#jenny’s leading the charge in this one

[teecupangel]

what if Desmond was reborn as a fraternal twin to Jenny kenway

Okay, so we know Caroline died in 1220 when Jenny was 7. She reunited with Edward in 1222 when she was 9.

That age is important because…

Here’s the thing…

Caroline died because of chicken pox and her father refused to buy her the necessary medicine to help her. It was an avoidable death but her father didn’t think of her as his daughter after she married Edward, even after she had returned.

Desmond would have noticed this and he would have tried to help but chicken pox is highly contagious and Desmond would risk not just infecting himself but his twin as well.

But he’d still try.

He’d try his damnest even if it meant stealing.

Only for him to return home and his mother is already dead.

Jenny would know that their grandfather had let their mother die from Desmond. He’d try to spare her of that pain but Jenny is smart enough to figure out what Desmond wasn’t telling her. This would lead to a confrontation between the twins with Jenny demanding Desmond to promise to her that he would never hide anything from her ever again.

He promises and they make a pact.

No matter what happens, no matter who comes their way…

They will only trust each other.

At this point, the twins would grow to resent their grandfather but they’ll stay because they’re still young and the pox had weakened their grandmother who loved them. They stay until they receive a message from their supposed father who wants to send for them.

Edward Kenway…

Desmond knew that he was Ratonhnhaké:ton’s grandfather. The name Kenway was simply too much for it to be simply a coincidence. His Bleed of Haytham confirms that his father’s name is Edward Kenway and he has a sister named Jennifer Scott so, yes, Desmond knew who their father is before they met.

So when they boarded the ship that Edward Kenway had sent for them, their grandmother was the only one who went to the docks to say goodbye.

As they watch the port grow smaller and smaller, Jenny takes his hand and squeezes it tightly as she says, “Together?”

Desmond squeezes her hand tight as he answers, “Forever.”

.

Unorganized Notes:

Desmond would start to teach Jenny how to freerun and any non-assassinate skills he could teach a young child (like sneaking).

In Desmond’s defense, he was just trying to get his new body used to moving like an Assassin. Jenny’s the one who saw him doing all those strange movements and wanted to learn them too. 

He knows his sister enough to know that she’ll just try to do it on her own if he doesn’t teach her and that would be more dangerous.

When Edward meets them, he gives Jenny the flower but wasn’t sure what to give Desmond so he gives him a doll that looked a bit like an Assassin. Desmond takes the doll and actually smiles because the simplicity of the doll make the robes look like a Levantine Assassin’s robes. 

Edward knows they’re both sneaky kids and he finds it amusing. Jenny is the one who usually talks for the both of them and Desmond is more of a quiet child. Edward isn’t sure why Caroline would name him Desmond though. (His birth name is Emmett but that’s the name of the asshole who let his daughter die so Jenny and Desmond both decide he should have a different name. The only people who know him as Emmett are their grandparents since they’re only known as the Scott children in Bristol)

Edward doesn’t do their already distant relationship any favors going to Macau and leaving them with his new wife who’s not used to having children, especially not her own. Desmond doesn’t know if there is truly any love there or Edward thought they needed a mother or maybe he was after her fortune or maybe it was all three and, honestly, Desmond doesn’t care. Edward was fond of Tessa though but Desmond doesn’t know if that’s love or just… affection.

The twins grow up distant from Edward but Desmond can’t help but be kind to Haytham because he’s just… an innocent young boy. 

In this one, Jenny becomes an Assassin because she already showed she has the skills and drive to be one. Edward tried to stop her but it fell on deaf ears and, really, Edward knew he was going to lose that battle because Desmond was 100% behind her. 

Haytham grows up being taught by both Edward and Desmond with Desmond being more upfront with them being Assassins in an effort to dissuade Haytham into becoming a Templar.

Tessa is pushing for Desmond to get married though and Desmond assumed that it was Tessa’s own way of looking out for him or something. They’re not close but Tessa does care for them.

Birch still weasel his way into the family both as a business partner and as a suitor, although Jenny and Desmond are definitely sus of him but Birch knows that Desmond is an Assassin (but not Jenny because that’s hush-hush even in the Brotherhood) so he hides his tracks better this time around.

Still, the attack in Kenway mansion happens while Desmond was away but they didn’t account for Jenny being able to take them down. She’s able to save their father but Haytham still kills one of the thugs to protect his mother.

This ends with Tessa believing that Edward and his children have ‘corrupted’ her son and Haytham is traumatized by both his first kill and the fact that his own mother thinks he is a monster. 

Desmond returns as soon as he can and he hears Jenny and Edward arguing about how Jenny was going to take Haytham away from the Kenway mansion while Edward wants to stay with Tessa.

Desmond and Jenny confront Edward about his decision to stay with Tessa and tensions reach a breaking point with Edward shouting that he won’t lose another wife. This makes Desmond believe that Edward’s guilt for not being there for their mother and losing so many of his friends (include one who is rumored to be someone he had loved) had mixed with his feelings for Tessa and…

Jenny makes the decision for them.

“Fine. You don’t want to lose your precious wife? Then stay here. All you’re going to lose are your children after all.”

And they take Haytham and leave the mansion. 

Uuuhhh… yeah, that’s the end. I mean… I guess the next logical step would be to hunt down Birch while Desmond and Jenny train Haytham, maybe fuck up Rogue’s storyline? IDK. I feel like ending it with pretty much breaking up the Kenway family is such an angst-y end but also… feels like in line with the Kenway Family Drama? XD

Honestly, if you think Desmond would be able to fix the Kenway Family Drama by being Jenny’s twin, I’m sorry, nonny. It would take a lot to fix the Kenway Family Drama and Desmond growing up to watch his mother die after being ‘abandoned’ by his father and because of an uncaring and selfish grandfather would definitely sour his image of Edward Kenway in general. 

But hey… atleast Haytham’s gonna be an Assassin? Yeeeyy???

(if this was too angst-y... shameless plug: here's A Pirate's Son, a fic that has a nicer ending and has Desmond sorta-kinda 'fix' the Kenway Family Drama)

[covertblizzard]

jaykyle au where they're theatre kids in the same school but they're not the actors jason's the scriptwriter/director and kyle is the prop manager (i don't know the official terms sorry) and they'd probably do an amazing job on the backstage setting if they could stop arguing for 5 whole seconds about their artistic visions and ideas and how "this would obviously work better this way"

[demigoddessqueens]

Hi my favorite author, would you write about Haytham again?

Maybe he's home and drunk and trying to alienate the love of his life. Afraid something would happen to her if she stayed near him. Even if she stays with him no matter what he would do or say.

As always, I can hardly wait 😍

I’m gonna make him the sloppiest, most wet sad cat drunk 😈

He had gone out with the rest for what you thought was a meeting, but then Church, Pitcairn and Charles are banging at the door with a resigned look on their faces. And a drunk Haytham in tow that’s now your problem

You try to lead him to the bed but he’s always lounging on you, a big muscle frame just wearing you down

Let’s just say drunk Haytham has no filter 🤪

Says a bunch of things like how you’re the best, thanks you for all that you do, everything imaginable in his own Haytham-esque way

Of course you try to brush it off but you see how the liquid courage has left behind no fake feelings on his part, eyes telling it all

He doesn’t want you to leave him alone, just stay with him as long as he wills

But the more he talks, then he gets deep into his own mind. Lost to his thoughts

“You remind me of them, always you’re own person, doing as you please…maybe it’s for the best, for you to leave before this trail of death follows you

Sighing heavily, you just let him alone, try to sleep it off once he has his mind cleared tomorrow’s morning

Once it’s morning, Haytham sees no trace of you. Hair loose and clothes disheveled, he feels so exposed and his mind races back to what he said last night, a crushing realization of what he said

Hand held in his hands, Haytham sees the faces of those from before: Edward, Jenny, Birch, Tessa and Ziio. How he’s fallen so far and has lost so much. Eyes squeezing shut, maybe he’ll forget it all

Maybe his one and last act of kindness is to set you free…

Before he gets too lost again, you’re coming back from the market in tow with other produce

Back you come in, and offer a smile sad smile to the Templar leader you were in charge of

“I’m not leaving, no matter what you say.”

Deep down, he’s relieved but also offers you a smile in return. Good, he’s lost one too many already

[jentledaisies]

CASE FILES: YANDERE!MAFIA!BLACKPINK ACCESS: GRANTED

disclaimer: This is not in any way shape or form a representation of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosè, Lisa, or Blackpink as a whole. All reactions, actions, thoughts, words, and general emotions are fiction and created by me. The behavior shown in these reactions is toxic and unhealthy but fantasized in a romantic way for simply that, fantasy. None of this should be taken seriously or sought after in real life, or performed. please do not romanticize this behavior/mindset in real life as it is unhealthy and toxic, and if you or anyone you know is in such an environment, should be taken out of it immediately. Again, this blog is purely fiction, and all acts taken place in this blog should remain so. ↳ None of my characters, yandere or otherwise, will ever nor would ever perform, act, or consider sexual activities of any sort without consent. full stop. Any and all sexual acts are done with the full consent of all parties taking place. i will never, ever, ever write otherwise or even consider writing otherwise.

