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theusurpersdog · 5 years ago

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Floppy Ears

A Dance with Dragons is the most important arc Daenerys has had since she hatched her dragons at the end of A Game of Thrones, and is a huge turning point for the trajectory of her character. And while GRRM’s books have always been incredibly detailed and focused on character, this book and A Feast for Crows is when he really mastered that style. Those two things combined make Daenerys’ ten chapters incredibly dense, and full of very important details. If I were to write it all out in one post, it would be just ridiculously long (and considering the length of my other posts, that’s really saying something. . .). To try and keep these posts from turning into books, I’m going to split my analysis of Dany in A Dance with Dragons into three separate posts; one dealing with the political aspects of her arc, the next a look at the outside forces that influence Dany’s decision making, and the last will center on the personal struggle that defines her arc. Here is the first, where I breakdown the political merits of Queen Daenerys Targaryen. . .

Holding Court

Running parallel to all of the symbolic choices and struggles Daenerys makes in A Dance with Dragons is the practical decisions she makes as Queen of Meereen. GRRM is famous for his quote about “Aragorn’s tax policy”, and it is clear that he tries to answer that question in this book. We get chapter after chapter that gives Daenerys a new political trial, and get to see and examine how she decides to move passed it. The first three books gave us small moments to look at and decide how Daenerys would rule Westeros, but A Dance with Dragons gives us definitive examples of how she would. This book asks would Daenerys be a good queen? and also gives us the answer: No.

Whenever Daenerys has to face the Meereenese as their queen, she thinks to herself that she is putting on her “floppy ears”, in reference to something Brown Ben Plumm tells her:

"Man wants to be the king o' the rabbits, he best wear a pair o' floppy ears."

This quote works so well to summarize Dany’s time in Meereen for a couple different reasons. The first is that it perfectly describes how Daenerys feels about being queen; she hates the rich Meereenese, former slavers who plot behind her back and have traditions that Dany hates, and she could never view herself as one of them. Dany feels as if she must pretend to be a part of them. But it also gets at a deeper truth of Daenerys’ arc - she is just pretending to be a queen; it doesn’t come naturally to her. She has to don her “floppy ears” to be a queen, and start pretending. She has to face many impossible choices in this book, and her anger is righteous in many circumstances, but that doesn’t change the fact that she is not a good queen, and in fact hardly even wants to be one. I’ll get into it more when I breakdown the personal part of Dany’s A Dance with Dragons arc (this meta focusing on the political), but to be queen of Meereen, Dany has to fight against her own nature. The way GRRM plotted this book so expertly, all of the political struggles Daenerys faces are reflections of her own personal struggles with staying in Meereen, each problem designed to get at a different part of Dany’s psyche and push her closer to the choice she ultimately makes in Daenerys IX and X.

When Daenerys holds court in Meereen, she is faced with many grievances that she must have an answer to, many from the noble class that she despises. What I find most interesting about these, is that Daenerys has something in common with all of the men she refuses to help. These are the stories she hears:

A rich woman came, whose husband and sons had died defending the city walls. During the sack she had fled to her brother in fear. When she returned, she found her house had been turned into a brothel.

A boy came, younger than Dany, slight and scarred, dresses up in a frayed grey tokar trailing silver fringe. His voice broke when he told of how two of his father’s household slaves had risen up the night the gate broke. One had slain his father, the other his elder brother. Both had raped his mother before killing her as well. The boy had escaped with no more than the scar upon his face, but one of the murderers was still living in his father’s house, and the other had joined the queen’s soldiers as one of the Mother’s Men.

The parallels Dany shares to these people are quite clear. The first woman she hears fled her house when the city was sacked, just as Rhaella fled the Red Keep when she was pregnant with Dany; yet Dany refuses to give the Meereenese woman her home back, even though Dany herself is determined to retake King’s Landing in her family’s name.

Daenerys also parallels the son in the second story, who has to see the men who raped and murdered his mother live in his house and work for the queen (Dany). This sounds very much like Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch being rewarded for killing Elia Martell. Dany turns the son away, and continues to let the murdering rapist serve her; yet, when she thinks of how the same thing happened to her family, Dany refers to the men as “dogs” and is disgusted by Robert Baratheon for allowing it.

The most interesting decision Daenerys makes, though, is how she responds to this story:

Grazdan zo Galare asked that he be granted a portion of their earnings. “They owe their skill to me,” he insisted. “I plucked them from the auction bloc and gave them to the loom.”

Dany listened quietly, her face still. When he was done. She said, “What was the name of the old weaver?”

“The slave?” Grazdan shifted his weight, frowning. “She was . . . Elza, it might have been. Or Ella. It was six years ago she died. I have owned so many slaves, Your Grace.”

“Let us say Elza. Here is our ruling. From the girls, you shall have nothing. It was Elza who taught them weaving, not you. From you, the girls shall have a new loom, the finest coin can buy. That is for forgetting the name of the old woman.”

Through these grievances, GRRM is giving us the chance to judge Daenerys based on her own morality. There is plenty of debate about what exactly it means that Dany forgets Hazzea’s name in her last chapter, but the above passage tells us what that means to Dany herself. When she sees that behavior in someone else, she is appalled; she goes out of her way to punish Grazdan specifically for forgetting the slave’s name. Judging Daenerys by her own standards, she has failed Hazzea.

Besides these stories painting Dany as a hypocrite (since she is doing everything that she turns the Meereenese away for), they also start to teach Dany a lesson about being a queen; it is really hard. Dany never realizes how these stories connect to her, but she does begin to understand how impossible it is to make some decisions. When she turns down the son whose mother was raped and house stolen, this is what she thinks:

I am queen over a city built on dust and death. Dany had no choice but to deny him. She had declared a blanket pardon for all crimes committed during the sack. Nor would she punish slaves for rising up against their masters.

And after the boy lunges to attack her, but trips on his tokar and is led away, Dany realizes that that the Harpy has gained another Son.

And while Dany never consciously thinks back on the decisions she’s made and how similar they are to Robert Baratheon’s, on a subconscious level she does soften towards him. When she watches the pit fighter gored by a boar, she thinks of him:

A terrible creature and a terrible death. For a heartbeat she felt almost sorry for the Usurper.

Dany from the first three books would never give even that much thought to Robert Baratheon.

The last decision Daenerys makes while holding court that day, is when she is presented with Hazzea’s bones. While Drogon had never killed a person before, we learn that it is a growing problem that he’s killing people’s livestock:

Her dragons had grown too large to be content with rats and cats and dogs. The more they eat, the larger they will grow, Ser Barristan had warned her, and the larger they grow, the more they’ll eat. Drogon especially ranged far afield and could easily devour a sheep a day.

Since Drogon is stealing and eating so many people’s sheep, and Daenerys doesn’t want to sit and speak to all of them, she agrees to give them all the value of their sheep:

The pronouncement was received in sullen silence. You would think they might be happier, Dany thought. They have what they came for. Is there no way to please these people?

This quote says a lot about Daenerys. In her mind, the people should be happy because she’s willing to give them back what they lost, failing to consider how much trouble it would be for them to gather up the bones of their dead animals, bring them to Dany’s pyramid, and wait all day for just the chance to be heard by her. Dany thinks many of them lie about Drogon to try and get money or sheep, and thinks they should just be happy she’s giving them anything at all.

It’s also one of the first times that Daenerys’ thoughts drift to how much she hates the Meereenese. I think most people just assume that Daenerys’ hatred of the city is limited to the Nobles and former Slavers who disgust her, but that isn’t true; she thinks that she hates the former slavers more often because she is forced to interact with them more often, but when Dany is around the freedman and lower classes she doesn’t like them either:

Daenerys was sick unto death of Zhak and Merreq; she was sick of all the Meereenese, great and small alike.

Dany tries very hard to make her rule of Meereen work, and from a broad political perspective even manages to achieve that, but her own personal bias against the city make it impossible to sustain the peace she creates. While a lot of Dany’s fights are over important things, the small battles she chooses are very telling; she hates the way the Meereenese style their hair and has her advisors shave their head because of it, hates the local food and delicacies, and takes a hard stand against the fighting pits (I’ll get into that more later). In the big picture, these little battles Dany chooses to fight are meaningless and just serve to alienate her from the people, but she does it anyway. Because she hates Meereen; not just the slavery or the toxic elements of the culture, but everything.

All of these decisions Daenerys makes while holding court occur in the first chapter, because there is a huge gap where she doesn’t hear the people’s complaints. It isn’t clear exactly how long she goes between hearing the people, but Daario tells her that the people don’t believe she is real, which implies quite a long time. And when Daario tells her she should, she replies:

“No. On the morrow I will be a woman wed, and Hizdahr will be king. Let him hold court. These are his people.”

The only reason she does hold court is because Daario said she would and Dany doesn’t want to disappoint him. But just the thought exhausts her:

The prospect of wrestling with Meereen once more left her feeling weary.

Daenerys really does throw herself into being queen - marrying Hizdahr proves that - but she still can’t bring herself to do the day to day tasks of a queen.

Choices

Seeing the decisions Daenerys makes when holding court gives us a window into how she handles small issues within the city, but there is also several times when Dany has to make very important choices that could affect thousands of lives. Most of these choices have no good answer, only the lesser of two evils, and Dany has to weigh what is most important to her knowing that people are going to be hurt by her decision either way.

But while that is mostly the case, there is one issue in which it isn’t: the fighting pits. Compared to the other choices she is forced to make in this book, it seems like Daenerys should not be bothered by allowing the fighting pits to reopen, considering the loss of life is *relatively* small and only by those who choose to fight. Yet, it is the issue Daenerys takes the hardest stand against, and completely refuses to do it herself, waiting until Hizdahr is King and letting him do it instead:

A queen must listen to her people, Dany reminded herself. “After the wedding Hizdahr will be king. Let him reopen the fighting pits if he wishes. I want no part of it.” Let the blood be on his hands, not mine.

Before I get into why Dany refusing to do this was a bad choice, I want to clarify something; there actually is plenty of good reasons not to open the pits. As we see through Tyrion’s eyes, slaves are still being brought in to fight, and we see that again when Hizdahr tells Dany that the dwarves are unaware they will have to fight wild animals with wooden swords. The pits shouldn’t have been reopened until Dany had a system in place that assured those kinds of abuses couldn’t occur.

But Dany isn’t thinking of any of that when she refuses to open the pits. To her, they represent everything wrong with Meereen; watching men die as sport is grotesque to her. That’s a perfectly reasonable thing to believe, and I don’t begrudge her for holding that position, but no one else in the city agrees with her. The pit fighters themselves are coming to Dany, begging to fight again:

"Before, I fight for master. You say, fight for you. I say, fight for me." The huge man thumped his chest with a fist as big as a ham. "For gold. For glory."

And not only is the fighting pits a part of the culture, but it’s also a part of the Ghiscari religion; the fights are viewed as sacrifices to the gods. Daenerys is already viewed as an outsider in the city, and refusing to allow this part of their culture is just another thing that turns the Ghiscari against her, especially because Dany never offers a reason for why she won’t open the pits; we see her argue Hizdahr’s points for him, to mock how often he comes to her, but she never actually makes a case against him. And even in her own thoughts, we never fully understand why the fighting pits bother her so much. When she has to watch the fights, the blood and killing of it all makes her nauseous, but she wasn’t bothered by that when Strong Belwas fought for her in front of the gates, and in the very same chapter isn’t bothered by Drogon’s violence.

The fighting pits is the one thing Dany absolutely refuses to concede. Even when she agrees to marry Hizdahr, close the gates to the refugees from Astapor, and let Yunkai restart their slave trade, she won’t open the pits and never does, letting the responsibility go to Hizdahr. And when she finally decides to leave Meereen, it is after watching Barsena die fighting. It seems like a small thing for Dany to be so hung up, and even she realizes that:

Better a few should die in the pit then thousands on the gates. This is the price of peace.

But she can’t go through with it. This is one of the biggest mistakes Dany makes as queen of Meereen. And she makes it for personal reasons; even though she could offer Hizdahr and other supporters of the fighting pits valid political reasons not to open them, she never does, because she doesn’t care about them. She refuses to open the pits because it is too Meereenese for her tastes.

Another major choice Daenerys has to make is how to deal with Astapor and Yunkai, which have fallen to disaster since she left them. The two cities represent two opposite decisions Dany made in the past; she attacked and burned Astapor, but peacefully moved past Yunkai after they agreed to free their slaves. Yet both have problems that are impossible to solve, and force Dany into choices she doesn’t want to make.

Yunkai has gone back to slavery since Dany marched passed, and since she left their military intact is threatening to march on Meereen; the Yunkai’i have blocked off the bay and plan on starving the city out. But Daenerys doesn’t have enough food to support the city, and without the power of her dragons can’t compete with Yunkai’s army. The only way Dany can save Meereen from Yunkai is to allow them to resume their slave trade, which goes against everything she wanted to stand for. The whole reason Dany decided to stay in Meereen was guilt and the realization that the people she left behind were going to get hurt, and she didn’t want to leave another city behind. And having to let the Yunkai’i go back to slaving is a harsh reminder of that. But it is her only choice to keep Meereen free, and it was the right choice. If she tried to fight Yunkai, she would have lost and then all three cities of Slaver’s Bay would return to slavery. But it is a choice that takes a piece of her, and makes her feel like everything she fought for was pointless.

Looked at it in isolation, the situation with Yunkai seems to suggest that Dany’s mistake was passing the city without military force, and Dany herself would agree with that:

She was coming to regret leaving the Yellow City untaken after defeating its army in the field. The Wise Masters had returned to slaving as soon as she moved on, and were busy raising levies, hiring sellswords, and making alliances against her.

But then Daenerys has to face what has become of Astapor, which she did attack with force, and it’s even worse:

Cleon the self-styled Great was no better, however. The Butcher King had restored slavery to Astapor, the only change being that the former slaves were now the masters and the former masters were now the slaves.

At first, Dany is untroubled by the fall of Astapor, because they are no threat to her and even march against her enemies. Then the first rider appears:

"He came out of the morning mists, a rider on a pale horse, dying. His mare was staggering as she approached the city gates, her sides pink with blood and lather, her eyes rolling with terror. Her rider called out, 'She is burning, she is burning,' and fell from the saddle”

Soon, hundreds and thousands of people fleeing Astapor arrive outside the gates of Meereen, begging to be let inside the walls. Daenerys’ first instinct is to help them, and she tries her best to do so:

“I will not turn away from them,” she said stubbornly. “A queen must know the sufferings of her people.”

“Go if you wish, ser. I will not detain you. I will not detain any of you.” Dany vaulted down from the horse. “I cannot heal them, but I can show them that their mother cares.”

Dany is willing to ride out amongst those suffering from the bloody flux, because she sees herself as their mother and every part of her wants to be able to help them. She even intended on letting them in the gates. But then Daario brings news of the Yunkish armies gathering in the hills, and again Dany is forced to make an awful, but right, choice:

She wanted to scream, to gnash her teeth and tear her clothes and beat upon the floor. Instead she said, “Close the gates. Will you make me say it thrice?” They were her children, but she could not help them now.

Even though this is an awful call to have to make, it is the right one. Leaving the gates open long enough to let everyone from Astapor in would have left Meereen exposed to Yunkai’s attack, and Meereen barely has enough food to feed their own people and wouldn’t have been able to sustain thousands more. Most importantly, though, is that the people from Astapor are carrying the Bloody Flux, which is basically an even more contagious version of dysentery; men who Daenerys had sent into the Astapori camps to help feed them all caught the flux and most died from it. If she had let them into Meereen, the whole city could have been wiped out.

In the end, I think Daenerys made the right choices when it came to Astapor and Yunkai (even though the decisions she made were far from perfect or even good). But, why did she have to make those hard choices at all? Ruling a city was never going to be easy, but the unrest in both Astapor and Yunkai, though she approached them with two entirely different strategies, is making a clear point: Daenerys never should have left them. Meereen is the only city of Slaver’s Bay that is able to keep the slaves freed, and it is also the only city where Daenerys stayed. No matter how radical the change is (like Astapor), or subtle (Yunkai), someone needs to stay and make sure the change stays in place. So, while Daenerys ultimately made the right choices to keep her own city safe, she is the one who left Astapor and Yunkai in positions to fall apart.

The biggest problem Daenerys faces inside Meereen is the threat from the Sons of the Harpy, a shadow-group of murderers who target freedmen. This is also the best ruling Daenerys does as queen, rarely making a poor choice and mostly making the best one. Trying to ease the tensions between the Nobles and the Freedmen is an almost impossible task, though, because of the long history of Meereen’s slave trade; and the sacking of the city only served to make it worse. The freed slaves are entirely justified in their hatred of their former masters, but since the slaves were given immunity for crimes they committed during the sack, the masters are even more horrible to the freedmen than they would have been otherwise. Since noble women were raped, property was defaced or stolen, and people were murdered, tensions in Meereen are running higher than ever as Daenerys tries to stop the killing.

The first steps she takes against the Harpy is to mix her City Guard, which was previously all Unsullied, to equal parts freedmen and Shavepates (former nobles who have taken to Dany’s cause), so that the Sons of the Harpy would have to kill their own; and to pay for these men, she enacts a “blood tax” that charges the nobles whenever the Harpy kills someone.

Even though these are good ideas, the killings don’t stop, and Daenerys has to try something else; eventually she decides on taking young hostages from the noble families, under threat of death if the killings continue. When she is actually faced with having to kill her hostages, though, she cannot go through with it; and that was the right decision. If she had killed them, it would have only served to give the noble families another excuse to fight against her rule and would have been used as evidence of her cruelty. By sparing them and befriending them, Daenerys is actually building bonds and relationships with the next generation of noble families that can only benefit her in the future.

But Daenerys can’t wait years to see the killings stop, and needs a solution to stop the Harpy immediately. The only thing that could do that is a permanent tie between Daenerys, who represents (in the eyes of the former masters) the former slaves, and a noble family; and the best way to do that is a marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq, who has the Green Grace’s approval and has offered to marry Daenerys. She knows that marrying Hizdahr is her only choice:

“My people are bleeding. Dying. A queen belongs not to herself, but to the realm. Marriage or carnage, those are my choices. A wedding or a war.”

She resists this decision for a long time, and then tells Hizdahr that she won’t marry him unless Meereen goes 90 days with no murders. The reason she resists the marriage are obvious; it is the ultimate act of giving up her own agency for Meereen. Once she commits to marrying Hizdahr, she is losing the chance to choose who she loves, or to make a marriage alliance in Westeros. The idea of giving up herself in this way is devastating to Dany, and she’s only willing to make the choice when she’s absolutely sure that it will work, and that she has no other choice. But she does marry Hizdahr, because she knows that as a queen, she should put her people first:

“A queen loves where she must, not where she will."

Her decision to marry Hizdahr is the one true attempt Daenerys makes to be a part of the Meereenese culture, and the way she blends Meereenese wedding traditions with her own – accepting the harmless and replacing the offensive – is a great example of how Daenerys could move forward in Meereen peacefully.

Now that I’ve explained what Dany did right fighting the Sons of the Harpy, she does make some morally wrong calls. The killings make Daenerys justifiably angry, but the way she handles that anger is letting the Shavepate torture suspects and their kids:

Mercy, thought Dany. They will have the dragon’s mercy. “Skahaz, I have changed my mind. Question the man sharply.”

“I could. Or I could question the daughters sharply whilst the father looks on. That will wring some names from him.”

“Do as you think best, but bring me names.” Her fury was a fire in her belly.

It is one thing to torture someone you only suspect of being involved in a crime, but it is even worse to torture girls just to get at their father. And while this is the only instance we hear of Daenerys allowing the torture of people she knows are innocent to try and get confessions, it’s made clear that the Shavepate is torturing a lot of people:

“I do not doubt that Skahaz would soon have me confessing. A day with him, and I will be one of the Harpy’s Sons. Two days, and I will be the Harpy. Three, and it will turn out I slew your father too, back in the Sunset Kingdoms when I was yet a boy. Then he will impale me on a stake and you can watch me die. . . but afterward the killings will go on.”

“I do not trust these confessions. You’ve brought me too many of them, all of them worthless.”

The first quote is from Hizdahr, showing that the Shavepate has a reputation amongst the noble families of being especially brutal. Dany allowing that kind of behavior gives the nobles real reasons to hide behind when they don’t support her. And the second quote is from Dany herself, showing that Hizdahr’s perspective wasn’t biased, and the Shavepate truly is getting false confessions from people; which more than suggests his methods are particularly brutal.

Furthering the divide between the Nobles and Freedman, Daenerys forces the Nobles into labor, digging fields to plant trees. Xaro Xhoan Daxos notices this when he enters the city, and uses it against Dany when she refuses to let the other cities have slaves, since the men forced to work for Dany are asking to be made slaves again.

Besides marrying Hizdahr, the biggest choice Dany has to make for the good of Meereen is chaining her dragons. Locking them away is a huge sacrifice for Daenerys, since she sees them as her children, and it leaves her at a political disadvantage when negotiating with Yunkai and Qarth (since the dragons are her only real advantage). Without them, Dany is worried she won’t even be able to hold Meereen:

Without dragons, how could she hope to hold Meereen, much less win back Westeros?

And she knows that she could destroy her enemies with them:

She was the blood of the dragon. She could kill the Sons of the Harpy, and the sons of the sons, and the sons of the sons of the sons.

But Dany also knows that however useful dragons are for killing enemies, they can’t bring peace to the city:

But a dragon could not feed a hungry child nor help a dying woman’s pain.

On the surface, Daenerys chaining her dragons seems like a very good thing she did; but again, just like with the disasters of Astapor and Yunkai, Daenerys helps create a problem, waits until it hits a fever pitch, and then makes the right choice at the end. All the way back in A Storm of Swords, Daenerys was already having fears about her dragons:

"Did any of them try to burn their way free?" That was the thing that frightened Dany the most.

Also in that book, Drogon gets upset and bites Irri hard enough to make her bleed. So, even before A Dance with Dragons starts, there is plenty of warning signs about what her dragons are capable of. And once the book starts, and some time has passed for the dragons to grow even larger, it’s clear the dragons have only become more unruly:

Her dragons were growing wild of late. Rhaegal had snapped at Irri, and Viserion had set Reznak’s tokar ablaze the last time the seneschal had called. I have left them too much to themselves, but where am I to find the time for them?

And Drogon has been out hunting, killing many people’s livestock:

In my meta about Daenerys’ personal arc, I’ll discuss more of how she could let the dragons get so far out of hand before intervening, but right now I just want to draw attention to how bad a decision that was politically. Even before Hazzea is killed, Drogon burning the sheep is starting to become a problem between Daenerys and her people; as she noticed when she agreed to pay the people off, it doesn’t make them happy. And it’s especially bad that Daenerys is starting to lose their support, because they are all she has; since the nobles don’t support her, Daenerys depends on the freedmen and lower classes to keep her crown.

But the biggest issue with Daenerys allowing Drogon to roam the hillsides, is how obvious it was that an incident like Hazzea was inevitably going to happen. Once Hazzea is killed, Daenerys’ rule depends on the silence of a grieving father; because, if her murder ever got out, the city of Meereen would abandon Daenerys. It also puts her in a position where she has to take advantage of one of her people:

Dany chose to pay the blood price. No one could tell her the worth of a daughter, so she set it at one hundred times the worth of a lamb. “I would give Hazzea back to you if I could,” she told the father, “but some things are beyond the power of even a queen. Her bones shall be laid to rest in the Temple of the Graces, and a hundred candles shall burn day and night in her memory. Come back to me each year upon her nameday, and your other children shall not want . . . but this tale must never pass your lips again.”

“Men will ask,” the grieving father had said. “They will ask me where Hazzea is and how she died.”

“She died of a snakebite,” Reznak mo Reznak insisted. “A ravening wolf carried her off. A sudden sickness took her. Tell them what you will, but never speak of dragons.”

Daenerys rule rests on the good will and/or fear of a grieving father. All because she put her dragons before her people.

Tokars

The choices Daenerys has to make with Astapor and Yunkai, where she has to leave people to be enslaved or die because she can’t save everyone, start to break Dany’s will and it gets harder and harder for her to keep giving parts of herself to Meereen. But those are not the reasons that Daenerys decides to abandon the city at the end of A Dance with Dragons; I touched upon it earlier, but the real reason her rule in Meereen is unsustainable is that Daenerys doesn’t want to be a queen. She holds onto the idealized version she had, of being a mother to her people and feeling as if she belongs; but the actual day to day responsibilities of being a Queen, of representing even the people she doesn’t like, and making hard choices, is not for her. She is still a young girl, and often times foolish in the way she carries herself.

I want to preface this next section by saying this: if it seems like I’m being hard on Dany, that’s because I am. She, more than any other character in A Song of Ice and Fire, should be held to a higher standard; because she wields more power than anyone else. Cersei as Queen Mother and Jon as Lord Commander come the closest, but Cersei’s power is tied to Tommen and easily taken by Margaery, and Jon’s power is limited to the very small number of men in the Night’s Watch. Daenerys controls an entire city, and has three dragons to do whatever she wants with. And Dany intentionally sought her power out, completely out of self-interest; while her time in Slaver’s Bay evolves into a humanitarian effort, it began as her trying to gather an army to take back her family’s throne – not to better the lives of the smallfolk, but because she feels Westeros belongs to her. She went looking for power, and managed to get it; enough so that people live and die based on her choices. Because more lives are at stake, Daenerys should be held to a higher standard. Keep that in mind while reading. . .

