#jd just an illusion

[averokagejd]

ok so that new teaser is great and i cant wait for the song

HOWEVER i wanna talk about the background for a sec

now idk if anybody really went over the background of i wanna dance but it didnt seem like most of them were jd coaches [i think i saw bailando and just an illusion there but that was abt it]

for this one, all the bg assets seem to be jd coaches

does this mean anything? prob not but it's fun to imagine them all being recording artists so

all the ones i can see in the bg are

Just An Illusion coaches

Freed From Desire coach

DeerStan, UnicornLover, and PandaFan

Tyler and Lauren

Mihaly

and Layl

if they all had albums this would be a sick lore drop tbh

[uwu-berryfaerie]

✨🌙𝓣𝓐𝓛𝓚𝓘𝓝𝓖 𝓣𝓞 𝓣𝓗𝓔 𝓜𝓞𝓞𝓝🌙✨

FINALLY it’s done oh my gah

Anyways I got this idea for a map while I was doing YouTube karaoke in the basement. I looked at the lyrics and this gave me an idea for a map about Jack Rose singing about how far Night Swan is from him after she went back to her origin place.

Basically the map be In similar circumstances in LOOH. It will start with Jack looking out the window in his room, and when the music starts, Jack starts dancing as the mirrors come in. His feather stage will lift him up during the pre-chorus, and then we’ll get to see Jack on the red carpet during the chorus. Then in the second chorus, Jack will be on the stage. At the bridge, the buildings will move to reveal the Swan Tower with the moon behind it, and at the end we get to see Jack back in his room. Finally Night Swan comes out of a portal and they begin hugging each other. Hope y’all like it ^^

[johnbrand]

Joining the Flock

Trying something different, please enjoy

With @henrypreppy

JD flipped the meeting invitation back and forth between his hands, the thin paper material an illusion to the actual weight its writing held. He could not believe he had actually agreed to this, let alone thinking about following through with it. It was not like his parents would have ever known. JD could lie about the entire ordeal and get away with it. But now he was officially registered for the first meeting of the year, his name practically carved into stone.

“Hey there, sorry I don’t mean to interrupt.”

JD rotated his head to the door, eyeing down the black-haired freshman standing patiently at the door. Slim, lanky, and could use tweezers, but by his posture JD could already discern that he was a casual fellow.

“I’m assuming you're Michael Freedman?”

“Mike will do,” Mike grinned. “It’s nice to finally meet you, I’m assuming you’re my roommate?”

JD stood up and extended his hand. “You got it, I'm JD.”

The physical exchange allowed for their first day jitters to transmit like a frequency between them.

“JD huh, is that a nickname?”

JD did his best to hold back his embarrassment. “It’s short for Jeremiah Delgado.”

Mike’s eyebrows rose, “A little bit of a mouthful.”

“You should hear it with the middle names,” JD quipped. “It’s what you get when you combine a Hispanic father and Biblically-obsessed mother.”

“Then no wonder you stick to JD,” Mike replied.

Taking a seat back on his bed, JD decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. “When did you move in? I didn’t see you this morning when I’d hauled everything up those four flights of stairs.”

Mike chuckled, “Perks of the top floor right? I assume I moved in right after you left. You’re not a clean freak or anything, are you?”

“God no,” JD answered, the tone shift catching him off guard. “I don’t have time to care about stuff like that.” JD had already picked up on Mike’s disorganization when he had arrived back at the dorm. It was a bit of a shock to see the place had already become a lived-in pigsty, even though they had just moved in. But JD truly did not mind the clutter, he was a bit on the uncleanly side too. Speaking of which, he realized he had forgotten to get a haircut before he left. The dullish chestnut mop was reaching shoulder-length now; JD was a bit curious to see what would happen if he let it grow even longer.

“Sorry if that was a bit blunt,” Mike plopped onto his own bed. “I just saw the invitation and I was curious.”

“The…?” JD paused, before picking up on what Mike was referring to. “Oh this? No sorry, it was pushed onto me at the club fair.”

The event had been just short of organized chaos. Practically a hundred booths had filled the auditorium, each of them advertising different clubs that the freshman could get involved with. Student Council, the Events Commission, even the CIA (which JD learned stood for “Chemists In Action”). He had been casually browsing, the only thing minorly interesting to him being the Pride organization, but somehow had accidentally strolled in front of the wrong stall.

“Looking to join the Campus Ministry?”

The man calling out to JD was rather put-together, probably the only person in the entire event showcasing a three-piece suit. As JD approached cautiously–hoping the man would not grab any more attention then he already had–he was able to inspect the stranger a little further. Late thirties, athletic, a ring on his finger and of average flair. He was not JD’s type, but he could still appreciate that the man held some appealing characteristics.

The man introduced himself as soon as JD drew close enough. “My name’s Peter, I’m the Campus Minister.”

JD replied accordingly, loathing his luck. He had chosen a college as far away from his parents and their strict lifestyle as possible, and yet now here he was, conversing with the very people who abided by their same morals and guidelines.

“Well Jeremiah, are you inclined to learn more about the mission of the Baptist Church?”

Wincing at the use of his full name, JD replied, “I actually grew up Baptist, but I’ve grown away from the faith since.” As soon as the words left his mouth, JD realized his mistake.

“Well you have come to the right place!” Peter exclaimed, a bit too over joyous. “The Campus Ministry is welcome to all, especially those returning to God’s graces.”

Before JD could protest, Peter had already handed him the formal invitation and written his name on the sign-up form. “The meeting is tonight, you won’t miss it!”

“I can’t believe you got sucked into that crap!” Mike was laughing after JD had finished replaying the scene for him. “Are you really planning on going?”

“I mean I have to, right? They’ve got me signed up.”

Mike shrugged, “It’s up to you man, but you don’t have a lot of time to decide.”

JD quickly eyed the invitation and then his phone and realized Mike was right. If he was going to make this meeting, he would have to leave now.

“Crap!”

———

By the time he got to the chapel, he had worked up quite the sweat. JD was not an active person, and as he entered the building, he realized he was also not properly dressed. Everyone else adorned their Sunday bests, some even more formal. The button-ups and slacks were a complete contrast to his own indie band tee and distressed jeans. JD shamefully placed himself in the back pew, hoping no one would notice the black sheep.

“Mind if I sit here, brother?”

JD obliged without acknowledging the stranger, cursing to himself as Peter ascended to the podium at the front of the chapel.

“Brothers and Sisters, I want to welcome you all to our first meeting of the year. As the Campus Minister, it is an honor to be able to guide you in our journey together, and with your trust lead you on the path towards God.”

All the members of the group came together to a round of applause. 

“Let me make one thing clear right away, brothers and sisters,” Peter began assuredly. “At the heart of the Campus Ministry is community. God did not create us to live alone in isolation. He specifically designed us to live together as like-minded beings. To thrive in Biblical communities where people who love Jesus Christ can enjoy fellowship with one another. To help each other grow in the faith, to become more alike. To learn from each other, incorporate a need for each other. God uses others to help us grow individually, and God uses us to grow other people.”

“I am reminded of a verse from Matthew 18:20: ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ It is here that Jesus calls us to be sheep, His sheep, flocking under His name in likeness and in aspiration to fulfill His teachings. As a Biblical community, we find ourselves in Jesus. He is our center point, what draws us together, the common bond that we share. And as Baptists, we find ourselves following our shepherd, assimilating as one when we name ourselves a member of His church.”

“So why is community at the heart of the Campus Ministry? Whether you are eighteen-, nineteen-, twenty- or more-years-old, you came here searching for guidance. Guidance to tell you where to go, what to do, who to follow. Guidance found through relationships, through our collective relationship with God and His church. The Campus Ministry offers that guidance and more. Our community of brothers and sisters will help you navigate classes, properly study, and make wise decisions. They will eat with you, spend time with you, bring you into the fold, our flock, no matter what former walk of life. They will help you embody the classic look of a Christian.”

“Now, I would like to invite you to embrace that first step towards community. Take a moment and turn to your neighbor, introduce yourself to your new brother or sister.”

Finding himself slightly absorbed by Peter’s sermon, JD broke out of his haze to finally acknowledge the stranger he had allowed to sit beside him. However, JD found himself rendered speechless by the beautiful man before him. With coppery hair, a diamond-cut jaw, and inviting green eyes, JD gawked a second too long at his traditional counterpart. Pairing pleated trousers with a crimson sweater vest over a simple white button-up, the stranger exuded refinement. From his Ivy League haircut to his natural woodsy smell and even by the way the stranger sat, JD could feel heat rising from his own cheeks.

“Jackson Sanderson,” the stranger offered, and after a uncharacteristic stutter JD replied with his own.

JD was then introduced to other members of the club as they came around to introduce themselves. There was a Colton, a Bryce, a Jared, a Stanley. Eventually the names and faces began to blur together, each of them almost identical to each other. Attractive by traditional standards, reeking of arrogance and privilege. JD found himself almost unable to hide his large erection, loathing his existence. It was times like these he wished not to be “blessed” as his father had once grotesquely put it.

After everyone had returned to their seats, Peter finished his monologue. “Before you realize it, each and every one of you will become bonded through our Campus Ministry. It may not happen right away, but once you begin to know each other, you will begin to shape each other too. Now, let us end in prayer.”