CASE FILE: BP RECON ↳ The Blood Pythons [BP] are a notorious mafia crime family located in Seoul, South Korea. It is led by a joint circle of four core members, one being the family's daughter and boss. Many sting operations and undercover agents have brought back what is known. Due to their formation of split leadership, it is seen as one of the most difficult to infiltrate and dismantle. Nothing but full loyalty and deep respect have been observed within the members and between ranks. ↳ It is believed that not only has [BP] cut a deal with the police force in their area, but has likewise cut a deal with the federal force. No member has ever been charged with a federal crime, leading to the belief that not only have they cut a deal, but low-level members may be planted through the forces. Many reports have come through that while the gang holds a fearsome grasp on the Korean underworld, nothing compares to the way they will lash out when it comes to their significant others [LOVERS]. ↳ The [LOVERS] are an unknown group who are the chosen partners of the four core members. It is believed that they are the final string for them all, and as such are fiercely protected by members of [BP]. Even more than the horrors brought upon those who threaten [LOVERS] by the members, the pain brought upon them by the core members is said to be hell upon earth.

CASE FILE: [KIM JISOO]

NAME: KIM JISOO ↳ ALIAS: CHECKMATE POSITION: Underboss SPECIALITY: Technological Leader OVERVIEW: [CHECKMATE] is the notorious underboss of BP. Although she rarely goes into the field she is an extremely skilled attacker and her current murder/kill count is still unconfirmed, although it is said to be in the hundreds. She deals with a lot of the technical deals in the group and is mainly in charge of all finances. She is the main owner of a majority of the mafia's properties/businesses. KNOWN ORIGIN: A well-documented child prodigy, [CHECKMATE] was accepted into Korea’s top tech school [AGE: 16]. A year later, [AGE: 17] an anonymous hacker broke into Korea's State Treasury, alleged at the time and now confirmed to be [CHECKMATE]. Along with the vigilante act of releasing loan money back into personal banks, it was discovered that many state and military confidential leaks were sourced by her. At the discovery, she was arrested and processed immediately. However, four months after her sentencing, she escaped during an explosion at Seoul Women's Penitentiary, alleged and confirmed to be an act orchestrated by [BP]. One year later, [AGE:18], a UCA discovered [CHECKMATE] as the underboss of [BP] after completing the assassination of a rival gang, [KINGPIN]. SKILL OVERVIEW: As a certifiable tech genius, [CHECKMATE] is in charge of handling all technical advances/operations in [BP], as well as aiding financial situations and management. As far as is known, [CHECKMATE] controls all surveillance and research in the gang. She is the leader of all other members who work with tech, which aids her in her underboss position. UNDERCOVER DETAIL: [REDACTED] was sent in undercover in [BP] alongside [REDACTED] before [CHECKMATE] was affiliated or arrested. However, once [CHECKMATE] had joined, [REDACTED] was the one to bring forth the information about her. [CHECKMATE] was said to be one of the most difficult members to get to, unlike the other undercover agents, and as soon as word leaked about her discovery of position, [REDACTED] was swiftly terminated by [BP]. KILL COUNT: ↳ CONFIRMED: 500+ ↳ UNCONFIRMED: 1,000+ CASE FILE: [KIM JENNIE]

NAME: KIM JENNIE ↳ ALIAS: VIPER POSITION: Boss SPECIALITY: The Leader. She controls it all. OVERVIEW: [VIPER] is the final say. She has been the leader since age 17 and is extremely skilled both in the field and out of the field. [VIPER] rules the underworld with an iron grip. She is feared by her enemies and adored by those who work under her. [VIPER] has been confirmed to have taken down entire cartels/gangs all by herself, and is known for never being someone to cross. A cold-blooded killer is what is in her blood. KNOWN ORIGIN: [VIPER] was born to to infamous mafia boss and former [BP] leader, Kim Su-yoon [BULLET]. Her father is still unknown. Despite her family's shady ties, [VIPER] was a notorious party girl for a while before the events of her reign began. [VIPER] took over her mother’s position as the most powerful boss in Korea at the young age of 17 when [BULLET] passed away. Although the circumstances of [BULLET] death are unknown, it is assumed [VIPER] killed her for power and position. Her alleged first act as boss was the alleged manipulation of the prison break that freed [CHECKMATE]. [VIPER] proved to be just as powerful of a boss as her late mother as she easily defended her and her gang’s position at the top of Korea and then expanded the territory quite quickly. In just under two years she had become one of the most powerful mafia bosses in Asia and remains in that position to this day.

SKILL OVERVIEW: As she was trained from birth, [VIPER] is at the top in all categories of the gang. She is the main leader of everyone, even in specialized positions such as Tech Leader and Stealth Leader. The only team she doesn’t have that control over is the medical team. She has shown to be proficient in everything from offensive/defensive attacks to politics and strategy. Her skill set lies in her proficiency in all areas, making her a deadly enemy and prolific leader. UNDERCOVER DETAIL: As a very wealthy family the Kims had many people who worked in the household. [REDACTED] was sent in during the middle years of [BULLET'S] reign as a worker. [REDACTED] had acted indecorously and fallen in love with [BULLET] during that time. While unethical, the government's desperation had allowed [REDACTED] to continue the flirtation, until it all culminated in [BULLET'S] pregnancy with [VIPER]. At this time, [REDACTED] turned in his final report before disappearing off the grid, away from [BULLET] and the government. He was assumed alive due to a low-priority tail assigned to him to ensure his safety in hiding, until [CHECKMATE] leaked the documents of [REDACTED] name, files, and information. Two days later [VIPER] promptly sent his death notification with his corpse. KILL COUNT: ↳ CONFIRMED: 2,500+ ↳ UNCONFIRMED: 4,000+ CASE FILE: [PARK CHAEYOUNG / ROSÉ]

NAME: ROSEANNE PARK / PARK CHAEYOUNG

↳ ALIAS: REAPER

POSITION: Consigliere

SPECIALITY: Assasin / Hitmen Leader

OVERVIEW: [REAPER] is the third-in-command of [BP] crime family. She is one of the highest trusted advisors/members alongside [VIPER] and [CHECKMATE]. She is the boss of every crew in the family. everything goes through her before reaching [CHECKMATE], and then [VIPER], and she has the power to start/end missions in the Boss’s name.

KNOWN ORIGIN: [REAPER] was born in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to Melbourne, Australia [AGE: 1] with her father who had met her then-future stepmother. Many reports were filed against the small family over the next ten years, yet due to the negligence of Australian authorities, no action was taken. When [REAPER] was 12 her father was found murdered in the living room of the family home, and the young girl was found locked inside her room with only a single bottle of water with her, her deceased family dog next to her father. An investigation led to a large history of the stepmother abusing not only the young girl but her father as well, using them to earn herself money, which she finally stole and ran away. [REAPER] was sent to live with her biological mother in Korea, and three years later, the mother was found murdered brutally. Further investigation into the death came across a horrifying discovery of her abusing her traumatized child even more. Before an attempt at an arrest could be made of her, [REAPER] disappeared. One year later, [AGE: 16] the stepmother was found dead with the calling card of [REAPER] and [BP] announcing her as the third leader.

SKILL OVERVIEW: [REAPER] gained many skills that would aid her during her time training in [BP]. It's reported that she mastered the art of being a hitman quickly, and from there sent out to kill her stepmother. [REAPER] has killed without mercy, her known kill count just shy of her boss’s. She knows how to defend herself, and has carried out many assassinations in broad daylight, in public places, yet gone completely unnoticed.

UNDERCOVER DETAILS: [REAPER] is the most well-documented member, despite [VIPER'S] partying past. [REDACTED] entered undercover with [REDACTED] before [CHECKMATE] and [REAPER] joined. [REDACTED] rose through the ranks quickly, with top fighting skills and a political tongue. When [REAPER] joined, [REDACTED] began a relationship with her, unknown to her CO. When [REAPER] set out to assassinate her former stepmother, [REDACTED] joined her. Though [REDACTED] took no part in the killing, she was quickly removed from the operation for worries of her psychological profile, and the way she seemed to be leaning into the life. [REDACTED'S] final report was after her disposal, and she explained how [REAPER] demanded her disappearance as her final act of mercy. [REDACTED] burned her real identity and is currently unknown in her whereabouts.

KILL COUNT: ↳ CONFIRMED: 2,400+ ↳ UNCONFIRMED: 3,000+

CASE FILE: [LALISA MANOBAL / LISA]

NAME: LALISA MANOBAL / LISA ↳ ALIAS: SAVIOR

POSITION: Consigliere / Associate

Specialty: Doctor / Medical Leader

OVERVIEW: [SAVIOR], is, officially speaking, not truly a member of the [BP] crime family. She is officially classified as an associate, someone who works for the crime family but is not a member. Yet, she is higher ranking than any other crew or crew leader, her position in the family being an odd one as she actually holds the same authority and power as the other leaders, specifically [REAPER]. For this reason, in the family between the members, she holds the position of consigliere.