From the first chapter, Daenerys’ immaturity is on display:

If he proposes again that I wed King Cleon, I’ll throw a slipper at his head.

She finds holding court very boring, and it’s hard for her to keep her “floppy ears” on:

The slippers the Butcher King had sent her had grown too uncomfortable. Dany kicked them off and sat with one foot tucked beneath her and the other swinging back and forth. It was not a very regal pose, but she was tired of being regal. The crown had given her a headache, and her buttocks had gone to sleep.

But while holding court, she manages to keep her discontent mostly to herself. Meeting with Xaro Xhoan Daxos, she is less diplomatic:

She took a cherry from the bowl on the table and threw it at his nose

His jeweled nose made a tempting target. This time Dany threw an apricot at him.

I cannot stress enough how immature this is; the Queen of Meereen throwing fruit at one of the Thirteen of Qarth. However annoying she finds Xaro, a queen should carry herself with more self-control.

The tokar, a traditional Meereenese garb worn by the nobility, is the way GRRM symbolizes Daenerys’ lack of patience with Meereen and queenship. This is how she describes the tokar:

The garment was a clumsy thing, a long loose shapeless sheet that had to be wound around her hips and under an arm and over a shoulder, its dangling fringes carefully layered and displayed. Wound too loose, it was like to fall off; wound too tight, it would tangle, trip, and bind. Even wound properly, the tokar required its wearer to hold it in place with the left hand. Walking in a tokar demanded small, mincing steps and exquisite balance, lest one tread upon those heavy trailing fringes. It was not a garment meant for any man who had to work. The tokar was a master's garment, a sign of wealth and power.

Daenerys is right that it is a garment for the wealthy, because the design of the tokar makes it impossible for practical use, so her hatred isn’t entirely unjustified. But the tokar also represents the tightwire Dany has to walk as queen; one step out of line, and the tokar could fall off, and she would lose her floppy ears. And that’s why she hates it: all of her attention goes to keeping it on, and it limits her freedom. The tokar is everything she hates about Meereen. Knowing the tokar represents Dany’s complicated relationship with Meereen, it’s fascinating to see the details GRRM has woven into her chapters:

With Jhiqui's help, she wound the tokar about herself correctly on her third attempt.

Meereen being the third city she conquered in Slaver’s Bay, the symbolism is pretty clear. The idea that she gets her third attempt correct also reinforces a point I’ve been trying to make through this post; for all of her missteps, Daenerys actually manages to achieve peace in Meereen. But in the end, she throws it away (but I’ll get into that more later).

When Hazzea’s father lingers in her court after she has dismissed everyone, it angers Dany:

As Dany stood, her tokar began to slip. She caught it and tugged it back in place. "You with the sack," she called, "did you wish to speak with us? You may approach."

The tokar is the physical manifestation of Dany’s “floppy ears”, and when she lets her queenly façade slip, so does her garment. But it’s very important that while the tokar sometimes slips, Dany never lets it fall. Like the mistakes she makes as queen, she can fix her dress before it all comes crashing down. She can, and did, make the peace in Meereen work, even if she came dangerously close to failing; Daenerys learned to walk the tightwire of Meereen. The only way the tokar will fall is if she chooses to take it off.

And that’s exactly what she does. After marrying Hizdahr, she agrees to attend the fighting pits with him, and that’s when she hits her breaking point. Through all the sacrifices she has to make, keeping the fighting pits closed is the one thing she never had to give in to. So, when she is faced with seeing her last stand fall to the Meereenese, she is looking for reasons to walk. Then Barsena begins her fight:

The boar buried his snout in Barsena’s belly and began rooting out her entrails. The smell was more than the queen could stand. The heat, the flies, the shouts from the crowd. . . I cannot breathe.

I think people focus too much on Drogon’s shocking return in the fighting pits, and forget what Dany was doing before he arrived. Practically speaking, Drogon returns because he smells meat and blood and wants to kill; but symbolically speaking, Drogon returns at the moment Daenerys stopped pretending in Meereen. And previously when Daenerys was faced with the choice of saving her dragons or saving her people, she was willing to chain the dragons. But this time, Daenerys is willing to let people die to save Drogon:

Drogon raised his head, blood dripping from his teeth. The hero leapt onto his back and drove the iron spearpoint down at the base of the dragon’s long scaled neck.

Dany and Drogon screamed as one.

Ser Barristan held her tightly. “Look away, Your Grace.”

“Let me go!” Dany twisted from his grasp. The world seemed to slow as she cleared the parapet.

In total, Drogon killed 214 people and wounded three times as many before he finally leaves with Dany. Politically speaking, this is a disaster for Daenerys. The Yunkish envoys were caught in the fire and killed, as well as many highborn nobles and even freedmen. Where Daenerys was able to cover up Hazzea’s death, there is no hiding what Drogon has done in Daznak’s Pit. And that’s why in her absence, Meereen completely collapses and war begins.

But Daenerys was never going to go back to the city as their queen. When she is in the Dothraki Sea, she tries to convince herself to go back, even walking toward the city, but even before Drogon arrived in the Pit, Daenerys gave up on the peace she had worked so hard to make. The tokar is her “floppy ears”, the thing that allows her to be a queen of the rabbits; to take it off, Daenerys is saying she has no interest in doing that anymore.

Like I said at the beginning, Daenerys’ A Dance with Dragons arc splits into two halves – the personal and the political. If Daenerys X is the personal reckoning she has with herself to embrace Fire & Blood, Daenerys IX (the chapter in Daznak’s Pit) is the political falling out she has with Meereen. The only reason she can have her moment on the Dothraki Sea is because she has already given up on the one thing holding her back from her family’s legacy. It is only fitting that the last thing she does before Drogon appears, is take off the only thing tying her to Meereen:

She lifted her veil and let it flutter away. She took her tokar off as well. The pearls rattled softly against one another as she unwound the silk.

“Khaleesi?” Irri asked. “What are you doing?”

“Taking off my floppy ears.”

#daenerys targaryen #anti daenerys #game of thrones #A Song of Ice and Fire #a dance with dragons

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yeniayofnymeria · 5 years ago

Text

GRRM's Original Outline "What has changed?"

Hello,

Now you all know Martin's letter he wrote in '93. When this letter was written and sent to the editor, the first 13 chapters (200 pages) were already written. In addition, the book consisted of three volumes of the first stage, but as you know, but its 7 volumes now.When we read the letter and the first 5 books, the first comment made was very different and different from the first outline; one or two things remain the same. But is it really? Here I would like to discuss this with you. I think I will go through the events step by step and you will make your own contributions when you read. Let's start!

1. Stark-Lannister war. It's remain, nothing changed.

2. (Dany) Targaryen's 7K invasion with Dothraks. It's still did not happend but we know Dany has Unsullied and some sellswords and next book, she will have Dothraks too. She will linger a little more in essos and then come to the West for the conquer. It's remain too.

3. The Others. GRRM said " Their story will be [sic] heart of my third volume, The Winds of Winter. " It's remain too.

4. Five Main Key Characters (Jon, Arya, Bran, Dany and Tyrion). " In a sense, my trilogy is almost a generational saga, telling the life stories of these five characters, three men and two women. The five key players are Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and three of the children of Winterfell, Arya, Bran, and the bastard Jon Snow." It's remain too.

5. Fall of the Starks. " Things will get a lot worse for the poor Starks before they get better, I'm afraid. " Yes, indeed it happened.

6. Dead of Robert and long may live new king! "Ned will discover what happened to his friend Jon Arryn... will have an unfortunate accident, and the throne will to brutal Joffrey, still a minor." Yes, it happened too. This substance remained the same too.

7.Sansa and Joffrey. "Sansa Stark wed to Joffrey Baratheon, will bear him a son, the heir to the throne, and when the crunch comes she will choose her husband and child over her parents and siblings, a choice she will later bitterly rue. " Sansa betrays his family anyway but she did not wed Joffrey or bear his son. This substance has changed a bit.

8. Bran's coma and dream and greenseer and dead of Robb. " Young Bran will come out of his coma, after a strange prophetic dream... He will turn to magic, at first in the hope of restoring his legs, but later for its own sake... Robb Stark will die in battle."

Bran's the same, but Robb's got some change. Robb doesn't die in a war against Joffrey, Jaime and Tyrion. But he really wins a few battles at first (against Tywin. So there's no Tywin in the first place) and then he dies at the Red Wedding.

Bran's in a coma. So Jaime and Cersei are standing exactly. This shows that Jon Arryn's death is due to his learning of the relationship(Jaime-Cersei). So Joff was a bastard in the first outline too. Ned died for the same reason.

Tyrion did not burn Winterfell but fought against Stark army and became Hand of King. Jaime fought against Robb too and lost, was captured. This part is different in some ways, but the same in some ways.

9. Jon Snow, The Wall and Lord Commander. " Jon Snow, the bastard, will remain in the far north. He will mature into a ranger of great daring, and ultimately will succeed his uncle as the commander of the Night's Watch "

Jon goes the wall and will became lord commander but Benjen was lord commander in the first place but it seems he dies anyway or disappear. It's remain.

10. Helping family and Jonarya Love. " When Winterfell burns, Catelyn Stark will be forced to flee north with her son Bran and her daughter Arya. Wounded by Lannister riders, they will seek refuge at the Wall, but the men of the Night's Watch give up their families when they take the black, and Jon and Benjen will not be able to help, to Jon's anguish. It will lead to a bitter estrangement between Jon and Bran. Arya will be more forgiving ... until she realizes, with terror, that she has fallen in love with Jon, who is not only her half-brother but a man of the Night's Watch, sworn to celibacy. Their passion will continue to torment Jon and Arya throughout the trilogy, until the secret of Jon's true parentage is finally revealed in the last book. "

Winterfell is being burned by Greyjoys. Cat is not with Stark children, he is with Robb. Bran and others run away and went to the Wall. But Bran and others did not take refuge in the black brothers. Jon has something to do with Arya again. He wants to protect and save her(FArya). He can't do it because of his vows and he's in a lot of pain... And we know who is Jon's real parents.

Jon and Arya love... It's still too early to say anything about it. When Arya goes to the wall, the love between the two emerges. Arya escaped from KL as in the first outline. But instead of going home, she drifted into her own adventure. Arya has been trying to get home and Jon all along. She'll probably go straight to the wall when she gets back from Braavos. There are so many hints about Jonarya love in books. ( https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/125364-jon-arya-hints-and-overall-significance-of-their-relationship-including-part-3/ )

11. Beyond The Wall and Bran-Cat-Arya. "Abandoned by the Night's Watch, Catelyn and her children will find their only hope of safety lies even further north, beyond the Wall, where they fall into the hands of Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall, and get a dreadful glimpse of the inhuman others as they attack the wilding encampment. Bran's magic, Arya's sword Needle, and the savagery of their direwolves will help them survive, but their mother Catelyn will die at the hands of the others." This part has undergone significant changes. Despite this, some small parts remained.

Arya is not with them, Cat neither but she dies anyway (and came back but as fire wight not ice wight). Bran never meet Mance(yes, Mance exists) and see others but he sees deads and met Cold Hand(ice wight) and BR and Singers. I guess Rickon is not exists.

Arya has Needle, that's mean Jon gave her it anyway. And direwolves...

12. Dany, Viserys and Drogo. “Over across the narrow sea, Daenerys Targaryen will discover that her new husband, the Dothraki Khal Drogo, has little interest in invading the Seven Kingdoms, much to her brother's frustration. When Viserys presses his claims past the point of tact or wisdom, Khal Drogo will finally grow annoyed and kill him out of hand, eliminating the Targaryen pretender and leaving Daenerys as the last of her line. Danerys [sic] will bide her time, but she will not forget. When the moment is right, she will kill her husband to avenge her brother, and then flee with a trusted friend into the wilderness beyond Vaes Dothrak. " Only 5% of this part has changed.

13. Dragon Eggs and Invasion Plans."There, hunted by [unclear] of her life, she stumbles on a [something about dragon eggs] a young dragon will give Daenerys [unclear] bend [unclear] to her will. Then she begins to plan for her invasion of the Seven Kingdoms." This part has changed 95%.

14. Tyrion's Fate. "Tyrion Lannister will continue to travel, to plot, and to play the game of thrones, finally removing his nephew Joffrey in disgust at the boy king's brutality. Jaime Lannister will follow Joffrey on the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, by the simple expedient of killing everyone ahead of him in the line of succession and blaming his brother Tyrion for the murders. Exiled, Tyrion will change sides, making common cause with the surviving Starks to bring his brother down, and falling helplessly in love with Arya Stark while he's at it. His passion is, alas, unreciprocated, but no less intense for that, and it will lead to a deadly rivalry between Tyrion and Jon Snow."

Yes, it seems this part almost completely changed. But Tyrion has been betrayed by his family in every way(Tysha thing and attempt to kill), just it changed "how it will be" This betrayal caused him to change sides. Only on Targaryen side instead of Stark. But Tyrion will probably be on the Stark side too.

Tyrion is exiled to Essos, not north. Jaime's not the bad guy in the story, Cersei is. Joffrey's dying. In the first Outline, Jaime kills everyone, so Sansa is dead. In the present story, Sansa is still alive and her story continues. They're not named, but probably Joff's siblings are in the first outline and they're dead.

There's no competition between Tyrion and Jon(Arya). It's hard to expect it at this point. We need to wait for the next encounter, but I don't think it will. Unlike the first otline, Jon and Tyrion are good friends. If GRRM designs a love triangle like the first one, maybe they can be enemies. Or maybe he changed the third candidate for that love triangle. (However, if you read Mercy POV, GRRM is waving its hand to this love triangle there.)

In general, the outline / skeleton remains exactly the same, even the characters' motives are more or less the same; there are big changes in a few places, but not so big changes in the remaining parts. Same affliction, betrayal and so on that will ensure the development of the character. Situations occurred in one way or another. It's just that things have gone differently ... but betrayal comes from the family again and (Jon) he's suffering because he can't help the family.

He keeps his end.

GEORGE: […]As I write these last two books, I’ll be moving towards the ending I’ve known since 1991/

“Some major characters — yes, I always had plans, what Tyrion’s arc was gonna be through this, what Arya’s arc was gonna be through this, what JonSnow’s arc is gonna be. ”

...

I don’t want to reveal what I’ve planned for some of these characters, but I’m pretty well on track with most of the major characters. It’s minor characters like Bronn that assume greater importance.”

At Balticon 2016 he said he knows who sits on the Iron Throne at the end.

A year later, in a video interview he continued by saying he has always known the fates of his main characters, who lives or dies, marries who...etc since 1991 when he began writing.

That's all. Thank you for read and sorry again for my bad English. Bye.

#grrmartin #asoiaf #aryastark #jonsnow #outline #JonryaWeek2020

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yukikorogashi · 4 years ago

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🍓 // also sending you all the love in the world bc you are a precious angel and I hope you're feeling better! <3

Send me a 🍓 and I’ll compliment you!

AND I’M SENDING ALL THAT LOVE BACK TO YOU, BEAUTIFUL!!! Because lord knows you deserve it and more!!! ;o; ❤️❤️❤️

So ooof, Dani... I just want to start off by saying that you are truly one of the warmest, kindest, brightest, most genuine human beings that I have ever gotten to meet. Truly, you exude nothing but warmth and sunshine, with every chance I get to speak with you, or just see you on the dash itself. And I’m so thankful to have known you for as long as I have. It always feels like I’m talking to my big sister who always has my back, y’know? One who is always so ready to give me hugs, and an assuring word when needed. And ofc, it’s not just me, no no. I see you showering all your other friends with that love and support. And this is why I always just love seeing you on the dash, man, like-- when I do, I legit go “I LOVE YOU GIR I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!”

And oof, your talent, gir... YOUR TALENT. it’s a known fact that I admire the HECK out of your writing prowess, when I first found your Nisha blog. So when we finally started to interact with one another more, I was over here flipping out on my luck aehua!!! Heck, I know I was doing just that whenever you would send in an ask or just... anything really. And from then on, you would introduce me to your other amazing muses, including your beautiful OCs. So, so much love and thought are put into every single one of them, and oof... they are all absolute things of beauty, okay? I know I really want to draw Amari when I get the chance too because, aaaaaaa... the entire concept behind her is just... gorgeous beyond words. And again, seeing just how much research you put into her is downright inspiring! The consideration, the respect, the huge amount of love you pour into every little detail. 🙏

And hello your cosplays??? They are all so so amazingly done and I always love seeing what you are working on next! And it’s so hard to pick which one is my fave, tbh. Because you killed it with all of them!!! You always just look so spectacularly fierce in every cosplay that you adorn (Like you literally ARE that character, and aren’t just dressing up as them hehe), and I’m just in absolute awe tbh. I know I still need to design a logo for your brand, and I’m really excited for that! Especially since we already have a pretty clear concept on what we want!!!

So hey errm, don’t you ever forget how much I love you, Dani. My heart is full of nothing but admiration, love and respect for you. And I’ll be forever grateful to have you in my life, okay? Keep shining brightly, you beautiful bean you, MUACK!!!

@gyedie ❤️

#gyedie #❄️BECKOWSKY SPEAKING! ❄️#(And tysm for that adorable ask from Cindy I really hope to answer it over this weekend!!! <333)#(Ilusmmmm <333)

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winbutlerscowbell · 5 years ago

Text

Terminator Dark Fate Analysis Mexico Edition

Welcome to the Terminator Dark Fate Analysis Mexico Edition, where I’m going to dissect, comment and give my constructive criticism at every reference, landscapes, locations and well, everything that goes Mexican in this movie of ours.

First things first: I just realized the version delivered to the mexican theaters is DIFFERENT to the rest of the world, why? Because the characters who originally speak Spanish are DUBBED AGAIN, like double dubbed. So ironically, in Mexico we couldn’t get to hear precious things like “no mames”, WE WERE DAMN ROBBED.

OK HERE WE GO:

That bridge is sending me, it really looks like a bridge from here or vial distributor like they call it in a more elegant way.

No, forget it. That kind of bridge doesn’t exist here but nice try, I appreciate that.

Here’s where something really funny starts because what they say doesn’t match with the subtitles at all hahaha

The girl says “no mames” and it’s subtitled to “Oh my God” AND it was dubbed as “No inventes” hahaha this can’t be...

And here, the guy says “yo siento lo mismo”, it’s subtitled as “I feel it too” which is accurate but when they dubbed it they went with “¿y esos ojos?” lmao

Can’t forget to mention this ICONIC scene, of course.

The moment when the cops arrive reminds me of the meme where there’s some thiefs robbing something and the cops are asleep but there’s someone naked or doing something else and a fucking troop arrives, here is one example of the meme I’m talking about:

kidnappers - cops asleep, thiefs - cops asleep,narcos - cops asleep,an old lady selling flowers - the fucking troops.

"¿Qué le pasó a tu amiga, wey?" the cop saying this hahahsha lmao like I said WE WERE FUCKING ROBBED.

The girl saying “qué pedo wey” when they’re arresting her hahah, I actually predicted at least one “que pedo” would be said in this movie and finally I can see my prediction turned out to be true #SamPatchVidente

The casa de papel guy aka the cop is going to be beaten the shit out for wanting to take Grace to the ministerio publico.

Cops getting beaten the shit out of them: oil on canvas

And here’s the first mistake: the patrols have signs saying “policia municipal” and “cdmx” (Mexico City). In real life that’s impossible as “policia municipal” (municipal police) is one thing and “cdmx” is a totally different city, patrols can’t have both things but hey, the design is spot on.

"Eso estuvo padrísimo wey" hahsha lmao this time I prefer the dubbing where they go with “eso estuvo padrísimo, güera”, cause I like when they call Grace güera.

Never in my life I imagined I’d be alive to see this piece of art: Mackenzie with “Sí señor” playing in the background. The first time I saw this I was losing my shit even more cause Mackenzie was somewhere in the same room, probably watching the scene too. This is so powerful, wow.

This is sending me hashaha, in the dubbed versión the guy shouts at her “pinche gringa ratera” (fucking gringa thief or something) and it’s translated to “Go to hell lady” come on hahahaha so I prefer that over the original version, damn it I wish I could have a hybrid version of this cause is gold.

The heroic CDMX, fuck yessss! I would have loved to see the Popocatepetl. I’d like to think the suavicrema is in the background, so maybe is Chapultepec?. So what is a suavicrema? Could be like a brand of ice cream wafer and that tall building in the background looks like one, lol. Omg, ok I’ll stop.

Next: we can see doña pelos in here cooking her food. Doña pelos or doña lupe is how we call every lady who sells food in the street, so for practical effects this lady is doña pelos.

Here’s the proof we call them like that:

It translates: “So doña pelos is taking marketing courses” cause she’s using an Adobe logo to promote her food of the day, which is “adobo de cerdo” hahaha

Let’s move on.

No, it’s not “do you want your tamal”, it’s “tortita de tamal” aka the famous guajolota, that’s what she’s asking. A guajolota is “a sandwich composed of a tamal placed inside a bolillo or telera, which is a rounder version of a bolillo.” Yes, I got it from Wikipedia, don’t judge.

Also, a lady selling garnachas (like quesadillas, etc.) AND tamales? That’s new.

She also sells mangos? Wowowowow that’s versatility.

And “le robo un manguito” “can I steal a mango?” Dani, you have to pay for that, you can go to jail for like 30 years, I’m serious, remember the meme of the cops?

Someone said she may be a prostitute and I can’t even…so you can’t dress with whatever you want? But also I’m a little suspicious and she actually may be one depending on what zone is Dani supposed to live.

A pink cab! I thought it was a Nissan Tsuru because they always are but this time it’s not. Missed opportunity, production design team.

“Let’s put Frida Kahlo to emphasize this is Mexico, what a good idea , why not?”

Multifamiliar o vecindad? we're about to find out.

Why does she have a bike hanging on the wall? Is that a thing?

The fruit on the table, the vase, and the squared table cloth, that evoked things in me.

About the music: I mean, it’s okay they put latin music but I am fucking sick to death of this Bomba Estereo song, I fucking hate it. There, I said it.

147 likes, that’s how excited the guys who think they’re Dj’s or something are when they upload things to soundcloud.

One thing I don’t understand is: if they live in Mexico City, why are they talking in english now? Did I miss something?

Never seen anyone in my life name a dog “Taco”, only “Chilaquil” but that’s another story.

Arturitooo from la casa de papel! or how I like to call him: el cñor <3 (it means señor but with a c because it sounds the same).

Interestingly, now there are two actors from la casa de papel appearing here hahaha

LMFAO that’s a flagrant fucking typo: “tomalito” hahshaha that’s an unforgivable mistake. It’s “tamalito” obviously.

Now, what’s up with the serape blanket on the wall? Hahaha we call them sarapes but come on, we’re not like that…well yeah but no… It would have been funny if the serape had a drawing of the last dinner hahaha that would have triggered childhood memories.

The cñor from la casa de papel is going to the imss for his medical check up. Imss is a horrible public health institution but that’s what we have so…

Ok, this is GOLD: the serape blanket, a picture of la Virgen de Guadalupe, the couch covered with sheets and ANOTHER serape blanket, the sewing machine hahaha they missed the calendar from the fruit store or the butch shop, damn haha

Did taco survive? I guess not :(

Also when Diego sings: Y’all, you could have saved some good money by picking up another song, I mean, it’s a beautiful song by Juan Gabriel but I heard it was very expensive and now in retrospective you could have saved something in this little simple thing.

So it’s a vecindad I guess.

And how did they hang the clothes in the middle? :v Can these people fly? That would be a Mexican super power to take advantage of the maximum possible space.

Un viejo encueradooooo, tápese cochino.

A green bussssss!!! We call them microbuses and the location gives me historical downton vibes because of all the people in the street.

Oopppp another pink cab, I love it.

I am the only person on this planet who is excited to see those microbuses in this movie, yes I am.

I FINALLY KNOW WHAT THE ROUTE OF THE MICROBUS SAYS! It says "LAGO DE GUADALUPE, E. ZAPATA" WHICH IS INCORRECT HAHAHAHA. Also, the man with the hat hahaha it’s Mexico City not Monterrey.

Lago de Guadalupe is not in Mexico City and “E. Zapata” maybe is the subway station but they’re absolutely not close to each other, well let’s move on.

The casa de papel guy aka Dani’s dad is speaking with a heavy spanish accent tbh

And... Goodbye Mr. casa de papel :(

They make it look as if everybody works there, it’s not a little town, you know?

Why the fuck is an employee riding a bike inside the factory? I don’t get it.

When diego says "chale" hahaha same.

"Un robot, que chido eh" hahaha chido and it’s subtitled as "it's cool" adjka god help me please.

El señor Sánchez represents me.I mean, there was a little bit of criticism because all the mexicans represented here are white but hey, try looking for someone who looks like a mexican in damn Europe, they did the best they could.

Aaaagain: if they are in Mexico City, why the hell are they talking in english? I’ll never understand.

Typical police guy distracted with the damn phone, yes we are in Mexico.

That policeman looks like Burt Reylonds (?)

Wish Grace would’ve arrived in that microbus hahahaha

That microbus is weird, nope I don't know her.

That microbus has the same route as the previous one but it has something else under “E. Zapata”, like “Tecnologico” or something like that, ooofff maybe it’s Tecnologico de Monterrey hahaha that college is kinda near Lago de Guadalupe so haha ok, let’s keep going.

Another distracted cop, my Mexico.