———

JD’s first day of classes flashed by in an instant. Undecided, his schedule was mostly filled with the required objectives. A standard biology course, base level statistics, even a communications class–all of which had no actual assignments for the day besides reading the syllabus. But by the late afternoon after his final seminar, JD found himself ready for a lazy evening. He drafted plans involving picking up fast food, watching an episode or ten of some raunchy sitcom, and then drifting off to bed.

“Jeremiah!” 

The minister’s assertive baritone cut through JD’s headphones, which were slowly lowered to passive-aggressively demonstrate his annoyance.

“I wanted to thank you for coming to the first Campus Ministry meeting last night,” Peter explained as he approached. Today, he was dressed in a brown suit with a pattern meant for a man twice his age. “I was hoping to discuss some other things as well. Have a moment?”

Reluctantly, JD obliged, and soon he was following Peter to his office. Once inside, JD was able to discern a bit more about this man who had strangely taken an interest in him. Basic wooden cross on the wall, pile of materials on theology beside the desk, a picture of a woman around the minister’s age holding three children. JD accepted the seat in front of the desk, hoping this would not take long.

“Seeing the instantaneous bond that we have created over the past 24 hours,” JD restrained his eyebrow from visually questioning this statement. “I took it upon myself to become your academic counselor. As your minister, it’s my role to offer you structure and guidance during these impressionable years.”

JD was a bit startled by this statement, but said nothing.

Peter continued, “I’ve already taken a gander at your schedule and noticed all gen-eds. As you are undecided, I was curious if you had any majors you had in mind.”

“Not particularly,” JD answered, finding himself a little more relaxed. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to think about it until a bit later, honestly.”

Peter’s direct eye contact intensified slightly. “Maybe it would be best to spread out your electives and place you in some courses designed to determine a major. Considering your passion for the faith, you could look into some classes in the Religion Department.”

JD found the minister’s wording a bit odd, almost belittling in a way. His response came out a bit muddled, “I never said that I had a passion for the faith?”

“Well, Jeremiah, I think it could do you a lot of good. As the Campus Minister, I’d be happy to offer you some additional resources as well.”

“‘Resources’?”

“Of course,” Peter’s face broke out into a big grin. “I’ll connect you with one of our students in the department. I have one in mind already, a sophomore: Jackson Sanderson.”

A blush broke out onto JD’s face. He could not perceive if the minister had noticed it or not.

“Jackson is one of our finest men,” Peter resumed. “You will immediately find him as a brother, perhaps one of your closest. After a while, you will feel the desire to emulate him, as he has the classic look of a Christian.”

Again, JD noted the strange diction, and a repeat of a phrase he had heard last night. But JD also noticed that he felt a certain calm when he listened to Peter. His voice just had a quality that kept one at ease. That was probably why he had become a minister.

“I’ll notify Jackson to get in contact with you shortly.” Peter then took a stand, prompting JD to do the same. “Until then, let’s begin thinking about your major and where we’d like to see you next semester. And further along, when you graduate.”

———

Jackson reached out to JD hours later, and after a bit of texting JD found himself roped into a study session the following day. He did not know what to expect, but he decided to put his best foot forward. Sure, he had no desire to engage with the church after his high school graduation, but JD rationalized that he could still be there to make friends.

“Jeremiah!” Jackson called out from one of the pews. He was surrounded by a swarm of men, all wearing outfits appropriate for more conservative times. JD had prepared for this, although his khakis and short-sleeved button-up still did not fit the bill.

“It’s JD,” JD corrected politely. “Thank you for letting me crash your guys’ study group.”

“Of course!” one of the men replied. JD should have known his name, but the person’s features were almost unrecognizable from the next. “Any brother is welcome to join.”

“Especially once Peter told us you were enrolling in the Religion Department,” Jackson added.

“I’m not enrolling in the Religion Department.”

“We get it, you’re ‘just interested’,” a second man insisted, to which everyone else began to chuckle as if he were referring to some inside joke.

“Anyway, don’t worry about it.” Jackson replied. The smooth quality of Jackson’s tenor settled JD’s nerves. “Let’s get to studying, shall we?”

The group agreed and promptly found themselves absorbed in their literature. While JD stuck to his reading and recording notes, the other men held a shallow conversation: one that any person could easily flow in and out of without paying too much attention. It began with simple topics at first; professors, extracurriculars, sports. None of these would typically entice JD, but he found himself occasionally tuning into the group’s monotonous channel. Eventually however, the topics converged into a singular subject: the Bible.

“I just think John’s interpretation is by far superior to the synoptic gospels,” Colton countered. JD could not believe he had remembered his name. “His use of monological writing is what makes Jesus more engaging to the interpreter.”

Jackson shook his head, “That may be true, but the synoptic gospels offer parables, short stories that people can relate too.” Jackson’s presence was different now then when they had first met. Before, frankly, JD had taken eroticism from Jackson’s standardized beauty. But now, he sensed something else. Rather than affection, JD recognized admiration.

“Enlighten us, Jackson, what parables can you relate to,” Bryce teased. “If we looked under your bed, would we find oil? As we already know you are a virgin.”

All of the men, including Jackson and JD, took joy in that remark.

“Perhaps you will, perhaps you won’t,” Jackson finally replied. “But take our group for example, are we not fulfilling a parable right now? I would situate ourselves in the story of the Prodigal Son.” Jackson motioned to his peers, “Are we not the father?” And then to just JD, “And is Jeremiah not the Prodigal Son?”

The group pondered this thought, turning expectantly towards JD for an answer.

“Um…” JD stumbled, not expecting to be put on the spot. “I mean, that’s one way to look at it.”

Once again, the group exploded into laughter, their volume ascending to the roof of the chapel. JD chuckled along too, his nervousness fading as he became more comfortable with the group. By the end of the night, he found himself pleasantly surprised as he accepted the invitation to the next study session.

———

“Hey dude, are you interested in going clubbing?” Mike asked, having just exited the shower.

“When are you thinking of going?” JD was reorganizing his desk. For some reason, its cluttered nature had begun to bother him.

“In a few minutes here, hopefully.” Mike dropped the towel on the floor and grabbed some clothes off his bed. He gave a strong sniff to each item inspected, those too dirty were then tossed onto the floor. JD observed this but said nothing.

“Man, sorry but I can’t. I got a study group tonight.”

“On a Friday night?” Mike questioned. “This is like the fourth Friday in a row.”

“I know, but I already said I was going to be there.”

Mike frowned, scratching at his lower regions a bit. JD swiftly averted his eyes. “But don’t you study with these guys three times a week, and have lunch with them everyday too?”

“Yeah, but they purposely choose Friday nights to not be tempted,” JD finally answered.

The partially-answering statement held in the air for an awkward moment. Eventually, Mike responded. “Right…”

JD turned back to his task at hand, throwing out trash that should have been discarded earlier.

“Well,” Mike grabbed a jacket and his keys. “I guess I’ll see you later then.”

“Uh huh,” JD’s response was dull. Once Mike shut the door, he released the long breath that he had subconsciously been holding. He wondered when Mike’s presence had become so taxing. Perhaps he compared his roommate to the study group’s austere quality. JD found those straight-laced men ironically soothing.

This theory was proven once JD arrived into the chapel, the smiling faces of his peers sending a warm tingle across his body. The study session went similar to the rest, beginning with actual work before simply devolving into lighthearted, yet engaging discussions. If these conversations were not surrounding the Bible, then they focused on a topic JD was even less familiar with. 

“I think I’m going to propose to Hannah,” Jared suddenly said, to which everyone in the group audibly gasped.

“Are you ready, brother?” Jackson inquired, to which JD nodded along. 

“He’s already got the ring,” Stanley answered. Weeks ago, this development would have shocked JD. Two twenty-year-olds marrying in this day and age? But now, the thought was not that unfathomable to him. He was becoming more accustomed to the men's ideology.

“I booked reservations for her favorite restaurant,” Jared announced, his typical stale manner of speaking almost giddy. Almost. “I’ll pop the question before dessert of course, it’s all arranged.”

To that, the men applauded Jared, shaking his hand vigorously and giving brotherly pats on the back. JD high-fived him, embracing the honest excitement for Jared. Once they cooled down, Colton continued the conversation.

“Now you’ve got me inspired, thinking I should finally pop the question to Mary.”

“You’ve been thinking about doing that since you first met her in private school,” Bryce retorted.

“And have you not pondered the same with Julia, brother?” Jackson smirked, to which the other men piggy-backed off of. “Speaking of women, have you set your sights on any yet, Jeremiah?”

JD blinked, unbothered by the use of his full name, “Uh…not exactly. I just haven’t  been looking for anyone I guess.” 

JD was telling the truth. Before college, he had planned on finally finding a male partner to love and hold. And to lose his virginity to. But since the first day of classes, JD had not felt a connection to any male in particular on campus–or in general. JD assumed his sex drive had been lowered, that he was just growing out of some awkward teenage phase.

“Perhaps we’ll have to set you up then,” Jared’s grin held an impish edge. “I believe Jessica is still looking for a potential husband.”

Jackson shot Jared a glare, to which all the other men hollered at. “Jessica is only a freshman.”

“And so is Jeremiah,” Stanley pointed out. JD tried his best to stay quiet, although he had to admit that he was having fun too.

