#maybe i'll enjoy it more traditionally

[heretherebeturtles-comic]

~ Hi there ! You said you wanted to break into the comics industry, do you plan to make and publish your own personnal comic in the future? Or would you rather be hired to make comics for already existing franchise like TMNT or Zelda ?

Your art is stunning and your skills are impressive !

I have plans to make my own comics, whether that be self-publishing or through a publisher. I have many short stories and episodic series that I would love to create and share.

It would also be so cool to be hired to work on pages or covers for more official comics. I'd be SO satisfied doing thumbnails/storyboarding/page layouts, colours, or lettering as a job!! Especially anything official for TMNT, I would explode (��0◡0˶)

[thefandomenchantress]

Chapter 2 Episode 15 Spoilers below!

Since Ace being the culprit has brought about so much pain to ace lovers, including me, I figured I'd make a list of all the good things that him being the culprit brings to us. Even though Ace will (probably) be executed next episode, that doesn't mean that nothing good came out of this, right?

-Ace's backstory may be revealed much sooner than expected! Before we would've had to wait for chapter 3 or chapter 4 and so on, but since Ace will be gone soon, almost everything not revealed next episode will get told to us in a bonus episode! (I think every dead person gets one of those? Idk if that's officially confirmed). I doubt Teruko's gonna find, like, Ace's diary in chapter three detailing his life story, so if we're ever getting the Taylor Lore™, it'll be in a bonus episode! Plus, a bonus episode would come out a lot faster than the whole of chapter three, so more Ace content sooner no matter what happens in it! And there's always the chance he gets picked for an FTE, since dead people are on the list of options.

-Ace canonically has neat, fancy handwriting. Begone rumors of Ace having illegible, traditionally boy-ish handwriting, he actually writes like a 19th century scholar and I find this very funny. More evidence for my 'Ace likes reading and writing and wanted to become a romance author' crack theory, since he also reenforced his particularness about vocabulary in chapter 2 part 2. (Our only remaining question: Does Ace actually have terrible spelling ('responsibel'), or did he just think Eden would?)

-Ace is very good at being sneaky and often overhears things he shouldn't. I can't wait for this to be used as a plot device in numerous fics ("XANDER YOU'LL NEVER GUESS THE SHIT I JUST HEARD DAVID SAY ABOUT YOU WHEN HE THOUGHT HE WAS ALONE").

-Ace will have to be included in the dead (formerly a) trio posts forevermore. Get ready for Xander-Min-Arei-Ace shenanigans.

-Now that the cast has been forced to acknowledge that being dumb and angry aren't Ace's only traits and that he's just as human as the rest of them, Ace is much less likely to be seen as just those two things by the average viewer. Ace's popularity, or at least the amount of dislike towards him, seems to have shifted since the last episode, and I'm happy more people are able to enjoy what his character has to offer now. He's a cool little guy. I've literally NEVER seen the Ace Markey tag this busy before.

-We got so many cool Ace CGs guys. SO MANY. Including one where he's hanging upside down on the swing set and looks weirdly cute for someone in the middle of a murder plan.

-Also new sprites! The DRDTdev gave Ace a redesign knowing full-well that it would only get a singular chapter of use, and I massively respect that. We already got some new sprites in part 2 of chapter 2 so far, and I'm guessing next episode he'll probably have at least one more breakdown sprite before he dies.

-For someone who no one in the cast liked, he's definitely going to leave an impact. He's finally made at least some of the cast realize what happens when they ignore the issues right in front of them. Ace shouts about how everyone hates him and sees him as an insufferable idiot? Eh, probably nothing, we don't have to worry about that. Sure, multiple people told him he's gonna die next in here, and he almost got murdered, but that won't amount to anything. What's he gonna do, murder someone--WAIT SHIT Ace step away from the Arei I repeat step away from the Arei-- (plus Teruko parallels). I'll probably go more in-depth about this sort of thing in a different post.

-WE NEVER GOT TO SEE WHAT'S UNDER HIS GLOVES. Kyoko and Mukuro both had hand-related secrets that connected them to the plot later on, does that mean Ace will have some sort of relevance to the mastermind or overall lore later on? Like a Mai tattoo situation? (Or maybe it's another thing that may be alluded to or discussed in the bonus episode)(Or left to interpretation but I hope not because I have so many theories).

If you have any more suggestions for other good Ace-related things the culprit reveal brought us, let me know and I can add them to the list! We need as many good things as we can think of right now...

[conditioned-to-obey]

Hii i just saw your answer to an ask where you said that patriarchy kinks dont sit well with you, i assume u mean the hypno/bimbo community?

That's at least where i see most of it-

Anyway, i just wanted to say that while i do understand your reasoning engaging in that kind of kink (with trusting and trusted people) has helped me heal so much, so for anyone thats wanting to indulge in it: please make sure you do it with people that you trust and know that they, even if they say they do, dont want to (actually) harm you.

(i dont mean any harm, you and your blog genuinely seem super nice :3)

No, I did not mean the hypno and bimbo community. That ask had nothing to do with either of those things?

To the contrary I've seen plenty of hypno and bimbo content without misogynistic patriarchy undertones.

There is a rather large difference between bimbofication as a means of embracing feminity – or not having to be intelligent as a feminine person to be valued, accepting and appreciating beauty and hyperfeminity, being allowed to be happy and bubbly, choosing kind simple happiness, not being pressured to not enjoy traditionally feminine things and concepts– as opposed to content that bases bimbofication in white, blonde, skinny beauty standards or surgeries only the rich can afford and to the detriment of the bimbo for male gratification. That is where my discomfort lies. It's a personal gripe, I just don't participate in the latter.

To me, anyone can be a hot happy dumb bimbo. That's a real beauty of it. I can very much see how that is beneficial and healing.

I've seen hypno used to assist comfort, release, calm and subspace. Hypno for subs to feel more in tune and in control of their headspaces. One comes to mind is directed towards helping a sub feel more like a puppy. Hypno in the sense that all you must do is let go. Release control and relax back.

Hypnosis on its own itself has been used in plenty therapeutic settings. So, it would be very silly for me to discredit it.

When I say patriarchy and misogyny, I mean male centric regurgitated drivel that if not tagged or marked as kink, may very well just be straight from an incel reddit forum. Most of these blogs don't even have a disclosure or warning stating that they are participating in kink in the first place.

Women being left unsatisfied sexually repressed and boring p in v sex ending as soon as a man cums? Sounds like sad reality for a lot of people to me. One I have heard many times. It just doesn't sound appealing.

This ask is somewhat redundant to me, as that advice you purposed is exactly what advice I said in my original answer. The one you are referring to in the first place. Maybe you should return back and reread it to soak up any context and concepts you may have missed.