I love how Grace beats cops everywhere, this is an irrelevant scene for this analysis but I just love it so much.

Back to the factory: "Qué hace aquí tu jefe?" jasjdd "que haces aquí, jefe", the slang is on point here haha

"Olvidaste tu comida mijo" jasdjkhd

"Me quieren reemplazar por esa pinche máquina" apparently translates to a "they’re replacing me with that damn machine" jaksdj at least put a “fucking” or something.

Again that heavy spanish accent with that deep voice, hmmm

I’m going to ignore the Factory fight because there’s no Mexican stuff here.

Well, Diego and Dani keep saying “vámonos” and they don’t fucking leave haha

“GET IN” and Dani saying "ya güera ya güera" jakdhakjd I love her

Pink cab is saved from being destroyed by Grace.

Here comes the policía municipal to spoil everything.

Ok, my theory is they are in the limits of Mexico City and the metropolitan area aka the state which is also a kinda not very good looking place and omg hahaha I love that.

Here’s when Diego slips an almost inaudible “no mames”, I know I heard it.

And well, THANK YOU GOVERNOR OF MEXICO CITY BECAUSE THE PATROLS ARE NOT THE SAME COLOR AND THEY’RE NOT ACCURATE ANYMORE, THANK YOU FOR SPOILING EVERYTHING.

These are our patrols now:

Ugh.

Noooo the tacos :( this really hurt a lot.

This is where I think they enter a highway called “circuito exterior mexiquense” that effectively connects the metropolitan area of the state with Mexico City and I LOVE IT. I love everything, do I?

Also some say the Rev-9 is driving a snow plow truck, is it? The only time it has snowed in Mexico City was in 1967, a long time ago.

Everything is screaming “circuito exterior”, yes I’m getting those vibes and I’m here for it.

Another pink cab is seen. Fun fact: because of its pink and white colors, we call them “hello kittys” and before that they were like wine color and gold so we called them “iron man”.

“FASTER GO FASTER” Grace: “shut the fuck up, dummy” and giving looks that could kill.

Hahahaha those license plates are so damn old and they say “Chihuahua” and “Guanajuato” ahaha doesn’t make very much sense.

The car of my friend hahaha

The truck behaving like my friend’s car.

Here’s where as a mexican citizen who used to drive every day in that highway, I detected some continuity details in the pursuit scene:

ROAD SIGN 1: Nextlalpan/Jaltenco haha on the opposite side of the road.

ROAD SIGN 2: Querétaro/Toluca/Tultitlán on the right side they’re driving

ROAD SIGN 1 again: first mistake fellas, now the sign is in the lane where they’re driving.

ROAD SIGN 3: Ecatepec/Texcoco, how do I know? I just do.

ROAD SIGN 4: This is my fave because in this one there's my shitty town hahaha SALIDA LECHERIA-TEXCOCO AV.JOSE LOPEZ PORTILLO Y COACALCO hahaha

It really looks like the circuit, I drive there a lot of times and Grace was there, destroying everything :')

ROAD SIGN 4: My fave sign now is on the opposite side, mistake number two.

Each and every one of the times I went to the theaters to watch this movie, in this scene everyone was like "ohhhh what? omg nooo"

ROAD SIGN 4: Mistake number 3, the sign of Lecheria is shown again when the Grace truck had already passed there on the other side of the road.

ROAD SIGN 2: There's again the sign of Queretaro/ Toluca/Tultitlan when Grace's truck has already driven over there.

ROAD SIGN 5: Toluca/Lago de Guadalupe, remember? Lago de Guadalupe, just like the microbus route sign.

ROAD SIGN 5: Just because I love to see Mackenzie with those signs in the background hahaha

Anyway, the circuito exterior mexiquense is a fucking mess and of course I love it.

Dani, I wouldn't go to the police either, they’re a bunch of useless idiots and I'm sure they would blame YOU for everything and get you into jail for 40 years.

Really bitch? RECETA MEDICA AJSDKASDK he's asking her for a prescription lmao her face I can’t...

Also I always wondered how Grace understood the pharmacy guy but now I know that in the version brought up here, this guy was dubbed to spanish while in the original version he spoke english, those little differences and I’ll never understand why they did it.

Typical guy filming the mess hahaha

"Qué pasa güera" traduced to "what the hell", nice (not actually)

That looks like a little town but God knows where is it, eww

Sure, we all have an uncle who is a coyote (no, not true). We call them polleros, not coyotes but whatever.

"Ojalá ustedes no fueran tan blancas" "I wish you two weren't so white" hasjdaj Love it.

So they're going to the famous BESTIA (beast), that's the nickname of the train because it's so huge.

I'm laughing hard because in some sites they called this scene "train station scene" hahaha this is everything but a train station haha ffs

Fun fact: I see that train everyday just without migrants, I think they ride the train in other certain places. This is a pic a took of the real bestia:

LOS HEROES TECAMAC JAJAJAJAJA lmao lmao I can't fucking believe it jasjdkaja the little shitty town close to mine LOVE IT

Ciudad Valles jaskdja

Ciudad Victoria.

China??? wtf now that's just random places.

EDIT: Someone replied to his post and told me it’s a place in Nuevo León and yes it is, CHINA, Nuevo León Mx. close to Ciudad Victoria AND LAREDO. And this means I don’t know my country enough. Gracias @vickysan24

Is this supposed to be Guanajuato? when on earth they went to Guanajuato? I need to talk to Sonja Klaus asap

Mackenzie saying "hola" is one of the best things that could've ever happened to me.

ahhh the food jasjdja has a lemon in it, I don't know, could be sincronizadas? hahahsha I think it’s eggs and beans with pico de gallo.

Mastering the skill of grabbing the tortilla like a spoon, nice. She has my seal of approval.

cartel de Sinaloa... really?! I really don't know what to think about this one...come the fuck on.

So that's how they cross huh, they keep putting walls but people always will find a way.

La migra got them:(

I’m going to do a big skip here. The border patrol and the detention center are next and key in the story but I don’t really know how can I bring something new in this analysis, maybe I’ll try later.

Next: When they find Carl.

For a looong time I really thought those beers were Corona and now it turns out they weren’t, sad day but oh well there are much better beers out there, so... *nail polish emoji*

Is that... MOLE DE LA COSTEÑA???? JAJAJSJAJD Did you think I wasn’t going to see that?! That’s a great product placement.

And another picture of la Virgen de Guadalupe.

I'm far from being an expert but i'm not sure if we drink beer like that, with the lemon in the bottle.

Another beer? Yes, thank you.

Even Grace is not sure if beer is drank in that way.

But beer with lemon and salt is everything, I admit it.

Ok, fast forward, no mexican things until the very end;

"Mataste todo lo que quería cabron" jsadkhdjha what a delight! and it’s been translated to "you took everything I had, bastard" lmao yeah, right. Sounds better in spanish, obviously.

Yes people, only a mexican can throw herself to a Terminator and fight with it with her own bare hands.

And to finish this deep analysis, I want to point the great originality (sarcasm on) they had with some character names: Diego Boneta is Diego, Alicia Borrachero aka Carl’s “wife” is called Alicia and at some point the Rev-9 is called Gabriel, like hmm ok, I remember Diego Boneta’s character was rumored to be named Miguel but yeah it was just a rumor. Ohhh and the lady selling tamales her real life name is yes, you guessed it: Mona.

If you’re reading this, I want to thank you for getting this far, for taking your time and I hope this “little analysis” helped you to understand some things better about the movie that maybe you’ve missed in your viewings or to discover new things about Mexico. Did I miss something? Let me know what you think.

#terminator dark fate #Mexico #terminatordestinooculto #film analysis

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ranwing · 5 years ago

Text

KADAM FIC: LEARNING TO FLY (17/?)

Title: Learning to Fly Series: A New Direction (was Season Four Remix) Pairing(s), Characters(s): Kadam, Kurt Hummel, Adam Crawford, Burt Hummel, Rachel Berry, Santana Lopez, Carmen Tibideaux, Cassandra July, Artie Abrams, Tina Cohen-Chang, Elliot “Starchild” Gilbert, Dani, Adam’s Apples, Original Characters Rating: PG13 (rating may change) Genre(s): canon divergence. Parts: 16/?

Summary: As another school year starts at NYADA, Kurt seemed to have it all. The respect of his teachers, a group of wonderful friends and best of all, getting to live with the man that he’d come to love. So of course the universe would throw a few curve balls in his direction.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen, Part Fourteen, Part Fifteen, Part Sixteen

One A03

Rachel felt herself grinning from ear to ear as they exited the theater and looked up at her date, who was happily babbling about they show they’d just seen.

“I’m not going to lie, but I was really dubious about the show. Especially when you said that there were puppets involved,” Neil insisted, keeping Rachel close with an arm about her shoulders. “I was picturing some kind of lame Sesame Street rip-off and a theater full of five-year olds.”

Rachel shook her head. “I thought that you trusted me,” she complained. “It did win the Tony while it was on Broadway.”

“Like that means anything to me,” Neil chided. “But it was hysterical! I couldn’t stop laughing the whole time.”

Rachel was very aware of that and pleased that she’d guessed correctly in choosing the best show to get Neil to dip his toe into the shallow end of the theater world. She’d put the gift from the NYADA alumni to very good use when she announced that this would be their date activity was a Friday evening performance of Avenue Q.

“Whoever wrote those songs is either insane or a total genius,” Neil insisted. “I am never going to get that song out of my head.

“The internet is for porn,” he sang with enthusiasm, albeit very off key. “Why you think the net was born? Porn, porn, porn…”

Rachel giggled, giving him a poke in the side with her elbow. A few people were looking over to stare at Neil’s terrible singing, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him to stop since he seemed to be enjoying himself so much.

“And that scene with the puppets fucking… That’s an image that I’m not going to forget for quite while,” Neil complained playfully. “I’m sure that some parents had no idea what the show was about and had to hustle their kids out once in a while.”

“So, theater isn’t so boring, now?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye. Not that she ever thought that Neil would grow to love it in the way that she did, but she’d be very happy if it became something that they could share in some small way. It seemed that Avenue Q was pretty much the perfect show to take him to see.

Neil looked down at her, seeing the hope in her eyes and allowed himself to smile a little bit. “It wasn’t so bad,” he granted. “Shows like this, I think that I can get behind.”

She was glad that he had enjoyed it since she’d been so insistent on dragging him

He gave her shoulders a squeeze as they walked down the street. “Thanks for bringing me,” Neil insisted, giving her the smile that always caused her knees to weaken. “I really enjoyed it.”

She leaned in, enjoying the feel of his strong body next to hers. “I’m glad. And thank you for coming with me,” she said sincerely.

“Well, since you provided the entertainment, I’m taking you out for dinner,” he proposed, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Elliot said that there’s a really good Indian place just a few blocks from here.”

Rachel sighed happily, letting him guide her away from the New World Stages and allowing herself to just enjoy his company. This wasn’t like anything she had ever planned for her life. In her mind, her ideal partner should be a performer; someone that would be able to fully understand her passions and be a suitable companion on stage as well as life. That she was even entertaining the idea of fitting in a man who couldn’t carry a tune if it came in a bucket and who had nearly zero interest in theater wasn’t anything she could have anticipated.

But like most surprises, it was turning into an especially sweet one. And she was looking forward to seeing just where all this went.

* * *

“Does anyone have any idea what this is about?” Ifan asked as the entire cast of “Butcher’s Bill” walked out from the hotel into the breezy spring sunset.

Niall shrugged. “No clue,” he admitted, not bothering to hide that he was a bit apprehensive. “Has to be something important.”

Adam nodded in agreement, falling into step alongside his friend as they strolled towards the restaurant. They had gotten the call for a dinner meeting with the production team on their one day off, which could mean pretty much anything from an offer of congratulations for a good job or advising that they would all be out of a job by the time dessert was served. They just wouldn’t know what was going on until they were told.

At least they’d get a good meal out of the deal, he considered as they walked into the upscale Italian trattoria. While their pay was quite decent for a touring production of this type, pretty much everyone in the cast was trying to save as much as possible while on the road. They weren’t spending their money on lavish meals so eating in a place like this was not the norm for them. Admittedly, it would be a nice change from the fast food and take out that they’d all been existing on.

Despite the crowd of well-dressed men in suits and ladies in designer dresses waiting for tables, the group of less finely dressed actors were ushered right in to where a pair of large tables were set up for them, set out with fine linens and several bottles of wine and spring water. Adam couldn’t resist looking about, taking in the elegant décor and, despite wearing the best outfit he had in his limited wardrobe, feeling a bit out of place.

Their director was waiting for them with several other men that Adam didn’t recognize but assumed were other members of the production team. Malcom Jellicoe was there as well, looking quietly pleased about things. Adam mentally calculated that this probably boded well, but he’d reserve his opinion until they were told the reason for this gathering.

Mr. Keen smiled as his cast approached and he motioned to the tables. “Good evening everyone,” he greeted cheerfully. “Sit down and make yourselves comfortable. We’ve got dinner ordered and we’ll talk afterwards. Enjoy yourselves.”

Adam and Niall looked at one another and shrugged, deciding to just go along with things and wait to see what was in store. They sat down at one of the tables with some of the others in the cast and tried to ignore the little kernel of worry that refused to go away entirely and enjoy themselves.

In all, it ended up being a perfectly pleasant dinner, with multiple courses served by the friendly and efficient staff. The wine was pleasing and with no show that night, the entire cast was able to indulge a bit. Conversation flowed pleasantly, the entire group relaxing so they could enjoy themselves despite the uncertainty. Adam sipped at his glass of very pleasant Chianti, willing himself to loosen up and enjoy the evening despite any lingering anxiety over the reason behind their dinner meeting. The meal with delicious and topped off with coffee and a tray of pastries placed on the table.

Adam was debating which of the delectable looking desserts tempted him most when Mr. Keen tapped his spoon against his water glass to get their attention.

“All right, folks… I’m sure that by now you’re burning with curiosity about what this is all about,” he granted with a smile. “You can relax because it’s all for good things. Part of this is to celebrate our passing the halfway mark of our tour. You’ve all been doing spectacular work and both critical reviews and ticket sales have been well beyond what we’d hoped for. This is just a small offer our thanks for your effort and dedication.”

The cast gave a sigh of relief that things were going well and Naill reached over to pat Adam on the shoulder. It appears that they would be employed for a bit longer.

Mr. Keen nodded at that response, glad that he hadn’t unduly alarmed his dedicated performers. “Now I have some additional news for you. We’ve mentioned before the tour started about the possibility of a New York opening depending on how our tour is received. Our investors have been paying very close attention to our ticket sales and reviews. I’m happy to inform you that we’ve gotten very positive feedback and we’re now looking at an off-Broadway opening in the spring of next year. Some of the logistics are being worked out and our goal is to have all of our original cast here for that run. I certainly hope that you’ll keep your schedules open for us.”

Adam couldn’t help from grinning in happiness, and saw the expression mirrored on his friends. This was the best news that they could have expected. The prospect of more steady employment and a chance to perform in New York was everything that they could have hoped for.

Best of all, he would be back in New York, working and living with Kurt. He couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“I see that you’re pleased by the prospect,” Mr. Keen teased happily, gratified about their enthusiastic response. “Well, I have some additional good news for you. This winter, we have been invited to perform our play at the Duchess Theater on London’s West End for three weeks in honor of our Mr. Jellicoe being considered as a finalist for the Samuel Becket Theater award. His contributions to British theater are considerable and it is great honor for him to be considered.”

The members of the cast were taken aback and began to chatter excitedly over the prospect. Mr. Keen looked exceedingly pleased and smiled at his performers. “This is a immense tribute to not just our esteemed playwright, but all the hard work that you’ve done. I’ll be able to give you some more details about the exact dates later, but it’s a great joy to all of us that ‘Butcher’s Bill’ is being seen as a worthy project and will continue on.”

Several waiters appeared with bottles of Prosecco to celebrate and poured glasses of sparkling wine for the group. The members of the cast began to chatter excitedly, talking over what this all meant for them. Additional weeks of employment was not something they were going to frown about, and the opportunity to be seen by a greater audience could lead to future opportunities. It was the best news they could have received.

Adam’s mind raced as he considered the implications of this news. Barring the possibility of being run over by a truck, he couldn’t foresee any reason to prevent him from participating and he mentally calculated the scheduling. It would certainly set back any possible staging of his own play, but that was the very least of his concerns. He wasn’t anywhere near where he wanted to be on the rewrites and he knew that the odds for getting it staged in the upcoming season were more than likely not in his favor. He would probably stand a better chance once he was a bit more established as an actor and he had the time to give his play the focus that it deserved.

Staging the play in New York was the best news he could have received. It would save him the pressure of jumping back into the audition mill straight away and likely would open some additional doors for him. But London… that had come as a complete and delightful surprise.

While Adam normally would not be looking forward to leaving New York again, even for a few weeks, this was an opportunity that he knew that he just couldn’t pass up. Besides it being an opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream of performing on the West End, even for just a few weeks, it would allow him an overdue visit with his family.

Hopefully the dates would overlap with Kurt’s winter break. He was very much forward to looking to having an excuse to bringing his boyfriend to his homeland and showing him off to his family and friends there. His mother would be absolutely ecstatic for the visit, though Adam still harbored the suspicion that she would be happiest to see Kurt.

There were so many things to consider over the next few weeks, but it greatly came as a relief that immediate future employment wouldn’t be as significant a concern as it was when he woke up in the morning. If anything, he felt like he had too much going in his favor at the moment. Something would have to give.

The group of actors sauntered back to the hotel, talking excitedly as they discussed the professional bounty that had fallen into their hands. A few weeks or months of work in a show that was earning more than decent critical notice was not something any of them really felt that they would walk away from. It seemed like the entire cast was on board with the London and New York runs.

“Wow,” Niall marveled as he and Adam stepped into their room. “This is insane. I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

“Me neither,” Adam admitted. “I guess the response has been better than we knew.”

Niall looked over to his friend with a broad smile. “I can’t wait to tell Cynth. She’s going to be so happy.”

“Think that she’ll come to London with you?” Adam asked.

Niall grinned widely. “We couldn’t afford a real honeymoon, and she’s got a lot of vacation time saved up. I think I can convince her to cash a week or two in.”

Adam sat down on his bed. “It’ll be nice to see my family,” he said thoughtfully. “And I’ve been wanting to bring Kurt to England, but we haven’t been able to coordinate a time when we’d both be free.”

“Then this will give you the perfect excuse to get him on a plane.” Niall reached over to clap Adam on the shoulder. “Things are looking up for us,” he proclaimed.

Adam nodded, still trying to mentally grasp the incredible opportunity they’d been offered. “When I was a kid, I dreamed of being on the West End,” he admitted.

Niall nodded understandingly. “I did one stint there… a tiny chorus part when I was fifteen,” he explained. “Awful show, but the cast was great and the whole experience… It made me love the theater. I’ve been trying to get back on that stage ever since.”

Adam understood exactly what his friend meant. He’d dreamed of being an actor ever since his mother took him to see a local play, fascinated by how magical it was to bring a story to life. Nothing had been more important than getting to stand on that stage himself.

He had that, and so much more now. It almost felt like it was too much, but he wasn’t going to throw away the opportunities he was given. He was a professional actor now, in a show that was gaining respect with every performance.

The sacrifice was worth it, he realized. He’d regret every day spent away from Kurt, but he now could honestly say that it had been worth it. He was fulfilling his dreams and could be grateful that they were dreams that he shared with the man that he loved. He couldn’t ask for anything else.

It was two days later, on the morning of their final show in Chicago that he realized that he had some choices to make. The email from Mr. Tillman, to see if he was interested in a role for the summer festival wasn’t unexpected and he had spent a bit of time trying to work out if participating would be an option. If he didn’t know that he had “Butcher’s Bill” on his plate for the fall and spring, he probably would have jumped at the opportunity.

Now though… the schedule would be tight, he recognized. The tour was due to end right as rehearsals were set to begin, leaving him with little down time even if everything ran as planned. And he needed to find a new flat for himself and Kurt. Even if Mr. Tillman let him forgo a formal audition based solely on his past work with the company, which he honestly didn’t think would be fair, the schedule of bouncing from one show directly into another would be brutal. He’d then have only a few weeks in the fall to get his life back together before leaving for London.

Adam sighed, weighing out his options. He hated to skip the festival and as tight as the timing would be, it might be workable if he was really determined and there were no delays with the tour’s planned conclusion. Realistically though, he knew that he was going to need some proper downtime after months on the road and needed to deal with the practicalities of getting a roof over his head. This was one of those times when his head needed to overrule his heart and make the practical decision.

He got out his phone and dialed up the festival director, knowing that this was something that he would need to discuss as directly as possible without delay. He owed them nothing less. The line rang a few times before being answered.

“Hello?”

Adam swallowed tightly. “Mr. Tillman, it’s Adam Crawford,” he answered.

“Adam! It’s so good to hear from you,” Mr. Tillman said cheerfully. “How’s the tour going?”

“It’s definitely been a challenge,” Adam admitted, gratified that the director liked to keep abreast of what his performers were up to during the year. “I’ve never done anything like this, so it’s an interesting experience. Today’s our last performance in Chicago and we’re moving on to Minneapolis next. It’s a bit of an endurance trial, but I’m learning a great deal.”

He could almost see the older man nodding in understanding. “Well, I’m sure that you’ve been able to handle things,” he insisted. “So, what can I do for you today? I hope that you’re calling about the festival.”

Adam sighed. “Yes,” he acknowledged. “I know that you’re starting auditions.”

“We’ve had some people in already,” Mr. Tillman advised. “I believe that we’re seeing Kurt later this week, which I’m rather looking forward to after hearing how well he did in his school’s show.”

That brought a smile to Adam’s face. “I’m sure that he’s going to impress you,” Adam assured the director. “He’s grown quite remarkably the past year.”

“Well, I have no doubt that he’ll acquit himself well,” Mr. Tillman assured him. “But let’s talk about you. Have you given some thought to what roles you’d be interested in? I know that auditioning can be a problem with you being out of town, but I think that we can do something less formal based on your past experience with us.”

“I have. That’s actually why I’m calling,” he explained. Adam took a deep breath, knowing that he shouldn’t beat around the bush. “I’ve been thinking things over and with the tour ending right as you’re starting rehearsals, and then my play being prepared for an opening in New York, I just don’t think that I can give the festival the kind of focus that it deserves. I think that I’m going to have to miss this year.”

“Oh… that’s a real shame,” Mr. Tillman said with sincere regret and clearly not expecting the refusal. “I’m quite sorry to hear that. I was hoping that you would consider reading for Oberon with Megan coming back. We’re planning to cast her as Titania.”

Adam smiled, thinking back fondly to the actress who’s played Beatrice the past season and how well they’d worked together. “I’m really sorry,” he said sincerely. “But I need to find a new place to live when I get back to New York, and I just can’t see being able to jump into rehearsals right as the tour ends.”

“It’s all right, Adam,” Mr. Tillman assured him. “I know that you must be working very hard, and I know how difficult being in a touring production can be. We don’t want you to burn out completely. You will definitely be missed this year, but I’m glad that you’re unavailable because things are going so well for you. If I have to lose a performer that I regard so highly, that’s the reason that makes it bearable. We’ve sent a lot of actors off to bigger and better things and it was probably only a matter of time before you became one of them.”

Adam couldn’t help from smiling to himself, grateful for the director’s consideration. He had never seen Mr. Tillman resentful over the success of the performers that the festival nurtured in the three years he’d performed with them. “I appreciate that, sir,” he responded. “But there was something that I did want to run by you.”

“Hmmm? Anything that would be interesting?” the director asked.

“Possibly. I was hoping that even if I can’t perform in the shows that you might be able to use me on the production side of things,” he offered. “I did take quite a few classes on direction and stage management and I’d like to try to get a bit of practical experience.”

Mr. Tillman didn’t answer immediately, and Adam couldn’t help from biting his lower lip nervously and wonder if he was asking too much. He’d thought that they had a good working relationship based on the several years that he’d performed with the company but asking for special consideration could be pushing his luck. It wasn’t as if the company didn’t have a fine staff of professionals managing things and he probably wasn’t needed to hang around the theater and get in the way.

“Let me see what I can do,” Mr. Tillman offered. “I can’t promise a paid position, but we usually have openings for internships if that’s something that would interest you. We could at least cover your room and board during the run of the festival.”

That was exactly what he was hoping for. Even if he ended up working alongside teenagers, the practical experience would be beneficial if he ever wanted to branch out into direction. Seeing the logistics of running a professional production, from casting to staging would be invaluable for him and possibly offer future opportunities if he grew tired of acting.

And if it allowed him to spend more time with Kurt after being apart for so long, so much the better.

“Thank you so much,” Adam said gratefully. “I really appreciate it.”

He could almost hear the smile in Mr. Tillman’s voice. “Well, it would feel odd to not have you around all summer,” he granted with a chuckle. “Don’t worry… I’m sure we’ll find a use for you. Give me a call as we get closer to the season and we’ll work everything out.”

“I will,” Adam assured him. “Thanks again. This means a lot to me.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you there in some capacity,” Mr. Tillman chuckled. “And this way, I can avoid having Kurt pouting all season.”

Adam couldn’t help from laughing a bit. “Well, he and I do appreciate it,” he insisted. “I’ll give you a call in a few weeks.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mr. Tillman asserted sincerely. “Good luck with the rest of your tour.”