“We’ll see if Jeremiah proves to be everything the minister has promised,” Jackson offered. “After all, Jessica will only take a man who has that classic look of a Christian.”

———

“Jeremiah! Thank you for meeting with me again. Please, take a seat.”

JD followed the instruction, placing himself on the other side of the minister’s desk.

“Already halfway through your first semester, isn’t that unbelievable?” Peter started.

“It certainly is,” JD’s response was friendly. “Can’t believe two months have already flown by.”

“I can’t believe it either, but I can see it,” Peter noted. “I’m assuming you’ve been having meals with your other brothers?”

“They’ve got me going to the gym now too,” JD sighed. “An hour every morning before class since last week.” 

JD had been dining regularly with his study group, at lunch and dinner and even the occasional breakfast. And since this habit had begun, JD found himself eating like his peers too. No more ramen and late night fast food deliveries. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins were now the major facets of his diet, leading to his cleaner skin and an overall healthier glow. It was strange at first to recognize how much of a difference this better diet–and as of recently the exercise–had improved his body. JD found himself a bit more muscular, a bit more jovial, and overall more energized.

“That’s not surprising, our men do like to stay in proper form, physically and spiritually,” Peter chuckled. “Speaking of which, last we talked, you had discussed that you were contemplating committing to a major in the Religion Department. Have you thought more on that topic?”

JD considered this for a moment, not remembering if that was what he had actually said or not. But something about the minister’s confident tone assured him that Peter was correct. That was why he had come to this college after all, as his parents had approved of the strong Baptist connection. At least, to appease their wishes.

“A little bit I guess,” JD replied, causing Peter to grin. JD at first thought of it as smug, but then corrected the thought to Peter simply being excited for him. “I mean I’ve attended all four of the Campus Ministry events so far, and being around the guys has certainly been an influence.”

“A positive influence,” Peter amended.

“Yeah…a positive influence,” JD slowly repeated back, before coming back to speed. “As of right now though, I’m still undecided on it all.” Peter carefully leaned back in his chair, spreading his legs out a bit to accommodate. It was almost like the minister was trying to size him up, assert a bit more control.

“You are apprehensive because you still identify yourself as an outsider to our community.” Peter’s response was measured, continuous yet firm with every word laid out. “One thing that can be addressed is your attire. At the material level, you will follow the direction of your peers.”

JD tried to process this, although his brain felt a little hazy. “That might help, yeah.”

“That is something that can be addressed too, your intonation.” There was a particular glint in Peter’s eye, but JD found it easier to focus on the minister’s voice. “Just like your brothers, your inflection will remain in control and moderated. Your pitch will remain even and your vocabulary will become more refined.”

“Certainly.” While just one word, each syllable had required additional effort to come forth from JD’s mouth. The colorless articulation however obscured this exertion.

“It’s good that you’re taking my advice, Jeremiah,” Peter affirmed. “You have placed your trust in me to lead you on the path towards God.”

JD did not know if this was true before, but after Peter had said it, it felt as such.

“You will want nothing more than to become a part of our community,” Peter finalized. “I’ll inform Jackson of such, and he’ll help you along.”

———

JD stepped out of the bathroom, steam pouring out from behind him. He had never taken such a long and luxurious shower but it had felt so right. Jackson had recommended it, saying it was the best way to get rid of any excess hair that may have stuck to his skin after visiting the barber. He could not see it now, but JD already loved the shortened cut on his head. Once it was dried, the sides would naturally fall into a tight bowl-like shape. Then, JD would have the pleasure of applying the product–prescribed by Jackson–to fluff his bangs up into a traditional, conservative quiff. A proper style for a gentleman like himself.

In nothing but a towel, JD peered cautiously around the room. All alone, he allowed himself to freely disdain his roommate’s messy style. He had remained civil around the topic with Mike, but had secretly grown to loathe it. JD knew better than to say anything however, as that would have been pompous. Carefully placing his feet into open spots on the floor, JD tip-toed his way to his dresser, surprised to find a small note taped to the drawer.

A final gift, the classic look of a Christian -JS

Not thinking twice about the phrase, JD was surprised to find his boxers had been replaced with starchy, high-waisted white briefs. But his confusion quickly dissolved into recognition before fading into a simple, charming smile. The cotton fabric went up and over each of his legs in a matter of moments, the traditional cut making JD feel grounded somehow. Controlled.

Turning to face the mirror, it was almost shocking for JD to see the new reflection of himself. Only weeks away from the end of his first semester and the man before him was much different than the boy who had come to campus. Tanner, more muscular, an image of young masculinity. But those were explainable thanks to his improved diet and exercise. Other factors, like his wider jaw, broader shoulders, and inched-back hairline, were not as identifiable. JD questioned if it was incoming maturity, or perhaps something else.

Before he could reflect on the thought further, his body mechanically moved along to his wardrobe. A rack once filled with tees and crewnecks was now stuffed by dress shirts, vests, and blazers of assorted varieties. Tamer colors and patterns, only distinguishable to the distinguished eye. The rest of JD’s dresser now contained a variety of slacks, along with many different types of dress socks and ties. Loafers, oxfords, brogues among others sat in alphabetical order at the bottom. It was practical, and practically perfect.

When his peers had first offered to makeover his closet, JD had been apprehensive. Something in the back of his mind rang an alarm, whispering that he would also be sacrificing a part of his individuality. But JD’s body had decided for him in that moment, his head nodding in approval and with an amiable grin. And now after the swap, which JD later learned was in part financed by the Campus Ministry, he realized there was nothing he should have been afraid of.

After all, all of the brothers were remarkably different. Colton rocked a business cut with his blond hair, a style no one else had. Bryce had the most suits of the five, almost as many as their minister. Jared was the only one officially engaged (although JD predicted that fact would not last much longer. Stanley had his thick, time-honored black horned rims. And Jackson held his affinity for sweater vests, a Bonafede professional at styling them. They were truly all unique.

Quickly assembling his hair and a tasteful outfit–a white button-up, French navy-hued trousers, a currant colored tie and chocolatey derbies for his feet–JD assembled his school bag and made haste for the chapel. When he arrived, it was only Jackson awaiting him in the pews. The others had gone out to grab a quick meal.

“Jeremiah! I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it,” Jackson nudged as JD took a seat beside him in the pew.

“You know I would not miss our study sessions for the world, brother!” JD’s rebuttal was chipper and authentic. Since Mike’s first proposal of clubbing, the offer has never been made again. But JD had received other invitations for outings with his fellow peers. However, none of them were ever accepted. To JD, it always felt more appropriate to stick to his group. Their presence felt familiar, grounded. Right.

“‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship’,” Jackson started. “‘to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’” 

“‘And all the believers were together and had everything in common.’” JD finished.

“The Book of Acts, I’m impressed,” Jackson smirked. “I now understand why Peter was so serious about you.”

JD should have questioned what Jackson was referring to, but instead sunk into the warm glow of his brother’s approval.

“But there’s still one thing you have to do,” Jackson noted.

JD’s heartbeat hastened rapidly, something he had not expected.

“You have got to come to church with us!”

JD felt a glimmer of hesitancy. He had not gone to church since he had come to college. He tried to remember why, but a subtle pain clouded his thoughts. Was it because of his parents? No, they just wanted what was best for him. Then was it because JD did not feel accepted by the church? JD tried to follow that thread, but the deeper he ventured, the stronger the ache in his head became.

“Come on, what have you got to lose?” Jackson gave JD a playful shove. “Plus, the minister will be giving a blessing to all students before finals.”

Something was telling JD to reconsider. Something urged him to do otherwise. But JD could not figure out what was so wrong about attending a simple service.

“Alright, I’ll go.”

Jackson’s perfect smile was wider than JD had ever seen it. “That’s it, brother! Then you’ll be just like us.”

That statement triggered something in JD. As if following out a code downloaded into his vital operating systems, he made a note to schedule an appointment with his academic counselor.

———

“What can I help you with today, Jeremiah?” 

Unlike the composed minister sitting before him, JD was irritable, prickly. Words were begging to escape his mouth, although he could not figure out what they were. He tried to express them as best he could.

“I want to become a part of the Campus Ministry, a part of your Biblical community.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I want to be another sheep in the flock.”

A small smile tugged at one corner of Peter’s lip. “In other words, you are saying…”

The words flew out JD’s mouth: “I want to embody the classic look of a Christian. I want to fit in.”

That heavy, revealing truth tumbled before the two men, its release absolving JD of a burden unaware to him had been accumulating for months. Ever since his first meeting with the minister.

“It’s much easier to be just another piece of the puzzle, Jeremiah,” Peter began. “Never having to worry about anything else when you have a place to belong.”

The minister reached into his desk and pulled open a drawer, removing a small folder with JD’s name on it. Opening it, Peter pulled out a single sheet of paper and placed it in front of him. JD’s eyes scanned the page before focusing back on Peter’s own.

“Your schedule that I have already drafted up for the next semester,” Peter replied, grabbing a pen. “You will join the Religion Department as a Theology major with a minor in Baptist Ministries. After graduation, you will continue your studies to receive a Masters of Divinity. By then, my proselytization will no longer be necessary as you will have become a permanent traditionalist.”

JD knew better than to say anything. Instead, he let his actions speak for him, his hand accepting the pen from Peter and with a delicate cursive, signing his name.