KNOWN ORIGIN: [SAVIOR] is the only member of the [BP] Korean Crime Family who is not Korean or of Korean ethnicity. [SAVIOR] was born and raised in Buri Ram, Thailand, with a loving mother and stepfather. [SAVIOR] is a certifiable genius with an IQ of 184. She graduated high school [AGE: 13] before going into pre-med at SNU, thus moving to Korea alone. She graduated in just a few years, before being transferred to medical school. It is unclear exactly how it happened, but after graduating med school [AGE: 20] she went off the grid for over three months. When [SAVIOR] finally resurfaced everything was fine until certain events led to her connection with [BP] coming to light.

SKILL OVERVIEW: [SAVIOR] has the most straightforward skill set of all the members. As [SAVIOR] is a licensed doctor, she is the medical leader for the [BP] crime family. She is the leader of all medical teams of the family, and the only one trusted enough to take care of the other inner members, herself included. She is a skilled fighter as well but not as much as the other girls, so she prefers not fighting. If [SAVIOR] is on a mission on the field, it is said she remains away from the action.

UNDERCOVER DETAILS: [REDACTED] went undercover a few months after [SAVIOR] joined, before she was discovered. [REDACTED] stated that very few, if any knew of [SAVIOR], and he didn't even know of her until a mission gone bad. Due to a lack of reports, not much is known of her activity in the gang, only her position and skill. [REDACTED] passed away on a mission gone wrong against [CHA LEE-YEON].

KILL COUNT: ↳ CONFIRMED: 572 ↳ UNCONFIRMED: 0

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[littlewestern]

Who are some IRM guys we haven't met yet? Like how you did with the planes but at the other museum.

Oh, great question! Yeah we have about a million guys at the IRM, most of whom we haven't even touched on publicly. Unfortunately, because there are so many, it's not going to be quite as in-depth (or artistically rendered) as the one about Texaco and Jenny, but I can give you a pretty good sampler with pictures and the power of imagination!

The Silver Interlopers: Birmingham and Loch Sloy

Occasional guests on the Nebraska Zephyr due to their streamlined silver appearances (even though Birmingham is actually Pullman-Standard, a great affront to the Goddesses), these two fill out the train nicely for special occasions and film shoots and are always pleased to butch up the prettiest train at the museum when called upon.

Birmingham in particular has a great story. From 1986 until his arrival at the IRM in 2004, he could be found in Lansing, IL serving as the local ice cream parlor! His interior layout as a diner made for a perfect transition into a seasonal shop. While many old railcars find new life as buildings (usually places to eat), Birmingham is very proud that he was in good enough condition to return to his original function, even if a lot of other cars make fun of him for it. Venus has to work extra hard to keep them in line when he's on the train, or Vesta will be leading the charge against him. "We already have a dining car" ain't gonna fly when you're supposed to be showing off all the silver equipment. Plus Birmingham is very well-behaved when he's guest-starring alongside them, and Venus appreciates a gentleman, even if his origins are a little humbler than her own. The rest of the Goddesses accuse her of having a soft spot. Maybe she just likes ice cream.

Loch Sloy is a Budd sleeper car, something the Goddesses do not object to quite as strongly. Since their train was never an overnight and has never had a sleeper, he's not treading on any toes. He's pretty quiet and reserved, if a little dopey looking with all those windows. That he doesn't exactly fit in visually would have been cause to give him a hard time as well if Birmingham wasn't already taking most of the heat. If anything, he gets a little bit ignored. He and Birmingham are pretty tight though, and having a name helps a lot in standing out, even if he doesn't like to draw attention to himself.

The Other Santa Fe: SF 92

One of my personal favs and definitely an engine I think deserves more of a spotlight, SF 92 was originally built as a passenger diesel in 1967, but was later overhauled to pull express freight trains as well.

The idea of an exclusively passenger diesel engine is one that was eventually phased out of use, but 92's history as one gives him a unique perspective on his role at the IRM. It's something he and Pilot have in common, and as a result the two have a relatively good working relationship. 92 is a little younger and peppier than Pilot is, and takes a less old-fashioned approach to the work, but Pilot thinks their different approaches lend a nice variety to what visitors to the IRM get to experience. Having 92 pull the Nebraska Zephyr on Diesel Days is eye-catching and a special treat for everyone. Not even the Goddesses complain too much. At least he's got silver on him!

Really though, I like the idea that 92 has a great deal of admiration for 2903. Not just because they're both AT&SF, although that's part of it. They both did mixed traffic work, which is something that 92 feels is not appreciated enough, and he thinks the wartime build of the 2900s is unique and cool! 92 underwent mechanical alterations to keep up with the changing times, and 2903's modified construction feels similar, in his opinion. Also, 2903 is cool! I just like the idea that the guy who had trouble finding his wheels at the MSI gets to come to the IRM and not only fit in but be admired and appreciated for the things that make him different is fun. I like giving 2903 nice things.

The Shunting Buds: CRI&P 4506 and IT 1605

There's a lot of shunting to be done at the IRM, so it's important to have a good lineup of switchers. Not to be outdone by CE 15's charming presence or Shay's incredible moving power, these two are the pretty faces of the shunting team and love to play it up for guests.

4506, has a sweet demeanor and bubblegum disposition, but enjoys the surprised look on people's faces when she drags a whole line of cars across the yard without breaking a sweat. It's not easy looking this good when you're also trying to get everyone into position for a busy day of work, but she makes it look like a cakewalk.

1605 is equally charming, if a bit more of a showboat. Maybe he's making up for being more citrus than sweet. 1650's been at the IRM longer and did his work efficiently alone for the better part of two decades, but when 4506 arrived he readily stepped into the spotlight alongside her. It makes the work more fun!

The two together make an extremely efficient team, being a similar class but built one year apart. They work from the same playbook and make shunting work look like it was choreographed ahead of time. Since they look so cute together with their similar but contrasting liveries, people assume they're "together" but it's more of an act for the visitors than anything. 1605 has designs on setting 4506 up with 92. He thinks the red and blue would look real cute together.

Imagine living in Ohio: SHRT 18 and CTUSU 19

A pair from the (now defunct) Trolleyville museum who were then sold to the (also now defunct) Lake Shore Electric Railway in Cleveland, these two have been through a lot together! 19 in particular has a very interesting history that I think is ripe for characterization.

CTUSU 19 is a transplant, first built in 1914 by Brill and lived out his service live south of the border in Veracruz. This in itself would be enough for me, because I love the idea of a Mexican streetcar immigrating to Ohio, but it gets better! The JG Brill company only built 18 of this particular open car, so this one being numbered 19 is interesting in and of itself! The IRM website suggests that 19 was cobbled together out of spare parts from older or wrecked cars. I love this concept, I think the idea of a mysterious foreigner hiding his pedigree because of that unsavory little detail is fascinating. Of course, now it doesn't even matter because the IRM thrives on strange little misfits. Maybe 18 tries to convince him it's a good detail to share, but 19 is steadfast in preserving his mystique. Can't say I blame him.

Like Spitfire learning German for his bestie, I like to imagine 18 being a fluent Spanish-speaker in order to keep his bestie informed and engaged with the visitors, though I expect by now 19 is no slouch when it comes to speaking English, unlike some warplanes.

The Green Hornet: CTA 4391

This little lady got a mention in the letters, so it's only natural that she's on the character roster as well. I'm particularly fond of the postwar PCCs for their gorgeous colors and elegant design, and when DJ suggested that she might make a good match for 40B given their shared even-tempered dispositions and desire for timely, sedate transit, I was 100% game. It's nice that they're both green, too!

There's a few others we're looking at characterizing in the future, including a sommelier car and his milk-carrying companion, and the remaining Oscar Meyer Reefer Cars, four of whom live at the IRM now but several of whom were traded in exchange for a CB&Q engine. More on that story another time, perhaps. Thanks for the ask!

[storyweaverofgondor]

I should probably never (or i should (;) get put in charge of a Cats production because I'd add like five songs and make it a three hour musical.

Step one: Original parts are classic Gillian Lynne chroeo. (Bows to the queen) The ball and Tugger's song includes some Broadway revival choreo with the og.

New Parts: Munk gets a song. He gets very confused at the start when Alonzo and Deme start singing. It has the separated male and female chorus parts like Bustopher Jones has.

A patter song song by Jenny and Skimble listing of all the 'kittens' that is proceeded by the pair to herd them. It is a list of all the named swings to ever exist in a production on cats, plus 'Skimble counts on fingers: "The five or ten we never gave a name." Unison cringe' as a nod to all the unnamed swings. The 'kittens' are embarrassed by this and all the adults eventually join in.

Demter gets a short solo after a Macavity scare, overwhelmed and terrified and conflicted. It is heartbreaking and either ends with Bomba or Munk comforting her or she runs off when they try to approach her. Leans very heavily into the implications of the Macavity choreo but doesn't mention him by name.

A short dance sequence with the 'kittens' practicing some moves they use during the ball. Misto does a conjuring turn and freaks out when something explodes. (Maybe this startles Deme and leads into her solo) Tugger notices and moves to reassure Misto. (Character arc! Yay!)

New song Cats are introduced. Possibly a sailor, possibly a soldier or explorer (One of those cats that would sail on ships to catch mice I've seen some pictures of) and an older monk cat, one who lives an a monastery or a barn cat. Perhaps a librarian cat or an author's cat. something appropriate to the original time period of the poems.