I'll reiterate that I stated that it is best to avoid those spaces. In relation to what the original anon was looking for. As most people who are actually misogynistic and truly believe in patriarchy flourish there. Without having to be under the radar the operate in plain sight usually. Hence why my advice was to avoid those spaces if you're starting out and trying to find people you can trust to open up to exploring more taboo and complex play. It is in no means directed as telling anyone what to do, or what is or isn't healing for them as an individual.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

[cyandreamz]

✭ Athena Cykes ✭

(another sketch and spoilers for case 6-4 below)

Today I felt like drawing Athena because I really like her colour palette and, have grown to enjoy her character more. Plus I have wanted to do a minor re-design of her outfit for a while as there were small things I wanted to change. Main one being her jacket cuz, why tf do we have a gold button on yellow!? Maybe I'm just too obsessed with having contrasting colours in art, but given the jacket already has blue accents, why not add more? Also made her boots taller (not the biggest fan of her boots but I didn't want to change too much cuz they suit her cuz they look like moon boots imo) and gave her black bike shorts instead of the black tights cuz, the black tights just looked weird to me :/ so it was purely a personal preference thing :P

I enjoyed drawing this a lot and kinda want to do more pages like this of AA characters, but no promises! If I do more characters I'll probably start with more Wright anything agency members and branch out from there if I still feel motivated to :3

Yesterday I did the sketch above because I was in the mood to draw comics but, only did this cuz drawing comics traditionally is a lot harder than digitally (and I've yet to get my drawing tablet out of storage) so I did something simple to scratch that itch. It's of course based off that moment in case 6-4 when Simon fucken jump scares the player and shakes Athena!?

Truly iconic moment, than again Simon is so iconic for the whole case, that man is now my favourite co-counsel which I kinda feel bad about cuz all the "weird girls" are super iconic characters and I like their characters overall more than Simon (yes all of them) but, if we're talking just as a co-counsel, he's my favourite. His dialogue alone made 6-4 go from meh to good for me.

[neptunes-sol-angel]

Alright guys! I finally got that tingly feeling that I should do this kind of love reading. I still didn't want to make this a future spouse reading because I honestly overthink the concept, like "um divorces happen!" or some people just don't believe in marriage, but I thought I'd do something adorable and Christmas related. I hope that you guys enjoy!

Paid Readings | Patreon | Tip Jar

Pile One🎄

Their letter to Santa

Dear Santa, For so long I've been in the darkness, alone with the glass pieces of my heart, thinking that it's better this way for me to be on own. I don't believe in fairy tales anymore and my ability to imagine a world where I can be in love with someone and in that same way be loved back. My mind is splintered to where I flinch the minute someone to me gets close or when they mention a promise, that I without a doubt know they won't keep. Socially, I feel numb, meeting allegedly new people, seems to be a broken record in different physiques. If you could grant me any present in the world, would you change my definition of what I know to be love? Falling away from the stranger(s) that used to be who I knew from head to toe, has damaged my beliefs that I'm worthy of something more. And should you succeed in bringing my love, may they be my most divine contradiction in my life. My love will be someone new, yet possess familiarty in which I'll take pleasure in spending the rest of my lifetime finding all of the ways that we just understand each other. The sound of their voice and the words that they speak will be the fire that warms instead of scorching me. They'll be my rock that I won't have to tip toe around. Right now, I ask for their forgiveness for the person that I am right now, but for every tear that I currently shed to release the pain of my troubles in romance, builds my strength to be the person that really loves again, and the confidence to give my all despite my mistakes in giving it to the wrong people. Don't let my reserved aura fool you, deep down, I'm a hopeless romantic, that will work hard to find any and every single way to give you the world to prove the depth of my feelings for you. The same way that I'm learning my lessons, you are too, we both share that agony of why this has to hurt so much, but it's the bitter that goes along with the sweet to lead us to each other in the end.

Your Christmas Traditions:

Life with your partner could already be luxurious, meaning they gift you with presents on a regular basis that are both as an expression of love and desire to get the things that you want, so Christmas, traditionally, will feel like a normal day. What makes it stand out to you guys as a couple is how you guys seem to always unlock a new level of intimacy around this time of the year. For you or them, Christmas could make some not so good feelings resurface and put someone in a mood. Whatever that may trigger this, it usually leads to a peaceful resolution that doesn't just prolong the tension for another day. It's like getting to the root of the issue that'll eventually lead you and your partner to a place of comfort, understanding, and confirmation that this relationship isn't based on surface level things.

Pile Two 🎄

Their Letter to Santa:

Dear Santa, There's this ethereal figure in my dreams that I keep seeing. Without a doubt, I know that this is my person. And maybe it's not realistic to ask for you to make the time go faster for us to encounter each other in real life, but I really want answers, I'm craving to know this person. Their face alone, is enough to put me into hypnosis. Not knowing what their voice sounds like, ignites my obsession. I've never been a believer of the supernatural, or even a big fan of religion, but this sensation of the person of my dreams that makes me desire to stay asleep, has to be an indication that we're spiritually connected. I know this person doesn't say a word in both their presence of visions in day and night, but I have this clawing feeling that you're what home feels like. To the lover of my fantasies, I  know you spiritually, but emotionally, with you, I'll finally have someone that doesn't think my expression of feeling is a foreign language. I could talk to you for hours without getting bored and your nature in every capacity makes me feel that you're out of this world with a love that I'm determined to study and reciprocate. I'm already amazed by how gorgeous you are but indubitably I know I'll be stunned everytime I'm by your side watching you prove to me that magic on Earth is real. You're the breathing proof of it and I can't help but be adored by you and the way that you perceive making the most out of the challenges that you face and conquer.

Your Christmas Traditions:

You and your life partner BREATHE for Christmas. Valentine's day may be special but Christmas is the time that you guys will be all over each other. You guys could go all out this holiday, by buying and wearing matching pajamas, playing board games with each other, watching marathons of Christmas themed movies, maybe you guys have a specific drink like hot chocolate, egg nog, or cookies that you love to stock up on. You guys could also be the type to take a vacation around this time by renting out a cabin, or taking a trip to Disney World. This is normal for you guys and you aren't aware of this jubilant vibe that you have together but it makes others wanting to share the joy you have. Your public presence as a couple during Christmas is the type that will make a person want to use you guys as their mood board or inspiration to daydream about the love that that they'd kill to have. You guys are the power couple in terms of playfulness, affection, and how unique you guys embody your partnership. You could also experience people asking you for advice for how to liven up their own relationships. You guys are just that cute with each other.

Pile Three 🎄

Their Letter to Santa:

Dear Santa, I have a good feeling that the person that I will view as my everything is currently contemplating if there's something that they should change about themselves, but do me this favor homie and give my sweet firecracker this message. You. Yeah you. You know who you are. You are a boss! Walking royalty in this world that's meant to take up space, of course there are gonna be some jerks that want to dim your light, but the people who can't handle how bona-fide and wealthy your aura is, are people who are uncomfortable with the fact that they don't possess the tools to handle the blessing that you are. You were never asking for too much and don't let the grinch or scrooge convince you that you aren't enough. Believe me, I wish that fate would allow me to show up in your life right now, but you're meant to learn how precious your attributes you are. You're a damsel that can save yourself, who is meant to climb into power and achieve many things. I'm currently healing my tendencies of being codependent so that I don't distract you from your prosperity or project my insecurities onto you and make you think that it's you, it's not. Be patient, but don't get rid of how bold you are love or choose sides in how you're capable of being silly and someone with authority. Your strength isn't in your silence, but in your intelligence and maturity to express to others your feelings and what your needs are. You'll always be on top, even on days where you feel like you're at rock bottom. Keep pushing, things will make sense soon. You won't just find me in your happily ever after, you'll find your soul tribe too. And we will ALL match your energy. Trust me. Everything that you think is complicated about you is why we're grateful for you.

