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andreafmn · 7 months ago

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I'm Not Afraid | Chapter 18

Word Count: 3.8K

Story Description: (Y/N) Argent arrived at Beacon Hills to put to rest her father’s sister, Kate Argent. For the first time, her family has decided to settle down and sustain a life in this interesting small town. After 17 years, (Y/N) has the opportunity to establish interpersonal relationships but will she be ready to face the complications that come with relating to her cousin’s, Allison, friends; especially, the infamous Derek Hale. She will face the adventure of being associated with the Derek and McCall pack, as well as being faced with the discovery of certain aspects of her life she never imagined.

A/N: this is essentially a filler chapter to jump into the end of Season 2. But, if you're one of the followers of this story, strap in 'cause shit's about to go down 🫣

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Emergency Family Meeting was what flashed on (Y/N)’s phone at six in the morning. She groaned as the sound bounced off the walls, breaking her from a deep sleep. The brightness from her phone burned her eyes and made her groan as she read Allison’s message.

The last thing she wanted was to be surrounded by Argent hunters. She didn’t want to face her cousin or her grandfather; she didn’t even want to face her own parents. All she wanted to do was sleep. Well, she still had school, and she had to walk Brody, but other than that, she wanted to sleep. It was the only sure way she had to avoid Derek. The more she slept, the less time she had to think. And (Y/N) did not want to be stuck in her head.

“Dude, turn off your phone,” Isaac grumbled from the spot he had taken on her bedroom floor, hugging Brody closer as he turned away from the light. “It’s too early to be awake. We still have two more hours until school starts.”

Emergency Family Meeting flashed on (Y/N)’s phone at six in the morning. She groaned as the sound bounced off the walls, breaking her from a deep sleep. The brightness from her phone burned her eyes and made her groan as she read Allison’s message.

“Well, it’s not my fault Allison is calling for a family meeting,” (Y/N) sighed, ripping her sheets off her body. "I’m pretty sure it has everything to do with her little revenge arc. She's probably going to tell us to go after Derek and anyone involved with him.”

“Which includes me,” he said. “I don’t think your cousin will take well to knowing you’ve been harboring one of Derek’s betas these last couple of days.”

After everything that had gone down after Lydia’s party, Isaac had been glued to (Y/N)’s side. When she was at school, he would never be too far behind. Much to his disappointment, he had to remain outside of the halls while her family hunted him and the pack. But he made sure to keep watch of her as he hid in the woods. He claimed he didn’t want her to be alone—especially after Matt’s body had been found in the river—but she knew the uncertainty he had living with Derek and everything that was happening. The man had all but said you’re all either entirely in or to jump ship. Erica and Boyd had turned down (Y/N)’s offer of her home, but Isaac had been quick to agree.

Somehow, (Y/N) had been able to hide a 6’1” teenage werewolf in her bedroom for almost an entire week without being found out. Granted, the fact that her parents seemed to be out of the house most of the day because of the Kanima helped. They didn’t really question the missing food or the fact that their daughter locked herself in her room the second she got home. Their minds were simply too preoccupied.

“I’m just gonna see what this is about, and I’ll let you know what’s going on,” (Y/N) said as she slipped a hoodie over her head and tied her hair into a ponytail. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t born in this family, you know? It’s like craziness follows us.”

“Could be genetic.”

“My biggest fear,” she sighed. “But I’ll see you later, okay? Don’t come out until I’m back.”

“I can go with you,” the boy offered. “Hang out a few blocks away until you’re done. Moral support, you know?”

“I can’t risk having you close, Isaac. I’m not even sure what I’m walking into myself. For all I know, this is the meeting where they reveal my involvement with the pack, and I’m punished by the family.”

“See, that doesn’t make me feel comfortable about you going alone.”

“I’m not gonna be alone,” she shrugged. “My dad will be there, and he’s on our side. So, I’ll see you when I get back because I am coming back.”

“Fine. At least I have Brody to keep me company,” he said as he scratched the sleepy dog’s head. “I can keep him if you don’t come back, right?”

“You’re hilarious.”

“I try,” he snickered. “Be careful, Argent.”

“Always am, Lahey.”

After saying a quick goodbye to Isaac and her dog, (Y/N) closed her bedroom door behind her and sped off to her uncle’s house. The place was packed with hunters, both young and old, all preparing to take down the now-infamous Kanima. Anywhere she turned, a leather-clad hunter would meet her gaze. The girl tried her best not to feel intimidated, but their stares bore into her like they knew all of her secrets.

But if they did, they made no sound about it. They nodded their heads and waved at her as she passed them. No one reprimanded her or tried to hold her back from getting to where she needed to be. She was simply the daughter of one of the Argent boys and a hunter in training.

“Ah, (Y/N),” Gerard greeted as she walked down to the basement. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Yeah, well, I do live far from here, and I was sleeping. Mind you, it’s six in the morning on a school day.”

“(Y/N),” her mother reprimanded.

“It’s quite alright, Rebecca. She’s filled with teenage angst and rebellion. I’d be surprised if she didn’t say something out of place.”

“Great. Since we’re finished discussing my teenage behaviors, could you tell me what we’re doing here?” (Y/N) scoffed quietly. “I do have a history test in a few hours.”

“Okay, we’re veering off track here,” Allison interjected. “I’m the one that called this meeting because I need us all to be on the same page about the wolves here.”

“And what page would that be, Ali?”

“Derek Hale is the reason my mother is dead, and he has to pay for what he has done. It’s been a week since she died, and we’re nowhere near to finding him,” she said sternly. The way she spoke about Derek sent shivers down (Y/N)’s spine. There was so much hatred and ire laced with her words that it killed any ounce of sarcasm in the other girl’s brain. “Other than the Kanima, our top priority is to apprehend Derek. If you find him, you bring him back here. Alive. We know he has betas that will protect him at all costs. Just like last Friday, I don’t want to hurt them for being dumb enough to protect their alpha, but we will if the need arises. I will need you to be on high alert. We will be the only ones looking for him. The other hunters will be tasked on Kanima watch, but this case is too personal to leave in their hands.”

(Y/N) wanted to speak up, tell her that the only people she should have been hunting down were their own family. It was their fault and their stupid rules that had killed Victoria. Not Derek or any of the wolves, and they did not deserve the persecution that Allison was instituting. It was an unnecessary witch hunt that she wanted no part in.

As everyone agreed with the game plan, strategizing how to get the big bad wolf, (Y/N) slipped out of the basement. She was unable to keep listening to her family’s ideas to catch someone who was not at fault and how taking innocent lives would be such a breeze since they were simply in the way. Everyone spoke up, saying what way they thought would be best. Everyone but her father. Henry simply sat back and listened as everyone else spoke of killing three teenagers and a young man like they were planning their Thanksgiving dinner.

“Where are you going, (Y/N)?” Allison said. She grabbed (Y/N) by the elbow as the girl started walking down the driveway, turning her around to face each other. “We’re not done yet,” she said.

“It seems to me you all have this perfectly planned out,” she shrugged. “There’s no need for me to sit in on a meeting that could have been an email.”

“What is your problem, (Y/N)? It’s almost like you don’t care about what happened to my mom,” the girl accused. “I know you two were close, but he’s to blame here.”

“I do care, Ali,” she stated. “I’m very sorry that your mother is dead. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. But it is not Derek’s fault that she took her own life, and planning on hurting or, worse, killing the rest of the pack is honestly unbelievable. Our job is to defend those that can’t defend themselves, not go after innocent people.”

“None of them are innocent,” Allison seethed. “Derek Hale is a killer. And if the rest decide to hide him, then they are complicit in his crime. They are just as guilty as he is.”

“Have you ever even thought why Derek had to bite her? Have you asked yourself why he may have needed to resort to that?”

“What’re you getting on about?” she questioned. “How would you know any of that?”

“I was there, Allison. I was in the room where it all happened,” (Y/N) admitted. “She was close to killing Scott that night, using an airborne form of wolfsbane. Derek fought her to get her away from him. That’s when he bit her. It was their lives or a bite. She got away fine. Her death happened because of the stupid rules this family lives by, where a hunter would rather take their own life than be a wolf. “Now, you can blame them all you want and hunt them down for eternity,” she spat. “But it will never change the fact that it was Victoria’s choice to die that night. No one killed her but the blade in her hand.”

As soon as those words left her mouth, Allison’s hand struck (Y/N)’s cheek with a loud snap, splitting open the still-healing Kanima slashes on her cheek. They dripped warm blood down her skin, mixing with the sting of the hit. But it did not deter her from continuing. “Would you have rather he let Scott die?” she pressed. “Would you have rather she had killed me in the fight instead? Because it’s everyone else’s fault, right? The fact that your mother took her own life is everyone else’s fault. And just because you think you know what’s best doesn’t mean you get to tell everyone what to do.”

“How can you say something like that? If it hadn’t been for Derek, my mother would still be alive,” Allison said through gritted teeth. “Grandpa put me in charge of strategy because he knew I was the best person for the job. I’m actually committed to our family’s work, unlike you, (Y/N).”

“Oh, well, excuse me for not being okay with the murder and unnecessary hunt of our friends. Because I think you’re forgetting who the people you want to hurt are,” Syler pressed. “What if I’m hiding them? Will you kill me too? Will you make sure I don’t get in your way?”

“(Y/N), I wouldn’t…” ‘

“But you would, Allison. You’re being driven by vengeance and retribution, and I will not help you do it. The rules that the hunters live by are warped and do nothing but justify the killings of innocent people. I won’t stand for it.”

“So, what’re you saying? You’re out?”

“Oh, you can absolutely believe I am out,” (Y/N) spat back. “And if you want to turn everyone against me, you can go right ahead. I will make sure to do my absolute hardest to protect my friends from you. You’ll have to kill me yourself if you want to get to any of them.”

(Y/N) turned before Allison could say anything else, mounting her motorcycle and speeding off. Everyone she cared about was at risk because of her family, because of something she had helped do. She knew going against her family could have dire consequences for her, but she couldn’t simply stand by while her own cousin hunted the people she had befriended once upon a time—and some she had made sure to stay clear of. Even if they had supernatural abilities, the girl knew the relentlessness of her family. They had their scent, and they wouldn’t let it go.

As soon as she got home, she ran to her room to find Isaac now asleep on her bed, her dog curled by his feet. He looked calm and peaceful, even, unaware of the danger he was in. (Y/N) wanted to protect him and keep him safe for the first time in a very long time.

(Y/N) slithered onto the bed as softly as she could, trying to take advantage of the forty minutes she still had left until she had to go to school. But as soon as the bed dipped, both Isaac and Brody turned their heads toward the movement. “Hey,” she whispered as she finally settled onto her spot. “Go back to sleep.”

“You’re back already?” Isaac yawned. “What did they say?”

“We can discuss that later,” she dismissed. “You need all the rest you can get, kid.”

“Is it bad?”

“Later, okay? I can’t focus on that right now. I need to dream about the Roman empire before my test.”

(Y/N) walked out of the history classroom feeling content with her performance. Even if she had missed a few questions, she knew she had gotten the majority of the test right. And in the grand scheme of things, she was fine with celebrating that small victory. There might have been a killer lizard boy terrorizing the town controlled by god knows who, her best friend might have been hunted by her family, her situationship might have ended things, and her parents might have hated each other, but at least she knew she got a good grade on her test.

As she turned to the left to head to the cafeteria, she collided straight into someone, sending the book in her hands flying.

“Oh, god, (Y/N),” Stiles’ voice said. “Sorry. I wasn’t looking.”

“It’s fine,” she chuckled as she accepted his outstretched arm. “I wasn’t looking either. We’ve all got a lot on our minds, I guess.”

“You could say that again,” he laughed. But there was something different in the timber of his laughter. It wasn’t bright and cheery—not that she expected any less in a situation like the one they were in. “I feel like I haven’t seen anyone in years. These days…”

“These days have driven everyone apart, it seems—some more than others,” (Y/N) said with a sigh. "I thought I understood interpersonal relationships. Hell, I thought I understood what being family meant. But these past few months have shown me that I don’t know anything.”

“We know less than nothing,” Stiles added. “And these past weeks have taught us that.”

With a shared sigh, a thought popped into (Y/N)’s head. “Do you wanna ditch?”

“Like, school?”

“No, church,” she mocked. “Of course, school.”

“But there’s still half a day left and practice…”

“We’ll be back for lacrosse practice. I know the big game is tomorrow,” she stated. “It’s just a couple of hours and lunch. You can do that, right?”

“I mean, I guess I could.”

“If the principal has anything to say about it, he can bring it up at the next family dinner,” (Y/N) joked. "So, are you in?”

“Fuck it, I’m in.”

The pair of teens used the racket of class change in the hallways to slip out of the front doors. If anyone had noticed, they didn’t care as they ran to the parking lot. But they had not planned where to go. (Y/N) went left as Stiles went right, stopping once they noticed what they had done.

“My Jeep is better,” Stiles whispered. “It fits more people.”

“My bike is faster,” the girl retorted. “And I have an extra helmet.”

“I’m supposed to get on that death trap with you?” Stiles worried. “So, if the Kanina doesn’t get me, your bike will?”

“I’m a better driver on my bike than anyone could be in a car,” she said. “Live a little, Stiles. Who knows when we’ll be gone.”

With a fearful breath and a furrowed brow, Stiles reluctantly followed (Y/N) to her motorcycle. He tightened the straps of his backpack and climbed onto the bike behind the girl. For a second, he felt safe. As he balanced his body on the back of the leather seat, he thought it was fine. Until she roared the bike to life, and it rumbled under him.

“You might want to hold on tight,” she said. “I like to go fast.”