But yeah, i'd make this musical ten hours long if i had the chance.

[drummergirl231-2]

So Goldie’s been living rent-free in my head for a while.

Personally I blame the movie Forrest Gump. I got on this kick of watching first-time reactions to Forrest Gump on YouTube (and by the way, did you know you can tell a lot about a person’s heart by their first reaction to Jenny?). Some of the comments on those videos were very inciteful, too. 

Anyway, I’ve noticed some similarities between Jenny and Goldie’s behavior and now I’ve constructed this whole tragic backstory for her that I don’t wanna go into too much detail about here since this is supposed to be a safe blog as relatively trigger-free as possible (speaking of, I think I’ll put a seizure trigger warning on this because of one of the gifs), but anyway I’m pretty convinced Goldie was abused as a child, which would explain...

1. Her fear of vulnerability

(Sorry, this gif doesn’t have subtitles.) There are times when Goldie starts to let her guard down with Scrooge, just a little, and then she immediately puts her walls back up. Moonstoneflowers brought this up to Frank a few years ago.

2. Her preference to be in the lead

Goldie grew up in a time when men were in charge of everything. If a man close to her had abused that power, of course she’d be uncomfortable letting a man lead anything, even dances, and she’d prefer a brand of chivalry that let her be in control.

3. Her avoidance of domestic life

Settling down would mean entrusting her life to a man. Divorce laws were stricter way back when, and women often relied on their husbands for financial security. The idea of being financially dependent and legally bound to someone for life who could wind up mistreating her the way someone else had would be terrifying to her.

4. Leaving before she can be left

Someone made a comment on YouTube about Jenny and how staying in one place for too long would force her to ruminate on her traumatic past, so she was always running from it. I can see this applying to Goldie. She also probably feels like she’s not good enough for Scrooge, and would rather leave before he can reject her and that door gets closed forever. I can also imagine her leaving asap so she doesn’t get caught, but more on her con artist side in a minute.

5. Betraying before she can be betrayed

Sometimes it feels easier for victims of abuse to keep people at a distance, and as much as Goldie seems to crave closeness, it also scares the crud out of her. Betraying isn’t only a means of financial gain to her, but a way of keeping people who start to care about her from following her, and a way to prevent being hurt again.

6. Occasional violent tendencies

Sometimes victims of abuse try to regain a sense of lost power by being abusive to others. Other times, it’s just because that was the behavior that was modelled for them and they don’t know what healthy love is supposed to look like.

7. Becoming a con artist

Single women didn’t have a ton of money-making opportunities in the Victorian era, and certainly very few that would appeal to her. I imagine she’d have run away from home at a young age, and had to start stealing to survive. She probably performed in saloons at some point (since she did in the old comics and I think that’d be a neat nod, like her performance in “The Outlaw Scrooge McDuck!”), but she’d have grown uneasy as drunken men would’ve catcalled her or tried to grab her. Frustrated that even earning an honest living left her vulnerable to sleazy men, she’d go into scamming and prospecting full-time. 

And then she’d meet Scrooge.

(^Favorite Scroldie screencap EVER)

I could go on and on about what likely drew them to each other... you know, besides being stuck in an iceberg and forced to stare at each other for five years... but I think what it came down to is they wanted the same thing at the time: gold. Neither of them felt any pressure to settle down from the other.

Now, Scrooge has more or less “settled down.” He still adventures, but he’s got a family that depends on him who mean more to him than anything. As for Goldie, I think after “The Forbidden Fountain of the Foreverglades!” she’s realized Scrooge is more important to her than anything else she’s been after.

It seems like after this episode, they were “back on,” so to speak, but in a long-distance relationship. That’s probably what’s most comfortable to her right now. But it was nice seeing her get to the point when she realized what she wanted was a fresh start and to be with Scrooge. I think that was a big step for her. 

[the-cat-at-the-theatre-door]

do you have any headcanons or ideas when the current adult cats like Munkustrap, Macavity or Tugger reach their senior age? What becomes of them? How’s the tribe like etc.

Sorry if I worded this question weird it’s been on my mind for a while and I figured you might have some interesting ideas about it :)

That's actually a super interesting question! I stuck with the three prompted in the ask, but I'm happy to talk about others as well, if you'd like!

(Slight TWs for mention of illness and death)

🎸 - Tugger gains weight as he gets older, around the middle and face particularly - the slowing metabolism catches up to him, even with his picky eating habits. No shame in that; he's healthy, lives a good life and he's happy. He has a very prominent nasolabial fold on the right side of his face that no longer goes away when he stops smiling, because he would half smile and smirk so often that the muscles in his face got weaker on the left, leaving it permanently crooked (no less charming though), and the smile lines on one side are far deeper. Like is tradition, he lets his fur get even longer, but pays a little less attention to it, so it's often wild (he digs it - says it looks "very bad boy" which has his kids and niblings and grandkids groaning at him). Gives him a very regal "king of the jungle" type of look, and that combined with the lower tilt of his brow give off the impression that he's grown more serious, but he hasn't. One quick grin will attest to that. He's secretly *very* self conscious about his aging (let's be real, he was the type to have started dying his hair the minute anything even resembling grey showed up in there - grey only exists on his dad and Munk), particularly that the others may start to lose interest in him (and Tugger does love his attention), but does a good job at hiding it, and lbh if you know anything about any rockstar, it's that aging eliminates absolutely zero appeal to their fans - a sex symbol is a sex symbol.

His role in the clowder stays mostly the same. He never really moves up or into any real role of responsibility, though he does stay on as an advisor after Sillabub steps up. Most of his troublemaking is now quietly whispered and advised to the next generation, with "old innocent Uncle Tugger" watching gleefully from a distance. Gotta train them young, y'know? He also takes up the Grandpa Gus mantel in nicknaming everyone with very particular calling cards, or settling on the more neutral "babe" and "honey" - particularly for the younger kittens. He also came into his own as quite the storyteller, when you get him to sit still long enough (which isn't often but they'll take what they can get).

A fully senior Tugger started developing problems with wandering off and mobility, but his family keeps close tabs on him (even though it annoys him).

🌙 - Munkustrap has taken remarkably after Old Deuteronomy in that he aged very slowly, and then almost all at once. For the longest time, it seemed like he would never age; every year that passed he looked the same (having grey fur already does wonders for hiding the grey that pops forward). Maybe a little fuller in the figure, maybe with a few deeper lines around the eyes, but still the same old Munk he'd always been even a dozen years ago. He isn't at all concerned with appearances; he takes them as they come.

He's mellowed out over the years in stress levels (not good for the blood pressure, you know - he has several cats who pointedly remind him of that when he starts), though you know when something doesn't please him; that familial look of disapproval is very strong in him. But it doesn't stop him from following in Aunt Jenny and Uncle Skimble's footsteps in that "slowing down" are not words in his vocabulary. He's still as busy a body as ever, and remained in charge of the yearly plays at the Ball until he needed to be forcibly retired (at least in being the lead director - he still goes to every practice). Part of that comes from the rather severe arthritis he develops later down the line, which was part of the contribution to that "all at once" aging I mentioned earlier, but he remains cheerful and as active as is tolerable with it. He (regrettably if you ask his daughters and grandchildren) has become the "back in my day", kind of guy, which you can tell he's about to launch into when he manages a claw up and pointing. He absolutely adores his grandchildren and grandniblings, and takes over his father's spot as the first cat that often gets to meet very new kittens (and pass on their teachings), and while he doesn't have Old Deuteronomy's full knack for it (doesn't quite have the developed magic for it), it is still a time honoured tradition and you know Munkustrap adores babies (and they all adore Granddad).

Munk remains the leading song-storyteller in the clowder, and takes on a role as one of their mentors/teachers until his fading memory prevents him from doing so. He is very proud of his apprentices that take up after him, and takes up every opportunity to tell any cat how good they are and how he taught them everything they know. He ends up passing peacefully in his home at around 32 years of feline age after being sick a while - not bad for a cat; the Deuteronomys live rather long, you know.

💀 - Macavity...is Macavity. No, actually, you know what scratch that. Macavity becomes who he was meant to be the entire time: Professor Moriarty (but like book canon Moriarty - think like Victor Evgrafov). His shoulders droop forward and begin to protrude as he loses more weight, as though wings would sprout from the shoulder blades behind him, his jaw and whiskers begin to sag and his fur gets thinner (even moreso) and that "highly domed" head of his becomes literal as the "fur line" pushes back further. He is patchy and unkempt, but somehow retains his cool, unbothered posturing (kinda...unless he's angry, but that doesn't come with age). The cataracts he develops (and, with no desire to be anywhere in the vicinity of humans, retains) are white and clouded, and while this means the intensity of his gaze has softened a notch (literally and figuratively - his vision is permanently blurred), it is somehow even more frightening than before.

He no longer goes out to do any of his bidding (though he never really did to begin with - having a web has its perks in that you don't get the paws dirty) - they are brought to him. Not particularly difficult, as he has abandoned a *lot* of his threads - he grew bored of them; they no longer interested him. His voice has become softer, more difficult to hear, but it's bone chilling. He's often caught talking to cats who aren't there (or at least that no one else can see), and staring blankly at walls, and his paranoia has tripled. Possibly CDS; no one was close enough to him to really know.