Your Christmas Traditions:

You and your life partner share a common tragedy and belief. You guys may have experienced toxicity in your family that inspires the both of you to do things differently with your own family. Christmas time is pivotal for you as a couple, because it influences you to reflect but also to take action on how well you guys do as a household. Your Christmas Traditions could be about trying your best to make sure that there's peace, openess, but most importantly your presence if guys have children together. You could go all out with making sure that they have the best presents, that they have the best indication that they're safe with you guys as parents, and that you make the most pleasant and fun memories that will symbolize how much that not just you and your life partner love each other but making sure that your children know how much they're loved by you.

[abyssalzones]

What's your comic writing process like? I'm starting to get into making my own comics and I really admire your work!!! Any advice?

Ah, intrepid traveler, you've done well to journey to this secluded mountaintop spire, in search of the answers you seek. I indeed can provide such forbidden comicmancy knowledge... at the cost of your mortal soul...

coughs. anyway, I'm going to warn you immediately that what works for me does not work for everyone else, and in my experience the way I do things can prove very slow and discouraging for anyone who is more interested in the actual "drawing the damn comic" part of the process. I only do it this way because I enjoy weaving a narrative web that feels not only fully contained but re-readable, but my projects are often so long and my memory so shitty that I can't just keep all of it in my head! It would spill all over the place and make a really embarrassing mess of brain-juice. Not ideal.

but as for my own process, uhh... I suppose a comic would be fitting, right?

a little choppy but you get the idea.

as for turning words into art, I've been experimenting with figuring out the best way to do that for a little while now. Originally what I was doing for something like Ad Astra Per Aspera was to take my "script" and sketch it out on paper very loosely, before transposing that onto my canvas and working from there:

...but, I've found that can make it kind of difficult to space everything around on your standard page-size, and the thing I'm having the most problems with currently seems to be finding the sweet spot of panel-size proportions. So, I've taken to printing out standard thumbnail templates (you can just find these on google) and sketching very tiny panels in those, which seems to give me a slightly better sense of scale... (mild chapter 5 spoilers, sorry ad astra fans)

but I have yet to totally pull through on this, so who knows, maybe I'll try something else in the future!

As for advice, this is probably most applicable to me, but as a disabled artist I have a very hard time managing my workload without literally working myself into injury. I don't think I talked about this publicly but when I was working on that ten year anniversary comic I was literally drawing every single day for 3 solid months. Sometimes, in my case, I really can't bring myself to stop once I've latched onto an idea, and sometimes I find the most rewarding thing I can do with my time is to draw- but I seriously cannot overstate: Do not fucking do this.

You will fuck up your wrist, your back, your neck, your eyes, and probably your mental health. It's a well-known fact that mangaka have a lower life expectancy than the average japanese person due to the intense workload imposed on them by deadlines and personal expectations. Comics are a very demanding artform, and even though I'm not on any sort of mandated schedule there are times where I've toiled away at something when I likely should have been exercising or taking vision-breaks. Therefore the best advice I can give you is to chill the hell out.

Namely, find parts of the process you can be lazy about, and embrace the laziness! You don't like digitally sketching? Don't do it! Skip it, or maybe find a way to traditionally sketch things out in advance like I do. Hate lineart? Don't fucking do it. You really don't feel like wasting your time writing 72k words of comic scripts? ...then, don't be like me. skip that part. I'm a flawed human being and what works for me might not work for you.

The second most important piece of advice I could give is to read comics. Of all kinds. The reason for this is pretty self explanatory: In order to figure out your own comic-making style, you should first pick out bits and pieces from the artist's buffet to add to your plate. Manga, graphic novels, american comics, european comics, weird niche little webcomics, funny papers, anything and everything. This advice rings true of pretty much any art form, but I find it to be essential to honing comic-making skills because so many things you feel will just come intuitively often don't. and that's okay! nobody is born knowing how to leave space for speech bubbles or shape their panels in a way that imitates stretches of time. The best way to figure out stuff like this, in my experience, is to study the "masters", and then after becoming well accustomed to the basics, figure out what rules you want to bend or break to create your own style.

I consider myself to be in equal parts a writer and an artist, which lends itself well to making narrative comics, but maybe you're a bit more of an artist and want to focus on panel-by-panel visual storytelling. Or, conversely, maybe your talents lean closer towards writing, and the art itself is more of a secondary skill. Regardless of your unique blend of talents you can and should make a comic, you should just also be aware of your strengths and try to hone in on those- there will always be opportunities to build up skills you lack, but focusing on what you do best will always lead you in the right direction.

Anyway, that being said, here are some recommendations in no particular order:

Monster, Naoki Urasawa (!!)

Bone, Jeff Smith

Witch Hat Atelier, Kamome Shirahama

The first IDW run of Transformers comics (namely More Than Meets the Eye and Lost Light)

Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi (!!)

Through the Woods, Emily Carroll (really any Emily Carroll comics)

Kill Six Billion Demons (webcomic) (!!)

Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo

The Third Person, Emma Grove

Tintin, Hergé (can be super racist please be wary)

Dungeon Meshi, Ryoko Kui

Calvin & Hobbes, Bill Watterson

Maus, Art Spiegelman

Cucumber Quest (webcomic)

Jellyfish Princess, Akiko Higashimura

Golden Kamuy, Satoru Noda (!!)

Note that I did not grow up with manga so I am seriously behind on a lot of extremely influential japanese comics such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, basically any of the original Shonen Jump comics, but they're widely considered building blocks of the genre so if you love the artform I think you should give them a try! Same goes for classic non-shonen manga genres like various Shoujo, Josei, Yuri, Gekiga, ETC.

same as above applies to a lot of classic DC and Marvel works, I unfortunately am just not a big fan of superhero comics... but I'm sure there's good stuff in there. a couple of my mutuals talk about booster gold and the blue beetle all the time so I'm assuming there has to be something worthwhile.

...and many, many, many more that I'm forgetting! I noticed as I made this list that, to my knowledge, hardly any of these are made by black or just non-japanese-mangaka BIPOC artists, which makes me sad about the gaps in my own comic collection. Therefore, anyone is welcome to add their own recommendations in the replies!

now go forth, and combine images with text!!!!!!!!!!!

[midnight-in-town]

Let's talk about the "Fenian brotherhood" theory !! :D

Firstly, in case you don't know about it, please go read the theory that our!Ciel's birth name might be Fenian/Fionn/Finnian by @azuresins. It is incredibly relevant to what I'm about to explain next !

TBH, I don't really care about discovering our!Ciel's birth name. However, I truly enjoy this theory and I think it makes a lot of sense, because I absolutely agree with the idea of Vincent supporting (secretly or not) Irish independence, turning him into a political enemy of Queen Victoria...

...which could be very much why he ended up dead.

This theory comes from a private convo with my friend, @dorkshadows and I'll sum up their thoughts (and some of mine) below the cut !

First of all, while we think Claudia, Vincent's predecessor, may have been a personal enemy of Victoria because of whatever happened when Albert died in 1861, Vincent strikes us more as a political enemy precisely because of Brown's comment in ch108.

After all, if our!Ciel, who just managed to thwart their plans of getting the sulin gas, is "more like his father everyday", then it makes sense that Vincent "got in the way" of some of Victoria & JB's war/political plans too. >_>

Now, about the Fenian Cycle book: it was an important symbol for Irish independence and the Fenian Brotherhood that started in the 19th century before it got dissolved in 1880. To quote Wikipedia:

"The Fenian Brotherhood traced their origins back to 1790s, in the rebellion, seeking an end to British rule in Ireland initially for self-government and then the establishment of an Irish Republic. The rebellion was suppressed, but the principles of the United Irishmen were to have a powerful influence on the course of Irish history."

