious amount of consideration for everyone that was around him.

The very same consideration that the Baskervilles his Baskervilles showed to each other. The same consideration Gil shows to the family he chose and his time with Oswald gave him the foresight and experience to pursue. Because he watched him try to pursue it and regret it, it caused him to not commit to it harder. The regret that lingered in that okay I'll respect your wishes.

He knew what that looked like and what that could do. He'd seen what it did to his precedessor. So even though Vincent and got damn was Vincent truly trying to relive Lacie's experience, Gil told him the he had nothing to do with him wanting to be a martyr and not to do anything in his name. Because he saw the sort of life being attached to that had given Oswald.

The love was there. It was there deeply with Oswald and unselfishly. But that love gets labeled as complacency instead of immense respect. Respect for the agency of those he loves and trust in their process. Something that downright bit him in the ass with Jack.

I personally don't believe that it's being complacent when someone tells you what they themselves have chosen to do, and you respect their choice or choose to trust a friend. It's a plain abuse of kindness. It's that simple.

But he could've- It was a tragedy. If he just- he's in a tragedy. But the others- they're not in a tragedy. What happened to Oswald was he is in a narrative that is a tragedy. It is literally that simple he has to fail for anyone else here to succeed and his characterization does have something to do with why that is but he's not solely responsible for what happens before the main plot of Pandora Hearts. Regardless of how many people put the blame on him after.

That's the point of a tragedy being loving, showing consideration- That is the flaw. It's a tragedy because that sort of kindness may never be rewarded. Just like there are many such instances in life. Hell, it may even gain a person contempt. Tragedies ask if we are kind even when there is no conceivable benefit for ourselves, and Oswald character consistently answered yes to that. It sucks that it's something that goes underappreciated.

[luxuryandbrown]

Main Character Energy

what is it and how to exude it

Main character energy (MCE) is often confused with being narcissistic or selfish. But it’s simply the idea of putting yourself first. It’s a term, commonly referenced by women, used to describe focusing on what YOU want in life and going for it — regardless of how it may affect others. How could anyone assume something as positive and inspiring as this selfish? Well it’s because society is used to women playing the supporting role not the main character — literally & in mainstream media.

Whats a supporting character?

Being a supporting character in your own life looks like you always saying yes to obligations you truly don’t want to attend. It’s you going after careers someone else has chosen for you. It’s you taking on hobbies to please others. It’s you consistently putting your needs and desires on the shelf to accommodate other people. This may seem like a beautiful, selfless trait but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do to yourself. This behavior is lowering your self esteem and self confidence and shows the people around you that they can walk all over you.

The hard truth

In this life, no one will put you first except YOU. No one will make your happiness a priority. No one will go to great lengths to make your dream life a reality, except you. This isn’t because no one else cares about you, but because they have their own lives to focus on. It’s why Main Character Energy, shouldn’t just be a trend but a way of living. You have to treat yourself like the main character in your life because no one else is fully capable of doing that for you, except you. You can be a main character and still care for your loved ones. You can be a main character and still be compassionate. You can be a main character and still support those around you.

How to exude main character energy

Being a main character in your life means you put yourself first. It’s only saying yes to things that energetically serve you. It’s only surrounding yourself around people that have the best intentions for you. Its considering your emotional and mental well being. It’s keeping your goals and priorities at the top of your mind. Its eating foods that nourish you. It’s limiting the toxic drinks & foods you consume. It’s taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally & physically above all else.

Side affects of main character energy

When you’re the main character, your self esteem and self confidence increases drastically. You stop viewing yourself as just another girl, but as THE girl. You put yourself on a pedestal and think so highly of yourself that those around you have no choice but to do the same. When you have a high regard for yourself, you tend to attract people in your life that feel the same way about you. Exude that main character energy, apologetically. ✨

X, @luxuryandbrown

You might like: how to: Romanticize Your Life

[f1-mverstappen]

MAX VERSTAPPEN FANFIC

Oceans eyes (part 1)

(Gift is not mine. Credit to owner)

So this is my new fanfic about max that I’ve been working quite along now. I hope you like it. I’ve been inspired by the song “Ocean eyes” by billie eilish.

Summary: reader and Charles Leclerc have been best friends since forever, and one day she met Max through Charles and that’s where their love story begin. The reader is a kids doctor and she’s not into the f1 world. With both their busy schedule they will have to learn how to go beyond their own challenges if they wanna stay together.

Characters: Reader x Max Verstappen

Ocean eyes (part 1)

My name is x and I was born and raised here Monaco, my father is the owner and CEO of the BNP Paribas Bank, which is a French bank that operated all over the world and my mom is a doctor at the “Center hospitalier Princesse Grace”. My father always tried to push me into the finances world but my heart had already made its choice.

Since I was a little girl I always loved to help my mother with people, but mostly kids in need. That’s why I became a pedriatrician. On my free time from school and then college, a couple years ago, I helped in an institution that helped kids with different illnesses. Our main job was to help with reabilitacion, but also provide them with shelter, health and education so they can follow theirs dreams. At this point I worked in same hospital as my mom, but I also work in the institution where I’ve been helping my whole life basically. And of course I love it more than anything.

It was the start of august and Monaco was full of people who came from all over the world. The beautiful marine was filled up with the most beautiful yatchs, from small to big. It was a superficial environment of course, the streets were full of people wearing the latest designer clothes, everyone looked their best when walking the streets of Monaco.

It was a lovely Saturday and I finally managed to get a free weekend, which didn’t happen in a long time, so i decided to meet with my lovely friend Charles Leclerc for a coffee in the beautiful “Cafe de Paris”. We were friends since pre-school, we always share everything with one-another till we’re like 15 years old, and then of course life moved its way and I went to college to pursue my dream and so did Charles, but we never lose contact with eachother. We just don’t spend the time together like we used too. I arrived at the cafe and there he was. “Omg (Xreader), you look absolutely incredible, i miss you so much” he said with the most radiant smile opening his arms to hug me. “I miss you to Charles, it’s been forever”

We asked for our coffee and we talked for hours. “How can you not know anything about formula one, when your best friend is literally fighting for the championship?? You’re unbelievable Xxx” he said to me, he had a point. “ you never explain anything to me, and I don’t have the time to watch you know..” I answer honestly “and if you were a nice friend you would already teach me, how can the only thing I know is how fast the tyres are changed.. what a shame” I mocked him a little. We laughed at my ignorance..