After hanging up, Adam felt considerably better about things. He was sorry that he wouldn’t be performing that summer because he’d always enjoyed the festival, but he’d made the right decision. He needed a little down time and while he might be working, it wouldn’t be as stressful as performing. He hadn’t lied about wanting to get some real experience working behind the scenes on a production and it would be a real joy to have the chance to watch Kurt performing.

Finally feeling like things were settling in a way that worked for him, Adam got up and gave a long stretch to work the stiffness out of his body. A hot shower and a few hours enjoying the sunshine and the best of what Chicago had to offer before his final performance was exactly what he needed.

Life was a complicated thing, he considered. Plenty of bumps and unexpected turns, but the journey was worthwhile when he thought about his end destination.

* * *

Rachel studied the highlighted lines in her book a final time while Tina was on stage doing her audition. This was a bit out of her comfort zone, she recognized. Acting was so much easier with a song to guide her and she knew that this was going to deprive her of her strongest talents.

Fortunately for her, with both plays there were a good number of prime supporting roles that would be suitable for her. This was a new experience and having a chance to get her feet wet and even playing in the ensemble would be to her advantage. She needed to develop nuance as a performer and be able to act without depending on vocal gymnastics to get her emotional point across.

Kurt had scheduled his audition with theirs and watching him give a taste of what he could bring to the roles he was trying for. Seeing the reception that he got from the director and the quality of reading gave her the impression that he was more than probably going to get whatever roles he was trying for and she was pleased as hell for him. After seeing her friend pushed into the background when he was so deserving of more, watching him blossom the way he had in the past year or so had been a true joy.

Fortunately she and Tina weren’t reading for the same roles, Rachel considered as she waited for her turn. There were enough options that they could avoid putting themselves in direct competition with one another, and the last thing that Rachel wanted was for her competitiveness to get in the way of their close friendship again. There would come a time when they might be vying for the same roles, but Rachel hoped that she had finally gotten to the point where her need to win didn’t override everything else that was important to her. She’d made that mistake far too many times already.

When Tina was finished and hopped off the small stage with a happy smile, Kurt was on his feet to sweep her into his arms. “You did great,” he praised.

She just smiled and shrugged a bit. “It wasn’t bad,” she granted. “But I’m not expecting to get a big part. There are just going to be too many people with more experience than me.”

“You might be surprised,” Kurt insisted. “I was my first year.”

Mr. Tillman looked up from the notes he’d been writing and called, “Rachel? If you’re ready?”

She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves. This wasn’t Funny Girl. She wasn’t that person anymore. This was going to be different.

Once on the stage and facing the production team, she forced herself to relax as much as possible. Mr. Tillman offered her a reassuring smile and looked up from her CV. “So, Rachel… you’re also a second-year student at NYADA?” he confirmed.

“Yes. My focus has always been on musical theater, but I do understand that ignoring the wider theater world would limit my potential to develop as an actor. After seeing what Kurt was able to do last year, I knew that I needed to expand my range and I hope that I can bring something interesting to your festival.”

“And this would be your first professional production?” Mr. Tillman clarified.

For once, the reminder didn’t cause her pain. She just nodded in confirmation. “All of my experience has been in school productions,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned over the years and trying in a more challenging environment.”

“Okay… then begin when you’re ready,” Mr. Tillman requested, sitting back in his seat to watch her.

She took another steadying breath and went through her monologue, trying to modulate her performance and keep from being too manic without becoming too static. It seemed to take forever she knew that the monologue would only take a minute or so to get through. When she was finished, Mr. Tillman jotted down a few notes before looking back to her.

“Thank you, Rachel, that was lovely,” he said with a sincere smile. Unlike the production team for Funny Girl where the initial audition was so impersonal, she felt like he genuinely wanted her to do well. “You’re interested in possibly playing Helen and Hermia, correct?”

She nodded. “Yes. I realize that there are a limited number of women’s roles in both plays and I wouldn’t be suitable for several of them.”

“That may be true, and I do give you credit for thinking about that. I’ve had to break it to a lot of actors that the roles they auditioned for just weren’t right for them, but I very often find that young actors are just starting to figure out what they’re capable of. If we thought you’d be better suited in other roles or in the ensemble, would you be okay with that?” Mr. Tillman asked. “They may not be as prominent but there are quite a few parts that often go overlooked.”

She smiled brightly. “Definitely,” she affirmed happily. “I was in the ensemble for our school production and it was a really fulfilling experience.”

Her willingness to accept a supporting role seemed to please him and Mr. Tillman nodded in approval. “Well, we’re definitely going to be in touch with you,” he promised. “We’ll be doing callbacks in the next few weeks once we work through the rest of the auditions. We’ll talk more about what roles might be good for you.”

It’s wasn’t the most overtly enthusiastic response she could have hoped for, but her audition was handled with the same calm professionalism that she saw with Kurt’s and Tina’s. Mr. Tillman had watched her carefully, taking in all aspects of her audition and treated her with respect. Leaving herself open to being cast in roles other than the ones she read for might possibly leave her in the ensemble, but that was better than not getting a role at all. And being in the ensemble wouldn’t be the most terrible thing, she decided. Another chance to learn and grow a bit while still getting to be on a stage. Hopefully she had done enough to get something more.

Kurt was waiting for her with open arms and a reassuring smile. “He loved you,” he insisted, giving her a warm embrace.

“I hope so,” she admitted with a shy smile.

“No, he really did,” Kurt claimed. “If he’s asking you to consider other parts, then he’s thinking seriously about casting you in something. And the ensemble was a lot of fun last summer.”

“Well, I’m not going to lie,” Rachel stated as she gathered up her things. “I’d like to get something more, but I won’t turn down an ensemble role. I know that I really need to develop more as an actor and not depend on my voice so much.”

“At least the two of you are likely to get something,” Tina added. “I’m still a first-year theater student and I don’t have the kind of experience you two got at NYADA. “

“You might be surprised,” Kurt maintained with a smile. “I didn’t expect anything last year and look what happened. In the meantime, we have a little while before we need to catch the train and there’s a nice coffee shop near the station. Let me treat the two of you to a drink before we head back to the city.”

Rachel nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a great idea. Thanks.”

As they walked out of the theater, Kurt noted a young woman with bright auburn hair pulled into a neat braid walking in. She looked up at him with a happy smile of recognition and rushed forward to hug him.

“Oh my God! It’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms about him.

“It’s good to see you too, Tracy,” he said in return. “I was hoping that you and Craig would be back this season.”

Rachel then realized that this had been one of Kurt’s castmates from the previous summer and couldn’t help from smiling at seeing his joy at seeing her. Tina turned questioning glance at her, clearly not recognizing the other young woman and Rachel whispered the identity in her ear.

“Craig did his audition last week,” Tracy informed him. “It looks like we’ll have a rookie reunion this summer.”

Kurt laughed brightly. “But we’re not rookies anymore,” he reminded her.

“No, I guess we’re not,” she admitted with a playful grin. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t get over to see you in Les Miz but it was impossible to get tickets!”

Kurt smiled and shook his head. “Oh, don’t worry about that,” he insisted. “I know it’s been a crazy year for all of us.”

“Well, I read all of the reviews and I know how great you all did,” she responded, giving Kurt a playful nudge. He just grinned and motioned for Rachel and Tina to come forward.

“Let me introduce all of you,” he proposed drawing Tina and Rachel forward and making the formal introductions. “You met Rachel and Tina last summer when they came to see me. Rachel’s a classmate of mine and Tina’s over at NYU. I convinced them to audition this year.”

“It’s nice to see both of you again. Kurt always brings the most talented people with him,” Tracy said sincerely. She turned to Kurt and asked, “You read for Puck, didn’t you?”

Kurt nodded with a pleased expression.

“Well, Craig is going to be very put out. He was kind of hoping to get that part, but he won’t stand a chance against you,” Tracy said confidently. “Please tell me that you didn’t read for Lysander too, so I can put his mind at ease that he’s not going to get shut out.”

Kurt couldn’t help from laughing. “I didn’t, but if he’s also reading for Paris, then all bets are off.

“What about Adam?” she asked. “Is he going to be back from his tour in time?”

Kurt couldn’t help from sighing. “He’ll be back, but he’s going to need a break from performing,” he explained. “I really can’t blame him because the tour is taking a lot out of him. He’s trying to get something with the production so he can be a part of the festival without having to worry about a new role.”

“Oh, that’s a real shame,” Tracy said regretfully. “But I’m glad that you’re going to be back this season.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Kurt admitted with a smile. “Good luck with your audition. We’ll meet up and commiserate when the cast lists come out.”

Tracy smile and nodded to the other two girls. “It was so nice to see you both again,” she said cheerfully. “It’ll be nice to have some more girls around.”

“It’s great to meet you too,” Tina responded with a warm smile. “Good luck at your audition.”

“Thanks. I’d better get going, otherwise I’ll be late,” Tracy said appreciatively before giving Kurt a final hug and disappearing into the theater.

Rachel watched her run into the theater and turned an appraising glance to her friend. “She seems really nice.”

Kurt nodded in confirmation. “It was really great working with her and Craig last summer,” he said agreeably. “I mean, I loved working with Adam and the rest of the cast but it was reassuring to have some people my own age around. Having someone to share being new with made the experience a lot easier.”

Rachel nodded and turned to Tina with a smile. “Then it’s a good thing that you and I are doing this,” she insisted. “And having Kurt show us the ropes.”

“Definitely,” Tina agreed, smiling at her friends.

Kurt gathered them both under his arms and lead them away. “Well, come on, my ladies. I think that coffee and cake is just the kind of thing we need to celebrate your auditions.”

* * *

It was three weeks later that Rachel was leaving her American Playwrights workshop where she had been wrestling with the works of David Mamet when her phone began to ring. She struggled to fish it out of her purse, trying not to drop her books. By the time she’d completed her juggling act, the call had gone to her voice mail. Damn it…

She hurried to a table in the commons area where she could get her things in order and see who was calling, her face paling when she realized just who she’d missed. She quickly redialed the number, mentally sending up a little prayer as the line rang that the news would be good and bit back an audible sigh of relief when the line was picked up.

“Matthew Tillman here.”

Rachel swallowed tightly. “Hi, this is Rachel Berry,” she said, pleased that she was able to keep her tone so even and calm. “I think that I just missed your call.”

“Ah, Rachel… I’m glad that you called back so quickly.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t answer immediately, but I was just coming out of class,” she explained.

“That’s quite all right,” he assured her. “I figured that you’d be in class. I just wanted to touch base with you about your audition. Now if my notes are correct, you were interested in playing Helen, correct?”

“Yes,” she confirmed. “And Hermina for Midsummer.”

“You also indicated that you would be open to reading for other roles,” he clarified.

“That’s right,” she agreed, hoping that she was playing this right. Even if she ended up in the ensemble for both shows, she very much wanted to be cast in something.

“We’re very interested in you, but we’re getting a lot of interest in those particular roles,” Mr. Tillman informed her honestly. “I’d like for you to come back and read for them again, but I’d also like for you to read for Cassandra in Troilous. I think you might be a good match that part.”

Realizing that she wasn’t being shut out, Rachel felt a smile cross her face. “Of course! I’d be happy to! When would you like me to come in?”

Kurt was walking out of his weapons class, feeling a bit battered because Mr. Hansen spent the past two hours using them all for pounding toys. He could already feel the bruises rising on his skin where he was swatted by the edge of a saber for letting his guard down. He was going to need to spend a good amount of time in the showers after class soaking in the heat and then a liberal application of Arnica cream. Unfortunately, with his fair complexion he bruised like a peach and he was going to look like he got run over by a truck by morning if he didn’t take proper care.

He was not expecting to be collided with by a petite bowling ball that barreled into him at warp speed. He grunted, catching Rachel before she could knock him into the wall and swung her to diffuse the impact.

“Rachel, are you crazy?” he complained, setting her back on her feet. “What is the matter with you?”

“They called me back!” she exclaimed happily, bouncing up and down. “I got a call back!”

The news immediately extinguished Kurt’s irritation and he found himself delighted for his friend. “That’s great! For both parts?” he asked.

She nodded. “Mr. Tillman is also asking me to read for another role,” she explained. “He said that there’s a lot of competition for the ones I read for and suggested another role to consider. That’s good, right?”

“Definitely,” he confirmed. “And it’s great that they still want you to read for the parts that your originally auditioned for. I was already shut out of one part by this point.”

She clutched at his arm, trying to keep her excitement under control. “I’m trying not to read too much into that. I know that I can’t expect to get every part I read for.”

“But being called back is a good sign that they want you for something,” he assured her. “When are you going in?”

“Thursday after my last class. Thankfully I don’t need to be in early on Friday. What about you? They are asking you back right?”

He nodded, looking quietly satisfied which Rachel thought he had every right to feel. After his performances the past summer and this past spring, she thought that they would be insane not to have him back and with any role he wished for.

“I’m going in on Saturday morning,” he explained. “Mr. Tillman is coming in to meet with me because I’ve got to give Isabelle some time with the summer issues going out. The next few weeks are going to be a bit crazed.”

Rachel was delighted that they both were being called in for the parts they read for. “I’m going to call Tina and see if she heard anything,” Rachel informed him. “Because I can’t imagine her not getting a call back. Maybe she and I can do our call backs together.”

“We’ll talk before you go in,” Kurt promised. “I’ll let you know what to expect and how they run things. There’s a good chance that you’ll know what you’re being cast for right there. You just have to remember that you’re new with the festival, so you probably won’t get everything you’re trying for.”

She nodded in understanding. “I’m not expecting that,” she assured him honestly. “I’ll be thrilled to just get one of them.”

She probably would shock anyone who had known her in the past, but she was being completely sincere. To get even one speaking role would be a tremendous accomplishment for her and would go a long way to finally healing over the disappointment that she’d suffered from the Funny Girl debacle. She was working hard to keep her expectations under control and could take real satisfaction that she was getting a call back at all, let alone for all the roles she’d auditioned for.

“Well, I’ve got to get to class,” Rachel said with a sigh. “But do you have a chance to hang out anytime this week? Santana’s been making noises about you making yourself so scarce.”

Kurt chuckled, knowing that his friend’s language probably had been rather colorful on the subject. “We’ll find some time,” he promised. “Maybe we can all go out for dinner one night this week before Santana has to go to the club.”

She nodded before leaning up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you a bit later,” she stated. “Have fun with Madam Tibideaux.”

“Thanks. I’m sure that she’s sharpening her knives as we speak,” he quipped.

Fortunately he had just enough time before his session with her to grab a cup of green tea and get his throat in order before arriving at the classroom. Madam Tibideaux hadn’t arrived yet, so he used the time to get his warmups done, knowing very well that she would want to just drive right in.

She arrived a surprisingly ten minutes late, her assistant following quietly in her wake. “My apologies, Mr. Hummel,” the Dean said sincerely. “I had an important phone call with one of our donors who’s been making some considerable contributions to our school after seeing the musical.”

“I used the time to get my warmups out of the way,” he assured her. “I thought that way we wouldn’t lose too much time.”

The Dean smiled and nodded in approval. “Wonderful. Then if you’re ready, I’d like to see how those exercises you’ve been assigned have helping your development.”

Kurt nodded and took his place by the piano. Madam Tibideux nodded to her assistant and a piece of music that he’d become intimately familiar with over the past few days. He closed his eyes, reminding himself of what her expectations would be of him. When the cue came in for him to begin, Kurt was ready.

“The nightingale sighed for the moon’s bright ray,” he sang out, maintaining the balance of strength and gentleness that the aria called for. “And told his tale in his own melodious way. He sang ‘Ah, well-a-day!’

“The lowly vale for the mountain vainly sighed, to his humble wail. The echoing hills replied. They sang ‘Ah, well-a-day!’”

This was more difficult than a lot of the Broadway oriented songs that he’d performed for his teacher in the past. The melody was more complex, requiring him to make the most of his precision and hit each note cleanly while still showing the deep emotion that the song required. The melody was a lot more complex than it initially appeared, making it a real challenge to make sure that he didn’t neglect the emotional component of the song clear while focusing on keeping his vocal technique as clean as possible. It was a real test for her to see just how far he’d come as a singer.

Kurt could understand why his teacher was focusing more on this style of singing. It was pushing him to refine his technique and his natural ability to tap into a song’s emotion. And asking him to perform the song for a traditional romantic lead was clearly designed as a way to compel him to expand his range as an actor.

While Madam Tibideaux would expect that his voice be able to carry the emotional story on its own, she would also expect him to show that he could fully realize the characters and bring in his compete arsenal of acting skills in an effective manner. He softened his expression, looking wistful as he contemplated his character’s beloved. “I know the value of a kindly chorus. But choruses yield little consolation,” he crooned gently, letting his voice float upon the notes played on the piano. “When we have pain and sorrow too before us! I love – and love, alas, above my station!

“A maiden fair to see. The pearl of minstrelsy,” he expressed thoughtfully, trying to paint the image of a young man deeply in love with the woman he could never have. “A bud of blushing beauty, for whom proud nobles sigh. And with each other vie to do her menial’s duty.”

Madam Tibideaux watched him closely, only looking down to make the occasional note on her pad. One might make the mistake to think that after all this time that her sharp observation would no longer be intimidating to students who had ample experience under her tutelage. They would be mistaken.

Kurt would always be aware of his shortcomings. When his newfound technical skill would fail him, or when he was unable to truly grasp the emotional heat of a performance. Those were the moments that he dreaded, because he would be more disappointed in himself than any criticism she could offer.

He knew that he wasn’t going to present the most pristine vocal skills, but he could make sure that he gave a full display of the emotional story. He delved in deep within himself, finding the insecure boy who’d loved someone he felt was so far out of his league. It was a hurt that he was well acquainted with, wishing that the one he’d loved would notice him and remembered the pain of being overlooked or found lacking.

“A suitor, lowly born… with hopeless passion torn, and poor beyond denying,” he sang mournfully, giving full rein to his character’s despair. “Has dared for her to pine, at whose exalted shrine. A world of wealth is sighing.”

Kurt wished that he could get some sense of how he was doing, but Madam Tibideux never gave any sign during her evaluations. Like the Cheshire Cat, she watched and would pass judgement on her own time.

Wanting very much to give her what she wanted, Kurt delved deep and focused. “Unlearned he in aught, save that which love has taught. For love had been his tutor,” he sang, bringing a quiet gentleness to his tone. “Oh, pity… pity me… Our captain’s daughter she, and I that lowly suitor.”

The music drew to a close and Madam Tibideaux was still jotting down her notes, leaving him standing silently and waiting for her verdict. Several long moments passed, and he felt himself starting to fidget before she finally set her pad aside and looked at him expectantly.

“So…” She cocked an appraising eyebrow in his direction, motioning for him to take the seat next to her. This was going to take a while.

“Before I tell you what I think, I’d like to hear your opinion.”

Kurt exhaled deeply, knowing that she fully expected him to be aware of his flaws and if not totally able to self-correct, to at least know where his errors were. Failing to note them would reflect badly on his progress.

“I think that I had a good grasp on the emotional story,” he proposed with a certain confidence. That has never been a serious problem for him and he thought that he’d added some nice nuances. “I tried to translate my own experiences with what the character was trying to express, even if they weren’t a perfect match. But I think that aspect of the performance worked.

“Technique wise...” Kurt took a moment to consider how he’d sung the number before making his self-appraisal. It had been far from his best performance, but it wasn’t completely awful. “Overall it wasn’t bad, but I don’t think that my notes were true at several points. Even though it’s not a fast number, the way the notes are drawn out make them challenging to hold. And I think I sounded a little pitchy at a few points.”

Madam Tibideaux nodded, pleased that he wasn’t trying to excuse his errors and had enough in the way of self-awareness to recognize that he’d made mistakes. But she offered a reassuring smile, not wanting this to be a negative experience for a student that she found so promising.

“I know that this style of music would be a challenge for most singers and I wouldn’t ask most students to attempt it. But given how you used Candide for your audition material, I thought that you’d enjoy the challenge,” she confided, offering a reassuring smile. “The catalogue of Gilbert and Sullivan does lean closer to classical opera than anything you’ll find in conventional musical theater, which is one of the reasons that you’ll primarily see it performed by opera houses nowadays. Students who aren’t focused on classical singing will probably have little experience trying to perform material like this. It’s a very different style and calls for a more refined technique.”

Kurt felt himself nodding in agreement, thinking back to his high school experiences with musicals. They had always stuck to material that wasn’t especially challenging vocally, which wasn’t a surprise given Mr. Schue’s limitations and the lack of formal training in most of the choir. It was been smarter to stick with rock or more modern, well-known musicals that empathized their strengths and downplayed their weaknesses. Even then most of their efforts were underwhelming, in his opinion.

Madam Tibideaux waited until she was confident that he grasped what she was trying to teach him. “Even the similarities in style and structure, Les Miserables is closer to modern musicals than it is to classic opera. The technique that you’d learned up to now allowed you to acquit yourself well as Enjolras, but as we’ve spoken before, you’d only really begun to scratch the surface of your potential as a performer.

“This was meant to be difficult for you because you need to be pushed,” she reminded him. “I expect you to showing weakness in your technique as we move along. If you’re not making mistakes, that means that you’re not trying to grow beyond what you already are capable of. I see a lot of very talented students who are so afraid of being seen as imperfect that they never really get out of their box. Even if you through your entire career never performing material like this, I still think that it’s useful for your development and I’m pleased that you’re not shying away from it.”

Kurt nodded, understanding exactly the point that she was making. Maybe because he’d arrived with so little real training left him more open to being molded, unlike Rachel for example, who came to NYADA with a very clear and rigid view of who she was as a performer and had a difficult time accepting correction. Both of them needed to open themselves up to learning, though someone like Rachel would have to unlearn a great many things as well.

Once she saw that he had a comprehension of what she was explaining, she looked down at her notes. “Now to your credit, you’re not trying to hide behind the music to mask your mistakes. And we’re seeing some real improvement in your technique,” she noted. “As I said, allowing yourself to make mistakes and fail is what’s going to allow you to grow and I’m not expecting you to anywhere close to perfect at this point.

“That’s not to say that there weren’t moments where you were doing everything right and your voice sounded absolutely lovely. I’m seeing very good control of your head and chest voice. You are getting better with manipulating your larynx and I’m seeing a lot more in the way of vocal flexibility. You know your voice well and you’re getting more confident with your control, which is something that I definitely want to see at this point.”

Kurt allowed himself to relax just a tiny bit with the knowledge that it wasn’t all bad.

“But then about halfway though, I think that the melody was starting to get away from you,” his teacher said thoughtfully. “You weren’t sustaining the long notes as cleanly as I usually see from you, which indicates that you’re not getting enough air flow. And there were points where you were overusing your vibrato in a way that wasn’t especially pleasant. You can go a little sharp when you lose control of your upper range and too much vibrato highlights that.”

At seeing that he was paying close attention to her critique and wasn’t resisting her appraisal, she nodded in approval. “But all in all, it wasn’t a bad first effort,” Madam Tibideaux assured him. “I’m pleased that you were catching yourself when you made mistakes and trying to self-correct. You’re paying attention to what you’re doing and are aware when things aren’t going as expected which is probably the most that we could reasonably expect at this stage. Your grasp of melisma is stronger and while this particular run-through was a bit rough around the edges, it’s showing some decent technical bones to build on. You have been practicing, and it shows. What we need to do is build on your skills, continue developing your strength. Because we’ve just begun to explore what you’re going to be capable of as a technician and an artist.”

Kurt listened closely, considering her evaluation and was grateful that it wasn’t as bad as he’d been fearing. He knew by now that however sharply worded her critiques could be, they were all designed to make him a stronger performer. In order to do that, he needed to put his ego on the back burner, be willing to listen and actually accept her tutelage.

He cleared his throat and looked to his teacher. “Can we try it again?” he asked.

The Dean smiled and nodded. “I was just about to suggest that,” she chuckled warmly, motioning for him to take his place by the piano.

He took a quick sip from his water bottle, swishing it about his mouth before swallowing. When he was ready, he nodded to the pianist to begin.

* * *

Sitting at the airport and waiting for a delayed flight was no one’s idea of fun, Adam considered as he looked at the board for what felt like the millionth time but there was no help for that. A nasty storm front moving through the middle of the country had grounded their plane for at least the next few hours. Far longer than the actual flight was supposed to take.

Fortunately, they weren’t due to open in Minneapolis for a week, so losing the better part of a day wasn’t going to be that bad. They would have plenty of time to settle in and get used to the new stage before opening night. The biggest issue was boredom while they waited for any word about their flight. The group had dispersed to find their own amusements while they waited, with Niall roaming the shops to see if he could find a nice little gift to send to his wife. Adam decided to wait until when he was sure that Kurt would be on a break between classes. He had texted Kurt, telling him to call when he was free.

In the meantime, Adam was able to find a café with only moderately overpriced coffee and a relatively quiet corner of the waiting area where he could do some writing while he killed time. They had just gotten another announcement that the delay would be for at least one more hour when his phone began to ring. Seeing Kurt’s number come up on the screen, he closed his laptop and turned his full attention to the call.

“Good morning, darling,” he greeted happily, his mood immediately improving. “I hope that I’m not bothering you.”

“Not at all,” Kurt assured him cheerfully. “I just got out of class when I saw your text. Is everything okay?”

Adam sighed. “Just cooling my heels at the airport. Our flight was delayed, and we’re stuck here for a bit. We probably could have driven to Minneapolis in less time.”