But how would Vincent even get involved with it and why?

In the theory that OC's name is Fenian/Finnian, @azuresins mentioned that maybe it's all related to Cedric K. Ros having Celtic origins. Since we do have one sketch by Yana of one twin bringing the Fenian Cycle book to the Undertaker (the most likely candidate for Cedric K. Ros)...

...it might indeed be a partial answer.

There is another possibility though, entirely thought by @dorkshadows, which is that Rachel (and Ann) might have been of Irish origins too.

After all, a common stereotype for Irish people in many stories is red hair and it's hard to forget that it was a very distinctive characteristic of Ann, Rachel's sister !

In fact, one of their first interactions is Vincent telling Ann to be proud of that hair, which we were told she inherited from her dad, the twins' maternal grandfather.

So Vincent might have not just been talking about Ann's hair color in that scene, but more specifically about her taking more pride in her Irish origins. Obviously though, Dalles/Durless aren't very Irish names, but it is possible that their original family name got anglicized into a more traditionally English name.

In any case, Vincent met Rachel and Ann after already knowing their father :

So it's possible that Vincent was, as the Watchdog, investigating Lord Durless as a nobleman with Irish lineage and possible ally of the Fenian Brotherhood. After all, to quote this article, "the Fenians in England and the British Empire were a major threat to political stability". Then Vincent met and fell in love with Rachel, thus deciding to support the Brotherhood instead.

I'd add that Vincent supporting such a cause simply makes sense, considering that the Phantomhive family, too, might have been burdened by the Watchdog's duty generations ago, because of their "different" lineage (full theory here). On top of that, if you add the possibility that Cedric/UT also was of Celtic origins (many decades or centuries ago) and that Vincent knew Claudia's death was Victoria's fault, it only makes sense that he'd eventually politically antagonize the Queen (both for his parents' sake and for Rachel's).

@dorkshadows also pointed out that, to this day, we don't know if the twins' maternal grandfather is alive or dead in canon : he was important enough to be mentioned in Red's flashback but has been missing from the narrative ever since. Timeline-wise, he could be dead, especially since we never saw him in the Blue Memory arc (our!Ciel's flasback), but we never know with Yana (look at Claudia being hinted in panels ever since the circus arc and probably being incredibly relevant), so it's worth keeping in mind.

Then, moving on to ch132 we know that, when the twins were born, Rachel is the one who named them.

Coincidentally (read: it's probably not a coincidence xD), ch132 had the cover with Vincent reading the Fenian Cycle book to the twins and it's also the chapter in which Vicar Rathbone casually says that one twin/both twins (it's deliberately ambiguous in Japanese) have a name that is "rare for England" :

Many fans, myself included, thought that "Ciel" was the name being discussed there, but maybe they were actually talking about our!Ciel's celtic birth name ! To quote @azuresins, in that case that'd basically mean that, in that scene above, "Vincent said to an ENGLISH PRIEST [...] that people of Celtic origin deserved freedom, and to be treated better and that it probably was soon to come".

No wonder that Vicar Rathbone would immediately change the topic lmao ! xD

Vicar Rathbone be like

It is also very meaningful that Rachel decided to give the "Fionn/Fenian/Finnian" name to our!Ciel ("the spare"), as if to emphasize that he was free to make his own path in life, as the second son, unburdened by earldom. Choosing such a meaningful name might even be a parallel to Vincent's own situation with Frances as his spare, since both also have names with a meaning relating to victory and freedom.

Another important detail, as @azuresins already explained here, is that Fenian Cycle is also a tale of revenge and that our!Ciel parallels Fionn big deal, making it all even more relevant. And maybe Yana left other hints in her artworks too...

Finally, historically the Fenian Brotherhood officially got dissolved around 1880 (the twins were 5 years old), but it's always possible that, in Kuroverse, Vincent managed to make it thrive secretly as the Watchdog. The Fenian Brotherhood caused several incidents, including after 1880 (they assassinated a British Chief Secretary in 1882), so it wouldn't be impossible that the Queen eventually found out that Vincent didn't properly take care of them, because he was supporting them.

And when she found out? Well, she branded Vincent a political enemy and we know the rest (the household was massacred in 1885 and the killer most likely received help from real!Ciel, more details in the real!Ciel mastermind theory hehe).

The idea that Vincent ultimately became a political enemy of Victoria because he fell in love with Rachel makes their death...

...even more emotional to me, since Rachel probably died trying to protect Vincent. T_T

TL;DR that's the Fenian Brotherhood theory: because they supported an Irish rebellious group that wanted freedom, Vincent & Rachel were branded political enemies of Victoria and she & JB plotted their deaths, which led in happenstance to the RCMT.

(friendly reminder that the twins are 7, when Vincent asked Dee to look after them should he die)

I hope it was clear ! Thanks for reading. :))

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Ryan!Ken with a princess!Barbie reader maybe? Please?

Oh this is such a cute idea <3

......

In Barbieland, princesses were usually seen as figures of fiction in movies and books.

But you're a very real doll who lived on the outskirts of town, in a beautiful castle with a few Ken Knights (Kenights?) at your service and talking animals you befriended.

You enjoyed their company, although you do love seeing the faces of the other Barbies and Kens.

In fact, you hoped to see them more often.

So one day, you announced a ball at your palace, having invitations delivered to every dreamhouse.

You weren't sure if anybody would show up. You did live far, far away, after all...

And yet, so many Barbies came in droves, wearing their best dresses and tiaras, accompanied by their Kens who wore dashing outfits fitting for the fantasy setting you provided.

Soon the royal ball was in full swing, and everyone was having a grand time.

Well, everyone except....for a certain blond Ken.

You noticed this one in particular was following his Barbie around like a lost puppy.

Of all the Kens, he looked the most handsome in your eyes. His hair, outfit, and features were flawless in every way.

Why, you would've easily mistaken him for a prince!

Yet he was behaving more like a pauper at this rate, as he kept trying dance with her, only to be brushed off as she was pulled out of his reach by one of her friends.

Obviously, you believed in Barbies valuing friendships over relationships, although this was rather...difficult to watch.

Eventually he gave up, standing alone in the corner with an empty plastic glass in-hand, looking forlorn as everyone else danced to the gentle music.

You frowned at this display, not wanting anybody to feel lonely in your palace.

So you decided to go over to him.

"You look lonesome, dear Ken...what's wrong?"

At first, he doesn't realize you're actually talking to him...but when he does, he blushes and fumbles as he tries to respectfully greet you.

"O-Oh I'm...I'm good, your Highness. Wonderful ball, you're hosting, by the way." He kisses your hand, although when he looks up, the sadness in his eyes is even more apparent up-close.

"Now..you know better than to lie to a princess." You lightly tease. "Where's your date? Isn't that her over there?"

Seeing you gesture to Stereotypical Barbie, his confident front falters, but the second you look back at him, he pretends to be surprised.

"Oh there she is!! I was worried I lost her." He waves, hoping she'd look over at him just once.

Yet she didn't even spare him a glance, and he puts his hand down, becoming very upset as he notices Simu!Ken asking her for a dance.

