#king carl’s days are numbered

[danandfuckingjonlmao]

they’re buffoons actually. like so stupid. absolute clowns. sillybillies even.

[topazy]

Little dark age

Paring: Rick Grimes × reader

Warning: Swearing, violence

Chapter: 1.03

You look up as Morales walks over to the campfire with a large number of fish. He beams, “Tonight we dine like kings.”

“Whoa,” you say, looking over at Andrea and Amy, who had spent most of the afternoon fishing. “You weren’t kidding, Andrea, when you said you could fish.”

Amy smiles and says, “We have our dad to thank for that. And Dale, he let us borrow his stuff.”

While the others continue to praise the blondes for the amount of food they brought into camp, Morales holds up one of the lines, “Do you want to do the honors or should I?”

You scoff playfully, “I’ll clean them if you cook.”

“Deal,” he says, tossing you three of the fish before placing the rest into a cooler for the time being.

Noticing you pull out your pocket knife, Carl runs off excitedly. “Sammi, can you teach me how to gut a fish?”

“Sure thing, rugrat, as long as it’s okay with your mom?” You make eye contact with Lori for the first time since you overheard her and Shane arguing.

“You’ll get no complaints from me.”

He watches, almost hypnotized, as you explain where to insert the knife. “Can I do it?”

“No, not yet anyway.”

He pours up at you, “Why not?”

“Because I need to be sure you know what you’re doing. I don’t want your mom or dad hunting me down because you’ve lost a finger,” you laugh. “Tell you what? I’ll do the first two, then you can do the last one, okay?”

He nods. True to your word, you gut the first two fish, then help guide Carl while he does the third one. “That’s it, kid. Take it nice and slow so you don’t cut yourself or me.”

Lori watches her son and smiles when he proudly shows off what he’s doing. You notice Dale walking over to join the rest of the camp with a concerned look on his face. “Something wrong, Dale?”

“I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I think we may have a bit of a problem.”

—

You stay behind in camp to finish preparing the fish, while the others go and investigate what’s wrong with one of the men in your small group of survivors who was apparently acting differently than normal. Jim had been digging holes in the ground nonstop since sunrise; personally, you didn’t think that was much cause for concern.

Sensing someone behind you, look back and see Lori. “I thought you’d gone with the others.”

“I wanted to say thank you for what you did with Carl; it’s been hard on him with Rick coming back and leaving again, and you’ve taught him a lot. It takes his mind off things.”

You shrug. “I don’t mind; he’s a sweet kid.”

An awkwardness lingers between the two of you. She clears her throat. “The other day...”

“Look, Lori, I’m going to tell you what I told Shane. I don’t want to know anything.”

Her voice begins to crack. “I thought my husband was dead. Otherwise, I never would have done what I’ve done.”

You found it ironic how similar she and Shane sounded to one another. “It’s not my business or my place to judge.”

She sits down across the campfire from you and picks up a cutting board that has a couple of vegetables on it while struggling to hold back tears of what you presume were guilt.

“Sammi!”

Hearing the panic in Shane’s voice, you let the fish down and started to run up the small hill. “What’s going on?”

“Jim’s gone batshit crazy.”

—

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you let out a deep sigh. You couldn’t wait for your shift on watch to end so you could get some sleep. It was still daylight, but you could feel the shaft of a migraine coming on. It didn’t help that Carol wasn’t talking to you; you weren’t sure if it was because of the faint slap-shaped bruise on your face or because you helped clean Shane’s hand after he beat her husband.

Dale sits down beside you on top of the RV. “Jim says he can’t remember why he started digging those holes.”

“Sunstroke can make people do peculiar things. As long as he stays in the shade and keeps drinking water, he should be fine soon.”

You had removed the extra layers of clothing Jim didn’t need, then tried to cool his sunburnt skin down with water before ordering him to drink plenty of it. But since he tried to attack Shane, the former cop tied Jim to a tree as a precaution, so now you would all take turns cooling Jim down and making sure he drank plenty of fluid.

“I suppose you’ve probably seen worse than someone going a little coocoo in the heat.”

“Yeah,” you say, pulling your knees up closer to your chest. Seeing Jim act the way he did definitely reminds you of the men in your platoon suffering from combat stress.

“I’m sure you're all too familiar with dealing with heatstroke; I imagine a lot of soldiers got it.”

“Honestly, I try not to think about my time in the army, Dale.”

—

Groggily, you rub at your eyes and yawn; you had only just woken from your nap, which thankfully seems to have helped your oncoming headache. It was now nighttime, and I needed to check on Jim. Lost in your own thoughts, you’re completely startled when someone grabs your ankle.

“You stupid bitch.”

“Ed, let go of me, or I’ll scream!”

You didn’t notice Ed was leaning out of his tent smoking when he started walking by; his face was swollen and bruised. He scoffs, “And risk bringing every walker nearby with it?”

“I’m only going to say it one more time. Let fucking go of me, or I will scream for Shane, and he will kill you this time.”

His grip tightens on your ankle, but you pull your handgun from its holster and hit him in the face, causing blood to pool from his nose. “Carol and Sophia would be better off without you.”

You quickly turn to leave and nearly walk directly into a walker. Jumping out of the way, the walker falls to the ground directly in front of Ed. He begs for help, but you’re frozen and do nothing. Seconds later, the realization of what’s happening sinks in, and you pick up a rock and bash the walker's skull. His blood attracts the smell of more walkers, so you run from the tents back towards the RV, where everyone else would be gathered.

Your stomach drops as you hear screams.

The main part of the camp was in complete chaos; there were walkers everywhere. “Get the kids into the RV now!”

“Mom! Dad!”

You see Eliza Morales' daughter standing away from the rest of the group. You run and snatch her up just before a walker bites her. Using a wooden bat, you try to hit as many as you can; you don’t have many bullets left, and the noise is only attracting more of them.

“Get down!”

Holding Eliza, you duck down, and Rick shoots a walker with his shotgun that was coming up behind you. “Shh, shh, shh, don’t look, okay? Keep your eyes closed.”

The young girl closes her eyes as you carry her back to her parents. When you reach them, you see Andrea sobbing over Amy’s body.

[lettheladylead]

What would you say the most major differences between comics!Goldie (you can specify different comic writers if you want) and DT17!Goldie are?

I'd say the biggest difference between DT17!Goldie and her comic versions is the call to adventure. Though every comic writer writes Goldie differently, what's consistent is that she settled down after the Klondike, stayed in the area, kept things simple (sometimes successfully, sometimes unsuccessfully, depending on the writer). Which is fine, but doesn't fit the vibe of DT17 so it makes sense that they did something different.

It's hard to talk about the different comic writer depictions of Goldie because most of them have only written her once, maybe twice. Don Rosa is the exception, of course. Carl Barks only wrote her once, and Rosa's version strays from that a tiny bit (as much as he didn't want it to). I think it's obvious that Rosa wanted to write Goldie as a more present character, he wanted to include her in more things, but he didn't want to contradict Barks' canon so he didn't. But you can tell that he writes Goldie with the idea that she has a whole life of her own without Scrooge.

The writer with the second-most credits for stories with Goldie in them is Marco Nucci, but tbh that's just because he does a lot of Christmas stories. Mostly takes place during the gold rush, the stories don't always fit the Barks/Rosa timeline but they just fit into the setting.

Next highest number of Goldie writing credits is Marco Gervasio, but most of those are cameos. He did write the really beautiful and excellent story King of the Klondike but as for how that comic fits with others................I mean. I love it, personally. Gervasio followed Rosa's thought process - he wrote a story about Scrooge and Goldie, instead of a story about Scrooge that has Goldie in it. It's more interesting and more memorable.

Otherwise writers have only written Goldie stories once or twice, and most of them just focus on the past. Gold rush-era Goldie content tends to be consistent across the board, and repetitive, and often Goldie's role is small. The ones where she has a bigger role we get the basic Scrooge/Goldie content - lots of romantic/sexual tension, lots of arguing, some sort of misunderstanding or lie. And then usually older!Scrooge staring at a photo of her and sighing.

As for present-day Goldie stories, the most consistent things are that she's still very tricky, still very horny, and still very prideful (though less so in Rosa's stories). Tricky, horny, & prideful I think are the big Goldie traits that need to be present for her to feel in-character.

Soooo tl;dr as for differences from DT17, yeah the big thing is the call for adventure. All differences in her personal story and personality can be tied directly to that specific aspect.

Why isn't she more mature at her age? 'Cause she's been running around trying to one up Scrooge instead of settling down and working on herself. Why isn't she running a hotel in Dawson City? 'Cause she's been running around trying to one up Scrooge instead of staying in one place.

We got to know a lot about Goldie's personality in DT17 but not much about her life, which leaves a lot of room for headcanons but also leaves us wanting. But it left enough room that we can pretty easily take content from her comic selves and combine them with her cartoon self without any contradiction and that works pretty nicely for me.

Anyway anyway. Sorry. I keep getting distracted. Adventure is the big difference. Which is fitting since DT17 also wrote Scrooge with more emphasis on his adventuring spirit because they knew that'd be a more interesting story for animation than focusing too much on the money. Good to make them match, and it also stretched out an already iconic love story into 120 years of drama. And also gave us Scheme Team which I am forever thankful for. I miss 'em. I miss Goldie...........

[theroyalhouseofwindenburg]

In the ensuing weeks, Westsimster became a landscape of chaos, consumed by flames, smoke, and devastation as King Wilhelm's knights mercilessly raided the city, burning everyone infected with the plague. The numbers of the afflicted had surged to a point where King Wilhelm, in a desperate attempt to rid the disease, ordered The Tower to be locked down. His knights were instructed to burn not only the infected people but also everything they possessed. The streets were now lined with piles of burning bodies, casting a ghastly glow on the once-vibrant city.

Plague doctors, clad in eerie masks, roamed the area, attempting to study the illness. However, the knights, driven by fear and brutality, continued to kill innocent people, tossing them into the fires. The black death was relentless, and if the knights didn't get to you, the plague itself claimed lives within a matter of days. Thousands of Windenburg's citizens perished, marking a dark and tragic chapter in the city's history.

Within the confines of Windenburg Castle, the situation was far from contained. Lady Catherine Carling, one of Cordelia's ladies-in-waiting, succumbed to the black death in her chambers. Plague doctors and knights, astounded by the rapid spread of the disease, witnessed her attendant confirming the grim news. King Wilhelm declared the castle under quarantine, isolating various royals and nobles in different chambers, providing meager supplies of dry foods and root vegetables, with doors boarded up until further notice.

Queen Cordelia, Prince Wilhelm, Augusta, and Lady Rotchford found themselves confined within the east wing of the castle. As they sat around a round table by the fireplace, peering at a small loaf of bread and a bowl of pottage, Prince Wilhelm voiced the frustration prevalent among them. "Why have things turned out this way? And when can we have meat again?" Cordelia responded somberly, "My dear, we have scarce provisions, and meat is a luxury. Make do with what's before you."

While Cordelia faced scarcity, King Wilhelm lived in stark contrast. Quarantining in his opulent bedchambers with his favored mistress, 23-year-old Anne Matthews, he enjoyed access to servants and the finest foods. Adorned in jewels, they seemed oblivious to the plight outside. Garlic vines hung throughout the king's quarters in a feeble attempt to ward off the plague. While Windenburg suffered, King Wilhelm and Anne reveled in indulgence, Anne even assisting Wilhelm in the bath.

As the cold months descended, Windenburg remained gripped by the relentless plague. Matthias, too, had fallen victim to the insidious grasp of the black death. The guard, bearing a solemn expression, approached King Wilhelm with dire news. Matthias's condition had been deteriorating with each passing day. He hesitated before continuing, "Your Grace, I understand your command to burn the infected, but I felt compelled to bring this to your attention as Matthias is your trusted advisor."

Wilhelm, with an icy gaze, turned to the guard and uttered in a grim tone, "Burn him." Without a moment's pause, he began to walk away, leaving the guard to carry out the heartless command. As Wilhelm approached the door, the sounds of a struggle echoed from Matthias's chambers. In a feeble attempt to plead for mercy, Matthias, weakened by the disease, called out, "Your Grace! Please have mercy. After everything I have helped you with over the years, please, sir!" Despite the desperate plea, Wilhelm exited the room without a flicker of emotion, as if the poignant scene had left no impact on his conscience.