“Oh, poor baby,” Kurt cooed teasingly, causing Adam to smile a bit in response. “But I’m sure that the plane will be more comfortable than a bus. Are you okay?”

“I just wanted to hear your voice,” Adam admitted. “And I had a question for you... Did you ever get around to getting your passport?”

“Not yet,” Kurt admitted. “I keep meaning to look into getting one, but things have been so busy and I haven’t really needed it.”

Adam smiled wider. “Then, my dear, you’d better get your application submitted. Because you’re coming with me to London this winter.”

“I am?” Kurt exclaimed. “Adam, that’s very sweet of you but you’re going there to work, and…”

“And I want you there with me, at least for a little while during your winter break,” Adam insisted. “Whatever time you can give. I want to be able to show London to you and my family is already making plans for you to visit them. You can’t let me disappoint them.”

Adam knew his young lover better than most and was quite aware of his habit being mindful of not overstepping so that he didn’t intrude where he didn’t deserve to be. Kurt’s sense of propriety and consideration could often go into overdrive and he wouldn’t put himself in a position where he might distract Adam during what would be the highlight of his career thus far. He’d want Adam to have the freedom to reap all the rewards of his accomplishments without giving any kind of appearance that he was trying to ride on his lover’s coattails.

Which was utter bullocks, as far as Adam was concerned. What good was all of this if he couldn’t enjoy it with the man he loved?

“I won’t take no for an answer,” he warned with a smile and gentle firmness in his voice. “London is absolutely beautiful during the holidays and I want you there with me. Please… don’t make me beg, love.”

He heard Kurt sigh on the other end of the phone. “You’re making that pitiful, homeless puppy face, aren’t you?” he accused.

“If that’s what it takes to get you to come with me,” Adam warned. “Or if necessary, I’ll just sic Mum on you.”

He could positively picture Kurt’s frown. “Oh, that’s not fair,” Kurt accused petulantly.

“Well, you’ll be the one to tell Mum that you don’t want to come visit with her,” Adam teased. “I’m sure that she’ll be very understanding that you’d rather putter about New York by yourself than let her spoil you and take you shopping...

That brought a laugh out of the younger man. “All right… you don’t have play rough.”

“You like it when I play rough,” Adam growled playfully.

Kurt laughed again. “Don’t threaten what you can’t finish,” he teased. “At least I’ll finally get to shop at Harrods.”

“Harrods is totally overrated, but it is a bit of fun during the Christmas season,” Adam insisted. “Oh, sweetheart, I can’t for you to see it. Big Ben, the changing of the guard… we’ll do all the touristy things. And when I’m working, Mum and Dad want to take you to Essex for a day or two. You’ll get to see where I grew up and have them take you around. You can’t disappointment them.”

“Of course not,” Kurt agreed. “Because I wouldn’t put it past her to hop onto a plane and carry me off in a burlap sack.”

Adam knew that Kurt’s resistance would dissolve like wet tissue paper with the right inducements and he’d certainly laid out his best argument for Kurt to just comply graciously. They’d hoped to make a trip to England before this, but with his work and Kurt’s schooling, they never managed to find the time. This was a better reason than most to finally make that trip and he hated the idea of another few weeks spent apart.

“I’m sorry if I sound like I’m pushing so hard,” Adam granted. “But we’ve been apart long enough for the time being, don’t you think?”

Kurt didn’t answer immediately, but Adam could easily picture the softening in his gorgeous eyes and the soft smile touching his features.

“I think you might be right,” Kurt admitted.

An announcement came on over the system that Adam’s flight would start boarding in thirty minutes, causing him to sign in relief.

“Finally!” he exclaimed.

“They’re calling your flight?”

“Yes… we’ll be boarding soon,” Adam confirmed. “I’d better go round up Niall so he doesn’t miss the flight.”

“Then I’d better let you go,” Kurt offered. “Have a good flight.”

Adam couldn’t help from smiling. “I’ll call you when you’re checked into the hotel,” he promised. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Kurt returned gently. “Talk to you later.”

Ending calls was always hard, Adam thought as he reluctantly hung up the phone. Giving up that tenuous connection caused near physical pain when all he wanted to do was pull Kurt into his arms and never let go. The longer he was away from home, the more he craved Kurt’s presence. Some relationships fell apart with prolonged distance, he knew. Others grew stronger.

He and Kurt were proving to be of that material. And he knew that it was only a matter of time before their time apart would end. At least for now, he realized. It was nearly unavoidable that their profession might require them to work away from one another, but he now was confident that they would not only survive but thrive. Both as individuals and a couple.

* * *

With Funny Girl, Rachel had gotten a brutal reality check about the business that she aspired to and it had been a hard realization that the world didn’t see her as the budding star that she’d imagined herself to be. Learning that she would have to fight for her place in the world, and that she would fail at least as often as she succeeded, had been a harsh wake up call.

But it was one that she’d very much needed, she could recognize in hindsight. And she realized that just maybe Kurt had it right by making a smaller production his first foray into professional acting. Admittedly, she much preferred the more intimate process that the Garrison Festival utilized over the cattle call of Funny Girl. She actually felt like the director was paying attention to her and that she wasn’t just a face in the crowd.

Rachel was very aware that she wouldn’t always have this luxury, and that she would have to deal with open calls for the roles she wanted. But getting proper feedback and a chance to grow as a performer made putting herself up for judgement worthwhile, even if she didn’t get the role that she wanted.

When she stepped out of the theater into the warm afternoon sunshine, she felt that odd disconnect that she’d felt after the Funny Girl callback, but for an entirely different reason. Her mind was still trying to come to terms with what had happened inside the theater, but this time she didn’t have to deal with it alone.

“I can’t believe it,” Tina said, her dark eyes shining as they walked out of the theater. “We did it.”

Rachel felt herself nodding, but it hadn’t really hit her yet. She got a part. A real part.

“You were amazing,” she praised the younger girl. “I’m so glad that you got Hippolyta.”

“What about you, ‘Cassandra’?” Tina retorted. “You’re going to have so much fun playing her and Moth.”

Rachel couldn’t help from grinning happily, amused at no end to be playing a character with the same name as the teacher who’d bedeviled her for nearly the whole of her time at NYADA. “With us and Kurt in the same shows, it’s almost going to feel like a mini-New Directions production.”

And it would be, Rachel told herself confidently. She had full assurance that Kurt would get at least one of the roles he was getting a callback for. She would not be at all surprised if he managed to land speaking roles in both plays, because he certainly had the talent to warrant it.

She was grateful that while she and Tina had auditioned for the same shows that they hadn’t gone after the same parts. While she was sure that she would have been able to handle it if Tina had gotten a role over her, she was happy that they didn’t need to put themselves into direct competition just yet. This would be nothing but good memories for the both of them.

As the reality of her role began to sink in, she felt the anxiousness that she’d felt right before the callback fade and the excitement over what she’d achieved began to sink in. There would be phone calls to be made to her delighted parents and her friends. Then they just had to wait for Kurt’s callback for them to really celebrate.

* * *

Even when one was reasonably confident that they were likely to be successful to some degree, callbacks were always nerve wreaking. Kurt was secure in his own abilities as an actor and knew how much he had developed over the past year. He knew that he could bring something really special to the roles that he had auditioned for, but there was no way to know how other actors had been received. He could only do his best and hope that he was better.

He was thrilled that Rachel and Tina had survived their auditions and he was thrilled that they both managed to land speaking and ensemble roles. For Rachel, it had been especially gratifying when she was told that she would play Cassandra in Troilus and Kurt had wanted to take her out to celebrate, but she insisted on waiting until he knew what roles he was playing. She wanted to make sure that they all celebrated together because in her mind, there was no chance of him not getting cast.

Her confidence in him was gratifying and certainly gave him a bit more confidence heading into his callback. He wasn’t the surprise new kid anymore and the expectations for him were much higher. He had to bring his best game if he wanted to impress Mr. Tillman this time around.

He arrived at the theater to find Mr. Tillman waiting, along with several other members of the production team. “Good morning, Kurt,” the director greeted, shaking Kurt’s hand. “Thanks for coming in today.”

“Thank you for accommodating me,” Kurt said sincerely. “I’m sorry for getting you up so early on a Saturday.”

The older man just smiled. “It’s not a problem at all. I know that your school schedule can be a bit insane,” he insisted. “Well, we have a lot to get through, so why don’t we get started?”

Kurt nodded in agreement, stepping up onto the stage. “Should I start with reading for Paris?”

“Sounds good,” Mr. Tillman agreed and settled into a seat so he could give the actor his full attention.

Kurt had all his monologues committed to memory and knew how he wanted to portray each of the characters. Paris was the young romantic, blinded by his love for Helen and responsible for plunging his nation into war as a result, but unrepentant for it. Patroclus was a great warrior in his own right, a fact nearly overshadowed by his profound sense of loyalty to Achilles. Both were in some ways peripheral to the main focus of the storyline, the doomed love of the title characters, but they were vital to the course of action.

And then there was Puck… the fae trickster that was far too clever for his own good and created mischief and havoc wherever he went. Kurt wanted to portray him as having a bit of an edge; less the innocent sprite that he often was portrayed as and more of a trickster out of classical mythology that could cause conflict for nothing more than his own amusement.

“My mistress, with a monster, is in love,” he pronounced with a rather deranged giggle at the fairy queen’s expense. “Near to her close and consecrated bower. While she was in her dull and sleeping our, a crew of patches, rude mechanicals that work for bread upon Athenian stalls.”

He leaned forward, as if divulging some great joke. “Were met together to rehearse a play intended for great Theseus’ nuptial day,” he explained with a wry smile and a twinkle of near madness in his eyes. “The shallowest thick-skin of that barren sort, who Pyramus presented, in their sport.

“Forsook his scene and enter’d in a brake. When I did him, at this advantage take, an ass’s nole I fixed on his head!”

He broke down with laughter at his own cunning, going on to describe how Puck had managed to catch Titania in his web of spells and tricks and taking delight in the queen’s humiliation and uncaring about the harm that he might have done an innocent mortal. He’d seen enough bullies in his life to know exactly how to play out the tricks and by letting Puck show the cruelty inherent in his actions, Kurt was confident would set him apart from all the other performers.

When he was finished, Mr. Tillman took a few moments to confer with the other members of the production team before turning to Kurt with a broad grin,

“Well, thank you Kurt,” he said sincerely. “We were hoping to see maturing from you as a performer and you certainly didn’t disappoint. That was, for me, one of the most interesting takes on Puck that I’ve seen in a long time. The edge of malevolence was very different than most impressions of the character.”

Kurt nodded, glad that his intentions carried through the performance. “That was exactly what I was going for,” he confirmed. “I really wanted to avoid any comparisons to the way Micky Rooney played him. I know that’s the archetype for the character, but I wanted to give him a totally different vibe. Maybe a little more Loki than usually gets portrayed.”

Mr. Tillman looked quite pleased with his answer. “Well, I certainly hope that you plan to develop the character farther this season because Puck is always a highlight of the show. I think that you’re going to bring something very interesting for our audience. It’s good to challenge their expectations once in a while.

“Now as for Troilus… we’re a little bit conflicted,” Mr. Tillman admitted. “I think that you’d acquit yourself admirably in both parts but I want to make sure that we’re giving you a role that will really take advantage of what you bring to the table. You’ve been taking stage combat, correct?”

Kurt nodded, wondering where this was going. “I’m in my second semester of training,” he confirmed.

Mr. Tillman made a note and nodded in approval. “With several of our more seasoned performers moving on, we have a definite shortage of actors with combat training this year and there are some battle scenes in Troilus. I also am of a mind to take advantage of the chemistry you had with Ben last season. We’ve cast him as Achilles and the two of you worked well together, which is why I’m inclined to cast you as Patroclus.

“Now, one thing to keep in mind is that I’m intending to play up the closeness between Achilles and Patroclus and make it obvious that they are more than just comrades,” the director explained, watching for his reaction to the proposition. “The play itself doesn’t shy away from the inuendo, but we’re going to make it a bit more clear about the nature of their relationship and give some more focus to their motivations. Is that something that would be an issue for you?”

Kurt kept his expression neutral as he considered the idea. He wouldn’t mind working with Ben again, and there was always the possibility that the show would want to explore that aspect of the characters’ relationship. While he couldn’t help from wondering if being gay was a factor in the casting, he wouldn’t allow that to bother him. There would be enough times where his sexuality might keep him out of roles so taking advantage now, it that was indeed the case, wouldn’t bother him too much.

“Not at all,” he assured the director. “I know that their relationship isn’t a major focus of the play, but it would add some interesting nuances and draw some contrasts with the other love stories.”

Mr. Tillman looked extremely pleased with his response and gave a firm nod of approval. “Then it looks like we’re set. I know that we’re putting a lot of pressure on you this season, Kurt, but I think that you’re up to the challenge.”

Kurt grinned and hopped off the stage to shake Mr. Tillman’s hand. “Thank you so much,” he said sincerely.

The director just smiled. “We’re very happy to have you back this season,” he insisted. “It’s always wonderful to welcome new actors and watch them develop, and we have high expectations for you. I think that these plays are going to give you a lot to really sink your teeth into.

“We’ll be in touch about all the administrative stuff and send you the rehearsal schedule. I need to you start committing your roles to memory because things are going to move quickly once rehearsals start and you’re going to have a lot on your plate.”

Kurt nodded in understanding. “I definitely will,” he assured the older man. After shaking the director’s hand again and thanking him, Kurt gathered his things and left the theater with a bit of a well-deserved spring in his step.

That evening found him in Bushwick, toasting the success of his friends while they toasted his. He sat on the floor with Rachel and Tina, sharing a bottle of cheap but still very drinkable rosé and several containers of take out food. He would have plenty of time to stress about the hard work facing him, but right now he just wanted to celebrate with two of his best friends.

They wouldn’t always be so fortunate, so this was a rare moment of success for them to savor.

* * *

Kurt's solo: "The Nightingale" - H.M.S . Pinafore

#kadam fic #kadam #kurt hummel #adam crawford #rachel berry #tina cohen chang #carmen tibideaux #original characters #not blaine or klaine friendly

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lovelykhaleesiii · 6 years ago

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I understand...(Part 17)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Stark!Reader

Words: 1075

Summary: You’re the daughter of Tony Stark, and after meeting the Avengers for the first time, you begin to fall for the one who your father despises most…Bucky Barnes.

Warnings: pure angst, slight swearing

A/N - IT HAS BEEN A FUCKING WHILE SINCE I UPDATED THIS SERIES AND I AM SO SO SO SORRY! BUT HERE IT IS, AND I’M READY TO GET BACK INTO IT! SORRY IF THIS CHAPTER WAS SHORT, AND I’M SORRY IF YOU FORGOT ABOUT THIS SERIES! I REALLY AM :(

“What the fuck is the meaning of this? Why are they here?!” Tony shouts, his frustration fuming with each word, as he tears he gaze from Avenger to Avenger until finally resting on you.

“God, Tony, could you not be not be an asshole for just this once!” Natasha fought back, clearly her patience with this whole ordeal was running thin. She was the designated one of the group to update you on how Tony was doing, she told you how ever since you’d left, Tony had overall become this distant, cold and ill-tempered man. He was always trying to keep himself busy, as usual thinking that distractions were enough to ease the agony and whenever he was around the others he always seemed so ‘on edge.’ Their conversations would, apparently, always end up in arguments, with the team against him, trying to persuade him otherwise that he was in the wrong…Though with Tony being Tony, he was too conceited to see that nor to admit it.

His eyes instantly darted back to Natasha, who kept her gaze firmly on him, as she kept her ground, unphased by his outburst.

“Thought you should know that you’re having a granddaughter by the way…In case you had the slightest bit of care in the world.”

It took you all the courage in the world, in the heat of the moment to even speak. For a split second, as Tony’s eyes returned to meet yours, it seemed you’d noticed a faint smile, some pain tearing through his eyes, only to find him shaking his head in disapproval still. You felt Bucky’s grip on your hand tighten, knowing that the presence of not only Tony but Danny too, was all too aggravating…He didn’t want to retaliate out of sheer impulse, not wanting to do anything he knew he would regret the next day.

Expecting to hear Tony’s voice in response, you were met with bewildering disappointment, as the all too familiar smug tone of Danny had blasted through the room.

“So you really are pregnant… I thought it was just another mechanism of yours of wanting to get rid of me. But I guess the rumours are true… You really are a slut.”

“The fuck did you just say?”

The sudden feeling of Bucky releasing his grip from you, as he’d abruptly heaved himself up, angrily striding towards the complacent smile on Danny’s face. Unfortunately, your huge pregnant belly prevented you from rushing to his side, as you struggled to stand yourself up before Wanda hastily came to your aid. Luckily, Steve had a sixth sense when it came to Bucky, and knew his friend wouldn’t have been able to contain himself from a comment like that, especially if it was targeted to you, his woman. He ran to stop him, pulling his shoulder back as he stood in his way, desperate to calm him.

“Come on, Buck. You know he’s not worth it.”

Bucky’s eyes were seething with anger, as his fists instinctively curled tightly, and his metal arm made that familiar whirling sound, just as it did when he was preparing for action.

“Bucky, baby, he’s pathetic, you know that…”

Despite the short chuckle that escaped Danny’s mouth, your voice was all that he had adhered to. He turned to look back towards you, a look of sorrow filled his face, knowing that you didn’t want him to get involved in something messy. You loved how, without question, he had stood up for you, defending the integrity of you and your child. You knew he would be an amazing father, regardless of his doubtful thoughts. It was moments like this, that you knew Bucky Barnes was meant for fatherhood.

Just as Bucky had returned to you, you’d instantly noticed Tony’s state of confusion. He remained silent, and it was his silence that disappointed you the most. You’d expected him to retaliate…Yes, Danny may have been one of your father’s favourite employees, although he’d just insulted you, his daughter, his own flesh and blood.

You could feel your eyes widening in shock, tears beginning to swell as you continued to watch Tony standing there, doing utterly nothing, as if he never heard such comments.

“So this is how it is, huh? This is what it’s come to...” Walking over towards him, with Bucky ever so slowly following you, not wanting to get to close, though close enough to protect you.

The sudden sound of your palm colliding with Tony’s cheek, as you smacked down against his cheek, was a pure impulse. It was relieving, though you didn’t know what to expect of him next…Perhaps even more of ‘nothing.’

“Even I would have never thought of you, the great and incredible, Tony Stark, my father to be so naïve as to believe a single word that came out of that asshole’s mouth...Pathetic!”

Your words stung Tony, as a tear had stained down his cheek, as his eyes remained to the very foot of where you once stood, before you’d rushed yourself to the elevator, with Bucky hastily catching up from behind.

And to think that the man that you’d insulted and slapped out of fury was your father…

All the while, Tony had just registered in his mind what had unfolded. He was a smart man, an renowned intellect of his age respectively, although when it came to the misery and unfortune of others…He was always so blinded by his own needs.

Gradually, his head began to turn towards Dany, who still, as much of how his cocky persona would allow him to continue to smirk, insisting that they continue with their business discussion.

Thought Tony had refused. He stood their glaring at Danny, who now looked quizzical by Tony’s sudden change in nature. His face remained stoic and tense, though his enraged eyes said otherwise…

“C’mon Tony…It was just in the heat of the moment! You know it pains me to see her with another man, let alone carrying his child! Now how about we just forget about this, and deal with the more urgent matters, hmm.”

Just as Danny was about to drape his arm over Tony’s shoulders, wanting to encourage him to agree, Tony shoving him off left him dazed. Still glaring at him with rage, he body having grown rigid seemed more in tune with his conscious.

“My daughter is an urgent matter, and now I’ll only ask this once and not nicely…You can escort yourself the fuck out of my building.”

Tags: @fandom–0verdose , @m4shtyx , @impalatobakerstreet , @dreams-in-blxck , @irondadandspidersoncute , @basicmarvelbitch , @tonyystarkle , @woman-of-letters-legacy , @seabasstiantrash , @can-you-actuallynot , @conflictedintima , @wtfholland , @ivartheblessed , @iamaunicorn4704 , @bookgirlunicorn , @lost-in-the-stories , @chloe-skywalker , @a–1–1–3 , @crazystarlady , @beckyystevens , @peachyavaline

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itsediadmlove · 6 years ago

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Endgame................

I’ve never believed I had any right to be angry at GRRMartin for the endgame he was going to provide us, nor about the time he took on writting, I’ve always believed ASOIAF to be his creation and should be so until the very end, and I still do. I’m neither writting to put any blame on the Ds about such a thing as the endgame. Yet, despite of the direction the story finally took I believe I can put some blame on them, again not for the outcome but for the shit they have made beyond that.

D&D: There are several things I’m more than willing to blame them about.

1- The way they spent HBO money and OUR time. Again this is not about the story itself but the way they organized this season. We all knew there were only 6 episodes left and a full lot of shit to do, so things being rushed coud be anticipated. Apparently (cause I don’t know) they were given the chance to make a 10 episodes season and they choosed not to because they thought it wasn’t needed, and they were maybe right and still what they did was absolutely unsatisfying. Why? For me it’s pretty simple, they didn’t gave themselves enough time to build up things the right way. But the truth being said, even if they had 10 fucking episodes they would have messed up. The problem was not the amount of minutes this season but how they used it, at some point they missed the concept of the show they were running. GOT/ASOIAF can be setted in a medieval fantastic world, it can be an epic story, but what it has always been is a political thriller. Yet those dickheads choosed to spend 1/3 of the remaining onscreen time (and probably 2/3 of the budget they were trusted with) in fucking long battles (if KL destruction can even be called a battle). As far as I remember, the longest battle that have taken place in the books was when Stannis attacked KL, in the books I remember it took like 6 chapters (3 of them were Sansa’s who wasn’t even in the battle), readers felt disappointed about how shitty the battle of the blackwater was back in season 2, yet we understood the show’s timetable needed to be done with it quickly and the budget was the one of a TV show with a huge amount of characters so we wern’t very bothered by it. GOT/ASOIAF have never been about battles, those are things that just happen and it’s awful yes, but have never been the main core of the story and yet they spent such a huge amount of time on them when the show had so little time to get a closure,I REPEAT MYSELF 1/3 of our time, I believe the most of the money for what? Two fucking long battles which were not amazing at all (Drogon blowing up KL was beautiful yes, but never worth 45 minutes of my time). SO NO, IT’S NOT THINGS WERE RUSHED BECAUSE OF THE TIME LEFT, THEY WERE RUSHED BECAUSE THEY BETRAYED THE ESSENCE OF THE SHOW THEY WERE RUNNING BY SPENDING TOO MANY TIME IN SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T MOVE THE STORY LINE FURTHER AND EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER ARC PAID FOR IT.

2- The broken trust. This 2 morrons were given the chance by the very GRRMartin to be the first to deliver the endgame of the most intriguing and complex story I’ve ever watched or read. They had a responsability toward him and again they failed. THE FUCKING FINALE WAS ACTUALLY LEAKED. I mean, this on itself is an insult to the kind of show they were supposed to do, a treason to all the time GRRMartin spent on writting his books. It’s not what the endgame was, to be frustrated about how life works it’s granted on GOT/ASOIAF. But letting it to be leaked, not just one episode, but all of them... Letting the more discussed, argued, especulated show in history end to be leaked is something I can’t forgive them for.

3- Setting things up that never paid off: I just felt that every single camera focus, political conflict... Was set for nothing... GOT has never been like that, the truth was hidden by the scrypt but told on how the show was actually plaid. Never got a Sansa/Cersei/Dany display and, no matter who of them you stand, just that was frustrating. Non epic dialogues, instead we got 10 minutes of council unimportant small talk (not even about politics) and brothel joking (THE FUCK???). Even if someone tries to say something of the like that it was all to subvert expectations all of that was ruined because they let the fucking endgame to be spoiled. It felt that it was all for nothing but fuck us, and if it was that way well, then it was all for fan disservice which is even wworse than fan service because no one gets satisfied about it. Tenth of minutes of threats, angsty looks, anticipation, political moves, drama, plot, build up made garbage which actually means that the most true moments to the show were battles which is just..................................................................................... ehem. This season battles became what were never meant to be and the rest of it was just nothing at all.

Now, enough with the D&D criticism, I don’t want to go any further and the cast was amazing: Emilia really got me this season, she is way better of what I ever thought her to be, magnificient work for you, Sophie as good as always, Kit you did all that could be done with just as little as they gave you (your BoW sequence while running in the courtyard was amazing and never expected less since the BoB), Lena my only complaint is that I missed you as much as Jaime missed Cersei (Cersei may be the one character that was better in the show than in the books; the scripts plaid their part but so you did)... And so on. You did amazingly all along and YOU can be proud; you all were the best part of it.

Let’s go to GRRMartin. As I said above I’m ok with the ending being such, not the one I would have picked but well, I dont get to chose, isn’t it? I’ve always been amazed by just how realistic the story was, how cynical you are yourself, how complex every character you designed has been and how you brought it together to make a story that made sense, a story that was always able to make you expect things that never happen and yet, with the given time, would reveal to go in a far more logical way making you understand, accept and keep going with it... Maybe I am wondering because I know I would never get a further explanation, clue or hope, but for someone who have always remained true to pracmatism, realism and individualism of his characters there are a few things I actually can’t understand, not as a reader/watcher, nor as a political scientist.