Even though he was turned down, too, it still stung like a b-

"Would you care for a dance, Ken?"

The question turns his whole mood around, as he gawks at you, unable to believe his own ears. "Y-You're asking...me?"

"Well..it should be the man who asks the lady, traditionally speaking." You chuckle. "But since you only know Beach, I'll give you another chance."

"....o-oh right. Yes. Okay-" He clears his throat, setting aside his cup before he offers his hand to you, gazing into your eyes with renewed confidence. "May I have this dance, Princess Barbie?"

You pretend to swoon, smiling. "I thought you'd never ask."

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday & WIP Wednesday

Tagging @imogenkol @josephseedismyfather @direwombat @noodlecupcakes @socially-awkward-skeleton @adelaidedrubman @hollywood-is-bleeding @derelictheretic @inafieldofdaisies @voidika @cassietrn @aceghosts @icecutioner @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @cloudofbutterflies92 @carlosoliveiraa @g0dspeeed @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @josephslittledeputy @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @softtidesworld @yokobai and @seedsplease + anyone else who want to join.

Music Monday for two The UnTitledverse WIPs and one from A Radioactive Calamity of Love, Bombs & Gore and a WIP Wednesday for the The Silver Chronicles. For the next three-and-a-half weeks I'll be posting on Music Monday's songs traditionally about Five Nights At Freddy's and how I try to justify how they fit into my wacky little worlds (even the non-FNAF ones). Enjoy listening and reading below the cut:

Can't have a Five Nights at Freddy's WIP without The Living Tombstone's original "Five Nights At Freddy's Song" in the playlist. More Than Bargained For? is a FNAF WIP where my OC Lillian "Lena" Elliot becomes the Night Guard of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza after Fazbear Entertainment opens up the restaurant back up eleven years after 1994 (the events of the first game and when Mike is fired), because they find there are people who view the pizzeria as a "cult classic" type thing and are still fans since childhood of the place (Lena being amongst them), and Fazbear Entertainment will make a profit on that. The original animatronics (Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy, along with Golden Freddy but he's in the Parts/Service room) are brought back to the stage. There's a... stranger animatronic in the kitchen but he doesn't bother leaving there so Lena won't have much trouble from him. Follow Lena as she discovers how many skeletons are actually in the Fazbear Entertainment's closet (Like seriously, the amount of children and employees who have died under this company's watch is ridiculous and the fact they managed to come back many years later after their reputation was tarnished beyond repair). Listen below:

"We're waiting every night To finally roam and invite Newcomers to play with us For many years we've been all alone

We're forced to be still and play The same songs we've known since that day An imposter took our life away Now we're stuck here to decay

Please let us get in Don't lock us away We're not what you're thinking

We're poor little souls Who have lost all control And we're forced here to take that role We've been all alone Stuck in our little zone Since 1987

Join us, be our friend Or just be stuck and defend After all, you only got

Five nights at Freddy's Is this where you wanna be? I just don't get it Why do you want to stay?

Five nights at Freddy's Is there you wanna be? I just don't get it Why do you want to stay? Five nights at Freddy's, oh

We're really quite surprised We get to see you another night You should have looked for another job You should have said to this place goodbye It's like there's so much more Maybe you've been in this place before We remember a face like yours You seem acquainted with those doors

Please let us get in Don't lock us away We're not what you're thinking

We're poor little souls Who have lost all control And we're forced here to take that role We've been all alone Stuck in our little zone Since 1987

Join us, be our friend Or just be stuck and defend After all, you only got

Five nights at Freddy's Is this where you wanna be? I just don't get it Why do you want to stay?

Five nights at Freddy's Is there you wanna be? I just don't get it Why do you want to stay? Five nights at Freddy's, oh!"

"Replay Your Nightmares", although a song usually meant for FNAF: Ultimate Custom Night or at some stages, FNAF 3, is a song I closely associate to my The UnTitledverse Original Work, the sequel to A Blast In The Past, known as The Dark Awakening. Pretty much near the conclusion to when Calvin escapes the clutches of his captor's purgatory and re-enters the physical human realm several decades after his death/imprisonment, though he is being severely gaslighted worst than he has before while on his way to finally escape. He manages to make a little comeback at his captor near the final verse of the lyrics though. Listen below:

"In a loop inside the screen Your own prison in a dream Try to run and try to scream Even death can't save you

We replay your nightmare Replay, play, play your nightmare Replay your nightmare Replay, play, play your nightmare

Get in a cage While we rattle it While we rattle it Our eternal revenge We know what you did We know what you did." "IT'S ME", "It's Me", "it's me..." "We're all here just for you Get in a cage While we rattle it While we rattle it Forever!"

"Torture, torture, don't you know How your seeds of evil grow?

Replay your nightmare Cause he won't stop Replay your nightmare Come, it's your time to hurt."

"Get in a cage While we rattle it While we rattle it Our eternal revenge We know what you did We know what you did." "IT'S ME", "It's Me", "it's me..." "We're all here just for you Get in a cage While we rattle it While we rattle it Forever!

Over and over and over again Replay your nightmare Over and over and over again Replay your nightmare."

"We are remnants of your sins It's a game you'll never win When it's done it just begins Again and again, and again, and again You will pay for what you did Forever!"

Last song is "It's Me", and while not entirely connected to the Fallout world (especially my A Radioactive Calamity of Love, Bombs & Gore), I do believe it does fit in one specific section of The Waters Of Life Flow; after Alph (my Lone Wanderer OC) and Ore (Ortega Brantley, Ress' older half-brother) rediscover Blackhall as a corpse (without the Krivbeknih) in his manor, plus reconvening with Amata before they go look for Ress, both humans inform Ore of what they discovered down in the Dunwich Building's basement, Ore takes investigation there. When he finds the Obelisk, he discovers a recently failed ritual, and puts the evidence together to figure out who was behind the recent emergence of this "Occult"; his and Ress' father, Arcane Urias, the exact man he's been hunting down. Although he should go out and warn the others, he regrettably finds out he was, in fact, not alone in the office building. Listen below:

"Welcome to your office, settle down and take a seat Please pay no attention to the terrifying screams You should head the warnings of the voice that's on the phone Tonight, you might be by yourself, but you are not alone

The masks that we wear Pretend they aren't there But you can only hide for so long

Why don't you Spend the night Then you'll find There's evil that waits inside Spend the night Then you'll find There's evil that waits inside Spend the night Then you'll find There's evil that waits inside Spend the night Then you'll find There's evil that waits inside

It's me Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me

There's evil that waits inside It's me!"

Now it's time for another WIP of my FC5 Bloodborne AU from my The Silver Chronicles series. Here the Seed Brothers (along with some disgruntled Hunters aka this version of the GFH and certain OCs) have stormed the Convent in the Henbane and confronted Vicar Faith on her betrayal and wanting answers for what Paul has planned for the "Hunt of the Long Night" that has made the scourge beasts ten-times worst. I haven't shown it (for reasons) but Faith calls Joseph specifically out for, quite frankly, abandoning and disregarding her (after all, he did hand her alone to Paul and his monastery as an inside-woman but neglected to actually keep in touch for about six long years) as some kind of tool instead of the "sister" he once claimed her to be. In the snippet below, the Voice shows it's ugly head and urges Joseph to dispose of Faith, something that John and Jacob are already advocating for, with some varying reactions from the Hunters. They're interrupted by... someone not affiliated with any of them. Will probably fix this up in the final product. Now introduced in her first debut... may I officially have you acquainted with my new-ish OC, Priestess Lillith; and she's also probably a witch. Read below:

Joseph stepped back from the Vicar and her vicious words; shocked by the accusations of the woman in front of him, once a sister he had brought into his family, by choice and virtue. The girl healed of her vices, given new life, a new purpose.