“Welcome to the flock, Jeremiah.”

———

“A healthy Christian learns and grows through community. A healthy Christian experiences spiritual and relational growth when surrounded by an affirming group of like-minded believers. Jesus spent a significant amount of time with his small group, the apostles, molding them and teaching them how to love and support one another and how to function as a healthy small group. Today, we do the same for our brothers and our sisters.”

Jeremiah sat in the front row next to Jackson, Colton, Bryce, Jared, and Stanley. The group was expertly dressed. Jeremiah’s baby blue button-up was paired with a matching tie underneath his charcoal suit. The tie, with cornflower polka dots on top of a banana cream yellow, was particularly chosen for its “vibrant and exciting pattern,” as Jeremiah had thought of it. Along with caramel wing tips that coupled nicely with his soft yet stiff quiff, Jeremiah felt dignified by his outfit. 

“It’s great to be part of a healthy, well-functioning group,” the preacher, an older, handsomely well-off man by the name of Dr. Ernest Holloway, continued. “However, our individual wishes can sometimes interfere with the overarching needs of the congregation. For our Christian community to remain intact, we need to come before God with an earnest desire to help others, and therefore maintain the needs of the group to truly experience the richness and glory of His intentions.”

“Being in a group is committing to one another by saying, ‘I want to laugh with you, share with you, study with you, and pray with you’.” Taking a deep breath, the doctor made his closing statement. “Being in a group is saying, 'All I want is to be like you’. Amen.”

“Amen,” Jeremiah and the congregation replied. The rest of the service went by quickly, and before Jeremiah knew it, he had finished singing the final verse of the closing hymn. Soon, the church was bursting with lively energy. Joyful conversations broke out between the Baptist brothers and sisters, nobody in a hurry towards the exit. Jeremiah found himself in a similar manner, following behind his peers as they sauntered their way towards the door.

As Jeremiah followed Jackson outside of the church, a young female voice rang out from behind them. “Well look at these fine, upstanding, proper young men!”

The pair turned around, now outside, to see who had beckoned them. Jeremiah caught the eye of the young lady, her coppery hair and conservative sense of style somehow familiar to him. 

“Both of you are so dandy and traditional,” she remarked. “A classic look for a Christian.”

“Jeremiah,” Jackson sighed. “This is my younger sister, Jessica.”

It took Jeremiah a moment to compose himself, a bit of scarlet peppering his cheeks. His hand nervously shot forward. “J…Jeremiah Joshua Manuel Delgado…nice to make your a...acquaintance.”

Jessica accepted his greeting. “I’ve never had quite this effect on one of your friends before,” she smiled to Jackson. “I think he fancies me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself so, Jessica,” Jackson denied. But all three of them knew Jessica was telling the truth. Jeremiah had gone nonverbal, the blood from his brain redirected to another destination. There was a tingling sensation around Jeremiah's genitals, his member slowly inflating. It was times like these that he was thankful to have “not been blessed” as his father once put it. If his package had been larger, there surely would have been an indecent scene.

Jeremiah knew what he had to do. With all the strength he could muster, he drew the only words he could think of to his mouth. His perfect jaw shifted, heavy brow furrowed, and he forced the sole sentence out of his mouth.

“Jessica Sanderson, will you marry me?”

———

“JD…Jeremiah, is that you?”

Jeremiah had finally grabbed the remainder of his items, the last bags of his belongings ready to go. Mike was standing at the door, blocking his path.

“Where are you going?”

Jeremiah scoffed, disapproving of Mike's irregular radicalism. “Somewhere that is cleaner, fresher, prim and proper. Somewhere where I can remain a dignified man dedicated to preserving tradition and culture in this world. If I am to embody the classic look of a Christian, then I ought to do so with like-minded brothers.”

Confused, not only by the fancified words but by his roommate’s overall preppification during their first semester, Mike asked a simple question. “Why?”

With a pleasant smile, Jeremiah handed over a small sheet of paper. He then exited the dorm, leaving Mike to flip the Campus Ministry’s invitation back and forth between his own hands and consider the harm of attending just one meeting.

[unpredictable-easty]

Stree 2 From Feminine Gaze

Bollywood has always been known for its Masala movies. Though there has been a slight turn towards more serious topics these past few years, it is refreshing when one of these entertaining, silly, music-filled movies makes a presence in front of us. 

As a person who likes to dissect a show or movie scene by scene, Stree 2 is a good study. Though it can be classified as another Bollywood masala with a mix of horror thrown in for good measure, there are factors to it that my feminine gaze has caught, scenes that perhaps, if we delve deep into it, would show the societal position of women.

I am sure I would have missed a lot more things than I caught but I would still like to put focus on the scenes that have caught my attention.

Scene 1: In the beginning of the movie we listen to the conversation between the characters where they talk about how women have been leaving their small town for better opportunities. Though at first I thought it was normal but when we delve further in the movie, we find out that the women they are talking about, have supposedly left the town without informing anyone about their intention, they disappeared overnight and nobody heard from them after that.

This scene rankled me. It also shows a significant truth about society. Girls with ‘modern thinking’ somehow become this other creature in our society. They somehow become the enemy of society and their life or well-being becomes an unnecessary thing. So many girls disappeared in the middle of the night and the only conclusion drawn was that they left themselves, without any investigation or even a try at contacting them. 

This problem, when considered for longer, can show why crimes against ‘modern women’ may be dismissed so easily, as if they were not done against a living breathing human.

Scene 2: The scene when they get to know only women with ‘modern thinking’ are getting kidnapped and all the household ladies argue that they would be safe from the monster because they are not modern. 

Pankaj Tripathi points out that if women had social media if they were educated or they went out, all these things also make them modern.

This argument brings out the age-old situation of women themselves not realizing how they have benefited from feminism. Every generation there will be women who will scoff at feminists fighting for rights and they will not realize that whatever freedom they have at the moment came from feminists before their generation. And thus the cycle continues.

Scene 3: The biggest thing to watch for and observe is the way the monster ends up controlling the male population’s mind and makes them revert back to the thinking that is centuries old. 

Here’s a comparison to be made, in the first movie we can see that Stree haunts the village, that she takes away men in dark, she calls their names and if they turn, she takes them. At no point in time is there a difference in men’s societal position, no women tell them to stay in their home the whole day or lessen their importance in their household. While the first thing done to women when the monster controls their minds is just that, control over women in every aspect of their life.

 We can’t blame the male population over it of course but it's the symbolism of it all. One can always argue that the monster was created in that way but we have to remember that what happened in the movie reflects the real life that so many women still live.

It also reflects how women's freedom eventually ends up being an illusion and how it can be taken from them if they don't constantly fight for it.

There is another incident that made me laugh a lot. When JD says to Varun Dhawan, ‘You’re a werewolf, don’t behave like an Animal.’ I don’t think it will take a genius to guess what this was in reference to.

At the end, I would just like to say that this movie not only proved itself entertaining but it’s subtle nuances make it clear that the writers, directors, and the whole production team put a lot of brains behind its planning and making sure that there were a lot of messages that should not be missed. Perhaps if we had more movies like this, the old spirit of Bollywood would be back and we could be entertained while being aware of the social spirit that art should always carry.

[draco-after-dark]

Hello Rockyy👋I realised that Feral is inspired by Toothless, so what would happen if Feral grew wings?

I mean the rock trolls were originally going to have wings. You can find concept art showing them with such so it's not that out there of an idea.

But imagining Feral. Then giving him the ability to fly.

Nothing is safe anymore. Menace energy goes up by 10,000%.

But i love what ifs so much! I'm rolling with this idea.

I don't think much would change behavior wise other then he would probably spend a lot more time up near the tree tops rather then near the ground.

He would definitely freak his brothers out a lot more the first time they see his wings. They would appear out of nowhere usually tucked under his fur pelt when he's not using them.

Once they're past introductions thought you know Clay and Branch are losing their minds over JD's wings. Because holy shit their brother has wings and can fly. Clay would would whipping out tap measurers and Branch would have so many pens and papers flying around as he's just writing down everything Clay is saying. They wouldn't even notice how uncomfortable JD is until Bruce pulls Clay away and Floyd gently places his hand on Branch. Only then do the two realize that JD is a trembling mess. Eventually once JD gets used to being around them all again he lets them all freak out over his wings. Even letting them touch the sensitive skin and stretch them out.

His brothers would be taken on so many impromptu flights. Ether being held by by Feral's hands wrapped under their arms or being flung on Feral's back where they would be scrambling for something to hold onto. Feral's a bit impatient and tends to take off before his passengers are situated.

Man just thinking about Feral with wings and then adding the glowing thing he can do. He would fan is wings out as a display and use his glowing as a way to create optical illusions and confuse predators/critters. His brothers lose theirs minds all over again.

On another note the more i think about this idea the more i like it. Might make a mini spinoff series about it because i really like the wing idea. Gonna draw art of Feral with wings too.

[archer-kacey]

Shawn Flynn (Analysis)

Let's talk about my favorite JDS weirdo!

We first hear Shawn's voice in Bendy and the Ink Machine, but Joey also mentions him in Illusion of Living in passing.

Joey mentions two things here, firstly that Shawn does "an excellent job." I know Joey lies more than a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar, but considering the fact that JDS is held together with duct tape and rubber bands, I'm inclined to believe him here. After all, how the hell could they keep up with demands (so much so that the Alice dolls were overstocked) if the foreman fucked off constantly.