On that same fateful morning, Augusta stirred from her slumber in the east wing. Determined to lend a helping hand, she decided to descend the cold stone steps and join Lady Rotchford in preparing breakfast. However, as she walked through the door to Lady Rotchford's room, the scene that unfolded before her was one of immediate shock and dread.

Lady Rotchford lay lifeless on the floor, having seemingly fallen from her bed during the night. Her complexion, once vibrant, now bore the pallor of death, marked by the telltale signs of the plague. Augusta's scream echoed through the castle as she crumpled to the floor in sheer horror. Lady Rotchford, who had been a constant presence in Augusta's life since infancy, now succumbed to the merciless grasp of the black death.

The commotion drew Cordelia and Prince Wilhelm rushing to the scene. Their faces contorted with disbelief, they joined Augusta in the chamber, their collective anguish palpable. Cordelia's shock turned into desperate action as she pounded on the chamber doors, futilely pleading for a response. The thick stone walls remained unyielding.

Defeated, Cordelia sank to the floor alongside Augusta and Prince Wilhelm. The weight of the tragedy pressed upon them, the reality of the plague's presence within the castle becoming ominously clear. In the midst of their grief, Cordelia couldn't shake the haunting thought if Lady Rotchford, confined to her room, had fallen victim to the infection, the black death had infiltrated the very heart of their sanctuary, its invisible menace threatening to engulf them all.

[fideidefenswhore]

#AnneBoleynWeek, Day 2: Monday, 25 September — favorite historical Anne quote (either by Anne herself or about Anne)

"Once she was a wise woman, [endowed] with [many] outward good qualities […] and such [...] courtly graces […] as few women were of her time; with such an outward profession of gravity as was to be marvelled at [...]" William Thomas (1524(c.)-1554)

"Had audience of the King this morning and thanked him for the love he bears the State, and did the like by the Queen, who said she knew that God had inspired his Majesty to marry her, and that he could have found a greater personage than herself, but not one more anxious and ready to demonstrate her love towards the Signory." Carlo Capello, 1533

"As supper prevented further conservation I returned to my inn, and went next day to Court to pay my respects to the Queen, who, after keeping me a long time, being reminded by her attendants, sent for me, and received me very kindly, saying to me, “I am aware, my dear Winter (Vintere carissime) that you are beloved by the King and have many friends who wish you well. Reckon me among the number.” And then she added that she would not fail to serve me wherever she could." Thomas Wynter, (1510(c.)-1564)

"Considering the Word of God, to do good to one's enemy, I wished to warn her before hand, because I have daily experience that the King's wisdom is such as not to esteem her repentance of her rudeness and unnatural obstinacy when she has no choice." Anne Boleyn, (1501-7(c.)-1536

"[...]Given her great faith and wise patience, which rose above womanly courage. [...] Such that everyone [...] judges her life to have been prudent, and believes that they have committed a great offense in having thought so ill of her." Lancelot De Carle (1508(c.)-1568)

[sword-symphonia]

A comprehensive list of every fictional character I have ever been mentally unwell over for any amount of time (that I am able to recall)

Buckle the fuck in I'm bored (mentally unwell in this case does not specifically mean horny, sometimes they are just my little scrumblies)

Number one pooksters of all time are in bold if you even care

God help us all.

PERSONA:

Zenkichi Hasegawa (and the crowd expected it completely, ladies and gentlemen)

Takuto Maruki

Ryotaro Dojima

Tohru Adachi (sighs loudly)

Yusuke Kitagawa

Kanji Tatsumi

Mitsuru Kirijo

Akira Kurusu

Naoya Toudou

Haru Okumura

POKÈMON:

Piers

Arven

Grimsley

Jacq (GET IN JACQY BOY)

Pumpkaboo

Jirachi

Valerie

PROFESSOR SYCAMORE GET IN RAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

Lisia

Wallace

Maxie and Archie, but only sometimes (stares at tumblr user gleaming_glasses)

Avery (very short-lived, actually)

Leon

Katy

Rika

Quagsire

D*NGANR*NPA (Listen shut up it's a pipeline):

Leon Kuwata

Kazuichi Soda

Kaito Momota

Rantaro Amami

Kirumi Tojo (I'll save you baby)

Hajime Hinata

...Kokichi Ouma. SIGHS

Gonta Gokuhara

Byakuya Togami (both versions)

Aoi Asahina

Nagisa Shingetsu (save him please oh my god)

YOUR TURN TO DIE:

Shunsuke Hayasaka

Naomichi Kurumada

Nao Egokoro

Reko Yabusame

Alice Yabusame

Kazumi Mishima (I don't want to talk about it)

Tia Safalin

Q-Taro Burgerberg (I still don't want to talk about it)

Joe Tazuna

ENSEMBLE STARS:

Mika Kagehira

Mayoi Ayase (my girlfriend. My wife. We're legally married, actually)

Adonis Otogari

Nazuna Nito

Hajime Shino

Mitsuru Tenma

Arashi Narukami (someone rescue her for the love of god)

Tsumugi Aoba

Niki Shiina

Chiaki Morisawa

Midori Takamine

Mao Isara

Yuzuru Fushimi

Makoto Yuuki

Akiomi Kunugi

Jin Sagami

Jun Sazanami

Hiyori Tomoe

Madara Mikejima

Koga Oogami

Souma Kanzaki

TWISTED WONDERLAND:

Divus Crewel

Sebek Zigvolt (born on Paddy's day Irish rep get in lads)

Epel Felmier

Floyd Leech

Azul Ashengrotto

Riddle Rosehearts

Ruggie Bucchi

Jack Howl

Vil Schoenheit

Kalim al-Asim

GENSHIN IMPACT:

Rosaria

Arataki Itto

Sangonomiya Kokomi

Yanfei

Wriothesley

Neuvillette

Yelan

Kaeya

Kaveh

Baizhu

The otters. I can't even make this shit up the fucking OTTERS

COOKIE RUN:

Affogato Cookie (I thought he was a girl)

Espresso Cookie (I also thought he was a girl)

Strawberry Crepe Cookie

Red Velvet Cookie

Roguefort Cookie

Almond Cookie

Sour Belt Cookie

Wizard Cookie (the silliest of guys, and also my son)

Pancake Cookie

Clover Cookie (You won't fucking believe this, yall)

Black Raisin Cookie

Pistachio Cookie

Whipped Cream Cookie

Peach Cookie

Mocha Ray Cookie

Captain Ice Cookie

Croissant Cookie

Earl Grey Cookie

Aloe Cookie

Butter Pretzel Cookie

Abyss Monarch Cookie

Stardust Cookie

V Cookie (he counts. I do not go here however)

Captain Caviar Cookie

Elder Faerie Cookie

IDENTITY V (Sorry):

Andrew Kreiss/Gravekeeper

Martha Behamfil/Coordinator

Luca Balsa/Prisoner (The tragic, tragic origin of my name.)

Aesop Carl/Embalmer

Emma Woods/Gardener (Dressed up as her for Halloween once)

Joseph Desaulniers/Photographer

Robbie White/Axe Boy

Naib Subedar/Mercenary

Freddy Riley/Lawyer (fucking awful as a person but his gameplay is nice)

Helena Adams/The Mind's Eye (Main for life. Love you, baby) (I cannot kite for shit) (I also haven't played in about 8 months)

ANIMAL CROSSING:

Ribbot

Jeremiah

Stella

Vesta

Wendy

Maggie

Agnes

My Pocket Camp villager. She's a little train conductor I adore her

Niko (BIRTHDAY TWIIIIINS)

Maddie (ALSO BIRTHDAY TWIIIINS)

Kicks

Flick

DEMON SLAYER:

Tengen Uzui

Giyuu Tomioka

Shinobu Kocho

Kyojuro Rengoku

Tanjiro Kamado

Sabito

Makomo

FIRE EMBLEM:

Claude

Sylvain

Nailah

Askr

Seteth (Horny reasons.)

Vander (...Also horny reasons, unfortunately)

Yarne

Dwyer

Griss (...Don't look at me)

Hanneman

Dorothea

Panne

Azama

Catherine (She is so... oughhh)

Cockrrin (It is spelled like that for a reason, hi Sunny)

LEGO MONKIE KID:

Syntax

Red Son

Jin+Yin (PACKAGE DEAL DO NOT SEPERATE!!)

Monkey King

Ne Zha

Mei

The Mayor

MONSTER PROM:

Damien LaVey

Oz (my main for life forever n ever)

Salomé

Amira Rashid

Scott Howl

Nicolas Cage (I downloaded a Nic Cage mod therefore he counts) (I care not for the man himself)

Faith Fernandez (GIVE ME HER ENDING YOU DICKS)

Calculester Hewlett-Packard

Hazel (I do not know if she has a surname)

HOUSEKI NO KUNI:

Padparadscha

Watermelon Tourmaline

Zircon

Morganite

Phos. I refuse to try to spell their full name

Lapis Lazuli

MHA (I don't like it anymore but I gotta save my boys):

Denki Kaminari (Whenever I tell someone I like him they nearly always go 'yeah' and I have no idea how to reply to that)

Eijiro Kirishima

Yuga Aoyama

Koji Koda

Mirko

Gentle Criminal (It was because he's an old man. He's like 30 or somethin but. Idk whisht)

PSYCHONAUTS:

Boyd Cooper

Sasha Nein

Quentin Hedgemouse (Silly)

Hollis Forsythe

Lizzie Natividad

Augustus Aquato

Razputin Aquato

Fred Bonaparte

The stupid fucking maternity ward easter egg the entire thing oh my god

DRAGON QUEST:

Erik

Sylvando

Hendrik

Jasper

Sandy

The Tockles

Pavo

MY OWN OCS HELP ME:

Kurt Lynos

Cypher Lynos

Peri Lynos

Lazzi (he is a platypus)

Ainsley Laurent

Charlotte Laurent (Peri's girlfriend)

April Kosova (Ainsley's wife and also her lawyer before they got married)

Abel

Myron Bouras

Mizuki Suou (May or may not be an x canon oc... glances away)

Abebah Kopiona

MISCELLANEOUS (Not enough people to justify a category):

Sanji Vinsmoke- One Piece

Sabo- One Piece

Alfendi Layton- Professor Layton series

Clive Dove- Professor Layton series

Anthony Herzen- Professor Layton series

Cinnamoroll- Sanrio

Pompompurin- Sanrio

Larry Butz- Ace Attorney

Rosalina- Mario

Luigi- Mario

Espio the Chameleon- Sonic

The Egg Boiz- HAZBIN HOTEL FUCK OFF I'LL SAVE YOU EGGBOIZ CMERE GET AWAY FROM MY SONS

Princess Luna- My Little Pony

Flash Sentry- My Little Pony (I was eight unfortunately)

Timber Spruce- My Little Pony (I was still eight)

Nathan Pandit- Criminal Case (I should not have been playing this aged six but we ball)

Frank Knight- Criminal Case

Stitch- Disney (I am in fact one of those girls sorry)

Winnie the Pooh- Disney

Anakin Skywalker but specifically the animated Clone Wars one- Star Wars

That one guy from Rebels with the fuckass manbun- Star Wars

Mr. Tumble- British Television (He was like crack cocaine to me)

Chase Devinaeux- Carmen Sandiego 2018 series

Tulio- the Road to el Dorado

Shiro- Voltron. Derogatory.

Coran- Voltron (IM COMING FOR YOU BABY)

Hunk- Voltron

Dr. Montgomery Montgomer- a Series of Unfortunate Events

Jacques Snicket- a Series of Unfortunate Events

Jem- Hetty Feather books (Nick Sharratt made him look a right fitty)

Fizzy- Moshi Monsters (THE ONLY MOSHLING EVER I LOVE FIZZY I HAVE EIGHT OF THEM IN MY MONSTER'S HOUSE [Six of them are plushies tho])

Tingaling- Moshi Monsters (Okay Tingaling can stay)

Daffodil- Spiritfarer

Astrid- Spiritfarer

Akane Hino- Smile PreCure! (Made me realise I was queer)

Captain Barnacles- Octonauts

Vyn Richter- Tears of Themis

Artem Wing- Tears of Themis

Vincent Brooks- Catherine (I could fix him)

Shizuku Hinomori- Project Sekai

KAITO- Vocaloid

Camui Gackpo- Vocaloid

Octodad. Do you think I'm fucking around? Not round here, brother.