"Enough of this," John said with vehement venom, his blue eyes fueled with rage towards the cretin kneeling in the middle of the Convent's hall, "She won't tell us anything, if she even knows anything. We should vanquish this sinner while we have the chance brother, given she's chosen who she stands by."

Joseph saw that Jacob nodded in agreement, scowling at Faith's small form. He noticed the other Hunters made no dissuading moves, apparently in silent agreement. Before the Father could make any response to his eager brothers, he heard the Voice

John is right, He told him, tone even and still, the humming warmth pressed to the edges of his mind, She is a vile, treacherous locust strayed too far from the Path, Joseph. Unable to be saved from the doubt she drowned in.

Joseph's breath hitched at His words, the panicked, yet still sneering wrath in her green eyes only proving Him correct, followed by, She is no longer your family Joseph. This wretch has forsaken My light. She is nothing more than a rival. And she must be eliminated as such.

Joseph hesitated, took a moment to glance at Faith's form, as she lowered her head, holding the Vicar's pendant to her chest as she whispered. Maybe a prayer? Maybe a silent confession, apology, or vow? He didn't know, but what he did know was that the Voice spoke truth; she could no longer be considered the young woman he selected to hold the honor of being his sister.

It pained him to admit, considering all she gave to them in her devotion, but she was no longer family, like the previous two before her.

She was no longer his Faith, instead, she was Yellowjack's Siren, twisted and stained with the false shepherd's sinful ideals to spread false hope to the scholars of his Monastery, to turn their devotees against the Project.

He gave a disappointed sigh as he watched the woman below him refuse to lift her head up, shaking as the consequences of her betrayal was upon her, and nodded in agreement to his brother's words.

They couldn't let her warn Yellowjack, nor let her lead the Church Hunter's after them. This was God's Will.

"You... were once so precious to me, sister," Joseph tells her, and saw how she only curled into herself more, the fear she let dominate her heart sting his own, "I had thought you would be with us when we crossed the Gates of Eden... I now recognize my own blindness and... my own fault, for leaving you alone surrounded by those vipers and their venomous lies."

John tried to step forward, perhaps to refute Joseph's words, but Jacob stopped him, holding him back with a stern shake of his head. To allow Joseph this final moment with someone he put his faith in, even if they didn't necessarily understand it.

"But now, with the responsibility as your Father, I shall free you of their lies... of the burdening weight of your sin, my wayward child," Joseph heard how she sobbed, and had to breathe to not falter now, "The gates may be shut to you Vicar, but know, even now, that I pray God will have mercy upon your soul."

Joseph removed the revolver from his holster, clenching it as he left it to his side for just a moment.

His hand caressed her small, frail head, fingers pinching close the tube connected into her nose.

He cocked the hammer back with his thumb, and with an exhale, aimed it to her head.

He remembered how her small legs kicked as the monitor increased in its beeping, his resolve weakening, for only a second, before gripped tighter. God's repeating words ringing in his head.

"Shall you find peace amongst the angels, Vicar," he whispered softly, that he was unsure if she even heard him.

"Join the angels, my sweet Faith," he had murmured into what little hair she had, lips grazing softly as his tears slipped onto his little girl.

His finger curled around the trigger, coiling it back as he once more took responsibility-

Di-di-ding ding!

Joseph found himself thrown back by a harsh force that knocked the air out of him, grip on the revolver lost as it was flung elsewhere.

He felt hands on him, one tattooed and the other scarred. He recognized he was in his brothers' arms, lungs forcing him to heave for air from floor he laid back on.

But... hadn't I been standing before?

He leaned up, and saw he was a few feet away from the Vicar, who now had her head up, confused green eyes glancing around the Convent's room.

Joseph's eyes caught a glimpse of something on one of the upper balconies on the right side of the room, and saw a slim figure, cloaked from head to toe in dark shawls. She wore a mask, a pale one that's appearance was ghastly, jagged tear lines going down past the mask's edges, with a small mouth shaped in a "O".

He saw they held a silver hand bell in one hand, some sort of symbol carved in its waist. They shook it once more, the ringing echoing in the small chamber. The symbol glowed a bluish hue, and he felt his hairs prick up.

"Foul brethren," the smooth, matured voice of a woman reverberated through the Convent, the person unseen.

Another cloaked figure stood upon the left balcony, their mask depicting a false eye of a cyclops, with two slits for them to see through, the mouth carved with gnashing sharp teeth. They, too, held a hand bell, with a different symbol carved into the silver.

Their bell shook, the clapper tinging against the rim of the waist.

The Hunters with them placed their hands on the handles of their weapons, alert and cautious at these newest intruders.

Joseph was lifted to his feet, Jacob pushing him into John's embrace as he took to protecting their front.

"Fickle in your promises. Deceptive in your loyalties," the unknown woman's voice returned, a scathing tone behind it all, "Are you always shirking responsibility over your sisters?"

Through the middle balcony came the owner of the voice; another cloaked woman, but her embroidery seemed more intricate, the jewelry she adorned was more in quantity than her companions, like the Vicar who looked above at them.

The woman was taller too, her mask similar to that of a demon, an angry one at that, hairless brows furrowed, the mask's mouth full of sharp teeth, but two prominent tusks projecting from the lower jaw. It also had two horns protruding from the head, and through the eyes Joseph could see burning orange eyes glaring down at them.

"Why are the lives of your sistren worth less than that of your brothers?" she asked from atop the balcony, her eyes boring down at Joseph, "You are the one to bring them in. You are the one to feed them, to guide them. Ultimately, you are the only one to claim care over them, in spite of your brothers' vile envy and appalling apathy."

She gave scathing glances to both John and Jacob respectively, before her full focus stayed on Joseph, "And yet, when your charges' displease you... their lives are forfeit by your own hands. A more permanent punishment than what your brothers earn. I wonder..."

Her head tilts, the jewelry shifting as she ponders, "Is it because they are not of your blood that makes it so easy, even when it is your hands that molded their clay bodies?"

Joseph watched with an uneasiness when the nose of her mask held up while looking down at him, "Or do the opposite sex simply hold no value in your eyes, and the eye of your Lord, unless their role is nothing but flawless?"

Her words earned Joseph and his brothers some raised brows from some of the Hunters, though it did not last long as they focused on the unaligned women.

Joseph was shocked by the accusatory words, and he went to speak up, to defend him and his brothers, and the word of his Lord.

However, he was stopped by the lead women's scoff, "Regardless the reason, your hypocrisy is clear. But your familial responsibilities are not the only oaths you have attempted to break."

She brought out one of her hands, the gauntlets fingertips sharpened not unlike claws, holding a hand bell of her own.

However, it was not like that of her accomplices; it was bigger, and rusted in an ugly maroon, matted with the dripping red of the flesh stuck to the metal, with the bloodied fur of beasts clinging to the small clumps of flesh.

There was a sinister aura emanating from the ugly carving of the symbol etched into the rusted metal.

