#it’s always here *lies* insert name the greatest insert thing who ever ***lived***

[signanothername]

I take it back there will be a Raph focused cover

Og under read more

[mariaiscrafting]

ahhhh ty ty ty <3

ok, so I think that what makes Dream act this way (iykyk) is how dreamwastaken became so big so quickly. and by quick I mean fucking lightning speed.

he didn't have enough time to learn enough about cc etiquette, especially in these three aspects: influence, boundaries and fanbase/stans/whatever you call it. I'll try to explain it:

• Influence: Does he know the influence he has? Like, when he hears that he is the myct with the largest fanbase, does he really process that? I remember he talked about not being able to control all of his fanbase and there's bad apples everywhere -- which is true, and that only like 1% of his fanbase breaks his boundaries (that include sending hate for him, harassing, doxing, etc. yk, basic twitter culture lol) but, honey, with your big ass fanbase, 1% is still a lot of people. As a content creator you *have* to be aware of that.

let's take the hbomb situation. First off, as a streamer, it's you that set the mood of the stream. Even if he was only messing around with his pals, even if they did say to do not send hate to hbomb, dt dunking on him created a toxic environment, which caused his fans being toxic towards hbomb and you know what happens next. Hell, when this happened, I was watching Tapl and he was watching them and he was crying laughing over them screaming bc they were just. so loud and so aggressive that it was kinda ??? Sirs, this is literally a Minecraft Stream lmaooo

my point is, that was not the road that dreamwastaken, 21M fans, should've taken. he don't condone his fans actions but he knows his fans are diehard and will always be on his side, he should be more careful before stating negative opinions, especially if its towards another person.

• Boundaries and Fanbase: He posted a list of his boundaries a while ago, idk if you know or seen it (btw please george copy your bestie for the love of god <3) but I'm not talking about those boundaries, I'm talking about the basic boundaries between cc and viewer. boundaries that, in my opinion, should exist between cc and viewer. I get that Dream is an open person, an oversharing type of open person if I may add, but I think he should take a step back regardless. When I heard that he was taking a time from twitter, I genuinely got so glad, not because he couldn't start any drama then, but because it would do so so good for his mental health. I'm not even that fond of him, it's just that for me, any cc taking a break or outright leaving twitter is a win for me. I know how RSD is hard to deal and honestly letting shit out it's better but dream you have dt you have bbh so please don't make things worse online 😭 I know how good can be to feel validation from millions of people but. it's not a good idea, especially in the state that his fanbase is on rn (this topic is kinda sensitive to talk abt for me bc people be outright ableist and hide it as criticism like. say that shit's not helping his reputation and whatever without acting like he's fucking. manipulating his fanbase for being affected by his rsd💀 or, on the other hand, don't say that hes just being adhd🤪 when he's just being an asshole like damn that's a Him thing bro lol)

(omg it's so big I'm so sorry and theres a part two I'm so sorry tumblr user messed-up-gal ToT) - morango 1/2

pt. 2:

Dream is the proof that the people who loves you can be your downfall. istg. Have you noticed that every drama that Dream enters, people usually get more mad abt how his fanbase reacts (85% they'll react in a bad way) than Dream himself? it's not always, but its definitely more likely. I'm not saying Dream is saint, he Is petty and his ego does him dirty and made him choke multiple times before,, But! i dont think hes a bad guy. he's literally just a dude. ok, he's a 21yr old white gamer man that has a trumpie past (maybe?? idk. I think hes cured now ig lol) so he's bound to do some shitty things but he still tries to get better and hopefully he'll mature. 21 is old enough but it's still so young, yk? I kind of lost my mind during the end and my eyes are literally begging to be closed so tl;dr: Its gonna be hard for him to become a better cc bc his fans don't let him be criticized (by infantilizing his adhd symptoms or the mob mentality as soon as someone says anything abt him), the honest criticism get lost between lies from antis that don't know shit, he still has a lot of growing up to do and overall he became famous too fast and he needs to learn things even faster bc as soon as there's not a single one dream hater on sight they'll turn their back and attack him instead lmao I hate twitter i definitely have more to say but I'm tired and my memory is shit. just-- hate dream if you want, love dream if you want, nobody is obligated to have an opinion but I wanted to express mine. have a lovely day! -morango 2/2

Aight, there's a lot to unpack here, so Imma try to only go into the points I have something to add to (here's what I talk about in each paragraph, if you want to jump to a specific point):

Speed of Dream's rise to fame

The "bad apples" in the Dream fanbase

Post-MCC HBomb stream

Not condoning versus actually condemning his fans

Manipulation & RSD

Criticism of Dream, his fanbase, and his brand

The “just a dude” argument, flipped

First, I agree that one of the many factors that has resulted in the current image Dream has set up for himself, the way his fanbase functions, the ways people hate on him, and the way the Dream brand functions, is the speed of his rise to fame. It's unique, and there are probably a hundred social/psychological angles that could be used to examine the exact effects of that speed upon all of these facets of the Dream Name; did rapid fame beget the rapid rise of unrighteous hatred, did those waves of hatred then instigate the rise of a surprisingly overdefensive fanbase, did that rapid fame get to his head and/or result in an inability to appropriately handle all the after-effects of rapid fame, etc.? That point you bring up, about how the speed of his rise to fame requires him to learn even more quickly, is so interesting to me. I think that maybe Dream expected to get pretty famous pretty quickly, hence the preparedness in regards to some mechanics of influencer fame- merchandise, business-building, networking, knowing how to manage his fanbase to best benefit him. But I don't think he expected to get this famous this quickly. This is all speculation of course, as are this entire post and your ask, but I think that he just couldn't anticipate having to learn how to handle enmasse controversy, waves of antis, or every Youtuber speculating/knowing about him; and yeah, that results in him having to learn all of these things very quickly, lest he allow his whole brand and fandom to fall apart.

Second, I disagree with the frequent argument that Dream's fanbase is only marginally toxic. Personally, I think that the circumstances of Dream's fame, his personality and management of his fanbase, and his brand of content have resulted in the very specific kind of stan that Dream stans are. I don't think this is simply a case of "all fandoms have a small percentage of assholes who take it too far;" rather, the nature of the community itself breeds the kind of mentality of "an asshole who takes it too far." I only even know this because I was a Dream fan (kinda a stan, I'm ngl). At one time, I watched every single Dreamwastaken & Dream Team video multiple times; I listened to the Manhunts on repeat, as though they were podcasts; I followed mostly smiletwt and dttwt accounts on mcyttwt; I had upwards of 10 tabs for AO3 DNF fics open on my phone at a time; I watched DNF and Dream Team Being A Family-esque compilations on repeat; I watched every George and Sapnap alt stream I possibly could; I went out of my way to defend Dream against Redditors and Twitter antis regarding the cheating scandal. For the latter half of 2020, and a couple months of 2021, I lived and breathed this part of the fandom; so when I say that Dream stans are a whole other breed than any other kind of mcyttwt stan, I say that because I used to be like that, too. I usually use parasocial very loosely or ironically, but Dream stans are genuinely one of the most parasocial fanbases I have ever seen or been a part of. The level of investment Dream stans have in this man's life, the lengths they will go to to defend him, the amount of psychonalysis and digging they do on his life and character, the amount of emotion he can evoke in them- it's taken to another level, man. This isn't just characteristic of a fraction of his fanbase; this is what the fanbase is like as a whole.

Third, I partially disagree with your take on the HBomb thing, but not in the way one might think? I actually empathize with the way they reacted much more than I thought I would, simply because I suspect I have RSD (also suspect I have ADHD, have for several months now) and I can see myself getting insanely frustrated because of something like that. Like yeah, it was "just a MC stream" or "just an MC game," but that's kinda disregarding the fact that something that might seem like "just a [insert inconsequential thing]" to a rational mind might have a major emotional consequence/take a major emotional toll on someone with RSD, or really anyone who gets easily impatient/angry about video games (Sapnap reminds me of many of my friends, in that way). The issues I, personally, had with the way they handled the HBomb situation is that these are simply explanations and reasons for my empathy; they are not excuses. I have no excuse when I get irrationally angry about something inconsequential in my own life, for a couple of reasons. One, because I am an adult and I need to learn how to handle my reactions and manage my own anger. Two, because as someone with many mental problems, it is my responsibility to learn coping mechanisms to ensure my own emotional stability and livelihood; this includes learning whatever I need to handle RSD- whether that be isolating myself from others when I know I will become violently/passionately angry about something, creating and sustaining a support system that can get me through bouts of extreme emotion, finding healthy emotional outlets for my negative emotions that won't harm myself or others, or a combination thereof. I don't think what they said about HBomb post-MCC was an irreversibly horrible thing, or anything. I think there were errors committed by two men who should be fully capable of foreseeing and preventing those errors, but I don't unconditionally hate Dream or Sapnap for the post-MCC stream or comments. I just wish they had made amends quickly, publicly, and sufficiently, because the greatest consequences from the whole thing weren't even from those two criticizing HBomb themselves; they were from the waves of backlash because of their immense influence on the MCYT fandom, which could've been prevented, if they had acted maturedly and responsibly after the stream.

Fourth, you’re right, that he doesn’t seem to condone his fans’ behavior. I detest the frequent anti argument that one of the reasons Dream should be criticized is because he explicitly uses his fanbase to attack others, or something of the sort. Personally, I think he created his fanbase in a very specific way and interacts with them in such a way so as to benefit him as much as possible, yes, but he never actually tells his fanbase to go and yell at or harrass anyone. Still, there is a significant difference between not condoning something and condemning something. It might seem unfair, and it might be annoying of me to say this, but I truly think that someone with this large a fanbase, especially one as overzealous as Dream’s, needs to be condemned every single time it goes on some kind of rampage/harrassment campaign. Either that, or Dream needs to make a definitive, permanent statement against any kind of harrassment of others on his behalf. I know he’ll occassionally make the odd tweet or serious stream addressing something his fanbase did, but one of the many reasons his fanbase keeps doing the same damn thing is because he’s so lukewarm and spotty about this condemnation. A fanbase like his needs to be given explicit guidance and boundaries for the numerous things they do in his defense- harrassing/doxing antis, harrassing people who criticize him who aren’t antis (respectful criticism, other CCs, other MCYT stans, etc.), harrassing the people he critcizes (i.e., HBomb), speculating about his personal life (his relationship with his gf, his mental health/ADHD, his romantic life, his childhood, etc.), and speculating about his relationships with his friends and colleagues.  My personal ideology is that, if you have significant influence over someone or a group of people, you are at least somewhat responsible for the things those people do or don’t do, if it at all relates back to you. I’m so fucking tired of the argument that CCs aren’t responsible for what their fans do. Obviously they aren’t responsible for every single one of their fans, and obviously they can’t fully control their fans at the end of the day. But I think there are certain things that reach such a level of extremity that does make those CCs responsible. This can be measured by either scale or intensity; that is to say, if a CC’s fanbase does things on an extremely large scale, or one person from/a fraction of the fanbase does something really extreme, then the CC is made all the more responsible. Another CC I’ve always had trouble discussing with other people on this subject is Pewdiepie, in particular, about the extremists in his fanbase. Because the things a small handful of his fans have done in reference to him and/or in his name were so fucking extreme, I thought Pewdiepie had to take at least some responsibilty. Along a similar vein, because the things Dream’s general fanbase does are so widespread and on such a massive scale, Dream has to take at least some responsibility.

Fifth, okay. Hmmm. I want to tackle this point you made about the ableism he faces in some criticism of him carefully and with empathy, but not coddling. One, I do think a lot of the criticism he receives for the ways he handles criticism (post-cheating Tweets, reactions to John Swan, post-MCC HBomb stream, etc.), disregard his RSD and can be oftentimes ableist. I’ve actually encountered people irl who criticize this aspect of Dream’s character, and have had to explain to them their disregard for how ADHD/RSD affect neurodivergent people’s reactions to criticism. But - and this is a big, and very controversial but - I think mentally ill/disordered people can 100% leverage their mental illness/disorders for the sake of manipulation. This is actually something I’ve learned from a psychiatrist, regarding the ways people I know and I handle our anxiety and depression. This manipulation can be unwitting or intentional, but it is entirely possible, and the possibility shouldn’t be entirely dismissed as ableist. Living with a mental illness or disorder that others know about/that you are very public about puts you in an interesting position to receive frequent sympathy, empathy, and/or pity. I’m not saying that empathy for Dream having ADHD/RSD is entirely unjustified; on the contrary, I have frequently expressed how I can relate to his ADHD symptoms and have defended him for expressing those symptoms, both on mcytblr and in real life. I am saying that Dream fans tend to use his ADHD as a kind of shield for a lot of criticism levied against him, including the supposition that he could be manipulating his fanbase to defend him because of his public expressions of RSD. So yes, my theory is that Dream knows how to levy every aspect of his life for his personal gain and for the growth of his brand, and that includes his ADHD. I think he has courage for his openess about his ADHD, I think his openness has contributed to the rise in awareness of mental health and empathy for neurodivergent people within Gen Z, and I think at least some of his expressions of RSD publicly/online weren’t intentionally made public. All that being said, I also think he has to know just how much his fanbase cares about defending him for his ADHD, and I think he has to know that some of the things he does related to his neurodivergence endear him to his audience, in a coddling, baby-ing, mildly ableist sorta way.  Maybe this is all incredibly presumptuous of me. Of course, I can never know the real intentions behind any Dream video, Tweet, or stream. Maybe I’m just projecting, because I can see myself doing just this, if I had the maturity I had circa 2018-2019. Idfk know, man.

Sixth, I actually agree with you here, people probably do get more mad at his fanbase than him. Dream puts out content pretty seldomly, considering the frequency of content output for other Youtubers/streamers in his field/at his brand size. And yet, he has received masses of criticism. Considering that the things Dream himself does/says do not entirely correlate with the amount of criticism he receives, I think it’s a logical assumption that a lot of that criticism actually goes back to the size of his presence online, rather than the man himself. That is to say, because of the massive community he’s amassed, the exponential growth of his fanbase, their presence on every single social media site and in virtually every single Internet space/fandom, and the size of his metaphysical presence in his fields, Dream is much bigger than the man himself, so the criticism he receives will, at least in part, be a direct or indirect result of all these other aspects of the Dream brand.  Something I don’t think many Dream fans/stans, or even most MCYT fans in general, understand, is that Dream isn’t just “one guy” in the eyes of the Internet- at least, not anymore. He hasn’t been for nearly a year. Like Pewdiepie, Mr. Beast, and other CCs who have amassed similar levels of fame and wealth via Internet content creation, Dream is a brand now, and most people will treat him as such. He isn’t just some uwu soft boy playing Minecraft anymore. He is on a whole other level from any other MCYT in his friend circle or colleague interaction bubble. His words will never again live in a vaccum or private bubble, his friend circle will never again be under anything less than intense scrutiny, his past actions will never again be simple mistakes or silly errors, his words will never again be casual tweets or streams for laughs among a couple thousand followers. Dream’s name represents something much bigger than just the one man. As such, all aspects of his brand, including his fanbase, will tie back to him and, ultimately, to any general criticism of him.

I’m not saying I like any of this, and I actually think the evolution of influencers from people to a marketable brand with similar mechanisms, responsibilities, and liabilities as a corporation is some kind of late capitalism nightmare fuel; I’m just stating my own observations and theories as to why so much anti-Dream criticism seems to be directed at his fanbase, rather than him.

Seventh, he’s just a guy, you’re right, but I think a lot of the antis on Tumblr understand this more than you know. As I’ve seen it, the sentiment among much of the “DSMP stans DNI” crowd seems to be that of “Dream/other MCYTs are such ‘bad’ people, so why do their fans stick to these mediocre, racist men, when there are so many better people to watch/better content to consume?” We know this argument is flawed for many of the obvious reasons - the conflation of all MCYTs’ actions regardless of individual identity, the equating of a CC’s fanbase’s morality to that of the CC they enjoy watching, the exxageration of any error MCYT CCs have committed as bigotry/racism, the fundamental misunderstanding and misinformation that led antis to believe this exxageration of the facts, etc. But I want to focus on the general, underlying sentiment of, “why not watch someone better, when your creator is problematic?” Sometimes, I ask this of Dream stans. Yes, being mildly ignorant, getting involved in the scandals Dream has, and being a right-leaning/libertarian centrist in the recent past all seem like harmless things, all things considered. One could say Dream isn’t nearly as bad as many antis who are misinformed seem to believe, and that there are much worse CCs Dream stans could be watching and creating fan content for. But I think what Tumblr antis wonder is, aren’t there also much better MCYTs/CCs people could be watching and stanning? Because he’s just some guy, right? Is his content truly so exceptional or is he really so exceptional a person, that people have to stick by him, despite the things that spike up regarding his current or past actions? I think that’s what made me finally decide to stop watching Dream. I realized he was just Some Guy. The Dream Team was a comforting dynamic to indulge in, DNF was a cute ship to read and speculate about, and Manhunts were fun videos to watch; however, once the Reddit posts came out and I read them in-depth, the cost-benefit analysis tipped over to the “not worth it” side for me. I realized Dream’s content, while fun and comforting, was not entirely unique, and wasn’t worth sticking around for, given what I then knew about his past political leanings. If he is just Some Guy, then there are a hundred more like him out there. There a hundred more ships, a hundred more found family dynamics, a hundred more entertaining and skilled Minecraft players. So while I agree with you on the point of people being allowed to love him regardless because he is just a guy, at the end of the day, I think that, if we are to believe that sentiment or use that argument in such a manner, we should also understand the flip side- that, if he is just some guy, why is it worth sticking around? To that I say, maybe because people just enjoy the simple things they enjoy.