Things I can understand:

-Jon going to the wall: I guess Grey Worm demanding it was true to Grey Worm’s character, he did bullshit for 2 seasons, and actually doing the very same mistake as Robb or even worse (he fell in love with a dangerous and unstable mass murderer who was ready to burn his family alive, or at least, that is what the show told us). He deserves it for knowing nothing and yet managing to forget the half of it. Yet, if Grey WWorm leaves with the unsullied... Why would he carry on his sentence... This is GOT but well, as the show putted it, it makes some sense for him to carry his sentence to the end, but George, book Jon is not this kind of honorable man who goes for honor but a dutifull bastard able to betray every single oath he once took for the greater good. Good luck pulling that off.

- Dany dying: Again, Dany falling to her extremely dark side has been very foreshadowed in both the books and the show, she has done horrendous things, a lot of people has, my personal problem with her is that, half of the times, such cruelty was absolutely unnecessary. Yet Dany stans do have a point; Dany suddenly falling for that side of her coin just because a few persons that were close to her died and people not cheering for her was extremely poor. That woman who (unwillingly) killed her husband and unborn baby, led a bunch of ill, old people as well as children through a dessert while watching them die... Going nuts for such childish reasons is pittysome for her character. Most of your character have always been grey, even the ones we perceived as evil were given the chance to prove their humanity, even while doing terrible things, they had the chance to be sympathetic to us, and we were given the chance to know the most of them and agree even with some of their worst accomplishments. This season Daenerys (who I repeat I haven’t liked for 4 seasons already) was definitely going to go dark, but she was deshumanized while doing it, in a way that was impossible to understand and yet hard to call madness. I hope you do better about her because I want to think that it was all Ds’ fault (I’ve had a hard time deciding who to blame about this) giving her to much screen time and yet being unable to make us understand wtf was going on with her so suddenly (there is a huge difference between being sad or angry and burning small folks from a dragon for 45 minutes, maybe 5 mins of it until realizing what she is doing, 5 mins on a dragon back is more than enough time to burn a huge amount of people, and that is reason enough not to support her as a queen). The problem is not that build up, anticipation, foreshadowing, that was done, but just how much of a villain she became to just not give a frikking damn about all this innocents life, or not expressing a single regret (what she did in the books after randomly eviscerating and crucifying alive 163 defeated persons in the main square of Meereen in front of their families until the rot enough to fall apart, yes mates, it was just that cruel).

- Grey Worm: all in him made sense; leaving (why would he stay???) wanting some punishment for his queen’s traitors... But the fact he was actually believing one of those traitors to actually carry out his sentence because said traitor promised? Because his family promised not to give him any shelter?

- Bran being king; well... I understand and I don’t. The truth being said he knows how to fucking play the game without getting his hands any dirty, when he told Tyrion that this was the main reason he went down south I just thought that he actually could do a nice job there, that is Bran for us all people.

- Democracy... bullshit: I didn’t like how it was pushed away as an option, it was almost like a joke which makes sense from a feudal lord perspective but the actual truth is quite different. Democracy never works in a non posmaterialist society; desinformation, lack of stability or knowledge, extreme supersticion... Who would believe the people from the bread riot were worthy of having a vote that would decide the future of the realm, such people are extremely manipulable as it happenned with the high sparrow, or how it is remembered Baelor the Saint, one of the worst kings the seven kingdoms ever had.

Things I can’t understand:

- BRONN AS MASTER OF COIN: Being true I don’t believe it to be your fault George, you were upset about his fate and it makes sense ( SO Ds THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING BY GIVING THE MASTERSHIP OF COIN TO A MAN WHO LITERALLY SEEMS TO NEED ALL OF HIS FINGERS TO COUNT UP TO TEN, THE SEEMINGLY MORE COMPLEX AND TECHNICALLY DEMANDING MASTERSHIP OF A RAVAGED AND BANKRUPTED REALM, I DON’T KNOW WHAT STAR WARS BULLSHIT YOU ARE APPARENTLY RUNNING RIGHT NOW BUT IF I WAS THE PRODUCER YOU WOULD GET FIRED TODAY JUST BECAUSE OF SUCH BULLSHIT).

- Northern independence... and Bran as a King: Why would the north be independent? I come from the Jonsa fandom to all of you and they were a huge amount of people there wanting it but it made no sense. It has been the very first fucking time in seasons that I’ve felt like beating Sansa. One king is peace, and in future generations, moreso with the crown working as it does now, wars between the north and the suth will start again, leading to more disasters, come on George... Does the north really deserve independence? Have they suffered more than anyone else? Some people seem to believe so but it’s not true. During Aegon conquest the north was the part of the 7kingdoms which suffered the less because Torrhen Stark kneeled on time before any battle took place. There have been 2 cultural groups that have suffered Targaryens far more than northerners and just as culturally differentiated from the andals as northerners are. Those are Dornish (Rhoynars), who are famous for resisting Targaryen rule for centuries until Daeron the good succeeded in diplomacy by marrying a dornish princess and giving princess Daenerys in marriage to the prince of Dorne. They have their own succession system (far more advanced that the rest of Westeros). Have they recently suffered less George? Because, if you are going to go with some random prince of Dorne which was never introduced (I expect you not to) that would mean that all prince Doran, Arianne, Quentyn (already happenned), Trystan, Oberyn and Sandsnakes would all be dead by then. And finally the Ironborns: they are first men, they have their own religion and culture, they suffered the first attack from Aegon the conqueror (King Harren the Black was the king of the Iron Islands) remained independent even longer than Dorne (the hedge knight short stories and their mention to Dagon Greyjoy prove me right) and their family has recently fought 2 wars in order to get it back (Balon rebellion and the five kings war). In such wars both of Balon’s oldest son died and Theon was taken as a hostage for his whole life, and in the second, castrated and tortured because of it. So George... And Sansa, why should the north remain independent while the rest doesn’t? Sansa is Bran fucking sister, she is related to him in a closer way than any other fucking lord and yet she is the only one not to accept him as King? THE ACTUAL FUCK? I mean why would anyone else remain in the 7 Kingdoms if the north doesn’t? How can any lord accept such bullshit when they are not related to him and his bloody sister doesn’t? How can anyone defend Bran as a King when he accept such a thing and still say he is unbiased or fair? His actually best lordship support comes from the fucking north! How can Bran first act as a King be accepting his authority to be jeopardize in such a way? I need you to explain it way better on the books George, I really do, because right know it feels like an experiment that would last 2 days and end with Bran and his council heads on spikes.

PLEASE PEOPLE, I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE, WHO YOU STANNED, WHAT ENDGAME YOU WOULD PREFER, IF SOMEONE GETS ANY CLUE, PLEASE JUST ANSWER THIS CALL OF HELP BECAUSE... WELL ALL OF YOU KNOW ALREADY.

#got #got ending #jonerys #jonsa #jon snow #Sansa Stark #daenerys targaryen #bran stark #arya stark

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bestfriendforhire · 6 years ago

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Entry 383

“Not tired are you?” questioned Ariadne. She and Raine had been working together for several hours now.

Raine looked confused. “P-Processing.”

My lip twitched as an idea popped in my head and fought down my smile, which had nothing to do with my current conversation. I knew Raine couldn’t handle showing us her mind as she had for my wife and me, but wispy illusions of it were probably fine by this point. Still, I resisted the urge to walk over and suggest for Raine to show us. If one of her wayward thoughts became too real, someone could be in danger. The idea of Ariadne witnessing the vastness of Raine’s mind simply amused me.

“No, Dani, I don’t think you should make requests of Raine quite yet. Let her keep practicing.” I stated in response to her question.

“But Daddy! This would be practice!”

Switching to her native tongue, I said, “Practice and something not of this world, right?”

Realizing that she had been caught was showing on her face in the way she smiled. Still speaking in English, she said, “Maybe…”

Alma came up behind her and hugged our daughter. “Dani, behave. Birthday girls get to make the requests here.”

“I… d-don’t mind.” stated Raine. Her figure was blurring between here and where she had stood by Ariadne.

Vito, Zachary, and Papak all looked intrigued, surely not keeping up with her transitional movements much better than I was, which was not at all. Ariadne started walking toward us with the second Raine, still instructing as they went.

As my daughter’s mouth moved, I stared her down.

She smiled even more broadly as she said, “A playmate for Alberich!”

My wife sighed before saying, “She probably shouldn’t attempt life yet.”

“Is that really possible?” questioned Maple.

“Of course, though creating life takes far more energy than you’d probably expect.” replied Ariadne. “I certainly can’t recommend doing it until Raine is very confident in her abilities. Getting something slightly off is very easy and potentially lethal for the new creature.”

“What about creating an enhancement suit for Pufflewink?” I suggested, feeling the world wasn’t ready yet for Raine’s other pet.

That idea got Raine to smile. “I c-can?”

I nodded, saying, “As long as Jarod doesn’t mind.”

“That’s an awesome idea, man-slave!” insisted Emma.

“I’ll admit that I’m intrigued to see what spells go into these things.” commented Vito.

“Suit design is a trade secret, so no giving it away to anyone.” stated Jarod loudly to be heard over everyone. “Mila, would you mind adjusting the design for felines?”

“Already optimizing the fiber configuration.” she replied, sounding amused. “Master, mind if we borrow your office briefly?”

“Feel free. Raine, I think she wants you upstairs.”

Raine glanced at me, nodded once, and disappeared.

I then turned to Jarod and said, “I hope you know that she’ll never forget the designs.”

Jarod grinned broadly. “And I hope you realize that I have many, many plans that could use her aid.” He certainly knew that she’d probably help him at the drop of a hat, but he liked to play the villain at times lately.

“If she comes back with a finished suit, I’ll be most disappointed.” stated Vito with a frown.

“No need to be disappointed. I’ll gladly show you the spell.” I told him. “I just ask that you don’t utilize it for your kind yet.”

He seemed to study me briefly before nodding. Since he nodded, I created the spells, holding them in place for him to inspect. All three brothers seemed interested, moving around the room to get a better view of parts as they focused on it.

Emma sighed and said, “You guys really know how to bring down a party.”

“We’re partying?” questioned Noelle, seeming to have forgotten the conical hat on her head.

“Yes. Today’s Raine’s birthday.” replied Dejon.

Noelle’s eyes brightened. “I should tell her Happy Birthday!”

“She’s off making something for her cat at the moment.”

“She has a cat!? I love cats!” she exclaimed.

“Me too!” exclaimed Kayla, lifting up Alberich, who had been leaning against Alma’s leg for the past minute.

The small, white lion looked indignant, but didn’t attempt to attack her, thankfully. Noelle excitedly went over to pet him, talking about how she never saw anything like him… again. She really did get to relive her happy moments regularly.

After informing us that Raine would be indisposed for several more minutes, Mila suggested moving to the ballroom for some dancing, saying that she had finished preparing it.

I always felt the sight of my ballroom without the computers was odd, but I couldn’t turn down an opportunity to dance with my wife, especially not when the vampire brothers were visiting. Having seen them dance at my wedding, I’d happily encourage their dancing for many years to come. After all, who else would be trying to keep dances from thousands of years ago alive?

When Raine returned, I only noticed because of the spotlight Mila pointed at her, highlighting Raine dancing with her cat at the side of the room. Alma and I made our way over to her.

“Were you successful?” I questioned.

“M-Maybe.”

I grinned and said, “We should test it later before Alberich and Pufflewink play too much together.”

She nodded. Then she said, “I-I should… visit… with… Ariadne.” She was speaking even slower than normal, as if forcing herself to complete the words more smoothly than normal.

I understood how tough she had it far better than I had when we first met. The movements of most were very slow to me now, but they weren’t practically frozen as they were to Raine. I really wished I could tell her how easy she’d make things look eventually. Casually talking and laughing… Even overcoming the fear of herself which had crippled her for years now.

On an impulse, I hugged her. Alma did as well, letting herself enjoy hugs far more freely than she once had.

“I hope you’re having a wonderful birthday, Raine.” I told her.

She nodded, smiling at us both. “B-Best ever.”

“No.” I stated. Catching her concern, I quickly said, “We plan to make each one better.” There were many terrible things throughout the universe, but my company would always stand as a light in that darkness, helping things to be better in whatever way we could.

#Best #Friend #For #Hire #Jovial #Times #Fantasy #Fiction #Story

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msawesomeworld · 6 years ago

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What happens in summer stays in summer Chapter 14

A/N: Look at me updating this story. And I have also written the next chapter. Because I figured I needed to finish writing this eventually. Anyways here goes nothing. Credit to who ever made these amazing gifs!

Danielle’s P.O.V.

I was annoyed all afternoon, and even more when I was placed beside Harry during that nights campfire. This summer camp just kept on giving.

I was annoyed and sat through the whole thing with an annoyed look on my face. He tried to talk to me a few times, for things to seem normal, but I just glared at him.

I did not want to put up an act that our friendship was intact. I hated his guts right now, just playing with my feelings so that I would stay?

What kind of sadistic person would do that?

And that is coming from someone who has done their fair share of bullying in their life. I have been a bitch to people, played them to get what I wanted, but why play someone to stay? That makes no sense.

I would understand if he wanted me to go away. But he barely knew me, yet he was practically punching a tree after he kissed me in order to make me stay.

This was all too confusing and I had no idea what he felt or why he did anything.

Who says poor kids cannot be assholes? He seemed at that just as messed up as I was.

I went to bed early knowing he would try to talk to me if I stayed up late.

Besides I had to save energy for when my sister visited tomorrow. I had called dad and asked her why the hell she was trying to get me out of camp, but he said he could not control her. He did say he would call her and give her a stern talking about making me stay.

I woke up the next morning annoyed at the world, which was usually the attitude when Gabby came to visit me. I was not looking forward to being judged all day by her. She would always point out something with me, which always pissed me off. I knew everything she was was just a facade, and yet she kept scolding me about my looks and demeanour. She could fool the rest of the world into thinking she was perfect, but I knew the whole story. About the drugs she took, about how much she put up with from her asshole husband. He was even more a stuck up douche than she was, and I hated him even more than her.

I got ready and dolled myself a little up, I needed to try and be perfect today. I headed for the door and waited for her to drive up. When she did in a rented town car she stood out like a sore thumb, with her high heels and designer clothes. She looked at the house disgusted as she and Peter got out.

I put on the smile I could muster, which would be totally fake, but she was used to those she could hardly tell the difference.

Or if she could she would never comment on it.

She hugged me once again and I groaned internally she let go and smiled at me.

“Good morning sis, have being away from home ruined all sense of style? You have to let me pick out your dress for the charity ball if this is the direction you’re going in.” She said looking me up and down disgusted. I could feel my smile getting faker by the minute but tried to keep my mouth shut.

“We can talk about that later. Shall we?” I said and she smiled again and nodded as we walked inside.

I showed her my room and the dining hall. Then we walked outside and I showed her around the campsite. The other girls were doing their normal activities and I could feel Harry’s eyes on me the entire time we walked around. Some of the girls stared or glared at us, a few others smiled at me. I even introduced Anna to Gabby, I had of course warned Anna about Gabby before hand, so no snarky comment would hurt her feelings. She handled herself well and I was proud of my friend.

Once the tour was over Gabby told Peter to wait for them in the car while she and I talked in private.

This seemed fairly odd for her, she usually would do everything with Peter present. She pulled me a little aside so we walked on the edge of the forrest.

“I wanna be real with you for a second Dani.” She said looking at me seriously. I had no idea what that entailed with her. She was usually to snarky and up tight for something like this. I had no idea how to react so I just nodded.

“I know you resent mom for what she did. But I need you to forgive her or at least make nice with her.” She said and I looked at her even more confused. Had she lost her mind? She knew how I felt about mom, never before giving a rats ass about this stuff. Sure she was way more lenient than I was, but this was weird from her. What the hell was her motive?

“Make nice? Why? What is in it for you? It better be a god damn good reason, because you know how I feel about her.” I said crossing my arms.

“Look, I get it, you like being out doors with these less than girls, and that instructor guy oogling you. You can do way better than that by the way. But I am in the real world, and mom is on the verge of giving me half of her shares. I just need you to make nice with her.” She said pausing for a second.

I knew there was a reason she came here, she just wanted me for some stupid deal as always. It was business never pleasure with her.

“You are asking me to forgive the woman, who abandoned me countless times before she was finally deemed an unfit mother. All so you can have your half of her shares? Are you out of your mind?” I asked actually shocked at the audacity of her.

“I know what she did to you was wrong. And so does she, she went to rehab and actually seems different this time. Please Dani, you think I would ask you if this was not important?” She said grabbing my arm making me look at her. I just glared back at her, I was sick of people thinking that they could play me.

“She always seem like she has turned it around. She never has Gabby you gotta realise that.” I said glaring at her. I was not forgiving my mother for some business thing. Gabby glared back at me and groaned frustrated. This made a little something click in me and I smirked a little and raise an eyebrow. I had an idea.

“It is gonna cost you.” I said smirking and she groaned and rolled her eyes.

“Seriously Dani, helping your sister out isn’t enough, plus mending a broken relationship with your mother?” She said and I chuckled and shook my head.

“We both know that is not nearly enough. On that you raised me well, never do anything for free.” I said and she once again groaned. She had told me this repeatedly when I was younger, trying to teach me about business or whatever, that was biting her in the ass now. Even though I hated to admit it was actually some good advice. It was a benefit to never do anything unless you got something out of it as well.

“Fine, what do you want?” She asked and I smirked, I had her right where I wanted her.

“I get dad alone on christmas. I will also wear whatever I please to the charity ball. I also want you to talk to dad about me becoming a full time gymnast.” I said pointing at her she just nodded.

“Is that it?” she said annoyed with me, I smirked once again and shrugged.

“One more thing, I want you to say that I am the better looking sister, and that you need me.” I said smirking, the last part was just for my own amusement. I knew nothing would pain my sister more than for her to admit that she needed help. She looked at me as if I was totally unfair but I stood my ground.

“Fine.” She gritted out angrily and I smirked even wider if it was possible and she just glared at me.

“Cool, I will talk to mom at the charity and tell her I forgive her or whatever, deal?” I said holding out a hand and she took it reluctantly.

“This better pay off.” She said and I chuckled shaking her hand shortly.

She was about to turn and walk away but I cleared my throat making her turn back.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” I asked and she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

“Fine.” She spat once again. Probably hoped that I would forget it if she walked away.

“You are the better looking sister, and I need you.” She said hating every word of it. But it was good enough for me.

I walked her to the car and we hugged goodbye. Finally she got into the car and I was honestly glad to see her go. She held the door open and looked back at me.

“By the way, you do know the ball is the 16th right? I imagine dad has talked to you about flying home for that.” She said and my eyes widened.

The 16th? That was in a month, I had no time to find a dress or anything before then. God I was annoyed that dad had not told me, that they had moved the date. It was probably Gabby’s doing. She smirked at me having the upper hand again.

“Also, remember you need a date. And a presentable one this time. I do not want a repeat of last year. Or I will kill you before you can even talk to mom.” She said and I just sighed and nodded at her.

So what if I had brought a hippi looking guy last year? It was hilarious to watch him stumble about around these business people. My sister was not humoured. I would have to be clever about it this year if I wanted to piss her off.

She closed the door and then they finally drove off. I was glad, now I could stay and enjoy this freedom for a little while. Before going back to that business. I was super annoyed that they had moved the date. I would have to fly out and then when there immediately go dress shopping.

I stood there for a second before turning back to the house. But I was met by Harry, I sighed not really wanting to deal with more difficult people today.

“You okay Dani?” He asked actually concerned, this just confused me, first he was nice, then he kissed me, then ignored me. And now he was concerned about me. This man was honestly the most confusing person ever.

“Why do you care?” I asked and he looked at my distressed.

“I care about you.” He said and I looked at him even more confused.

“You sure have a funny way of showing it. But don’t worry Harry, you don’t need to act like you like me anymore. I am staying.” I said trying to get away from him. I would not fall for this act again. I was too good at playing people for that.

“It is not like that.” He yelling a little as I started walking away from him. I did not want to hear him tell me yet another lie. He had gotten what he wanted, I was staying, why was he still bothering me then?

I only stopped when he grabbed my arm and spun me around, forcing me to stop and look at him.

“It is not like that.” He said once again. I pushed my arm away from him and glared.

“What is it like then? Because from my perspective, you flirted and befriended me. Then you saw that I was leaving and kissed me. Then you punched a tree in guilt and ignored me once you knew that I was staying. Now tell me, what wasn’t it like?” I said angrily and he looked at me what I would assume was guilt, but being a little critical also would assume was fake guilt.

“I was terrified when it seemed like you were leaving. Because I liked you okay? So I kissed you because I did not want you to leave. But also because I wanted to know what it felt like if you did leave.” He said and I looked at him confused. This all made no sense, my thoughts kept flooding around in my head.

“The reason I pulled away from you, was not because I got what I wanted, but because I should never have done that. It is against the rules to fraternise with campers. And it would probably be forgivable, had I not done it before.” He said this was weirder. He had dated someone like me before? What the hell was up with that? He could see my sudden change in expression and clearly needed to explain himself. Because I was not gonna be a repeat because he had a thing for breaking the rules.

“Look, it was two years ago. It was my second year counselling and I met this girl Mya. I thought I liked her, but she was just playing me. She and her snobby friends had made a bet that she could get me to like her. She succeeded. But I thought it was more than that even after I found out about the bet. But now I just annoyed her, she dropped out saying it was because of our dating. And her father pulled the funding from the camp. I was lucky I did not lose this job.” He said looking sad and guilty. I felt a little bad that this had happened to him. I would never do something like that to him but I definitely knew people who did.

“I can’t be seen liking you like that. Because even if you don’t do the same, it is still against the rules. And I cannot lose this job. It pays very well and I can’t go without a job for long before my family would be kicked out of our house.” He said and I looked at him sadly.

I had never thought about where he was coming from. Why he would do this, I had never imagined that that was his reason behind acting like that. I was still a little hurt, but I wanted to forgive him. I thought it over for a little while before smiling slightly at him.

“Look, I would be lying if I said that I did not enjoy your company. But I understand. So how about you and I be friends and never talk about that kiss again.” I said and he smiled at me relived.

“I would like that. I do actually like having you around trouble.” He said and I smiled a little. I knew it would be weird if I started liking him more. Difficult not to do anything about it. But it would be best for both of us. I had to not be selfish about this. Even though I could probably help him out money wise if he got in trouble. But I just thought about that as a worst case scenario.

“Cool. Now can I please rant about my stupid sister? Seriously you should have heard why she was actually here to see me.” I said.

He chuckled and nodded as I put my arm around him in a friendly manner. We walked towards the house and I ranted about Gabby, which he did laugh at a few times. She was honestly absurd so I understood.

I was glad that I could be friends with him. I just hoped this would all work out in the end. That flirting had not been one sided. But I knew that I had more than enough self control to keep that little fact to myself. Now I would just have to enjoy my remaining time here, I did just make a deal with the devil.

After all I did just promise Gabby to forgive my mother. Which I had no idea how I was gonna get through.

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trickstersantana · 6 years ago

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[Para] A Name to Fear

Who: Santana, Dave @knockonkarofsky Location: Sciron Square Time: 18 December 2018 Summary: Santana has Plans TM and maybe she doesn’t choses the best person for executing them but you know how she is. Triggers/Notes: Violence, probs some murder mention I don’t remember this is Santana

Santana walks around the hall of Sciron until she catches the person she wanted to talk to. "Hey, poison guy! You know we still need more food and stuff than what Brody brought, right? Because I have another mission for you to make this barricade stay strong." She tells him casually when she gets close to walk alongside him.

David sighs when he sees the trickster approaching him. Any other day, he would be happy to be the guy others go to ask for help. But he was starting to notice people didn't see him as the reliable, helpful guy he wanted to, but just as a guy who said yes to anything. "Don't take missions from ya." Echoes of the words from the man who looked like him resonated in his mind, and he gave a glance to his shoulder, looking at Martin Frog. He knew this was important, more important than people’s perceptions of him or his feelings on the matter. "What?" He ends up asking, unhappy.

Santana is unamused. "Oh, so you can take missions from Dani Hot Guns, but not from me? Is this because I'm a trickster or because that one time I tried to shoot you with a gun? Because god damn it dude, get over it already!" She was sure it wasn't for the gun thing. "Anyway we need one witch to get out of here in secret, and pick up the food I'm going to order, put them in grimoires and bring it back. It's actually super easy, barely and inconvenience. I can help you get out and Brody can summon you in, so the only thing you have to do is arrive to a certain place in time."

"It's Danielle 'Dani Hot Guns' Harper for ya" David stopped walking when he heard the most difficult petition someone asked him to do in his entire life. Not getting lost in the city. "You sure there's not a better witch to ask? Why not Weston?" Even city witched called him city witch, clearly the most citiest witch of all.

Santana is so tired of witches not following her fucking very flawed and really bad plans without questioning how bad and flawed they are. "Oh, there are thousands of better witches to ask. But here is the thing, all of them may take this chance to drop the barricade and visit their families at christmas time and forget about the barricade because it's not a problem that affects them directly, and you know how people are super selfish and self-centered." Asking Brody for a favor always feels like making a bet. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And she has won everytime and still Brody didn't ask her for something in return, but she didn't want to risk her luck much. The other options were Ryder, who was perfect until she remembered he was a werewolf now so if they catch him outside there would be trouble. Elliott, who could teleport but it was Illegal TM in every sense and he had to do a lot of travels to carry all the food and supplies, wich was more risky. Tina, Santana didn't like to ask favors to Tina because she never did them unless they were small and easy and no life was on the line. Matt, was thinking about dropping out and was more at risk of encountering problems. Sam, who was Sam. And more random witches she didn't trust. She didn't trust Dave either, but he still had not fail her yet. Not like he had the chance, but it was something. "Like c'mon dude, what's the problem?"