Stiles’ words died in his mouth as she gave the bike gas, and they sprung forward. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist a small scream left his mouth. The boy may have faced murderous lizards and wolves, but nothing could compare to the anxiety of having his life depend on a vehicle with only two wheels and no walls.

But soon into the drive, the boy leaned into the danger. His grip softened, and his fear turned into thrill. The rumble of the road felt different, the wind hitting his body was chilling but welcomed, and he felt like he could breathe. After months of treading water, he felt he could breathe.

Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Beacon Diner was a staple in the town and a place she started frequenting with Derek up until he had decided to disappear from her life as though he had only been a passing thought.

It was odd to return to the establishment without him. Memories of their first time there came flooding back every time she went there, and that was the first time those memories had made her stomach churn. She had learned as much as she could about him, given an entire portion of her brain and her heart to him, all for Derek to simply discard it all away. But he wouldn’t hold everything in town hostage for her. She wouldn’t let him.

“Oh, (Y/N), nice to see you back,” her usual waitress welcomed her. “Cutting school again, I see.”

“Just taking an impromptu half-day, Molly,” she smiled. “Figured I’d get some early lunch from the best place.”

“Cafeteria food not cutting it?” Molly chuckled as she set menus in front of the teens. “And, hey, that’s weird, no Derek today? Haven’t seen the two of you here in some time.”

“Yeah. No Derek for a while,” (Y/N) managed to blurt out. “He needs some space, I guess.”

“Boys,” Molly playfully scoffed. “Well, then, what can I get started for you two?”

The pair fell into a comfortable silence after they made their order and got their drinks. It was the first time they had ever been by themselves, and they knew they made an odd pair to the naked eye. How could anyone know the trauma that already bonded them in such a short amount of time?

“So, things go south with Derek?” Stiles finally broke the silence after taking a sip of his unnecessary coffee, not really noticing the nonchalant tone of his words until after they had left his mouth. “I mean, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. It’s totally up to you. I don’t mean to pry.”

“It’s okay, Stiles,” she chuckled softly. “It honestly came out of the blue. After the whole thing at the station, he said he had to put some distance between us because he couldn’t be sure I wouldn’t one day turn on him like Allison has turned on Scott and…”

“How Kate turned on him,” Stiles finished. “He really said that?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. Her eyes were trained on the ice of her drink because she knew if she looked at the pity in his eyes, she wouldn’t be able to stop the tears. “I thought we had gotten over that, but I guess he was just waiting for the right moment to use that card.”

“I’m sorry he said that,” the boy offered. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you could ever be like Kate. It might not mean anything coming from me. I know I haven’t known you for too long, and in the short time I knew your aunt, she was trying to kill Scott and me. But you’re nothing like her, (Y/N).”

“It means a lot, Stiles,” the girl smiled. “Especially since I wasn’t that great when I first came here.”

“Yeah, you were a hard pill to swallow,” Stiles chuckled. “But I get why you were like that. Thankfully, it didn’t last long. I like not being the only one who’s default is sarcasm.”

“I guess I got here just in time then,” she laughed. “I just wish I knew what my purpose is here. I mean, I’m basically the odd one out.”

“How so?”

There was a silence between them as their plates were set in front of them, an extra order of fries set between them. Molly told them it was on the house and left with a playful wink toward them. The pair burst out laughing, knowing the insinuation came from a good place.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Stiles mentioned as he popped a handful of fries into his mouth. “Why do you feel like you’re the odd one out?”

“When I came here, everyone already knew their place,” (Y/N) sighed. “And, I don’t know, I just feel like I have no role here. Like I wasn’t meant to stay here for long. Hell, even Derek is the creepy loner. I’m just… there.”

“Oh, god, and you think we have much purpose?” Stiles sputtered. “If it hadn’t been for an accident, Scott would have never been turned, and we’d be just as oblivious to everything as the rest of Beacon Hills. We’re all just winging it, honestly. Whatever we do right, it’s just because we most likely stumbled onto the right answer.”

“But even without the whole werewolf, Kanima, whatever nonsense, you would have still had a life here,” she said. “The only reason I’m here is because my dad wanted to be close to his brother, and the only reason we stayed is… well, I’m honestly not even sure why.”

“Maybe that’s your purpose,” the boy offered. “To find out why you’re here.”

“A journey to find my purpose in life… how absolutely coming-of-age film of me,” she chuckled. “Can’t we just be kids for a day? Jeez.”

“You can say that again,” Stiles laughed as he slumped in his seat. “I could do without the near-death experiences and the constant crippling anxiety.”

“Something tells me we’d still manage to be in similar situations regardless.”

“Something tells me you’re right,” he chuckled sadly. "At least we’re not going through it alone—well, not completely alone.”

“Isaac might not like it—hell, he will probably be jealous that I didn’t ask him to come with me—but you’ll always have a friend in me, Stiles,” (Y/N) smiled. “I might be new at this whole thing, but I’m still here.”

“Well, likewise. With how things are looking out, we’re all gonna need all the friends we can spare,” he said. “I just want this whole deal to be over with so we can get back to our boring, regular lives.”

“I think that might be too much to ask for,” she laughed. “Maybe let’s just hope the championship tomorrow goes on without a hitch.”

“Now that’s something I can cheers to.”

Next ->

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chantsdemarins · 8 months ago

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😅Real Villain Training [Tom Hiddleston circa 2012 X Fem.Reader]

Chapter three of Breath of the Æsir is almost here. I’m SO sorry for the wait! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a very brief Tom story...

Honestly, I pledged to myself, no more Tom stories just focus on Loki. But I think I just can't help it. Especially when slutty inspiration like this photo comes my way (@lokischambermaid and @lokisgoodgirl 😳)

I am humbled by this era of Tom. In 2024 he is a husband/father/seasoned iconic actor in perpetual good cheer, but in 2012, he was a bad boy. As always please reblog and comment if you feel inspired!

Summary: Tom is hanging out with some real jerks for a new role, and he runs into you, literally. Your depression has caused your life to turn a little black and white, could this handsome stranger possibly add some color back? (at least to your cheeks🥵).

Smut factor: I hope...HOT 🔥

(Authors note: I have no concrete proof he was in fact a bad boy so please don't take seriously my young Tom plot themes of drugs and sex, which once again appear here. I could be totally wrong about him. It's art! It's a fabrication! Also, this story does involve mental health!)

I also don't know who would want to be on a tag list for a Tom fic these days! These are a few people who might be interested?? @lokischambermaid @mochie85 @mischief2sarawr @lokisgoodgirl @wheredafandomat @sailorholly @mrs-illyrian-baby @superficialdomina @gigglingtiggerv2 @fictive-sl0th @muddyorbs @tbhiddlestan83 @huntress-artemiss @smolvenger @kikster606 @mjsthrillernp @hiroyukinasukawa

Los Angeles, 2012

That afternoon, the rooftop pool at the Saint Avalon was a pink swirl of bathing beauties in early spring. Tom tried to focus on his deadpan conversation with his agent, but polka dots and silly cocktails danced around him. He pushed his Ray-Bans back into place, his sweat—or perhaps nervousness—causing them to slowly slide off his nose.

"Serious British actor succumbs to being typecast as a Norse sociopath. That's where this is headed, Tom, if we don’t do something, get you something else.” “Do you really want to be known only for Marvel?” he repeated his plea. The words just weren’t sinking in.

Tom laughed and inadvertently tried to change the subject. "Have you been to the La Brea Tar Pits yet, John? It’s wild—10,000 years' worth of dire wolf bones.”

His stare remained galvanized by the poolside girls. They just didn't look like that in London. Number one, the sunshine. Number two, the tans. Number three, well, his girlfriend—or ex-girlfriend, rather—made it hard to look too long at anyone else. So had he ever found himself at a rooftop pool party, he wouldn't have had the chance he was having now.

“Tom, are you paying attention? This is important. You're only here for a week, and we need to move on this role. I need to know if you're a yes.” The truth was, Tom was suddenly filthy rich with his own money for the first time in his life. He really loved being a Norse sociopath and already had big ideas for Loki’s eventual character arc into becoming an anti-hero someday. He had filled three journals on his bedside stand with his ideas for Loki.

His agent tried again, “Just hang out with Giorgio. It’s less than a month. Then the movie should be a very easy shoot. You get to embed yourself with some real hedge fund cats.” Tom’s attention snapped back. “Wait, I like that.” “Right? It’s like if Loki worked on Wall Street.” “Well…” Tom hesitated. He didn’t think Loki would actually ever bore himself that way. Those guys were boring to Tom and to Loki.

His poor agent was right, though. He did need another role. Things had gone so well; filming for the next Avengers movie was starting this summer. If he could find another gig, a time filler, a totally different genre, it really would be the best for his career. “Then a play next,” the agent mused, taking a sip of his own cocktail. “Shakespeare, or something 70s.” “70s? As in the 1570s? Or the 1970s?” “Tom.” “How should I know?” Tom laughed to himself, eyes still canvassing the poolside display around him. His agent leaned across his lawn chair and placed his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “So, you’ll do it?”

Two Weeks Later

Deep down, he knew he didn’t have the dissociation required for the job. He was too corporeal, too embodied. Years of being a long-distance runner and a trained athlete had fastened his mind, heart, and soul firmly into his muscles. He clearly wouldn’t be able to hide his feelings in his highly emotive, sensitive body. That was the first thing he noticed about the guys he was forced to hang out with for this role. They were covered up with their suits and sexist jokes. It was like they had Hadrian’s Wall around them. Which was, in fact, what exactly led to his sudden departure from the bar at Rue 23.

He had been embedded with short and loud Glen, buzz-cut Ellis, and the tall and lanky, just like him, Brad Nelson. There were a few others, but they were too milquetoast to be memorable. Role be damned. He left so fast the thick glass door almost hit a nice young couple as he bolted into the cold Los Angeles spring night.

He wasn’t dressed right; in his haste to leave London, he didn’t remember that California got into the 40s after the sun went down. He didn’t even pack a suit coat. Thank God he remembered to grab his leather pack from under the bar. It contained exactly five cigarettes, a finicky Zippo, his aftershave, a white t-shirt, and a travel toothbrush. There might also be a rolled-up Popular Mechanics magazine from the Burbank airport, something he never would be caught dead reading at Heathrow.

He also hadn’t done so much coke since he was in college. Why was LA always so incredibly cliché? He couldn’t blame Luke. He couldn’t blame anyone but himself for this role. He said yes when he was distracted. He was in over his head. They had hired these real blokes to make sure Tom looked authentic when they started filming next month, and given his intense drive for perfection, he had agreed that it was “brilliant” of the casting director to force the eight of them to spend these weeks in Los Angeles and one week in Manhattan, in a true immersive centrifuge of shallow materiality.

The night spun around him, a neon ball of yarn, teasing open his pupils until his eyes were black and not at all blue. As he walked, he ran his large hands down the surface of his body, the material of his shirt feeling like a fancy pillowcase from a boutique hotel.

One finger lingered over his jawline, tracing it as he brought his hands back up to his face. Engrossed in the comfort of his form a moment too long, he was distracted once again. This part of LA seemed to always be full of clusters of locals and tourists, laughing and talking. He was unfortunately moving against the flow of the crowd, a wayward salmon when he almost ran straight into you.

“Watch where you're going!” you yelled, dropping your purse onto the dirty LA sidewalk. It opened enough for your things to tumble out. Tom immediately stopped and bent down to help you, but you batted his hands away. “What the hell? I can pick up my own damn Chapstick,” you scolded. “Ma’am, I am so sorry, I am obviously not from here, and I am a little overwhelmed,” he rattled off. “Why is that obvious?” “My accent, of course.” “I didn’t honestly notice,” you spoke as you inspected the tall man’s face with squinting eyes.

You, of course, did immediately notice the timbre of his voice, his height, and the buttons on his tight shirt which looked like they were in the process of unbuttoning themselves. “Would you believe I’ve been doing coke all night with a bunch of Wall Street assholes at the Rue 23, and I had to get the fuck out of there,” he continued, not sure if you were listening, but you were definitely looking at him, so he continued.

“So now I am wandering the streets of Beverly Hills, and I haven’t the foggiest how the rest of my night will go.” You shuffled your feet for a moment before speaking. You had been heading home after a long day at work. You felt genuinely unprepared for navigating a handsome foreigner in the right direction. Yet there was a certain appeal to a man suddenly without his ship or his crew, so to speak. So you didn’t immediately walk away.

He had been shuffled from the airport to the bar in a hired car, he tried to explain, and his sense of direction bordered on problematic. Further, his flip phone was really only good for texting, and that even took way too long most days. He really did seem high, overwhelmed, and a little lost. He also seemed the type unable to handle any silence in a conversation.

“Do you live far?” he said after suffering through 30 seconds of no discourse. “It’s LA, everything is far.” “Fair enough,” Tom muttered sheepishly, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt, which were still somehow unbuttoning themselves. He thought he had bought the right size shirt. Maybe not.

You realized that if you were to ask this too-high, too-hot British man back to your apartment, you would inevitably cave and end up sleeping with him just because he caught you in this particular moment of your life. It was an in-between time. You weren't quite your old self and your new self that you'd been working so hard on, hadn't emerged yet.

“Want to grab something to eat?” You finally offered a neutral segue. That seemed to be just what the man needed to hear. His demeanor calmed. “Oh sure, yes, I could go for a big American cheeseburger, honestly.” “Okay then, let’s go to Patty’s on Vine, we can walk,” you said as you pulled at his shirt to turn him toward the right direction. He bristled at the feeling of your touch.

His whole body was even more sensitive than usual. You looked like the queen of the ancient British Iceni to him. In truth, he didn’t much care for the California look. He loved that you appeared out of nowhere and you looked like Boudica, not like Gwyneth Paltrow. Even though he was sure he heard she was nice. RDJ seemed to really love her.