“So how is Charlotte doing, I barely see her nowadays..” I ask him and immediately his dark blue eyes shine. “She’s doing fine actually, she’s been studying arquitecture and she’s developing her brand witchs consists in customising shoes and other stuff” he told me very proud “and she’s been incredibly to me very supportive as well I love her very much” he continued talking about her and just by listening I knew my friend was completely in love with her. “I’m so happy for you Charles, you deserve everything and more, you’ve always been the best to everyone, now it’s your time to be happy” I said to him truly

“Yeah I know, you’re the best, but you don’t run away from the question, when do I get to meet your boyfriend??” I laughed kinda too loud at his question “well I would present you if I had one, which I don’t..” I gave him a small smile “how can you not have a boyfriend? At least someone you’re interested in?”, “no not even that, I work with old people, old, ugly doctors and as I spend my life there it gets though to find someone” I laughed of my own misery. It’s not like I was looking for someone, because I wasn’t at all, but I know how Charles was.. “we have to changed that miss (Xreader), you are so beautiful, best student in class all years, a heart of gold, I have to find you a boyfriend” oh now, I thought to myself “ I appreciate Charles, but I’m fine, I’m really focused on my career right now. When I looked to Charles he was waving at someone that I didn’t see right away only when he approached to our table.

He was tall, blond hair that was pulled back in a nice way, and a very beautiful ocean eyes. “Mate how are you!?” Charles said while handshaking him. “Well I’m fine now that I’m leading the championship plus on vacation, I’m Perfect” he said laughing “well enjoy it while it last, you know it ain’t for long” Charles respond in a joking but kinda provocative way. I assumed that this was his opponent for the tittle. “So Max this is my best friend (xreader), and (reader) this is Max Verstappen, mostly know by Super Max ” he said joking I guess.

“Hello Max, nice to meet you” i got up and handshaked him, I gave him a small smile and I think it was the first time he looked at me since he arrived. “Nice to Meet you (Xreader)”

He’s blue eyes met my green ones and we kinda got stuck in that moment it was like no one was there. After a couple of seconds later our hand were still interlaced, and eyes stuck on one another. I came back to reality and hoped Charles didn’t noticed my moment with his friend or whatever they were.

“Mate sit with us have a drink” please say no! I thought to myself “sure, why not”, of course now I had to look at him after our strange moment a couple minutes ago. “Só Charles are you staying in Monaco on vacation?!” Max asked Charles “No, I’m going to Mexico with Charlotte and some friends and you!?”

“Well for now I’m staying in Monaco, enjoying the boat and the jetsky.. kinda of tired of travelling actually, but maybe I will change my mind and go somewhere else, if something changes” he looked straight at me, with his blue eyes shining so bright. They were very beautiful. He was very handsome, dressed in a blue linen shirt that matched his eyes, beige shorts and white sneakers, simple but beautiful. He changed the subject to me “So (Xreader) do you live here in Monaco” he ask me interested “Yes, my life is here, thats where I met the monecat Charles.” I joked a little. “What about you?!” I continued. “I’m a fórmula 1 driver, I’m from the Netherlands and I moved to Monaco a couple years ago, because everyone around this circle of pilots live here so it’s nice. It’s a lovely place to lived. What do you do for living?” he ask me with interest in his voice. “I’m a pediatrician” I said proud of myself and my dear friend Charles couldn’t contain himself and said “she graduated with high score at college, and honers from Monaco government.” He said proud of me, and I smile at my friend.

I felt max’s eyes on me, a very intense look and then he said “that’s very impressive, your parents must be very proud.”

Charles interrupted our conversation to telll that he need to go, Charlotte called him for an “emergency” I laughed and told him it was okay.

“We can meet another day and you can see Charlotte” he said to me. “Yes I would love that”

We hugged again and said our goodbyes. And that’s when I realised Max was still in front of me. I spoke first “Do you wanna get going?”

“Actually, do you wanna go for a walk or something” I look at him and didn’t know exactly what to say I felt a heat coming on my body. It’s been too much time since a man asked me for anything that a simple “go for a walk” was a reason for me to get a little shy. And he noticed it. “Cmon it will be fun I promise” he added. “Fine, I’m coming”.

Well that was the first part. If you like I will post the next part tomorrow.

Bye bye

Read on Whatpad

[coolfire333]

I know mad max fury road has been out for years but it’s really good imo so I’d encourage you to watch it before reading this because I’m about to spoil a big chunk of it

Ok I love fury road but I’m gonna cut to the chase, my one major issue with it is that Nux sacrificed himself at the end of the film to guarantee the safety of the others. I’m somewhat torn on this because yeah, it’s a really poignant moment, since after failing to martyr himself as a villain (a choice he wants to make out of a selfish desire to be granted a highly esteemed place in the afterlife) he actually makes a genuinely selfless choice like a true hero would. 

Also, thematically it’s a nice contrast between all of his previous failures in proving himself as well as the multiple near-death experiences he has throughout the first part of the film, so it’s not like it ruins the movie for me.

But I think it would have been much MORE poignant if he had the opportunity to live, or at least had either been interrupted in his martyrdom, or had otherwise survived the crash. The reason I think this is because such a major part of Nux’s storyline involves his preoccupation with death, in particular he’s obsessed with dying young and nobly in a blaze of glory. He would be very angry and upset that he didn’t get what he wanted, and in failing again, how would he cope with that failure?

I think this makes much more sense because a whole lot of the movie deals with characters not getting what they wanted and having to pick up the pieces afterwards! It’s mostly shown in the scene where Max tries telling Furiosa that hope isn’t the answer to her problems, and when Furiosa has to turn back and return to the citadel after learning that there is no longer a green place, but it’s also seen with a lot of the other main characters. 

For example, the wives have to carry on without Angharad, who seemed to be a good leader and source of inspiration for them, and eventually they’re able to find new female role models in Furiosa and the Vuvalini. You could even argue that Max is never getting what he wants for the entire movie, since he’s unwillingly dragged into this conflict and eventually learns to have sympathy for the others. He literally gives his own blood to Furiosa in order for her to live, when at the beginning of the film his donation of blood was a forced act that he likely never imagined doing willingly to save another life.

So what would happen if Nux got denied his greatest wish, to die an honorable death for those he’s loyal to? He would likely be truly distraught at this, and would need to find a new purpose and meaning in life. AND I think this idea is even more important in the context that Nux is probably going to die early from sickness anyway.

I don’t much like the sentiment of “well he’s going to die anyway so he might as well die a hero’s death.” Why? We ALL die anyway. And Nux already proved his newly found heroism while alive in the various ways he helped Max and the wives despite his initial undying loyalty to Joe. Why would him dying a slower, essentially natural death, not going out with a bang as a warrior, but surrounded by his loved ones and recognized as a good man who’s done good deeds be any less heroic?

His whole life has consisted of suicidally devoting himself without question to a cause and to those he looks up to, and in sacrificing himself for Max, Furiosa, and the wives he is essentially still trapped in that same destructive mindset. I can’t help but wonder, what kind of person would he be if he was denied this outcome? How would this change the way in which he approaches the world? Where would he find purpose in life, now knowing that he can’t “die heroically” like he’s always dreamed of? 

These are much more interesting ideas imo, and they really resonate with me in ways that his actual death in the movie doesn’t quite reach. I dunno, they just seem like really existential questions in a movie that already does a lot to deeply question the role of humans and what constitutes human nature, and I think that it would have been perfect to see Nux figure out how to reinvent himself without relying on his old ways.