The entire cast of Fantastic Mr. Fox. I CUSSING LOVE that movie what the CUSS

Howl Pendragon- Howl's Moving Castle

Lego Batman, and SPECIFICALLY Lego Batman- DC

Reigen Arataka- Mob Psycho

Saiki's da- Saiki K

Marina Ida- Splatoon 2

Wheatley- Portal (Steven Merchant has captivated me)

Rodney Copperbottom- Robots (I had the FATTEST crush on him as a child stop)

The villain guy I'm too lazy to google him- Robots (also on him)

Timmy- Shaun the Sheep

Mr. Bean- Mr. Bean (my goat)

Harvey- Stardew Valley

Simeon- Obey Me (my obey me phase was rancid lads)

Satan- Obey Me

'N das all for now :3

[gayashelljatp]

Prince Charming x James Hook | Trophy Boy Chapter 2.

Tags :Sorta Enemies to Lovers Fake/Pretend Relationship Not Canon Compliant, Inspired by Cinderella (1997), I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Prince Charming is a Bi-King, Prince Charming Is Filipino, Because the actor is and I also am one so yeah, Prince Charming gets a lot of bitches but no love, Merlin Academy (Disney), James Hook is gay, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, I don't know how to tag in this fandom, No Beta Like Not Going To Castlecoming

Content Rating: Teen and Up.

Wordcount: 7028

Notes (Same On AO3):

The first chapter of this fic is up on my tumblr please go support!!! My Tumblr.

Well hello there, the second part was made!!! This second part was so long that I decided to split it into two chapters. Charming and Hook development happens here. Did they start being friends? enemies? lovers? (Ricky Bowen reference.)

More side characters (Bridget x Ella mentioned and Morgie and Maleficent being Hook's bestie is cannon here.) This chapter is more Hook focused. This chapter was actually edited and helped written by my friend shoutout to her for helping me finish this shit. (So apologies if some part sound completely written by someone else.)

A few housekeeping reminders:

- This fic has multiple POVs for Charming focused parts 👑 emojis are used on the other hook if it's James it's this emoji 🪝.

- It wouldn't be a GayashellJATP fic without a playlist of songs I have on that help immerse you in the universe. Spotify playlist here!!!

Notes (Tumblr):

This is such a late post. This Chapter has been up on AO3. I'm sorry to my tumblr peeps. Still tryna get the hang of this. But thank you so much for the support on my fics here ily y'all.

Chapter 2: The Day-te Before The Ball

👑

It was always an early morning for Christopher Rupert Windermere Vladimir Carl Alexander François Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James, more commonly known as Christopher—or, to the public, Prince Charming.

His day started at the crack of dawn, forcing himself into a princely run to maintain the perfect physique for his and the people's eyes. Afterward, it was straight to bench presses, with Lionel by his side rattling off the day’s duties. By the time the list was done, Charming was already halfway through a hundred push-ups.

After that, a ten-minute shower— it was his favorite part of his mornings and the only time he got some privacy in this rigid routine. He’d belt out a song or two while shampoo was in his hair.

Even while dressing, he juggled paperwork, signing what felt like endless documents. Apparently, being a prince came with a mountain of administrative work no storybook ever talked about.

But today, there was a break in his routine. Instead of reading the morning letters and catching up on the news around his kingdom, he grabbed his skateboard and sped through the halls, headed toward the other dormitory.

He’d asked the doorman for James Hook’s room number, though the name “James” didn’t even exist in their archive. It was simply “Captain Hook.” That, along with a few other things, he’d have to ask about later.

As he neared Hook’s dorm, a flash of green zipped past him. Morgyn Le Fay, the light-haired son of Morgana, ran out of the room, looking frantic—likely late for something. The door swung wide open in his wake. Charming approached and was about to knock, but with the door ajar, he decided to step inside.

Before he could fully take in the room, he was greeted by the sight of Hook—standing in nothing but a towel, hair damp, water still glistening on his skin. Charming froze, eyes wide, before he quickly turned his gaze to the side, his cheeks slightly flushed.

“Princey, you’re too early,” Hook drawled lazily, clearly enjoying the prince’s discomfort.

“Early? Royalty are always on time,” Charming replied, still doing his best not to stare. “Don’t you eat at the castleteria?”

“I do, but I like going last minute,” Hook said, smoothing back his damp hair with a cocky smirk. “Looking gorgeous might seem effortless, but it takes work.”

“Can you look gorgeous with more clothes on?” Charming asked, his voice a bit too sharp as he chanced a glance. Big mistake. Hook was barefaced—no signature eyeliner—and his skin looked frustratingly flawless.

Charming’s eyes trailed lower, catching a glimpse of the pirate’s toned abs before he snapped his gaze away. He wasn’t going to ogle. But… he did see them.

“Come on, I’m not that hideous to look at,” Hook teased, catching the prince’s not-so-subtle avoidance. “Why’d you have to look away?”

“I’m just being polite,” 

“I thought you were fun,”

“I can have fun looking at my own body.” The Prince meant to sound nonchalant, but it came off as much more vain than intended and more charged. It was blowing the Prince’s cover immediately.

“Oh? You like staring at yourself naked, do you, Princey?” Hook shot back, grinning. He leaned against the doorframe, dripping confidence, and maybe a bit of water.

Charming cleared his throat. “Moving on, please.”

“Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll be ready.”

“Can I come in, at least?” Charming asked, gesturing toward the room. He was trying to keep things casual, though the pirate was clearly getting under his skin.

“I was trying to save you from the mess but if you insist,”

Charming stepped inside. The room was interesting, to say the least. Hook’s side looked like a treasure chest had exploded—clothes, jewelry, and trinkets were scattered everywhere.

Morgie’s side, in contrast, was more organized, though still odd—his bed had animal-print sheets, and a collection of wilted plants lined the windowsill.

“Not what you expected, huh?” Hook asked, now rummaging through a pile of clothes. “Don’t worry, Princey, I’ll tidy up just for you.”

“No need to tidy your stole-” Charming had to remind himself not to be too blunt with him so he stopped midway “Just... hurry up.” 

Hook threw on a billowy white blouse, tucking it into his trousers with a smirk. “Patience, Your Highness. Time may be fast but growing diamonds takes forever.” He sauntered over to the full length mirror, lazily adjusting his collar, taking far longer than necessary.

“I just like being punctual now,” Charming said, eyes flicking to his watch. He wasn’t always the best at being on time, but he had been trying to improve lately. The kingdom loved to gossip, and being known as a latecomer wasn’t exactly the reputation he wanted to maintain.

Hook rolled his eyes, still fiddling with his reflection. “Oh, lighten up. You royal types always act like you have a stick up your—”

“Careful,” Charming interrupted, his eyes narrowing. “I’m doing you a favor. You could at least be a little more grateful.”

“Grateful?” Hook spun around, his tone dripping with mockery. “For the honor of breakfast with His Highness? I’m thrilled.” He gave a theatrical bow.

Charming clenched his jaw, trying to hold onto his composure, but it was almost impossible when Hook was being so... insufferable. 

“Let’s just go. We can talk and plan over food,” he said, walking toward the door. He paused, casting a sideways glance at the pirate. “If you’re even capable of sticking to a plan.”

👑

The two arrived at the castleteria, and the energy of the room shifted the moment they entered. Charming noticed the subtle glances, and a few whispers trailing behind them as they passed through the crowded space. 

Hook, on the other hand, seemed to bask in the attention. When they walked by Hook’s usual crew of villain kids, the reactions varied from raised eyebrows to snickers—Morgie, ever supportive, even let out a playful whistle. Not quite catcalling, but more like encouragement.

The sight of Charming and Hook together was strange to most. They looked so mismatched—Charming was laid back but still had to be regal and composed, while Hook was one to strut.

They got in line, grabbed their meals, and made their way to Charming’s all-too-familiar private room, away from prying eyes. As soon as they sat down, Hook wasted no time.

“So, what’s your plan for this whole sham?” Hook asked, leaning back in his chair. He hadn’t even picked up his fork yet, clearly more interested in getting down to business—or, more likely, getting under Charming’s skin.

“Calling this a sham is unnecessary,” “Please, this is easy.  Don’t act like don’t do bad things, I’ve seen the papers,” 

Charming just shoved the pancakes into his mouth trying to stop himself from saying anything. “Do you have anything you're not comfortable doing?” He asked, trying to keep things professional—diplomatic, even. 

Hook leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as if considering it. “Hm,” he mused. “No, everything’s on the table for me. You can even love me with the lights off if you want.”

Charming nearly choked on his pancakes, quickly covering it up with a cough. He shot Hook a withering look. “In your dreams,” he muttered, trying to keep his cool. But inside, his mind was racing—Hook was too much, and Charming wasn’t entirely sure how to handle him. 

Hook, of course, wasn’t phased. “Relax, lad, I’m just messing with you,” he said with a wink. “You’re not this stiff. I’ve heard you're a great date. This is not an arranged marriage.”

Charming, taking another bite, he was gonna ask how Hook knew such information but decided to push forward. “Well, I was thinking we could just act… I don’t know, platonic? Like we’re together were not together, but we don’t have to put on a show or anything. We say we’re a couple, people believe it, and we’re done.”

Hook leaned back in his chair, his signature smirk creeping onto his face. “You’re taking all the fun out of it, Charming. What’s the point of a sham romance if you don’t play it up? Where’s the excitement?” He drummed his fingers on the table. “You and me, strolling around, being all chaste and polite? Sounds boring as hell.”

Charming frowned, hating how Hook always managed to poke at him just right. He liked to have fun—he did—but when it came to Hook, it felt like he had to be on guard and guarded literally. He didn’t know why he kept up the royal façade.

“I’m not boring,” Charming said, defensively running his hands through his hair. “I just think we don’t need to overdo it. This is for show, not for real.”

Hook’s eyes glinted, catching onto something in Charming’s words. “You say that, but you’re so buttoned-up around me, it’s like you’re afraid to let loose.”

“I’m not afraid of anything,” Charming shot back, a little too quickly.

“Prove it.” Hook’s voice was smooth, challenging. He leaned forward, elbows on the table, eyes locked on Charming’s. “We’ll make it fun, Prince Charming. You act like you want this to be all business, but deep down, you’re itching for something a little more interesting. Admit it.”

Charming felt his pulse quicken and opened his mouth to deny it, but Hook was right. Part of him did want the thrill, the unpredictability, the spark that came with being around Hook. But admitting that, even to himself, felt too unreal. Instead, he shifted in his seat, trying to regain control of the conversation. 

“You have no idea what I want,” Charming said, his voice quieter but edged with tension. 

Hook just smiled, that infuriatingly smug smile. “Maybe I don’t,” he said softly. “But I’m starting to get a pretty good idea.”

Hook leaned back, clearly enjoying the tension, the little game they were playing. “This is gonna be more fun than I thought,” he said, his voice a low drawl.

The bell rang, fizzling out the tension in the room, but for Charming, the planning was far from over. Hook stood up, stretching lazily as he prepared to leave.

“Well, see you after class, Princey,” Hook said casually, already heading toward the door.

Charming, not entirely sure why, blurted out, “Wait.”

Hook paused, turning back with a curious smirk. “What? Miss me already?”

Charming panicked the words came out of him without a single thought. “Actually… I was thinking. Maybe we should get excused from class today. It’d give us more time to, you know, get comfortable around each other. Make it easier to pull this off if we actually liked each other’s company.”

Such a smart move Charming. Asking to skip class with him to spend time together. Totally not going to backfire on you.

“Oh? And how exactly do you plan to excuse me from class?”

Charming squared his shoulders, trying to appear more confident than he felt. “You’re the prince’s boyfriend, well pretend boyfriend,” he said, the words slipping out smoother than expected, causing Hook’s lips to quirk into a grin of his own.  

“The teachers wouldn’t mind if you skipped. Royal duties call, after all.” Charming added.

Hook’s grin widened, his amusement shifting into something almost… impressed. “You royals always have a way out of things, don’t you? I gotta say, I’m impressed. Using your little privileges for something a bit selfish—kinda hot, Princey.”