The diner where you were headed was the second-tier after-hours hang, so it wasn’t populated with the usual crowd, not yet at least. You had some time before you would be inundated, and perhaps before someone would recognize him, which you still did not. You could ask him, of course. Although, sometimes in Los Angeles, the worst part is knowing who someone is.

Although Tom being Tom was unable to resist personal questions. “Tell me a little bit about yourself, just a little,” he had to ask as the night air propelled him quickly down the sidewalk. You considered telling him about your job, but it was just how you paid the bills. Your passions were your passions and not for a stranger. So you decided to be a little goth. It couldn't hurt.

“I have something like anhedonia, I suppose,” you finally said. Tom seemed to know what you meant right away. “The inability to feel?” He spoke. “More classically refined, which results in numbness, making capturing interior somatic sensations nearly impossible,” you clarified. “Sounds like you are depressed,” Tom flattened out your creative retelling of your current state. “Maybe,” although you weren't sure of his simple label. "You think it will pass?" Tom continued, ever the optimist.

You considered one way to try and test if this state you'd been in could possibly change, would be to see if he could provoke feelings of passion or at least some kind of low-grade horniness. You’d been feeling functionally blank for a while now.

He was stunning, after all.

He seemed game for anything, his amphetamine grin taking up the majority of his handsome face. He looked so lovely under the hanging light in your dingy booth. You ate the two-egg special you ordered and watched him devour his American cheeseburger with genuine joy.

“So, you're here to practice for a new part?” You sincerely tried to keep the conversation flowing despite the growing desire to test your theory. “Yes, they want me to branch out. In my career, there’s the fear I am already 'type-casted,' I guess you could say.” “Type-casted? So early on?”

He looked young to you. Possibly younger than you actually. “Yes, I had a big role as a villain, it really blew up, but, he's like a mythological comic book one. I am misunderstood mostly. I mean my character, not me.” "Sure." You nodded in understanding and agreed even if you didn’t quite pick up what he was putting down. You wondered if he had ever seen 'The Last Starfighter.' A favorite movie of yours, you rarely shared with anyone else. Or had he been in that? Your mind wandered. You really didn't recognize him, but you also didn't want to offend him by this fact.

“So how would this role be redefining your abilities? If you are playing a heartless hedge fund dude, isn’t that also a kind of villain? Maybe that is why you got this part.” Tom pondered your insight. He again fell into overthinking and was only a text away from bailing on the entire endeavor. He was becoming that kind of guy, emotionally uneven under his elite veneer.

“I guess they feel like I don’t have the chops to be a 'real world' baddie.” “I needed more practice.” “You don’t?” you said very timidly, suddenly you weren’t hungry anymore. You gently pushed your plate aside so you could focus.

You realized his bromance compadres would find him eventually. Another LA truth: it was hard to get truly lost for long. You had been studying his face during the conversation. His pale complexion was slowly becoming flushed in small increments. Was it shyness or a hidden boldness he was bursting to demonstrate, you couldn't tell.

You had worn your espadrilles today, maybe it wasn’t the right season yet, but they always went so well with your outfit-a flowery dress from H&M. Gently and playfully, you kicked one of them off your foot, making a soft thud. Tom dipped his eyes beneath the table for only a moment and brought them back to you, a new flash of crimson emerging. Why were you taking off your shoes? Maybe your feet hurt from the walk?

He picked up his water and chugged almost all of it.

Your right leg lifted up and found purchase exactly between his, landing on the soft seat. Tom chuckled nervously and grabbed your foot. “Just what are you doing?” “I thought you were in training to be a real villain. Or did I misunderstand that?” You teased. Tom’s sincerity and earnestness were effulgent. “Oh no, I am, I really want the part, I need this role.” Suddenly when the idea of something illicit going on beneath the table loomed, he was not reticent about this new role. “Then you better continue to practice.” You laughed, your own smile forming across your face. “How long do we have until they find you?” You inched your foot closer to his crotch.

Tom took a deep breath in and pulled out his flip phone eyes squinting, trying to see the rectangle text banner across the tiny screen. He held the phone up to you. “Can you read this at all?” You grabbed it from him, feeling his hand shaking a little. It was charming. He was nervous.

You read the tiny screen aloud, “Not really, something about where are you at…you wanker, we are about to call your agent." It did say exactly that, and you wondered if possibly Tom was throwing away this role. Were you watching him collapse his career before your eyes? “Are you one for self-sabotage Tom?” The question seemed to catch him off guard. Maybe no one had asked him so bluntly. “Maybe,” he said after a long minute of typing something on the seemingly minute phone with his long fingers and even larger hands. “Just like I am possibly depressed," you offered. He looked up and sat his phone down. “Yes, I think so. Just like that.”

Incoming

Just then the waitress came by filled your water glasses and gave you another quick refill of coffee. Your chosen sobriety was a strange foil to Tom’s imbibed stimulant cocktail which showed no sign of waning. “So, are we on?” He finally said after biting his bottom lip, for what seemed like a year, until it was slightly puffy.

“For what? A staring contest?” You offered, laughing nervously too, your foot still stationed between his thighs. You wondered what you could accomplish at this hour with the looming threat of an incursion at any moment.

The glimmer in his dilated orbs registered that Tom was now aligned in a mission of testing the perpetuity of your anhedonic state. Suddenly under the table, you felt his long legs spread yours apart, like opening a long-closed window that had been painted over.

You gasped but didn’t say anything. He laughed and widened his legs further. You moved your eyes to watch him under the table, his hand reaching down to adjust his cock, which was obviously becoming hard.

At that moment you wanted to jump over to his side of the booth, you wanted to concede and take him to your far away apartment in embarrassing Marina Del Rey.

Tom went silent and finally let go of your bare foot, he had been holding it so hard with his other hand, that you were sure it would be bruised. You immediately placed it on his now impossibly hard cock, tenting his pants obscenely. Honestly, you’d never given a “foot job” before and only seen something like this in a French film once. You had no idea what you were doing.

You slowly began to move your foot up and down his length, which was quite impressive and required more force than you had anticipated. You curled your toes around him to try and create more friction, dragging your heel just at the base.

You placed your hands on the edge of the diner seat so you could put some real weight into getting him off. That seemed to work, and Tom let out a guttural moan. He quickly grabbed your water glass and drank it in addition to his own.

“Should I stop?” You let yourself wonder out loud. “Are you crazy? No.” Was Tom’s quick reply. “Does this feel good?” “Fuck yes.” His voice was breathy, and he shifted in his seat, daring to look around at the customers, but none showed any sign of noticing anything other than themselves. “But this isn’t fair,” he spoke again softly, panting. “How so?” “Because I am um, I am receiving.” “Aren’t you supposed to be a selfish cold surface-level junior business asshole?” “Yes.” “Then this is what they do, they get foot jobs in diners, amongst other perks of course,” you laughed. “Shit, you’re right,” Tom barely squeaked out.

Just then the diner door opened, and you could see the dim faces of the guys he had been partying with. They finally found him. “Don’t look now but your Republican friends have arrived.” Tom’s flush became pale. “Should I stop?” You checked in again. “No.” His response was as clear as mid-day.

So, you increased your speed, you took a deep breath. You were so turned on at this point. You were positive there would be a wet spot on the cracked vinyl seat. You lifted your skirt up further. Tom noticed and peered beneath the table again. He saw your hand brush past your underwear and a finger curl inside the lace trim. You matched his erratic breathing to your motions as you fucked yourself intently. His eyes were glued to you, his fists almost punching into the flimsy placemats. You laughed to yourself about the chances of you both coming in public, surely, he wouldn’t, or you couldn’t.

You were about to mention that perhaps you should stop. When suddenly Tom let out a muffled cry. His breath hitched. You could feel moisture beneath the bottom of your toes as you brought your foot back to the tip of his generous cock once more. “Ah, I see,” you laughed. "Well looks like we are done here." There was no more time to discuss what just happened. The bros had spotted him and you and made their way to your back corner.

Tom closed his eyes in what looked like a silent prayer. He had just had one of the best orgasms of his life. The short blond one with cropped hair spoke up, “Hiddleston, where the fuck have you been, your agency was about to call the cops, which would have been lame.”

“Hiddleston,” you said his surname out loud. Realizing you never got his last name. Tom looked at you with both lust and remorse. Then turned back to the assholes. “You found me, good work,” he said assuredly. “Well we gotta go dick we have a strip club that closes at 3am and it’s in the contract that we take you there.”

Tom slowly got up and used one of his long fingers to expertly untuck that white button-down shirt to conceal the mess you had both made. He looked your way, the pale blue of his eyes returning.

You exchanged numbers for the pleasantry of it, as the assholes looked on impatiently, probably wondering why Tom was wasting his time on a girl who looked like Boudica, but that's just what assholes do you remembered. Although you really didn’t expect to hear from him again. To your surprise right before dawn, perhaps as he was leaving said strip club, a text came over your Blackberry.

“I hope you felt something, I know I did.” Shit.

You did feel something, a lot of things actually. Tom had brought something back to the solemnly plain bagel of your life. You quickly wrote back.

"Don't let the bros see you texting me Tom, you laughed knowing he was probably squinting and barely able to see your words. You picture all of them looking over his shoulder.

"They went home. Can I come over? I feel like we aren't done quite yet. My asshole-in-training self expires at sunrise and I turn back into the real me. Is that okay?" You blinked a few times just to make sure you saw that correctly. "So you're actually Cinderella," you laughed nervously.

You managed to type your address and push send before pulling your covers over your head and screaming quietly enough to not wake up your still-slumbering roommates. You then looked around your room in quiet delightful horror, you had about 30 minutes to hide all your dirty clothes from the past three months under your bed...

#Tom Hiddleston #Tom Hiddleston x Reader #Tom Hiddleston fan fic #foot lover #meet cute

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fipindustries · 11 months ago

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btw, if anyone is curious.

i used to be one of the skeptics, i have made it pretty clear, i used to be one of those people who scoffed at the one piece fandom saying "there is no way a story can take 1000 chapters to be told". and i believed it!

i was convinced it had to be a zombie simpsons situation, i was convinced it had to be like supernatural or one of those mexican telenovelas with 40 seasons where after a while they just keep rehashing the same plots over and over and the characters have gone beyond flanderization and straight into empty husks of themselves, i was convinced it had to be meaningless meandering pointless filler and chapter after chapter of nothing happening, i was convinced it had to be a homestuck act 6 situation, pure nonesense worthy of henry darger.

and who knows! there are still 400 chapters left but at 700 chapters in i gotta say, it's staying remarkably focused, relatively speaking. yeah there are a couple of arcs here and there where they will spend 20 chapter fighting some villain you dont care about, there is SOME meandering here and there and many characters do take a bit of a backseat as it goes along but... there is a clear sense of progression, we are not trapped in a house of endless mirrors here, we are not spinning our wheels going nowhere. the plot advances, both in the micro and the macro, the scope of the world has been well established, the worldbuilding has remained consistent, is not like oda is revealing new previously unkown bullshit without any way it could fit in what was already told. there is lore that is being consistently revealed and it makes sense, there is a clear objective and the heroes ARE getting closer to it, everything that is introduced does become relevant one way or another eventually and it is used to build up toward new things. oda doesnt seem to run out of interesting ideas to explore and in fact the ones that were already presented have not been fully milked of all its juices yet

this is not dragon ball, where power levels and escalation keeps getting more absurd as time goes on to the point nothing matters anymore. this is not doctor who where the world has to be soft rebooted every five years just to keep the illusion of freshness, this is not marvel or dc where continuity is whatever and character arcs dont matter and there is a sliding time scale.

this is a story with a well defined middle beggining and end, this is a long journey and we are damn well see every stone and branch and blade of grass across the way and it will alway be an interesting stone or a cool branch or a really fun blade of grass but every foot we plant on the ground is decidedly in front of the previous foot.

#one piece #now watch as i get an egg on my face when this story goes to shit in the next 400 chapters

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mdhwrites · 3 months ago

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Do you think Boscha was treated unfairly in the context of the show? I know you've said before what you would have wanted her characterization to be, but what do you think of her character as we have it in TOH - and do you think fan and narrative treatment lines up with this?

I'm going to ignore the fan element. Fandom is going to fandom after all. However, I can easily say where her narrative treatment went wrong in the show!

She should not have been in S3.

This is always a fun topic to me essentially because I am pro-Boscha. You ask me what her character is, the potential of it, etc. like that and I can give you reams of thoughts. However, I also said, before S2 came out and I was working on a fanfic where Boscha was quickly becoming the main character, that I didn't think Boscha should show up again. The reason is pretty simple too. TOH already had a lot of threads to pull and Boscha's narrative use was over. Honestly, Hexside was essentially was used up by then.

Boscha is a minor supporting character to the main character's love interest. Not a major supporting character, a minor one. Amity's family is MUCH more important to her character than her one bitchy friend. The only use Boscha had narratively was to both contrast how Amity was changing and to also allow Amity an antagonist to overcome as she made her way to being on the side of good. Her being a one note bully is perfect for that and exactly how she should have been written. Winging it Like Witches capitalizes on this and fulfills both of her purposes and Amity cuts Boscha out of her life so... Why are we still seeing her? She is no longer even a supporting cast member to the love interest, she is just a floating character in the background.

And in S2, we get a fine answer for that. She's essentially one of the townsfolk of Wartwood in Amphibia. Someone who can show up for a quick gag but doesn't take up too much time. We're not trying to progress her character, we're just taking advantage of the fact that she's not gone. She's a gag but it's genuinely rooted in her character unlike the one joke that King or Hooty have that we're just supposed to mock. This worked. Period.