Joey also says that Shawn's "creativity knows no bounds." Makes sense for his position, but also helps confirm that Joey does think highly of him in terms of his work. On a personal level, though, maybe not so much.

Based on Joey's insistence for perfection, we can infer that Shawn, like many, was just trying to do his damn job, and Joey blew his lid when things weren't exactly to his liking.

Shawn also mentions that the Alice merchandise wasn't selling well, and offhandedly proposes that they may have to melt the remaining stock down in order to get rid of it. Pretty self-explanatory tape, all things considered.

(The Bendy Wiki also mentions that he has a Dublin accent. I am not at all an expert on ANYTHING Irish but I did find out that Jacksepticeye is from Offaly, Ireland (Midland/East Ireland) and Dublin is also part of East Ireland, so...I'm assuming this is correct.)

There is also an easter egg with the Seeing Tool in BATIM written over Shawn's audio log, though this is mostly a nod to his voice actor.

Anyway, onto Boris and the Dark Survival.

In BATDS, Shawn mentions that he bought a new belt, (a one-of-a-kind toolbelt apparently,) and it was stolen immediately the next day. The perpetrator was a Gent employee, and they very brazenly wore it around right after stealing it. We aren't sure who this employee is, that's mostly speculation. But I don't think that's the point- this odd anecdote represents some of the first seeds of distrust being sown between JDS and Gent employees.

This brings us to Dark Revival.

Funnily enough, I find Shawn's departure from the studio much more interesting than his actual time employed there.

Firstly, Shawn mentions that Joey took it well when he decided to leave. Between the shift towards Gent's experiments and new technology, the funding from Gent, and the sudden irrelevance of having Bendy merch going out in droves, it's possible that Joey just didn't care.

Shawn also seems to give zero fucks about Joey's opinion, based on his Dark Revival and Bendy audio logs, which I find fucking hilarious. Not the first disgruntled employee, but certainly the most confident when faced with Joey himself.

He mentions wanting to find a cabin upstate, see some open sky, and start anew with his family. Overall it seems like leaving JDS gave him a more hopeful lens on life.

But the MOST headscratching thing about his parting audio log is the last few lines;

"But before I go, I've made one last toy. A little parting present for the factory lads. Let's see how long it takes them to find it."

We never hear from Shawn again, so we have NO IDEA WHAT THIS MEANS LMAO. Leave it to Shawn to be mysterious for no apparent reason.

However, there is a possible connection to be made. In the Heavenly Toys area, there's a factory output sheet slapped on one of the walls.

The last column mentions a "Bendy Starface Stuffed Toy", which we've never seen presently. There was only one ever made, and after that it was immediately discontinued.

I don't know why it would be listed at all if Shawn did leave the Starface Bendy as a gift, so this may all be a dead end. (I'm also aware that this might be a "Scarface" reference, although I really don't know what that has to do with anything.) Regardless, I find it a weird coincidence that Shawn left a single toy behind, and Starface also seems to be a completely unique Bendy toy.

TL;DR Shawn Flynn is cool and might have left an Among Us plushie at the studio for his co-workers

[partywithoutsmiling]

In your moonlight AU what do Branch's brothers markings look like? What was Brandy's reaction to Bruce's markings?

Very tricky!

Giving it some thought, I think all of the Bros have that hint of filigree that Branch has, but not to that extent (Branch's rendition is rather artistic)

All of them would have some sort of plant motif tho

For JD, I imagine something like ivy vine, all curling around his shoulders and other joints, spread across his back as if growing from a single root

Lots of curls and swirls, something like cross between those two:

Bruce's wouldn't be as symetrical; out of all the Brothers', only JD, Branch and Clay have symetry in their markings (ie the 'core' of them is centered between their shoulderblades or at the center of their lower back, from which the rest of the pattern spread out)

Bruce's 'core' would probably start at the high point of his left shoulder, then spread heavily down that arm, then the rest of the patterning would 'bloom' across his higher back down to his right hip, and to minor extent across his chest

All his limbs would bear spatterings of the same design, but they would be rather removed from the main root of it

Honestly it amused me to imagine him having like, hibiscus like markings, similar to that which you can see on 'Hawaiian' t-shirts- but honestly a lily in bloom would have served him way better XD

His markings definitelly look more like a purposeful tattoo- and when they met, Brandy probably took some time to convince it was natural and not this Troll just telling tall tales XD

Clay's patterning are like willow branches; no fancy curling or twisting, they resemble stripes more than anything else, sweeping from his lower back up and across his shoulders and arms, the long leaves complimenting the illusion.

Floyd's markings are similar to that of Bruce in that they start in unconventional 'core', in that they start at his right hip; the main 'design' definitelly being that of a rose- though in its simplicity, it looks like leopard or cheetah markings - with spattering of rose buds all over his limbs and shoulders- but the main eye-catcher would have been thorny vines wrapping around his right leg and all over his tail, reaching across his back and shoulders like creeping tendrils.

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

Out of all 5 of the brothers, only John Dory and Bruce would have been comfortable with their markings, growing up, as both would have been seen as pretty and intricate enough to catch an eye of a potential mate, and very attractive to a Pop Trolls' eye.

Clay's, similar to Poppy's, would be seen as too harsh; not simple, certainly not, but very rigid, with none of the desired fancy and 'bubbliness' Pop Trolls look for.

Floyd's, ironically enough, would have ranked rather low on the attractive scale; yes, he has the rose in full bloom, but most of his patterning is dominant with thorny vines/tendrils- not something that would be seen as a positive trait.

Branch honestly doesn't have any complicated feelings about his own markings- they are there, and they are too visible, so he considers them nuisance for that fact alone; it would take Poppy's interest and him starting to move past his Grandmother's death for him to really take closer look at his patterning and find beauty in it- and find the beauty in others' markings.

He just never really paid attention to them in that way XD

(Though when Poppy so boldly started posing and strutting for him, he couldn't help but be drawn into watching her, even as he was not completely sure why. Branch is just a soft goober honestly XD he is attracted to Poppy's confidence subconsciously, and on instinctual level he knows that's what her markings represent)

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Zack Beauchamp at Vox:

At the end of the vice presidential debate, Gov. Tim Walz asked Sen. JD Vance a pointed question: Did Donald Trump lose the 2020 election? Vance’s response: “Tim, I’m focused on the future. Did Kamala Harris censor Americans from speaking their mind in the wake of the 2020 Covid situation?” There is a clear right answer — that the 2020 presidential election was in fact legitimate — and Vance refused to offer it. It was, as Walz immediately noted, “A damning non-answer,” one that showed viewers who JD Vance is and what he stands for.

Ultimately, every issue discussed earlier that night comes in second to the fundamental question of whether America’s democratic institutions deserve to endure. On that question, Vance truly is radical, and his exposure as such was the only truly important moment of the night. Many Republicans have embraced Trump’s lies about the last election. Some have done so reluctantly, but Vance has been enthusiastic. He has, among other things, fundraised for January 6 rioters and said he would have illegally thrown the 2020 election result to Congress had he been in Mike Pence’s position at the time. But what’s most distinctive about Vance is the degree to which he has paired 2020 conspiracy theories with a coterie of other anti-democratic positions and ideologies.

[...] And yet, it wasn’t central to the vice presidential debate tonight. The moderators left it until the very last minutes of the event, only coming up after the debate was originally scheduled to end. Despite democracy being at the core of the difference between the two candidates onstage — in fact, the core ideological difference between the two parties today — it was treated as an afterthought. In doing so, the moderators created an illusion of normalcy: allowing the two candidates to civilly discuss issues like housing and the deficit in a basically standard-politician manner, when in fact they disagree on an existential question about the nature of American government itself.

It’s also worth dwelling on Vance’s attempt at deflection — the confusing line about Harris trying to “censor Americans from speaking their mind” on the Covid-19 pandemic — because I think it’s essential to understanding the ideological scaffolding of anti-democratic politics on the right today. There are multiple theories on the right about how the Biden administration colluded with Big Tech to censor Americans, and it wasn’t exactly clear which particular one Vance was referencing. For present purposes, the details of the issue are less important than the ideological role they play. For Vance and others like him, it is essential to do more than just insist that Trump was right in 2020 — to go the extra mile and say that Democrats are the true threat to democracy in America today. That argument, the claim that he and Trump are democracy’s real defenders, serves as justification for taking aggressive action to seize power.

Last night on the debate stage, JD Vance provided a non-answer on the question regarding the 2020 election, and Tim Walz providing a devasting rebuttal by calling Vance’s response a “damning non-answer.” #VPDebate

See Also:

HuffPost: JD Vance's 'Chilling' Answer To 1 Very Simple Question Causes Jaws To Drop

The Guardian: Vance refuses to say Trump lost the 2020 election in Walz debate

Daily Kos: JD Vance doubles down on wanting to help Trump steal an election

Daily Kos: 'That's a damning non-answer': Walz responds to Vance's Jan. 6 denial

[multi-level-shipper]

Just to avoid reblog chaining/ bendysplaining on lucky-dreamfisher's post, I'm gonna throw this Tweet up here and talk about it.