She rung the bell, and the atmosphere of the room shifted. A darkness flowed down from the bell, like a small waterfall plummeting out a mountain's mouth.

Down the balcony, the darkness encompassed the corpse of a Church Hunter, just as it consumed the surroundings.

The women were also covered by the dark mist, gone from Joseph's eyes.

Alarmed, Jacob aimed his rifle in search of their new enemies, while the Hunters twisted their weapons to enter the second forms. The darkness spread across the room, including blocking the only in and out of the Convent.

The Vicar remained where she was, staring at the silhouette of the corpse from behind the dark mist.

The lead woman's voice stated unperturbed, "I enforce upon my coven my unspoken vow. The protection for that which is precious to one of our own, against the iniquitous efforts of these men's greed. I call upon your essence from the past to the present, my kin. Stir from your desolate slumber, from your sleepless dream."

The bells rung once more, and the silhouette of the Church Hunter's corpse soon arose from within the mist, not unlike their smaller more angelic counterparts, the shape shifting and smoothing into something leaner, smaller than the alterations made by Saint Matilda. It soon began to walk through the darkness towards them.

"Through this corporeal form shall you defend your heart."

Emerging from the mist was a familiar face. The tawny brown complexion, small healed cuts littered across her face from fights long ago, though fewer in quantity unlike from last he saw her. The dark blue of her formal leather-layered coat covered the dark vest and white frilled blouse, adorned with a cravat.

Joseph noticed how young she looked, the expression on her face without the calm neutrality he had been accustomed to before she fell into a dreadful coma, instead replaced with an emotion he recognized within John.

Wrath. Directed at us.

He realized that her irises held no shine of silver, the indication of someone who had become enlightened, who become an other to everyone... no, they were a dull grey. She looked human.

The brothers soon realized they were not the only ones who recognized who this was, as the Hunter's froze; in fear? Shock? He couldn't tell.

He did see how his former sister stared at the woman. There was a longing there, a pang in her heart as the other approached past the Vicar.

She expertly spun her twin blade around, dragging one blade across the ground between herself and the Vicar, the same darkness she emerged from summoned once more to cover a veil of it on to Faith.

No one could see the Vicar anymore, but the more pressing matter was the scowling and sneering ghost enraged by their very presence.

"Through this corporeal form, shall you vanquish these fiendish intruders."

She pointed her the end of her blade at Joseph himself, glare calling for his blood.

"Welcome back from beyond the great consciousness, Elite Hunter."

She split her twin blade in two, twirled her weapons in both hands, and in a few blinks, Joseph saw her in the air, blades crossing as they cut down on their target.

"Silva Omar."

Joseph could only recall a great pain across his chest and the shouts of his brothers before he fell unconscious.

[saucyjothoughts]

hiiiii :3 i've been absolutely PLAGUED with thoughts about trans!bojan recently for no particular reason. and i wanted to share a specific thought/idea that hasn't left my mind for more than a millisecond since it's appeared in my head ✨️:

—

bojan is a bit self conscious about if he passes or not, almost obsessively worrying about whether or not people perceive him as a guy just by looking at him. he doesn't grow much body hair and his body is quite soft, but to me? that doesn't matter at all!

i'll be straddling him on the bed, kissing his jawline (maybe that's something he's self-conscious about too?? worrying that he doesn't grow enough facial hair? but i'll just tell him that his stubble feels soooo nice on my skin, especially my inner thighs), unbuttoning his shirt and staring at him in absolute awe– because i'll be *damned* if his body is anything less than perfect!

i think his tits would be quite a nice handful, and i'd grab and grope them accordingly; referring to them as his pecs, of course, telling him that i love a man who works out (and absolutely relishing in the way he *whines* every time i affirm something traditionally masculine about him). i'll keep trailing my hands down his body, continuing to praise him for how muscled his body is (even though it's not *entirely* true, i just can't help but throb in my panties from the idea of how worked up it would get him), how *strong* he is, how i bet he could probably manhandle me with no issue– and i could go on like this all day if he wouldn't cut me off by begging for me to touch him.

he would probably be a little bit nervous when i first get him out of his pants + his boxers; but before he could clam up out of nervousness i'd get my mouth on his inner thigh, kissing and biting and murmuring about how i've been looking forward to this, how *good* he looks, how i absolutely can *not* wait to taste him.

i don't think he would let me eat him out, but i do think he'd be more than willing to let me suck his tdick. he's not very big (if we want to think about trans!jan too, i feel like they have definitely compared bottom growth sizes at some point and bojan was pouty afterwards because jan's is bigger than his. jan totally made him feel better about it afterwards though if you catch my drift) but i won't tell him that, and i won't *act* like that either. maybe i'll tell him that he's so big i'm not sure if i'll be able to take all of it in my mouth at once, and then pretend to choke on it, pulling off to look up at him, really taking in the sight of him all flushed and panting and trembling.

i'll suck his dick like that for a while, looking up at him the whole time; and i could totally cum in my pants just from the visual of him sweating and squirming and the sound of his sweet little whimpers and moans. and i can tell by the frequency of those sweet little moans that he's getting close, and so i'll pull off and tell him that he can fuck my mouth if he wants to. and the way he looks at me and his eyes widen and he nods so frantically..... ooo i would totally have to file that memory away for later.

he'd probably be a little bit nervous to fuck my mouth. i'd have to guide his hands to my hair and tell him that it's okay, i can take it, i want him to give it to me hard. i'll put his tdick back in my mouth and his first thrust upwards is reserved and gentle, but he can tell that i'm enjoying this just as much as he is (maybe the reason i'm letting him fuck my mouth is because i needed a free hand to rub my clit... maybe....) and he starts to gain confidence; tugging harder at my hair and pushing his hips up faster, and he probably only gets a few thrusts in like that before he's gritting out a warning that he's gonna cum.

i just know the noise he makes when he cums is something amazing. not to mention the way his thighs close around my face and his arousal gets all over my mouth and chin but i can't be bothered to care because holy *shit* he's just so perfect. and once he's finished, he'll collapse onto the bed, all soft and wore out, and i just won't be able to resist the urge to kiss him. and maybe he'll ask if we could do it again sometime. and maybe (definitely) i'd say yes.

—

hehe i've never written anything like this before pls let me know if this is anything :P. english isn't my first language but i gotta see it through for the pornography.

-😽-

"English isn't my first language but I gotta see it through for the pornography."

Darling 😽 boo, what a beautiful gift to wake up to. I'm gonna be thinking about this all day.

[aglitchysylveon]

I drew some Picky Piggy as well, maybe I'll follow up with another critter soon.. I think I'm enjoying drawing traditionally more than digitally. There is no such thing as lag in the real world >:)

[abcwordsurge]

hi bee my buddy bee! can you kinassign ninjago characters to some wttt characters? like which character is like who. i havent watched ninjago since i was a little kid,, so i cant remember much but id love you to tell me about it :^]

the absolute delight I felt when I saw this ask was incredible. I had a long car drive this afternoon (well, as of the time of posting, yesterday) and thinking about this ask was the perfect way to spend it. of course, now it's time to write down all those thoughts. this is going to get LONG. (if you want to hear about ninjago, then, heh, you came to the right place.) I'll put it all under a cut. first, though, you are absolutely wonderful and thank you so much for this ask :]

gonna go in order of when I thought of them. which means, first up is my favorite ninja!