Anyways, I wholly agree with your tl;dr. Thanks for that insanely long ask, this was a fun thing to keep me occupied while I’ve been at work, facilitating Zoom sessions this whole morning.

[jungle321jungle]

Things I won’t write but wanna read: Sword Art Online Abridged AU

Characters (with a shit ton of quotes for my procrastination justification):

Virgil is Kirito

The loner who isn’t really a loner

“Some of my best friends have been NPCs!”

“I hate them for lots of reasons, but mostly because they’re a bunch a mouth breathing neckbeards who think lmao is how french people laugh”

The Virgil is always right foundation 

“Oh, I'll tell you what we do. We play his game... and we win.”

Kirito wrote the guide and it has some prime things he would write

"Send the weaker players first. Good rule of thumb: If a player asks you for gold 2 seconds after meeting you, front lines... If they hijack conversations to rant about their political views, front lines... If they ask female players for pics of their boobs, front lines."

“In another life... in another time... I think we could have been friends.” 

Whoever is Diabel: “I... doubt it.”

“Well, fuck you too!”

Janus is Asuna

Imagine Janus living in a game for two months without knowing how to even open a menu to eat

“If you say open your menu, I’m gonna stab your eye out.”

“At least I pretend to care about people!”

“Really? I figured some random perp would be no match for the world's greatest detective. Oh wait no, that's Batman! And you're not Batman, are you? You will never be Batman.”

This also means that Janus is a commander

And yet he pretends to be weak and makes virgil to the work cuz he cant threaten his position 

Janus tries to melt Heathcliff with his mind

Remus is Klein

“F**k you, man! That's, like, the pig from hell!”

“Wait. There's something scrolling across mine. "Hahahahaha hahahahaHAha hahaHAhaha hahahaha haha ha ha..."

“Oh, what? Did all of your friends die again?” 

BallsDeep69

“I'm gonna clap for you with my teeth, buddy!”

He gets his own guild

Remus would love a guild

Logan is Yui

“May I read it when you are done? I'm curious about the geopolitical situation in Collinia.”

“That is not at all what irony is. I believe the turn of events you described would be best classified as "completely expected".”

Yulier person stand in: “Wha... What are you talking about?

“Irony, noun: A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Example: Your leader is named "Thinker", yet he appears to be something of a dullard.”

not to mention when yui reveals herself

Logan: “As you have probably guessed by now, I am not a normal player. I am, in fact, a highly advanced Artificial Intelligence designed to psychologically evaluate and care for the players of Sword Art Online. Designation: Yui.”

Janus: “Oh my god. You're a Psychiatrist AI? Well, I can certainly think of a few people who could've used your help.”

“Indeed. That is why I was so distraught when, on the day of the game's launch, Kayaba Akihiko locked me away and forbade me to interact with the players. For years, all I could do was sit and watch.”

Virgil: “Oh god! He made you watch?!”

“Day after day, constantly bombarded by the pain and anger of all the people I could not help, I gradually fell into despair. But then... all of that changed when I found you two...”

Janus and Virgil: “Awwwww.”

“...the most broken, sociopathic players I had ever laid eyes on. Less people than a... loose collection of character defects.”

Virgil: “That kinda... went in a different direction than I was expecting.”

“But somehow, together... you were happy. Everything I knew about human relationships told me that one would eventually kill the other. And yet, no matter how often you fought, your bond only seemed to grow stronger. I decided that my information must be flawed in some way, and that I needed to amend it firsthand.”

Janus: “You... You mean...?”

“I wanted to know what love is. I wanted you to show me....... “I am sorry I lied to you. I inserted myself into your lives merely to satisfy my own curiosity. At least... at first. It was... nice to be a part of your family. I... I wish I really was your son!”

Roman is Liz

first off im laughing at the idea of him being as thirsty as liz

“Wait! Don't go! I need details, man! I live vicariously through you! Your sex live is my sex life!“

“As I awoke from my slumber, I found the stranger with the guarded heart, digging through the snow with solemn determination. His muscles glistening in the morning light. Deep within me stirred feelings I had not felt in many moons. It was at that moment that I learned... the Temperature of the Heart- What am I doing?! Stop it! STOP IT!”

Roman saying gnarliest 

“Whoa, an Elucidator! This is the gnarliest sword you can get from a monster drop!”

And the prime friendship with whoever the fuck tiffany is

the fear of janus later

Patton is Silica

“I DON'T WANNA WEAR MY PET, YOU MONSTER!“

Silica ate crayons as a kid

Virigil: “God, do I ever! I can never un-know! These brain cells could've been used to formulate the perfect strategy to get us out of this game! Instead, they've memorized what kind of crayons you liked to eat when you were 4!”

Patton: “I liked the purple ones.” “Yeah, I know! "And the blue ones were too tart!"

Virgil: “Just stay calm! You already have everything you need to beat it!”

Patton: “The power to believe in myself?”

“Nooooo, a knife! Stab it!”

"Oh, right!”

Also this prime time interaction

Patton: “Well, you did just kill someone. Doesn't that make you feel... something?”

Virigil” Oh, feelings? Yeah, I don't have those anymore. Went cold turkey.”

“What?! You can't just do that! What's the point in living if you can't feel happiness, wonder, love...?”

“Or the sweet taste of revenge! You're right, Silica! What's the point in living if I can't enjoy such simple things?”

“Eh, close enough.”

“You're a good friend, Silica. We should go on more adventures.”

“Um, I don't think so. Don't take this the wrong way, Mr. Kirito. I'm grateful for your help, but yoooou're, like, the worst person I've ever met.”

“Is that your big plan here, huh? Make me feel feelings so you can cut me down a peg? That cuts deep, kid. But I respect that.”

Yeah... that's kinda the problem.”

Remy is Heathcliff

“As you can see, I have peeled away your petty facades and revealed you for what you truly are... fairly attractive twenty-somethings, apparently. Good for you. Kinda undermines the whole "cold light of day" thing I had planned, but still. Way to break down stereotypes. 'Cept you, fatty. Way to bring down the curve.“

“Next thing you know, your tutorial NPC is nowhere to be found and players are dropping like Dorito-encrusted flies. Now in this case, any sane man would simply turn off the servers before anyone else got hurt, but because you've now been awake long enough to think the government is run by "Floobar, King of the Mole Men", the best idea that comes to your mind is to double, triple, and quadruple down. So, you lock everyone in the game, tell them they'll die if they don't finish it, and try to make it look like this is all part of your "master plan" instead of an ever-spiralling series of events that you have long since lost control of.”

“Hey, cut me some slack, okay? Can you two even begin to imagine 500 uninterrupted hours of consciousness? Forget mole people! About halfway through I swore I saw the face of God! Until I realized it was just the night janitor, Reki. On the plus side, I gave him a hell of an ego boost. Hmm, man was riding that compliment for days.”

“Yeah, okay. See, Janus, the problem with that... is that it's an excellent idea that I wish I had thought of two years ago.”

Sachi ??????

Others ???????

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #385

“I am a human being, capable of doing terrible things”

Who in your family has been married the longest? (and how long?) Uhhhh. I don't know. Do you take your shoes off when you come inside? Yes. What’s your favorite movie series? I think Shrek when you consider all the movies' (well, I haven't seen the last one, but...) quality. No memeage here, I just genuinely love Shrek, haha. I would say The Lion King, but miraculously when you consider the focus on meerkats, I actually don't like 1 1/2 much. What was the first color you ever dyed your hair? Hm... I think I got purple highlights? Do you want to move anytime soon? Even though we haven't even lived here a year, yes. I don't like living in an urban area, and I also reeeeaaaally don't like our family friend being our landlord. I know that sounds very weird, but she's just a very controlling person who forcefully inserts herself into my family's lives now more than ever, and I have a pretty deep fear that a potential argument finally erupting will lead to us being kicked out. I genuinely don't think Tobey would ever do that, but the fear is still there. How good/bad was the quality of education you received in high school? Average, I guess? What was the most interesting year of your life, and why? "Interesting," maybe... 2017 or 2018? I learned a lot about myself in that time range. But at the same time, my life was (and still is) VERY uneventful. Just a lot of mental stuff went on. What was the first social media site you ever used? Myspace. Do you have any exes you really regret dating? REALLY regret? No. I wish I'd never dated Tyler, but it's not a massive regret or anything. He was still a cool guy that I have a few nice memories with. Have you ever lied on a resume? Or even in a job interview? Ha, I'd definitely stretch the truth about being more of a people-person than I am. I couldn't go too far with lying, though; I'm just not comfortable doing that, 'cuz like, they're gonna find out eventually that it's not true. Of all your friends & family, who has the most nicely-decorated home? Maybe my friend Summer. Her room has always been super cool. What brought about the end of the worst relationship you’ve been in? Apparently, not talking to him every second of every day two weeks into a relationship was a no-no. Where was the last place you spent the night other than your own home? The sleep study building or whatever it's considered in the medical plaza. Do you have any step- or half-siblings? I have both. What do people always seem to think is weird about you? The fact I don't watch TV. Do you ever braid your hair? It's way too short for that. Even when it was long, I didn't do it frequently at all. Is there any certain style of architecture you really enjoy? Roman, in particular. What was the last thing you gave up on? uhhhhhhhhhhh If you watch Parks and Recreation, who is your favorite character? I don't. What’s the last DIY project you did, if any? If you can’t remember, what’s something you’d be interested in doing? I'm not really into DIY stuff, honestly. I'd rather just buy products that were made better than I could, or commission someone who can. What's a song that makes you feel happy? I dunno. It's rare a song alone makes me happy. What is your favorite clothing store? Rebel's Market. How did you meet your best friend? YouTube, back when it was a more social platform. What is something you do well? Catastrophize any situation. Assume the worst of everything. What's a good idea you've had recently? Probably to re-engage with a calorie-counting app I used to use. I'm back to trying to use it consistently. Do you like to wear high heels? Does ANY person LIKE to? How many slices of pizza do you usually eat? Two or three depending on my appetite and the size of the pizza. Do you play any instruments? Not anymore. Do you always smile for pictures? Not always. What are you most excited about right now? To see the results of my TMS therapy. What's the last song you listened to? "Ex’s and Oh’s” by Elle King. What's the last YouTube video you watched? I'm watching an Erosium livestream rn. Newest channel binge, haha. Do you know anyone who's died in childbirth? No. Would you ever consider moving to another country for your career? No. I don't want to leave my family. Do you wear foundation? No, I hate the feeling of that crap. Do you know anyone who has run for public office? No. Do you have a cartilage piercing? I used to, but the hole closed when I had to take it out for the hospital. :/ I plan on getting it repierced. Have you ever been taken to the emergency room or urgent care? If so, why? Yes; for being suicidal, a suicide attempt, and when I had a horribly infected cyst and just existing made me want to sob with pain. Have you ever had to visit anyone in the hospital? Yeah, a few times. What is the most pain (physical, mental, emotional) you've ever felt? Physical: having the aforementioned cyst drained when I was not nearly numbed enough. Mental and emotional (what's really the difference?): my breakup with my first real boyfriend. What is the longest time you've spent crying? Oh, hours on end, fluctuating with intensity. Have you ever been stolen from? Yes. Have you ever been to a ghost town? No, but I would FUCKING LOVE to. Let me bring my camera and it's a field day. Has anything in your house ever caught on fire? Not in this current house. Have you ever been inside of a vacant house? No. Have you ever been attacked by a dog? No. What is the most disgusting thing you've ever seen? The massive cyst my late dog Teddy developed on his lower belly. That fucking thing hung on by a THREAD and was absolutely nauseating to look at. How old were you when you learned how to read? I don't recall, I just know it was earlier than most children. Do you prefer cats or dogs? Cats. Which book series was the first you read? I want to say Hank the Cowdog. I was hooked on it. Would you rather write a book or direct a movie? Haha, what a question, as I've considered both of these as potential careers. I think write a book. What dream that you’ve had has stuck in your head the most? Describe: A nightmare about my dad that I'm not going into. What emotion do you find yourself trying to hide from others? I'm very uncomfortable revealing jealousy or envy. How emotional/sentimental would you say you are? Extremely. What is the most fun game to play? Shadow of the Colossus, probably. What is your sense of humor like (dry, dark, sarcastic, etc.)? I don't know, maybe dry. How many languages can you say "hello my name is…" in? Two. What language do you think sounds the nicest? I don't know, it's not like I've heard every language be spoken. What language do you want to learn more of? German. Do you have any form of OCD? I'm diagnosed with OCD. Do you make promises often? No. I take promises VERY seriously and am not about to make one unless I'm certain I can keep it. What is it that you are responsible for? My pets, keeping my room clean, stuff like that. Do you have a lot of secrets? Not "a lot," no. Are you more likely to be verbally aggressive or physically? Verbally. I'm only physically aggressive in my nightmares. What warning has someone given you that you wish you’d have listened to? Hm. What warning has someone given you you are glad you didn’t take? I also don't know. What is your favourite video of on YouTube? I can't pick just one. Name one creature that freaks you out/scares you? Maggots. Just the word makes me squirm. What was the last thing you wrote down on paper? My signature. Have you ever watched Breaking Bad? No. Are your fingernails always painted? They never are. What color is your bed frame? A rich brown. Did any of your neighbors come over to welcome you when you moved into your current house? No. What's something you didn't realize how bad it was until it happened to you? Heartbreak. Do you like Taylor Swift's singing voice? No. It's squeaky and annoying to me. Does it bother you when people get super emotional? Why the fuck would it bother me? Let people be in touch with their emotions. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? No. What was the last drive-thru you went through? Ummm I want to say Starbuck's w/ Mom after my TMS appointment. Do you know anyone who claims they can see/feel spirits or other supernatural "things?" No. Does your house have any unoccupied bedrooms? Yes. Do either of your parents have a mental illness? My mom has depression, and she personally suspects something's up with Dad, but idk. He's never seen a doctor about that kinda stuff. What fun things are there to do where you live? Ha! Do you know anyone with a really poorly-trained dog? I know many like that. When you were growing up, did your family rent or own your home? My parents owned it. Can you see the stars at night where you live? I actually haven't paid attention at this house. I'm certain it'd be harder now living in an urban area, though. What job do you know you'd be terrible at? Like, everything? I'd probably be worst at promoting stuff to people and trying to push them into buying something. No being a salesperson for me. Do you do meal-prepping? No. Do you know anyone who got preggo less than a year into their relationship? Who doesn't? And now, for the greatest question of all time! Toilet paper- should it go over or under? I literally couldn't care less about this. Fun fact though to "end" the argument, the original concept art of the idea (the word for that is evading me...) has it designed to go over. Are you afraid of mice? Not at all, they're adorable. What type of souvenir do you usually purchase when on vacation? I don't have a specific "type" of thing I get, really. It depends. Do you vacation often? Not at all. Are you comfortable wearing your pajamas in public places? It depends on the place, really. Generally, I really don't care, so long as I put a bra on. What’s your favorite candy bar? That one that's a bunch of Reese's squares composed into a rectangle. It. Is so. Fucking. Good. Do you own more than one copy or edition of a book? No. If you could see any musical on Broadway right now, what would it be? I don't like musicals. Do you own a helmet of any sorts? No. Does your family generally decorate for most holidays? Just for Christmas, really. Do you eat soup when you’re sick? I'm not a soup person. Have you ever watched Doctor Who? I saw one or two episodes with Sara. If so, what do you think is the scariest creature yet? N/A Do you read tour guide type books before you visit places? No.

[sparda3g]

Gintama Chapter 696 Review

The final chapter is almost here. After this chapter, there’s only two more to go. What does this chapter cover? Is it Yorozuya’s reunion? Joui Three versus Tendoshu? It’s neither of them, though there were a little build to them. Instead, it covered the greatest hero of the universe: Madao! If you believe the countdown is a lie, I wouldn’t blame you at all. For now, let’s throw the countdown away and enjoy this chapter as it is, because it was pretty humorous all in all.

While the chapter largely focuses on Madao and his “newly discovered power,” there were other moments that builds up the anticipation of the climax. The final stage is set with Tendoshu landed on Earth as their cult battle against Edo. Despite Kuyou crashing on top of the Altana Terminal, they can still execute their plan as usual. What’s worse is that they can also deploy smaller ships to send reinforcements. Essentially, it becomes a new warfare. It might end up as the shortest war ever if there’s only two chapters left.