Here's the thing, Meatly has labeled the all the books as "fun extras." All the books, meaning the Employee Handbook, Illusion of Living, Crack-Up-Comics, DCTL, TLO, and Fade to Black.

And yes, they are bonus content. You do not need to read them to understand the base games. It's just odd to me that they're being treated as if they have no connection or impact on the "canon" of the games. It just feels a little disingenuous.

Illusion of Living is Joey's autobiography. Yes, it is completely fair to expect people NOT to read it, because how well it holds your attention largely hinges on how much you like Joey, and Joey talking about Joey. But you CAN'T ignore the fact that this is a giant life story dump from one of the most integral characters to the plot.

And then we have Buddy from DCTL being HEAVILY implied to be our Boris. It was never confirmed from what I remember, but the timing of the transformation lined up with BATDS. So we could argue that even DCTL still has SOME lore relevancy as far as the games go.

Even the Employee Handbook has notes and other details from the lives of the JDS employees (on top of being an actual game guide lol.)

I guess the main thing that confuses me is this; if you are going to have books that tie into Bendy's canon, why call them "fun extras"? Why separate them?

I'm all for the authors having their creative freedom, (I've said before how much I love Adrienne Kress's work and how much she breathes a soul into these characters,) but specifically pointing out how the authors "make things their own" in the context of this Tweet seems to mean it separates the books from canon entirely.

Maybe I'm reading the tone of the Tweet as too dismissive. I am biased. I do not like Meatly. It's frustrating to see him as the creator of this franchise twirl his hair and go "well...actually the books are kind of the authors' thing idk..." when, hilariously, the books are just echoing the game's characters and lore nearly down to a tee.

TL;DR The Bendy books are plot relevant, why are we (TheMeatly) just now deciding to separate them from canon?

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

Thoughts on Episode 6 - Part 2

I didn’t realize one could just summon a sea worm, haha

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with Numenor’s legal system? XD

Poor Earien ☹ She just wants her father to comfort her, to acknowledge that he feels her pain. That hug nearly broke my heart

So basically Isildur’s stupidity kept both Elendil and Earien so distracted, they somewhat worked as father-daughter but now that he’s gone, they’ve lost the one thing uniting them and all their pain, loss, and anger is coming through.

Also, Elendil, can’t you see how much Earien loves you? She went to the woman she blames for Isildur’s death to save your life!

“What about my heart?” Just kiss already, Miriel and Elendil!

Disa, I love you so much!

I don’t know if the cape swish and interpretive dance was required to call the bats or if it was just Sophia having fun with the scene, but either way I adore it!

And it’s confirmed: Disa is canonically Batman in the Rings of Power universe

Also those bats are fucking huge!

Disa and Durin: official power couple of Middle-Earth

“They’ll be back and they will be more of them” Well, I guess you need to find more bats and soon.

My gods Miriel’s dress is fucking gorgeous! Whoever designs her wardrobe has been on fucking fire this season

I wonder if the kaiju creature was screaming, “AH IT’S MIRIEL. I LOVE YOU!!!”

“Strange worms tossing women out of the sea is no basis for a system of government.”

Seriously though MIRIEL IS MY QUEEN AND GODDESS. She’s such a bad ass and fearless. I love her so much.

Ooo Pharazon and the Palantir

Poor Adar already knows that Galadriel and Gil-Galad would gladly wipe him and his children out. He can’t fucking trust anyone

Soooo if Adar knows that Elrond has Nenya, then does that mean we’re getting an Adar/Elrond scene? I need Adar to have at least one scene with every cast member before he dies. It’s a requirement, JD and Patrick! You hear me?

Not sure what you thought you were doing there Galadriel revealing everything

So Adar basically emptied all of Mordor to take on Sauron?

One thing I really love this season is how paranoid everyone is about doing what Sauron wants, when doing nothing may even be worst. It makes us, as viewers, understand why Sauron is so dangerous even when he’s at his weakest (no army, no stronghold, etc.)

Poor Eregion ☹ Under attack and thinking their lord has abandoned them because he’s currently trapped in Sauron’s lala land illusion

Celebrimbor: Don’t mind me. Just drawing rings, lalala

Also, again Celebrimbor missing a siege because he’s so concentrated on his pet project is understandable.

Just drawing rings, lalala

Oh my god I died laughing when Sauron slid to the window and asked “How’s your progress” XD

Yes, Celebrimbor fight back and push that deceiver to the wall! You will not regret that later

It looks like Suaron hurt Celebrimbor when he grabbed his arm. Poor Brimby ☹

Sauron, you fucker. When bullying doesn’t work, time for some hocus pocus and flattery

God the relief on Celebrimbor’s face when he “sees” that everything’s “ok”.

“I came to Eregion, not because the Valar needed you. I did.” Knife stabbed directly into heart and twist. This is why Celebrimbor goes back to work. He is needed, he is needed by this majestic, scary, powerful being beyond anyone on Middle Earth. He is needed and wanted because he can make true beauty, beauty that will rival the most beautiful thing in the world: the Silmarils. Sauron is such a fucker for saying this to Celebrimbor, but also I need Celebrimbor and Annatar to have one on screen kiss before the end. Please?

Celebrimbor looks at Sauron so hopefully during this speech, it’s heart breaking.

And Feanor’s fucking hammer! Ahhhhh

That fucking transition from illusion to reality is fucking terrifying and amazing and I can’t believe it was all practical

And then you focus on Sauron’s footsteps and his welcoming of the attack with outstretched arms. Fucking beautiful

I’m really excited to see how JD and Patrick handle a siege. They obviously have big shoes to fill considering the siege of Minas Tirith and Helm’s Deep, but I’m excited. ^_^

[supyovalk]

Just Dance: The Backup Clone Theory(-ies)

So just about now I thought about the Just Dance Story Mode And then I thought about how Jack Rose's Maps (Yes, both maps) and The Travler's solo map are the only story mode maps with some kind of "Clone Backup dancer" And that make me question...

Why? And Why these two specifically?

Like treasure is all about the clones, and even in Locked out of Heaven it's a major deal in the first two houses.

So I came up with two main theories into why is that the case.

THEORY 1: CLONES = EGO

In a universe where dancing is the driving focus, it's easy to assume that the Coach's environment reflects their personality.

And what fit for a dancer with a bit of ego? Clones of Themselves.

Now, It does actually fits really well with the current story.

Case A: "Rock Your Body"

In "Rock Your Body", Traveler does bring an aura of ego to with his expressions and dance. Hell, the song is basically "Hey Babe, Stay with me since my game is the best." And Us One of the Most Powerful People in the dance verses.

Be noted that he doesn't use them in "Save Your Tears". Maybe to imply that he lose his ego the moment he found his one true love Shia Nova?

Case B: "Locked Out of Heaven"

During the First and Second Houses, we see clones of Jack through mirrors, and also in the upper section, he does project himself on the screen. Now calling it to say Jack is has much ego seems like a good move... however, it does seem like those aren't real clones, but rather reflections.

That could Imply that Jack maybe does have Ego as a Performer, as seems on the Reflected outside, and told as he does told that he "has trouble sharing the spotlight" but inside he's reserving that ego. After all from his Epic Avatar, he does want nothing more then a love from friends.

Also more notable is Nightswan popping in the second verses, taking over the mirrors, the physical reflceting. maybe that's an analogy for Nightswan's reshaping Jack's outside personality through her upbringing to fit more to hers? He is the closest in appearance to his Night form from all the five coaches.

Maybe also that's why Nightswan's Weakness strategy didn't work on him, his real weakness is not his ego, but instead could his reliability for adoration, from fans, from his mom, anyone at all, and therefore not having enough self worth.

Speaking of Which...

Case C: "Treasure" (A.K.A Ego Clone Central)

In Treasure, we see an illusion of Jack, a narcissist that has achieved his dreams of glory, full with thousands of clones. And is the first time we see his clones? Them breaking out of the mirrors from "Locked Out of Heaven". That could symbolize that Jack opened his gates of ego into his head and is now only caring of himself.

But interestingly, that didn't seemed to convince Jack at the end of the story, Despite Nightswan specifically trying to target that weakness in him. because that's not what he wants to be on the inside.

Now that's theory 1, deep and intersting. But here's another possible take not as deep but still is consequenceial.

THEORY 2: THE TRAVLER'S IS JACK ROSE'S DAD

Now this one is more straightforward: Since Wanderlust's inherited portal creation but NOT clones, maybe Jack Rose is the opposite.

And as established, The Traveler does get around a lot, both literally and figuratively, so he could have had an affair with Nightswan.

That would make Wanderlust & Jack Stepbrothers (Half brothers) which would explain why they are paired together, and why the JD Team is insistent on not romantically pair them.

That would also make Cygnus' relationship with Nightswan be a business partner who either has a crush on her or is not given enough respect by her.

What do you think about those theories?

[captainunderkrupp]

some trolls band together theories/notes!! (contains some spoilers for the new trailer!!!)

In the first movie, Creek had chartreuse pants. In the second movie, Hickory had chartreuse skin. They both betrayed a loved one for a leader type person. In this movie, the characters who have chartreuse hair include Clay, Velvet, and Veneer. I can't wait to see if Clay follows the pattern, especially since he seems to be with Viva in the trailer.