Macavity disappears one day; no one really knows what happened to him, though you can take a few guesses.

[rolesplay]

・┆✦THE ART OF DETACHING ONE'S HEART — a haibara ai/edogawa conan reincarnation fanfic, inspired by phum viphurit's songs.

“Was I dreaming of the design of love? If we keep this up, will we self-destruct?” -The Art of Detaching One's Heart, Phum Viphurit, Jenny & The Scallywags

PROLOGUE

They were young, and she was a would-be goddess. She did not understand, and yet she did.

(Words roaming inside my chest)

The first time she laid eyes on the boy was the day she was made eternal. There was blood pouring out of her body when she screamed his name. The words from his last visit rang in her mind.

I’ll save you , he said, I’ll save you .

(‘Cause my fucked up head -)

They were both children, he couldn’t do anything.

(It belongs to you)

He couldn’t save her.

(Lost in space we flew astray)

The first time they saw—really saw—each other, was the day they killed her human form, the day she was shaped and honed to be a goddess. The day she was deitified.

(I’ll find my way to get to you)

That was the first time they saw each other.

It wouldn’t be the last.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART ONE: Trial and Error

“Run from this house of terror, Far, where my love won't find you.” He told her to trust him. She really, really wants to – but she can’t.

“Trust me,” he says, holding out his hand, coaxing her to follow him. They are partners. Or at least, they used to be. They were friends. She is merely a ward of his father, but they are friends. But the moment she used witchcraft – well, that thing never really ended up with anyone involved, did it?

“I would lead you away, I would take you away from here.”

She wants to. Take his hand, let him whisk her away. Except... Except . She doesn’t want him to bear the burden that was hers. She was a goddess and yet she couldn’t do anything.

And so instead, she turns away from him. “I looked into your future, boy” she says clearly, as if what she did would not make the charges laid on her heavier. “You would die. You would die betrayed by someone fairly close to you.”

He remains holding out his hand.

“But before you do, you will help this kingdom. Make it magnificent. But you’ll encounter a lot, meet a lot. I trust you will make that true .”

He doesn’t falter. Doesn’t even look as if he heard her. He just looks at her. “ Please .”

His pleas goes unheard. The day she dies, he is there, one of the people in the crowd. She smiles.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART TWO: Long Gone

“Hold on loose Don't grip me so tight. I've got no wings to fly But this spirit's taking flight” He says he wants to protect her. She merely smiles.

She is surprised. He looks so young, younger than she thought he would be in this life. He is a young boy, no more than twelve human years, perhaps. He was there, earlier, when her cruel captor showed her off the crowd.

“You should not be here,” she croaks in reply. She had been in land for merely five days, but she could already feel herself wasting away. She’d turn to dust soon. That was apparent.

“Do you want to go home?” is what he replies.

Of course. Of course she does.

“I’d help you, miss.”

And help he does . It is two days later when the little boy practically smuggles her out, but they are chased.

He takes her out in the ocean, a little boy carrying a full grown mermaid – she was scared for a second that he wouldn’t be able to carry her. But then again she might as well be as light as air. She could feel herself turning to speckles of sand. Every wisp of the wind on her hair leaves a trail of the dust.

There’s a reason no mermaid have lasted long on the hands of humans.

They are already at the shallow waters when he gets shot. He falls. They both do.

She crawls, the water calling out to her. If she listens close, she can hear her sisters beckoning her to come home. She’d have to go deeper, for her to regain her strength. She turns back to him.

“Go,” he says, “I’d protect you.” He struggles to stand up, stumbling when the waves knock him out his feet. He holds a hand to his wound. Red.

They’d kill him, is what she thinks. He looks at his hair, at his skin – in this life, he’s too pale. Too young, too early. They’d kill him.

She reaches a decision.

Mermaid songs are potent with magic. Combine that with a wish – the strongest form of spells in the world – and you have yourself an unstoppable something.

She sings a song as she turns to dust: one of life and of saving. Her blessing: Live.

Hers was a story of the little mermaid, without the knife, perhaps, but with the same consequences.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART THREE: Run

“We've been Walking around in circles Fighting our endless battles But really, who cares?” She made the poison that ruined his life. Likewise, he gave her the poison that ruined hers.

She beckoned him towards her, a smile on her lips. His name was included on the list that was against the leaders of the country.

They wanted him dead .

They were childhood friends, in this life. She had tried to dissuade him from doing all this (he never listened, not one time).

“I thought you didn’t drink,” he chuckled a nod towards the drink on her hand. “Care to share?”

The poisoned drink on her hand.

She trembled. Could she do it ? Kill him ?

She wished she didn’t know, didn’t remember��. Because this was just cruel . It’s even crueler that they’re friends , that they grew up together.

She should offer this drink to him. Should just let him die .

She kisses him instead.

She pulls him in with her free hand and he responds, but when he does, she pulls away.

“Get your own,” she retorts and drinks the beverage on her hand.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART FOUR: Adore

“But if you should ask me Do I adore you I think you know I do” A disguise is made to make an illusion, to hide a lie. That’s a constant. In this life, and the next.

She stands atop the stage, singing the notes slowly and sweetly, leaving the composer’s guides and making it her own .

She does wonderful.

People are intrigued. She does not come from high society, yet the way she sings is that of a learned soprano.

Nightingale, they call her.

She finds it funny, that in this world, he is the ghost. In this life, he is the supernatural, the unbelievable. Yet he still manages to be the one who teaches her. The ghost of the opera, they call him. The Phantom.

She knows it is him, despite the mask he wears that covers his face, despite the fact that she had never actually really seen him, other than through smoke and mirrors and illusions.

“My Angel,” he calls her one time, after one of her performances, appearing behind her in the dressing room as she took down her hair, “of Music.”

She laughs. Not bitterly. Resignedly. “I am not her, you know?”

He pauses. Stares at her critically, and cautiously.

She smiles. And sings. It is a song of goodbye.

It wouldn't be long before the newspapers talk about the sudden disappearance of the Nightingale.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART FIVE: Beg

“Burn away the shadows of your shame For now I see the flaws beside your name” A secret makes a woman, woman, indeed.

In this life she loved another, a man who did wicked deeds but showered her with love nonetheless. But wickedness catches up to anyone, and he is killed. She vows revenge.

It was rather unfortunate. It was him , the person who killed her beloved.

She touched the knife hidden on her dress. She should kill him. Could easily do so, as he placed kisses on her neck, and then on her mouth. She should kill him. He had taken something from her, had only watched as she died, repeatedly . She should kill him.

But she still couldn’t bring herself to do so.

Cinderella ran away from the ball, and so, did she . And she threw herself off the cliff, smiling as she plummeted down the waves dancing, crashing against the sharp rocks that wait down below.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART SIX: Strangers in a Dream

"Let's get lost in the forest of gold and green We're strangers in a dream” Life is cruel, isn't it?

In this life, in this life - she finds out it was him until it was nearly too late.

She finds him in the forest, as she looks for something edible, to feed her family.

He was a boy - a boy soldier bleeding out under the roots of the trees. She takes a sharp breath - he represented the country her people fought. He represented all the hatred and the sorrow: her childhood friend being taken away to fight, her mother having to die of an illness because of the lack of medicine. Her sister’s thin, frail body. Her little brother’s fascination with being a soldier. Her little brother wanting fight off and die . He represented all of them.

She takes the knife in her hand, and raises it to his neck. He stirs, and she freezes. She should do it now, kill him, except. Except.

He opens his eyes - delirious, he seems - and raises his hand -

Kill. Kill. Kill-

-and cups her cheek.

He says something. Repeats it, as he tries to pull her closer.

“Goddess," he says. And everything unravels. It’s him.

She runs. She runs away, and never looks back.

Later, much, much later, as she gets captured by the enemy soldiers - and girls who does suffer fate far worse than death - she stops, for a second. Because among those soldiers, was him.

And she laughs, because wasn’t this just cruel?

Yet still, she smiles. She smiles as she steals the knife from one of the soldiers. She smiles as she slits her own throat open, blood gushing through. She smiles as she dies, with him staring at her in horror.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

PART SEVEN: Sweet Hurricane

“Though the fire's gone cold, you're my flame” It’s painful to live repeatedly just to watch her die.

She’s bleeding. Because of course, she is. She’d taken a bullet meant for him and he hates her for it. He held her tight, clasping her form. He promised to protect her. Told her to trust him, that he’d save her.

He said that eons ago, when she was a little girl trapped in a hut whose nails are filled with dirt and hair is wild and untamed, and he was nothing more than a mere village child with small hands and knobby knees, filled with cuts and bruises from fishing and gathering and farming and training.

He had always been a curious child, something that stayed with him through all his lives. He had been curious then, of the hut on the outskirts of the village, that the adults have said to never approach.

It is the house of the would-be Goddess , they said, and she must remain pure, until the day it is be one .

So, like the curious child he was, he goes and talks to the girl. The girl does not talk, at first. She does not know how . And when she finally does, it is his name that she loves to say.