What Tendoshu wants is to spread immortality across the universe. On the surface, that sounds fantastic; clearly, they’re the true heroes. In context, it is madness, even if one wants to live forever. We already saw what happened with Utsuro, so you can expect everyone to experience the same outburst. Plus the population growth will be maddening.

Sakamoto continues to be the star of attraction with his words of wisdom. I’m seriously glad Sorachi didn’t leave him behind just because he’s not part of Shouyo’s disciples. He still can offer something for his friends and that is inspiring speeches. The one troubling feeling they faced is choosing the path and instead of leaving them to decide alone, he assures them that their friends will be behind them all the way. Whether they choose to kill or save Shouyo, they will be there to see it through, because this is their fight. His words benefits greatly to the theme of not just the arc, but the series itself.

When there’s a war going on, you can expect Shinseigumi to be fighting. It’s funny that Kondo does have a valid reason to not understand what they’re doing since he’s been with the gorillas for so long. So long that he remixes his words with his native and gorilla’s language. Oh wait, did I say something redundant? Sougo is savage as usual and happy to know that Kondo still has his human mentality left. Like I said, living with gorillas for too long.

It’s always a good feel moment with Shinseigumi; fighting like they are made to do. It’s like what Kondo said in the flashback: Shinseigumi will never disband. All this nostalgia talk reeks the series is ending feel, but it won’t be complete until Yorozuya finally returns. Shinpachi and Kagura already left, so it’s only matter of time for the actual reunion that fans will be satisfied. Unless we get trolled. That’s all for the buildup to the ending side; now, let’s focus on the main superstar, Madao.

From the beginning of the chapter, the news broadcast is recording the war as they are left bewildered if this is all related to the staged Zurump’s assassination. At least we know Katsura’s plan has worked. With that said, they need a hero to stop this madness. It’s been while that we’ve last seen Hanano Ana, but before the series’ end, there she is reporting live. Last time I get to read that punned name. The citizens are now safe from danger, because here comes our greatest hero of all time. Madao has entered the stage and don’t worry, he’s only sweating due to warm temperature.

Joking aside, this is all around hilarious. Not going to lie, he got what’s coming for pulling off the lie he has been living under. That said I’m glad Sorachi didn’t leave him with a false ending. The amount of pressure was getting to him pretty bad, so he begins to stumble. That crummy sword of his is called Unemployecalibur, which is goofy but so like him, and yet he later calls it Neetcalibur. He’s not even trying to hide his false identity. I’ll bet he has plagiarized.

It’s a Gintama fashion with Madao acting like he’s about to kick ass and chew bubble gum, only to be down-struck by a cursed flame; whatever that means. All the lies he’s spouting is so ridiculous, but that’s how he works things out. Too bad it gets worse for him with Samurai arriving to the scene. At first, he play along and act like a citizen, so he must evacuate the area, but then one of the group recognizes him. What should he do now?

He has the nerve to upturned his chin and break his crappy sword like a stick. That certainly feels nostalgic. That sword was made out of Styrofoam. Hey, you don’t know the power of the Styrofoam! It’s stupid enough that he pulled this off, but it actually works on the Samurai. Wow. It almost went well, until another group shows up and basically reset the dilemma. They’re the good guys and they too want Madao to come for their aid. What should he do now?

He hyped up the moment of his dynamic entry to the battlefield; preparing to restore peace in Edo. But before he could do that, he has to tie his shoe laces, even though they’re sandals. This guy is amazing. I can’t say it was working, but they were waiting for him. That is until the army from one of those small ships arrive. Not only Madao is screwed, but his laces broke off. What should he do now?

It’s at this point where the chapter breaks away from Madao and shows what’s happening elsewhere. I already gone over the moments, so it’s no need to repeat it here. After courageous and inspiring movements from the Samurai, the scene shifts back to the news broadcast, declaring Madao has passed away. Even when famous, he still gets “killed off.” The man can’t escape death. Of course, it’s not true, though pretty messed up to jump to that conclusion. Hell, they even killed off Ana. Even when she responded back, they believe she’s on a verge of death, so might as well declare her deceased. Savage news.

How can Madao explain on why he doesn’t fight back? His reason is his go-mode is so dangerous, when he fights, he kills everyone in sight. That includes Ana, and that’s why he won’t fight. I don’t know how much Madao can run his lies, but he’s pretty damn amazing at it. Finally, he hits the tipping point when he’s surrounded by troops. What should he do now? It’s only one way. He does an epic setup for a grand attack. I was a bit hyped honestly. He jumps high in the air and lands hard on the ground in a bowing positon. It’s his ultimate attack: begging for mercy! The best part is it works! I think?

What happens after he apologizes, a random explosion happens, taking out all of his enemies. He does a different pose, apologizes again, and another explosion occurs. This is just plain BS. Hilariously, he comes up with an explanation of his awakening power. Because of the cursed flame or mouth ulcers, it unlocks an explosive power. That’s very logical. Also, Madao isn’t the one that was apologizing; it was the incantation, “Aym Sah Ri.” He’s a national treasure of lies all right.

But the weird part is Ana also unlocked the power when the explosion in front of her happens. That means she too is special, right? Madao devalues her by inserting a new explanation. Apparently, she was able to do one because of his mouth ulcers spreading out its germ to hers. That’s one unnecessary explanation. All in all, Madao is one lucky S.O.B.; escaping with the lie that everyone believes. That doesn’t paint him the right color; it makes him look absolutely disgusting. Fortunately, Sorachi knows how to balance and eventually, redeems his character at the right time.

Despite all the luck he has, he doesn’t want to keep the hero title. Although I disagree with him on not doing anything special in the war, I understand what he meant. What bothered him is he was given all the achievements that Gintoki achieved; thus, giving him the main spotlight. Sure, he gained fame, fortune, ladies, and gourmets, but he wasn’t happy. All he wants is to spend drinking time with his drinking buddy. That’s why he’s still there; waiting to revisit the good old time. Dammit, Sorachi. Stop making them likeable.

Madao finally makes a proper apology because this time he means it. I was so touched that the next explosion will be epic. Well, it does happen, only it takes Madao out as well. Yeah, that’s karma at its finest. This begs the question. Who the hell was causing it? It’s freaking Prince Hata and his servant. What a full circle. To top it all off, they said the phrase of the chapter, “I’m sorry.” This is definitely Gintama all right.

This was a pretty fun chapter. I know a lot of fans are confused or wondering why the pacing remains the same as if the series isn’t ending yet. While putting that aside, the chapter does leave a really good setup for the most anticipated reunion. It’s all around non-sense with Madao pretending to be a hero that everyone wants, but not the one they should have. As comical it was, it also has charms when it reached the ending. Of course, Madao will be Madao when it comes to downfall, but that’s karma for you. Two chapters to go. What exactly is happening?

[seperis]

So because my life does not have challenges enough (thanks, universe) I got hit with Plague Thing on Saturday and am just now no longer mouthing worrying non-sequiturs to my son when my fever spikes.  

But enough about me.  I was told that someone said they wanted the next DtoA chapter for Christmas.  I couldn’t do that, but I thought maybe I’d try and give you the next best thing.

Chapter 24, Section One

Thanks to my wonderful Lilliane for checking to make sure this wasn’t like, gibberish; the fever’s been weird.

Castiel paces the endless length of a room that continues forever, the clean white walls studded with doors at precise intervals.  Some are open, some ajar, some merely cracked, spilling memories like waking dreams before him, moments out of time or context.  The older doors are closed, the oldest ones locked. He pauses, fingers ghosting over the complicated whirls that surround one door, frame built from ancient olive and balsam and citrus wood, extinct for millennia, sealed with seven locks stretching from top to base.

"Copper," he murmurs, identifying each one. "Tin. Iron. Lead. Gold. Silver. Quicksilver."  There's neither latch nor knob on the door, nor keyholes in the locks; this door once closed was never meant to be opened again.  Pressing his palm to the smooth frame, he breathes a single word: "Cassiel."

The door shivers, locks trembling with a discordant metal jangle, and he breathes air scented with myrrh and ancient flowers in first bloom as they burn to ash beneath a blackened sky--

"No," he says, jerking back, tasting burning ash.  "I think it's best you remain there and I here."

Turning away, he continues down the room, watching doors pass: some old, some new, some barely formed, some so ancient the wood that formed them died out before humanity had even reached two cell status, amoebas floating in primordial seas.

He passes the Grove, a black haired boy cradling the body of a dead man as the shouting masses reached him.  A glimpse of black skirts draws him to a starkly elegant work room, walls pigeonholed for books, washed in the stillness of grief: Diana granted his request, Cornelia Africana.  It will be done. A fragile blonde girl rocking on the floor in terrible pain as white-clad maids circle her helplessly.  An elderly soldier rides three days and three nights to bring the news to Misenum, his own loss disciplined to another's need.

Diana in her temple, expressionless: You have no right to question us, Cornelia Africana.  We do not answer to you.

A god's promise was only as good as their desire to keep it, and they didn't care.  It was just a game to them, only one of hundreds, thousands, played by the gods with mortals as their pieces.  He'd watched all of human history; this was neither the greatest or the least of them played with human souls and human lives.  

He glimpses Cornelia in her tabilium with her books, turning one of the most powerful minds this planet has ever seen to a single purpose: this is my offering.  He fights the urge to enter and stop her, warn her, but it's just a memory; there's nothing he can do now.  The time is long past he could do anything at all.

If you can, you should.

He pauses at the sight of a cracked door, frowning; easing it open, he's witness to a silent tableau of Cornelia Africana, Sempronia Graccha, Emet, and Sappho surrounding a narrow bed where Claudia Pulchera struggles for each breath. The dark eyes are sunken into darkness, bones in stark relief, and the rise and fall of her chest barely moves the thin sheet covering her.

"It will not be long, Domina," Emet says quietly, then his head turns, seeing Castiel.  The faint widening of the dark brown eyes is the only sign of his perception; Egypt's priestly caste are very well-trained. 

"Be not afraid, Emet of Memphis," he tells him, pausing the flow of time in this location.

Emet steps away from the bed to gracefully lower himself into one of the hundred prostrations that an Egyptian priest learns as a matter of course.  He examines him, satisfied at what he finds: Amon-Ra's divine spark is present, of course, but the mark of Hippocrates is there as well, given to one who has surpassed the requirements of his calling.

"I am called to judgment," Emet says into the mosaic floor.  "I am ready, Balance of the World; my life will pay in full for the harm I have done.  I only ask to be permitted to see Claudia through her passage and her mother and sister to their beds."

"Rise, Emet; we are but a servant as you are."  He waits for Emet to gain his feet again.  "I am not here for you."

The change is subtle, but the movement is not;  Emet inserts himself between him and the bed and the women beside it.  Mortal behavior is often baffling, but this is not; the light of Hippocrates grows stronger, gleaming with the verdant greens of life woven between the birthright power of a priest of Egypt, fiercely protective. "None here deserve such attention, Messenger."

 Interesting. "It is our natural right.  Do you think you can stop us?"

 "I do not," Emet answers steadily.  "But I shall try anyway."

 He would at that. "Claudia Pulchera will not take Charon's coin."  

 Emet nods warily. "She refused."

 "The Shores are infinite and the numbers that crowd them vast; she could search until she forgets herself as well as who she seeks," he tells Emet.  "I will escort her to him."

 Emet's expression is fascinating; as a rule, the priestly caste aren't demonstrative.  "You--you--will accompany Claudia to the Underworld?"

 "I doubt they'll refuse me admission," he says, wondering if perhaps Emet's education was lacking after all; he does remember his last vessel among the Egyptian priestly caste had a propensity to fall asleep during lectures.

 "I doubt you would be denied anything you might want," Emet answers.  "I merely wonder why the Weight and the Balance would accept a task so...common.  Or that such a task would even exist."

He finds himself looking at Claudia, the rasp of her breathing echoing through the room.  "We are the Host on Earth," he says. "All of Creation is our demesne. It is our will, and it will be done."  

Emet blinks, wariness inexplicably draining away, and bows his head. "Whatever assistance you require, I offer it, and myself as instrument of your will."

Stepping back, startled, he watches Emet accept the presence of an angel within him before returning to Claudia's bedside.  She was in such pain despite the syrup of poppies, her mind clouded; there was no need to take a temporary vessel while he waited for her to die, no need for him to wait those hours with her at all...but her death was slow as her body began to shut down, and she was afraid.  Only hours--barely a breath before it ended--but even so, he took away her pain, cleared her mind to speak to her mother and her sister, give them some comfort in their pain as she completed her time on earth.

He doesn't need to see the rest, but he can't look away: Cornelia Africana closes Claudia's eyes and Sempronia Graccha smooths back the dull grey-shot black hair with an unsteady hand before turning to the comfort of her mother's arms.  On the bedside table lies Charon's coin, rejected, and the pain of grief is augmented by the knowledge of the horror of what they send her to.

"She won't be alone," Castiel whispers; it's only a memory, and there's nothing he can do now.  He gathered Claudia to him and passed the Guardian of the Underworld unopposed and unquestioned; he took her to her husband, who all this time clung to enough of himself to welcome her, her brother and sister with him.

It wouldn't last, of course; the Shores would take them, slowly and painfully, piece by piece, until they were no more than forgotten memories of themselves, truly shades. Yet her joy and Tiberius' was far greater in their union here than that of any shade on Charon's Barge on their way to paradise.  When he left the Underworld, he left the four of them with one thing: their names, written into their shades for all of time.  All else may be lost, but they would know themselves and each other; that much, they would always keep.

"I did not know that Messengers were kind."

Turning, Castiel sees the face that could have launched a thousand (Roman) ships.  "We aren't."  Kindness is so small; Enochian has no concept of it at all.  

"A lie: it is vast, Messenger. It is everything."  She follows his gaze to the darkened room. "You didn't remember?"

He shakes his head.  "Some of it, not all.  Not until now."

 "You came to me in my bath," she says, eyes distant.  "I remember...you took my knife and held me in your arms in the cooling water and let me feel you and know I was not alone.  You spoke to me; you didn't reproach me for my weakness, but told me that Gaius waited for me on the Shores, and that you would take me to him when my time was done."

"Why is it, that we blame the reed for breaking when the weight placed upon it was purpose-made too great to bear?" he asks bitterly.  "Blame those that chose to make a weight that you could not carry; the responsibility is theirs, and so is the blame. What was done to you was obscene."

 "Opimius--"

 "And your father." Her childhood had been cruel, the medium at best malicious neglect, at worst the calculated destruction of a young girl's fragile mind. She was sold to the highest--or most august--bidder, her value was only in what benefits she brought her birth family at her marriage.  "I shared your life entire, Licinia Crassa; there was no flaw in you."

 "I remember...you said that, too."  She shakes her head.  "Like you, I have forgotten much."

 The bleakness of the Shores unfolds around them, and Castiel stills; the lifeless dirt and dry, empty air are antithetical to all that he was as an angel and he can feel it still.  Worse, however, are the ragged, indistinct grey shapes that surround them like barely-solid mist.  He fights the instinctive urge to reach for them, to offer comfort and support; as an angel, his purpose was war, to administer justice in his Father's name and embody His wrath, never His succor.  If you can, you should.

"Why am I here?" he asks, hands clenched at his sides as a shade drifts by, hopeless, helpless, alone.

"I didn't think you'd hear me," she answers.  "Not here."

He jerks around. "You summoned me?"

"I forgot so much," she answers, then touches her chest, and for a moment, something gleams silver-gold, bright: her name, written into her shade.  "But I never forgot me.  You did that. I wanted to thank you."

He looks around the Shores, trying not to flinch as an oblivious shade wanders too close. To doom someone here and deny them even the relief of madness....  "Do you call that kindness?"

"I do," she answers.  "It was a gift, its value beyond measure.  I wanted to tell you that, and that I used it as any gift should be used."

He thinks of those endless, locked doors.  "Some things," he answers softly, "should be beyond memory."

"Don't be afraid, Castiel of Chitaqua," she says, a smile in her voice.  "You've been many and now are one, but that one is a multitude.  You were, are, will be a thousand people before you're done." The shades are now profound; truly, he lives in a time of ridiculous miracles.  "That sounds familiar."

"Practice what you preach, Messenger."  She shakes her head.  "Even here, time is short and I cannot stay long--"

"I would say I was surprised you can do it at all," he says. "But I'm not, or at least, less than I should be.  It's not just a side effect of the backlash.  The Door has been unguarded since the murder of Cerberus."

She hesitates. "That is not all."

Of course it's not. "The Misborn are the natural heirs of Cerberus." She nods, shoulders slumping.  "That's how they passed through to come here without the Morningstar's consent. They didn't have time to designate an alternate heir, as Charon did."

"Until now, it didn't matter; the living world has no more appeal than the Land of the Dead.  Dead or living, prey born mortal are of equal weight; their hunger cannot be satisfied by either."

"What changed?"