Charming didn’t expect the compliment, and for a second, he wasn’t sure how to respond. Instead, he stammered, “It’s not selfish, I just need this to work. We need to make this believable.”

“Mm-hmm, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Hook shrugged, leaning back against the door frame. “I have a stitching & enchantment test in first period and I have a thing in second period, but I can ditch the rest.”

“Of course, school is important,” 

“Less of a hassle for me,” Hook said, trying to make it sound effortless, but Charming knew the list of top scholars of the school. James Hook was on it. How did he know this information? it was not because Charming had asked Lionel for any details about the pirate. Absolutely not

“Right. Well, I’ll handle getting us both excused. I’ll see you when I see you.”

Hook’s eyes gleamed as he pushed off the door frame and stepped closer, his presence filling the space between them. “Don’t worry, Princey. I’ll hold up my end of the deal.”

Charming held his ground, even as the tension between them crackled in the air. “We’ll see.”

Hook chuckled, the sound low and lazy, before giving him a mock salute. “You know where to find me.” Then, with one last look that lingered a little too long.

🪝

Sewing & Enchantment should’ve been an easy test for Hook to ace. After all, he’d been sewing up sails and tailoring his own clothes since he was a baby pirate. But today, his mind was adrift, lost at sea, and he couldn’t find the lighthouse—or, more accurately, the answers.

There was a nagging thought, an irritating little itch in his brain, like the screeching of a seagull that wouldn’t shut up. It was Charming’stupid face. With his stupid smile with perfect white teeth that had lingered far too long in Hook’s mind. He hated it. Hated how it distracted him, how his brain kept flashing to the image of Charming’s chin-length, perfectly windswept hair.

What was it about that royal pain in the ass had suddenly become so…painful?

He was finally starting to understand what the others saw in the prince. But of course, no one was as beautiful as himself. Still, he forced his focus back to the test. Come on, Hook, stop thinking about the prince and think about the damn answer.

Maleficent, who sat next to him, had already finished her test, leaning back with her arms crossed. She had a thing for sharp objects—thorns, spindles,and needles. She found them interesting, but her main interests were world domination and, of course a bit of mischief.

The brunette teen rushed through the last of his test, hoping he got everything right. Overthinking wasn’t his style—he preferred being thoughtless and vain. But lately, a certain prince had been taking up way too much brain space.

Maleficent smirked, her voice low so as not to draw attention as she tilted her chair back. “Saw you with your man earlier.”

Hook didn’t miss a beat. “He’s not an object for me to own. He’s not valuable enough to be called mine. More like I’m… borrowing him.”

“Care to tell me what this whole ordeal is?” Maleficent asked, checking her nails with a bored flick. “Yesterday you were bitching and moaning about the prince, and now you’re cozying up to him in the castleteria ? And don’t lie to me, Hook. I saw you smiling .”

Hook leaned back in his chair, flashing her a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I just loved the attention, that’s all.”

Maleficent gave him a knowing look, tapping her long nails against the desk. “Come on, Hook. Since when do you keep secrets from me?”

“I’m very good at keeping secrets,” Hook drawled, but the hint of defensiveness in his voice didn’t go unnoticed.

“Not from me, you’re not.” Maleficent smirked. “Of course, I could always hit you with a truth gummy.

“I’d lose all my friends if you did that.”

“This pirate’s a liar.”

“A damn good one at that.”

Their teacher, Ma’am Odie or more she’d to be called Mama Odie, glanced up from the front of the room, her eyes falling on the two troublemakers. “Maleficent, James,” she said sweetly, her southern charm making her reprimand sound more like a warm invitation. “Y’all can take this conversation outside, please. I don’t wanna disrupt the rest of the class.”

Hook nodded, gathering his things. Ma’am Odie was too sweet to argue with, and Hook wasn’t one to make a fuss unless absolutely necessary. Maleficent, however, shot him a curious look as they stepped outside.

“Now spill,” she said the second they were out of earshot. “You and Charming, huh? You’re really into him, aren’t you?”

Hook rolled his eyes. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I will start,” Maleficent drawled, crossing her arms. “You’re all smiles and excuses, but you’re slipping, James. Just admit you’ve got a little soft spot for your royalty.”

“Just because you got fucked over by your ex who left you for royalty doesn’t mean they're all bad… And I don’t like him,” Hook was cracking badly at Maleficent's accusatory woes.

“Bringing up that traitor Stefan means you really want to defend him that badly,” The dark fairy said, giving Hook the look of if you ever bring him up again you’ll be in a 100 year curse.

“Look, it’s just all just some stupid game,” Hook said, trying to dodge the accusation. “He’s just using me. That’s all. I don't like his company.”

“Uh-huh.” Maleficent’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “And what about that slip earlier? Borrowing him? You’ve got it bad, Hook. Just admit it.”

Hook let out a groan, running a hand through his messy hair. “Fine, maybe I enjoy riling him up. Maybe he’s fun to mess with. But like him? Please, that's preposterous!”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Maleficent replied, clearly enjoying herself. “I’m just saying, if this is all a game for fun, you seem to be enjoying it a little too much.”

Hook shot her a look, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. “What about you and Hades? You two have been circling each other for centuries .” Hook is really throwing every single rock at Maleficent and he keeps missing.

Maleficent rolled her eyes but smiled, the hint of affection breaking through her usual cold demeanor. “Hades and I have an understanding. It’s not the same.”

“Right, because no one could ever get under your skin, could they?”

“Exactly. But nice try, Hook. You’re the one getting all flustered over a prince.”

Hook grumbled, but before he could respond, Maleficent leaned in, her eyes gleaming. “Get your act together Captain.”

🪝

Hook sat cross-legged on his bed, leaning back against the headboard, absentmindedly polishing his hook. The sound of the metal scraping softly should've been calming, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

Across the room, Morgie was sprawled out on his bed, face buried in his pillow. He looked like a starfish, completely taking up as much space as possible. His muffled voice floated up, tinged with exhaustion. "Magicology is killing me."

“Has Madam Mim been awful to you again?”

Morgie rolled onto his back with a groan. “Yeah. She cares more about my mom’s reputation than teaching me anything useful.”

“That’s ridiculous. She shouldn’t be all bitchy with you, especially since your mom’s way more famous witch than she’ll ever be.”

Morgie sighed, tracing patterns into the sheets. “Well, my mother is public enemy number one in the magical community.”

“Yeah, fair. I’m still surprised they let you in this school with a reputation like that,” Hook teased, but his smile softened when Morgie only groaned again.

“Why are you here sulking?” 

“ Sulking ?” Hook raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “I don’t sulk. Pirates don’t sulk.”

Morgie rolled his eyes and shifted to his side, squinting at Hook. “You only polish your hook when you’re trying to avoid something,” he muttered. Then, lowering his voice dramatically, he added, “Are you trying to avoid the prince?” He mouthed the word prince as if it was a forbidden curse like saying his name out loud would summon him.

The brunette haired teen hated how much Morgie knew him.

Hook scowled, flipping the hook in his hand with more force than necessary. “Why is everyone on my ass today about that prince? I’m just going to a ball with him. No big deal.” 

“I’d love to go to a ball,” The sandy haired boy said wistfully,  “But villain kids are always on the banned list. Even if the invitation says it’s extended to everyone in the kingdom, we both know that doesn’t include me. Le Fays are public enemy number one in the neighbor kingdom Camelot.” His voice dropped in frustration at the last part.

Hook glanced up from his hook, watching Morgie with an amused grin. “You could always just go in disguise,” 

“Then what’s the point? What if I meet someone there and fall in love?” Morgie sighed dramatically. “You can’t fall in love with a disguise on. They’ll feel deceived.”

“Are there really no other things to do at a ball than fall in love ?”

“Dancing and food do seem amazing,” Morgie admitted, a little smile tugging at his lips.

A comfortable silence stretched between them. James returned to polishing his hook, trying to focus on the shine of the metal rather than the image of a certain prince’s smile that kept creeping back into his mind.

Morgie turned his head slightly, peering at Hook with half-lidded eyes. “You know, something’s bothering you,” he said, his tone casual but piercing.

“What?”

“You can’t fool me. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Hook’s response was immediate, too quick. His fingers fumbled a little on his hook.

Morgie’s lips quirked up in a knowing smile. “Should I have not mentioned your date? Should I not bring—”

Hook’s eyes narrowed. “It’s not a date and he’s the last thing on my mind right now,” 

Morgie sat up, crossing his legs to mirror Hook’s position. “You can’t lie to me, James Hook. I can feel it. You've been weird since last night.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Uh-huh, and that’s why you’re sitting here, polishing your hook like you’re trying to keep your brain from thinking about him .” Morgie grinned, nudging him with his foot. “Come on, you’re practically gushing over him.”

“ Gushing ? Please,” Hook scoffed, though he felt his ears burning. “I’m just... caught up in this dumb plan. It’s all strategy, Morgie. You wouldn’t get it.”

“Oh, I get it,” Morgie teased, leaning in with wide, curious eyes. “He’s got that whole royal, windswept thing going on, huh? You like it. Admit it.”

“Why are we even talking about this? In the first place.”

“Because you're a hopeless pirate, and I’m your best friend.” Morgie poked him again with his foot, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “So, what is it? The hair? The smile? Or is it the fact that he’s actually not affected by your charms?”

“I mean... his hair is stupidly perfect, right? And don’t get me started on that ‘I’m better than you’ attitude. It’s annoying.”

“Annoying?” Morgie snorted. “Or are you just mad because you can’t quite get under his skin like you thought?”

“Shut up,” Hook muttered, but he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”

Morgie flopped back onto his bed dramatically. “God, I love it when you fall for people. Does this mean you're going to be a prince if you marry him?”

Before Hook could correct him, Morgie suddenly bolted upright, his eyes wide on the clock in the side of the room. “Oh, no. I’m late!”

“Late for what?”

“Muse-ic class! I completely forgot I promised Uli I’d help her,” Morgie scrambled off the bed, nearly tripping over his own feet in his rush.

Hook rolled his eyes, still lazily polishing his hook. “Just tell her you were with me. I’m your ‘get out of jail free’ card, remember?”

“Thanks!” Morgie shot back, grabbing his bag and making a dash for the door. “And also, go get your prince!”

Hook scoffed, shouting after him, “He’s not my prince, Morgie!” But even as the words left his mouth, he felt that familiar frustration creep back in.

Ever since Charming had walked—no, sauntered —into his life, Hook hadn’t been able to think about anything else. No matter how hard he tried to push aside the royals' annoyingly confident demeanor had lodged themselves firmly in his brain like an anchor.

With a groan, Hook pushed himself off the bed. He needed air, a break from all this thinking . A walk to the castleteria sounded like the perfect distraction. Maybe he’d grab a drink or... anything to stop these thoughts.

But as he turned the corner into the hallway, his mind still swirling, someone suddenly barreled into him. Hard.

“What the—” Hook stumbled back, glaring at the person who had dared to knock into him. “Watch where you’re—”

His words froze in his throat as he realized who it was. Of course. The universe really had it out for him today.

“Charming.” Hook straightened up, trying to act like he wasn’t rattled by the collision or the fact that his lie had just come crashing into him—literally.

The prince raised an eyebrow, a half-amused, half-annoyed look on his face. “Funny seeing you here, Hook. Didn’t you say you had something to do?”

Hook plastered on his best grin, the one that usually got him out of trouble. “Ah, yes, well, you see... things change. Pirate business. Very important.”

“Pirate business?” Charming crossed his arms, clearly not buying it. “And that involves wandering the hallways during class? Where’s your crew?”

Hook’s smirk wavered just a little. “You know, sometimes pirate business looks a lot like... taking a walk.” He shrugged, trying to seem casual, but Charming’s piercing gaze was making it harder than usual.

“Mhm.” Charming didn’t look convinced in the slightest. “And here I thought I could trust you.But I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me.”

He wanted to make fun of Charming trusting him. But he had to have the upper hook.

“ Avoiding you ?” Hook’s laugh was a little too loud, a little too forced. “Please. Why would I avoid you? You’re... delightful company.” His tone dripped with sarcasm, but the flicker of heat in Charming’s eyes told him the prince wasn’t going to let this slide.