Also, you got me, characters like him really mean a lot to me and I would rather them live and get a chance to change and grow. Gonna straight up admit that this post is also inspired by the fact that I just really like him. So I’m 100% biased. But this idea of a “noble death” is also something that I see a lot with some of my other favorite characters, and well, it just bugs me a whole lot. 

I’ve seen the alternative “you must rediscover what it means to live” path executed EXCELLENTLY and ever since I’ve encountered examples of that I have never been able to excuse the “dying heroically” option. Ok yes there are times where it works, and with Nux it at least is very emotionally effective, but still, this is wayyyy too common of a plotline. Quit doing that...spice it up a little and let a character like him live for once. That’s all, that’s my soapbox for the evening

[skepticbeliever-bookclub]

After three solid weeks careening heart-first into a long series, we have come to the conclusion of our Book Club wide read of Precious Metals by Striker Eureka. Together, we discussed the thrilling conclusion You can feel it on the way home that both surprised, horrified and delighted us in a myriad of positive ways. Our main takeaway is that there is truly nothing like a reminder of what Shane and Ryan shooting in haunted spaces inspired from us as a fandom, especially with how this fic took us there with gorgeously poignant descriptions and just the right amount of suspense.

Rating: M

Summary:

Something has noticed Ryan and it isn’t content to just watch and wait. While Shane attempts to share his true sight with Ryan, things begin to quickly fall apart. Ryan thinks he’s losing his grip on reality and Shane takes entirely too long to figure out what’s really at play. They’re closer to one another than ever before, but it might not stay that way if they can’t beat what is coming for them.

Shane holds his wrists with both hands, his touch strangely gentle. “I’m gonna get something to clean you up with.”

“I don’t need to be cleaned up, I need you to tell me what the fuck that was,” Ryan says, getting increasingly louder as he speaks. “You said I was in danger,” he jabs at his own chest with a numb finger, “you could feel it.”

“Yes.”

“What was that?”

Shane’s gaze searches his face and Ryan doesn’t look away; he feels like he’s on the edge of a mental break and Shane is giving him nothing to hold onto.

Finally, Shane says, “A demon.”

Book Club Thoughts

How. HOW is a final part somehow both a perfect conclusion AND the highlight of the journey. normally distinct works within a series have their follow-ups be little complements! this is SO MUCH!!

Ryan's discomfort w the freshly made spirits is another one of those pieces from this series that stuck with me even years later

I was terrified and enamored by the description, the mood building and the raw discomfort of Ryan's experience all the way down to the grit in Ryan's teeth as he forced salt down his own throat like what a concept!

I also really like the choice to have this be only in Ryan's head because we don't know what he doesn't know which means we don't know what Shane won't tell us

The revelation that this demon hasn't just been around for a while, it's literally been there since the start of the series and is in fact the inciting incident for all of this, it's just [chef's kiss] levels of tying everything together

it's such a small part of this fic but I was thrilled with Steven's cameo and how he's the most wonderful man, even in fic and even before fans had any idea that Watcher would one day be a thing. The sex was amazing but the shower scene after the demon attack was somehow even better because of how intimate and gentle it was, ughhhh I love a good shower scene so much (especially with h/c situations).

It works very well for the two of them, highlighting the different ways that their anxiety manifests, one being proactive and the other taking a more hands-off, theoretical route; the two of them switching off and rarely on the same wavelength.

There is NOTHING as delicious to me than the moment we discover that the set up to this story was in the first instalment all along. We can so easily allow ourselves to be duped into thinking that the first two fics are just fun, almost standalone introductions to the set up, fun character studies, because of the way we know fanfic can and has worked in the past.

I'm really enjoying the deconstruction of Shane The Friendly Demon -- after the reveal to Ryan he's set up as someone who happens to be a demon but is still kind and caring, and I'm loving the immediate clash between Ryan's morality and his

I really enjoyed revisiting this series. This author is good at maintaining tension and tells the story at a pace that makes it fun to read. And the series has such a classic BFU vibe; it's like going back to watch a movie old enough that you can feel the age of it and finding that it still holds up years later.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE FAQ, AND SEND US AN ASK! IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FIC RECS, PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR READS, NOMINEES AND BOOK CLUB REC LISTS!

[twiceasfrustrating]

Absolutely Nothing

I said I wouldn't post my new fic until after SWBQ is done, but I want to begin posting it before S4 drops. It won't update consistently atm, but it's there... I will only be posting the first two chapters to Tumblr. Everything else is going on AO3 because Tumblr is not longfic friendly.

Rating: Teen and Up

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category: Gen

Fandom: Shall We Date?: Obey Me!

Characters: Main Character, Lucifer, Mammon, Leviathan, Satan, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Belphegor, Diavolo, Barbatos, Simeon, Luke, Solomon, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Original Angel Character(s)

Additional Tags: Other Additional Tags to Be Added, War, Trauma, Abuse, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Canon is like a vampire, it can't enter this house unless I let it, Emotional Baggage, Lies, Manipulation, Ships not intended but I'm not stopping you

Summary: War is not unknown to the three realms, but that does not make them any less a tragedy of strategy. Though relations between the three have never been favorable, they have never truly gone to battle with each other. At least, not until now. The heavens have been planning for a long time and have finally decided to execute their machinations. Now it is time to see how every piece will play out this bloody battle.

A/N: These tags are for the overarching fic, not the first two chapters. Only Lucifer, Simeon, Micheal, and Gabriel show up in the first two chapters.

Chapter 1: I Will Not Go With You

“We’re heading for a war,” Lucifer warned, “and I want you to come with me.”

Simeon solemnly blinked a few times before closing his eyes. The weight of the choices laid before him pricked at the edges of his mind. He’d known this was coming. He’d known for a long time that this question would eventually be asked of him and for just as long he’d known what his answer would be, “I must decline.”

“Why?” Lucifer spat out, “Simeon, you have to know what’s about to happen. If we don’t fight then Lilith-”

“I am not stopping you from this rebellion.” He opened his eyes and looked to the pages stacked neatly in the corner of his desk, carefully flipping through the avalanche of writings he’d collected over the years. Somewhere, buried deep in the pile, he vaguely recalled his moment; where his brother would ask him to do the impossible. He’d hidden it away from prying eyes, afraid that others would find it and interpret it as he had. Though, even if they had read it and understood what the contents were, it was nigh impossible to change the events that were foretold.

He pulled the page from the pile, taking care so the others above it would not collapse onto the delicately inlaid wood of his desk, and perused the contents held within. The paper was so old that it had begun to grow fragile to the touch and discolor at the edges. Simeon desperately wished that time had chosen not to show its touch on this particular relic he would rather have forgotten about. It was frightening how long he’d known about this day and he would rather pretend he was shocked when Lucifer had come to him. Sometimes, having a glimpse into what would eventually be was a cruel reality.