Then S3 tries to give her an arc. Why? Well... Because it doesn't want to be a kid's show. Kid's shows after all, like Amphibia, have characters who don't have some deep backstory or brooding complexity, they're just... Fun. They're nice. They aren't complicated. Boscha, WAY too late, was made to be complicated during a shortened season so the show could claim it had one more redemption? So it could claim its shallow bully character wasn't shallow? And she takes up a good amount of time in this episode for this when you have THREE SPECIALS. The stress of the world ending isn't enough to cause Willow to lose control, she needs one more push from Boscha. We finally have to acknowledge that what Amity did was a complete dick move to her best friend and then not actually acknowledge it because Amity gets to just be morally superior instead of a decent human being to this girl having a mental breakdown. It's awkward, clunky and does NO favors to Boscha besides just kind of making her look pathetic, which is a pretty common trick in TOH for trying to redeem someone. Boscha isn't so bad because she's actually a loser and not as bad as someone else in her nearby vicinity.

Why? Why do this? Why do this TWO SEASONS after Boscha was no longer narratively useful? It is just pointless to your overall story so it should have been cut. THAT is Boscha's biggest problem in the show and if anyone told me they couldn't forgive her for adding filler to S3, I couldn't tell them they're wrong.

I love Boscha. That means I know when to let her go, something the show should have learned if they actually cared about her. See you next tale.

======+++++======

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

#the owl house criticism #toh critical #toh #the owl house #boscha

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destinygoldenstar · 3 months ago

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For Anyone Who Wants To Watch 90s Sailor Moon But Doesn’t Want To Watch Several Episodes Of Filler, Here’s A Guide (Dark Kingdom Arc)

Hello, as someone who just rewatched season 1 of the 90s Sailor Moon, I wanted to give newcomers a bit of help.

I watched this version way back as a kid, I will say it didn’t click with me until years later after two or three rewatches. But my opinion isn’t too important for this post, I ran down all 46 Episodes of the first season, and made a list tracking down the filler contained.

Cause yeah… 46 episodes for a 14 Chapter story in manga text… yeah there’s gonna be a lot of filler. And people, myself included, want to enjoy the shows story without getting interrupted.

I will NOT be condoning ALL filler. In some episodes, there is SOMETHING plot relevant that happens, whether it’s based off the manga or based off 90s show lore that they changed.

Basically, I’m going to list off EVERY Episode of the Dark Kingdom Arc, 90s version. If literally ANYTHING tied to the seasons main story is in the episode, I’ll list it as a watch. And if there’s nothing, I’ll list as a skip. Or I could add better context, skip some episodes because they’re pointless, skip because they’re bad episodes, or cause they’re pointless AND bad episodes, my favorite /s.

So, for anyone who wants to get into 90s Sailor Moon, here’s a guide on what episodes are a must watch, and which ones you can skip and lose nothing.

‘The CryBaby Usagi’s Beautiful Transformation’

Quite obviously the first episode is VERY VITAL TO WATCH.

It’s the first chapter of the manga. It introduces our main character Usagi and her powers. It introduces Luna. It’s when our two lovebirds first meet. It’s the introduction of the Dark Kingdom, Beryl, & Jadeite. It’s the introduction of Tuxedo Mask as a mysterious figure. You get it.

It’s one of the few episodes that’s pretty close to the manga version, with the exception of a few not very harmful changes here and there.

Also her mom kicking her out of the house is funnier in the anime.

Manga: “If you’re gonna come home with grades like this, don’t even bother coming home!”

Anime: “YOU DON’T DESERVE TO BE LET INTO THIS HOUSE”

(I watched this subbed)

‘Punishment Awaits: The House Of Fortune Is The Monster Mansion’

Literally the only plot relevant thing in this episode is the introduction of Motoki.

In both versions, he’s a red herring for Tuxedo Mask. In both versions he’s also a very nothing side character, only serving in the manga as a love interest for Makoto, AKA Sailor Jupiter in the first two arcs. But it goes nowhere.

So… if you care about this character, watch the episode just for his introduction. But if you don’t, (I don’t blame you,) there is nothing in this episode for you.

Unless you have a kink for sexual harassment. Umino’s got you covered there.

‘The Mysterious Sleeping Sickness: Protect The Girls In Love’

This one is NECESSARY.

The episode introduces the Moon Power disguise mechanic, which unlike the manga, is used a lot in the anime.

It also has Sailor Moon and Jadeite actually meeting each other… which, yeah, is also important.

I also just like the episode. It’s one of the episodes of the anime where Usagi actually shows some growth as a guardian. The action in this one is really fun. And they use the stock Tiara Attack creatively here. That’s appreciated.

‘Learn How To Be Skinny From Usagi’

SKIP THIS EPISODE

Especially for anorexia and body shaming trigger warnings.

It’s very fatphobic. It’s very offensive to people without mainstream body types. AND there is NOTHING plot relevant that happens in it.

‘Scent Of A Monster: Chanela Will Steal Your Love’

I’m very torn on this one.

On the one hand, this is an episode where Usagi actually uses her brain, (though she kinda drops the ball at one point) and we get to learn more about Usagi’s family. Which is an appreciated form of filler. And we also get Moon Tiara Stardust and Luna living with the family.

ON THE OTHER HAND, there’s NOTHING plot relevant that happens in this episode. The Stardust function NEVER gets used again. It’s not in the manga. And in terms of Luna, I would agree with the plot of her living with their parents if it weren’t for a simple fact: SHE WAS ALREADY LIVING WITH THEM AND NO ONE BAT AN EYE

So, no, you’re not gonna get anything plot related in this episode. But if you want to learn more about Usagi’s brother and you are anti-animal cruelty, maybe you should watch it idk. You decide that one.

‘Protect The Melody Of Love: Usagi Plays Cupid’

Okay, there’s nothing plot relevant in this episode. Absolutely nothing. The characters in this episode besides Usagi and Luna never show up again and have absolutely no purpose. Nothing progresses.

It’s also one of the few episodes where Mamoru doesn’t show up once… though that’s a win in my book.

So no. You do not have to watch this episode.

But… darn it! I can’t write it off! It’s SO SWEET

It has such a different atmosphere than the ones before. It’s so pretty to look at. Usagi is actually extremely competent at her job in this one. And I cared about the stakes in this one. I cared about this piano guy wanting to get his music to his girl. I actually felt like Sailor Moon was a guardian of LOVE and JUSTICE in this one.

Seriously if all the filler episodes were like this, I would not be making this post. It’s that good and sweet.

But it is filler. So it’s your choice. But I think it’s a filler any Sailor Moon watcher can love.

‘Usagi Learns Her Lesson: Becoming A Star Is Hard Work’

SKIP THIS EPISODE

There is NOTHING IMPORTANT or of value in this episode.

At least the rose did something useful in this one I guess.

‘The Girl Genius Is A Monster: The Brainwashing Cram School Of Horror’

Obviously VERY IMPORTANT.

This is the episode that introduces Ami Mizuno AKA Sailor Mercury. She’s an important character.

It’s also Chapter 2 in the manga. So… yeah. Must watch.

Also, I actually like Ami as a character best in this version. Believe it or not. This episode, of every version, did the BEST at grasping who Ami is.

In the manga, she gets brainwashed along with everyone else.

In the anime, she doesn’t fall for it, not because she knows it’s a trap, but because she’s the kind of person that studies on her own terms and her own interest. Shy or not, introverted or not, she has that moral code in her that she stands for. Studying is all she sees value in herself with.

It’s a small change, but I LOVE this change because it gives Ami more characterization to stand behind. And sets up her own story throughout the show.

Her attack sucks though.

‘Usagi’s Disaster: Beware The Clock Of Confusion’

Surprisingly necessary.

The episode itself is meh. It’s confirmed in this one that Tuxedo Mask is indeed a stalker. The animation is quite rough in this one for some reason. And Elder Sailor Moon is cursed.

But I mostly say you have to watch it because Mercury gets a power up in this one. That being her calculus.

This thing is used quite a bit in the anime. And it is also used for an emotional punchline at the season finale.

(Again, I’m going off the anime’s story logic here. This calculus was an addition just for the anime. This was never a thing in the manga. Maybe they realized they did Mercury dirty and tried to course correct)

‘The Cursed Bus: Enter Mars, The Guardian Of Fire’

Obviously this one is also VERY IMPORTANT.

It introduces another Sailor Guardian, that being Rei Hino AKA Sailor Mars. It’s Chapter 3 in the Manga. Rei is an important character. Obviously.

I will say I prefer the Crystal version of the episode over this version, but this version is not bad at delivering THIS version of Mars… a rival character for Usagi, basically. And a rose thorn. Not sorry.

I think that just has to do with me not being given a good reason to like her in this episode. The episode is more focused on the bus mystery and the shrine location than Rei herself. Whereas with Crystal it’s the opposite.

We saw there her insecurities about her abilities and how people unfairly treated her and assumed she was monstrous. So we could sympathize with her when she snaps back.

Here? She just snaps back. At everyone. Even her own family. And that’s our intro of her character. This is the first impression the writers want you to take away of her. Not exactly a positive light on someone who’s supposed to be a main character.

(In case you don’t know, this is NOT Rei’s character at all in the manga)

I find it funny that when Luna senses energy from Rei she wonders if she’s the princess, but when she senses energy from Ami she assumes she’s a monster.

Someone in the writers room hates Ami and that makes me sad.

Also, Tuxedo Mask does something other than throw a rose and peace out in this one. So that’s nice.

‘Usagi Vs Rei: Nightmare In Dream Land’

This is the first of many Usagi & Rei rival episodes. The titles are not subtle.

I know some people love their dynamic in the anime… I’m not one of those people. Like, there’s witty banter and teasing, and then there’s insulting, agreeing with the bullies, and being physical. I just think they take it way too far sometimes and it overstays it’s welcome in this season. They’re both pretty annoying this episode, for different reasons.

But ignoring my opinion on that matter, I do know people who love their dynamic, so this episode will deliver on that content.

And this is the episode where Rei meets Mamoru, which becomes a whole controversial subplot that didn’t exist in the manga. But it is a subplot that happens later and this is its intro so maybe you should watch it. Idk. It doesn’t really affect the main plot.

There’s also a little combo attack Moon and Mars do and it looks pretty neat.

‘I Want A Boyfriend: The Luxury Cruise Ship Is A Trap’

Oh look, an Usagi & Rei rivalry episode…

Wait, didn’t we do that last episode-?

This episode is about these three girls fighting for each others affection when Rei asks Ami out on a date. That’s it. That’s the plot.

Rei denies things. The cruise’s energy draining is homophobic. But I see right through her that she’s just a closeted gay 🏳️‍🌈

(That’s my headcanon anyway)

At least last episode was about solving a mystery related to the villains. Here it’s solely for these girls own dreams. Not that it’s a bad thing. I like it when protags are selfish sometimes.

But this episode is also important because it acts as significant build up to the next episode. That being Beryl getting very pissed at Jadeite for a scandal he pulls. Plus it’s the only time Jadeite gets any sort of character depth ever so enjoy it while you can.

‘Girls Unite: The End Of Jadeite’

I don’t think I need to tell you this one is VERY IMPORTANT.

The death/defeat of one of the major villains of the show is very important. I don’t need to tell you that.

It’s also just a really great intense episode. Usagi is excellent in showcasing her growth in this one. Like GOSH does she feel so REAL in this version of the story.

She also asks a really good question.

“What’s wrong with our government, hiring people like this?!”

I ask myself that a lot, Usagi. And I don’t know that answer.

Mamoru is insufferable as usual. And this might take the crown for his most pointless insults. What do you gain from being a dickhead to this girl, I seriously need to know!! (It’s also sad considering he’s only like this in the first chapter in the manga and then never again)

But at least Tuxedo Mask gets a one on one duel with a villain and that is epic. So I guess this balances it out. Especially since he’s fighting against another misogynist.

“Go on and cry! Do you need a man to do everything for you?! Women are such shallow, useless creatures!”

That’s how you know Jadeite deserved his fate.

‘A New Enemy Appears: Nephrite’s Evil Crest’

Important episode because it introduces the new villain character.

Actually, TWO of them, as Zoisite also shows up.

Yes Zoisite is a queer dude. DEAL WITH IT.

This is also the first time the introduction Usagi makes at the start of these episodes changes. I always like this, as it shows where we’re at in the story and her development.

And yet everyone roasts Usagi and treats her like an idiot, and to that I say “Where were you guys in this episodes battle?? That’s what I thought”

Mamoru doesn’t show up this episode, but Tuxedo Mask does and he actually fights and participates this time. Both of those are music to my ears.

‘Usagi’s Panic: Rei’s First Date’

The start of the episode is about the trio learning this guys beautiful park is being bulldozed and the creatures in it are in danger and he’s all sad about it.

AWWWWW, it’s a cute ‘save the environment’ episode and they’re gonna help this guy. That’s-

“I better find a boyfriend and have a date before it’s gone.”

Oh…

No it’s just an episode about Rei being a selfish prick. As usual.

I know I said I like it when these characters are selfish sometimes, but there’s going to have fun instead of working cause you’re a kid, and then there’s forcing a guy to date you in a park that you heard is being bulldozed as well as not taking no for an answer.

They just go way too far when it comes to Rei.

This episode is about her dating Mamoru. Which is a very pointless love triangle plotline if you ask me, and anyone with even the slightest knowledge of Sailor Moon lore KNOWS this ship is dead in the water upon concept alone.

BUT… as much as I don’t like this plotline, it IS a running plotline in the show, so if you care about it you have to watch it.

I don’t blame you for not bothering though.

Oh yeah this is also the episode where we learn that Mamoru is a college student.

I’m gonna do die in a corner now.