David decided to be honest and hoped the trickster didn't make fun of him for it. "Keep getting lost on campus. Would need time to find the place."

Santana though for a moment. "The place is at 40 minutes walking, 20 minutes on bus. We can get you 2 hours before so you have time. You can ask for directions. Or use googl- oh, you don't have a phone, don't you?" Why won't the useful witches be willing to do shit without betrayal. "Alright, we can make a deal so I illusion you the equivalent of google maps for you." She says, showing her hand.

David isn't going to make a deal with a trickster. It was one of the things everyone knew, because they had been told since they were little. Don't hurt the trees, don't disrespect the Aetherling, don't confuse Agaricus bisporus with Agaricus aurantioviolaceus because the first one doesn't heal, and don't make deals with tricksters. He wonders why Dani didn't tell him herself. Probably because she was busy. "Give me six hours. Seven."

Santana puts her hand down. "7? Really?" She rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, we'll get you out 7 fucking hours before, holy shit." Maybe giving a 1 hour job to the witch who needed 7 hours to do it was making things more complicated than they needed to be. Geez I should just had told Matt to fucking do it, or send Brody. But, going to tell them now? Explain the really short plan again? Nah, too much work, the problem wasn't hers anymore. Unless Dave failed, then it would affect her actually. "Alright we will keep in contact, I think you have one of those crystals phone things right? Now. I have another proposition for you, but this is an after-barricade plan." She hoped she didn't need to actually do it at all after the barricade, but it was like leaving a last goodbye little present to the LN community. "We talked about this before but, the conversation turned into other shit. But, heard me out, from bully to bully. We know our fear methods worked, right? What if...we used that for good?"

David was a little embarrassed. "Wanna be sure to don't screw it up!" He defends himself. "Got one." Says showing his communication crystal, which looked like a normal cell phone. He listened, doubtful. He didn't trust Lopez, and has no idea what she wanted. If Elliott trusted her, he could listen, at least. "Think you assume lots of stuff." She wasn't wrong, but she has no way to know she was right. This was about a skill he has and not a mission of great difficulty. "How?"

Santana feared this could Go Wrong in many different ways but still was Hopeful. She looks at the phone, then at Dave. Then back at the phone. "That's a fucking phone you piece of lying shit, but ANYWAY..." She starts to explain her idea, trying to summarize it, and starts making illusions of the things she was speaking of, to add effect She starts with a little small model of campus. "NYADA. Their whole security system is shit and favors witches above LN, specially bloodlines. And the one in charge of it is ugly." She says illusioning the face of Dustin Goolsby. "So, if those fuckers aren't going to protect LN, why not do it ourselves? I'm the strongest bitch here, you have poison, I have illusions and people fear us. Let's use that fear and make our reign of terror a good thing! Let's become the real security sytem of NYADA. Better, fairer, in both the reasonable way and the hot way, because I'm way more attractive than Dustin Boolsbieber. And we will be wearing berrets." She says illusioning themselves with red uniforms and red berrets. Because you are going to eat your words Kurt Hummel I look great in red!

David looks proud at his communication crystal. "Looks just like a phone, but isn't." His mom made it like that, it could trick anyone, even when he said it wasn't a phone. She was so good at making those things. He looks at the illusions and tries to touch everyone of them and pass his hand for them like it's the most fun thing in the world. He wasn't going to comment about Mr. Goolsby attractiveness. He suspects it's a trick of the trickster to call him gay. He prefers to focus on most important parts of her explanation. "We have to wear berrets?" He knew Lopez wasn’t as strong as she think she was. She was strong, but not the strongest.

Santana rolls her eyes at Dave trying to touch her illusions. They weren't toucheable, he just pass his hand through the picture as if nothing was there. "Yes. The berrets stay. I'm not going to compromise my vision." She said, very seriously, this decision was unamovible. Unchangeable. "We are going to have cool badges I designed myself and all. And now, I was thinking of calling ourselves the LN Defense Gang, but are you going to fucking call this by it's name or you are going to skip over saying LN?"

David shaked his head. "Not gonna call it that. Told ya makes no sense to me." He already has the same problem with Elliott's club. When he answered he was in the Elliott's club, people usually didn't know what he meant. He had really long conversations until people got it right. "What 'bout the Aetherling and others defense gang?"

Santana illusioned the words LNDG and AODG just to look at how the acronymons looked. They didn't look right. "First, Defense Gang doesn't actually look good in short. And second, we aren't going to call a fucking term only you and your grandma knows also I'm starting to think it's kinda discriminatory actually, so, no."

David wonders why Lopez complains about her own idea to him. "Isn't. Most Fae don't like getting called what's used here. Ones back home are okay with Aetherling. Most don't have a problem" Must be a situational issue. "What 'bout Fae, Faun, Satyrn, Lamia, Melusines, Shedim, Nephilims, Djins, Shapeshifters, Undine, Sylphs, Selkies, Giants, Drakainas, tricksters, changelings, selkids, vampires, weres, doppels and commons force of security?"

Santana talks with a mocking voice. “Oh, poor fae they don’t want to be put in the same bad as the other dirty LN” Then she glares at him and feels the five stages of grief one by one in just 5 seconds after hearing all that crap, and STILL she makes an illusion of the acronym. "That's longer than Elliott's dick and FFSLMSNDSUSSGDTCSVWDCFS isn't really catchy."

David tries to react like a normal heterosexual to the comment, but he doesn't know how it should be. He simply answers angry. "Show some respect for Elliott Farrohk Gilbert. Don't need to shorten it to letters.” He wonders how she said it outloud. “Isn't that long. Back at my clan we have people with longer names and titles. Isn't a problem.

Santana smiles her evil smirk. "Oooh, so isn't as long as Elliott's enormous dongus, eeeeh? You know it well, riiiiight?" She said like a bitch. "Anyway I'm going to sell this idea to Figgins, obviously explaining it all pretty and not mentioning him our reign of terror. But uhm... talking about reign of terror...maybe we shouldn't name the people we protect. Maybe we should put a name that our enemies will fear." She said...plotting.

David was getting more embarrassed and angry. "ᴵ ᵈᵒⁿ'ᵗ ᵏⁿᵒʷ, ˢʰᵘᵗ ᵘᵖᵎ" He wasn't ready to admit he was gay to most people. But he had toyed with the idea of stop denying it. He still did it, out of defense. Because he was used to it. He was getting too angry already. "Tired of this. I'm leaving." He said while trying to get rid of the sigh of the trickster.

Santana was still thinking about cool names. "The Bloodline Beaters. The Justice Makers, the Bringers of Pain, the... wait! Oh well, if you are leaving then the name idea is going to be all mine!!" She shouts from far away. "And don't forget your mission!"

#knockonkarofsky #para: dave #chara: dave

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bffhreprise · 4 years ago

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Entry 348

Today’s job was for a man with a name I was enjoying through a large number of scenarios in my head. Mr. Common wasn’t at all a common person, being wealthy and not quite human, though I wasn’t precisely sure what the other part was, though I was leaning toward some type of fey we didn’t have in the forest at home.

He had asked me here today to install a new display for his large coin collection, and I was currently making a show of struggling a little to carefully remove one of the large cases from the hand truck I used to haul it inside. Unbeknownst to him, I had simply ran the equipment here along with the truck after making sure there were no witnesses around. The… strange… way I had of knowing things was getting stronger lately, allowing me to view distant areas with ease if I wasn’t careful. Something about Best Friend For Hire was changing me, a scary thought, but… I was more okay with the change than I had been about anything involving my other half today, though I was still keeping the ability in check with an effort of will at the moment.

If I grew too distracted spying on the ballroom at home, instead of just listening in on the conversations, I’d have a small chance that I’d make some small error in my work, which was completely unacceptable. My scenarios always depicted James as not really minding small mistakes, but how accurate could they be, being purely speculative imagining on my part? Besides, one should always complete quests as perfectly as possible, and every job for Best Friend For Hire was a quest to me!

“If you don’t mind, I’m going to check on some things in the other room.” stated Mr. Common, who had been awkwardly rubbing his hands for the past couple of minutes after I assured him several times that I wouldn’t need help.

I certainly couldn’t blame the slightly short man from worrying about a much shorter girl struggling with very solid display cases, but I had some gadgetry that could be used for lifting if he actually watched me too much. Getting things done without him actively viewing me would be a blessing, these days only partially because I didn’t like being watched.

After waiting what seemed to be a very human pause before responding, I carefully made words, saying, “P-Please do. This r-really won’t… t-take long.” I knew my speaking was still off slightly. Despite talking much more frequently than I had for most of my life, I still hadn’t mastered forming words over the small eternities it took. Someday, I might. I wasn’t a monster. I had friends. Even Deyanira was back in my life again, friendlier than ever before.

As I worked, slightly faster than a person probably could manage, I listened to the chanting back home. Assuming the girls were following James’ instructions, Dani’s Luxa would be dancing around an altar in Ancient Tribes of Earth while Kayla and Iris’ characters did the chanting. By the time they finished, I already had the display cases in place, stacking and tying the old ones on my hand truck.

Llameths’ Keep? The conversation between the girls repeated itself a few times in my head. A new area had opened after finishing the ritual, apparently giving them a quest to find an underground keep. I really wanted to see this.

Instantly, I was seeing the girls seated in the ballroom with James standing behind them, looking on curiously. Everything was visible to me at once. Every scent reached me as clearly as if I was nearby. I could hear their organs at work, but I couldn’t turn their characters to allow me to see into the game world better. Blocking out the sensations, I decided to cheat a little extra on sorting the coins into their new homes.

By the time Mr. Common was walking into the room, I was down to the very last row of the very last case, making an exaggerated show of the care I took in moving his precious coins. Unlike him, I was very aware that a slight twitch of my fingers could turn the coin into slag. Needing to treat everything as delicate, I had plenty of experience in caution.

“Daddy, any ideas?” questioned Dani hopefully. Her and the others had been discussing the clue they saw in the cave, but they apparently weren’t sure what to do yet.

“I am… shocked. You had assured me that this wouldn’t take long, but…” he started, taking a moment to carefully tug at one of the cases with his other hand prepared to catch it should it move. The case didn’t even wiggle, of course. “It’s solid! And this is the bulletproof glass detailed on your website?” he asked, careful not to touch the “glass”.

“T-Technically, not glass, b-but… yes. B-Bulletproof.” I assured him with a nod, careful not to meet his eyes. Figuring out how to be respectful without meeting someone’s eyes had taken practice when I was little, but Mom made me practice, knowing my eyes would scare people if they caught the color in light.

Mr. Common was grinning, staring at how the new display light illuminated each coin. He tried the touchpad, practically dancing when the coin he selected was lifted and flipped over inside of the case. “And if anything goes wrong…?” he started asking.

Nodding, I said, “F-Fully… covered.”

I knew what was coming far before he reached me, hugging me impulsively. With a much smaller effort of will than I once needed, I remained still, listening in on the conversation at home while ignoring the sensation.

James had teased Dani about not being there with his character, refusing to help her, but Dani knew he was just messing with her. Mila was transmitting everything to Alma, so she could watch her daughter’s game too. As strange as Dani’s sudden appearance as their daughter was, James and Alma were very good parents.

Finally releasing me, Mr. Common asked “Is there anything I… well… I guess you’re hired to be here, but…” He couldn’t seem to decide on what to say, a feeling I understood very well. There were always so many options, and making words took concentration, for me at least.

Shaking my head, I asked “I-Is there anything… I-I… can d-do?”

“Everything looks to be in perfect order. Job very well done!” he exclaimed, grinning at me, unaware of the slight bit of cabbage in his tooth. The cabbage smell still lingered in the kitchen.

Nodding and smiling without meeting his eyes, I said, “I-I’ll… be off.”

He followed me to the door, once again looking like he wanted to help me with what probably seemed an extreme load to him. The moment I was certain no one was watching, I’d grab the company truck and return home. Just a year ago, I never would have even considered hauling a vehicle with me, but the truck served as advertisement for the company and a disguise for how everything had arrived with me. Sure, people might wonder how they missed the truck departing, but hardly anyone was likely to get stuck on the vehicle’s sudden absence.

Back at home, Dani had asked for Alma’s help on deciphering something in the game, but Kayla had explained to her that a unicorn was depicted, and someone used the horn in crafting. There was also a dragon’s tooth needed, which I already had at my forge in the game. I could help them!

“Is Raine home? She's the guild crafter, right?” questioned Iris. “She can probably make what we need.”

They wanted me there! I quickly searched every possible point which could view the company truck.

“Dragons are so pretty.” commented Dani in a way that made me wonder what she was remembering them from.

Finding no possible viewer, I loaded the truck and carefully hauled it home, walking around traffic and occasionally through the air… According to Aaliyah, there was some sort of transformation occurring when I did this, but I didn’t want the details… yet. Wasn’t ready for that quest. After delivering the truck and unloading it, I hurried to the ballroom to find Dani’s lips barely shutting from her comment.

“Wh-where are y-you?” I asked, hoping she’d open the map to show me. I hadn’t been paying too much attention when they were fighting goblins or dragons earlier, though I knew roughly where they probably were based off those two types of creatures being in relatively close proximity. Being me, I simply didn’t forget. Ever.

“I thought you were on a job.” commented James with an amused look.

“I-I finished.” I told him, not meeting his eyes. More than anyone else in the room, he was sure to know I had cheated, but I didn’t think he’d comment on it, not with the number of times I had cheated a little already without comment.

“She's also gotten another fantastic review. Mr. Common is quite impressed with how quickly she reorganized his coin collection and thought the new displays are remarkable.” commented Mila.

I mentally thanked her and added another treat for her in my mental room dedicated to her awesomeness. She had already told me forty-three times that I didn’t need to thank her so often. I did my best not to thank her more than once a day now.

“Excellent.” replied James, his amused look becoming a full-blown smile “How many coins were there?”

“Three th-thousand seventy-f-four.” I told him, knowing a pointed question when I heard one. No human could have installed the displays and sorted the coins that quickly even if they weren’t careful. Oops.

“So how long did that take you to plan out? Half a second?” he teased rather than admonishing me.

I shook my head, resisting the urge to dance in place at not upsetting him. James very rarely got upset at anyone, but I didn’t want to be the one who managed to make him angry. We all owed him so very much, and even if we didn’t, he was so very kind.

“I actually had images from the collection’s previous displays and designed the new displays based off them with the improved security features. She installed them and moved the coins.” explained Mila, thankfully saving me from having to use so many words at once.

“Well, I'm glad he's happy.” insisted James, still smiling as he looked at me.

“We found a cave!” exclaimed Kayla excitedly. “Then Dani did this dance thing while Iris and I chanted, and it opened! There was music and everything!”

There was a brief moment’s consideration of telling her that I heard that part, but I decided against it. Too much effort, and there was no need to point out the oddness in listening from miles away. I was well aware that the soundwaves shouldn’t even reach there. Like the others, I studied, just at a slightly faster pace.

“But now we're stuck.” complained Iris. “We need some sort of items as keys.”

I nodded and started studying the diagrams on their screens, using my words to get them to change their views. There was a great deal of unnecessary information, but the basic plans for the key was obvious enough. Being a well-known crafter with a good reputation had brought many interesting recipes to my shop from hopeful adventurers. Like the others, this quest was happily accepted. “I-I’ll deliver.” I informed them, glad to see that Mila was already logging into my character for me.

“Really? It's quite a walk.” warned James, underestimating Nekopawpaw’s speed once again.

Shrugging, I told him “I w-want to come.” If he thought he was the only one desperately interested in this new find, he was sorely mistaken. My scenarios argued that he was just trying to be kind again, attempting to dissuade me purely out of kindness.

“You'll join us!? Really!?” exclaimed Dani, hopping out of her seat to approach mine. As I worked, she hugged me from behind and gently petted my head. “You're the best!” she exclaimed before remembering that James was nearby. I felt her turn toward him as she said, “Don't worry, Daddy. You’re the best Daddy.”

“Thank you.” he replied with a chuckle.

With the abundantly stocked warehouse that Ashengarde afforded me, I had no problem getting all necessary materials together in short order.

“Did you just make a new anvil?” questioned James, obviously watching my screen.

I nodded and explained “I'll n-need to make k-key molds there.” Though I could technically detach my shop’s anvil and bring it along, I wanted to use an anvil from the exact materials described in the diagrams. Mine probably would have worked perfectly, being forged with the strongest magic currently available in the game—through my potions—specifically for versatile crafting, but this new one definitely would.

Dani invited me to the group, and Kayla shared their location with me. Covering the distance only took two potions for a speed boost. I took longer setting up my portable workshop and creating the keys than I did running to them.

“How did you get a unicorn horn?” asked Kayla, clearly worried for the poor creature. “You didn't… kill it… Did you?”

“I… t-traded for it.” I assured her. I didn’t go on to explain the small investigation I had done into the characters before accepting the material from them. If they had killed the unicorn themselves rather than finding it on an orc raiding party, I wouldn’t have traded for it.

“What about the dragon tooth?” asked Iris, who was showing much more interest in the game today than she had previously.

“K-knocked it out.” I told her. Knocking out teeth was actually really easy in the game if you knew what to do and how to time it, but many people struggled with the procedure. Personally, I liked to find particularly malicious creatures for teeth harvesting. Leaving them as easier prey didn’t bother me.

Surprisingly, the questions kept coming as I worked, enough that I considered whether or not I should try teaching them about crafting within the game. Any of them would probably do fairly well if they kept their focus, though I really did struggle to picture Kayla or Dani showing enough focus. Iris gave me more hope.

“You stopped replying in the game.” commented Alma after entering the room and taking a seat on her husband’s lap.

“Sorry. I find this distracting.” replied James as he motioned to the screens.

“Remember what happened last time we fell into a cave?” asked Alma in a way that suggested they had gotten into trouble. Was she referring to how they accidentally released the demon lords, starting a global event? James didn’t comment on the matter.

When I finished crafting the keys, Dani and Kayla each took one and inserted them nearly simultaneously on Iris’ count.

“It's opening!” excitedly whispered Dani, practically bouncing in her seat.

With the doors open, we were staring into a beautiful hallway that looked to be made completely of ice. A set of scenarios set off in my mind to design different ice structures, and I carefully stored the various plans away in the newly created “ice palace” drawer of my mind’s crafting room.

“Master, the applicant has arrived.” announced Mila.

James sighed dramatically, depositing his wife on his seat before kissing her. I forced myself not to stare, though I was still watching and enjoying the subtle play between the two of them. Inside, I was squealing with delight at their affectionate displays. I liked the new Alma much more than the old, though I still lacked any reasonable scenario for how the change came to be within two weeks.

“Thank you, Mila.” replied James as he strolled toward the front doors.

I could already see the new recruit outside, looking perfectly professional and only a little nervous. She was fairly tall, much taller than me, though she’d look short next to James. With long, dark brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, she was perfectly pretty. She had the confidence in her stance of someone who was doing well in life. Without a doubt, she’d still be thrown off by this place. Part of me considered whether or not I should watch her interview. Part of me was adamantly against using my strangeness to spy like this, but there was that very curious part, not wanting to miss a moment. Was watching people from afar really worse than listening in situations like this?

#Best Friend For Hire Reprise #Best #Friend #For #Hire #Reprise #Jovial Times #Jovial #Times #Fantasy #Fiction #Story

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roseonhissleeve · 8 years ago

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Have A Little Faith: Chapter One

“Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

My feet were killing me.

I could practically hear my mother scolding me from miles away as I walked down the unfamiliar street, sharp pangs of pain shooting up the soles of my feet and my calves every time I stepped. My parents had both told me before I left on my trip that I shouldn’t pack sandals, and that if I’m going to be walking every single day I should be using runners. But I am my father’s daughter, which meant that I would end up packing three pair of sandals just to spite them—I wore them today to prove a point, which ended up backfiring gravely.

But the pain was worth it, because Barcelona was absolutely breathtaking.

“Are you doing okay, Rosie?”

I looked over at my friend Danielle, flashing her a small smile of reassurance. Dani was a petite blonde that I’d met that morning in a small Spanish café. She had long curls that had taken her about forty five minutes to get perfect that morning, only to go flat the second we stepped out into the humidity. Her lips were tainted with bright pink lipstick and she had freshly manicured nails.

The tour agency that I’d used to help plan my backpacking trip had stops in every city where you could meet up with people who were also travelling on their own, and today I’d had the pleasure of meeting her.

At first I was a tad overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, but she enjoyed talking and I enjoyed listening, so we ended up being a great pair. Her voice was loud and unapologetic, the way I wished mine could be sometimes.

I quickly learned that she was an over-sharer—within the first hour of our walk I knew everything about her family and way too much about her sexual history. Her cheeks were bright red due to the heat yet she refused to put her hair up, and her orange shorts clashed with the pink tank top she’d chosen for today, but overall I didn’t mind her company one bit.

“Yep, just tired,” I replied. “I think I’m going to sit for a little bit, you go ahead and I’ll catch up, okay?”

Dani nodded her head in agreement. She flashed a quick smile and blew me a kiss (which I didn’t really know what to do with, so I just stood there awkardly) before turning to continue down the main path we’d been taking.

I took a few steps down the collestone path to sit down on a small bench and looked at the setting before me, exhaling a soft sigh that I didn’t know I’d been holding in. The air seemed quiet and more peaceful, and I realized how much I was craving the time alone.

We’d been walking down a narrow pathway, and it was clearly designed with pedestrians in mind. It was just barely wide enough for a large van to drive through and nowhere near large enough for a tour bus. The large rocks that functioned as tiles on the ground were uneven in certain places and seemed unkempt, but no one minded.

It smelled of the rain that had fallen the night before, but the sun was so bright that all the puddles had dried up by the time we went outside. The stones that made up the buildings on either side of the path were partially covered in moss, seemingly untouched and absolutely beautiful.

That was the thing I loved about Barcelona so far—back home everything was artificially made, and everything was wasted.

Here, it all just seemed simpler.

Dani and I had decided that we didn’t want to hit the typical touristy locations, which is why we’d chosen this street to take—for the most part it was occupied by locals. Parents and little children walking down the same road that they always did, seemingly immune to how awestruck I was at the breathtaking simplicity of this part of the world. It was as if it was another planet entirely, and it was almost as if I was looking at it through a painting rather than living it.

Eventually I stood up and began walking further down the pathway, when I heard soft music coming from a distance. It wasn’t a tune that I recognized at all—although I wasn’t very familiar with classical music to begin with—but it’d been forever since I’d heard live music, and my curiosity got the best of me.

I located the source of the music from a distance, and I immediately walked over to get a better look.

A small elderly lady was sitting in front of what I could only assume was her home, playing the violin. Her frail little body sat on the top step in front of her door, and her face reminded me of my own mother—soft and sweet, but there was history behind the gleam of her dark brown eyes.

She had nothing in front of her to collect change with. She was playing for the sake of making music, and not to make any sort of profit off it. When was the last time I’d seen anyone do anything without an ulterior motive?

The pain in my feet was suddenly nonexistent as I made my way closer to the stranger with slow steps, afraid to break her concentration. I didn’t know how she’d feel about someone she’d never met listening in on her seemingly private moment, so I approached hesitantly. An amicable smile appeared on my lips as I sat down on the ground in front of her and set my travel pack in my lap, content to just sit and listen.

“Hola, bella.” Her voice was soft and soothing, the same way that a mother’s voice can scare away the monsters under your bed. I simply replied with a smile; I knew a tiny bit of Spanish, enough to know that “bella” meant “beautiful,” but I wasn’t fluent enough to produce any speech.

I lifted my hand in a small wave, lips twitching as my smile widened. She delivered a wink in my direction before continuing to play. I spent a few moments repositioning myself on the ground, tugging slightly at my tank top that was sticking to my skin because of the humidity.

The soft notes of the violin filled the air like mist, the way that sleep slowly creeps up on you after a sad day.

Eventually I mustered up the courage to pull out my sketchbook from my backpack.

I flipped the front cover open to reveal the many pages that I’d already covered with drawings of my travels. It was a ratty and torn book – the front cover was a bright yellow, my favorite color. It was filled with dog-eared pages with my favorite drawings and missing pages I’d torn out when I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome. My mother and father had given it to me when I moved back home a few months ago—at first I’d reacted to it with hostility, but I eventually fell back into my love for art.

I looked up to meet the woman’s gaze again, tilting my book up slightly in the form of a nonverbal question. I watched her smile with a slight nod, agreeing to my request.

A grin appeared on my own features as I dug through my backpack for a pencil—I had a bad habit of losing all of them in the bottom of my bag and forgetting about them. Once I’d located one I grabbed my glasses from the front pocket of my knapsack, pulling them out of the compartment to settle them atop of the bridge of my nose. I reached behind my head to quickly tighten my ponytail, the heat causing my hair to feel hotter than usual.

Once I was finally comfortable, I began to sketch.

It had been a very long time since I sketched regularly. Years, even, though I loved it in high school and I’d even applied (and gotten accepted) to go to an arts school after graduation. But life got in the way, and it wasn’t until a handful of months ago that I’d felt capable of picking up a pencil again.

Since then I’d drawn everything I possibly could—anything that I found beautiful, really. People and faces were my favorite, but I was also a fan of architecture, or anything that I simply wanted to remember.