That brother, who would come in need of his fellow, will find no quarter. So shall he return with hands left empty, but convictions emboldened by the forge of his stature. He shall take with him those who share his resolve and lead them to where metal sings and cries. Blood shall be shed but on one side, though the cost of the blood spilled shall

It was an old, short paragraph he wished he could forget. Though he could never truly put it out of his mind, because he knew it was left unfinished and his mind and pen longed to see the end of the story. However, his heart and will would prefer not to know every detail of this particular future. For so long, he’d clung to that final shall and hoped that not knowing the entirety of the story would somehow keep it from unfolding. However, his pen only put the stories to page. He was not responsible for the events that inspired him to write.

“You will have to make do with those who are already on your side. No one else will turn their back on Father for your cause.” It was the only warning he could give. In those words he hid the message that Lucifer should tell no one else. If war was approaching, then it was better he have the element of surprise.

Lucifer could only stare at him in disbelief, “Is that your answer?”

“It always was.” He placed the paper face down atop the pile, ���I cannot aid you in this, Lucifer.”

“Then you would fight against me? You would condemn Lilith in the same way as our Father?” His voice shook, the rage building inside of him clearly beginning to boil over even as he tried to contain it.

“I will not betray my family.” Simeon’s face remained unchanged as he pushed his chair away from the desk and rose to his feet. Despite the malicious aura that began to circle around his fellow Seraphim, he approached with an unguarded stance until they were only an arm’s reach away from one another. No matter how upset Lucifer may become, Simeon would not fear him. Though, he did fear *for* him, “You and she are still of my kind and that means I will not meet you on the battlefield.”

Lucifer’s eyes widened at the declaration. This time, it was his turn to fear for the other, “You can’t stay out of this. You know they won’t allow you.” If he did try to remain on the sidelines, Simeon would still be seen as a traitor. Not in the same vein as him and his siblings, but a traitor nonetheless, “I won’t ask you to fight if you really refuse to lift your blade, but you can’t stay here.”

“As much as you and Lilith are my family, so are Micheal, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel. I cannot leave them.”

“Simeon…”

Simeon’s lips pulled back into a smile and he let out the shortest of laughs, “You worry far too much, Lucy. You are aware that I am still a Seraphim, are you not? Even if I do not step onto the battlefield, I do not believe I am in nearly as much danger as you are putting yourself in.” He wanted to reach out and touch his brother one last time as the fear of the unknown overtook him, but he kept his hand within his own space. He did not know what would happen at the end of all of this, but he knew it would not be the same and reaching out to hold onto what they had would only pain them both.

Lucifer looked over the other angel’s shoulder, toward the pile of papers where Simeon had placed one face down. Countless writings that revealed the future to their author and Lucifer did not envy that gift. Others often wished to know what would be, but he had seen far too many times the burden placed on Simeon for having such a skill; the amount of times he had been made to see both grace and tragedy was carved on his face, just behind that smile. That is why, despite knowing that whatever was on that page was related to this very discussion and his ultimate goal, he would not pry. It was not as if knowing the future allowed it to be changed anyway.

“We’ll still be on opposing sides, you know?” No matter how much Simeon proclaimed not to betray his family, that was an unavoidable truth.

He nodded, “I am aware.”

“And you refuse to go against your family?”

This time his confirmation was wordless.

Lucifer took in a deep breath, “Then once the battle begins, I believe we can hardly be considered family anymore.”

Large blue eyes shot up to look at his pale face. It seemed that Lucifer had said something Simeon hadn’t expected, “What?”

“You will not betray your family, but you know they will not allow you to remain neutral in this. As soon as the drums of war beat, it is fine to stop thinking of me as your brother.”

There was a long moment of silence before Simeon could reply, “You cannot ask me that.”

“I am not asking. I am stating a truth,” one that would hopefully allow Simeon a way to follow his morals and gain some leniency if he continued to insist on this path, “I refuse to be your brother from that moment on.”

“Please... you cannot ask that of me.”

“I am not asking anything of you. I am simply stating where we will stand.” And now he needed to leave before the hurt welling in Simeon’s eyes tugged at his heart anymore and shattered his resolve.

He dipped his head in a polite bow, “Thank you for your time, Simeon. I do hope we may speak like this again.” He turned on his heels, refusing to truly look at the other angel again. His only goal was the door, where he opened it wide and stepped through the threshold.

“Lucifer! Wait!”

It took far more will than Lucifer would ever care to admit as he shut the door behind him without saying another word, and even more to walk away.

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

Chapter 2: Traitor

“How long have you known?” Micheal nearly growled as he stared down Simeon where he kneeled. His pale blue eyes ran wild with rage and it was clear he was just barely holding himself together. That was to be expected after everything he had just been through. Lucifer was unapologetically his favorite brother so it was unimaginable the distress he was in right now as he came to terms with having lost a member of his family. They had been like two halves of a whole, and now they were fractured.

“How long have I known what?” Simeon asked, feigning ignorance.

“That Lucifer would lead a rebellion against Father!” Micheal’s voice raised so loud that the room literally shook around him.

“Calm yourself, Micheal,” a melodious voice shushed him and lithe hands rested on his shoulders to hold him steady, “We’ve lost enough of our siblings today. There is no reason to lose yourself and risk losing another.”

“You would call him our brother after that disgraceful scene, Gabriel?” The disgust in his voice was clear and overwhelming, “He knew this would happen and refused to warn us or lift a finger. Everything we lost today is because of him.” Simeon had to know about today. He was blessed with the gift of prophecy and spent his time writing what was to come. If he had simply shared whatever he knew about today, Micheal knows they could have prevented the rebellion. He knows that he could have convinced Lucifer to stay somehow. Instead, he was left to face his own brother on the battlefield. He could still recall the cold eyes Lucifer had looked at him with as if they barely knew one another. That sight would never leave the darkest parts of his mind.

“You are blinded by your pain, Micheal.” She removed her hand from his shoulders and moved to stand over Simeon, “He is clearly as much our brother as ever. If he were against us he would have joined Lucifer, but Father has deemed that he is still worthy of his halo. Is that not enough for you?”

Micheal chuckled darkly before answering, “Uriel nearly lost an arm and he’s one of the lucky ones.” Even with so few numbers on their side, the rebellion had a gifted Dominion that made the most of their small force.

“And everyone harmed will heal, but we gain nothing in dividing ourselves further, and our brother has already been punished for his transgressions.” She took a knee before Simeon, reaching out her hand and running her fingers through his silken hair, “Will you not put our brother’s worries at ease, Simeon?”

Simeon knew the threat in those words. As kind as Gabriel pretended to be, she was someone he feared far more than Micheal. Not because she was stronger, but because she knew exactly how to most hurt those who upset her. As such, he had no interest in declining her wish, even if what she was asking for was for him to show his shame.

He took a deep breath before unfurling his wings behind him. They shimmered golden in the neverending light of the Celestial Realm, a blessing bestowed upon him by their Father that reflected his very essence. Every angel had such a blessing; different colors, shapes, a range of sizes, and lays of their feathers all differed from angel to angel all dependent on their Father’s grace. That included how high in their Father’s favor they were, and it was obvious at a glance just how out of favor Simeon had fallen. His six beautiful wings, the blessing afforded to all Seraphim, had been reduced to a simple two.