(In the manga, he’s in high school and only TWO years older than Usagi. There was literally NO reason to increase that age gap. What the f-)

At least Mamoru was tolerant in this one, AND Ami was great in this one. She really is precious.

‘A Girl’s Dream: Usagi Becomes A Bride’

This has a group transformation.

That’s it. That’s all the value there is in this nothing episode.

SKIP.

‘Usagi’s A Model: The Flash Of The Monster Camera’

THIS, of all episodes, is where Luna gives the girls communicators.

(For manga context, they don’t get communicators till the second arc)

AND this is our first mention of the Legendary Silver Crystal, which is very important.

So yeah, surprisingly, you have to watch the episode.

I completely forgot about this episode before I rewatched it. And I’m kinda embarrassed that I did. It’s better than I remember it being.

Even if it’s one of those ‘Usagi Bullying’ episodes where everyone makes fun of her and insults her, even though time and time again she’s proven to be much more competent than she seems. AND she saved everybody’s asses this episode. By herself.

And they STILL belittle her.

Really, your tolerance for it depends on who you are as a person. Or whether or not you hate Usagi. I can see why some people would, but I’m not one of those people. Usagi getting bullied just makes me sad :(

‘Shingo’s Love: The Grieving Doll’

This episode was nightmare fuel. Those dolls, just… UGH

There’s really nothing to say about this one other than it’s another episode about Usagi’s family, and this one shot of Mamoru and Nephrite walking by each other.

Yeah… nothing really noteworthy. Pass.

‘Usagi’s Joy: A Love Letter From Tuxedo Mask’

This is an important episode. Quite a bit happens here.

This is the episode where Sailor Moon and Nephrite properly meet. Which is important.

This is the reveal of Tuxedo Mask’s identity… albeit pretty underwhelming of how they revealed it. Still a reveal though.

(In the Manga, he has complete control over his two personas. In the anime, he’s not. That’s a detail change right there.)

This episode also has a bit of a conversation in the manga. Well, a part of it at least.

(In the manga, there’s a conversation Usagi & Mamoru have upon finding out Tuxedo Mask’s identity. It’s explained why Tuxedo Mask fights and always protects Sailor Moon. Another half of it is Mamoru explaining his past, but in the anime that part is split into a different conversation later. This half of it presented in the anime is much sooner than in the manga. In the manga, this takes place after Jupiter joined the team, and after Usagi got her moon wand. And instead of an elevator escape life or death situation, it took place in Mamoru’s apartment.)

This episode is also where Naru & Nephrite first meet, which is… a can of worms. But it’s important. So…

‘The Summer, The Beach, Youth And Ghosts’

Does nobody find it weird that it’s summer break but when they get back to school they’re not up a grade?

Idk how Japan schools work.

Anyway, unless you like haunted mansions, there is nothing in this episode for you. And even then it’s one of the weaker haunted mansion episode stories.

It’s also one of those ‘Forgive your abusers’ story and defiance of said abuser is the bad guy.

Thanks… I hate it.

‘Protect The Children’s Dreams: Friendship Through Anime’

I would say this episode was important for Sailor V lore… if this was actually Sailor V lore, and not about lesbian animators.

Yeah… there’s nothing in this episode for you.

Unless you like lesbian animators.

‘Romance Under The Moon: Usagi’s First Kiss’

Chapter 4 of the manga.

12 Episodes later… oh Serenity…

It introduces Kunzite, another main villain. It introduces Mamoru’s nightmares about Serenity (which near exact to the manga btw). There’s more of the Nephrite & Naru plotline. (Hell, if you skip the previous two episodes like I suggested, this is a near perfect transition.)

It’s also Sailor Moon & Tuxedo Mask’s first kiss.

Though whereas in the manga Usagi was unconscious because she was exhausted from the fight, the anime decided the reason she passed out was because she was intoxicated by wine… as a 14 year old… and Tuxedo Mask kissed her…

What the f-

‘Wish Upon A Star: Naru’s First Love’

“And you’re under arrest for romantic scam charges!”

Couldn’t have said it better myself Usagi.

You thought the 90s age gap between Usagi & Mamoru was bad? Try a 14 year old girl slobbering over a middle aged man who is also a terrorist.

But I like that the other characters call her out that it’s creepy and unhealthy and that their plan is to get her to stay away from him... even though they're the ones proven wrong because 'love'... UGH.

Legit, this episodes subject matter is very sensitive. So trigger warning for this one for abusive relationships & scammers.

But it is important. So… just be mindful of some uncomfortable stuff.

ALSO, this is Part 1 of 2 in a story. So it’s buildup to the next episode.

‘Naru’s Tears: Nephrite Dies For Love’

Part 2 of this two parter. It’s important. You know.

As problematic as the story they came up with is, it is still impressive how the 90s anime utilized Nephrite to flesh out the Dark Kingdom agency over the manga counterpart.

In the manga, Sailor Jupiter just kills him with lightning and we knew nothing about him.

So automatically the 90s anime is an upgrade for this character.

You will be missed, dude.

I didn’t spoil it, the episode title did.

‘Jupiter, The Powerful Girl In Love’

This episode is VITAL. Obviously.

It introduces a new guardian, who is one of the best characters of this show (not sorry).

Like, in manga context, Venus is my favorite, but in 90s anime I’m a Jupiter Stan. (She’s great in the manga too)

I think one of the most interesting changes to her character in manga/anime is Mako’s approach on violence.

In the manga, she saves Usagi from a car, and there was more emphasis on her being an outcast due to her height, where the stories of her being expelled for picking fights were fake.

In the anime however, she actually DOES pick fights with people to protect others, and that’s how she meets Usagi, AND she punches Zoisite in the face without powers… which is just badass. Ngl.

In both versions, her behavior is a trauma response to all her loved ones leaving her. Her parents died in a plane crash, leaving her to live alone, & her previous boyfriend dumped her in a very nasty way. So yeah, her response to crushing on every guy she meets in the anime actually has more depth to it than just a running gag. (I can’t speak since I didn’t watch the other seasons in full, but I heard they go more into this)

As a kid I wasn’t very fond of the anime’s change because the whole point of the manga version was that people misjudge her, whereas here, they really aren’t. BUT I’ve warmed up to it as just another version of the character and one that DOES work for what they are trying to set up about her. Mako’s still the tough girl into cute stuff and a hopeless romantic. She just goes at her treatment from others different ways depending on the version. So, yeah, I like it.

Off topic, but the live action movie based off the first season of the anime goes more into depth on this before Mako even becomes Jupiter. We see her get expelled, and we see her home life and how… depressing and lonely her life was before she met Usagi.

I loved it. I wish those scenes were in the 90s anime. Because we only meet Mako THIS episode, where she was NEVER mentioned before, and we’re supposed to just accept she’s a new main character.

I mean yeah the manga kinda had that issue too, but at least it was Chapter 5 of the manga and not episode TWENTY FIVE.

Whatever. I still love Mako here.

This is also the episode where we learn the existence of Metalia. In a scene from Chapter 7 of the manga. In the manga Metalia is the final boss. But in the anime, it’s just Beryl. So… honestly I kinda wish the 90s anime cut Metalia entirely because not only is Metalia a very boring generic evil entity in both versions, but she does absolutely nothing in the anime. And Beryl is just a way more interesting villain in comparison to Metalia. In both versions. Especially in the manga she’s way more interesting.

And this is also the start of the ‘Silver Crystal Fetch Quest’ arc. There’s these rainbow crystals all three sides are after because they need these things to form the Legendary Silver Crystal.

So, automatically, the Zoisite Arc has nearly all of its episodes important, unlike the last arc. (Sorry Nephrite)

These rainbow crystals were not in the manga. In the manga, the crystal was made from Usagi’s tears. (In the manga the crystal is teardrop shaped as a result. In the anime it’s a sphere.) BUT I don’t hate this choice. It gives us a good excuse to learn more about the world and these people living in it.

At least there’s a reason given for this many episodes now.

OH, and one more thing. This episode introduces the Moon Stick…

…I’m sorry, I prefer how the manga introduces it by MILES. And I’m legit disappointed about how the anime handled it. Luna just… makes it appear. I could buy her doing this with the pens, but this weapon wasn’t that.

It also completely takes away such a wholesome and heartwarming bonding chapter with Sailor Moon & Tuxedo Mask by doing it like this. The stick wasn’t just a weapon, it was a wand of healing magic generated by the couple’s love. It’s so important to the story.

‘Restore Naru’s Smile: Usagi’s Friendship’

Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

You’re gonna hear me say that five more times.

As problematic as the plotline was, you gotta REALLY appreciate them using the screen time to showcase the grief of the loss of a character. It’s such a great episode to just breathe and process what happened.

This is also the episode where the Usagi introduction changes again. To highlight how amazing Mako is. Can’t argue.

Despite Umino Rei and Luna being especially insufferable this episode (like come on, it’s been how long and Usagi’s saved your asses how many times, how are you STILL so entitled and discrediting her?!), we all wanted Naru to fight Zoisite even if she’d lose. This poor girl needs some serious help. She’s a good kid! Leave her alone!

Also the monster is a boxer…

This is made from a Pastor…

And it made a boxer…

Okay.

At least Tuxedo Mask gets to fight this time. He doesn’t always throw a rose and leaves. Y’all over exaggerate. We also get the music watch this episode, which is used for an emotional punchline in the finale.

‘Crushing On Ami: The Boy Who Can See The Future’

NEW OPENING!!!

Don’t watch it, cause it spoils the fifth Sailor Guardian on this team & the arcs major plot twist. Why???

(Though, the latter is not very hard to guess anyway)

Anyway, Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

Hooray! It’s an Ami episode!!

Seriously, we got how many Rei episodes and only NOW we get an Ami episode?

On top of that, the episode is more about the victim of the week than Ami.

Who in the writers room hated Mercury?

Whatever. It’s still a nice episode.

‘The Painting Of Love: Usagi And Mamoru Get Closer’

Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

The Usagi intro also changes.

I know. Already. Guess Mako wasn’t that special /j

It’s build up to the big plot twist. I have nothing else to add.

‘Total Chaos: The Messy Love Rectangle’

Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

Oh yippee, it’s an episode where everyone fights over the same guy. I got Miraculous flashbacks watching this episode with all the stalking involved. But at least it’s just one episode here and not the entire show. And at least that plotline is over with now, at least for this season.

Mako strangles Mamoru at one point and that got a good laugh outta me cause yeah, he deserved it.

Beryl, you don’t need to do anything. Just let Jupiter finish him.

‘Grandpa Loses Control: Rei In Danger’

Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

Why Rei is such a prick in this show, I cant explain. But at least in this episode it’s somewhat justified…?

But like, she saw her grandpa get attacked and how that emotionally affected him, and she doesn’t do a thing about it till it’s too late?

There’s also a new ship that gets introduced here, one that wasn’t in the manga. Take it however you will.

‘Loved And Chased: Luna’s Worst Day Ever’

Rainbow Crystal. Important episode.

Wow is this the first time we got a Luna episode? I’ve ignored Luna this whole time, and that’s mostly cause she’s just been… there. There to occasionally tell Usagi how dumb she is. But here she actually gets her own little story.

And it’s actually pretty epic.

Yeah this episode is 90s comedy GOLD. They did cat lovers justice.

Jupiter also checks out Mercury. They had no reason to put that in there. But I suppose 90s Jupiter is the bi icon we needed.

‘Umino’s Resolve: I’ll Protect Naru’

Dang, Naru moved on quickly from Nephrite, huh?

But at least this ship is much healthier than that, so that’s nice. It’s something to appreciate Umino for. He’s a good guy.

I guess I should also point out the Zoisite/Kunzite ship since it’s brought up now.

It wasn’t a thing in the manga. Idk whose idea it was. But there’s no real ‘damage’ in making them a couple far as I’m concerned. Yeah there’s the ‘bury your gays’ trope, but it’s 90s, so what do you expect? And hey, could’ve been worse. Uranus & Neptune could’ve not existed.

I mean, I watched this anime subbed with the original Japanese dialogue. I didn’t watch the dub where they censored everything, but I have heard about it and heard dubbed Usagi’s voice, and I couldn’t take it seriously. I also heard about the censorship of the LGBT content in that, where they made the lesbian Sailor Guardians ‘cousins’, and in this case, making Zoisite a woman.

Yeah… the manga specifically calls them the ‘four dark KINGS of destruction’ so why would they call themselves that if a woman was a part of the group?

For those without original context, there you go. Zoisite is a guy. He and Kunzite are a canon couple in the 90s anime. Deal with it.

This episode is actually important because Sailor Moon loses the Rainbow Crystal they had. Can’t say I’m surprised. Like, why did SHE have it? Why not give it to someone like Ami if you really didn’t trust Usagi?

Whatever. Her reasoning was understandable. That’s what counts.

‘Enter Venus, The Last Sailor Guardian’

Obviously this episode is VERY VITAL.

It introduces the last Sailor Guardians of the main team, my girl Sailor Venus.

While I’m not a fan of only foreshadowing/exploring Sailor V in the first episode and a game when this version has so much time, the manga didn’t do that very much either so I can’t complain.

Actually, I more prefer this version of the chapter as an intro to Sailor V.

In the manga/Crystal, Sailor V just shows up at the end as a last ditch save. While that’s also true here, she gets more screen time to actually showcase who she is and WHY she’s a big deal. (Plus, in Crystal, the fight was more focused on Tuxedo Mask’s resolve and complex about Sailor Moon & the Legendary Silver Crystal. A moment with some great writing. BUT that whole bit was made just for Crystal. It didn’t happen in the manga. In the manga, Tuxedo Mask couldn’t even get to Sailor Moon because of a barrier, which was why Venus had to jump in)

This is also the fight where Kunzite participates in the first time.