The Putt-Putt trolls all seem to be monochrome, besides Clay and Viva. While it would make sense that Clay doesn't share the same color scheme as them, I'm curious about Viva... especially considering Poppy IS monochrome, being pink all over. Give her some properly crazy hair like Viva, and she would fit right in. Poppy also was the main demonstration of camouflage in the first movie, having her hair look like grass and moss to hide from Chef! I really hope they bring that aspect back more, especially since the Putt-Putt trolls at least seem to hide themselves shape wise as golf balls.

Viva asked specifically if Poppy's father was King Peppy. I'm curious why Peppy wouldn't have mentioned Viva at all, because while he is the type to hide or ignore upsetting information, he also cares deeply about his subjects, refusing to leave them behind. He even was very careful about his daughter Poppy in the process of saving his citizens. I theorize that either Viva is lying to Poppy, or she is a half sister, one that either Peppy didn't know about or was switched at birth with Poppy.

Another thing to note: while Viva looks remarkably like Poppy, practically her twin, she doesn't share ANY colors with her father, wheras Poppy shares her hair color with him. Tiny is practically a copy of his own father, and Branch shares his skin color with each of his brothers. Now, they don't share appearance so much with their grandmother, Rosiepuff, except that John Dory perhaps shares her hair color somewhat. However, that has another generation (the parent(s) of the BroZone) to explain differences of color and appearance. Why does Viva look the way she does?

While Velvet and Veneer somewhat fit within the aesthetic of their toony/alien subjects, I think their appearances are being influenced by Floyd's essence, and we'll see a transformation back if they are without it for a period of time.

I'm so curious about Spruce's family, especially his kids. I theorize that the vacation island residents we see are at least some related to him! I also think it would be a neat gag if some of them were in his hair, or he was carrying an egg.

I wonder what the brother's opinions of Branch being with Poppy will be. Will they acknowledge it, or will Branch be spending part of the movie convincing them that yes, this is a real, solid relationship? Especially since boy bands are often known for being forced to maintain the illusion of being "available" for fans, and thus being banned from certain relationships, at least publicly? I'm also thinking about this in the fact that Spruce is married and has given his brothers niblings.

Spruce is definitely gonna yell at JD for dragging Tiny along and not actually protecting him properly like a proper child, and then Tiny is gonna be annoyed that Spruce IS treating him like one lol

Sadly, I'm not sure we're going to be seeing much of the bergens in this movie :( They're just not very present or available in the trailers so far. I do love seeing them again though!!

ok thanks for reading I'll probably update this in an rb when I actually watch the trailer all the way through LOL

[not-so-brave-toaster]

Give you lore? Okay. Brought to you by the Jack is an artificial person theory.

Jack is the son of the bride and Rasputin. The thing that connects them in their pasts is the fact they are the sons of iconic JD couples. Jack has red hair and green eyes like the bride and power relating to reflections/illusions like we see Rasputin have at the end of I Am My Own Muse. As to why he’s with Night Swan? Easy, she stole him out of jealousy because she was jealous they got a happily ever after and she didn’t.

My other theory is that Jack is an orphan (because I find pregnancy incredibly out of character for Night Swan, as I believe it interferes with her ideals of perfection and order). She finds him when he was about five or six wandering around Eternyx, dirty, dressed in rags, scrawny, hungry, and cold practicing his mirror magic. She is intrigued by this and decided to adopt him.

I love those types of kinda unhinged theories, like, we're presented by jd team with this "who's Jack's father" mystery and our answer is "hold up are we sure NS is even his mother", keep'em coming please

Before jd24 I was a firm believer that the smaller storylines are connected to the main one. Maybe I just wanted to manifest that but I still believe it's a cool idea. Even tho my way of thinking was way simpler (just the "oh rasputin was late to the wedding cause he was captured by NS), I like your way of thinking anon, a lot of drama for this already filled with drama family

[inkdemonapologist]

Do you ever think about how Nathan Arch is canonically Joey’s sugar daddy?

YALL HAVE A WILD DEFINITION OF “CANONICALLY” SOMETIMES

What we know (assuming there's no exciting new nathan lore im gonna discover when i read FtB, in which case don't tell me lmao), canonically, is that Nathan gave Joey a lot of advice about starting his company, some more advice while JDS was running and looked over the land for the Bendyland park with him, and that when things got real bad for JDS, Joey wrote to Nathan, hemming and hawing about how he normally definitely wouldn’t do this, to ask for a specific amount of money to help with the bills. We also can assume he’s a little older than Joey, since they were in the military together when Joey was too young to be in the military. 

What is not hard AT ALL to read between the lines is that Nathan had a big crush on Joey Drew, source: every footnote in the Illusion of Living, several audiologs in BatDR. 

What is certainly possible to believe is that Joey would never mention if Nathan was giving him consistent financial support, and that Nathan would similarly gloss over it, because he likes the image of Joey as a clever self-made man who deserves his success and wants to preserve Joey’s good name. 

We actually don’t know if Nathan gave Joey any money, we just know that Joey asked for it, and that everything we know about Nathan suggests he would’ve been happy to help (and everything we know about Joey suggests he would’ve downplayed how much he really needed and thus the studio going under anyway does not mean Nathan ignored the request.) So it’s quite reasonable to suspect he did, but even THAT isn’t canon confirmed.

And, like, not to be That Guy except that this is my blog and I can That Guy to my heart’s content — giving someone money does not make you a sugar daddy. SUGAR DADDY IS A TRANSACTIONAL RELATIONSHIP and gay relations between Joey Drew and Nathan Arch are the realm of headcanon. LIKE, A HEADCANON THAT CAN BE VERY STRONGLY SUPPORTED AND ARGUED FOR, if someone told me "wow joey and nathan DEFINITELY had something going on" I would laugh and agree, but it's an interpretation nonetheless. You could make an equally strong argument that Nathan is closer to what the kids call a simp, praising Joey’s brilliance and helping him with his problems and eagerly paying his bills because of a huge unrequited crush that Joey took advantage of but never returned. There's several ways to read it. 

But... I do think a lot about how these two stayed in contact, stayed friends, even though Joey always seemed to be playing a role around Nathan, never quite felt comfortable explaining the things he felt most passionately about. He tells him about Bendyland, but clams up when Nathan doesn’t understand why it matters so much to him. It doesn’t seem like Joey ever tells him about Audrey; even though Nathan can hear the joy in his voice and notes that his old friend sounds more like himself than he has in a long time, he never knows why. Nathan is so so so taken with Joey, but there’s something about Nathan that Joey doesn’t trust. 

Interesting that Joey never does brag about Nathan investing in him as proof of his own business acumen, though he doesn’t mind bragging about the investment of a grief-stricken mother who only regarded him as a polite young man. What’s threatening, then, about the idea of Nathan supporting him? It’s interesting the way Nathan is fascinated with every part of him and Joey always holds himself at arm’s length. Interesting how Joey enjoys his company, but gets uncomfortable and changes the subject whenever Nathan regards him, positively, as someone who pulled himself up to success out of nothing. Interesting to compare Nathan to Kyle, the other rich friend of Joey's who gets called a “sugar daddy” by the fandom (despite being younger than Joey), how Joey is uncomfortable when Kyle prods him about his status and tries to take credit for him, and then the way Nathan doesn’t do this but Joey still shies away whenever he hits the edges of those topics. ...It’s almost more interesting if Joey was trying his absolute hardest to avoid Nathan funding him, despite the fact that Nathan was clearly taken with him and probably would have been happy to help. What strings were attached to Kyle that Joey was afraid to find in Nathan?

[disasterbijupiter]

G Gundam side story English translation, Ch. 3 part 2

(start from beginning/original post) | (read previous part)

~Each Arena~

The first-gen repeatedly throws jabs at the Maxter, blocking its movements.

First-Gen: “I really am starting to get bored of this!!”

Chibodee: “Whaaat!!!!”

When the Maxter tries to clinch, the first-gen knocks him away and straightens its stance.

First-Gen: “Isn’t it about time you got some sleep?!!”

The first-gen concentrates energy in his fist. Then, the Gundam Gong Show’s fist begins to swell.

First-Gen: “Goodbye!! Boy!!”

An enormous straight punch slams into the Maxter. Chibodee stops its power with a guard.

Chibodee: “Wh-what power!!! But somehow I’m able to block it!!”

The Maxter is pushed to the very edge of the arena.

First-Gen: “Haha! Don’t go thinking that was the end!! The real punch begins now!”

Chibodee: “What?!!”

At that moment, countless punches come flying from behind the first-gen’s gundam.

First-Gen: “My punch was to stop you from moving!!”

Chibodee: “What did you say?!!”

Chibodee is taken aback. Along with those punches, he sees just as many boxers.

Chibodee: “W-who are these guys?!”

The owners of those fists, the second underground champion first and foremost, as well as successive generations of underground champions, stand behind the first-gen and throw punches from every direction.

Chibodee: “These guys are the second generation! Fifth generation!! Tenth gen!! Fifteenth gen!! Are there still more?!”

Chibodee’s Maxter is beaten up by the punches of the countless champions.

Chibodee: “Oh my g-aaaaahh………………”

Chibodee collapses to his knees.

Bunny: “That’s cheating!!”

Shirley: “What about this is fair and square!?!”

First-Gen: “Sorry, but this is my ultimate technique!!”