It is his name that would bring them downfall, because she would be calling for him as the ropes pulled and tugged on her, as her body was torn apart.

And through their lives, he tries. To save her, protect her – he tries hard to keep her alive . He never does.

“You idiot ,” he begins. “How many times do I have to tell you before you understand ?” He’s crying.

Her eyes widens. She chokes. “You remember .” Wonder. He remembers .

Of course he does. He remembers each of her death, that they all blur together sometimes. Does she even know? Does she even know what it was like to be left behind? To be the one to watch her die again and again and again and couldn’t do anything about it?

She chuckles. In this life, she had strawberry blonde hair and sharp blue eyes (it’s the color of her eyes, her eyes from their first life) that are keen in fashion and chemistry. She smiles. “Maybe it’s our curse,” she says.

They defeat the Organization, but at the cost of her life – and many others.

He mulls over what she said before her death.

A curse.

There’s always a way to break curses, aren’t there?

(In time, I know we'll meet once again)

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

EPILOGUE

He is old now- already traveled the world and had already retired as a detective years ago when he meets her. He is bedridden.

Nearby, there is a woman. And with that woman, was a girl. A girl with curly, dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, a little three year old that was clinging to Ayumi. She looks nothing like her from her past life, or their first (it is – and perhaps always will be – the most vivid in his memories) but he knows .

He knows , because when she sees him, she walks towards him.

The little girl pats his hand.

“Found you.”

[dustedmagazine]

Lost Girls — Selvutsletter (Smalltown Supersound)

Photo by Johannes Andersen

With Selvutsletter, the second full-length album from Jenny Hval and Håvard Volden’s Lost Girls, the duo have turned their scope outwards, expanded their view and produced a weighty, engulfing set of songs. Their first long playing offer, 2021’s Menneskekollektivet, thrust itself at the listener with a relatively stripped down sound, taking cues from minimal techno and experimenting more with Hval’s vocal mix. It was bracing and uncomfortable and irresistible —  an album as much watched as listened to — rapt either way. On Selvutsletter,Volden’s instrumentation is heavier but more dynamic, with active, chugging percussion, swirling keys, the odd horn stab, and low-slung, articulate guitar. The elements are kept consistently in play, mixing together, gathering in thick streams for the ear to parse out while the body can’t help but move. It’s an opalescent and somewhat haunted trip that can, despite its fairly traditional verse-chorus-verse-chorus structures, be harder to penetrate than Menneskekollektivet’s drawn out inquiries. Even the moments of ascendence and levity, like the bright chords on a song like “June 1996” are layered and ambient enough to take up the entire aural space. In this driving richness, it can be easy to let Hval’s voice and lyrics be two eloquent but complementary pieces, alternately starring and fading, but it’s in these that the album comes fully into focus.

Where the debut’s lyrics often spilled out in fascinating, circuitous monologues — less an invitation to hear than something overheard and unavoidable — the follow-up finds Hval carefully setting scenes, guiding us to their center. In “With the Other Hand,” song two, she takes us across multiple thresholds. We “step out of the car/and into the street” then we “step into the bar/in the bar there’s a light/and it lights up the stage.” A few lines later, Hval and Volden lift off into the chorus. Her voice stretches and floats like smoke, playful and forceful: “whether you like it or not/with the other hand I open rooms/with the first one I write.” Andrew Forrell, in a review of Menneskekollektivet for Dusted, found Hval “a thoughtful interlocutor unafraid to think aloud in her quest to express her thoughts, to herself as much as to the audience.” She is just as unafraid here, but in that funny, defiant, and perhaps coercive refrain, she is speaking directly to us, the audience, staking out our respective roles. The confrontational intimacy of Menneskekollektivet is still there, but now it’s more controlled, assured of the point to make, like she’s thought things through and is ready to explain. The line that immediately precedes the chorus, “you hear something unfamiliar and strange/don’t look away/take it in,” reinforces the idea that you may have pressed play but you’re not in charge. That’s the best advice for listening to Selvutsletter: let yourself in but then allow it to occur; experience it and see where it takes you.

On “Re-entering,” for instance, the experiential is a somewhat shrouded present, settled for now, but haunted by both the past and a tenuous future. Alongside Volden’s thumping drum program and lilting synthesizer, Hval leads us into a city’s green space. First, she smells onions and reminds us that “during the war, they grew vegetables in this park.” The music drops out, then swells back, one wide droning key at time. In that brief pause, Hval lifts more history from the sensory: “…and here I smell footprints/they demonstrated here in the 1950s to legalize abortions/soon they will have to demonstrate again/I can smell it.” Hval isn’t merely being didactic, she’s reminding herself to bear witness as well, to trust her own experience, to not look away either, or, in this case, hold her breath. We hear this made explicit in the title and lyric of “Ruins.” When she says “I was here in place/when I didn't know/and therefore was evil,” it’s both a warning and an admission of fallibility. A call to action for each of us, her included, not to avert our eyes. With her repetition of the word “here,” she grounds the sentiment in place, pointing to concrete memories and circumstances that have existed, still do now, and may well persist.

The band’s translation of “selvutsletter” is “self-effacer.” I take this less as an erasure of self than a directive to properly situate the self to better engage with the world as it is. To understand where you’ve been and to find where you fit now and, importantly, to help others do the same. The album is vigorous in its grooves and leaves a powerful, unifying impression with its words. Like Hval says on the opener, “Timed Intervals” and of the “choreography of living” they allow for, it’s “as if thе world actually doesn't want us to hurt each other.” Let’s dance to that.

Alex Johnson 

[theglasscat]

Helloooo, I would be really intrigued by the "Her Night/Honeymoon" one! Is it the four hour one or their ACTUAL honeymoon? Feel free to tell me all about it!

HIIIIII okay so I listed all those stories because they've been bouncing around my head like rubber balls and then I looked in my wip file to see what I had for this story and all there was was "Hen Night" and literally nothing else when I swear to fuck I had written something so I had to take a couple days to actually put down what was in my brain

Here's the outline with some loose written bits:

Three sections to be filled out further Vastra POV Third person Lines of Communication -Post sewer adventure in Trespassers 2 Ep 2, the gang compiles a comprehensiv-ish map of the sewer system to help them in their cases, Strax eager to explore it. V and J decide they ought to go together bc there's people there and Strax does not have the gentlest bedside manner -((Also figure out why Jenny was so disparaging of the sewer folk when we know she's a street rat herself. It really goes against most popular characterizations of her as a woman of the people.)) -Vastra had seen a version of Jenny in the sewers that lost her ring. They communicate (!!!) to create a system/password codeword of something only the two of them know in the event they ever get swapped out for dopplegangers again. _ _ _ Hen Night

Aka a wonderful moment before Jenny gets replaced. Excuse to write the two happy drunk. This is what I have actually written: They were wise enough not to have the hen night right before the wedding. Vastra can not fathom wedding bells when her head decides to stop swimming and heave itself onto hard dry land. The pubs of Miss Flavisham’s youth are changed since she was a girl, or at least only serve old timers and Jenny takes charge of leading the group of increasingly drunk women through her old networks of clubs for Toms. Laughing and collapsing into the pillows, sweat and stink from the night. Don’t know how we got to this bed or how you managed to just remove your corset My brain is fuzzy but there is the woman I love. I’m going to marry her, this exquisite person. This is going to be my wife. Both hungover the next morning but still willing to help each other out in the morning. The smell of Strax frying bacon and eggs as they gather at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. Strax's voice making everyone flinch and groan. Jenny smirking at Vastra from across the table and gratefully accepting a cup of tea from the booming Sontaran. Vastra realizing that Jenny is thinking just what she was thinking last night: This is going to be my wife. To be loved like this is almost unbearable but what a joy it is.

_ _ _ Honeymoon aka Four Hours in Luton aka "I haven't seen you consume any liquids in 2 days" Jenny didn't drink at the reception. She raised her glass in gesture of a toast but didn't drink. She does not drink all night but indeed the phrase goes that the "bride never eats" and of course who would want to eat all this aspic and of course who would drink on such an empty stomach? In the carriage home Vastra knows something is off. She had expected to see the look Jenny had given her from across the kitchen table three fold. It never comes.

Once in the house Jenny starts to make suggestions leaning towards the "wedding night" and Vastra asks her the question they had formulated that no doppleganger could possibly know. Jenny evades the answer and Vastra suggests that they hold off until the honeymoon, she's planned a surprise. Vastra alters the travel plans. They had initially planned to go to Paris but Paris can wait. A layover in Luton is due first.

[mrallnight57-blog]

The Crystal of Mordokia

Part 2: The Island of Dr. Spy

Rough rough rough draft

Introduction:

      Sgt Tom Carlson was leading his team of Navy Seals, down a special path. This path led to a building full of laboratories. Once at the building, they found a secret entrance.

      The building was located on a island that was 100 hundred miles off the coast of Florida. People were shocked one day, when this island appeared out of nowhere. It was similar to an island that was close to Greece, but one day that island disappeared. Now this island was next to the United States.

      This made some of the World's governments curious. So several governments began sending their own spies. Unfortunately, each time the government sent a spy. The spy would dissappear shortly after arriving to the island.