‘The Shining Silver Crystal: The Moon Princess Appears’

This is part of a 2 parter that is VERY VITAL TO WATCH.

The plot twist is not really hard to guess if you have a brain, but it’s still there and how it’s revealed is pretty sad, Ngl. It’s also the climax of the seasons plot.

Like, even the biggest Mamoru haters have to feel bad for him here.

There is also no Usagi intro in this one. She just describes the plot of the last episode. Shows you the severity of relevance that and this episode have.

Though, there’s a whole plot point on this subject matter involving Venus in the manga. Manga viewers know what I’m talking about. And they just drop it immediately here. And…

Well it was bloody obvious that she wasn’t the thing either way, but it was also heavy characterization for her. So… I guess it’s just another Mako situation how you feel about 90s interpretation.

I’m not someone who docks points just cause it’s different. I’m someone who docks points if the change made makes the story worse. (Like, if you gave Batman a gun. Shit change. Shouldn’t have been done.) In this case, it’s not harming too much. So whatever.

Oh wait, there’s flashbacks to dialogue from the fat shaming episode and the worthless idol episode, so I should claim they’re relevant after all, right?!?!

Yeah, no. I just hate the former episode that much.

But in terms of this two parter. Even haters of the 90s anime gotta LOVE how they handle this part of the story.

‘Returning Memories: Usagi And Mamoru’s Past’

Again, VITAL TO WATCH.

It’s Part 2 of this two parter and part of the major plot twist. We get the Legendary Silver Crystal’s first appearance, a power up for Sailor Moon, Zoisite’s execution (bury your gays), Tuxedo Mask getting abducted, and there’s no Usagi intro this time, as this time it’s Luna that describes what happened last time. We also get some huge vital lore dumps and backstory here.

Rei also somewhat redeems herself a bit. Like I said, she gets better.

Great episode with a lot of plot.

‘Usagi’s Confusion: Is Tuxedo Mask Evil?’

No Usagi intro this time. At all. Instead it’s a follow up of Usagi’s trauma from the two parter. Which is needed.

Though this episode also contains one of the dumbest plans I’ve heard from a villain and the DUMBEST reasons for why it doesn’t work. And the two parter further proves my point.

HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW HER IDENTITY FROM LAST TIME?!

AND HOW DOES A DNA SCANNER FAIL ON YOU?!?! HOW?!?!

These villains are stupid. Kunzite, you’re stupid. Stop being stupid.

This episode is important because of Tuxedo Mask’s role in this episode being revealed.

Also, this episode lies to you. Roses, in fact, do not turn black when they wilt.

‘Let’s Become A Princess: Usagi’s Bizarre Training’

This episode is fun, actually.

We learn that Artemis is the guy that’s been contacting Luna this whole time… which I thought she knew that already, so it’s awkward.

And… that’s it. And in my opinion it’s not enough to call this an important episode because… it’s not.

But it is cute, so… you decide.

‘The Snow, The Mountains, Friendship And Monsters’

Oh. It’s a Usagi & Rei rivalry episode.

(Geez there are a lot of these…)

Pretty stupid they don’t immediately detect there’s a trap in this one considering they literally call it “Moon Contest”

Though Rei actually shows character development and helps Usagi in this one. Like I said, she gets better after the Mamoru incident. Huh, I guess her subplot with him meant something. It leads to some pretty cute bonding with the two that had been missing all season.

And it makes the finale hurt a bit more. You know with what scene.

This is a character episode. In terms of plot there is nothing. You decide.

‘Paired With A Monster: Mako, The Ice Skating Queen’

Uh… let’s see… we learn that the Moon Kingdom loves ice skating.

But it’s completely irrelevant to the rest of the season. And we learn nothing new about the title character. And the episodes existence makes the whole ‘Tuxedo Mask is brainwashed’ thing worse.

SKIP

‘The Legendary Lake Yokai: The Bond Of Usagi’s Family’

This episode is so sweet. Usagi’s family isn’t entirely relevant or anything, but it’s always nice when they get focus.

We also get build up to the next episode with Usagi and Mamoru’s interactions in this episode. Which honestly, I prefer over the manga and how that chapter handles it. Usagi seems less stupid here, surprisingly enough.

Very nice episode. But it’s not needed for the plot so you decide.

‘I Won’t Run Away From Love Anymore: Ami Vs Mamoru’

Yaaaaaayy!! Mercury gets to actually DO STUFF!!

And it’s glorious! It gives a strong look on her character and this is easily her best focus episode in this season!

They also bring back the boy from the last focus episode she had. Who is one of the better side characters in this.

It’s also an important episode because of what happens to Tuxedo Mask.

Mercury W

‘Sailor Venus’s Past: Minako’s Tragic Love’

Okay fr, this is the only character focus episode we’re getting of Venus this season. So take it while you can.

It’s a great character episode just for that and it’s worth a watch if you want to.

‘Usagi Abandoned: The Falling Out Of The Sailor Guardians’

Alright, this is the last filler episode that is not necessary at all.

Nothing in this episode carries over at all. It also forgets the skiing episode being development that happened. So yeah, skipping this episode makes the finale better in my opinion.

‘Usagi’s Awakening: A Message From The Distant Past’, ‘Death Of The Sailor Guardians: The Tragic Final Battle’ ‘Usagi’s Eternal Wish: A Brand New Life’

And of course, the final three episodes make up the finale. All VERY IMPORTANT.

I’m not gonna say much because it’s the ending, but it’s the lore coming full circle, a pretty devastating beat down, and an… odd ending.

I’m also very glad that this anime changed aspects of the backstory from the manga. Changing the Romeo & Juliet date to a plain ‘they were murdered’ and the queen wishing them to live happier in the future is so much less romanticism and the theme from the manga isn’t lost.

Really, my only gripe is the very ending fate of all these characters. If you’ve seen it already, you know what I’m talking about.

The manga didn’t do it, this was an aspect made just for the anime. And it DOES work bittersweetly… if this was a one season show. But it’s not, so Season 2 is left in a very awkward spot. But other than that, this is a great finale to a great season of a great anime.

I actually had quite a bit of fun making this and revisiting this anime. And I do hope that with this some people realize this anime is actually NOT as loaded with pointless filler as many claim.

I thought it would be that way going in, but look at the math I picked up. Of the 46 episodes, only EIGHT of them I found completely pointless and meaningless. But that’s really only if you watch all the episodes that are in the grey area of this regard (what I put in yellow). Those are episodes that help with characterization and/or plain fun if you want it. Or you can skip them if you only want plot. That’s completely your choice.

Whichever route you choose, this is a great entertaining show that is worth your time. Just… be mindful of how many episodes there are.

(Also if you guys want, I can do the other seasons as well. I have no problem with that.)

#sailor moon #sailor moon 90s #sailor mercury #sailor mars #sailor jupiter #sailor venus #usagi tsukino #luna #tuxedo mask #ami mizuno #rei hino #makoto kino #minako aino

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semi-imaginary-place · 2 years ago

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I was thinking about how the girls in Naruto might have progressed as ninja if they'd ever been given actual development.

Ino would make an excellent spy. She's mental ninjutsu oriented, and she's people oriented. She's the gossip queen, she knows everything about anyone. I can so easily see her as an espionage master going under deep cover to do what she does best, knowing other people's business. Super glam spy fits her vibes, she deserves it. The anime suggests an alternate path as she has a filler arc where she apprentices under Tsunade and that's as a mental health specialist. This doesn't fit her quite as well but I do like the idea of her and Sakura working together given how important their rivalry is to each other in the manga.

Sakura was introduced as having excellent potential in genjustsu, and then nothing was done with this. Sasuke became the genjutsu user and Sakura the taijutsu user and this could have been interesting since this is the opposite of their initial introduction but again nothing was done with this. Building off her taijutsu and being able to focus her chakra to a point for super powered attacks, I think Sakura deserves to wield a giant axe, she has one in several of Kishimoto's illustrations. Next would be her to develop her genjutsu potential, Sakura's strength's are her control and intelligence and I'd like to see her fully use those skills. Additionally the manga and characters themselves draw strong parallels between Sasuke and Kakashi as the geniuses of their teams. The parallel that is missed is that Sakura and Kakashi are both people without plot-breakingly powerful kekkai genkai with high intelligence, excellent chakra control, but mediocre chakra pools, and this really could have been explored more. One of the problems Naruto has is that healer is treated as a women's profession, with Sakura its rather hard to avoid however as the manga sets up a strong parallel between the sannin trio and Team 7. One option would be for Sakura not to use her medical knowledge for healing but instead like Kabuto for assassination and special operations. Of Team 7 Sakura is the most suited for ANBU, Naruto is just out of consideration completely and Sasuke has shown himself to be just as stupid and reckless as Naruto. Sakura in Anbu would also further drive the similarities between her and Kakashi.

When will someone remember that Tenten exists. I don't see her 700 epilogue retirement to run a weapon shop necessarily bad. Not everyone has to be a ninja, the problem is when it's always the women who retire from fighting. As a ninja though I think Tenten deserves more swords, like Killer B level or more swords. Tenten's strengths are in her physical abilities and weapon versatility, so she should be able to always pull out the weapon type that would work best against any opponent. I love to see her be a primarily physical fighter this would be my first pick for her, but another option would be to lean more into the sealing scroll side of thing so not just weapons but tools and traps, make Tenten a saboteur.

Hinata, oh Hinata, she deserves so much better. I can see more or less two paths for her. First would be to quit being a ninja, it could work for her. Hinata never really seemed to want to be a ninja, it was always for something else, her clan, Naruto, her friends, but not quite herself. I can very easily her leaving the shinobi life all together, leave ninjas, leave the Hyuuga clan; Hinata deserves it, to lead her own life on her own terms. Hinata had such potential to be an interesting character and its a shame the manga never got into it. She's the eldest of the Hyuuga clan leader but she's overshadowed by both her cousin and her younger sister and ends up passed over for succession, like that is juicy. True growth for the Hyuuga would have been Neji succeeding his uncle as clan head but that's another post. If she stays a ninja I would have like to see come to terms that her clan's kinda bullshit in a lot of ways and what they think of her doesn't matter, becoming a shinobi because she wants that for herself. In line with this personal growth she fighting style should deviate from Hyuuga techniques, maybe she develops her own taijutsu style. Or who knows maybe she becomes a physical therapist between the ability to see chakra and affect it, magic acupuncture. Kurenai is similarly ignored in the manga, but with her mentorship, Hinata has the potential to become essentially a magekiller, specializing in countering and taking down genjutsu users.

I bring up the option of some of the girls retiring because some of the boys should have retired. Hinata should have gotten Choji's character arc, and Choji who hates fighting should have been allowed to quit fighting and run a successful bakery cafe business. Sai deserves to put shinobi life behind him and become a full time artist. Shikamaru starts out like he's going to quit but I'm actually quite fond of his character arc. Yamato is also wasted potential as former human experiment and child soldier, like Sai he should learn how to live in peace, maybe he becomes an architect. We don't see team Taka in chapter 700 but Juugo is so gentle I want a nice civilian life for him.

(idk about Temari I mostly just want her to keep girlbossing and beating people up. Mmm I do think she's make a better Kazekage than Gaara. Gaara is another one I could see quiting being a soldier.)

#naruto #yamanaka ino #haruno sakura #Tenten #hyuuga hinata

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coraniaid · 1 year ago

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I don’t think it’s particularly controversial to suggest that, if Buffy the Vampire Slayer were being made today – in the age of streaming and binge-watching, when even as many as twelve episodes in a single season seems like a luxury – neither Phases nor Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered would ever have made it to the screen.

To use a term I’m not sure Tumblr really approves of, they’re both very clearly filler episodes: moments of relative calm between the major events of Innocence and Passion. They don’t do much if anything to advance the main plot of the season, and they’re primarily focused on characters other than the star of the show. Phases is about Willow and her relationship with Oz; Bewitched… Is about Xander and his relationship with Cordelia.

Actually, I think these are a type of episode that we haven’t really seen in Buffy before. In Season 1, there wasn’t really any obvious season-long arc for the monster of the week episodes to distract from. The Master didn’t have a concrete plan to escape the Hellmouth that we ever saw after the first two episodes, and between The Harvest and Prophecy Girl Buffy didn’t exactly do much to try to stop him. Yes, the episodes of the season still fall into a fairly natural order and sometimes have long-term consequences – we meet the Anointed One in Never Kill A Boy On The First Date, say goodbye to Principal Flutie in The Pack, learn about Angel being a vampire in Angel, meet Jenny Calendar in I Robot, You Jane and Principal Snyder in The Puppet Show – but there just isn’t the same divide between “arc episode” and “filler episode” that I think there is for the later seasons.

And that didn’t change immediately in Season 2, even with the introduction of Spike and Drusilla. These characters, let’s not forget, were not really interested in Buffy except as an obstacle. Spike was in Sunnydale looking for a cure for Drusilla. It never seemed particularly strange to spend a few episodes focusing on something else. It’s only now, in the second half of the season, that there’s a sense of urgency. It’s only now – with Angelus out there and actively planning to hurt Buffy and her friends – that it starts to seem a little strange that the show isn’t carrying directly on with that part of the story.

Of course, neither of these episodes is entirely divorced from the events of the wider season. It’s not at all an original observation on my part to note that both episodes are, on a metaphorical level, very much about Buffy and Angel’s doomed relationship.

In Phases, Oz is Angel: the show repeatedly makes a point of reminding us that he is older than Willow; Xander worries about the fact he is “attractive” (compare with his complaint in Teacher’s Pet that nobody had told him that Angel was “a very attractive man”); Oz’s peers can only think of one reason why he might be dating somebody younger than him: “she’s got to be putting out, or what’s the point?”.