Gabriel’s eyes filled with pity for him but Micheal’s face twisted in glee and disdain, “Is that all? You betray us and all Father does is reduce your rank.” The laugh that left his throat was so dry that it sounded like it hurt, “You must really be beloved to get off with such a light sentence.” If it was up to Micheal himself, Simeon would face the same punishment as Lilith.

“Still your anger, Micheal. As you can see, Father has spoken.” She raised to her feet once more, her nails pulling painfully at Simeon’s hair as she stepped away from him, “Simeon is still of our kind and as one of our subordinates it is our duty to shepherd him.”

A wicked smile crossed Micheal’s face as he continued to look down on Simeon and his now unsightly form that marked his betrayal, “You may be correct, Gabriel. It is only right that we guide lost sheep, especially those of our own flock.”

[bronyinabottle]

MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION (G5 Movie) THOUGHTS

It’s finally here. The beginning of Generation 5. Though before I get into the movie in some detail I’m going to reiterate one more time what G5 means for my content and a non-spoilery summary of the movie.

Again, I will say that the movie nor will the G5 series coming later have much of an effect at all on any of my blogs. The revelation in Secrets of the Dragon’s Tear that life itself is also magic means that a world that implied to have no magic for years would mean the extinction of all life (Perhaps resulting in the wasteland we saw in the Season 5 finale). There may be something I’ll probably do at some point on a certain different blog. But even then, that may likely be a one-time thing and probably come around the time the series is starting to air.

That said, just because I’m continuing with mainly G4 content doesn’t mean I disapprove of G5. In fact, my non-spoilers thoughts on the movie is I think it is a good start for this new generation. There are questions I have that I’m not sure will be answered (Though many of those questions are the same ones I had in my Trailer/Preliminary thoughts) quickly enough. But the movie is structured well enough, in fact it’s probably a better movie as a whole compared to any of the movies G4 had (The 2017 movie, Rainbow Roadtrip, and all 4 Equestria Girls movies). As the 2017 movie was fun, but it jumped around a lot, sometimes scenes transitioning too fast. And while Rainbow Roadtrip may have been this on purpose, the entirely slice-of-life story taking up a long length… made it something of a less interesting plot to follow. It feels like some of that special could of been cut to at least a two-parter length and keep the same beats they hit. And while i have a soft spot for the 3rd and 4th Equestria Girls movies, I’ll always say a full-length pony adventure feels better suited for what I want to see out of MLP then spin-off movies with high school movie cliches and weird pony/human world shenanigans.

So movie-wise I’m not a G4 purist. It’ll take some time to see how Gen 5 compares to Friendship is Magic when we get to the series. As I feel it’d take a lot for it to surpass G4 in my mind. But I’m going to try to be as fair as possible and judge on it’s own merits. The implied connection to G4 by referring to G4 being ancient Equestria is going to naturally get the staff and hasbro pressured by fans to tell us what happened in-between the generations. Because that’s the trap they put the writers in when they made it so they want to try to say it’s in the same universe. That’s the double-edged sword Hasbro chose to have, trying to appease the G4 fanbase and keep at least some of them around. But at the cost of questions both nitpicky (Such as character design being inconsistent) or actual honest questions that need to be known (Why did magic disappear, and what happened to the Alicorns) for some of us to truly see this as the same Equestria.

After the break, I’ll have more spoilery thoughts

Even for a brief moment, it was nice seeing the Mane 6 and 2D animation. The former because of course those are the ponies many of us that saw all of G4 loved. And the latter, because while the animation wasn’t bad in this movie. I’m one of those who’d prefer to have 2D animation in an animated film. As in most cases aside from Pixar, it’s just a strong preference of mine. If this had the animation of the 2017 MLP movie but otherwise everything else was generally the same here, I feel that would of have been great.

I wish they didn’t have to have Sunny’s dad die off-screen, as he seems like he could of been a compelling character. And not to mention if perhaps he has any connection the “ancient” days in any fashion. But *sigh* I get it, it’s an old trope where part of the character’s offscreen growth is not having their parent(/s) around.

On a side note there’s quite a few times during the beginning of the movie that somewhat foreshadow what happens to Sunny later. 3 times where she had a fake horn and wings on her. Once in the flashback, then 2 separate times when she’s doing her protest where she has her own costumed wings and horn. As well as the helmet and mechanical wings.

Also, there’s no way around it. Some of the discussions this movie are going to get quite political. (Namely one part of Sunny’s song that could be seen as having a double meaning of a jab at Trumpsts regarding “Building your wall”) From the very premise in the early times, we know that the inspiration for the story was last year’s Black Lives Matter protests. Which honestly, I do support the message they’re going for. Having an anti-racism message to tell kids from the very beginning and making a focus on it is important when in G4 it only got briefly touched upon in Bridle Gossip and the Heath’s Warming Eve play. Although it certainly rose up to some form of prominence with Season 8 and onward. Still, while you can argue if G4 executed the anti-racism message well. it does come with something of a problem that the series finale left Equestria in the least divided it’s ever been.

And personally, I feel it’s a terrible interpretation of time to say “Well, it’s a realistic take. Racism has existed for years in our world. Same should go for the ponies” and while yes, racism is still rampant in today’s world. That said, that ignores that if we went from The Last Problem to the start of G5. There’s a huge difference between our world and Equestria. There is no ancient civilization that we look at like “Yeah, those were the golden days of world peace” when normally the “Golden age” was reserved for the high classes of Ancient Greece or Rome. It was most decidedly not perfect, with slavery rampant and wars for the sake of expanding an empire. While if you look at The Last Problem’s Equestria, you not only have peace between the three main types of ponies. But you literally have non-pony citizens in Equestria. You can see a dragon handing off a flower to a pony which can imply cross-species romantic relations. With the Friendship school still going strong, and was the reason that the world was saved in The Ending of the End. While perhaps it may be too glowing to say that future is perfect for everyone even in-universe. It’s certainly a hell of a lot better outlook then comparing to how we view even the so called Golden age of ancient civilizations. The Last Problem’s Equestria implies it looks to ally with every country outside of Equestria, not conquer them.

So it should still be a valid question on just how this world collapses to the point it gets to where G5 is at the start. I at least assume that it’s not the fault at all of any of the Mane 6 nor Twilight. Or at least I hope it isn’t, as I’d rather the MLP fanbase not have to deal with a The Last Jedi Luke Skywalker situation. (Where after the joyful end of the original trilogy, things go wrong as Luke almost murders the son of one of his best friends and his sister despite trying to hard and succeeding at redeeming his father who at that point in the canon was a galaxy-wide known ruthless mass-murderer.) I assume we’re at a point where everyone of the Mane 6 sans maybe Twilight are presumed dead. And even in Twilight’s case, there’s a chance that G5 decides to say that G4 overestimated the whole Alicorn immortality thing. Though I wouldn’t put it past Hasbro to have some event where the Mane 5 of G5 meet the Mane 6 in some special event whether that’s a a Season finale or a sequel movie/special. Where either the Mane 6 return in a limbo situation similar to the Pillars at the end of Season 7 or Time travel gets involved. They may even string us along on answering just what in the heck happened until they involve a meet-up with the Mane 6 in that way. Though I hope they don’t, I’d really like the beginning of the series (Or I guess this supposed special coming up in Spring supposedly?) starts to answer some questions. G5 should get a chance to stand on it’s own, but I hope the writers are actually well aware there will be so many questions people have and address them in the show. A cynical part of me feels like they’re likely to string us along until at least the Season 1 finale.