“Right,” Charming said, stepping just a little closer, the space between them shrinking. “Because running into you in the hallway was purely coincidence, wasn’t it?”

Hook shifted uncomfortably, his brain scrambling for an out. “I told you, I’ve got pirate things to–”

“You mean, you’re free ? No classes, no pirate business, just... wandering the halls?”

Hook opened his mouth to argue, but Charming was right. He had nothing. And now, he was caught up in his own rope of excuses.

“Fine,” Hook muttered, crossing his arms in a defensive stance. “Maybe I was... considering taking the rest of the day off. What of it?”

Charming’s smile widened, satisfaction clear in his expression. “Good. Because if you’re free, we’re going to actually sit down and start planning.”

Hook’s stomach twisted at the thought. Planning meant sitting with Charming, hashing out the details, and spending more time in close proximity. And that was exactly what he’d been avoiding. If he just ignored it long enough, maybe the whole ridiculous idea would vanish, and he wouldn’t have to deal with whatever was happening between them.

“I’m not avoiding anything,” Hook lied again, his voice too defensive to be convincing. “I just figured this whole fake dating plan didn’t need... overthinking.”

Charming narrowed his eyes, stepping even closer now, his tone lowering as if they were sharing a secret. “Sounds like someone’s scared.”

“ Scared ? Of you? Please.”

Charming’s lips twitched into a smirk, the same one that made Hook’s pulse quicken for reasons he hated to admit. “Then why are you running away?”

Hook opened his mouth, then closed it, searching for a comeback that wouldn’t sound weak. He hated this. Hated that Charming could see right through him. But running away from the truth was exactly what he’d been trying to do.

After a tense beat, Hook exhaled sharply, dropping the act. “Fine. You win, Princey. Let’s plan.”

👑

Charming knew from the start that Hook was going to be a problem. 

Getting the pirate to sit still and actually focus on anything was nearly impossible, but this little "accidental" run-in had finally given him the upper hand—or, more fittingly, the upper hook.

The pirate was slippery, always finding some way to avoid responsibility or slink away from their plans. He had finally managed to pin Hook down, so to speak, by dragging him to the gymnasium for a "meeting" that involved more sparring than talking.

Hook was lounging on a bench, lazily twirling his hook, watching as Charming fenced with Lionel. The prince dodged and parried with ease, but there was an obvious frustration building in Hook’s eyes.

“Charming, I’m getting bored watching you win every single match,” Hook called out, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I thought we were supposed to be planning something, not watching you show off.”

Charming grinned, narrowly avoiding one of Lionel’s strikes. “I’m sorry this isn’t entertaining enough for you,” he quipped, deflecting the next attack. “Lionel, do I have any other duties planned for today? Something a bit more exciting for our guest ?”

Lionel, panting slightly but still focused, shook his head. “No, sir. I’ve told you all the tasks for today. I’ll let you know if anything else comes up.”

Charming took a quick glance over at Hook, who was still lounging, his sharp eyes half-lidded with boredom. The pirate twirled his hook absentmindedly, clearly not paying attention to the sparring. 

That single glance distracted Charming enough for Lionel to get the upper hand, and before he knew it, Lionel had landed a clean hit.

His first loss of the day. Lionel stood victorious, while Hook let out an unexpected cheer.

“Wait, I cheered for the wrong team,” Hook muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips. He seemed genuinely amused for the first time that day.

Charming shot Hook a withering look, wiping sweat from his brow. “Lionel, you’re excused,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll deal with him myself.”

Lionel glanced between the two of them, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “As you wish, sir,” he said, bowing slightly. “Try not to get into too much trouble,” he added with a wink before heading out of the gymnasium.

As soon as Lionel left, Hook stood up, stretching lazily before walking over to the weapons stand. He casually picked up a sword, giving it a few experimental swings. “What do you think you're doing?” Charming asked, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice.

Hook smirked, twirling the sword in his hand. “You’ve got a thing for multitasking, don’t you? I thought I’d play to your strengths.” He gave Charming a wicked grin. “Let’s spar, Princey.

Charming raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit kicking in. “You’re on,” he said, readying his stance.

They began circling each other, swords raised, both of them tense and ready. Hook moved first, quick and agile, his strikes more precise than Charming expected. “I think you forget,” Hook said with a mischievous grin, “I have this class too.”

Charming dodged another attack, their blades clashing with a sharp clang . “We have a meeting with the tailor later,” he reminded, trying to regain the upper hand as Hook’s blade narrowly missed his shoulder.

“Ooh, clothes. I love it,” Hook replied with a sarcastic lilt, his sword almost piercing through Charming’s sleeve. “But what color are you going to force me to wear?”

Charming parried, their swords clanging loudly. “You don’t have to wear it if you don’t like it,” he said, his voice strained from the effort of matching Hook’s strikes. 

“I’m a considerate prince.” Their blades locked for a moment, and Charming looked Hook dead in the eyes. “But we really need to work on our chemistry—you look like you want to kill me with those eyes.”

“Well, I’m sorry I keep giving you the death glare.”

“I could work on smiling more,” Charming quipped, his breath quickening as they continued sparring.

“Please don’t. You smile enough,” Hook shot back, though the way his eyes flickered away suggested there was something more behind his words. Charming noticed it, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it as their swords met again with a loud clang.

Charming saw an opening and decided to exploit it. He flashed Hook one of his signature, brilliant grins—the one that made heads turn at every royal event. It was blindingly confident, and he saw Hook’s steps falter for just a second, enough for Charming to push forward and take the upper hand.

“Checkmate,” Charming taunted, smirking as he pressed the attack.

Hook stumbled onto the floor, his eyes narrowing. “Lad, I think that’s for chess,” he muttered as the match came to an end, Charming’s sword pointed directly at Hook’s chest.

“Well, I bested you,” Charming said with a wink.

Hook groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes. “You seriously need to work on your endings. Are you gonna take that sword out of my face or what?”

Charming tilted his head, leaning just slightly closer. “I think I like being on top of things.” He said looking down at the other in such a compromising position.

Hook’s brow shot up, his lips curling into a wicked smirk. “No need to get sexual, Princey. I didn’t know you were into doing things in public.” His voice dropped to a low, teasing drawl.

Charming choked on his own sweat, eyes widening as he stumbled back slightly. His face flushed, and for the first time in the match, he felt genuinely flustered. Hook just grinned, clearly enjoying the effect his words had on the prince.

Charming cleared his throat, quickly composing himself. “

“Help me up?” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Charming muttered, offering Hook a hand, though he purposely avoided looking at the pirate’s face, still reeling from the innuendo.

Hook took the offered hand and pulled himself up, but the contact lingered a moment too long. Their gazes met, and for a brief second, the teasing banter faded into something more charged, something neither of them was quite ready to acknowledge.

As soon as Hook was back on his feet, he leaned in close, his voice low and teasing. “You know, you should really work on your defenses, Charming. You’re too easy to beat.”

Charming rolled his eyes, trying to shake off the strange fluttering in his chest. “You’re just... annoyingly good at this,” he muttered, though there was a hint of admiration buried under the frustration.

Hook grinned, sheathing his sword with a flourish. “I try my best.”

Lionel, who had been watching the entire exchange from the doorway, couldn’t help but shake his head with a fond smile. 

As he watched the two of them bicker and spar, Lionel muttered under his breath, “Young love... even if they’re too blind to see it.”

🪝

Lunch rolled around, and Hook found himself enduring yet another round of "ball planning." Charming was running through an endless list of hypothetical disasters that could happen on the big day, his voice steady and serious.

Hook, on the other hand, couldn’t have cared less about what might go wrong, especially when the conversation shifted to dancing.

"I don't dance," Hook said, arms crossed as he leaned back in his chair.

Charming blinked, as if he hadn’t heard correctly. "What do you mean? Everyone knows how to dance."

"Well, I don’t." Hook said firmly.

Charming’s lips curled into a smile. "Then I’ll just have to teach you," he said, clearly amused at the idea.

Hook was ready with a sarcastic retort, something about never needing to dance on a pirate ship, when the doors swung open, and in walked Bridget and Ella, hand in hand. 

Bridget, the Princess of Wonderland, immediately caught Hook’s attention. She was Uliana’s worst nightmare—the living embodiment of everything pink and bubbly that his sea witch friend despised. Bridget, with her unshakable spirit, was a hard target to torment, much to Uliana’s eternal frustration. Hook had always found it hilarious.

Ella, on the other hand, was quieter, more reserved, Hook mused, watching the two approach. He knew little about her other than that she was Bridget’s partner (Uliana called her Bridget’s lap dog.) and apparently had a tolerance for the constant excitement that followed Bridget wherever she went.

"Hey there," Bridget chirped, her voice light and sweet. "We wanted to bring you a little treat. Tomorrow, we won’t be able to attend the ball, so we’re bringing this as an apology." She waved a metallic pink cloche (That’s what those serving things are called.) in her hand before passing it to Ella.

"It’s okay, B," Charming said with a warm smile. "I know you’re not a fan of parties."

Bridget shook her head, pink curls bouncing with the motion. "No, it’s not that! I’d love to come, but I’m heading back home to Wonderland for a little trip. I’m bringing Ella with me to meet the Wonderlandians." She beamed as if this was the most exciting thing in the world.

"Yay," Ella said flatly, her voice devoid of enthusiasm. Hook couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. He liked this girl’s deadpan delivery—it almost made him regret teasing her in the past.

"She’s totally excited," Hook quipped from the corner, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ella turned her gaze toward him, a knowing look in her eyes that told him she was far from thrilled. Hook nodded at her, as if in silent agreement—meeting new people could be a drag.

Charming, meanwhile, was already moving on. "So, B," he said, "what do you have for us today? And what side effects should I be warned about?"

"Blame the cookbook, not the cook!" Bridget giggled, twirling a strand of her pink hair around her finger. "Well, actually, I’m more of a baker than a cook, but you get the idea."

Charming chuckled, but then turned to Bridget with a more serious expression. "B, I need to talk to Ella about that project we have together, but I’m sure Hook here would love a little company while I’m busy. Why don’t you chat with our resident pirate for a bit?"

Ella on the other hand looked like she was ready to vent to Charming. It was clear to Hook those two were really good friends and Bridget was the ray of sunshine that was in between these two.

Bridget’s face lit up as she practically skipped over to where Hook was seated. "Of course! I’d love to." She plopped down next to Hook, her infectious energy filling the space between them.

"So," Bridget began, her bright eyes fixed on Hook, "how’s the whole ‘dating the prince��� thing going? You two make such a cute couple!"

Hook almost choked on his water, his mind racing for a response. He hadn't exactly agreed to this charade for the compliments, but Bridget was looking at him with such genuine excitement that he had to try.

"Oh, you know," Hook said, waving his hook hand nonchalantly. "It’s... a lot of work. Keeping up with someone as perfect as Charming."

Bridget gasped. "I knew it!" She leaned in closer, her pink curls brushing against his arm. "You’re totally in love with him, aren’t you?"

Hook blinked, caught off guard. He’d been prepared to bluff his way through this conversation, but something about Bridget’s sweet, innocent nature made it harder to lie outright.

It reminded him a bit of Morgie’s bright energy—the same warm, unwavering kindness. His usual defenses felt weaker around people like her.

"I mean," Hook began, trying to sound convincing, "how could I not be, right? Charming’s... charming." He grimaced inwardly at his own terrible pun.

Bridget giggled, clearly delighted. "I knew it! Love is just the best, isn’t it? It makes everything brighter and more magical."

Hook shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond. He wasn’t one to talk about love, let alone pretend to be in it. But Bridget’s wide-eyed enthusiasm was almost... endearing. Maybe in another universe they were friends.

"Sure," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Love’s great."

Bridget sighed dreamily. "I’m so happy for you two. You know, I think it’s important to fight for love. It’s like Wonderland—you have to be brave enough to embrace the chaos."

Hook tilted his head, watching her with a curious expression. Despite the intense energy she exuded, there was wisdom to Bridget’s words. "You really believe that, don’t you?" he asked, a note of respect slipping into his voice.

"Of course!" she said, beaming. "I’ve always been a ‘love conquers all’ kind of girl. When you find someone special, you have to hold on tight and never let go."