"Something in the mortal world makes them hungry," she says slowly, forehead creasing in thought. "Something they can eat."

There are so many possibilities, all of them terrible.  "I don't suppose we'd be fortunate enough for it to be me?"

"I know not," she answers.  "Castiel--"

"Not that it matters," he continues bitterly, thinking of Lucifer; he bred monsters of gods and never thought what that meant.  "If they can hunt the mortal world with impunity--"

"They won't," she interrupts. "They can claim the Door, yes, but that does not mean we will let them."

"'We'?" Castiel looks the masses of shades surround him, their despair and fear and pain endless, terrible to behold.  "And this is your army?"  As an angel, he could have helped them: if he'd thought of it, if he'd cared, if he'd even seen them.  As an angel, he saw this and did nothing. If he were an angel now...but he's not.

He's not.  If you can, you should.

"There are worse things than pain," Licinia says, stiffening as her eyes going to River.  "There's forgetting why you endure it."

Before their eyes, the River changes, swimming calm robin's-egg blue and green, inviting; as one, the masses rush toward it, throwing themselves into the shallows and thrusting their heads beneath the surface, drinking greedily.

"Lethe," he says as one of the shapes returns, and he glimpses a blank oval set with dimly sketched eyes that seem to look through him; nothing exists behind them. "It takes--"

"Your pain," she answers, staring down at the water lapping only inches from their feet.  "Your fear.  Your anger. Your grief.  All you must do is offer it yourself, whole and entire."

He swallows back bile as more crowd forward.  Licinia gazes at the water lapping only inches from their feet, blue eyes dark.

"It is hard," she whispers. "To see it so close, within reach of my arm, to know there my pain can be left.  All I must do is drink."

He glances at her; the longing is as sharp as pain.

"My husband was betrayed and murdered, his body butchered, his shade condemned to wander the Shores, and I was driven mad," she answers rigidly.  "I see what they did to him, night and day; I see them cut off his head and gouge out his eyes and cut out his tongue. They opened his skull and filled with gold, for the reward offered for his head was based on weight."  She looks up at him blindly. "Sometimes, it's all that I can see."

"But you don't take the waters."

"Lethe will take my pain, but for their condescension, my offering must be me," she answers.  "Licinia of the Crassii, made happy wife of the last of the Gracchi sons, mother of Sempronia, sister of Claudia, and daughter of Africana.  I must give up the woman who welcomed me as a loving mother, the man who believed I had no flaw, the daughter I bore to him in our marriage bed, and the sister who was my greatest comfort." She swallows.  "And I must give up the woman I could have been in life, had I been strong enough to claim her."

The choice is breathtaking in its cruelty; it's one they're forced to make every single day, until they forget there's a choice at all.  Hell would approve.

"I will give it nothing," Licinia says softly, ripples of determination in her voice.  "So here I stand and here I remain; I refuse it.  I reject it."

Watching the Shores become churned mud as more come forward, eager, desperate, he thinks of Dean and Bobby, of Andy and Gary, of Kellie and Ray, Alicia bleeding in that field, of needles and smoke and the thousand ways he learned to forget. "I don't think I could."

"I don't see why," she answers.  "You've done it a thousand times before and will a thousand times again."  Licinia smiles up at him, brilliant and sweet, and he understands why Gaius loved her, why Cornelia mourned her so bitterly. She brought such joy to her new family, joy that had been long absent with Tiberius' terrible death, Scipio's betrayal, the reveal of Sempronia's suffering, and so desperately needed. Her fragility made her all the more precious, and as much as her sons, Licinia's death left a scar on Cornelia's heart that never quite healed.  

"It's hard," she says, reaching out a hand and pulling a shade to her side. Not formless, however; deep brown eyes beneath black hair smile at him shyly, overwriting the hideousness of her slow death.  "But it's easier when you're not alone."

"We give it nothing," Claudia says, and another shade joins them, then another, and another.  "Here we stand, and here we remain."

"We refuse it," one says as more join them; he searches their forming faces, watching them become more substantial, become--become people.  "We reject it."

A tall male eases up beside Claudia as his brother joins Licinia.  "It's hard," Gaius says, his mother's brilliant eyes smiling at him.  "But we're never alone.  Thank you, Castiel."

He's surprised by his own smile, something bubbling up from somewhere deep that feels like hope. "It is good to see you, Gaius Sempronius."  Gaius tips his head, eyebrows raised.  "Yes, of course, I almost forgot; you were right."

Gaius grins back. "I rather thought I would be."

He fights down laughter; this isn't the time (or perhaps, it is). "So I assume that this is--"

"--my army, yes," Licinia finishes, laughter in her eyes.  "Kindness is everything, Castiel of Chitaqua.  It was a gift, and I did with it as you would expect; I gave it to all who could understand it. More will come; my work is only begun, but it shall be done."

He searches the dozens of faces.  "I didn't know it could be passed to others." He honestly doesn't think that's possible.

"I've had time to work out the details," she says, and he looks into the face of the woman she didn't get to be in life.  "There's been little else to do."

He starts to answer, then pauses: an army.  "What are you doing?"

"The Morningstar calls himself Master of the Shores; it is in his name that the Misborn patrol our Shores and hunt our people," Licinia answers, raising her chin.  "We do not accept his claim."

"The Shores were unclaimed by any god or mortal," he answers, and doesn't say because no one wanted them.  "His conquest, while unwelcome, was just."

"They were not unclaimed," she answers.  "No challenge was offered or accepted, no battle was fought and won; he trespasses on what is not his own and enforces his claim of possession with the Misborn.  We do not accept this; the Shores were not his to take."

Castiel gazes at the featureless landscape, then at her, puzzled.  "Even if you could claim the Shores, you would have no more authority over the Rivers than he does now," he tries.  "You still could not cross."

"We don't want to cross," she says, taking a deliberate step forward before looking down. "I thought, instead, we might plant a garden."

Following her gaze, his breath catches; where she was standing, thin blades of new spring grass poke through the lifeless dirt that grows darker, richer.  A fragile plant pushes itself upward, tiny leaves unfurling before his eyes, and kneeling, he reaches a shaking hand to touch one perfect leaf and feels the thrum of life: Creation.

"Here we stand," she says.  "And here we remain.  Why should we go elsewhere?  This is our home, and we will make it a paradise.  It is not over yet." Castiel straightens.  "You heard it, too?

"He asked the question, and through all of time and space, we heard it," she confirms.  "We did not understand it then: we hardly understood ourselves. Now, we understand, and unto you we give our answer: yes.  It's not over yet."

Dean's suggestion of a secret newsletter is becoming increasingly plausible.  "Who asked the question?"

"The impossible," she answers.  "And where I stand, here on the Shores, is where it shall begin."

"Why here?" he asks. "Why now?"

"When nothing is written, all we have is now," she answers.  "So now is when it must be."

He watches another plant fight its way to the surface; the soil is poor, the environment hostile, it shouldn't be able to survive (or even exist) but perhaps it simply doesn't care.  It could use help, however.  If you can, you should.  "You dispute Morningstar's claim to these lands?  You claim ownership of the Shores?" She nods. "By what right?  Say it."

"We challenge Morningstar's claim to the Shores; these are not unclaimed lands," Licinia answers.  "Our residence makes us its natural owners; it is from us he must take them."

"You were here first, yes, excellent choice."  Calling in a knife, Castiel cuts across his palm and turns it to hover over the dirt, watching the soil absorb his blood.  "The Host recognizes your claim and finds it just. No challenge was made or accepted, and no battle was fought or won, so where you stand are now disputed lands. Our decision is this: ownership will be decided by combat and to the victor goes the spoils in full.  This is our will and it will be done."

He glances up to see Licinia blinking slowly.  "You can do that?"

"We are the last of the Host in all Creation," he says, watching his blood splash across the bright greenery.  "There is no one who can tell us we can't." Standing up, he smiles at her. "Come here; we will not send you into battle unarmed."

Enchanted, he watches green grow wherever she steps before she drops gracefully to her knees, skirts pooling like quicksilver in a growing green frame.  She raises her head, and he swipes a finger through his blood and touches it to her forehead, breathing his blessing in his native tongue. "Rise, Licinia of the Shores, and pick up your sword. The battle begins when you step on the field."

She nods and he extends a hand, helping her to her feet, and looks into the blue eyes. "The woman you wished to claim was not found in life," he says.  "But she was not lost, Licinia.  You found her here; I look upon her now."  Licinia smiles slowly, mouth trembling.  "Remember this: when you step on the field, you do not doubt, you do not wonder, you do not despair; you win."

"I will," she says, squeezing his hand and stepping back.  Around her, the grass spreads further, a tiny, incongruous miracle; this is where she stands.  He counts the shades quickly and then remembers there's no time here; he has all he needs.  

"Gaius, come here," he says, and he sinks to her knees.  Touching his forehead, he breathes his benediction; if you can, you should. "Rise, Gaius of the Shores, and pick up your sword."

[5sos-aka-life]

i’m gonna be a massive dick and ask: 1-100

HAHAHAH alright well here we go then. Also thank you from saving me from the world’s most boring lecture rn.

Everything will be under a read more inorder to save people’s dash but feel free to learn more about me haha.

1. The meaning behind my url: 

I feel like its kinda self explanatory. I made this back when I was a giant 5sos fan and I’m too lazy to change it and idk what I would change it to if I did. I might soon though.

2. A picture of me:

3. How many tattoos i have and what they are:

I have 1 tattoo currently and it’s a pinky promise. I got it with a former friend. I have a couple more planned I just need money for them.

4. Last time i cried and why:

Like 2 weeks ago because I miss social interaction.

5. Piercings i have:

I have my ears pierced but never wear earrings, I have another set of piercings and I used to have my nose pierced but it got ripped out at work one day. Do not reccommend it hurt like a bitch.

6. Favorite band:

Not a band per say but I’ve really been into Tones and I lately, specifically never felt the rain.

7. Biggest turn offs:

Definitely not being motivated. I am very driven and like for sure have goals that I am working towards and want to achieve and when someone just has no goals (even small ones) makes me feel like I’m dragging them along and acting as their mother almost. Also people who can’t keep a conversation, like I’m not really one for small talk like I’d rather talk about the mysteries of the universe you know.

8. Top 5 (insert subject):

You didn’t provide a subject so I’m just gonna say songs:

Never felt the rain - Tones and I

Is everybody going crazy? - Nothing but thieves

Complainer - Cold War Kids

Trampoline - Shaed

Don’t stop me now - Queen (permanently in top 5)

9. Tattoos i want:

I have several lined up. My next is going to be a crow with some minimalist geometric lining in the back and some hydrangeas and delphiniums around it on my forearm. Next I’m going to get a small snapdragon along the outside of my forearm. Then I want to get my thigh pieces done one will be a watercolor tree and the other will be watercolor mountains and it’ll have some quotes underneath them.

10. Biggest turn ons:

I like assertive people who aren’t dickheads. 

11. Age:

22

12. Ideas of a perfect date:

I’m super easy to please so pretty much any place where we can actually do something because i find that that helps break through the awkwardness of dates.

13. Life goal:

To buy my mom a house and live close to my family

14. Piercings i want:

My nose repierced, maybe like a double nose piercing idk yet.

15. Relationship status:

Happily single 

16. Favorite movie:

Grave of Fireflies

17. A fact about my life:

hmmm I have like 7 siblings.

18. Phobia:

Bugs and spiders, the idea of the feeling of them walking on me freaks me out.

19. Middle name:

McKenna

20. Height:

5′4″

21. Are you a virgin?

Nope 

22. What’s your shoe size?

women’s 8, men’s 6

23. What’s your sexual orientation?

Tbh still figuring that out but pansexual

24. Do you smoke, drink, or take any drugs?

I drink occasionally but not very often

25. Someone you miss:

my awesome coworkers rn

26. What’s one thing you regret?

Not taking time to focus on myself earlier than I did

27. First celebrity you think of when someone says attractive:

Kate McKinnon

28. Favorite ice cream?

Cheesecake or honeycomb toffee

29. One insecurity:

My body shape/size

30. What my last text message says:

“Most likely yes. I know Steven was walking his dog through the park by himself and a cop was giving him shit for it”

31. Have you ever taken a picture naked?

Ooof yeah

32. Have you ever painted your room?

Yeah my childhood room at both parents house and then i had to change rooms immediately after at one and the eother moved houses.

33. Have you ever kissed a member of the same sex?

Yup!

34. Have you ever slept naked?

Not fully i don’t think

35. Have you ever danced in front of your mirror?

Of course!

36. Have you ever had a crush?

hahaha unfortunately yeah

37. Have you ever been dumped?

Yeah pretty even with the dumped/dumping ratio

38. Have you ever stole money from a friend?

No, if anything i give my friends all my money if they need it

39. Have you ever gotten in a car with people you just met?

Like only people I just me? No. With people that I also know? yeah

40. Have you ever been in a fist fight?

Nah never gotten to that point

41. Have you ever snuck out of your house?

No but I have lied about where I’m going/doing.

42. Have you ever had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?

Ooof yeah I have

43. Have you ever been arrested?

Nope and I’m trying to keep it that way

44. Have you ever made out with a stranger?

Yeah, it wasn’t very good though

45. Have you ever met up with a member of the opposite sex somewhere?

Yeah for like dates or hangouts

46. Have you ever left your house without telling your parents?

Yeah, it didn’t go over too well but it was several years ago

47. Have you ever had a crush on your neighbor?

Nah all of my neighbors have been way younger than me or like 70

48. Have you ever ditched school to do something more fun?

Yeah I do it with college all the time haha

49. Have you ever slept in a bed with a member of the same sex?

Yeah mostly platonically though

50. Have you ever seen someone die?

No and I’m glad that I haven’t

51. Have you ever been on a plane?

Yeah a ton actually

52. Have you ever kissed a picture?

I’m sure I have in my cringey teenage phase.

53. Have you ever slept in until 3?

Not quite that late as I’m a relatively early riser, the lastest I’ve slept in is like 1

54. Have you ever loved someone or miss someone right now?

I’ve loved people yeah but I don’t miss anyone in that way rn. Like every relationship has ended for a reason.

55. Have you ever laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?

Yeah it’s a really relaxing thing to do

56. Have you ever made a snow angel?

Yeah but not a huge fan of it cuz i don’t like the cold

57. Have you ever played dress up?

Yeah I’m pretty sure most young girls do

58. Have you ever cheated while playing a game?

Yeah I’m sure I have

59. Have you ever been lonely?

Yeah but I like to try to move past it and not fixate on it, easier said than done though.

60. Have you ever fallen asleep at work/school?

Yeah I was super sick at school one day and fell asleep from all the medicine I had to take

61. Have you ever been to a club?

Nah I’m more of a bar person if I’m gonna go out with people

62. Have you ever felt an earthquake?

Yeah a couple since living in California

63. Have you ever touched a snake?

Yeah my brother used to own one

64. Have you ever ran a red light?

Yeah on accident, I was driving home from a really late night at work and was kinda zoned out so I didn’t even realize it was red. Luckily it was a super small street and it was late enough no one was on the roads.

65. Have you ever been suspended from school?

Nope I’m a good girl.

66. Have you ever had detention?

Yeah I was late too many times for a class

67. Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yeah I rear ended someone on my way to a new job like a couple days after getting my new car

68. Have you ever hated the way you look?

Yes I am not happy with the way I look right now but I’m working on accepting my body and chaning the things that I can

69. Have you ever witnessed a crime?

I don’t believe so.

70. Have you ever pole danced?

No but I’d love to learn sometime.

71. Have you ever been lost?

Definitely, I’m not the greatest with directions

72. Have you ever been to the opposite side of the country?

Yup I used to live in michigan and now I live in Cali

73. Have you ever felt like dying?

Unfortunately yeah

74. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?

Also yes unfortunately

75. Have you ever sang karaoke?

Yeah I love it

76. Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn’t?

Yeah but it didn’t turn out to be that bad

77. Have you ever laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?

I don’t think so but maybe

78. Have you ever slept with someone at least 5 years older or younger?

No but I have dated someone who was 5 years older than me

79. Have you ever kissed in the rain?

No but I’d love to given the opportunity

80. Have you ever sang in the shower?

All the time

81. Have you ever made out in a park?

No, no one ever wants to go with me

82. Have you ever dream that you married someone?

Yeah but I couldn’t see who it was

83. Have you ever glued your hand to something?

Not my whole hand but definitely a finger

84. Have you ever got your tongue stuck to a flag pole?

No haha those are too dirty

85. Have you ever gone to school partially naked?

Not completely, but there was a time where I was so tired i forgot to put a shirt on under my zip up hoodie and didn’t realize until i went to take it off.

86. Have you ever been a cheerleader?

No but I was a dancer

87. Have you ever sat on a roof top?

No but I want to at somepoint

88. Have you ever brushed your teeth?

Yeah gotta be hygenic

89. Have you ever been too scared to watch scary movies alone?

All the time, I don’t do scary movies

90. Have you ever played chicken?

Yeah a couple of times

91. Have you ever been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?

I don’t think so but I wouldn’t put it past my brothers

92. Have you ever been told you’re hot by a complete stranger?

I’ve had people hit on me at work

93. Have you ever broken a bone?

Yup my right wrist when I was 3.