Onto the characters for a bit. I think Izzy Moonbow was absolutely the most stand-out character in the whole movie. She was energetic, funny, and aside from “The pegasi are bad news” she along with Zipp and Sunny were the most averse to the way the world was. She was already the most popular due to the tennis ball memes. But now it feels like she legit stands on her own and most certainly deserves to be the most popular character of G5 thus far. Behind her in a bit of a surprise to me was Zipp, who I thought would be mainly a Rainbow Dash-expy. Though she really helps out Izzy and Sunny in Zephyr Heights. Despite having Twilight be my favorite pony from the very beginning of G4 all the way to the end, I didn’t feel as strongly about Sunny for some reason. So she’s in the middle of the pack, she could grow on me later. I just don’t know if I click with her as much as I did with Twilight. As for the last two, while I don’t hate either of them. Either one could be the lowest of the 5 for one reason or another. Pipp (Although I will say she's probably my favorite character design out of the 5) feels like she doesn’t do a whole lot in the movie and it takes until she’s forced to be an outlaw because the other choice was to get imprisoned like her mother was. So she may come off as quite pretentious, though it’s arguable Rarity was the same way early in G4. But she definitely grew later. Could be the same case for Pipp. And as for Hitch, he has shining moments in the film. But what might hurt him is the fact he was such a bad friend to Sunny up until the campfire scene. “I’m the last real friend you have. You really want to lose me too?” is not a healthy friendship. Hitch may have been Sunny’s friend the longest, but it definitely feels like Izzy connected immediately. I don’t know if this show will get into shipping any of the main characters between each other mid-show, but if they do. I hope it’s between Izzy and Sunny currently, cause Hitch and Sunny just gives bad vibes even with Hitch getting better later.

None of the songs I felt were particularly too special. Though I think the closest was Sprout’s “Danger, Danger” song that has similarities to Smells Like Teen Spirit in some parts of the song since I tend towards more rock/metal-esque music.

I touched upon it earlier, but there’s perhaps a stand-out reason for why the G5 movie outdid the 2017 MLP Movie. They have the typical “Our heroic group splits after a sad moment before coming together again for the climatic good end” in Sunny seeing that that the two crystals don’t instantly bring magic back, and when Twilight left the group after an argument that happened with Twilight trying to take a pearl. They perform the same purpose in the movie. But the crystals not working, crushing Sunny’s hope for a little while works better into the story. Where as Twilight’s part frustratingly brought the sea pony scene to an end too quickly and/or doesn’t feel right of Twilight to have done that. It felt forced in the 2017 movie, but works out in the G5 movie. Especially since a part of it is that it’s not the crystals themselves capable of bringing magic back. But it’s the journey going after the crystals that brings the ponies themselves their magic back.

Just a small note on dictator Sprout, he tries to cause a war. Though admittedly the film seems to treat him as a joke the entire time despite his seriously evil ambitions. With the only repercussions is he gets a wishy-washy answer on if he was a good sheriff from his mom. I don’t quite know how I feel about that yet, but I wonder what they’ll have in mind for Sprout given his actions. He and his mom are the only ones that feel like a true antagonist. Though they seem to be ok with things fast when the magic comes back.

But anyway on to the ending, we see that Sunny becomes an Alicorn. Which I guess with no other real Alicorns around, I guess it makes sense to alicornify her since she’s the real leader behind what united the leaders of each type of pony again. Though there is of course this weird thing where her horn and wings don’t seem like as much a part of her body compared to very obvious connected wings on Twilight when she got hers. Sunny keeps her horn and wings to the end of the movie, and has colored streaks in her hair. Though I do wonder if that;s truly permanent. If it is permanent, I suppose at least they got to have a headstart and have it established at the end of the introductory movie rather then have it shock people at the end of a shortened 3rd season. I still feel like Twilight had well earned her alicornhood considering that besides what she did in the series. She has a whole childhood and time as a teenager learning under Celestia. Which had to mean something, and I’m not sure Celestia just leaving her to live the rest of her days with her friends in ponyville was that. Sunny has no doubt been trying countless time to try to spread friendship throughout her life even after the tragedy of her father’s passing. So there’s no doubt she’s been through a lot, and may indeed be worthy of being an Alicorn at this point. Though in terms of screentime before Alicornhood it's definitely a lot less then Twilight had. And it is at least nice to see that it is possible for non-unicorns to become one. (The only case of that we sort of got was a children's book that may or may not be canon that implied Cadence was a pegasus before she ascended)

Though you have to wonder if the visual differences such as Sunny’s alicorn horn and wings, the cutie mark only on one side (Yes I know that’s how it was normally in the MLP generations before G4. But a distinct visual difference between shows is still noticeable even if the context of G4’s cutie marks on both sides of the flank was about it being easier on the puppets for Flash), and how animals can have wings or weird round shapes such as those bunnies when G4 has normal looking animals. There’s enough striking visual differences for any nitpicky G4 to say “This isn’t the same Equestria”. And if someone tries to say maybe some sort of evolution happened. That’s still trying to put a little too much real world logic on this fantasy world. And evolution tends to take millions of years to have such dramatic changes. Not 1000 years or so, there should still be normal looking animals at this point and time. And these small details are probably going to be the things most ignored but nonetheless can build a case that this isn’t the same Equestria. Even if they touch on the important questions like how magic disappeared and what happened to the Mane 6, there will be details they make different that will add to the case that this is it’s own universe if it doesn’t quite matchup with what was remembered about G4. There will be fans who will be that nitpicky to call G5 out of continuity for small details like that. That is again the trap they put themselves in when they decided to try to say it’s the same Equestria.

All-in-all though, I think that’s at least a good enough chunk about my thoughts on the movie to end off here. If there’s something I missed or something from the movie you’d like me to give a particular opinion about or elaborate on something feel free to ask me here. G5 is indeed off to a good start, just I will be along the many hoping some questions get answered sooner then later. And I’m not sure I’m confident in getting anywhere until a Season finale or a 2nd movie. And it’ll be a year before the series starts proper (Though again I guess there’s a 44 minute special coming in Spring to try to hold us over). But I could definitely see G5 finding it's own following, now there's just the inevitable clashes between some of the more vocal fans of each generation bickering at eachother. But hoping there will be enough that take the movie's lessons on divisiveness to heart and be able to enjoy both even if there may be preferences.