Hook glanced over at Charming, who was deep in conversation with Ella now. He felt a strange pull in his chest, something he couldn’t quite name. Bridget’s words lingered, gnawing at him in a way that felt both uncomfortable and... intriguing.

"Yeah," Hook murmured, almost to himself. "Maybe you're right." He caught himself and flashed Bridget a grin, trying to shake off the strange feeling creeping up on him. "But don’t tell him I said that."

Bridget giggled again, clearly thrilled. "Your secret’s safe with me, Hook." 

The pirate was trying not to think of the prince across the room.

But just as the thought crossed his mind, Charming looked over at them, catching Hook’s eye for a split second before quickly turning back to his conversation with Ella. Hook’s heart gave an unexpected lurch, and he cursed himself silently.

"Well," Bridget said with a wink, "it sounds like things are going to get interesting for you two at the ball."

Hook just smirked, not trusting himself to say anything else. This whole fake-dating situation was starting to mess with his head—and the worst part was, he wasn’t entirely sure he hated it. 

Notes:

Hope you enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated. That was a doozy to edit down, I'm so excited to show more of this to y'all and I hope your ready. (And if you reading this on tumblr. Thank you so much for giving this a read.)

Request go here on my tumblr.

[citronellaww]

Peter Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall - a coronary experience.

"...because the poet said a word."

When I came back from the (utterly maddening and brilliant and “I still smile like a madwoman whenever I daydream about that night”) Libertines concert in Prague last year, I made this note to myself: “This is what poetry means to me: I sail to the unknown, writing”.

Months of writing (and daydreaming) later, the sea called for me again — and so, in an endless pursuit of the unknown, I sailed to Albion. (Editor's note number one: I had to fly, because sailing when your country's land doesn't reach the sea - yes, William Shakespeare, I am sure you and your mystic Bohemia are flabbergasted now - is a tad bit complicated, but I watched the ships underneath the plane's wings and I shed a tear as we crossed the Channel, and I listened to Carl Barât and the Jackals as we were landing and I really recommend that sort of combination, because it made me feel colours, instead of being scared of landing).

Being a PhD student in American and British literature (…), people naturally thought I made this trip to see the Coronation. And I let them think that, because to me it was a sort of "coronary" experience, seeing Peter Doherty perform at the Royal Albert Hall. (Editor's note number two: "coronary", as the arteries which protect and nurture the heart; and "coronary" as Peter's music which protects and nurtures the poet that lives in my head).

There were things that happened in between, before and after the concert (in terms of my time in Albion), but Peter’s concert was the place where written words transcended the letters they were once formed from, dreams turned into reality, sound mixed with poetry, and the unknown left me struggling to catch the railing. Frankly (Mr. Shankly), when I arrived in London and climbed the seemingly never-fucking-ending vortex of stairs at Finsbury Park, dragging my luggage behind me (kudos to the guy who suggested I take the lift, then watched me struggle upstairs, his old green Reebok shoes an imprint on my mind), I never even guessed what I would be a part of days later at Peter's concert.

Now, when it comes to the art of 'concert reportage', I believe in authenticity, so I wrote the following paragraphs while lunching in Camden the day after the concert. Beware, my writing was influenced by my overwhelming excitement, shock (to the system), but also by exhaustion (blame the stairs at Finsbury Park and the fact that night buses from Bounds Green -one zero fucking seven, I am looking at you- live a life of their own, certainly undisturbed by my need to get from point A to point B and not to be stranded at a bus stop in the middle of the night, accompanied by a lonely fox staring at my cigarette like if it was food and the Full Moon), as well as circa million other emotions, piling atop the words like rain on the ground in Camden that day of "coronation"... :

I never thought that I'd experience the whole Royal Albert Hall singing ‘Tell the King’ and ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ a day before the coronation (editor's note number three: a beloved moment I couldn’t help but describe to everyone as I came home, especially those who asked me ‘but did you see the coronation’). Never thought I'd be dancing to (my favourite) 'Ballad of Grimaldi' and have my little nerd moment over hearing Peter talk about the meaning behind 'St. Jude' (editor’s note number four: it's one of my favourite songs exactly because of the part “St. Jude may hear my pleas / See me on my bended knees”), then sing along to 'I Get Along' (editor’s note number five: I have the refrain pinned on the wall at uni), as well as other scarcely or only once before performed songs played on Peter's acoustic, let alone watch people invade the stage while he's playing 'Time for Heroes' (but ‘did you see the ((stylish)) kids in the riots?’ I guess I fucking did!)… Guys from the row behind me jumping over my head to join others, then coming back and telling us about it. One of their friends went to the loos right before the stage invasion and thus missed the whole thing, so of course they all gathered to tease him with that "we've just been a part of something legendary and you've missed the whole thing" conversation.

I cannot say that I wasn't shocked; in the end, these were the wildest (?) "dreams" coming true, and the weirdest coincidences, as only that morning I said to my friend "I’m sad I never got to experience those wild years of stage invasions" (was the God of music listening? Whoever s/he is). To be absolutely honest, the experience was so overwhelming I think that I am only now coming back to reality, though I will not lie, it is a complex process. (Editor’s note number ?six?: The gin and tonic I consumed afterwards might have been at fault, too.)

The hours prior I was reading nature poets in Kensington's bookshops (I’m a romantic and ecocritic, shoot me), then walking around sunny Hyde Park, picking fallen blossom out of my hair, randomly bumping into old classmates (hi Magda!), this peaceful prelude to clear my head for the evening… then suddenly I’m crying to Hak Baker's support set (editor’s note number ??: his speech about mental health already had me tearing up, it turned to full on weeping as he talked about his mom), then I’m overwhelmed again, with joy too, seeing/hearing Peter – and shocked (to the core) but laughing (uncontrollably) as people sweep across the hall like a tsunami, jumping over a meter (or so) high barriers, knocking security guys down - because the poet said a word. You wouldn't be able to make any of that up, ever. And obviously, I was already more than happy (and quite emotional) that I came to London, but the following day, walking around Camden, the words of this random person I talked to after the concert suddenly hit me: "welcome to London". What a great city baptism. Now, writer's endnote: I do not think that we appreciate artists like Peter enough. For what they do for us in these moments, for how they can change our lives – with words, with music, and the magic that binds it all. What I've found since I started listening to Peter (& Carl, the Libertines and then the other dozen bands that came out of it all - bless 'em) is renewed passion for what I love, be it my poetry, writing, literature, art OR sailing (ok, flying) to Albion in pursuit of my dreams (and in pursuit of the never-fucking-ending vortex of stairs at Finsbury Park). And this, this is enough - truly, it is.

Thank you, Peter, the Albion is still on course. (But hey, where are we sailing next?)

-Karla

P.S. I apologize for the number of editor’s notes, I know it fucks up the (good) flow of the text and, as an editor and writer myself, I would give Karla here an earful about how she is supposed to control her "editor persona". Now, to prove how truly sorry she is, here are some more notes:

*Everything here (including the poem) is written by me. An edited version of this post should (soon) be also on my IG, along with videos.

*The phrase ‘because the poet said a word’ was my own invention (my friend Linda will testify to that); however, the good scholar that I am, I researched it yesterday to see if, maybe, it has been already used somewhere else, and while it seems it is original, I found connections to Emily Dickinson (such as her “This was a Poet—It is That” or “Shall I Take Thee”). This connection is purely unintentional, coincidental, but warms my heart nonetheless, especially when I know that Peter likes Emily’s poetry (and I do, too), and I wanted to point that out in case you people are poetry nerds like me, or would like some poetry recommendations.

*Addition to editor’s note number two: “coronary” and “coronation” both stem from the original Latin term “corona”; “coronary”, in particular, was derived from the medieval term "curuner" which was used for the person who had the (local) responsibility of protecting the crown. Ever thought of yer own heart as the “crown”? (I do have my “Karla the Linguist” moments.)

*Editor’s note number x (missing from the text): An hour before the gig I went for a tea into one of the bars at the Royal Albert Hall (it really was a tea!), and the girls behind the bar told me how it was ‘a quiet and slow day’ and I sat there, the room empty, and watched the staff around exchange jokes. I thought of that moment later as I watched the security/staff struggling to, somehow, control the masses.

*Anyone who wants to point out to me that ol’ Will Shakespeare thought that ‘Bohemia’ was reaching the Adriatic Sea at that time should understand that I am well aware of this possibility but, as a wannabe scholar, I feel inclined to test the limits of good ol’ William.

*Special thank you to everyone who made my stay in London an absolute dream come true (especially everyone at Muswell Hill and Rosebery Road where I was staying, local foxes and buses included), and to Linda for listening to my continuous storytelling these past few weeks (and being the first person to read this...what would my writing be, if I didn't have my people to share it with?).

[rabbitcruiser]

World Lion Day

World  Lion Day on August 10 aims to raise awareness about the plight faced by  lions. Scientifically known as ‘Panthero Leo,’ lions are one of the  most well-known and popular animal species out there. They are called  the ‘Kings of the Jungle’ due to their arresting and fearsome  personalities created by their great bodies and heavy, shiny manes. A  lion’s powerful roar is second to none, and it can be heard even five  miles away. Owing to the pop culture icons like Simba from “The Lion  King”, lions are also loved by children. However, while lions existed in  large populations 100 years ago, today, their numbers are just below  50,000 worldwide as a result of poaching and hunting. World Lion Day,  therefore, brings attention to this endangered species by raising funds  and amping up protective measures.

History of World Lion Day

The  first World Lion Day came into being in 2013. It was headed by Dereck  and Beverly Joubert, a couple who are passionate about preservation and  wild cats. After realizing that lion populations have drastically  decreased worldwide, the Jouberts approached “National Geographic” for  the brand’s help. Forming a partnership with them, the couple came up  with the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.) in 2009. The B.C.I.’s main goal  would be to protect and preserve the remaining lion species in the  world. While aspects like deforestation, climate change, and human  intervention may have impacted lion populations, studies have shown that  their extremely low numbers may also have to do with ice ages and  natural environmental disasters that have led them to becoming secluded  in only a few countries of the world, namely India and South Africa. To  date, the B.C.I. has made substantial leaps, from getting 150+ grant  awards to reducing almost 3,000 threats to 3,000 wild cats to removing  13,000 life-threatening snares.

The lion comes from the ‘Felidae’  family of cats, and it is considered to be an apex predator. It is the  second-largest cat weighing around 300 to 600 pounds, with the first  being its cousin, the tiger. An average lion’s body is muscular with a  short round head and ears, and a tufty tail. Its sex can be identified  through its heavy and luscious mane, which are absent on lionesses.  Lions also happen to be the only cats who roam around in large groups  known as prides. Scientists believe that lions do so because it is  easier to catch prey in the wild. Their natural habitats are savannas  and grasslands. You will most likely find a pride of lions near water  bodies as they strategically wait for prey to come there for a drink and  then pounce on them.

World Lion Day timeline

1758 ‘Felis Leo’ is Coined

Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish zoologist and botanist, invents ‘Felis Leo’ as the scientific name of lions.

1996 Vulnerable Species

The  lion is placed on the Red List of the International Union for  Conservation of Nature due to its African population decreasing by 45%  since 1990.

2009 Big Cat Initiative is Formed

Dereck and Beverly Joubert, in partnership with “National Geographic”, start the Big Cat Initiative to save lions.

2013 The First World Lion Day

The B.C.I. announces the first World Lion Day in order to include the world in lion preservation efforts.

How to Observe World Lion Day

Vow to protect lions

Refuse to buy lion products

Donate your assets

No  matter how you choose to spend the day, make sure it is worthwhile by  vowing to protect lions. Lions are natural predators that are necessary  to keep prey populations in check. Apart from such environmental  benefits, lions are extremely beautiful and majestic animals that have  ruled the pop culture scene for a long time. So, let’s take a vow to be  there for them.

Whether  you are looking to buy a new bag or coat, or any other similar  paraphernalia, make sure you know where it is coming from. Refuse to buy  lion products (or other animal skin products) to reduce sales and  market value.

Time  and money are the most valuable assets you can give in today’s world.  Look out for national and international organizations that protect wild  cats, and invest in them by donating your money to the cause. If you  cannot donate, you can volunteer your time by either helping the  organizations with volunteer work or by promoting the organizations in  your circles.