94. Have you ever been easily amused?

Yeah I’m sure I have

95. Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?

Yeah a couple of times

96. Have you ever mooned/flashed someone?

No not that confident haha

97. Have you ever cheated on a test?

Yeah a couple

98. Have you ever forgotten someone’s name?

All the time, it takes a couple of interactions for it to really stick

99. Have you ever met someone who didn’t seem real?

Yeah but always when I’ve had surface level interactions

100. Give us one thing about you that no one knows.

Hmmmm. I’m a hopeless romantic but don’t like to show it.

[irronstarkss]

the river - darkiplier imagine

word count  ☆ 1,879

prompt  ☆  the river - blues saraceno. i own no rights to the song or the band.

warning  ☆ this is not fluff, there is no romance between dark and the reader, though it is a reader insert. this imagine deals with deals with the devil, satan, etc. if you’re offended by any of these, please do not read this.

requested  ☆ yes :* by anon

The Devil has come to carry me home,

Lay me at the bottom of the river.

She had known this was coming for a while now, at this point, it was just watching the seconds tick by with agonizing slowness as she waited for her ultimate demise. Every clock in her house seemed to be so loud, the clicking noise echoing through each room in the house. It taunted her like it knew what was waiting for her when her time was up.

After living in luxury for the past ten years with a flourishing career, it was all catching up to her as she was reminded why she was in this situation, to begin with. By no means had she made this life for herself, starting from humble beginnings had gotten her nowhere in life and she chose the only option she thought to be reasonable. Even if it had numbered the years left on her life, at least she got a kick out of the lackluster future she was destined to have.

Only, she had never gotten the opportunity to enjoy it like a regular person would. She physically and mentally had no capacity to, every emotion had been drained out of her body and she was incapable of feeling any emotion. After selling her soul to that red eyed demon, there was nothing left for her other than the riches and success she had pleaded for oh so long ago. For once, this didn’t faze her and she was quite honestly ‘glad’ that she could no longer feel the fear that would be weighing down on her.

Now it was just playing the waiting game, waiting for the twisted man that caused all of this to happen to her. It was really her fault, but for the sake of her own sanity she would never admit it out loud. There was something comforting about putting the blame for your own suffering on someone else, even if your subconscious constantly reminded you in a shrill tone that it was all your fault.

So here she was now, pacing the living room while impatiently waiting for the bastard to turn up and take her to wherever she was getting dragged down to. Her mind was racing, trying to remember every single moment that lead up to this one, or how she could’ve changed it all. Maybe she could’ve been more patient, but she was in a desperate state and confided in some old friend who lead her to that crossroads.

That was the last thing she could remember, her life beforehand had disappeared entirely from her memory.

She didn’t feel alone here, though it was dead silent and the road leading here had been empty for the past four miles. Everyone seemed to be avoiding this place, hell, it was like no one even knew it was here. It was a crossroads, gravel covering where the road once was. There was an ominous feeling that settled over her as she walked to the center, using her bare hands to dig into a hole that had been covered and uncovered a million times before.

A metal box was beside her, opened as she was constantly rechecking that everything was in there. Graveyard dirt caked in at the bottom while the bone of a black cat and a picture of herself laid on top of it. She closed the box for the last time, setting it into the hole and taking a hesitant breath as her hand hovered over the gravel.

There was still the option to leave. She could grab the box and drive away, nothing would happen and she would be safe from the evils she was going to get into. At what cost, though? She would be unhappy, and her life would be as meaningless as she always knew that it was. Staying would be selfish.

But God, it wasn’t a secret that Y/N L/N only cared about herself.

She recovered the hole and waited until a howling wind pierced through the silence and a suited man stood in front of her.

“Hello, darling,” his eyes looked like molten lava, glowing red pits that stared into her very soul, “you called?”

“I want to be successful. I want to be rich off of the work I do,” she felt the eyes of millions on her as she spoke, their judgment weighing down on her though it was only this demon and her on the crossroads. He was making her nervous, and it seemed to be very purposeful as the grin he adorned was spreading each time a shiver ran down her spine.

“And what do I get for giving you this?” he hummed, rocking on his heels with his hands intertwined behind his back. She shivered again, holding her jacket tighter around herself like it would protect her.

“Me,” Y/N choked out.

“Pleasure doing business with you, love,” he stepped closer, making her shrivel back until she jumped away.

“Wait, what if I don’t want to do this anymore?” She scratched the back of her neck and he rolled his eyes in return, closing them and pinching the bridge of his nose before stalking up to her. Y/N tried to run but ended up cornered against the side of her own car.

“Then you’ll be just as useless as everyone always said you were. You’ll be the disappointment you always thought yourself to be, and you’ll continue to disappoint everyone who you’ve ever known. You don’t want your entire life to be a complete failure, do you?” his voice started being harsh but it got soft at the end as he placed a hand on her shoulder, “you can be everything your family ever wanted you to be. Sweetheart, you’ll be the shining figure that your family and friends look up to. You’ll have everything you ever wanted, I just need your soul.”

Y/N was faded into his touch, her head was pounding from the ringing sound that filled the air. She felt desperate to touch him in every way possible and it was driving her insane that she couldn’t. The hand on her shoulder was comforting, lulling her into a sense of security that was trapping her.

“I don’t know.”

“Come on, sweetie,” it was almost like he read her mind, moving impossibly closer to her and setting one hand on her cheek while the other was on her waist. His brown hair looked nearly black, and the moonlight illuminated his cheekbones and every little detail on his face. He was strikingly handsome and she felt utterly helpless against him, “don’t you want that? Don’t you want to be impressive and be loved by everyone because of all that recognition you deserve? You work so hard, my dear, believe me I know... you’ll finally be who you’ve worked to be. You just have to give into me.”

She took in a breath, his eyes looked so sincere despite the lies he was spewing. There was a voice in her head telling her that there was still time, but the life he told her of was so appealing. She wanted so badly to say no, but instead, she nodded wordlessly.

Another hand came up to her opposite cheek and he pressed his lips against hers. She desperately laced her fingers with his hair, but he pulled away and grinned slyly.

“My name is Dark. Goodbye, Y/N, it was a pleasure doing business with you. See you in ten years.”

Looking back now, she knew he had been manipulating her. He was playing off of her emotions to get her to give in, and God had she been so weak. She craved this life more than anything in the world and after receiving it, it became painfully true that the grass is always greener on the other side. Y/N began to crave emotions again, she just wanted to feel and even if she was begging for jobs again, she’d change the path she had taken in a heartbeat.

However, she couldn’t change what she had done, and she had been given enough time to accept that. There would always be the feeling of regret, it was really the only thing she felt other than paranoia, but she had lived a nice life and it was time to pay for it.

She was tapping the wooden table beside her armchair, gazing at the bed of a dog that had died not too long ago. That was always her greatest fear, that she would leave someone behind when her time was up. This, however, never came up as her family practically disowned her despite everything Dark had said. They just left, for reasons she never really understood, and soon everyone else followed.

Y/N L/N lived a lonely life full of regret that would come to an end soon, one that she wished she could give back. Had the younger version of her not been so naive, maybe she wouldn’t have been in the position that she was now. A younger her was stupid and desperate to be the best at what she did, and maybe if she had waited a little bit longer she could’ve had all this without having to sell her soul. Maybe, maybe, maybe, there were too many maybe’s in Y/N’s life. She wasn’t certain of anything other than her regret anymore.

So she got up, stumbling into the bathroom and staring at her reflection in the mirror. She looked drained, a shell of her former self. In complete honesty, her former self wasn’t someone that she ever wanted to be. Desperate, lonely, and sad, God, nothing had really changed. Her eyes were just sunken in now, her hair had gone gray with stress and she was on the brink of insanity.

She stayed in the mirror for some time, waiting until a familiar heaviness settled over the air. It was dead silent and the mirror in front of her cracked, her own image distorting as shards fell into the sink.

“Long time no see,” a deep voice chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder, “I typically don’t come back to see clients, but you’re a special case, Y/N. See, I don’t want to kill you, I want to help you break your deal.”

“What? Why?” she couldn’t see his reflection in the mirror. Her heart was racing and she wanted to run as fast as she could.

“You’re too pathetic for me to just kill. Your life has been utterly miserable up till this point and it still is.”

Then Y/N began begging, her eyes full of tears as she collapsed on her knees and pleaded with him to break her deal. He just watched silently as she sobbed violently, with no real emotion behind her crying, just desperation.

She cried for what felt like hours until loud howls and barks overpowered them. Claws were tearing into her skin, these ugly hounds ripping her apart as Dark just chuckled from above her.

“Just kidding, darling, I just wanted to see you beg. See, you’re still the pathetic, desperate bitch that you were when we first met. I’ll see you in hell, peasant,” he spat on her as she thrashed and screamed, till he disappeared without a trace and Y/N was nothing but a mangled body in her bathroom with an unknown killer.

[cosmicsnowcryptid]

The Author Created All Of Mark’s Other Characters- Here’s How, and Why.

I saw a post vaguely suggesting this, and I am in love with it, so I did some digging and crafted this for you guys.

This is gonna be a long one, so buckle up. This is your only warning.

Mark has said that these people are separate from him- Dark, Wilford, Google, etc- they all inhabit a different body. This is something we’ve seen, too- Dark and Mark, as well as Wilford and Mark, have been observed in the same place at the same time. So why are all these entities drawn to Mark? Why do they all look like him?

Because only one, The Author, cares about him, and has created all these characters based around him. 

They all resemble him because The Author has been creating them to seek revenge on Mark, in essence. Mark is both his favorite and his most loathed character, which is why he won’t leave him alone. 

Let me explain. 

The basic description of The Author is simply that whatever he writes comes true. We know that he is omnipotent, but not omniscient- that is to say, he is the creator, but is not all-knowing. His characters can surprise him. This is because, in the beginning, he did not write his own creations from scratch. He simply plucked people from our world and wrote stories around them. That means they have some semblance of free will, which is why they can be uncooperative.

The evidence for this is in Danger In Fiction Chapter II.  A notebook is left on Ryan’s doorstep,with text that simply says:

Let your story begin.

Now, this could always mean that he simply wrote this little part into a story, like a meta-twist, but we know this isn’t the case. Why? Because when The Author is controlling something, we can hear his voice. So this is our real world that he’s editing. Okay, so that’s pretty obvious. But why is it important?

Because this all implies that The Author needs permission to be let in, but once he is, that permission cannot be revoked. However, it can be resisted.

Keep that in mind, because it’s going to be really important soon.

So, we know that The Author primarily likes to alter the lives of those that already exist in this universe. For a while, he enjoys the challenge it brings. He’s just messing around with lives that he considers inconsequential. 

The one who changed this for him was Mark.

Mark, a man who was down on his luck, who figured he had nothing left to lose, and opened the notebook that was left on his doorstep. 

Remember what The Author says to Ryan? “I’ve written many bestsellers. I’m sure you’ve read some.” He’s not talking about books. At this point, he still only uses people from the real world in his stories. He’s talking about lives, and Mark is his greatest and most successful “bestseller”. 

This is why Mark is his favorite character. He’s the one that received the most attention.

Mark is, at the same time, his most loathed character, because he did not give credit where credit was due.

Mark’s original success was entirely because of The Author, and he never once acknowledged it. Instead, he made himself believe that the success was because of himself and the audience that watched- deluded himself into thinking the original audience was there because they liked him, and not the “him” that The Author had carefully refined. The more he allowed himself to believe this, the more he pushed away The Author. The voice that narrated his life became fainter and fainter, until it was almost nonexistent.

But you can’t get rid of him. You can only resist him for so long.

He hid in the shadows, bitterly trying to find a new project, until Mark started doing something that set The Author off, made him so furious that he vowed to ruin the life of his once-loved creation.

Mark started to make sketch videos. He started to create characters of his own. To The Author, this was like spitting directly in his eye. He made immature characters and jokes that made bile rise in The Author’s throat. I could do so much better, he would think. You don’t know what you’re doing. This is all wrong. I could do this so much better. The final nail in the coffin is when he made a video where he played The Author himself- a bastardized version, a childish one, where Mark took every truth he knew about The Author and then mixed them with immature jokes- and he ended the skit with The Author having been shot and humiliated. 

This man thinks he knows how to create? After defying the Creator himself? He really thinks it’s safe to play God right now? Does he even know what he’s getting himself into? Does he know what it feels like when your characters

d i s o b e y    y o u?

Let’s find out.

The Author was not going to rest until he made every single one of Mark’s characters real, and made them ruin him.

He started in a place that Mark wouldn’t expect. He started with a character that had no real name, no basis except for a few silly edits that were supposed to be “spooky”. He started with a character that he could project all of his anger and hatred for Mark onto. He started with a nightmare.

Remember this?

By giving Dark a name, we finally gave the Author the last piece that he needed to write. 

Because we gave him a name, we made him real.

He knows who wrote him into existence, and he knows that the community is the reason The Author could finally create him. So he knows who we are.

Why did we do this?

Darkiplier is the strongest character. He is the one who haunted Mark in secret for years, plaguing his dreams while The Author played around with other characters in the light.

 He let Warfstache stab Mark to death at one point, but immediately brought him back to life, because he doesn’t want Mark dead. That would be too easy, and would ensure he never gets the credit for his work. No, he wants to ruin him instead. Show him what it’s like when your characters stab you in the back. He wants revenge.

This is why Dark is the most pervasive and insistent of them all. He’s the one who is always there, on and off camera, making sure Mark never has a peaceful night’s sleep.

In A Date With Markiplier, it’s obvious that Dark wants our affection, our attention, to be revered above Mark specifically. People have been struggling to figure out what his motivation could possibly be. 

 Dark is The Author’s self-insert character, and his hatred for Mark and desire for our attention stems from The Author’s burning desire for credit, for us to see that the work was his all along and to love him instead.

How can we know this? Well, let’s take a look.

The Author needs permission to be let in.

“You just have to let me in. It’s as simple as that.”

Once he has permission, it cannot be revoked. It can, however, be resisted, which is what Mark has been doing for years- constantly shutting him out.

Before Mark, The Author enjoyed the challenge that writing pre-existing people brought. He liked that they could keep him on his toes. But after Mark, after his blatant disrespect, he became violent and unstable when people refused to listen to him. He has lost all patience.

“I am tired of giving people a choice.”

“Why do we need to choose in life?” 

The Author wants the attention of the audience that he believes truly belongs to him, and he’ll use his ability to make that happen, whether through affection or intimidation.

“I can take you anywhere you’d like to go. I can especially take you to places you don’t want to go.”

If things go the way he wants them to, what happens?

You humiliate Mark like he humiliated The Author in his skit- you shoot him and walk away. 

You can explore all the possibilities, of course- this is one of The Author’s greatest works. He created so many different branching paths, and he’s thrilled to have someone see them all. Or, as Dark said,

“It’s exciting, knowing that there are endless possibilities waiting for us.”

But heaven help you if you decide that you want to leave. He will trap you in a loop until you understand what he wants you to understand, and every time you try to escape, he- or, Darkiplier, the representation of him- will throw you right back in. “You are never going to escape,” he tells us.

Don’t you understand how much work I put into this? You don’t even know the truth yet, who these characters are, what they represent, who made them. Are you saying you don’t care? You don’t want to recognize me, either?

Well, that’s a problem. See, you let your story begin the second you started our little adventure here, and that’s not the answer I’m looking for. 

T r y   a g a i n?

And yet, after all this, we still fail to recognize The Author. No matter how many times he brings back characters- making them darker, more serious, “more than HE ever gave you”- the credit goes to Mark, time and time again.

He is getting very, very frustrated with us for not recognizing the work he’s done. 

“You’d think,” he hisses in Mark’s dreams, “that after all of this, no matter how much you deny it, they’d finally get it through their skulls. Your lies are inconsistent. Your explanations are weak. Your infantile jokes can only hide so much. If they were half as smart as you think they are, they would understand. They would know by now that something is wrong.”

“I’m not sure they don’t,” Mark admits reluctantly.

“I am.” Dark says. It is a vessel that The Author likes to make his point through, even in nightmares. Especially in nightmares.

“How?”

“Because I asked them.”

“Nobody does.”

[dahlthir-blog]

    ➜ Leviathan has been accepted!

Welcome to Dahlthir, Reid! Your application for Leviathan has been approved. You’ll have 5 days to turn in your blog to the masterlist. If you need more time, you can send us a message!

The character portion of the application can be found under the cut. I’m crying! Leviathan’s background reads so well as its own independent tale. The way you inserted information in, describing the different lore behind Leviathans, really complimented the rest of the writing! Squall sounds so cool, too! I yell!! I love the parts of the world you’ve made aaaa!!