[omnipotent-omnicube]

ok first i need to you to understand that this video was recommended to me on youtube and was what prompted me to look up the series. i need you to understand why (cw for flashing and eyestrain from 1:04 to the end. that's also when the music becomes more breakcore-y)

and the OP is so fucking cool, imo. like, unique art style, cool animation, weird-ass symbolism, funky character design, the whole sequence at the end with the collages and clashing colors, BREAKCORE????? several things that i love. so obviously i have to see wtf this anime actually is

...yeah

the anime is called Magical Destroyers (or Mahou Shoujo Magical Destroyers) and. the plot. is certainly something.

this is the plot (according to wikipedia) as is. there's only one episode so far so it's subject to change obv

and i will just say this: the wikipedia page really undermines the whole 'rounding up otaku' deal.

basically, in 2008, a bunch of "otaku" things were confiscated from stores and these robots with owo faces start going around and shipping otaku off to camps and imprisoning them in cells. for some unknown reason, there are magical girls, who also manage to be the only titular female characters thus far (i mean theres only 1 episode rn). it is heavily implied that a magical girl herself is at fault for the whole 'capturing otaku' thing.

our main character, who is only known as Otaku Hero, manages to evade capture, start a rebel group, and somehow gains the attention of three magical girls: Anarchy, Blue, and Pink. anarchy is the only magical girl that actually is in episode 1 (blue shows up at the end and pink is absent). apparently otaku hero is the leader of the otaku rebellion (or whatever you want to call it) but he's kinda feeling apathetic toward the cause since nothings really happening anymore, so anarchy gets mad and supposedly takes over as leader, until the SSC attacks their base and otaku hero gets his inspiration back and he and anarchy go and rescue blue using a *looks at smudged writing on hand* otaku blimp (??), who had been recently captured after *looks at smudged writing on other hand* deciding to meet up with someone who had messaged her on the anime equivalent of onlyfans???

i literally don't know what to think about it.

the animation and some of the art gives me FLCL vibes (and i wouldn't be surprised if it was inspired by it); the actual plot itself makes me question my own sanity. like it is so fucking stupid. i can't tell if it's like a real plot or if it's supposed to be satirical. frankly, it could be either. i don't know what's going on. i am questioning all of my choices that have led up to this. which is why i really really really want it to become a psychological horror anime because if so then that would make it so fucking insane.

and like listen. i've never truly experienced the 'media that you would never recommend anyone' until now. everything i've played or watched is something that i can find at least one person to recommend it to, with the exception of genuinely bad media that i hate. but i will never recommend this show to anyone. watch it if you want but also don't lmao.

please i need somebody to ask me wtf i just watched i need to get it out of my system

[hayleysayshay]

Kuvira fans must understand that "Kuvira is not correct, and her portrayal as a fascist leader isn’t unrealistic or exaggerated, i’m sorry if people can’t imagine a dictator offering good things and bad things at the same time". like people can like Kuvira all they want, she an interesting character but stop using the excuse that she had gOod InTeNtIoNs, fascism is fascism no matter what the reason for becoming one. Kuvira took advantage of the problems of EK to gain power and control EK at will. she committed a massacre with her robot destroying almost the entire city. (Kuvira only gave up and apologized because Korra stopped her and had no other choice, Kuvira told korra her sad story so that Korra would feel sorry for her).

CONTENT WARNING: This does contain a discussion about concentration camps, Nazis and war crimes. I only use this to explain my position and argue against arguments I have seen.

I think to a certain extent people just like Kuvira and want to defend her because they find her interesting. And I do try and not moralise on people’s choices and characters.

What I do find annoying is the dismissal of legit fair comparisons between fascism and Kuvira’s regime. It’s fair to call Kuvira’s regime fascistic.

I find most of the discourse is around Kuvira’s re-education camps, and whether or not it’s fair to label them concentration camps and say this is inherently fascistic.

People really twist themselves into knots to stop people labelling Kuvira’s actions as fascistic, and this is what I’ve had the greatest annoyance with. I have seen the most discourse with regards to Kuvira’s re-education camps and the use of the term concentration camps. I have written a reply once, but I did delete it as engaging in a discussion directly can perhaps be more pain than it’s worth.

I have seen someone say that it’s not right to call Kuvira’s regime as fascistic as concentration camps are linked to the N@zi regime, and I’ve seen someone else say, and this is of course paraphrasing, ‘they’re similar to camps that America has used so Kuvira can’t be bad’ like...., you think this is a defence for Kuvira and not an indictment of the USA? It isn’t really an argument that Kuvira isn’t bad.

The problem with some of the arguments is that it’s bad history. The concentration camp system in N@zi Germany was never only specific to that period of history. Concentration camps are not specific to one regime. They were started by the British in the Boer war, used by the Americans against Japanese Americans, and are used to describe the Uighur camps in China. There is no universally agreed definition of when a prison becomes a concentration camp, and if there is any difference between a concentration/internment/re-education camp, and what exactly these definitions are.

So no, concentration camps are not unique to fascist regimes, but it is fair to call what we hear of in the legend of korra concentration camps, in all definitions of the term. We can discuss whether or not it’s appropriate to throw out that term ‘concentration camp’ a potentially triggering and highly emotive term in a discussion about a fictional character in fandom spaces, but I don’t think that means the person originally using the term is using the term incorrectly. Kuvira uses these camps to punish people who are bandits (not inherently fascistic), threatens to send people who disagree with her to one (Bolin) so she uses them against political opponents, and then is said by a character that she’s putting bending minorities in them. By all definitions, this is mass internment, these are concentration camps. These camps are used in fascistic regimes. If the shoe fits...

(I do dislike people calling Kuvira a N@zi, that is an ideology that is tied to one specific regime that Kuvira does not have, fascist is a broader term and can be used in different contexts other than N@zi Germany).

No, we don’t know Kuvira’s exact ideology. It is vague. This is a kids show with a million other things happening. We don’t know exactly why or how she motivated herself to do the things she did. Maybe Kuvira did really intend to give up power after consolidating the Earth Empire’s rule including the United Republic. She literally says she thinks she’s better than Wu at the coronation but who knows, but maybe she just hated the monarchy. But this fan speculation. This is not canon.

What is canon:

- Kuvira named her regime the Earth Empire. Pretty imperialistic.

- Kuvira’s goals are achieved primarily through the use of an army. Pretty militaristic.

- Kuvira used her army to conquer states, even states that were unwilling (the state she conquers in the first episode) or completely stable and didn’t need any help to begin with (Zaofu).

- Kuvira expresses an interest and then attempts to conquer the United Republic, a nation state that has been independent for decades, because it was formerly of the Earth Kingdom.

- Kuvira uses a wide range of re-education camps to intern and punish prisoners who commit crimes, oppose her policies, or are bending minorities.

- The Earth Empire uses green, clean uniforms that evoke N@zi uniforms. There is a railway gun clearly inspired by a N@zi railway gun. The creators are intentionally using fascistic imagery to evoke certain feelings.