I lost track of how long she and I sat there. She played her violin and I pressed my pencil to the page, as if I was part of her music myself. When I was about halfway done the sketch I sensed a pair of feet standing behind me, but I was so immersed in what I was doing that I didn’t bother looking. Soon I was adding the finishing touches—right on time, as well, because the violinist was now playing her outro. When the drawing was complete I lifted my book to show her.

Her face crumpled slightly for a moment as she processed the image in front of her, and I was afraid that maybe she hated it—until her face spread to reveal the widest smile I’d ever seen. The crinkles by her eyes tightened with happiness and I couldn’t help but smile myself, proud of my work.

As she stood up off her porch step I removed my glasses and hooked them so they hung off the front of my shirt. I pressed my hands against the stone pathway and stood as well, surprised to be pulled into a hug.

She pressed a quick kiss to my cheek which caused a nervous yet content laugh to spill from my lips. I wasn’t one for unsolicited physical affection, but I didn’t mind it coming from her.

“Wait!” I exclaimed as she pulled apart and began to turn to walk into her home. She turned to face me once again.

“One sec…” I mumbled more to myself than to her, unaware of her gaze flickering between me and the stranger who was still standing behind me. I pinched the page of my sketchbook between my fingers and carefully tore it from its binding, giving it one last glance before holding it out to her.

I could see the shock register across her features, but as her lips widened once again to reveal a crinkly smile, I knew it was worth it.

“Que dios te bendiga, mija,” she whispered in the foreign language, taking the sketch that I’d made. Her smile never dissipated, and soon she had returned safely to her house. I stood there silently, my smile remaining as well, hugging my bright yellow sketchbook to my chest.

“I think you made her day,” A voice behind me said, causing me to jump a bit. My smile faltered, and I spun around to face the stranger behind me, grasping onto my sketchbook defensively.

My lips remained parted as I found myself face to face with a young man who couldn’t be more than twenty-five years of age—maybe a bit younger—looking at me with a friendly smile.

I quickly averted his gaze, lowering my own to the ground. It took me a couple of seconds to find the confidence to look up at his features again, this time met with a flash of confusion behind his expression.

The silence between us lingered for a long moment as I looked at his piercing green eyes. There was a sort of resilient kindness about his features, and I got the sense that he’d seen and done a lot, despite his relatively young age. His lips were a bright pink that reminded me of Dani’s lipstick, but they were softer, and it reminded me of blooming flowers as opposed to a punch in the face like Dani’s. His cropped hair hidden beneath a beanie even though it was easily one of the hottest days of the year.

My brows furrowing at this realization, and I had the sense that he was about to walk away before I finally blurted out,

“What’s with the hat? It’s like a thousand degrees outside, I mean, are you hiding a bad haircut or something?”

His eyes widened slightly at my words and for a split-second I felt a flash of guilt, afraid that I’d maybe gone too far.

But I was surprised when he suddenly grinned, and even that lasted only a split second before he began to laugh. I bit my lip to hold back my own smile; I was under the impression that he was laughing at some sort of inside joke that I wasn’t aware of yet.

“Somethin’ like that,” he replied, his smile never faltering. He lifted his hand to adjust the hat on his head subconsciously.

His accent was evident the second time he spoke—either that or I was more attentive—and I could tell that he was not from the same part of the world that I was. His voice was soft yet sure of himself, which I wasn’t used to.

He extended his hand in my direction, and with a calm and friendly voice he said, “I’m Harry.”

I stared at his hand for a moment before reaching out to settle my own in his. My fingers felt small in his large palm, and it was the most contact I’d had with a man in a long time. I was also suddenly hyperaware of the pencil smudges along my fingers that would probably get on his hand, but he didn’t seem to mind.

He gave my hand a quick and soft shake before releasing it, not holding on for a moment longer than he needed to. He was watching me, and I could tell that he was waiting for my name, but I was hesitant to reveal it. Old habits die hard, and even though I’d spend months talking through and attempting to get over my trust issues, I still felt myself being held back.

“It’s nice to meet you, Harry,” I replied, and I could tell that he was amused by my formality. I almost expected him to ask me for my name, but he simply watched my features again, as if he was trying to read my mind. I stood there under his gaze, and I swear it felt like he could see right through me. I wasn’t sure if that made me more inclined to trust him or less.

I was just about to make up an excuse to leave when he spoke again.

“Like I said, I think yeh made that woman’s day. Where’dya learn to draw like that?”

I smiled at his words, partly because of my relief when he didn’t pry further into my identity, and also partly because of my work being acknowledged. I didn’t show people my art often, and when I had in the past it wasn’t always complimented. It was strange to be seen under positive light for once.

“Um, my mom was an artist, so I’ve kinda been drawing all my life,” I spoke quietly, more out of habit than shyness. A part of me was wondering why I was disclosing this information to a stranger. “Are you an artist?”

Once again, he chuckled, like he was laughing at some sort of joke that I wasn’t in on. I could see him hesitating, but eventually he shook his head, lips tilted into a crooked smile before responding.

“Yeah, I’m a musician…” I could see that he was toying around with something in his mind, but then decided to ignore it. I had to admit that Harry was attractive. I’d be a fool not to notice, but I wasn’t looking for anything. If Danielle were here she would be all over him…

“Crap!” My eyes widened slightly at the realization that Dani was probably waiting for me, and I lowered my gaze to the black watch that was on my wrist. I’d been delayed for about forty minutes, and she’d definitely be wondering where I was.

“Somethin’ wrong, love?” A little part of me was caught off-guard by the pet name, and as I looked up at him again I was surprised to see genuine concern in his features.

“No I’m fine,” I shook my head, voice a bit rushed. “My friend that I was with was supposed to be waiting for me, she’s probably wondering where I am. I’m sorry, I have to go, it was nice meeting you—”

“Wait, will I be able to see you again?” He interrupted, and I couldn’t help but pick up a hint of hope in his voice. It wasn’t until then that I realized that he was travelling alone, by the looks of it.

“Probably not…” I replied, and I had to admit that there was a part of me deep down that was saddened by my own statement. There was a part of me that wanted to keep talking to him.

“Oh…” He mused, and he began to watch my features again, debating what he should do. For a second I felt like he was going to hug me or something, but he just nodded his head and smiled. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too, Harry,” I replied.

We stood, watching each other, waiting for something to happen. I didn’t know why it was so hard for my mind to tell my feet to walk away, but it was, which caused a bit of panic to stir inside of me.

Soon enough my fight or flight response kicked in, and I was ready for flight.

I was the first one to break eye contact, turning around and walking in the same direction that I had been going in with Danielle. I looked over my shoulder once I’d taken about ten steps down the path, and Harry was no longer there.

I didn’t know why, but I felt a wave of disappointment washed through my body, as if I was hoping he’d stay.

Have A Little Faith: Chapter Two

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#have a little faith #chapter one #repost #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles imagine #harry styles oneshot #harry styles blurb #harry styles drabble #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst #harry styles writing

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ask-the-phan-site · 6 years ago

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Phan Cam: Island of Tech

>Griffin Rock, Maine, United States. We were on a ferry headed there to help find out how we can change Skull back from Overflow, one of the new Ben 10 aliens. We gathered a list of the best to help us. Apart from the Phantom Thieves, we also had Bruce Sato, Miles Morales, Dr. Curt Connors, Ryan Choi aka The Atom, and Conor Jackson in Team Science and John Constantine, Zatanna, Robin Sena, and Faragonda the Headmistress of Alfea College for Fairies in Team Sorcery. Also with us is Mirta, her friend, Lucy, and, at the advice of Mitsuru Kirijo, Fuuka Yamagishi. We also have our two new members, whose code names are now Slice and Dice. Dr. Strange said he would meet us later.

Wow! So this is Griffin Rock. I’ve heard so much about it, but to see it in real life? I’m totally speechless.

The greatest of the world’s wonders are often the most hidden.

I think I understand. Griffin Rock isn’t often seen by the public to protect its technology. Only a handful of tourists come here everyday.

Either way or what he just said. I’m just so hyped to know I’m working with the Pha-

>I quickly cover Conor’s mouth.

SHUSH! I don’t think anyone on here can hear us.

Conor: (surprised) Oops. Sorry. We have to keep it quiet. Right, Chim-Chim?

(mimes zipping his mouth shut)

It’s okay, Conor. You still get kudos for the robot monkey.

Conor: (happy) Thanks, Miles.

Looks like you blokes are getting along.

Yeah, it’s like having two Miles.

(laughs a bit) That’s a good one. Like we just got more distance.

(also laughing) That’s true!

But it is good to know those young men have found kindred spirits in each other.

Conor: I know, right?

Miles: (whisper) Just hope Pete doesn’t get jealous.

Glad to see all of you getting along.

Constantine: Not all of us.

Bruce: I wonder where Dr. Choi is.

Ren: He and Dr. Connors are with Ryuji in the van. The others are just spread out or want to get a better view of the island.

Zatanna: You should probably let them know we’re almost there.

>I nod. And I leave them for now. I go to the van where inside, Dr. Connors was examining Ryuji and Dr. Choi was sitting nervously. Constantine used his magic to extend the inside of the van so we can all fit in.

Well, what’s the verdict, Doc?

It’s too soon to say. I’m so sorry this had to happen to you. This is no different when I became that... Well, when I went to a dark place.

Ryuji: It’s not your fault, Doc. Jin did this to me and you just fell for the words of a sadistic asshole.

Dr. Connors: (sighs) I guess you’re right.

Ren: I’m glad to hear it.

Ryuji: Oh, hey, Ren. Are we almost there?

Ren: Yes. I’m going to let everyone know so we can meet.

Dr. Connors: You best do that. And while you’re at it, you may wish to check on Dr. Choi. He keeps staring anxiously at the sea.

>After I sent the message, I go over to Dr. Choi.

Ren: Is something the matter, Choi Hakasei? Are you sea sick?

Hakasei = Professor, doctor, scientist

It’s... It’s nothing.

Ren: Are you sure?

>Dr. Choi was still look out at the sea, worried.

Oh, I see. You think he’s going to come out of there, huh?

Dr. Choi: ... Maybe a little... Okay, a lot. I just don’t want him to come and make things hard for me. It especially got worse when Nanako Dojima broke up with his son.

Ren: Don’t worry. His queen is doing everything in her power to keep her king from bothering us.

Dr. Choi: ... I hope you’re right. I know I decided to become a hero again, but I still can’t help but feel like he’s going to show up to bother me... Is this how Dexter feels when Dee Dee comes into his lab?

Ren: Just relax. We’ll be fine.

And if he does show up, he’ll have to answer to me.

Dr. Choi: (smiling a bit) I guess you could. Thank you.

Anytime.

>Then, the others arrived.

Captain Shaw’s voice: Attention! Now arriving to port. Please gather in your vehicles if you came in one or take your seats. I repeat...

Well, this is it. Is everyone ready?

(putting his ID Mask on) If it means my mom will have her son back, we are.

This will also be a good opportunity to study technology to one of its fullest.

Miles: Not to mention I get to meet Doc Greene. Everyone at Horizon says he’s a legend. Max even told me I could invite him to speak at this summer seminar at the school.

Zatanna: And I’ve always wanted to meet the Rescue Team... Especially Dani Burns.

Just try not to forget why we’re here.

To find a way to turn Ryuji back to normal...

Well, as normal as he can be.

Ryuji: (not happy with that remark) Hey!

>The ferry arrives at the docks. We drive off into town.

I know this is an island of technology, but it reminds me of... Small town nostalgia.

I must capture this in my art when I have the chance.

Yes. It does have that effect.

>Suddenly, something flew passed us.

>Then, the man with the helicopter backpack crashed into some nearby bushes. He came out a little beaten.

Helicopter local: I’m okay!

But then that happens and your remember where you are.

>The man gets back up and tries to restart his machine. But as he does, the propeller springs off and flies right into a pizza restaurant. The people, including the chef run out as the place explodes. Flames come out.

Whoa! That was big!

I know I needed a new pizza cutter. But this is ridiculous!

Don’t worry, I already called the Rescue Team. They should be here soon.

>Suddenly, Miles looked like he sensed something.

Miles: I don’t think they alone are gonna help.

Your Spider Sense on alert?

Miles: It’s off the charts.

Dr. Connors: Off the charts? ... Never mind, I don’t want to know.

Conor: Me neither.

Same here.

But you’ve gotta admit, things are about to get interesting around here.

>Dr. Connors, Coner, Chim-Chim, and the Deucey Twins leave the van quickly.

Dr. Choi: If you’re going to do what I think you’re going to do... At least let me help.

Zatanna: Me, too.

Mirta: And me.

Robin: I want to do my part, too.

Miles: Okay. I could use the help.

I love it when a team comes together.

Mirta: Magic Winx! Charmix!

>Mirta goes into her Fairy Form.

Mirta, Fairy of Illusions! I bet your science can’t do a transformation sequence like that.

Dr. Choi: ... We’ll see.

Mirta: Okay, that is a little impressive.

Atom: Ant-Man’s got nothing on me.

Miles: Speaking of costume changes, do you think you guys can give me some privacy? I’m a little shy and the only person I’ve ever changed in front of is Peter.

Constantine: I can help with that.

>He snaps his fingers and in a poof, Miles was now in his Spider Kid costume.

Thanks.

Mirta: Okay, that’s a transformation sequence.

Spider Kid: I know, right? Now I need a way out of this van without being seen.

Atom: Ever shrunk down to a subatomic level?

Spider Kid: (worried) I’m not going to like this, aren’t I?

Ryuji: Wait... I wanna help, too.

Ren: Are you sure?

Ryuji: (taking off the ID Mask) Just in case we fail to change me back, might as well make it useful.

Atom: Then we’re set. Everyone, hold on.

>Ryuji, Zatanna, Mirta, Robin, Spider Kid, and Ryuji take the Atom’s hands and they shrink. We quickly look out the window to see the Rescue Team arrived.

Alright, everyone, back away! This places is for baking pizza, not people.

I have scanned the building. It looks like the propeller from Mr. Harrison’s heli-pack has hit a gas tank. There is another one next to it. If the fire is not extinguished soon, the other gas tank will explode and destroy this side of the block.

Chief Burns: Then there’s not a moment to lose. Kade?

I’m on it, Dad. Heatwave, let’s hose it down!

It’s a gas fire. I think extinguishers would be better.

Kade: Same deference.

Chief Burns: Graham, try barricading the area. Don’t want any civilians getting too close.

I’m way ahead of you, Dad. Boulder, how does this design look?

This should work just fine. Dani, Blades, try to scout the size of the area.

>Up in the air.

Looks like a good distance. You’re clear to build.

It looks like a stretch, but I’d say it’s some of Graham’s best designs.

>Back on the ground.

Graham: Thanks.

>They built the barricade quickly as Kade Burns and Heatwave try to put out the fire.

Kade: Man, this is hard! What kind of propane are you using, Mr. Marcello?

Mr. Marcello: It’s a new invention of mine. A propane that burns fire that goes out on its own. So I won’t have to worry about it accidentally blowing out... In retrospect, that may not have been a good idea.

Kade: (amused) You think?

Chief Burns: No choice. We have to take the tank out.

Heatwave: How are we going to do that? The flames come back faster than we can put them out.

>Suddenly, the flames blocking the entrance opens... They saw Robin inside.

Robin: Will this help?

>After getting over the shock of seeing a real witch in Griffin Rock, Robin guided Kade inside. They get to the gas tank. The Atom, Spider Kid, and Ryuji unshrink.

Kade: (even more surprised) What is this!? Invasion of the Superheroes?

Spider Kid: You wish.

>Spider Kid shoots his webbing on the unexploded tank.

Spider Kid: Grab hold.

Atom: I’ll shrink the tank a bit to make it easier.

Kade: Couldn’t you just shrink it really small?

Atom: If I did that and it explodes, it could cause a chain reaction that can cause every atom to explode as well and could destroy all life as we know it.

Kade: (shocked) Never mind, shrink it however you like.

Ryuji: And if any flames come at us, I’ll blow ‘em away.

Robin: And I’ll push it aside.

Kade: Good. (on the com-link) Dad, we’re coming out. Tell Heatwave to be ready.

Chief Burns’s voice: I will? Heatwave?

Heatwave: I hear you loud and clear.

>With all their strength, Kade, Atom, Spider Kid, and Ryuji all pull the gas tank out of the restaurant. Suddenly, as they got out, the tank begins vibrating.

Heatwave: What’s happening?

Mr. Marcello: The gas tank! It’s been exposed to the heat so much, it’s going to explode anyway.

Chief Burns: We have to get it out of here!

Zatanna: (appearing with Mirta) Mirta, think you can find someplace where it can explode without hurting anyone?

Mirta: I’ll see.

>Mirta flies up into the sky until she was right next to Blades and Dani. They searched until Dani spotted a place.

Dani: Found it! The rock shoreline behind the airport.

Mirta: I’ll mark a path to make it easier.

>Mirta creates an illusion of an arrow showing where they must go.

Boulder: I could carry it or throw it, but I don’t want to take a chance that I might drop it or it misses.

Chief Burns: We’ll have to drive it out.

Chase: I am ready and able. But I think we might need a little more help. Training Center, this is Chase. We are going to need more wheels here.

Voice on com-link: Alright. Me and Blurr are on the way.

>Carefully, Boulder loaded the tank in a wagon and strapped it in.

Boulder: I don’t know, Chief. Judging by the weight, even with Heatwave, Chase, Quickshadow, and Blurr, we’re going to need two more vehicles to move it.

Makoto: (coming up in the van) I can help as well.

Chief Burns: I appreciate the offer, young ma’am, but I don’t think we should allow civilians to help in dangerous operations like this.

Would it help if I gave you one more car to help?

Jared: (coming out of the van with Jesse) That’s our cue!

Jesse: Zatanna?

Zatanna: Gnirb Deraj dna Essej rieht rac os yeht nac pleh.

>The cars are hitched up to the wagon, the gas tank still shaking. Then, two new cars show up... And transform.

Did someone call for extra wheels?

That’s right! Don’t worry, we’ve got-

>Blurr suddenly stopped... at the sight of Ryuji. He could feel Blurr’s gaze as well and look up at him... They suddenly sensed something between them.

Qucikshadow: I also think it would be best to have some of these new heroes ride with us.

Heatwave: That’s probably a good idea.

Atom: I’ll handle the spy car... Try not to get to too jealous, fire truck. (begins smirking)

>Heatwave just glared.

Heatwave: Anyway, Blurr, you and the magic girl-

Blurr: I choose the Cascan.

Heatwave: What?

Ryuji: (surprised) Me!?

Blurr: Because... We might need his water power, you know?

Ryuji: That’s... That’s right. You never know when you need H2O.

Heatwave: Not a good idea for a gas fire... But I’ll allow it.

Zatanna: And don’t worry about magic girl. Ekat em pu ot eht eno I tnaw ot teem eht tsom.

>In a flash, Zatanna was gone... And reappears in the passenger seat of Blades next to Dani.

Zatanna: Shall we?

Dani: (smiling a bit) I’m gamed if you are.

>And we were off. We drive quickly and carefully through town until we make it to the airstrip. Then, Boulder and Heatwave carefully take the gas tank out of the wagon and take it to the rocky shore. They carefully put it on the ground as the began to shake even more violently.

Heatwave: It’s getting ready to blow! TAKE COVER!

>Heatwave and Boulder run as fast as they can from the tank. We all take cover behind the Rescue Bots. And then...

BOOM!

>The tank exploded. Luckily, the flames hardly made it to the trees in the forest. After some minuets, the flames finally burned out.

Kade: (looking disappointed) Well, looks like we’ll have to make do without pizza for awhile. But at least we did a good job.

Mirta: (flying down and resuming civilian form) We all did.

Chief Burns: Which begs the question. What brings a bunch of superheroes, fairies, aliens, and witches to Griffin Rock?

Kind of a funny story, actually.

Ryuji: We’re here because of me.

>Suddenly, something flew in. It was a young man on a hover board.

I just had to see this for myself. What is it you want from here, Overflow?

Ryuji: Yeah, about that... I’m not who you think I am.

Cody: What do you mean?

Constantine: Brace yourself, lads and ladies, but Red here isn’t an alien... He’s a young Japanese man trapped in an alien’s body.

Entire Rescue Team: WHAT!?

Ryuji: ... Yo.

Headmistress Faragonda: I think we should explain this more someplace else.

Chief Burns: That’s probably a good idea.

Heatwave: Rescue Bots, roll out!

Blurr: You can ride in me again if you like.

Ryuji: I would like that. Thanks.

Blurr: (winking) No problem.

>The laboratory of Dr. Ezra Greene. On the way there, we told the Rescue Team everything about what happened with Ryuji. (We left out the fact that we’re the Phantom Thieves and that Miles is Spider Kid. He said he would meet us later after he changes.)

Intriguing. I never thought such a thing could happen.

Ryuji: (nervous) Isn’t that a little too close.

>Doc Greene was examining Ryuji real close.

Doc Greene: Forgive me. I still find it hard to believe that you’re actually a human. Up until now, I thought only Ben Tennyson was capable of this.

I know. It is rather unusual.

Cody: It’s just a shame Frankie and CeCe aren’t here to see this. They’re with Mrs. Neederlander and they won’t be back until later.

Professor Baranova: They’re already on their way home now. They’ll be here soon.

Doc Greene: We’re also glad to have two fellow scientists with us as well.

Dr. Connors: I am glad to meet you, too.

Dr. Choi: Likewise.

Doc Greene: I’m sure with the help of four scientists, we might help this young man with his problem.

Lucy: Don’t forget, this transformation was done with magic as well. Be grateful you have experts on that as well.

Mirta: You didn’t have to say it like that.

Lucy: Just pointing out the obvious.

Conor: (disappointed) And what do you mean four? Believe it or not, I count as well. And so does Miles as soon as he gets here.

Doc Greene: Forgive me. I guess I should have noticed because of the robot monkey.

>Chim-Chim crosses his arms and nods.

Headmistress Faragonda: Either way, with all of us here, we might be able to change Ryuji Sakamoto back to his human self... Before that self is gone for good.

Ryuji: (whispering sadly) Along with Harry.

Constantine: Stiff upper lip, lad. We’ll get through this.

Diego: (whispering to himself) I hope no one forgets the Phantom Thieves are here as well.

Makoto: So, you think you can help us?

Doc Greene: We’ll do so to the best of our abilities.

??????: That’s good to hear.

>We turn to see Miles coming in with two girls who we can only assume are the Greene girls.

Haru: Miles kun, you made it.

Diego: What took you so long?

Miles: I got lost. It’s a good thing I ran into Frankie and CeCe here.

Frankie: We were on our way home when we met.

CeCe: (gurgles)

Frankie: And it’s not just him. We ran into someone else on the way here. But he asked that he surprise us with his arrival.

Professor Baranova: Someone else?

>Suddenly, the sound of a phone rang... It’s was Dr. Choi’s. He answers it.

Dr. Choi: Hello?

???????: Guess who?

Not you. Anyone but you.

Ahoy there, Professor!

>We were all shocked by this new face.

Dr. Choi: What are you doing here!? I thought Mera was keeping you busy.

And miss a chance to go on such an adventure? No, sir! It wasn’t easy to convince my dear queen though.

Yusuke: But how did you even find us?

Aquaman: ... I’ll keep that one to myself, thank you.

>We just stood silent. In defeat, we help Aquaman catch up on what’s going on.

Aquaman: Outrageous! Turning an innocent high schooler into an alien and depriving him of a future. Shame on the culprit. Shame on him.

Can you shame someone who’s been dead for nine years?

Makoto: At any rate, we have our team. Now we can find a way to change Ryuji back.

Dr. Connors: Not all of us are here... Where’s Stephen?

Ren: He’ll be meeting with us soon. Right now, we’ve had a long day. I think we should begin our finding in the morning.

Chief Burns: Probably a good idea. We should give you some dinner to thank you for helping us.

Kade: Just don’t order us any pizza... Tonight, anyway.

Ryuji: I actually heard 'bout the New England Clam Chowder, if you have any.

Doc Greene: What a coincidence, that’s what we’re having for tonight. Do you like it?

Ryuji: I don’t think I have much a choice. In this form, I can’t even enjoy those sweet and juicy beef bowls or even Ren’s famous curry.

Ren: That reminds me. To thank you for helping us with Ryuji, I should make something for you as well.

Chief Burns: You don’t really have to do that. You are our guests.

Still, you have to let us thank you somehow.

Chief Burns: Well, I guess that would be okay.

Miles: Actually if you don’t mind, Doc Greene, Max Modell wanted me to ask you to be a guest speaker at Horizon High. We want to get our newest students antiquated.

Doc Greene: Well, my scheduled is pretty worked up... But I’ll see what I can do.

Miles: Thank you.

>With that, we leave. Then, I get something on my phone. It’s from Admin.

Ren: You guys go on ahead. I’ll catch up.

>They leave and I check my phone.

Hey, Amamiya kun, I heard you and the other P Thieves are in Griffin Rock. Well, I was looking through the Phan Site and this is what I found.

Do you think you can do this? It would really help the sender.

I guess we can do it while we’re here. Any chance, we’ll take it.

That’s great! We’re counting on you guys. And tell Sakamoto kun that I hope he gets well soon.

We’ll do.

>I end the text and leave to join for dinner... And tell the others about the request.

>And so, our adventures with the Transformers begins.

#phantom thieves cam

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