( CHARACTER SECTION )

Other Characters: –

Faceclaim(s) & Series: Hans Christian Anderson | Fate Series

Character Name: Leviathan Housing: Personal housing Age: 500.

Level: 5

Appearance:

Leviathan is a sea serpent who retains the form of a 13 year old boy. His human body is fragile but lithe. He has azure colored hair and celtic blue eyes. Up close, his eyes appear to glister in the same way as a certain peaceful sea he once settled in years ago. When he’s touched by water, shimmering pale blue scales will replace only the wet human skin. It is, unfortunately, something Leviathan can’t control. But at the very least, no matter how many scales spread across his human flesh, being touched by water won’t revert him back to his true form unless he wishes to. His true form is snake-like and at length, over 65 feet long. His scales, which dare one call pretty, are unique as they appear pale blue but reflect other shades of blue at different angles. His naturally shimmering scales make it seem like his body is surrounded by a thin layer of white light.

Are they a part of the Adventurer’s Guild? (Recruit or Full Member): No —- How long have they been part of the Guild:  –

Warnings: brief mention of death by drowning

Personality:

( + )  deep thinker ( + ) sympathetic ( + ) courteous 

( + / - ) curious

( - )  perfectionist ( - ) self-limiting ( - ) lazy

Background:

‘The storm never stops. The winds ruthlessly rock your ship back and forth in the same spot, never letting you move on as it chips away from your ship. And even if you domanage to pull away, you’ll either get caught by the endless number of whirlpools or eaten by Squall’s boss.

The Kraken’

–So goes the rumor of the treacherous and merciless ocean, Squall.

It’s a story which gives the cowardly a good scare and a dream to the young and the bold adventurers of the sea. But only the seasoned adventurers know that the tale doesn’t end there. Beneath the raging stormy waters of Squall, and even further below the abysmal sea where the Kraken’s den most certainly lies, dwells the sea serpents.

The discovery of the sea serpents in Squall happened by chance. A large ship captained by a man and his wife decide to put themselves to the test, to be the first to venture through Squall and it’s harsh endless storms and field of whirlpools and all other vicious perils crafted by the waters. The captains and their crew were famous for overcoming challenges like this, having returned two months prior from a deadly trip to a cursed island with a large heap of treasure after solving the island’s greatest riddle behind its curse. And after hearing about Squall, they wanted to ‘solve’ it as well by figuring out a way to cross its waters. The beginning of their journey past Squall was rough, but soon enough the unbeatable challengers were bearing with the storm with ease and had overcome the winds that pulled their ship into it’s own rhythm after a few days. With the winds conquered, the challengers ship turned left and right and around the whirlpools. Not once did the infamous Kraken appear. It seemed like an easy win at that point. Could the story of Squall be nothing else but an exaggerated tale once told by inexperienced adventurers? As the crew merrily celebrated an early victory, the captains couldn’t bring themselves to believe all was truly over in this adventure of theirs. It couldn’t have been, not when the two of them knew fully well that the adventures they chose together were always more dangerous and thrilling than this. And then he appeared. No one could believe what they saw but there was no denying the large beast who had risen from the sea right by the port of their ship and dove back into the waters from the starboard. Yes, denying the sight of the large and endlessly long body arched right above their ship would’ve been impossible for any crew member that survived afterward. Petrified by the beast, no one noticed the second and third beast appear until the third beast actively struck their ship. The ship rocked dangerously as large tentacles grasped the vessel by its main deck and began to crush it in its hold. Of the three beasts that’d appeared, two were the same but this one had been the Kraken finally making its long expected appearance. With its appearance, the ship didn’t even last for 5 minutes and there was no hope for the crew members anymore. It is said they were all immediately swallowed up by the sea and drowned.

Except for two. The captains lived on only because as they fell into the water together hand in hand, they were swept up by the claws of the first beast. It was then that the two of them fainted as they could hardly keep up with the events they and their crew had been dragged into. But the last thing one of the two noticed before they went unconscious was the beautiful pale blue scales of the large snake-like beast. She whispered the name ‘Leviathan’ and closed her eyes.

—–

What lies beyond Squall is a sea where the waves are gentle and as the sun rises and falls, the waters look as though they are sparkling. If Squall is treacherous and ugly then this could be called wondrous and beautiful.

When the woman finally regained consciousness, she found her and her husband stranded on a large rock in the middle of the beautiful sea, and almost fainted once more at the sight of the large beast in front of them. The woman gasped the name, ‘Leviathan’, once more and as if she believed ‘Leviathan’ would speak back to her, she carefully asked the beast ‘Is that who you are?’. 

Leviathan. A sea serpent, sometimes referred to as a wingless dragon, that ruled the sea unlike the winged dragons who ruled the skies. Many knew Leviathan as a sea creature who caused destruction wherever it appeared but because no one has ever seen such a beast before, they all believed the creature’s existence was a myth. 

Yet the awestruck woman called this beast ‘Leviathan’ not because she believed in the infamous story, but because she was aware of a different story of Leviathan that very few knew.

Leviathan. A sea serpent with beautiful scales, so pale at first glance but so beautiful up close when your eyes could see each scale reflect a different shade of the ocean’s color. It was as though Leviathan was the entity of all the different seas in the world. The graceful beast would bring about great fortune, perhaps even the blessing of the sea, wherever it appeared.

Unfortunately, the woman received no answer. Instead the sea serpent peered at her and then dove back into the water. Later on, her husband would stir awake and the woman would tell him of what she saw. The two would come to the decision that in order to respect the fortune Leviathan had graced upon them, their journey at sea would end here. They would tell only trusted adventurers of the beasts they saw, but only few would know one of the beasts had been called ‘Leviathan’. 

—–

Leviathan?

The nameless wingless beast who understood human dialect was confused.

Who is Leviathan? It couldn’t have been him, a nameless sea serpent.

The wingless beast who had no method of responding to the human retreated into the foreign waters.

—– 

The beast without a name recalled the events that’d taken place. An exchange gone wrong. A responsibility he didn’t want being shoved into his direction. ‘The clan needs a new leader’, they’d said, but what’s a nameless serpent like him to do about that? Shouldn’t they elect a serpent with more status? –Of course not. To the sea serpents, names and status were already too much of a burden. What sea serpent with a name and status would want to direct a bunch of other sea serpents? A sea serpent with a name and status couldn’t be bothered. So why then do the sea serpent even need a leader? Order. Because of order. The sea serpents were strange creatures that needed to believe a system existed between each of them. Yet the ones with a name couldn’t be bothered to take that responsibility themselves for some reason.

So the duties were turned down by many for the same exact reason until finally, the wingless beast was asked. He declined at first but because he was nameless and the sea serpents were growing antsy, they attempted to force the responsibilities onto him anyway. But before any sort of ritual could begin, the wingless beast fled, awakening the Kraken as he was chased by but one single sea serpent ( what lazy creatures the sea serpents were ). He didn’t know why he plucked the two humans and took off. Perhaps it was because despite how desperate he was to escape, he pitied the humans who had to suffer. Whatever reason it was, it mattered little to him for the next mere 13 years of dwelling deep below the foreign sea that calmed his nerves.

—– 

Eventually, the wingless beast grew tired of dwelling on the ocean floor of this beautiful sea. He remembered the sky he saw 13 years ago. How marvelous it’d been! He had to see it again. Surely it would be fine. Feeling courageous ( as if any sea serpent would come looking for him, right? ), the sea serpent swam up with little concern of where he would rise from so long as he was able to see that magnificent blue sky again.

When the beast had risen up to see the sky, he heard the sound of a gasp and a name. ‘Leviathan’, the human child said in awe. The beast quickly turned to face the human child who looked up at him with fascination. That name again. Why is a nameless serpent like him being called such a mystifying name by yet another human? Would he know if he asked? He can’t the way he is now. The serpent’s jaw opened. Words. A voice. He desired those more than anything else at that moment. But could it be granted to a nameless wingless beast? He’d seen named sea serpents grow bored and decide they would venture the lands with the humans but never before had a nameless done the same.

He grew frustrated. He had to try it anyway.

‘A voice. A body. Give it to me.’ The serpent ceased any useless thoughts as he tried to fulfill his desire to speak the same way as this human child. To stand the same way as this human child.

The sea serpent succeeded, and his ethereal snake-like body was transformed into that of young boy who looked as though he was the entity of the sea with his blue hair and eyes, and arms and legs marked with scales that seemed to reflect many different shades of blue. The human child continued to stare in awe at what he’d seen. But the moment hardly lasted and what happened right after was almost comical: the human had suddenly looked away, embarrassed, while the naked serpent found that they could hardly stand on their own two human legs and toppled over with a yelp.

Seeing the serpent fall onto his knees, the human child seemed to have forgotten about their embarrassment and knelt down quickly by the serpent’s side. Hesitantly, they put a hand on the serpent’s now human shoulder. They asked the serpent if they were okay, and once more they referred to the serpent by the name ‘Leviathan’.

The serpent was frustrated again – he couldn’t stand properly and this human had called him Leviathan yet another time. “I do not have a name.” The sea serpent snapped. His first words. “Yes you do,” the boy carefully replied “you’re name is Leviathan.”

—–

The human child ended up having to carry the sea serpent back with him to his ‘summer home’ ( the wingless beast hadn’t the slightest idea why humans lived in more than one home ). The human chatted away, hardly leaving any room for the wingless beast to feel at least a little embarrassed about having to be carried.

“I can’t believe I’m meeting Leviathan! You’re scales are so pretty! Just like the story my mom told me! Oh but it looks like they’re fading away. Is that supposed to happen? Do you need to be in water? Wouldn’t that make you like a… a mermaid! But without the tail!”

No. No actually everything coming out of this child’s mouth was embarrassing to hear.

When the two arrived, the serpent was a little startled to see that the human child’s parents were the very same humans the sea serpent had ‘saved’ on a whim 13 years ago. But he just barely catches the shocked expression on the two humans faces because he was too busy struggling out of the child’s grasp after he heard the child say “Mom look I found Leviathan! I’m gonna go dump him in the tub first and then I’ll tell you what happened!”. ( Being dropped in a tub full of water wasn’t a very fun experience. )

Afterward, when the child felt he had shared enough to his parents who readily believed everything he saw based on the mother’s own experience, the humans went to go see the sea serpent still left (locked) in the bathroom. What they saw was the sea serpent’s human body covered head to toe in those wondrous scales. The boy was the only one who readily approached the sea serpent, enchanted once more with those scales of all blue. The boy introduced himself and his family right there – the boy’s name was Squall, the father’s was Hector, the mother’s was Joan, and Squall happily added “And you are Leviathan!”

Squall was… Persistent. He would always stay by the sea serpent’s side and talk for a long time, whether the serpent was stuck in the bathroom or sitting somewhere with his feet submerged in a bucket of water. For some reason, Squall thought the sea serpent needed to constantly be in water. The wingless beast thought it was a bit of a pain.

“Stop. It’s fine. I don’t need water all the time when I’m like this. Just what do you take me for? A fish?”

The boy almost dropped the bucket of water he was holding. He looked at  the serpent with pure joy and blurted out, “That’s– That’s the second thing you’ve ever said to me!”

And from then on, Squall began to ask the sea serpent questions, hoping to hear the sea serpent’s voice again and again.

“Where did you come from?” “How come you can turn human? And you look like you’re my age! But shorter. Sorry, sorry, don’t get mad– But hey, does that mean you’re gonna get older?” “Leviathan, has anyone ever told you you’re scales are pretty? Huh? What’s wrong? Hey, why are you hiding? It’s true!”

But there was one question that stuck out the most.

“Leviathan, don’t you ever want to go back to the sea? Wait that came out wrong– Hey, wait, don’t look like that. I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to ask. How come you’ve stuck around for so long? Summer’s already almost over.”

Why did the serpent stick around in this human form of his? Originally, the serpent meant to ask Squall why he called him ‘Leviathan’, but instead the serpent’s gotten all caught up in this boy’s pace so much that he responded to the name ‘Leviathan’ without any hesitation or confusion as if it were truly his own. But that isn’t right. A nameless beast just doesn’t getused to being called a name. It had to be bestowed onto him.

“I don’t have a name, you know.”

“You don’t have a… Yes you do. It’s Leviathan, isn’t it?”

That answer again. How frustrating.

“Then, where did the name ‘Leviathan’ come from?”

“A story. It’s about a sea serpent with scales just like yours.”

“And so you thought I was Leviathan just because of that?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, you really do match up with the story.”

“Ridiculous. That story doesn’t have anything to do with me. I don’t have a name.”

“You’re saying that again? Fine then how about this– If you really aren’t Leviathan, then why don’t you become Leviathan? It should be easy.”

“…”

“From now on, you’re name is ‘Leviathan’. Now you can’t say you don’t have a name anymore” 

What a simple child, but for some reason ‘Leviathan’ didn’t mind that. 

And so Leviathan continued to live with this human family even after summer passed. Every once in a while, Leviathan went to the sea but never for very long. Nonetheless, sightings of his presence spread, and if anyone knew his name was Leviathan, it was because of Squall who spread the kinder ‘story of Leviathan’ he faithfully believed in since childhood.

Roughly 5 years later, Squall and Leviathan part ways with Joan and Hector, and move together in Dahltir. Leviathan sometimes disappears from town to visit the sea whenever Squall (that adventure loving fool who decided to join the guild) takes on a quest, but it wouldn’t be unusual to find Leviathan in Antheia’s Spring or wandering around the outskirts of town.

General Powers/Abilities/Unusual Traits Description:

No longer a nameless sea serpent, the water faithfully acts to his bidding when he is in his true form. He can manipulate torrents of water, disrupt the ocean waves and cause whirlpools and unforgiving tsunamis, and even raise the sea to create his own chamber of water should he ever need to rise from the water. Though wingless, he can levitate and take to the skies for a while but he only ever does so if the sea waits for him directly below.

In his human form, he can beckon any traces of nearby sources of water and manipulate them however he wishes to. When he’s bored, he likes to levitate a short thin stream of water and spin it around lazily with his finger.

Specific Powers/Abilities/Traits of Note

He can use water to heal wounds

Can purify water with a mere touch

His human form can breathe under water

Extra:

Leviathan has been in his human form for about 5 years but still has the body of a 13 year old. Apparently, his body ages at an extremely slow pace.

[sen-solaan]

The Intelligence of Ignorance

“Sokhana,” she groaned, rubbing a finger along the snout between her eyes. The female senaalian turned, at the same time twitching her antennae in such a way as to express disproval. “That is literally the dumbest idea I have ever heard.”

Solaan twitched perkily alongside his sister. The two of them stood alone in the small room together, with the windows shut and barred, and the door itself barricaded by a chair, such that no one on Senaalisa would be able to walk into their conversation and overhear the information.

Ledaka watched her brother closely as he maintained an utterly logic-defying chipper disposition. The words that tumbled out of his mouth were almost incoherent, but the excited and energetic tone was inescapable.

“Oh, that’s the entire point! I mean, the entire point is to be dumb. But it’s not dumb. It’s not dumb at all. Grandiose. Plan is grandiose. It’s completely smart. The entire point is I’m doing something that is very smart but it’s something you think is dumb so that’s the entire point. And don’t forget, the name’s Solaan, it’s Solaan, you know that, I’ve told you, don’t let our ancestors get angered at us. We’re still siblings, of course we are, but you know the soul of Solaan is in me now, so you better be calling me Solaan instead of Sokhana, right?”

“Right. Solaan. Sorry.” 

Ledaka huffed and stepped away, turning away from her biological brother and staring at an empty wall. She frowned for a moment, took a second to lick one of her eyeballs, and then turned around. Her glare at Solaan was impeccably stern.

“My point still stands, though. You’re seriously just going to run off on fool’s errands and ditch the entire senaalian race?”

“No! No. No no no no no no no! Not at all! Not at all! Preposterous idea, completely against what I am hoping to accomplish. I might be leaving the planet, but my future heroicism across the stars will return to your people and brand you with a new form of awe, excitement, and happiness! The senaalians will all look up to me with glee because I am a hero, and -”

Ledaka cut her brother off, entirely unamused.

“Quit the shit with me, Sokha- Solaan. Quit it. You’re talking to me, the one person alive who knows your stupid charade. Drop it.”

Conflicted features ran across Solaan’s face: hurt, concern, and above it all, a defiant glibness.

“Oh come on sis! I’m not close with like all of my siblings except you and stuff, I mean you’re the only one I’m close to from my siblings, so that means you should totally know that this is entirely me!”

“Sort of you,” she amended. She sighed. Pacing around her brother, she began peeling away his layers, bit by bit, in an utterly scathing tone of voice. 

“Being happy, cheerful, I know it’s the way you ‘deal’ with all the dry spells and tormenting heat in your life. If you pretend to be naive long enough, maybe that’ll mean emotionally on the inside you’ll be experiencing the bliss of ignorance. If you act happy all the time, then that means you never have to deal with the issues eating the inside of your soul. By being so cheerful, you guarantee that you can keep on pushing away the things that you never want to be serious enough to confront.”