5 Facts About Lions That Will Blow Your Mind

Younglings have spots on their skin

Manes change over time

Cubs are raised together

Females are mightier hunters

Heavy and long sleepers

Young lion cubs are born with spots on their coats, but these tend to fade away as they grow older.

A lion’s mane will change color, going from light to dark, as it grows older.

Lion cubs are generally brought up together by all the females in a pride.

Lionesses are better hunters than their male counterparts, and it is for this reason that they hunt 80% to 90% of the time.

Lions will sleep for at least 20 hours a day.

Why World Lion Day is Important

It’s a celebration of lions

It’s a reminder about the importance of preservation

It’s a celebration of the natural environment

For  most of us, “The Lion King” was a huge part of our childhood. We  rejoiced at the birth of Simba but also grieved with him over his  father’s death. Holding such sweet memories and images, we cannot let  the beloved animal go extinct. Let’s come together on August 10 to  protect lions from all dangers.

Preservation  has become a necessity, more now than ever. We cannot hope to live on a  peaceful and resourceful Earth if we keep depleting it of its natural  resources, be it water, fuel, or animals. We must preserve and protect  the Earth for ourselves as well as future generations.

The  natural environment has given us countless gifts. From food for taste  and survival to medicinal properties to inspiration for technological  inventions, nature has continued to reward us since time immemorial. We  must therefore honor, respect, and celebrate it.

Source

[the-prsc]

Day 5

Previously on PRSC... 

The second cross-band camp is formed, The Conglomerate. This is the combo of Rush (as a whole), Emerson and Palmer of ELP, and finally, Chris and Rick from Yes.

Keith has (for want of a better term) lost his shit following the murder of his friend and bandmate, Greg. He’s racked with guilt and angst. So far, this has led to attempts to loot the Rush camp. This makes the other bands put him into isolation.

Death Count: 1 

In the Conglomerate... 

The prog supergroup of a camp is flourishing with the increase of personnel. Chris (of the Yes group) has remembered that he brought his lighter with him into the arena and has had it with him all along. This has made a large number of differences. Chris has been making himself useful, making basic torches that he can light easily with his lighter. This of course means that the bands can work longer hours and then have more relaxing evenings afterwards. The others have democratically been assigned positions in the Conglomerate: 

 Alex oversees hunting/fishing, working (reluctantly) with Keith 

When Chris isn’t working on light sources, he and Geddy gather resources like wood, mushrooms and vegetables. 

When the four of them get back from these missions, Alex meets Rick around the fire, and they cook it all to be eaten later (while also having a great laugh!) 

Neil does all the heavy lifting jobs and manual labor. He is the strongest (in body and mind) of the guys at the conglomerate, and he rarely shows any sign of weakness. Carl (from ELP), helps him with these tasks and tries to make himself useful elsewhere 

They were visited by one of Fripp’s messengers earlier this morning. This caused something of an awkwardness as this messenger was Bill, previously of Yes, Bruford. Needless to say, Chris kept his distance, and the others didn’t give much information away to "The Court".

Over In Epping Forest... 

Genesis, are doing surprisingly well considering their somewhat rough start and two pretty much unusable members (Tony due to his boredom and Peter as he is too whimsy). Tony’s Etch-a-Sketch Mona Lisa is coming along nicely, with the hair pretty much complete now! They have the most efficient food gathering of any of the bands because of their new advancements in fishing "equipment". They are also cooking the fish properly on a cooking rack that Phil, Steve and Mike put their heads together to create. Not bad, Genesis! 

Politics In the Court... 

Robert Fripp has been sending scouts to various areas of the arena looking for other bands so he can learn of their progress (and make sure to be one step ahead of anything they may try). These chosen people are possibly his most brainwashed band mates, Bill and Jamie(referred to as James by Fripp). Fripp’s endless control over the arena is worrying David rather a lot. As you may know, he has been demanding to be referred to as "The Crimson King" for some time and now with his men in charge of "Foreign Intelligence" and "Defense", our violin playing friend is worried that The Court may not be as democratic as he was encouraged to believe... 

That’s all for today, so we’ll see you tomorrow for... 

The Prog Rock Survival Competition!

[dwampyverse-tournaments]

Best Phineas and Ferb Song Tournament: Round 1 (Part 1/2)

There are a lot of matches in this first round, so they are organized by when they occur.

March 31 (Yes, I seeded The Fail Wail as number 1. I can do what I want)

The Fail Wail vs. Sci-Fi Speculative

The Way of the Platypus vs. Breathe

What Might Have Been vs. Buildin’ a Supercomputer

Give Me Your Money vs. We Wanna Eat

There’s a Platypus Controlling Me vs. He’s Major Monogram

Mom Look vs. Let’s Go Digital

What Do It Do? vs. Not Knowing Where You’re Going

Candace Party vs. Good King Wenceslas

Gimme a Grade vs. Shimmy Jimmy

Phintastic Ferbulous Car Wash vs. Baljeet’s Explanation

Carl, the Intern vs. The Beak

Backyard Beach vs. Ballad of Badbeard

Big Ginormous Airplane vs. O.W.C.A.’s Goin’ Down

All the Convoluted Reasons We Pretend to be Divorced vs. What is This Thing?

Step into the Great Unknown vs. Ducky Momo is My Friend

History of Rock vs. Pinhead Pierre

I’m Me vs. And the Animals Go

S’winter vs. My Undead Mummy and Me

My Chariot vs. Hockey Z9

Shooting Star Milkshake Bar vs. Lots of Me

Serious Fun vs. Moon Farm

Yodel Odel Obey Me vs. Danville Swap Meet

Highly Unconventional Vehicle vs. My Wettest Friend

When Tomorrow is This Morning Again vs. Twelve Days of Christmas

Brand New Best Friend vs. She’s Candace

Big Brain vs. When Will He Call Me?

Adulting vs. All Terrain Vehicle

I’m Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun! vs. Mix’N’Mingle Machine

City of Love vs. Bad Luck

Platypus Walk vs. I’m Handsome

Weaponry vs. I Need My Letter Back

Busted vs. Pi

April 1

Summer, Where Do We Begin? vs. Sith Roast (Decaf)

Isabella’s Birthday Song vs. Funky Rhythms

Gotta Get Back in Time vs. Irish Rover

Back in Gimmelshtump vs. Zubada

My Goody Two-Shoes Brother vs. Improbably Knot

Get Ready for the Bettys vs. Funhouse

That Christmas Feeling vs. Real Boy

E.V.I.L. B.O.Y.S. vs. Double Dutch

Thank You for Coming Along vs. Dr. Coconut

The Universe is Against Me vs. Triangulation

History of the Tri-State Area vs. Ain’t No Kiddie Ride

Watchin’ and Waitin’ vs. He’s Bigfoot

Truck Drivin’ Girl vs. I Walk Away

Bust Your Brothers vs. Army of Me

Football X7 vs. Let’s Spend Half a Day

Us Against the Universe vs. Shot in the Butt with a Dart

When We Didn’t Get Along vs. Paul Bunyan’s

Set the Record Straight vs. S’Fall

Happy New Year vs. Just the Two of Us

Let’s Take a Rocket Ship to Space vs. Doof’s Evil Hideout Vacation Swap

Queen of Mars vs. The Inator Method

Carl, Incognito vs. Evil Tonight

Impress My Professor vs. The Ballad of Klimpaloon

Big Honkin’ Hole in My Heart vs. Get Back Hair

Everything’s Better with Perry vs. Ant Society

There is No Candy in Me vs. F-Games

I Really Don’t Hate Christmas vs. Gotta Make Summer Last

Dance Baby vs. Bits of All of Us

Chains on Me vs. Jump Right to It

Do Nothing Day vs. Tour de Ferb

Just Passing Through vs. Der Kinderlumper

Fabulous vs. Sith Roast

Part 2 here!

[blueheartbooks]

Embracing Nietzschean Philosophy: Exploring "Thus Spake Zarathustra"

Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" is a profound and provocative work that challenges conventional beliefs and invites readers to reexamine their values and assumptions about life, morality, and the human condition. Originally published in 1883, this philosophical masterpiece explores themes such as the death of God, the eternal recurrence, the will to power, and the Ubermensch (or "overman"), presenting Nietzsche's vision of a new way of thinking and living in the modern world.

At the heart of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is the character of Zarathustra, a fictionalized version of the ancient Persian prophet Zoroaster, who descends from his mountain retreat to share his wisdom with humanity. Through a series of discourses, parables, and aphorisms, Zarathustra challenges his listeners to transcend their limitations, embrace their innermost desires, and strive for self-mastery and self-overcoming. Nietzsche's use of allegory and metaphor imbues the text with richness and depth, inviting readers to engage with its philosophical themes on multiple levels.

One of the most striking features of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is its lyrical and poetic style, which sets it apart from Nietzsche's more academic works. Translated by Thomas Common, the text retains much of its original beauty and power, capturing Nietzsche's philosophical insights with clarity and elegance. Common's translation allows readers to immerse themselves in Nietzsche's thought-provoking ideas and experience the full force of his rhetorical flourishes and linguistic innovations.

Moreover, "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is notable for its critique of traditional morality and religion, which Nietzsche argues have stifled human potential and constrained individual freedom. Through Zarathustra's teachings, Nietzsche advocates for a radical revaluation of all values, urging readers to embrace a more expansive and life-affirming ethos that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and self-expression. Nietzsche's rejection of conventional norms and his embrace of existential freedom continue to resonate with readers today, inspiring countless individuals to question authority and forge their own path in life.

In addition to its philosophical depth and literary merit, "Thus Spake Zarathustra" has had a profound impact on art, literature, and culture, influencing thinkers such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Friedrich Engels, as well as artists, musicians, and writers from around the world. Its themes of self-discovery, self-transcendence, and the pursuit of meaning continue to inspire and challenge readers to this day, making "Thus Spake Zarathustra" a timeless classic that speaks to the eternal quest for wisdom and self-realization.

In conclusion, "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Thomas Common, is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating work that continues to captivate readers with its profound insights, poetic language, and revolutionary ideas. Nietzsche's vision of the Ubermensch and his call to embrace the fullness of life remain as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, offering a powerful antidote to the nihilism and despair of the modern age.

Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" is available in Amazon in paperback 23.99$ and hardcover 29.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 471

Language: English

Rating: 11/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbookclub]

Embracing Nietzschean Philosophy: Exploring "Thus Spake Zarathustra"

Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" is a profound and provocative work that challenges conventional beliefs and invites readers to reexamine their values and assumptions about life, morality, and the human condition. Originally published in 1883, this philosophical masterpiece explores themes such as the death of God, the eternal recurrence, the will to power, and the Ubermensch (or "overman"), presenting Nietzsche's vision of a new way of thinking and living in the modern world.

At the heart of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is the character of Zarathustra, a fictionalized version of the ancient Persian prophet Zoroaster, who descends from his mountain retreat to share his wisdom with humanity. Through a series of discourses, parables, and aphorisms, Zarathustra challenges his listeners to transcend their limitations, embrace their innermost desires, and strive for self-mastery and self-overcoming. Nietzsche's use of allegory and metaphor imbues the text with richness and depth, inviting readers to engage with its philosophical themes on multiple levels.

One of the most striking features of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is its lyrical and poetic style, which sets it apart from Nietzsche's more academic works. Translated by Thomas Common, the text retains much of its original beauty and power, capturing Nietzsche's philosophical insights with clarity and elegance. Common's translation allows readers to immerse themselves in Nietzsche's thought-provoking ideas and experience the full force of his rhetorical flourishes and linguistic innovations.

Moreover, "Thus Spake Zarathustra" is notable for its critique of traditional morality and religion, which Nietzsche argues have stifled human potential and constrained individual freedom. Through Zarathustra's teachings, Nietzsche advocates for a radical revaluation of all values, urging readers to embrace a more expansive and life-affirming ethos that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and self-expression. Nietzsche's rejection of conventional norms and his embrace of existential freedom continue to resonate with readers today, inspiring countless individuals to question authority and forge their own path in life.

In addition to its philosophical depth and literary merit, "Thus Spake Zarathustra" has had a profound impact on art, literature, and culture, influencing thinkers such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Friedrich Engels, as well as artists, musicians, and writers from around the world. Its themes of self-discovery, self-transcendence, and the pursuit of meaning continue to inspire and challenge readers to this day, making "Thus Spake Zarathustra" a timeless classic that speaks to the eternal quest for wisdom and self-realization.