     This is what caused the military to get involved. After a few days scouting the island. They discovered that there might be some unlawful experiments going on.

There was also rumors that the spies that had been sent there were being tortured and experimented on. This is when Tom decided to take matters into his own hands.

      Tom and 5 other navy seals broke into the building with labs. Hoping to find the spies that had gone missing. They slowly began making their way around several different rooms.

      Some rooms required card keys. Tom had to let private Jordan do his job, and hack into any room that required special clearance.

      Things seemed way too easy. When coming to the island. They noticed soldiers stationed all over the place, but none seemed to be guarding this building. So they were able to easily move around the place. There didn't even seem to have any alarms going off.

      During the search. Tom had a ear bud in his left ear. It was playing music. He couldn't explain it, but whenever he listened to music. His muscles would get stronger, and he would also be able to move faster. In fact with the right kind of music. He could rip a steel door off its hinges and run as fast as a cheetah.

       Sgt Tom kept listening to music with one ear, and kept the other ear free. So he communicate with his fellow soldiers.

     Suddenly one of the soldiers yelled out. "Sir there something in here you might want to see."

      Tom went to the room his private was yelling from. In the the center of the room was a small diamond shape crystal. It was encased in glass, and surrounded by machines.

     Tom stared at the crystal, and saw what looked like a dark substance trying to get out. It kept hitting the walls of the crystal, but it couldn't escape.

     Tom took a picture of the crystal. Then he did an image search through a government database. That's when he came across a shocking discovery.

      This crystal was once in the possession of the United States government, but 5 years ago it was stolen by a cult leader, who went by the name Gothic Mirror.

      The crystal was never recovered. In fact, the agent in charge, Jenny Ramirez, went on record. Saying the crystal was destroyed. This was apparently a lie, because Tom was now staring at it.

      Tom could hear a commotion in another room. His teammates were in aww by something. Tom went to the other room to see what it was.

    Once he stepped into the other room. Tom was in shock. There was a huge machine in the room. It was connected to a bed. The bed was electrified. In the bed was a creature unlike anything he had ever seen.

      The creature had a cat like head, but a human like body. It had blue greenish skin, and on the right side of it's mouth was a large fang that hang down beneath it's chin.

      At first glance, the creature looked terrifying, but at second glance it also looked adorable. Like a lion's cub that somehow merged with a Super model.

     Electric wires were inserted into the bed. It even had them going into the creature's body.

     Tom looked at the machine that the

Creature was hooked up to. "Okay, boys, let's take a part of this machine,

and take this creature out of here!"

      "I wouldn't do that if I was you." Suddenly an unfamiliar voice filled the air. Everyone turned to see an old man standing by the door. He looked frail. He had light brown skin, and was completely bald. He wore a brown button up shirt, and a pair of slacks. He also carried a cane. Which he used to help move himself around.

     As the soldiers stared at him. The old man continued to talk. "That creature there, caused me a lot of trouble. It killed over a hundred of my soldiers. Luckily I discovered electricity put it to sleep. Unfortunately, I have yet to find away to kill it."

      Sgt Tom and the other soldiers, pointed their guns at the old man. Then Tom said. "Put your hands up and identify yourself!"

      The old man dropped his cane and slowly put up his hands. Then he said. "Some people call me a genius. Others call me a tyrant, or crime lord. I believe your government refers to me as Dr. Spy."

     Tom's eyes grew wide, and the other soldiers began looking at each other. Everyone was in shock. Dr. Spy was a code name given to a powerful crime lord. He was responsible for major crimes around the world. The people who committed crimes in his name, had super natural powers. These people have been dubbed, cosmic children.

    Tom was also an cosmic child, but he had decided to work for the side of good. Not all cosmic children were evil, but most of them were in their early 40s or younger. Reason for this was that the cosmic rays incident happened 50 years ago, and it was the decedents of the people effected that had the super natural abilities. So seeing some one so old, having access to so many cosmic children, was quite a surprise.

      Tom cocked his gun, and pointed it at Dr. Spy's head. "Don't move!!!" If you make any movement, I will shoot you!!!"

     Dr. Spy smiled. Then he disappeared. Suddenly private Jordan turned his gun on the other soldiers, and began firing. Jordan killed everyone except Tom.

    Before Jordan could turn the gun on Tom. Tom's hyper reflexes, caused by the music he was listening to. Helped him to quickly shoot Jordan, before Jordan could shoot him. The shot was in the head. Killing Jordan instantly.

     Tom was in shock. He couldn't believe Jordan had turned on the team. As the Sgt stood there, he wondered how long had Jordan been working for Dr. Spy.

    Suddenly Tom heard the voice of Dr. Spy coming from behind him. "I can't believe you killed an innocent man. The poor man had no control of his body. I was the one who took over his body. I am the one who killed your men."

     Sgt Tom turned to face Dr. Spy. Then he put an ear bud into his open ear, and turned his music up as loud as he could. The sound waves made him stronger and faster.

     He attempted to attack Dr. Spy with his new found speed and strength, but has he attacked Dr. Spy just simply side stepped him. Tom turned around and threw a punch. The old man caught Tom's fist.

     Tom attempted to pull his hand away, but Dr. Spy's grip was too strong, and Tom wasn't able to move his hand. Dr. Spy took his free hand, and put it on Tom's face.

     Tom began to feel his face burn. He started screaming in pain. Then he fell to his knees, then on his back. Dr. Spy held on and followed him down. Now Dr. Spy was kneeling over him.

    Dr. Spy began speaking. "You have a very interesting power, cosmic child. A power I will be very happy to exploit."

     Tom was breathing heavily. He spat at Dr. Spy, and said. "I would never work for you!!!"

    Dr. Spy removed his hand from Tom's face. "Don't worry. I don't need your consent. I don't even need your body. All I need is your soul. Your soul is where your power lies."

     Tom was no horrified. He wanted to know why Dr. Spy was doing this, and what he was hoping to accomplish. So he asked. "What do you think you're going to gain from this!?! What is all of this for!?!"

      Dr. Spy smiled. "I'm going to do the one thing every genuis has wanted to do since the beginning of time... I'm going to take over the world."

[renee-writer]

The Heart Don't Lie Chapter 66

A/N All from ' Rose didn't notice the lad' is the amazing work of @omgbarbiegurl . She wanted to help Rose find happiness again. A start, eh?

AO3

Justice is swift. Anna, with no defense, nor wanting any, pleads guilty to all charges. It is a relief to all involved. There is still victims statements. Standing in court, Rose gets to stare across at the woman who gave her birth, and tell Her Grace how she then took it away.

 

“She was, is everything. We had our whole future planned. Finishing university, I was to work, helping to run my family’s estate. Beth,” her voice closes, “she would have stayed home with our children. We planned on adopting one and having one or two. Now, all that is gone! The future we planned taken away by one vengeful, nasty, hateful act by the one woman who was supposed to love me most. Thank God I have Mama Claire.”

 

It is her arms she runs into after her statement. Claire meets Anna’s eyes as she leads her away.

 

A year later with Anna serving as a guest of the Crown for the rest of her life, she makes an announcement.

 

“I want to finish my studies.”

 

She has been at Lallybroch, in the bosom of her family , working through the intensity of her grief. At first, it was all she could do to get through each hour, let alone each day. Slowly, while loving on her baby siblings ( many a night finds her rocking either Tom or Em),  she works through the worst of it.

 

Oh, it is still there and she knows it always will be but the sharp edge is gone. Now, she is ready to restart her life.

 

“I think that is a wonderful idea.” Her daddy says.

 

“You are ready?” Mama Claire asks.

 

“Aye. It is what Beth would want. I believe being around others again will help with the healing. Focusing on classes instead of that horrid day.”

 

They agree. She returns to a university closer to Lallybroch, needing to be home every evening.

 

 

Rose didn’t notice the lad.

 

Not at first.

 

Still grief stricken, she had barely given a thought of any form of love or lust, with anyone.

 

Beth was one of a kind and Rose missed her every day.

 

Through Anna’s trial, through her sentencing, through every bit of justice that was meted out; she missed Rose.

 

She was grateful for her family though.

 

Her Daddy and Mama Claire had barely left her side, or let her leave their side as she mourned.

 

Willa of course was a constant presence as were the twins.

 

Aunt Jenny and Uncle Ian were always close by, as were the cousins.

 

So with so much support, she of course didn’t have any notice for outside attention.

 

But, he noticed her.

 

Of course he knew the pain she had been through, you couldn’t walk 2 steps without knowing that Rose Fraser’s bio mother had killed her fiancé at the Wedding, thinking it was Rose’s Step Mother.

 

But one didn’t bring that up though.

 

It was late in fall, just as the leaves were taking on the brown color, coming up on Halloween when he finally approached her.

 

“I’m Andrew.” He said, offering his hand to her.

 

She stared at him in surprise.

 

“Rose.”

 

“I know.”

 

Her face crumpled with pain.

 

“Of course you do.”

 

“Whoa, no it’s okay. I didn’t mean it like that.”

 

He took her hands and led her over to a small bench and helped her sit down.

 

“No, I mean obviously I know what happened to you, but the media never revealed your name.”

 

“So how did you know it?”