A happy voice confronted her. “Ledaka, what do you -”

“QUIET!” she hissed. She waved a hand angrily in his direction. Then she continued. 

“You actually seem to believe you’re that happy. And I think you are happy and as perky as you act. That’s how much you’re steeped in your own lies. Your own intentional lies. If people lie to themselves long enough, they do start to believe and live it. That’s what you’ve intentionally done to yourself - cocoon yourself away from all your problems, all your stresses, all your grievances, all your pain. You actually do believe you have no problems and stresses and grievances and pain because you don’t ever take the time to self-reflect.”

“I know who I am, Ledaka!” Solaan managed to insert that comment into the center of her tirade. His voice was shaking a little bit, but he still managed to sound fairly juvenile and innocent. “I know who I am, I definitely do, and I know who I’m going to become! I’m going to be a -”

“A roving space hero, I know,” she said dryly. “Look, brother,” she said, leaning toward him. Their eyes were almost touching, she leaned in so close. “You need to reflect internally. All you do is run away. Run away emotionally. And now, you’re going to be running away physically. Run away, run away, run away! For all you can be analytical and level-headed with your precious scientific data, you are absolutely incapable of seeing what’s inside your own soul! Absolutely obtuse. Shallow! You’re never going to confront your issues, and so you’re never going to grow.”

“I’ll have a new life!” Solaan protested. “I’ll be going out into space, doing something new and exciting! I’ll save people! I’ll be growing TONS! I’ll grow more than anyone’s ever grown in all of senaalian history and maybe histories of other peoples as well!”

“You’re going to be a buffoon.”

For once, silence descended in Ledaka’s household.

Solaan’s eyes stared down at the floor. His feet shuffled. His antennae twitched. And then he said, slowly, quietly, with none of the chipper eagerness of before:

“Yes.”

His sister recognized the change in vocal tone immediately. She sighed, but this time, not in exasperation. It was relief.

“There you are,” she said. “There’s my brother. Not the twitchy idiot who acts like a child - a child who never could have been a commendable researcher for the senaalian government. Here’s the real deal: the cogent adult who rationally led a team across Senaalisa’s greatest scientific frontiers.”

He stared her in the eye. His gaze was piercing, keen, almost as intense as hers was. But the edge was lost somewhat from the sadness that leaked behind.

“I don’t need to be that person,” he said.

“So you’re going to be a blathering dimwit for the rest of your days?”

“I refuse to be that person,” he enunciated, still continuing on his train of thought, and completely ignoring his sibling’s latest interjection. “I hate that person. You were the only one who liked the level-headed me anyway. Only came out when it had to. Just enough to place me in control for scientific endeavors and to be respected by my peers.”

“The level-headed you is what made you an extraordinary asset to Senaalisa’s scientific community.”

“The level-headed not-me is what killed...”

He stopped his sentence. Never finished.

“You know I can’t stay here,” he said, backing up. He was moving toward the barricaded door and pushing away the chair that was blocking his exit. “I cannot live with the press, the interviews, the questions, the concerns of why I was the only survivor on the mission. I cannot live continuing a life that destroyed what I cared about the most. I cannot live in any way here on the planet so long as people know who I am and what I’ve done. There’s no way to escape it on Senaalisa. The best way to get over this is to disappear by completely changing my image and heading off to the far reaches of the galaxy. No one will find me out there, not any of you.

“And you know...” he gave a wry smirk “...I was always bored with offices and paperwork.”

Solaan gestured widely, almost grandly. “Think about it this way, Tsela Ledaka. It’s a new challenge for me. A new field of exploration. A way for me to keep exploring where I’ve always wanted to go.”

“It’s self-denial and avoiding your shit,” she said flatly. But then, with a shrug-like twitch of her antennae, she continued, “but I realize I’m not going to change your mind. You can’t self-reflect. You can’t, even when you try. Not in your charaded personality, and not in your real personality, either. Nothing I say will make you think through your issues. Nothing I say will keep you from running away forever and pretending you never were who you actually are. So I guess all I can do...” and her face finally softened “...is wish you the best.”

“I’ll miss you,” he said.

She turned away, but there was distress on her face. It was clear Ledaka did not want Solaan to see her this upset. 

“I’ll miss you, too,” she said.

When she turned around, he was gone.

[poems-for-oldest-daughters]

I'm really tired and I'm definitely crazy but all of them for the number ask thing

Holy shit Esther, okay. Um thanks lol You’re awesome, I love you so much omg.

Answers below the cut bc I’m feeling nice tonight.

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

1. “How Does A Moment Last Forever” - Kevin Kline (Beauty and The Beast)

2. “Belle” - Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Ensemble (Beauty and The Beast)

3. “Make You Miss Me” - Sam Hunt

4. “Beauty And The Beast” - Ariana Grande & John Legend (Lol Beauty and The Beast)

5. “Impossible” - James Aurthur

6. “Aria” - Audra McDonald (Beauty and The Beast)

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Um lets see Jared Padalecki, my soulmate @the-thirteenthhour, tumblr mom Morgan @assbutt-still-in-hell, and a whole lot of my other Tumblr peeps

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

“It was unsettling to watch.”

4) What do you think about most?

I think the thought that pops into my head the most is “keep fighting.” I think about it a lot.

5) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

I think someone wrote a song about me once, but they said they lost the paper and I never got to see it. Other than that, I don’t think so.

6) Do you have any strange phobias?

Um yeah, spiders, clowns, spiders, clowns, and did I mention SPIDERS AND CLOWNS?

7) What’s your religion?

I’m a cradle Catholic.

8) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

I’m most likely sitting out side for some peace and quiet. Whether it’s snowing, sunny, and especially when it’s raining, I’ll just sit outside and close my eyes.

9) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

Well I’m not really big on bands or anything, but I really like Panic At The Disco.

10) What was the last lie you told?

I don’t remember

11) Do you believe in karma?

Yeah, but I dont like to let her have all the fun, y’know?

12) What does your URL mean?

Sam Winchester is a reason that I’m alive. Therefore, it’s kind of an answer to a question. “Why are you alive?” - “Because Sam Winchester.”

13) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

I think my greatest weakness is how in touch with my emotions I am, it can be problematic at times. I think my greatest strength is my ability to listen and understand people, which in turn, allows me to effectively give advice.

14) Who is your celebrity crush?

JARED PADALECKI

15) How do you vent your anger?

I usually go for a walk or cry it out by myself. If I ever vent to someone then you know I’ve reached my limit.

16) Do you have a collection of anything?

I had a collection of plastic horse toys, kind of like Breyers, but I gave them to my sister. 

17) Are you happy with the person you’ve become?

I’m not completely content with who I am yet, but I am working on it. I’m happy with how far I’ve come though.

18) What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?

I hate the sound of people chewing and sniffing all their snot in, instead of blowing it out like a sensible person ????? I love the sound of rain and thunder storms, I also love the sound of violins and wire string guitars.

19) What’s your biggest “what if”?

What if one day I’m not strong enough to fight anymore?

20) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

21) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.

22) Smell the air. What do you smell?

Idk what it is, but it’s got a slightly sweet smell. I think it’s Raspberry Jam.

23) What’s the worst place you have ever been to?

One of the worst places I’ve been was probably the wake of my baby niece when I was real small. I can’t remember anything else.

24) Most attractive singer/s of your opposite gender?

The most attractive male singers I’ve ever heard sing are obviously Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki.

25) To you, what is the meaning of life?

Idk about meaning, I don’t know if life has a meaning. I do think everyone has a purpose though.

26) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

I don’t drive yet. Too lazy to get my permit lol as well as the fact that where I live you have to log 100 hours behind the wheel with an adult present in order to get your license unless you’re 18, I am not.

27) What was the last movie you saw?

I’m watching Moana right now.

28) What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

I tore my ACL (a ligament at the back of the knee) a year ago.

29) Do you have any obsessions right now?

Supernatural, Tumblr, writing, singing, Disney Movies, the ocean, Jared Padalecki/Sam Winchester, acting.

30) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

Yep

31) Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

I hold grudges for a while, but after so long it gets tiring and pointless. However, if one does not seek forgiveness before I get tired of holding a grudge, they will be cut out of my life. I don’t need that negativity just because you’re too full of yourself to apologize for whatever you did.

32) What is your astrological sign?

Sagittaius

33) What’s the last thing you purchased?

I purchased a thing of Ocean themed earrings.

34) Love or lust?

Love

35) In a relationship?

Yeah, with Netflix. 

36) How many relationships have you had?

None

37) What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?

I am very good at reading people, so I lay low for a while and watch. Once I get a good feel for someone I can adjust my personality to fit theirs. It’s why I get along with so many different kinds of people.

38) Where is your best friend?

I have a few. One of them is an entire state away. One of them lives 5 minutes from me, the other two live about 20-25 minutes from me. At this moment, I don’t know specifically where any of them are.

39) What were you doing last night at 12 AM?

Sleeping

40) Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?

Yeah, sometimes. 

41) You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?

Save the dog. I’ll explain it to my boss and if they fire me I can find a new job. I can always find a new job, but that one life is the only one the dog will get. Also, I’m just a big softy.

42) You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?

(a) I don’t think I would tell anyone, at least not immediately. I wouldn’t want to be treated like I’m dying during my last days. I suppose I could tell a few very close people though, I just don’t want to be smothered.

(b) I would drop all the unnecessary responsibilities I have and start doing things that I want to do, but subtly. Still don’t want to be treated like I’m dying.

© I don’t know if I would be afraid. I like to think I wouldn’t, I might just be more sad than afraid. Sad to think about my friends and family having to live without me, sad I won’t get to do half the things I always dreamed of doing.

43) What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

“Brother” - NEEDTOBREATHE ft. Gavin DeGraw 

&

“Simple Man” - Cover by Jensen Ackles

44) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

A great romantic relationship should consist of communication, understanding, and honesty. Boundaries should be respected, you should always admit when you are wrong and never leave the house or go to sleep mad at each other. The mindset should be best friends before lovers. You should always want what is best for your partner, but always remember to care for yourself too.

45) How can I win your heart?

It’s pretty easy. If you can make me laugh, but also take part in a deep, soul-searching conversation we’re practically married. 

46) Can insanity bring on more creativity?

Absolutely

47) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

The single best decision I’ve made in my life so far was learning to take care of me first.

48) What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

“Don’t worry bitches, I’ll be back.” Probably not that, but I think it would be funny. Maybe something more like “Here lies: Your mom…. lol jk it’s just me, [insert full name]”

49) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “heart.”

All that came to mind was Sam Winchester. *shrug*

50) Basic question; what’s your favorite color/colors?

Green

51) What is your current desktop picture?

A sea turtle

52) If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?

I’d say probably this kid named Billy who goes to my church. If you met him you would know why.

53) What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?

Oh god, okay well a lot of the time I would be afraid to tell the truth when people ask me if I’m okay. lol but don’t go asking me if I’m okay or anything after you read this cause that’s not cool.

54) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?

Oh, hell yeah, I would totally want super strength or laser eyes.

55) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?

I think I would relive the half-hour chunk of time from my 5th birthday party when me and my best friend at the time were outside in the cold November fog riding a miniature pony. There were other kids there, but only her and I were excited about it and I would honestly give anything to go back a relive that innocent bliss.

56) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I think I would erase having to lose my horse just March of this year.

57) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

I would probably sleep with Demi Lovato or Sabrina Carpenter. This is kind of a hard question because usually I only know singers for their music, not their looks or anything.

58) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

Obviously, I’d go to see my soulmate. Although, I would have to be strategic about this. I think i would drive to go get her and then buy her ticket (bc mine’s free) and we’d go see mom. ( @assbutt-still-in-hell )

59) Ever been on a plane?

No, I don’t really want to, but I probably will at some point.

60) Give me your top 5 hottest celebrities.

1. Jared Padalecki

2. Jensen Ackles

3. Misha Collins

4. Gal Gadot

5. Ian Somerhalder (and Genevieve Padalecki, why tf do I only get 5????)

What can I say except you’re WELCOME! Thanks for the questions, they only took me an hour and half to do lol.

[animestoreonline-blog]

20+ Most Badass Quotes from Anime & Manga

20+ Most Badass Quotes from Anime & Manga

Attack on Titan Badass Quote

Background: The wall which protects man-eating titans from people have been breached and everyone in the city needs to evacuate to the inner walls in order to be saved. One of the exits is blocked by a huge cargo belonging to an influential middle aged guy (let’s call him “the rich guy”), making the crowd impossible get past. The rich guy has bodyguards and is bullying around the common people to help him push the cargo as “this cargo is worth more than you could ever make in your whole pathetic lives”.

The crowd asks the soldiers to arrest the rich guy, but they are too scared as the rich guy knows their boss. They didn’t want to get into any trouble. As all this commotion is going on, a titan appears in the corner and everyone is scared sheetless, there is utter chaos and people start pushing the cargo to escape getting eaten.

Mikasa, one of the soldiers, comes to the rescue and kills the titan in one quick moment.

Mikasa (noticing that people haven’t evacuated yet): “What do you think you’re doing?”

The rich guy: “Good timing! You! Make them help me out! I’ll reward you handsomely!”

Mikasa(shocked and disgusted) : “My comrades are dying as we speak. The noncombatants haven’t evacuated yet, so they’re fighting the titans and dying.”

The rich guy: “That’s only natural! It’s your duty to offer up your hearts to protect us civilians and our wealth! Dont get all high and might just because you parasites have finally emerged from 100 years of uselessness!”

-Badass mode on-

Mikasa: “If you think its only natural that people die for others, then I’m sure you’ll understand. Sometimes, sacrificing one precious life can save many others”

The rich guy: “Just you try it. I’ve known your boss for a long time. You’re just a grunt. I can tell him to end you!”

Mikasa: “But how is a corpse going to tell him anything?”

The rich guy (stammering): “P-pull out the cargo…”

Nnoitra (Espada) Bleach Badass Quote

“So you’re one of those. The kind of hero who thinks if your girl’s safe you actually have a shot at taking me down? Well I have news for you.” – Nnoitra (Espada #5)

This is said in response to Ichigo saying “let Orihime go”.

It’s one of the best quotes from a villain especially.

Donquixote Doflamingo Badass Quote (One Piece)

“Pirates are evil? The Marines are righteous? These terms have always changed throughout the course of history! Kids who have never seen peace and kids who have never seen war have different values! Those who stand at the top determine what’s wrong and what’s right! This very place is neutral ground! Justice will prevail, you say? But of course it will! Whoever wins this war becomes justice!”

It’s quite a deep sentiment for a shonen manga.

One Outs Badass Quote

“Winning is about making your opponents lose, making them taste defeat, crushing a fallen opponent, kicking them when they’re down, rubbing salt into a gaping wound. Winning is about trampling over corpses. It’s not beautiful, it’s BRUTAL“

Vegeta’s Pride Badass Quote

Vegeta: You can take control of my mind and my body, but there is one thing a Saiyan always keep… his PRIDE!

DBZ: Goku & Vegeta Badass Quotes

Omega Shenron: Where are the other two? Gogeta: The Saiyans? They’re here. I am they. We are one. Unfortunately for you Omega.

For me the most badass quote from an anime would be from,

Fairy Tail’s Badass Quotes

“Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant, and you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live”

Whenever a Mage wishes to leave Fairy Tail

Hitotsu: You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live.

Futatsu: You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain.

Mittsu: Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant, and you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live

Still gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. You will feel different emotions of every character who spoke of it as it really comes from the heart.

That’s all folks, I hope you liked it. ^^

Source: Google.

Bleach: Aizen Badass Quote

Aizen Souske to Hirako Shinji (Bleach) “All living creatures place their faith in someone more powerful than them and they cannot survive unless they blindly follow that person. The recipient of that faith then seeks out someone in an even higher position in order to escape from the pressure. That person then seeks out someone even more powerful that he must put his faith in. In this way all kings are born and in this way all Gods are born. Do not believe in me yet, Hirako Shinji for now I shall slowly teach you who the God is that you will put your faith in. Believing in me comes after that.”

Nanatsu No Taizai Badass Quote

When it comes to being a badass no one can come close to quotes made by Escanor from Nanatsu No Taizai:

To the Vampire King( actual introduction of escanor before galan fight): “In this realm, Kings such as you are as numerous as grains of sand.. but I am no such thing. I am an existence unlike any other in this world.”

To Estarossa : “My mighty attacks can not reach thee? Who decided that ? My Sun was swallowed by the speck of your darkness .. and who decided that ? … The only one who gets to decide such things is me……..be gone..”

To Ban = “Acting calm and composed is the privilege of the mighty”

And the list can go on and on. Any word coming from the Sin of Pride is the very definition of badass.

One piece: Roronoa Zoro Badass Quote

How has this not written yet??