In conclusion, "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Thomas Common, is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating work that continues to captivate readers with its profound insights, poetic language, and revolutionary ideas. Nietzsche's vision of the Ubermensch and his call to embrace the fullness of life remain as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, offering a powerful antidote to the nihilism and despair of the modern age.

Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None" is available in Amazon in paperback 23.99$ and hardcover 29.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 471

Language: English

Rating: 11/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[geminilad]

an Ape and an Alien

Nope is a fascinating movie to me for a number of reasons, one of them being it’s message against the usage of wild animals for the purpose of entertainment, and I can’t help but be reminded of another movie I had been obsessed with as of late. Peter Jackson’s King Kong is one of my favorite films in recent history, although the primary source of fascination on my part from the film was the titular Kong and his home Skull Island. I could hyperfixate on and on about how much I adore the island itself and the wonderful world of speculative evolution the filmmakers crafted for the movie, but we’d be here all day and I’m sure you’d prefer if I’d just got straight to the point. There’s an interesting comparison between the characters of Carl Denham/Kong, and Ricky Park/Jean Jacket. Carl and Ricky when you examine them at their cores, are determined damaged people who have been chewed up and spit out by hollywood and in their desperation of chasing the spectacle they long for, attempt to commercialize these incredibly massive and dangerous wild animals to showcase them to the world as some kind of marvelous attraction. This of course goes wrong for both of them when the unpredictable giant creatures act... unpredictably, leading to disaster and death. Kong and Jean Jacket on the other hand are large, deadly creatures separated from their home and other kind, ultimately slain at the end of the story for no fault of their own, simply because they were too dangerous to be left alive. I wouldn’t say they are complete narrative parallels however, as one would have to take note of Kong’s heightened intellect paired with Jean Jacket’s pure animal instinct. Regardless though, I believe both stories are a symbol for people's desire to film and commoditize everything without considering the risks. It was established with Gordy and Lucky that Hollywood tends to not treat animals (or humans) with respect and constantly wants to use anything and everything for entertainment. Because Jupe did not learn from his experience with Gordy, he did not respect the boundaries of the UFO and used it for his attraction, which leads to him suffering the consequences. Likewise with Carl and Kong, all Carl ever cared about was his desire to make it big with hollywood, not even bothering to take the blame for all the suffering and death he cause by bringing the crew of the S.S. Venture to Skull Island unprepared for all the horrors within, and the deaths caused by bringing Kong to america. In some ways they were both doomed in the end, because while Carl didn’t get eaten alive by his object of obsession, what Hollywood did to both of them was worse than what some hungry critter could ever do.

[daimonclub]

Finance & Trading

Wall Street Traders Booths Finance and trading. First of all, if you are not a professional I suggest reading Harry Browne's financial safety rules, then you can keep in touch with some very experienced traders and investors joining us on Facebook at this address Trading Lovers or following us on Stocktwits otherwise if you need some interesting trading books, let me know, and I will give you the material! Last but not least, don't forget to visit Investing.com for your global financial culture and to discover the best and worst stocks in the American pre-market, Yahoo finance for the best stocks gainers of the day, Tradingview for USA stocks date earnings and more, our inside Special trading section, the WSJ live market update for the last news, Interactivebroker that is the leading online transparent trading solutions for traders, investors and advisors, with direct global access to stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds and funds with low commissions and financing rates and support for best execution, and nowadays you can also use a finance AI chat platform to have everything under control, the link below is an example of that resource. https://finchat.io/ The Complete AI Powered Stock Research Platform. Easily track what matters to you. Our intuitive platform gives you the flexibility to customize your experience and auto-save your research. Work faster than ever. Save time researching your next great investment idea with the comprehensive investment research platform for global equities. Poor is that man who has got no patience. William Shakespeare I always say that you could publish my trading rules in the newspaper and no one would follow them. The key is consistency and discipline. Almost anybody can make up a list of rules that are 80% as good as what we taught our people. What they couldn’t do is give them the confidence to stick to those rules even when things are going bad. Richard Dennis Successful investing is anticipating the anticipations of others. John Maynard Keynes To attempt to increase the wealth of any country, either by introducing or by detaining in it an unnecessary quantity of gold and silver, is as absurd as it would be to attempt to increase the good cheer of private families by obliging them to keep an unnecessary number of kitchen utensils. Adam Smith The desire for an increase of wealth can be satisfied through exchange, which is the only method possible in a capitalist economy, or by violence and petition as in a militarist society, where the strong acquire by force, the weak by petitioning. Ludwig von Mises To trade successfully always remember that cash is the king. That means you must not take too much risk on a single trade. Then you must never forget that to make money you must know a lot about money and its religion even because money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. Carl William Brown The stock market isn't going anywhere. It's been around before you were born. Going to be around after you're gone. If you love the game as much as I and some friends do. There is no rush to make a trade. What's important is to keep learning. Set time aside and goals for yourself with learning. There is endless amounts of knowledge that you can learn for free. Charles Astor To earn money trading you don't necessarily have to know technical analysis perfectly well or be completely informed about all the news, but the most important thing is to have a long experience and an extraordinary developed sixth sense. Carl William Brown It’s all about making money and not being right. Too often, people get stubborn. The point is to be flexible. The market is always right. That’s one of the main things I learned from Paul… you’ve got to be around to play for another day. That’s capital preservation. Peter Borish

Seven types of income A small account size can limit your trading options, BUT this does not prevent you from making money by trading or building your account size up to the size you desire. You can swing trade with as little as a few thousand dollars. Carl William Brown Master YOURSELF, because you will never master the markets. Glen Dahlen No profession requires more hard work, intelligence, patience, and mental discipline than successful speculation. Robert Rhea As the statitics says: "95% of traders lose money; only 5% of traders can make a living at it, and only 1% of them really make money. Carl William Brown The greatest skill you need with Day Trading is "Imagination." You have to Imagine that a Crappy Stock like ACHV can go up 100%. Charles Astor Life is a school of probability. Walter Bagehot In bear markets, stocks return to their rightful owners. J.P. Morgan If you are a good trader you can steal money from the rich legally, because it's an extremely good thing that money sometimes must change hands. Carl William Brown Big money is made in the stock market by being on the right side of the major moves. The idea is to get in harmony with the market. It's suicidal to fight trends. They have a higher probability of continuing than not. Martin Zweig The more you find out about the world economy, the less you may truly know. Carl William Brown Win or lose, everybody gets what they want out of the market. Some people seem to like to lose, so they win by losing money. Ed Seykota Money management is the only strategy to survive in this crazy, stupid and doped financial world market. Carl William Brown Daily news roundup by TradingView The secret to being successful from a trading perspective is to have an indefatigable and an undying and unquenchable thirst for information and knowledge. Paul Tudor Jones Never ever trade against the trend. So you must always be profitable, going long or short and following the market! Carl William Brown Don’t give up trading. Market Wizard Marty Schwartz lost money for 10 years! Then he turned $5000 into $140,000 in one year. Trading Blog JK Life itself is based on trends. Ed Seykota Trading: the hardest way to make easy money. Tonny Stark This avidity alone, of acquiring goods and possessions for ourselves and our nearest friends, is insatiable, perpetual, universal, and directly destructive of society. David Hume If history can teach us to avoid making the same mistakes again, studying economic story is nothing short of a necessity; especially as the inner workings of the economy are opaque for the majority of us. Based on rigorous analysis, Crashed offers a critical assessment of the insanity of the financial sector and the incompetence of those in power. Crashed by Adam Tooze Man is a gaming animal. He must always be trying to get the better in something or other. Charles Lamb, Essays of Elia, 1823 Stock Analysts? Paid off & worthless. Give you a $20.00 recommendation on a $5.00 Stock then advise you to sell when it drops to .10 Charles Astor Every artist was first an amateur. Ralph Waldo Emerson NASDAQ: ABIL Ability Inc. from 06-21-2018 to 06-26-2018 has increased from 2.15 to 14.30 with a gain of almost 600%, and just in a week. So if you want to get your big bet forget about fair value, equity line, profit factor, gross profit, and all that stuff; in this case fundamentals are not so fundamental! Carl William Brown The rich are those who play to win. The middle class plays not to lose. Robert Kiyosaki It is essential to wait for trades with a good risk/reward ratio. Patience is a virtue for a trader. Alexander Elder

Mark Minervini Trading Legend Stop loss must certainly be used if you are trading a dangerous, unreliable and uncertain stock, for instance that of a bad bank (BMPS in Italy is such a good example), or if you are practicing day trading and you are betting on the rise or fall of a share, above all if you are trading with leverage, and finally when you are in a positive trade and you are already gaining money, so you can set a trailing stop and/or a stop loss. In all the other cases stop losses can result in a useless waste of money, without any real advantage for your business. That is clear since a share can move down even 10 or 15 per cent, if not more, in seconds or minutes and then rise again with the same speed or on the same day, and if your stop loss wasn’t set very skilfully probably you have lost money for nothing! Carl William Brown All you need to know about trading, finance and market news and analysis in a guide updated with thousand of books, software, courses, seminar, charts and quotes. Through our master trading links, you’ll be able to discover a lot of interesting website, useful resources for your knowledge and your learning activities. You will be able to find a useful reference guide to consult when you need highly specialized information, material, stocks analysis and market news. You will certainly enjoy our complete finance links list. You will also be able to expand your capabilities and bring in a lot of great money research and trading ideas. Always remember that through investigating all the different web links you can improve a lot your learning possibilities. Top Master Trading Links and Resources Trading and finance news Market, financial, business news Money, wealth, investments news Economics and Liberty Financial Safety Rules Trading or investing Traders Insight Campus Trader's Academy Campus InteractiveBrokers.com Trading tips and advice 1 Top stocks gainer today Stocks and Bonds to watch Technical analysis history Stocks analysis dictionary Best trading practices Technical approach to trading Trading lovers Rolex best watch investment 50 great quotes about trading Prediction and trading Paul King trading rules On Investing story Golden rules of trading 20 golden rules of trading Penny stocks trading Jesse Livermore trading lessons Jesse Livermore trading rules The true words of Jesse Livermore The wisdom of Jesse Livermore 50 Famous Quotes by Jesse Livermore Visual Capitalist Data Trading versus gambling Great trading advice Golden trading rules http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8SdSUfHcdw Trading glossary Trading-Synthetic-Dictionary.pdf Trading quotations Penny stocks trading English for business Management news The Stocks Exchange Quote master trading Speculation game quotes Wall Street Crash 1929 The Housing bubble 2008 Master trading links Venezuela Business News Finanzaonline.com Investire Oggi Forum Yahoo finance Investing.com Tipranks.com Google Finance Google Business News Bloomberg markets Reuters Business News Reuters Money News Reuters Company News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz5JUt9IKPM Read the full article

[djshannonigans]

Radio Clash on Newtown Radio, 8.26.24

Hosted by DJ Shannonigans

Photo Credit: Todd Heisler

Beck - "Where It's At"

Mavis Staples - "Worthy"

Charles Bradley, Bullets - "Ain't It A Sin"

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - "Don't Give A Friend A Number"

The Meters - "Cissy Strut"

Ray Charles - "Hit The Road Jack"

Carl Carlton - "She's A Bad Mama Jama"

Florence + the Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Y Control"

Jack White - "Old Scratch Blues"

The Mystery Lights - "Mighty Fine & All Mine"

The Coathangers - "Follow Me"

The Bug Club - "Lonsdale Slippers"

Wishy - "Sick Sweet"

Pink Breath of Heaven - "The Wind Is Calling"

Wild Pink - "Sprinter Brain"

Ducks Ltd. - "Train Full of Gasoline"

Quivers - "Pink Smoke"

New Order - "Bizarre Love Triangle"

Curses - "Another Heaven"

Skelseys, Curses - "Picture In My Mind"

Tr/st - "All At Once"

Mr. Toe - "You're Such A Weirdo"

The Belair Lip Bombs - "Say My Name"

Lesley Gore - "You Don't Own Me"

Loretta Lynn - "The Pill"

Dolly Parton - "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

The Smile - "Pana-vision (live at Montreux Jazz Festival)"