And that’s before we learn that Oz is cursed to transform into something monstrous, something that “acts on pure instinct: no conscience, predatory and aggressive.” A monster that, Buffy is told, her refusal to kill makes her uniquely responsible for: “if that thing out there harms anyone, it’s gonna be on your pretty little head.” You don’t need to look very hard to find the subtext here.

Meanwhile, while Xander and Cordelia’s relationship in Bewitched… isn’t quite so obvious a parallel to Buffy and Angel, the spell Xander is responsible for casting has an impact that’s not totally dissimilar to the curse affecting Angel. When Giles says “it’s not love, it’s obsession. Selfish, banal obsession” he could just as easily be talking about the nature of Angelus’s new obsession with Buffy as he is about the actual plot of the episode. “He would think of it as affection, I suppose.”

But other people have gone into all this in much more depth than I can, and I don’t really have anything new to say about that.

What’s more interesting to me is to realize that it’s not the only thing these two episodes have in common. Not only are these episodes that I don’t think we saw in Season 1, in a sense they are episodes that we couldn’t have seen in Season 1.

I’ve talked a bit before about how Season 2 has started fleshing out the world of Sunnydale a little bit more, with more minor recurring characters and callbacks to the events of previous episodes. These minor characters and history are, in some sense, essential to the plot of both episodes. Xander brings up his memories of being possessed by a hyena spirit in Phases while Oz stares curiously at the statue that imprisons Amy’s mother; Cordelia’s friend Harmony returns for the first time since Season 1 in Bewitched… and this is the first episode that really solidifies her group of friends. This is a show with a history now, and these episodes take place in that context. It helps a lot that we’ve met so many of the minor characters in these two episodes already. It’s just a shame the show couldn’t have made Angelus’s victim of the week Theresa somebody we’d seen before.

And as well taking advantage of this existing world-building, both these episodes continue that trend: bringing back a character who’d only appeared in a single episode of the show before and making them recurring. Phases brings back Larry Blaisdell, who’d previously only appeared in Halloween, while Bewitched… brings back Amy Madison, last seen almost a year ago in Season 1’s Witch. But neither character is quite the person we thought they were. In Phases we find out that Larry is gay – the first and, in fact, only man on the show to explicitly come out as gay (no, obviously Scott Hope doesn’t count, come on) – and in Bewitched we find out that Amy has (for reasons the show will never bother to explain) taken up her mother’s interest in witchcraft.

How consequential either of these things really are in the longer term is perhaps a matter for debate. After Phases, Larry will appear in just three episodes of the show, all in Season 3, before being killed off in the season finale. Amy will be a little more fortunate – she will also almost be killed in Season 3, and while she survives she will be almost written out of the show for some years, but she will at least be talked about quite a few times before finally being brought back for three episodes in Season 6 and one last episode in Season 7.

The show won’t forget that Larry’s gay – in fact it will quite literally be the second-to-last thing anybody ever says about him – but at the same time he’s out in a very limited way. We never see any of the boys his grandmother is apparently setting him up with; nor do we see Larry show any sign of being attracted to any other man on the show.

Equally the show will never forget that Amy is a witch, but it will discard almost everything else about her. The show reminded us about her mother in Phases, but has already forgotten about her father. She uses her magic purely for selfish reasons here, but Season 3 will have her practicing “harmless” magic with Willow for other people’s benefit, while Season 6 will retcon her as a magical junkie. Amy will go on to be mentioned in or appear in every single season of the show without the writers ever bothering to give her a consistent personality.

(It’s a little odd too that, despite the show very firmly settling on the idea that being a witch is a metaphor for being a lesbian in its fourth and fifth seasons – and despite the fact that this episode introduces Amy by having her ask Willow if she’s planning to go to the school’s Valentine’s Dance – there’s never any suggestion that Amy might be gay. In fact, Season 6’s Smashed tells us that she was planning to ask Larry out to the end of year Prom before she turned herself into a rat. Perhaps he wasn’t quite as out as he told Xander he was?)

The longer term consequences of the main plots of these two episodes are also rather limited. Cordelia chooses to give up on her social standing because her friends are “sheep” (for which read: susceptible to magical mind control, I guess?) in order to date Xander (who might have spent the season insulting and belittling her, but did buy her one (1) nice gift) but this relationship will last for only a dozen further episodes. And while Oz and Willow will stay together for much longer, the show won’t ever find anything interesting to do with the fact Oz is a werewolf until Season 4, when it uses it as a pretext for writing him out of the show.

So yes, these episodes aren’t just filler – they have something to say about the season arc, even if they don’t advance it directly, and they introduce real changes into the world of the show – but they are still somehow insubstantial. I don’t think anything happens in either of them that really matters. If you forget that Oz is a werewolf, or that Cordelia apparently thought Xander’s attempt to mind control her for “revenge” was romantic, you really won’t be missing much.

And in the interests of transparency, I should probably admit – if it wasn’t already obvious – that I simply don’t think either of them is very good. Yes, on one level, I’m glad that the show’s writers had the space to make these sorts of episodes – episodes that explore characterisation and flesh out the world and don’t directly advance the plot – but the specific episodes that were actually made honestly kind of suck.

Phases has its moments, but it’s decidedly uneven with at least as many misses as hits, and overall I think it’s a pretty average episode at best. The fact that Oz’s werewolf costume is terrible is balanced only by the knowledge it will somehow get worse. And Bewitched… is, by some distance, the episode I’ve least enjoyed of all my current rewatch. Even just trying to summarize the plot makes me feel a little sick. I would genuinely think better of the show if this episode hadn’t ever made it to air.

(So, yeah: for those following along, I think the worst episodes of the rewatch so far, by some distance, have been Teacher’s Pet, The Pack and now Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered. No need to point out the common theme or character-focus of these three episodes.

Going into this rewatch I really didn’t think of myself as somebody who hates Xander Harris. He certainly isn’t my favorite character, but I think the show does ultimately find some pretty interesting and sympathetic things to do with him. And I think the popular fandom idea that Xander is uniquely a ‘Whedon self-insert’ while all the other characters on Buffy are somehow not is pretty silly. But quite a large part of my rewatch experience so far has involved having to remind myself, over and over, that Xander gets better. Eventually. Surely.

And … well, it must be true. Because right now his character has nowhere to go but up.)

#btvs #buffy rewatch 2023

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loopy777 · 7 months ago

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Is Zuko a Gary Stu? A lot more people are becoming anti-Zuko especially after the comics. Thoughts?

Well, it depends how we're defining "Gary Stu." I tend to prefer a strict definition for it and "Mary Sue," that of a self-insert wish-fulfillment character. I also don't personally consider it to necessarily be a negative; one of my favorite fictional characters is George Lucas' Flash Gordon Gary Stu, Luke Skywalker.

But the common internet usages for the term typically translates to "character favored by the narrative and/or storyteller(s) to a degree that harms the story." So I'll address both definitions.

I don't think Zuko is any kind of wish-fulfillment character in the AtLA cartoon, nor do I think the narrative shows him any favoritism. In fact, I'd say the story goes out of its way to make things harder for Zuko than the basic character arc demands. It could've had him switch sides at the end of Book Earth, and I don't think there would have been much complaining. Likewise, the story could have had gAang come around to him a lot sooner in Book Fire, rather than spending entire episodes (and in Sokka's case a two-parter) reconciling him with the gAang one-by-one. I think his character arc is improved and given more impact by the desire to cover this extra rocky ground, although I also think 'The Boiling Rock' didn't need to be a two-parter and all of early Book Fire's filler episodes with the gAang should have been relocated to after Zuko's defection so that they'd have the added interest of showcasing the expanded gAang's new dynamic.

Ah, but then we get to the comics. I'm going to assume we're talking about Gene Yang's comics specifically, since Zuko has not appeared substantially in anything written by anyone else. It's easy to harp on these comics' use and treatment of Zuko, but I want to be clear that they're poorly written on pretty much every level. The dialogue is bad. Major plot threads are abandoned without comment. Everyone is mischaracterized. The humor is more juvenile than anything in the cartoon. What stories are told spin their wheels until they get wrapped up in a rush. There's bad, racist, pro-colonialism messages baked into them all. Etc and so on.

And yes, I do think these comics favor Zuko to their detriment and his. Gene Yang has admitted that Zuko is his favorite character in the cast. But even if he hadn't, we can see in 'The Promise' that the presentation has a lopsided preference for Zuko over Aang, the other main character of the story. Zuko is not portrayed as wrong for pressuring Aang to promise to kill him, despite Aang being uncomfortable with it and the whole idea being against Aang's major beliefs; compare that to the cartoon, where Zuko was portrayed as wrong and bullying in his attitude to try to get Aang to kill Ozai. In the matter of the former Fire Nation colonies, Aang and Zuko have opposing approaches, but rather than the story taking the stance that they need to compromise and mix'n'match their ideas, Zuko gets to utter the line, "I was right all along," while Aang has to be lectured by Katara, admit to being wrong, compromise with the Air Acolytes, and break off his relationship with his ghost mentor.

In 'The Search,' Zuko goes on to find his mother and learn her backstory, something that ends up not troubling or challenging him at all. She gives up her new identity to become his doting mother again and Zuko doesn't have a single doubt about it. He gets an adoring little sister in the form of Kiyi, despite her having a real problem with her mother choosing to become Ursa instead of keeping her familiar form. And his questionable treatment of Azula is not addressed; like Aang in 'The Promise,' she's the one who has to compromise (or in this case refuses to compromise).

You can see the pattern here of Zuko's presentation. This is where we can start to question if Zuko is Gene Yang's self-insert, but to do so, we would have to assume a lot of stuff about Gene Yang. For example, he breaks up Zuko's romance with Mai and then starts hinting at something with him and Suki; does that mean Gene Yang wants to date Suki? Then why bring Mai back so prominently in 'Smoke & Shadow' and then both go easy on her mistakes and break her up from Kei Lo at the end? Maybe Gene Yang wants a harem with both Suki and Mai, but if that's the case, then it's pretty odd that he ends his run on the comics with Zuko dating neither.

We could do the same for other aspects of Zuko's presentation (Does Yang want a tiny powerful Firebender as a little sister? Does he think all colonizers are awesome? Does he advocate denying first-amendment rights in times of danger? Is his favorite food to eat at winter time extra-spicy fire noodles?) But we'd probably run into similar questions we can't answer, leaving us to either assume way too much that would likely be wrong or admit that it doesn't matter.

Which brings us back to the much simpler idea of the character being favored beyond what is warranted. That helps with examining 'Smoke & Shadow,' where Zuko is actually portrayed as making some wrong choices for once in all of Yang's run of comics, like ordering his people's homes invaded and trashed on a vague hope that he'll find some information about Azula- but before that, he's somehow enlightened enough to make rainbow fire, and afterward, he solves everything with a quick apology to his people.

Usually, the narratives ignore Zuko's flaws and twist themselves into weird shapes to justify things. It's like Gene Yang started with the intentions of having Zuko make mistakes and grow over the course of the various stories, but then chickens out, so we're left with themes that feel incomplete or outright harmful. Zuko doesn't need to grow beyond his desire to have a Fire Nation elite (and their pet Earth Kingdom spouses and servants) rule over the former colonies forever, he gets to say, "I was right all along." He starts by locking Azula away in a straight-jacket, but then doesn't find a way to reconcile with her and treat her more humanely, because she goes fully homicidal and then runs away so he doesn't need to deal with her. But in 'Smoke & Shadow,' we get one example where, probably because Yang doesn't see it as that bad in the first, Zuko is allowed to temporarily be wrong before returning to a state of grace.

I think Gene Yang is trying to tell good Avatar stories. But, among his (many, many, many) mistakes, I think he's letting his favor for Zuko influence the stories he's trying to tell. He's trying to give his favorite character juicy dramatic material that lets him grow into an even more awesome character- but then he shies away from depicting his favorite in too harsh a light, ruining the whole thing.

The stories don't feel like they're going anywhere with him, despite him being a main character.

So if that fits with your definition of "Gary Stu," then yes, Zuko has become one in the comics. But he didn't start as one in the cartoon, and I don't think Gene Yang writes stories out of a desire for his favorite to marry Suki because Sword Girlfriend > Knife Wife.

Perhaps that's why he never got Maiko back together; he likes Mai too much to make her the one in the wrong, but then that would mean Zuko needs to learn and grow, and that can't be right. ;)

#anonymous #avatar comics critical #atla comics critical #comics critical

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feministsouthpark · 5 months ago

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South Park Filler Guide - Season 10

Link for Seasons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

You know the drill by now, I'll judge whether an episode has all the qualities of a canon one, or is it just shameless filler. S10E1 The Return of Chef is CANON

When it comes to separating canon material from filler, you really come to notice a lot more secondary characters die in a shorter span of time. Anyway, here's Chef's farewell in a scientology follow-up episode. S10E2 Smug Alert! is FILLER

Kyle moves. He comes back. Stan has a hit song. Never mentioned again. S10E3 & S10E4 Cartoon Wars Part I & II are LORE

I was so conflicted on this one, no consequences come from this two-parter, expect Trey and Matt's interest in the portrayal of Muhammad, and since these got banned on streaming sites, I'd encourage everyone to watch them! S10E5 A Million Little Fibers is FILLER

I'd never make anyone watch this episode. Except that one time when I did a South Park marathon with my step-father and I made him watch it. But no, even if Towelie's career would be mentioned, there's no need for this one to exist. S10E6 ManBearPig is CANON

ManBearPig IS real. Al Gore warned y'all. S10E7 Tsst is FILLER

Every now and then in these posts I feel like I have to explain myself and the fact that I'm excluding iconic episodes of South Park. However based on the feedback I received, everyone seems to get the shtick and I was too anxious, that's why I toned the introduction down. A great Eric episode that's more about telling us the possibilities this character could have, but does not actually have. S10E8 Make Love, Not Warcraft is CANON

Because Randy's role is another turning point in his mid-life crisis, Jenkins will return later and you need an episode that showcases the strength of the four boys' friendship despite all their differences, since you'll see them coming back to it every time after they start growing apart. S10E9 Mystery of the Urinal Deuce is FILLER

Kyle is getting bullied again and this time STAN is the bad guy? Interesting concept, can't say it's important. S10E10 Miss Teacher Bangs a Boy is FILLER

Kyle's brother is getting molested and this time ERIC is the hero? What's up with S10 and these bizarro concepts in its fillers? S10E11 Hell on Earth 2006 is CANON

Not THE most plot-heavy one, but Satan's character development is important to us. S10E12 & S10E13 Go God Go & Go God Go XII are LORE

You don't NEED these for context, however the Garrison arc feels more complete with it. S10E14 Stanley's Cup is FILLER

It's a divisive one for sure and I wouldn't touch it for personal reasons. The one thing you can state is that without it you'll still understand every episode going forward.