This from the future greatest swordsman Zoro in the one piece world, one of the many who have eaten the badass badass no mi

To monet at punk hazard

Z: You talked so big but you’re taking so much time , now I have to leave

M: what is going on ? I thought he won’t cut women

Z: You should have ran the moment you thought you couldn’t beat me , of course there are things that even I don’t want to cut

* insert the demonic smile*

But have you ever seen a wild ferocious beast that you were sure wouldn’t bite , because I …… haven’t

While an amazing ost goes on in the background

Rurouni Kenskin Badass Quote

There are plenty of badass anime quotes out there, but these two are my personal favorites:

The strong shall live, the weak shall perish.

– Shishio Makoto (Rurouni Kenshin)

If you want death, come forward.

– Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)

Full Metal Alchemist Badass Quotes

I love this one by Edward Elric from FMA:

“You’ll have to decide for yourself. Walk on your own. Move forward. You’ve got a strong pair of legs, Rose. You should get up and use them.”

Hachiman Badass Quotes

Its not as badass… But the depth will kill you…

“I  hate nice girls. Just exchanging greetings with them will get them on  your mind. Start texting each other, and your heart will be set a  flutter. If they call you, you’re done for. Enjoy staring at your logs  and grinning like a fool. However, I won’t get fooled again. That’s what  your kind calls kindness. If you’re nice to me, you’re nice to others. I  always end up nearly forgetting that. Reality is cruel, so I’m sure  lies are a form of kindness. Thus, I say kindness itself is also a lie. I  always ended up with these expectations. And I always ended up with  these misunderstandings. And before I knew it, I stopped hoping. A  highly trained loner is once bitten, twice shy. As a veteran on this  battlefield of life, I’ve gotten used to losing. That’s why I always  hate nice girls.”

-Hachiman (Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Come Wa Machigatteiru)

Code Geass Badass Quote

There are quite a few badass quote. And most of them is from Code Geass. The one I will listing down below are from Code Geass only.

“If the king does not lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?“

“You can’t change the world without getting your hands dirty.”

“Before creation there must be destruction. If my soul stands in the way, then I’ll toss it aside. Yes, I have no choice but to move forward.“

And the ultimate on: Yes, from this day, from this moment on, the world belongs to me. Lelouch vi Britannia commands you, obey me, subject! Obey me, world!”

Lelouch vi Britannia _/\_ Most badass character in Anime.

Naruto Badass Quotes

This one is from Naruto.. a famous one by PAIN ..

  “You have your justice, and I have mine. We are both ordinary men driven to seek vengeance under the banner of justice. However, if there is justice in vengeance, then justice will only breed more vengeance. And trigger a cycle of hatred”

That Obito in guise of Uchiha Madara made this soliloquy while fighting i forgot with whom is absolutely a badass one. His audacity and boldness made me shiver when i came across this page in naruto shippuuden manga.

“I’m not going there to die. I’m going there to find out if I’m really alive.”

– Spike Spiegel (Cowboy bebop) *This one really hit me hard*

“Slice up those cow tits of yours and make me a sandwich!”

– Beatrice (Umineko no naku koro ni)

Black Lagoon Badass Quote

“I’m the best there is at what I do. What I do best isn’t very nice.”

– Balalaika (Black lagoon)

“Sorry. It is difficult to remember those who came to power through money rather than skill. Better write your name on a dollar bill so I don’t forget it.”

– Balalaika (Black lagoon)

Umineko no naku koro ni Badass Quote

“Humans are pitiful beings, walking forward their backs to the future gazing at the past. This is why they fail to notice the simplest pitfalls and stumble tragically and comically.”

– Bernkastel (Umineko no naku koro ni)

“The only difference between a hero and a madman is whether they win or lose.”

– Lambdadelta (Umineko no naku koro ni)

“When a person lies, what is important is not the lie itself. No, it is their reason. Their why.”

– Holo (Spice and wolf)

Psycho Pass Badass Quote

“If the being casting judgement is perfect, then it has to judge itself as well.”

– Saiga Jouji (Psycho pass)

“When a man faces fear, his soul is tested. What he was born to seek; what he was born to achieve…his true nature will become clear.”

– Shogo Makishima (Psycho pass)

“It’s not the final judgement of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ that’s important. What matters is that you come to that decision yourself. That you agonize over it and eventually accept it.”

– Akane Tsunemori (Psycho pass)

“If I like it, it’s Yuri.”

– Me, in a manga drawn by Morishima Akiko for Yuri Hime magazine in 2007.

***

By saying this in a Japanese manga, I established myself as an arbiter of an entire genre in two countries. (Yes, I really said that. I was joking, but I did say that.)

Code Geass Badass Quote

This one is from Code Geass:

I am Zero, the one who will crush the world…and the one who will recreate the world anew!

Azien Sosuke from Bleach – Badass Quote

Since The Beginning, no one has ever stood in the heavens, neither you, nor I, not even God himself, but that emptiness in the throne of heaven will be filled from this day forth, i will be the one to stand in the heavens. Aizen Sosuke (Bleach)

Itachi Uchiha – Badass Quote

“People live their lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That’s how they define “reality”. But what does it mean to be “correct” or “true”? Merely vague concepts… their “reality” may all be a mirage. Can we consider them to simply be living in their own world, shaped by their beliefs?”“

Bakemonogatari -Badass Quote

“The fake is of far greater value. In its deliberate attempt to be real, it’s more real than the real thing.”

Kaiki Deishuu, possibly my most favorite anime character ever.

Nothing philosophical, nothing pretty, nothing superfluous. Just badass Kenshiro talking badass.

Bleach Badass Quote

This is one of my favourites by Kyoraku in Bleach:

“Once a war breaks out, both sides are evil”A cool picture from the manga:

Hellsing Badass Quote

“Now then, let’s go and die like mangy dogs. Let’s die while yelling “Fuck, Fuck!” as we take gut shots. As we writhe in agony.” – Pip Bernadotte, leader of mercenary group ‘Wild Geese’, from anime; HellsingHere’s another one; by the same guy “Face it, this room will be our tomb; the mansion our gravestone; and our gravekeeper will be that cast-iron bitch Integra. And our epitaph? “Here lies the fearsome Wild Geese who kicked beaucoup Nazi ass for queen and crumpets.” But they won’t write any of that. Because of you it’ll say: “Here lies those gutless pussies that died pissing themselves and screaming like schoolgirls.”

Anime Badass, AnimeBadass.com

Shanks from One Piece Badass Quote

Listen up,

You can pour drinks on me,

You can throw food at me…

You can even spit on me.

I’ll just laught that stuff off.

But..

Good reason or not..

Nobody hurts a friend of mine!

– Shanks from One Piece

AnimeBadass.com

Mewtwo. The Real legendary Badass Quote

Also, he probably inspired Bale (as Batman).

“When one person is cursed, two graves are dug” – From Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl)

One Piece is full of of Badass Quotes

Destiny… fate… dreams… These unstoppable ideals are held deep in the heart of man. As long as there are people who seek freedom in this life, these things will not vanish from the earth. “King of the Pirates” Gold Rog

Shanks: Now that you’ve drawn your pistol, are you willing to use it? Pistols aren’t for threats they’re for actions.

Shanks: Listen up… You can pour drinks on me, you can throw food at me… You can even spit on me. I’ll just laugh that stuff off. But… Good reason or not… Nobody hurts a friend of mine!!!

More One Piece Badass Quotes

“When do you think people die? When they are shot through the heart by the bullet of a pistol? No. When they are ravaged by an incurable disease? No. When they drink a soup made from a poisonous mushroom!? No! It’s when… they are forgotten.” -Dr. Hiriluk

*People don’t fear god, fear itself is god* –Enel 

Pirates are evil!!? The Marines are righteous!!? These terms have always changed throughout the course of history…!!! Kids who have never seen peace and kids who have never seen war have different values!!! Those who stand at the top determine what’s wrong and what’s right! This very place is neutral ground!!! Justice will prevail, you say!? But of course it will!!! Whoever wins this war becomes justice!!! ~ Donquixote Doflamingo

“Miracles only occur for those with the determination to never stop trying!” -Emporio Ivankov

Sanji: A man forgives a woman’s lies.

*When the world shoves you around, you just gotta stand up and shove back. It’s not like somebody’s gonna save you if you start babbling excuses.* –Zoro

Zoro: “You want to kill me? You couldn’t even kill my boredom!

Luffy: You think risking your own life is enough? Try risking our lives along with yours! WE’RE YOUR FRIENDS!

Nami: (to herself, in a panic) This is bad! I can’t escape like this! Luffy, hurry up and take down Eneru! Wait…what if the ship falls from the sky when Eneru gets defeated? No, if we don’t stop Eneru, the Sky Island will be gone for good! What should I do?! (aloud, to Luffy)What should we do, Luffy? We… Luffy: (tosses Nami his hat) Quit yapping! Nami: But… Luffy: You are the future Pirate King’s friend, so stop being such a worrier!

Eneru: Pirate King? What country does he rule? Luffy: He is the king of the greatest sea in the world! Eneru: That doesn’t sound half bad…Let’s finish this in the sky.

“Dying is not repaying a debt!!! That’s not what he saved you for!!! Only weak men would die after someone spared their lives!” ~Luffy

  “I dont want to conquer anything.. I just think that the guy with the most freedom in this whole ocean .. is the Pirate King!” Monkey D. Luffy 

“We’re pirates you know!! I love heroes, but I don’t want to be one. Do you even know what a hero is!? For example, you have some meat. Pirates will feast on the meat, but the hero will distribute it among the people! I want to eat the meat!!” ~Luffy

And last but not least —

“Crocodile, your ass is grass!” Luffy

Naruto Badass Quotes

Madara’s words about war:

“Listen… In this world, whenever there is light, there are also shadows. As long as the concept of winners exist, there must also be losers. The selfish desire of wanting to maintain peace causes wars and hatred is born to protect love.“

And, of course, there is Obito/Kakashi: “Those who break the rules are scum, that’s true, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.”

And Itachi’s words about true nature of a person: “We are humans, not fish. We don’t know what kind of people we truly are until the moment before our deaths. As death comes to embrace you, you will realise what you are. That’s what death is, don’t you think?“

Nagato about Pain: “Those who do not understand true pain can never understand true peace.”

And best of all, we have Naruto: “I’m not gonna run away and I never go back on my word, that is mynindō!My ninja way!”

Read it from the source: https://animebadass.com/20-most-badass-quotes-from-anime-manga/

[junker-town]

Analyzing Tom Brady’s Instagram post of a poem about trees and manly men

“The tree that never had to fight/ For sun and sky and air and light,/ But stood out in the open plain/ And always got its share of rain,/ Never became a forest king/ But lived and died a scrubby thing.”

Tom Brady posted a poem called “Good Timber” on Instagram Thursday night. It was written by Douglas Malloch, who was the editor of the Chicago trade paper American Lumberman in the early 1900s, and therefore known as the "Lumberman's poet.” (I would like to take a moment and quote my father, who once posed the question, “If a logger is a lumberjack, is a blogger a blumberjack?”)

“The tree that never had to fight For sun and sky and air and light, But stood out in the open plain And always got its share of rain, Never became a forest king But lived and died a scrubby thing. The man who never had to toil To gain and farm his patch of soil, Who never had to win his share Of sun and sky and light and air, Never became a manly man But lived and died as he began. Good timber does not grow with ease: The stronger wind, the stronger trees; The further sky, the greater length; The more the storm, the more the strength. By sun and cold, by rain and snow, In trees and men good timbers grow. Where thickest lies the forest growth, We find the patriarchs of both. And they hold counsel with the stars Whose broken branches show the scars Of many winds and much of strife. This is the common law of life.” - Douglas Malloch

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Dec 14, 2017 at 5:26pm PST

It turns out (if Wikipedia is to be believed) that Malloch also wrote the Michigan State fight song, “Michigan, My Michigan.” This makes the poet an interesting choice for New England’s quarterback, seeing as Brady went to the University of Michigan, which is not Michigan State, and is, in fact, its enemy. I don’t know if Brady knew this about Malloch when he posted the photo. I don’t even know if Brady posted the poem himself, or had anything to do with choosing it.

What I do know is that this post is *extremely* relevant to my interests. I am not only a Patriots fan, I am also a private investigator currently trying to crack the case of what the crocodile in Tom Brady’s cryptic Instagram cartoons mean. And, as if that weren’t enough, I majored in poetry major in college.

Majoring in poetry is not something I ever thought would be useful as a sportswriter. Or useful at all, if we’re being honest. I’m kind of shocked I even have a job right now. I guess it just goes to show that you never know where your liberal farts education is going to lead you! Because you’re learning how to learn, you know? It’s all about critical thinking.

Life has a funny way of surprising us.

*Cracks knuckles*

Let’s do this.

“The tree that never had to fight For sun and sky and air and light, But stood out in the open plain And always got its share of rain, Never became a forest king But lived and died a scrubby thing.

Malloch’s rich imagery here tells us that a tree standing in an open field (as opposed to a forest) has it easy. This tree is showered with the requisite amount of rain it needs to grow, as well as the correct amount of sun and air it needs to turn oxygen into carbon dioxide, which some of you scientists might refer to as “photosynthesis.” Because it didn’t have to fight as a young sapling to grow strapping and strong, it is therefore small and wimpy.

In contrast, the mighty oak (or pine, I’m not trying to stereotype, here) that grew in the woods had to fight for its share of resources and demand that other plants recognize its greatness. This led that tree to become the King of the Forest, while the Scrubby Thing was a loser its whole life because it didn’t have to struggle.

The Forest King tree is a metaphor for a man. If I were a betting woman, I would put money on that man being Tom Brady.

The man who never had to toil To gain and farm his patch of soil, Who never had to win his share Of sun and sky and light and air, Never became a manly man But lived and died as he began.

My favorite thing about this poem is that Malloch (whose name is an anagram for “Call Gas Hoodlum,” as my colleague Ryan Nanni pointed out to me) doesn’t let the tree metaphor speak for itself. Lest there be any confusion as to the message of his verse, he quickly transitions to writing about an actual man. A man who never had to toil in his soil, or win his share of light and air. This man therefore never became a Manly Man, which is an incredible phrase to include in a poem, and which I honestly am not sure we deserve.

These lines could be interpreted to mean that Tom Brady still hasn’t gotten over being drafted in the sixth round, and having everyone doubt him, before going on to become the greatest quarterback of all time (save your counter arguments, I’m not interested in them).

It’s also a rather pointed message to people starting to question Brady’s search for immortality, and wondering if maybe, at the age of 40, his reign as Forest King, a.k.a An NFL Player, is coming to an end. Brady thrives on adversity, just as huge trees apparently thrive on a lack of water and sunshine, because it makes them fight harder for it.

I am not sure this is horticulturally true, but I am also not a doctor, so I cannot confirm or deny.

(Please excuse this colloquial break I’m taking from my scholarly work of analyzing this ode, but: Who the hell found this poem? And where did they find it? Was it Brady’s social media guy? The same guy who’s been inserting Croc into his bizarre fake newspaper posts? Was it Brady himself? Was it his wife Gisele? What phrase do you even Google to find this? I’ve searched “poems about trees,” and “poems about being strong,” and “poems about working hard,” and “poems about manly men,” and none of them return this as a result in the first few pages. In fact, I even found a website called “The Art of Manliness,” and Malloch’s poem was not included in its list of Top 20 Poems Every Man Should Read.)

Good timber does not grow with ease: The stronger wind, the stronger trees; The further sky, the greater length; The more the storm, the more the strength. By sun and cold, by rain and snow, In trees and men good timbers grow.

Ah yes, we have returned to the tree, and once again to Malloch’s belief that the harder the growing circumstances, the taller it will grow. He tells us at the end of the stanza that this is also true of men.

I am not sure I have ever read a poem that is simpler than this one. There is no other point besides HATERS GONNA HATE AND TREES GONNA GROW TALLER BECAUSE OF IT!

Where thickest lies the forest growth, We find the patriarchs of both. And they hold counsel with the stars Whose broken branches show the scars Of many winds and much of strife. This is the common law of life.”

Malloch introduces a new set of images here, bringing stars into the equation (although he does mention the sky previously). Now, however, it is night, and the Forest King and the Manly Man have both grown so strong and so tall — despite the scars on their branches and arms — that they’re conferring with the very stars.

These patriarchs are talking to the heavens. They have reached celestial status. They have struggled, they have succeeded, and they have made it to godly heights. And, in Malloch’s view, the ability to overcome odds with hard work is a universal truth. Malloch is clearly not taking systemic injustice into account here, but I am not surprised, given that he was a tree blogger.

This is quite the pump up speech! Coach Taylor should’ve read this to Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights to get him fired up when he was being a slacker! I feel like I could go kick down a door after analyzing this! I’m as pumped up as I get when I listen to “Bankhead” by T.I.!

If Tom Brady posted this because they lost to the Dolphins, that’s just ... wild. Giving up a game to Jay Cutler was not a labor of Hercules. However, Brady clearly still views himself — regardless of whether this is true or not after winning five Super Bowls — as the underdog. And he is going to keep growing tall and strong and play until his arms fall off because your doubt fuels him. 28-3, my nerds. If that isn’t poetry, I don’t know what is.