The first-gen seems unashamed at Bunny and the others’ criticism.

First-Gen: “But at least it’s better than the Dark Dia’s technique, right?!”

Janet: “Huh??”

Everyone looks to George’s arena, where the first-gen points.

X X X

The Dark Dia’s JD shouts with her sword raised high. As she does, countless soldier gundams appear from within her mirror armor and head for the Rose.

George: “Who are these people?! They’re not an illusion, but real?!”

The soldier gundams’ appearance is that of nameless knights.

JD: “What do you think of this?! The strength of my soldiers who admired me as the pinnacle of knights and rushed to my aid from the other side?!”

George: “Damn youuuuuu!!!!!!”

Gundam Rose becomes buried in the soldier gundams’ suicide attacks.

X X X

The Dragon Gundam uses its staff to fight against the Gundam Real Kung Fu. It strikes Real Kung Fu with its incredible speed, but while dodging that force with a motion of its palm, Real Kung Fu converts it into energy and absorbs it.

Sai Saici: “What are you going to do with my energy?!”

Founder: “No, no, if you want it back, here it is!!”

Repelling the energy with the fingers of both hands, Real Kung Fu fires it as bullets at the Dragon Gundam.

Sai Saici: “Aahhh!!”

The energy bullets are shot into key points including the Dragon Gundam’s joints. Its force is synchronized and also hits Sai Saici in the cockpit.

Sai Saici: “Ahh?! I-I can’t move?!”

Zuisen & Keiun realize what’s going on.

Zuisen: “That can’t be?!”

Keiun: “I hear that it’s now a lost art.”

Zuisen & Keiun: “Tenketsu?!”

The two of them are astonished.

Founder: “Oh? So you know about Tenketsu! As I would expect from the elder monks, you have deep insight!”

Zuisen: “I never imagined I’d be able to see that technique with my own eyes.”

Keiun: “As a fellow martial artist, I am truly honored!”

Both of them cup a fist in one hand in gratitude to the founder.

Sai Saici: “Hey, what are you doing being all friendly?!! Besides, what the heck is Tenketsu?!!”

Unable to move, Sai Saici is panicking.

Founder: “Why don’t I show you?”

Real Kung Fu jabs its finger into a vital point of the Dragon Gundam.

Sai Saici: “Huh?”

The Dragon Gundam’s cockpit opens on its own, and the founder jumps out of Real Kung Fu and climbs in.

Founder: “Heheh… Tenketsu is when you hit specific acupuncture points all over an opponent’s body, and by pouring your own chi energy into those points, disturbing the opponent’s flow, you rob them of control over their body.”

An image of “chi” flowing through the human body. When that chi is struck from the outside, an image of the impact spreads through part or all of the body, and the freely moving body comes to a stop.

Founder: “There are also various other effects, such as slowing the spread of poison, but naturally I don’t think that would have any effect on a gundam.”

The founder performs Tenketsu directly on Sai Saici’s body. Synchronously, the Dragon Gundam changes to dogeza pose, prostrating itself.

Sai Saici: “What?! My body is doing dogeza on its own???”

Founder: “Come now, come now, if you obediently say this I’ll set you free. That’s right, say, ‘On account of my being a novice, I return the title of Shuffle,’ and then, ‘Please, Founder-sama.’”

Sai Saici: “H-how could I……… say……… something like that………?”

Sai Saici fights against the numbness throughout his body.

X X X

Argo calls out to Sai Saici just then.

Argo: “That’s it, Sai Saici! Don’t give in to these guys!!”

Argo hits the repeatedly regenerating Dark Joker Gundam again and again.

Sai Saici: “Y-…… You say that……… but aren’t you in more danger, old man?!”

Sai Saici watches with a pained expression as the Bolt Gundam becomes engulfed by the Dark Joker Gundam.

Argo: “Shut up!!!!”

Argo is completely swallowed up by the Dark Joker Gundam. Simultaneously, the camouflage is dispelled and its true form can be seen.

The Dark Joker Gundam’s identity is Gundam Matryoshka.

As the Bolt Gundam’s punch bursts forth from within its body, the Gundam Matryoshka crumbles, but it immediately regenerates and the Bolt Gundam becomes encased inside of its body.

Argo: “Dammit!! There’s no end to this!!”

Gundam Matryoshka is repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Nastasha grows impatient at the situation.

Nastasha: “The main body!! Hit the main body!! Argo!!!”

Argo: “But it’s nowhere to be found!!”

Argo is panicked.

Nastasha: “That can’t be true!! Look carefully!!”

Argo: “But it’s not to the right, to the left, or underground……… It can’t be!?”

Suddenly Argo realizes, and he widens the radar’s search range. An alert lights up on the cockpit screen.

Argo: “As I thought!!”

Argo looks far up into the sky.

Argo: “That’s Dmitri! Dmitri Oblomov!!”

The silhouette of a person wearing a spacesuit floats in outer space. It’s the Dark Joker, Dmitri Oblomov.

Dmitri: “………………”

Shirley: “The world’s first colony settler………”

Cath: “The person who created a colony in space prior to us, Neo America………”

Janet: “And by living in that colony, he was the person who proved human migration to the colonies was possible!!”

Bunny: “It’s frustrating and disappointing, but he’s a historical figure worthy of respect!!”

Gals: “I can’t believe it, that someone like that was Shuffle………”

The gals and the others are nervous.

Nastasha: “No! If he’s a hero of our country, then he has the qualifications and ability!!”

Nastasha is somewhat delighted.

Nastasha: “But to think he can operate a gundam from space!!”

Nastasha is shocked and angry.

Dmitri: “Alright, let’s go!!”

Dmitri gives the command for the next attack. The Gundam Matryoshka encases the Bolt Gundam and creates an explosion. Inside the blast, the Bolt Gundam withstands it.

Argo: “Dammit!! It keeps on self-destructing and regenerating!! At this rate, the Bolt Gundam’s body surely won’t hold up!”

With those words, the Bolt Gundam becomes engulfed in the Gundam Matryoshka.

Nastasha: “……… Our attacks won’t reach him like that!!”

X X X

Wong: “I-isn’t this becoming even worse?! From our discussion last night, this was just to give the Shuffle a little kick in the pants, wasn’t it??”

He looks anxiously at the corner post in the sky.

Wong: “So……… that corner drop is for real???”

Wong turns pale.

(continue to next part)

[th3b4dk1dzz]

Just Dance Theory: Jack Rose's sibling

I'm so glad Littlsiha brought up the Kid of the Swan because I've been theorising this for a while and have just a few days before, made a huge break in the case that I would like to share with everyone and my supporting evidence to why I think Dahlia the coach for Don't Start Now and Flowers is Jack's sister.

Exibit A) Naming Convention

The most obvious connection between these two is that they both have flowers as part of their names.

Exibit B) Costuming

Now, although both the Flower siblings wear suits, with blacks, golds, and pinks prevalent in their designs, that's not the comparison I want to make. I want to compare Dahlia's suit to her mother's costume for Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This.

Both coaches wear black pantsuits over a brighter low cut, brighter top/leotard. Given that Flowers is a song about moving on, self-care and healing, perhaps she has decided to accept her past and better herself from it. Hence why her suit is adorned with her own floral motif.

But this is not the first time we have met Dahlia. The first time we see her is in Don't Start Now, where she wears a blue and gold dress, I will say, though, her top, her shoes and her glove are purple and red, colours that are worn by Jack Rose. I like to think this was shortly after leaving Eternyx as a form of rebellion against her mother and is doing everything to distance herself from Night Swan.

Exibit C) Map Colour Palates

Flowers, Don't Start Now,and Treasure all have backgrounds, which have pale gold and light pink tones to them.

Not only that, but in the later two, they both have sections within the routine where that background shifts to a stronger gold and deep purple, the colour of Jack Rose's glove.

Exibit D) Purple Glove Theory

Before I get into this section, for clarification, when I say signature glove, I'm referring to the glove that all coaches wear that the player matches the controller to.

So, as previously stated, Jack has two gloves. Typically, his gold glove is his signature glove, but in Treasure, the illusion is flipped, using the purple glove as his signature, specifically in this idealic dream under Night Swan's control.

Now, what's fascinating about this Sweet Dreams, Night Swan's glove is pink. However, the trailer for the upcoming Y2K event has an emote where she her glove has now changed to purple, so why would they change it for the emote?

I think this represents a familial bond between the three and by showing the real Jack himself, wearing it in a world associated with Dahlia's colours. Night Swan might be tempting him with the prospect of being a complete family again, as well as his "narcissism."

Exhibit D) Ice Cream

So this is just an interesting detail I picked up on. If anyone has a better explanation, please let me know.

So, the JD Twitter account posted a thread about what the 2023 coaches' favourite foods are. While most of the answers were jokes and references. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what Jack's favourite food being vanilla ice cream is a reference to.

For the JD 2024 Edition celebration event, one of the rewards was an avatar for Dahlia with the quote, "Art is more comforting than ice cream. It helps me break free!" There's nothing in either of her maps or Jack's maps that reference ice cream, so it seems a bit weird and out of left field. Unless this is a comfort food between the two that reminds them of the other.

So what happened between these two siblings and what had to Dahlia after she left?

Well that is a theory and a post for another day as this one is pretty long as is. But I do have some ideas and let's just say their interesting to say the least.