SPOILER-FREE RUNDOWN

Again, CANON means you should watch it, FILLER means you can skip it, LORE is somewhere in-between, any episode with the LORE label will have an explanation that helps you decide if you should include it or not. S10E1 The Return of Chef is CANON S10E2 Smug Alert! is FILLER S10E3 & S10E4 Cartoon Wars Part I & II are LORE* S10E5 A Million Little Fibers is FILLER S10E6 ManBearPig is CANON S10E7 Tsst is FILLER S10E8 Make Love, Not Warcraft is CANON S10E9 Mystery of the Urinal Deuce is FILLER S10E10 Miss Teacher Bangs a Boy is FILLER S10E11 Hell on Earth 2006 is CANON S10E12 & S10E13 Go God Go & Go God Go XII are LORE** S10E14 Stanley's Cup is FILLER *If you are interested in banned Muhammad content **If you are invested in Janet Garrison's love life

CANON counter:

S1: 9 out of 13 S2: 3 out of 18 S3: 6 out of 18 S4: 10 out of 17 S5: 8 out of 14 S6: 11 out of 17 S7: 6 out of 15 S8: 4 out of 14 S9: 8 out of 14 S10: 4 out of 14

Overall: 69 out of 154

#south park filler guide #south park #kyle broflovski #eric cartman #stan marsh #butters stotch #satan #zazul #al gore #chef mcelroy #chef south park #scientology #muhammad #towlie #manbearpig #ike broflovski

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saltydkdan · 2 years ago

Note

Salty, may I ask which you recommend more: the one piece manga or anime. I wanna get into it but I also want a recommendation on which one may be better to start with depending on the pros and cons. Anyways I apologies if this is a dumb thing to ask.

Sure! One Piece is a really interesting beast when it comes to the difference between it's anime and manga, and at the end of the day it depends on your preferences- However yes, there are Pros and Cons to each! For this ask, I'll be trying my best to stick to the Official options available to you.

Also, this post specifically will be about how to best GET INTO the series, not necessarily a critique on the content of it! (I'll gladly do a separate write up on that eventually if anyone is interested in my thoughts on the Pros and Cons of the series itself)

Anyway, here are my personal thoughts:

MANGA

(This is my preferred way to experience the story)

PROS

-I'm not a manga purist by any means HOWEVER, the One Piece Manga is really good

-The pacing is really great (especially initially). In the first half, arcs are very quick and snappy! And even as they got progressively longer in length I didn't mind because by that point the story already gripped me.

-The art is wonderful in both black and white, and the official colored scans (which you can find online)

-This isn't really a "pro" per say, but it's something I enjoy doing. When I read, I like to put on some of the soundtrack from the anime. I usually find stuff like "Tense One Piece Music" or "Emotional One Piece Music" and listen to it as I read. It really enhances the experience for me personally. I also like to look up clips of arcs from the anime that I'm reading or already finished to see what they look like, and also see them in a fun new way. I feel like this sort of mixed approach is optimal for me.

CONS

-You have to read 😔

-There are many ways to read One Piece and in many different languages. There's black and white and colored manga- however just be careful. The best one TRANSLATION wise is the official release, and while you may find other options, some older "unofficial" translations are VERY outdated (I once saw one where Zoro casually dropped slurs)

-That also being said: Even though the official translation is the best, it is stuck in black and white. Many official colored scans were never officially licensed in English, and because of that aren't as accessible.

-Collecting it physically is fun, but can get VERY pricey. Like... hoo boy. Thankfully they sell compendiums that collect a metric shit ton of chapters, however the paper/print quality is noticeably cheaper. So if you want to collect them, the smaller volume releases are the way to go. That being said, I would just suggest using the Shonen Jump App by Viz Media. It's the best official way to support the series officially, as well as the cheapest for the average consumer! $3 a month for the entire library as well as other series + getting new chapters updated every week is great. I'm not sponsored or anything either, I just really like the model. So if you find yourself really enjoying the series, THEN you can go about collecting it physically if you want!

ANIME

PROS

-It's animated (obviously)

-You have a choice of either the Japanese Sub or English Dub. This also boils down to preference but from my experience they're both great options!!

-I'll get into it in the "Cons" section, but the One Piece anime is VERY long, like... kind of in a not so good way at certain points. However, I've heard that even though some parts are a bit too long, it's one of those things that if you really get into it, you'll love the fact that it feels like a never ending adventure! Not my experience, but it's what others have told me!

-This is gonna sound crazy, but Filler Arcs. A lot of people don't like these, and I get why, but they are very easily skippable if you want to look up a guide, and some of them can actually be really short and fun (as well as add a bit of extra flavor to the story). One of the best examples is an arc called "G-8". Even Manga readers recommend it, so you know it's good and gives each of the characters some fun moments!

CONS

-You may be aware already, but the One Piece anime has a very bad reputation of having HORRIBLE pacing. Now, to be fair, many people say that the pacing only gets truly horrible AFTER a very specific arc about halfway through the series (which is where a lot of anime watchers jump ship to the manga)

However, I'll be honest... I wasn't a super huge fan of the pacing from the beginning. To clarify, I STARTED with the anime. I don't have a super great attention span, so having to wait around 38 or so episodes for "Arlong Park", the arc that people suggest you get to before deciding whether to keep going or quit, was very difficult for me at first. I got through it, and I'm glad I did, but as soon as I did, I decided to switch over to the manga and had a much easier time.

-I find the show's music very repetitive at times. That's not to say the music is necessarily bad, I love the One Piece OST! It's just... over the years they have barely updated the soundtrack. Every arc you might here one or two new tracks, however a lot of the time you'll hear the same tracks replayed in the same sort of situations. ("OVERTAKEN" is an AMAZING track, but if I hear it one more time I'm gonna snap)

-This is a bit of a nitpick but I need to say it. One Piece's sound effects, while iconic, are also extremely outdated. When you start the series and hear the older-styled Toei Animation sound design, it is super charming because it fits with the older visuals. However in more modern One Piece, which visually looks incredible, THEY STILL USE THE OLD SOUND EFFECTS AND THEY JUST DON'T FIT.

TOEI, UPDATE YOUR SOUND LIBRARY!!!

ANYWAY...

Anyway, I hope my funny little list here helps!! Sorry it's so long, went a bit off the handle. But I think this is a fine enough starter guide and may help you get started!

#salty asks #saltydkdan #one piece #Manga #long boys

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oshiawaseni · 2 years ago

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Trails of Love Hori's been paving down in the build up for the series' ending

Part II: Decoding the love story being told through other characters

Part One | II. Compress | Part Two -> KiriMina

.•° ✿ 2. Gentle & La Brava ೋღ

Gentle and La Brava are classic portrayals of the archetype known in Japan as "baka couple" - a couple that dotes on each other and are very openly affectionate. By juxtaposing the baka couple with Izuku and Katsuki, who keep their true feelings for each other close to their chests, Horikoshi is highlighting the tension and ambiguity going on between bkdk even more.

This tale is the evolution of my feelings towards Gentle/La Brava.

Their introduction was, very... unexpected. Izuku had just finished his tough fight against Overhaul. Nothing much was going on at the time and it had been quite a while since Izuku and Katsuki had interacted with each other.

Shortly after Gentle and La Brava's introduction to the series, BkDk development ramps up and Izuku's "Control your heart" character arc begins. Isn't that interesting..?

The very first time I watched Gentle/La Brava's story in Season Four, something seemed so... misplaced about them.

Their vibe felt filler-ish and because of the school festival side plot going on, their appearance was more like a filler inside of a filler. Yet, Horikoshi had indeed written them into BNHA. These two characters felt so strange when compared with Hori's usual characters. Even downright silly. They were criminals, but they weren't even that bad..? Tea? U.A? They loved each other?

I just couldn't quite work out their purpose in the grand scheme of things and I quickly gave up trying to.

Izuku has no regard for himself? He's crazy? Don't get entangled with him? These lines scream out KATSUKI KATSUKI KATSUKI and how he had felt towards Izuku for years. It seems Hori projected Katsuki's issues with Izuku onto LB/G over 100 chapters before Katsuki verbalised them himself. Going back, now knowing they were written for BkDk is a new experience in and of itself.

Around the time of Katsuki's death, a few theories were floating around on twitter, saying that Gentle and La Brava were put in the manga to highlight what's going on with BkDk. At the time of hearing these theories, I never expected they'd be making a return to the story in the final arc, it had broke my brain thinking about them the first time, so I didn't give this theory too much thought... but when they showed up a second time, in the final act, I really wish I had.

Because as I was reading the things they were now saying the second time around, and being more open to this theory about them, all I could see in my head were visions of everything Izuku and Katsuki had ever done for each other. It had finally clicked:

God, Hori did invent these characters to be the voice of BkDk.

These were the new lines in question that sent my head spiralling about the magnificent truth of this theory:

"Are you still fighting to protect someone's smile?!" It made me think of Katsuki, how Izuku was fighting for Katsuki's sake! To keep him safe, so he'll come back to him, energetic, alive, red eyes shining again with the passion that Izuku loves so much, and his face brimming with confidence and that wonderful, infectious smile of his that tells, no, shouts to everyone that he knows he's a winner.

"My only happiness was the thought of you at my side" Immediately made me think of Katsuki's last moments and thinking of Izuku when he knew, he just KNEW he was going to die. And his thoughts of Izuku - wanting to be the hero that Izuku loves, so he could feel that love when he needed it most, these feelings surrounded and filled his entire heart like a comforting, soft, warm blanket. These feelings are what got him through everything until the end.

This one made me cry because Izuku was his happiness at his very end. And I finally saw Horikoshi, the mangaka who cares about BkDk more than anyone! I saw what he was doing!

"The time we spent apart made our love even stronger." was like a ray of hope for me because every time they had a separation, BkDk's love grew even stronger. It meant that this separation caused by Kacchan's death would some day have an end too, where afterwards, they would be free to love each other for all the world to see.

Can you see it? Katsuki and Izuku were always meant to end up together, and La Brava and Gentle were meant to help show readers what they feel, without BkDk necessarily saying it themselves.

If Izuku's love of Kacchan is what got him a power up every time (OFA, Black Whip, Danger Sense), then this ultimate power of La Brava's must be the same for Katsuki too. Because it is his love for Izuku that gave him a quirk awakening. (And there's another great theory that their deep bond and immense love for each other is what connected Katsuki to Izuku's OFA, as well. So Gentle La Brava are connected via Love... and Katsuki and Izuku are connected via love!)

Let's say from the very beginning of BNHA, Horikoshi's idea was to gradually bring BkDk closer and closer, adding in little details here and there that don't make much sense on their own and are never expanded upon. Because he couldn't make their feelings known in the early/mid game... but he wanted to have them romance-ready at the end game.

Hori would have had a basic outline for the ways he was going to develop BkDk's relationship and he knew he needed a lot of 3rd party help to really spell out their relation to each other in the future. So Hori created Gentle and La Brava for this singular purpose. They exist to help verbalise Katsuki and Izuku's unsaid feelings! It's a perfect marriage between Gentle/La Brava's words and BkDk's actions.

And once people realised that Hori was doing this, they could then go back to the dialogues and connect the dots with other BkDk scenes as well, for example, Katsuki's abduction by the LOV in season three.

In a scene where Katsuki is taken away, Izuku's emotional pain is palpable. His deafening scream shocks not only his classmates, but a lot of viewers too. Because of his deeply emotional reaction and later scenes displaying symptoms of PTSD, this seemingly one-sided affection that Izuku has towards Katsuki, raised so many questions about their relationship for me. And as the series progressed, the mystery of Izuku's powerful feelings and need for Katsuki only deepened further. It feels like La Brava's dialogues were written into the series, just to verbalise what these overwhelming moments were truly like for Izuku.

This can't be just a coincidence. There are just too many parallels between BkDk and Gentle/La Brava to even count.

If you've read my twitter thread on the Gentle/La Brava vs BkDk parallels and how incredibly similar Izuku and La Brava's backgrounds are, but you're still sceptical about this theory, then going on this journey of Hori's trails with me may help convince you that Hori was going to make BkDk canon no matter what and that he's been using other characters to narrate the feelings of BkDk's actions.

In the future, I hope to show you how instrumental Gentle and La Brava were in expressing Horikoshi's vision.

Because there are more layers to Gentle and La Brava's arc than a damn rainbow cake. And I'm still not finished with these two yet, but that is a topic for a later post. Next up, KiriMina!

Part Two -> KiriMina

II. Compress Back to Part One

#bakudeku #bkdk canon #kana writes #bnha meta #op #must read meta #gentle love #what do you guys think about gentle and la brava?

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