Kuvira may just be a ‘generic military dictator’ and she might not be truly ‘fascist’ but it’s not incorrect for any viewer to look at the canon events above and conclude she is a fascist. But the main argument against these is either some weird twisting of real history (by dragging in the definitions of concentration camps and fascism) or just saying ‘she had good intentions so can’t be a fascist.’ These arguments never prove anything, they usually just use specific events from history and pretend that these events correlate to general uses of these terms.

Now, if someone really likes Kuvira and wants to redeem her, then fine, I understand, I just wish they would acknowledge that the fascistic points of contention are not inaccurate, and a completely fair reading of the legend of Korra, and saying that ‘she had good intentions’ doesn’t change anything for anyone. I don’t care about her intentions in the past, I’m looking at her actions in the show. I do believe that Kuvira probably did have good intentions setting off. She probably doesn’t consider herself as a bad guy. But it’s fine for people to dislike Kuvira and consider her a fascist. They are not wrong.

I think it’s fine for people to want to redeem this fictional character. People can find characters darker motivations interesting and engaging. This isn’t the same as redeeming real life people who commit war crimes. It’s an interesting story. If the person writing this post or fic does not consider Kuvira a fascist than fine, but that is not anymore canon that Kuvira being a fascist and does not invalidate.

But ‘she isn’t a fascist because she had good intentions’ is just shallow and unconvincing and missing the point. And then falling back onto historical arguments does not prove that Kuvira is not a fascist either. Kuvira’s actions do not exist in a vacuum, they are inspired and pulled from history, and history is also not so exact and precise that it means that Kuvira cannot be labelled as a fascist.

I think I’m approaching this at a slightly different angle from you but I broadly agree- I don’t necessarily think people have to think Kuvira is a fascist, but they shouldn’t get into over long discussions of what is and what isn’t fascism to defend themselves. They’re seeking to define terms that have always been used in circumstances other than WWII. Please just own what you like.

[momo-de-avis]

I am all for the La La Land rant, seriously you'd be doing me a favor

You know, when you to film school, or are around film school students enough, you always meet that guy. It's the guy who thinks he's so different because he seriously believes his tastes are old fashioned and men these days just don't think like him, you know. Just cause dudes these days go around listening to soundcloud rappers like yours truly prefers some good old fashioned Nat King Cole, he's dead set on believing he's got an old mind that is not appreciated enough. This mother fucker will put on It's a Wonderful Life or some shit and say "ah, yes, the good old Hollywood" and then have a fundamental misunderstanding of what the star system truly was

At the same time, this is the dude who will have a streak of modernity to his personal taste that will feel rather displaced. I'm talking about electronica, most likely. This is the guy who likely enjoys Daft Punk or Phoenix or some shit, but nothing beyond that, anything more prog than that it's too "millenial" (this dude ain't Gen Z, don't worry). He enjoys neon lights, he thinks Nicolas Winding Refn is a modern-day genius, but not because of his use of neon lights, but because this mother fucker sees himself as Ryan Gosling in Drive (which---hey! Winding Refn's cinematography is fucking astounding, man, if you put Drive and Only God Forgives on for me, I dead ass can't say which of the two I'm watching, but god damn those are beautiful movies to watch).

So like, this guy is 70% "I've got an old mind, you wouldn't understand" and 30% "I actually think Artificial Intelligence is the future". And that guy is fucking Damien Chazelle

What is so insulting with La La Land, is that the movie started with a single continuous shot of a beautiful dance full of people set in LA, a diverse cast, with so much colour, riddled with these old cars, set in traffic. It's not THE BEST, far from it, but it sets the bar. It's the very first thing you see, this is the shot that opens the movie so it SUPPOSEDLY tells you "this is what the movie is about": a diverse cast, dancing, singing BEAUTIFULLY, in a setting that isn't expensive, isn't too worked out, but is arranged enough that the actors interact with it enough that the choreography comes out a winner.

And then you're delivered a movie about the two most boring white people in LA: a failed actress and a white boy who is convinced he's gonna save jazz, a movie with no colour except the use of neon lights --- and I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH --- in the most textbook way possible when it comes to cinematography (blue in the back when you see Ryan Gosling, red when it's Emma Stone... come the fuck on, man, I know it's supposed to evoke the 50s, but leave the gender binary of colour back in your ass where you dug this shit up).

I particularly hate this movie for the cinematography alone, and for one reason ONLY.

It won a fucking oscar against Moonlight.

And I cannot stress enough how insulting this is because the whole thesis of Moonlight's cinematography is the very tagline of the movie: "Under the moonlight, black boys are blue". Moonlight is a movie that highlights the beauty of black skin, it is so beautifully worked, it has such a detailed and carefully crafted work on light and composition that subjectively speaks to you about the main character's journey, the emotions of the movie, and the very intricate beauty of black skin (and I really want to highlight this because that phrase I mentioned above is repeated in the movie enough times for it to be IMPORTANT), that there are scenes in this movie that you could seriously hit the pause button and just print the frame out and hang it in your living room and bam, there's a beautiful piece of artwork for you to appreciate. Moonlight is that type of movie that you can see was made, every fucking second of it, with such care and dedication, literally every second of it the director thought deeply about the meaning of every speck of light that goes into the frame, and it is so INSULTING that it lost best cinematography to Textbook Neon Lights White Boy's Adventures in Jazz Land over there. I have been holding a grudge against that fucking movie for YEARS because La La Land treats cinematography in the way 2nd year cinema students treat it: it's low-budget, basic and so fucking direct you don't even have to think about it. Like. No fucking second thought. It's like... slap some red in a scene where there's a bit of temptation lurking in the corner. Slap some blue where it's plainly obvious something sad is happening. There's no attempt at that establishing a dichotomy between warm and cold colours, just fucking.... Yellow looks good, let's go! The only thing that stood out to me was Ryan Gosling's shoes and that was LITERALLY the only thing about this motherfucker that spoke "50s", which Chazelle tried so damn hard to say was his inspiration, but the whole tone of the movie was "I really want this to be about the 50s but I'm obviously not going to do that because the 50s sucked" which might be related to the fact that JAZZ WAS NOT INVENTED IN LA AND IT'S PRETTY INSULTING TO SAY A WHITE MAN IS GOING TO SAVE IT, AND NO, JOHN LEGEND WON'T EXONERATE YOU

Damien Chazelle should apologise for that piece of garbage

Also, none of those people can't sing for shit. "Oh BuT ThE MoViE iS AbOuT ReAl PeOPlE" yeah sure that's a choice. I could argue here that choosing to go that way is at a serious risk of breaking suspension of disbelief, which definitely broke mine. But let's not think about suspension of disbelief for now. If it is supposed to be about two normal people, hence the director didn't really care about them singing like professionals THEN WHY THE FUCK DID THE MOVIE OPEN UP WITH A DISNEY-LEVEL QUALITY SCENE OF DANCING AND SINGING

WHY DID IT SET THE BAR SO HIGH AND THEN SENT US ALL TO THE PITS OF HELL FOR TWO HOURS

You know what they call that in film school? BAD WRITING. BAD DIRECTING. It FUCKING SUCKS like I'M SORRY