 

“Well, you’re in one of my classes, I have been trying to introduce myself, but you seemed so closed off.”

 

She smiled, ever so slightly. “And now?”

 

“I see healing.”

 

She sniffled a little and he offered her a tissue.

 

“You know, I lost someone close to me not long ago, so I understand the pain.”

 

“Thank you, but I don’t think anyone can understand this pain. I lost the love of my life.”

 

Andrew nodded and took her hand. “I lost my Mam, I can’t understand your pain, but our pain can move in tandem. Make it easier to carry.”

 

She sniffled again and looked at him with her huge eyes.

 

“That sounds nice. Thank you.”

 

He smiled and Rose felt a small tug on her heart that she hadn’t felt since Beth.

 

Just a flutter really.

 

She needed to talk to her Mama Claire and Willa.

[littlecrabbs]

*incoming rant no one asked for*

Pls take what I say with a grain of salt bc I’ve only watched what’s up to date in the TV show, I haven’t read much of the main book series/the recent stuff, though I really want to. PS all my ranting can be quelled if I just read some fan fiction LMAO

!Mention of SA!

I think I’m finally understanding why I don’t like the female characters in outlander as much. It’s obvious and Idek how I didn’t realize it but you can really tell just how much stuff the male characters get to do/adventures they get to go on vs what the female characters get to do. It totally makes sense because of the time period but I never thought to stop and think about how it effects the plot. Jamie/John/any other male character is like the driving part of the plot, the women just go where they go. Jamie gets to lead a wine business, work the printing press, be a laird, go to prison, have a hunt on his head, be in charge of of his Ridge, participate in politics, live as a fucking hobbit you name it. And the female character just get to be housemaids and deal with whatever bullshit Jamie brings them into🥲 like where’s the Claire and Jenny teaming up together saving Jamie from his own stupid mistakes like in the first season! That episode was so fun! I feel like they do less of that now. And DONT GET ME WRONG I completely understand logically why the women don’t get to have as much fun, I’m just simply realizing I think that is why the female characters don’t have a place in my heart in the same way the male characters do. It’s because of their lack of freedom to adventure. The male characters just catch my attention more because they really embody the limitless adventure of Outlander. Like of course Claire goes on the craziest adventure out of all of them, but she’s a package deal from the moment she marries Jamie. It’s only like in season 3 for a couple episodes that’s she separated from him (mainly talking about when they’re headed to Jamaica). And once she reaches Fraser’s ridge she has drama between characters but nothing happens that really that thrilling. And just like “hmm I can’t think of anything else interesting for her to deal with so why not have her get assaulted😀👍” like HUH. That’s just so… like omg, pick something else! I know it’s important for her to understand how Jamie felt but Idek it’s not necessary imo. And don’t get me started on Brianna, pls, anyone who really likes Brianna pls comment why you like her because I’m genuinely curious. Because to me I just see her as someone who married a pretty questionable man and got assaulted by a even shittier man. And like that’s not fun bro! She deserves better! Like I love her personality but when it comes to her significance in the story like I struggle to think of anything major. Like what else does she have going for her other than that she’s Jamie and Claire’s daughter. Where’s her adventure? Like yes she girlbossed and killed her attacker good for her but like come onnn I need moree. Like obvs there’s a ridiculous amount of directions Outlander could take, but giving more life to Briannas character would def make me very happy. I guess that’s why fics exist tho🤷‍♀️ I really wish I had more time to read them🥲

*end rant*

[mckeefans]

After Writing for Pop’s Biggest Stars, Bonnie McKee Wants People to Step Into Her Own World

On Wednesday, McKee released “Slay,” the lead single off Hot City, an LP full of what she describes as “sparkly, maximalist pop.” (The song’s technicolor video premieres with Rolling Stone.) The album includes re-recorded and revamped versions of the songs that got shelved in 2013, plus a few she’s saved from the course of her career. There’s also one brand-new track. She plans to drop Hot City in the fall. To McKee, the album has stood the test of time and fits into the early-2010s pop nostalgia that has overtaken much of the internet.

MCKEE’S COMEBACK ALBUM Hot City takes place in an imaginary, retro-futuristic city, a world with an “Eighties-Miami, expensive prostitute vibe” that lives in McKee’s head. Several songs have leaked over the years: “Forever 21” is one fan favorite. It was inspired by a so-called friend who stole her credit card and charged thousands of dollars at the clothing store early in her career. “The track might seem like an innocent pop song but it has a dark underbelly,” she says. Other tracks include “Jenny’s Got a Boyfriend,” a conceptual play off Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” in which she sings about fantasizing about stealing her friend’s flirty boyfriend. (“It’s not about actually going for it, okay!”)

And there’s the revamped, “sexually frustrated brat” pop song, “I Wanna Fucking Call You,” which McKee wrote about a summer fling she had with an unnamed celebrity. “A couple of songs were inspired by him,” she says with a smirk. “It was a very lusty five seconds of summer type of situation.” There’s also “Snatched,” the only fully new song on the album, which she wrote with the drag community in mind. “Yeah I came to serve/Did I strike a nerve?” she sings on the ballroom-esque track.

via Rolling Stone

[showfall-costumes-department]

[Video transcript received.]

[The audio picks up on singing from a distance. The video shows the floor of the woods.]

?: “And I’d give up forever to touch you…”

[Jenny gets closer to the voice, the singing becoming clearer. She’s about 10 feet away.]

?: “‘Cuz I know that you feel me somehow…”

J: “… Much nicer song choice tonight…”

?: “You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be…”

[Jenny gets even closer, about 3 feet behind them as they walk at a strange rhythm, as if in a trance.]

?: “… And I don’t want to go home right now…”

J: “… Daffodil…?”

?: “And all— Aah!!”

[The worker yelps in fear at Jenny’s voice, whipping around to look at her, their arms up over their face for defense. The silence that follows lasts 10 seconds.]

?: “… Hello…?”

J: “… Daffodil… You’re… You’re real…”

?: “… I… Yeah…”

[It’s silent for 5 seconds more as Jenny takes in the worker’s appearance. Brown hair, cut short sloppily, with a too-big red flannel and loosely fitting blue jeans. A portion of their previously worn mask covers their left eye. Their face is covered in scars, most notably on their left cheek. A long line of stitching crawls down their face, and a large chunk of skin near their mouth looks much newer than the rest. The other more noticeable scar is over their right eye. It seems like it’s been long healed over. There’s a thick, dark red scar around their neck.]

J: “… You’re real!”

[The audio is spiked by a sudden movement of the device. The microphone rubs against fabric as Jenny hugs the worker forcefully, her body shaking.]

?: “… I am real…”

J: “God, you’re alive, I… How? No, nevermind, doesn’t matter, we need to get you to Edgar and the rest of them, I-I— They have to see this!”

[Jenny grabs their pale hand and pulls for them to follow…]

[But they don’t budge, and after a couple tugs, Jenny looks back at them with concern.]

J: “… Daff?”

[The worker is quiet as they look at Jenny with a strange expression. They gently pull their hand away from hers. Their right hand.]

J: “… Daff, are you okay…? I didn’t scare you that bad, right…? … Haha…”

[Jenny’s laugh holds fear as the worker examines their right hand, then their right arm. They blink slowly, their eyes holding an odd but specific feeling to them. They look at Jenny, before asking a question very quietly.]

?: “… Do… you… remember…?”

J: “… Remember what, sweetheart…? You’re scaring me…”

[The worker looks down at their right hand again, then their left. They place a hand on their chest, as if feeling for their heartbeat.]

J: “… Daff… What’s wrong…?”

[The worker takes a shaky breath, then shakes their head a little, attempting to not agitate the scar on their neck.]

?: “I… It’s nothing, nevermind…”

J: “Daff, you’re a terrible liar, what’s wrong…?”

?: “… I don’t want to talk about it… Nevermind…”

J: “Are you sure-?”

?: “Yes. … Very sure…”

[Jenny closes her mouth quickly as the worker speaks over her question.]

J: “… Alright… If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to talk to me…”

[Jenny pauses, then remembers something and reaches into her pocket.]

J: “I um… I have your phone. Fully charged. I thought you might want it back… I didn’t look at anything, I just didn’t want Daniel to have it.”

?: “… ‘Daniel’…?”

[Jenny’s expression changes to one of regret and shock, and her eyes widen with fear.]

J: “… Anyway! Um, here’s your phone!”

[Jenny passes a phone over to the worker.]

?: “… Thank you…”

[Jenny rocks back and forth on her heels, her anxiety apparent.]

J: “… Um… Were you… wanting to go to Edgar’s apartment…?”

?: “… You finally made it there?”

[Jenny looks down, avoiding eye contact.]

J: “… Yes… I made it over there…”

?: “… How is he?”

[Jenny pauses for a moment, thinking.]

J: “He’s… recovering. Slowly but surely, I believe he’s recovering…”

?: “… Good to hear…”

[The worker starts walking, and Jenny speeds to catch up with them.]

J: “Where are you going?”

?: “… I don’t know.”

J: “Pff, haha… I’ll lead you there…”

[Jenny gently takes the worker’s hand, and she starts leading them through the woods.]

?: “… Thank you…”

[End transcript.]