--

Nya - Rhode Island

the most obvious reason for this connection is the mutual hot headedness. they are both so quick to anger, and both tend to hold grudges for far longer than is normal.

but it's more than that. both of them feel an urge to compensate for what they perceive as a disadvantage. for Rhodey, of course, it's his height. (he is, as always, very self conscious about his height.) for Nya, it's her gender. I mean, she spent four seasons being excluded from the other ninja for her gender, and for plenty of the other seasons, she was still pushed to the sidelines. of course she has a little bit of internalized misogyny. (side note- I do think that's why she seems so determined to not enjoy traditionally "feminine" things. because she thinks it makes her weak. I'd actually love to write a fic where she goes on a girl's day out with Pixal and Skylor and learns to respect feminity and start dealing with her internalized misogyny. but anyway.)

last thing for this duo: Nya is, of course, the master of water, and Rhodey is the ocean state. it's just perfect

--

Kai - Ohio

the best description I've ever seen of Kai was something along the lines of "he's not hot headed so much as he is reckless and in a bit of a rush." Ohio is much the same. he's called the Florida of the midwest, but he can't quite reach the levels of chaos that Florida sets. he's just... reckless and in a bit of a rush.

beyond that, both of them are definitely comic relief sorts of characters. both are goofy and a little airheaded, and both are pretty intense in a very amusing way. still, both are very friendly and like to be around people (even if they tend to be somewhat overbearing, and tease people more than they might like)

and I would be remiss not to mention their mutual pyromania. that's half the reason I thought of them as a duo so quickly.

--

Cole - Loui

this one's pretty straightforward. they're both very relaxed and down to earth (cough cough master of earth cough). they're both loyal to a fault. although reasonable on their own, if they have the right partner, they can be quite chaotic. for Loui, that partner would be, of course, Florida. for Cole, it could really be any of the other ninja in the right circumstances- but the first to come to mind is Jay. (or maybe Kai. it depends.)

they also both love food. for Loui, this manifests more as making and sharing food. for Cole, it's more so... eating food. (he has tried, countless times, to cook for his friends, but it never goes well. Zane has all but banned him from the kitchen.)

--

Faith - New York

interestingly enough, this is the only pair on this list where I thought of the state first, then came up with a connecting ninjago character. now, Faith is a very minor character, so just so you know, she's a dragon hunter in season nine.

she and York both have massive anger issues, and tend to take them out physically (either by yelling / making general sounds of annoyance, or by kicking things around). they're both quite gruff, pretty no nonsense, don't take crap, etc. neither of them are very friendly, but they're competent, and useful to have around. good people at heart, but it takes a while to get to that heart.

--

Harumi - Nevada

this started as "they're both attractive and they know it." both absolutely have the potential to be villains. it's realized for Harumi, but for Nevada it's more of a theoretical "what if they got bitter at their unfair treatment and to 'fix' things they burned down the entire nation." they're both good actors, and good liars.

the biggest reason I kinassigned them, though, is because in the end, they'd both follow orders. for Harumi, this happens in season fifteen. she always seems to end up in a spot where her freedom is dependent upon doing what's told of her. as for Nevada, well. we've seen it in their joining the table video. they literally have to do what Gov says.

--

Jay - Cali

both of them will talk your ear off if given the chance. I feel like both tend to feel like outsiders, both are desperate to be liked and feel like part of the team, and both are kinda losers (/aff).

Jay is very quick to share what he's feeling, and his attitude is very much "if I think it, you hear it." Cali is this way too, in a sense, though usually it's more facts and correcting other people for Cali. but the main point is that they're both certified yappers.

--

Pixal - Iowa

I absolutely love both of these characters, and both of them are very underrated. they both tend to blur into the background, and they're far too easy to ignore. (which makes sense for Iowa, since there are fifth states and Ben can't exactly give all of them all of his attention, but Pixal? come on, ninjago writers, you can at least pretend to care about her existence.)

however, when they do show up, both of them are genuinely very nice, both are dedicated and detail-oriented, and if given the chance, both can be quite sassy. ("every part of me is annoyed!" is a Pixal line that lives in my head rent free. I love her.)

--

Wyldfyre - Massachusetts

when I started this list, I told myself, "no dragons rising characters," in a useless attempt to not be writing till the sun goes down. but come on. this is just too perfect. both of them are energetic and kinda rude and very impatient, both of them are loud and obnoxious at times (/aff), and both of them are far too eager to start a war.

the real thing though? both of them care so, so much about their family. for Mass, that's the northeast (especially Maine and New York come to mind- "no one gets to kill you but me" is an iconic protective Mass quote). for Wyldfyre, that's Kai and Heatwave. (side note- Kai and Wyldfyre are The duo ever, they're so cute together. if you don't know who they are, I want to be clear, it's like a father daughter dynamic ((Wyldfyre is WAY younger than Kai)), and it's hilarious.)

--

Skylor - Arizona

both are hot, though with Arizona it's temperature, and with Skylor it's, well, look at her. also don't tell me Ari wouldn't have hair just like Skylor's. he would love that long red ponytail look.

also, both are very dangerous. Arizona has his rough terrain and all the animals and cacti that want to kill you, and Skylor has super op powers (they had to change the conditions of her powers in the later seasons because otherwise there wouldn't be any drama- Skylor would just win the war all by herself). however, despite what they could do to either hurt or help people, I think if given the chance, both would be totally chill and, I dunno, run a noodle shop for the rest of their life. and y'know what? love that for them.

--

Zane - Alaska

ok, last one, finally. I at first saw the connection between these two that they are both very cold. they're both quite reasonable and intelligent, not to mention large and basically indestructible. (has anyone counted how many times Zane has died so far? seven, maybe? and he's still kicking!)

in a bit deeper sense, though, they're both outsiders. for Alaska, this is, of course, due to geography. for Zane, it's because he's a nindroid, and despite his best efforts, he doesn't quite understand what it's like to be human. they are different in that Alaska tries to avoid the others and Zane tries to understand and be a part of the others, but nonetheless.

--

alright! this is far, far from a comprehensive list. I didn't do all of the characters- hell, I didn't even do all of the main characters. but that is all of the strong connections I can make between characters, and besides, I think this post is long enough haha. this was so fun to answer, thank you so much for asking this, you are incredible <3 /p

[just-a-carrot]

Aaaaaaaa i feel so awkward asking this but I want to make sure that I interpret his character right and don’t mess up already scarce representation for aromantic people sooo

How does Orlam experience/express/feel his aromanticism? I’ve been doing a little bit of reading about to to educate myself more since I’ve realised my understanding of what romantic attraction is(as opposed to other types of attraction which I find easier to define) is embarrassingly surface level. From what I’ve gathered, I’ll attempt to phrase my understanding of Orlam in this aspect and all I want you to do is correct anything im wrong about or add anything else you think is important to him in this regard ty!!!

I’m assuming Orlam uses the term aromantic literally, and not as an umbrella term? Ofc I may be wrong, and I’m not requiring giving him additional labels because they’re always optional-I just want to make sure that he doesn’t experience romantic attraction like, at all? Or are there exemptions?

In the case that he doesn’t experience romantic attraction at all, I assume he enjoys what would otherwise be considered romantic gestures(since he oftentimes displays these as a character) for reasons that don’t involve them actually causing feelings of attraction for him? Like he enjoys traditionally romantic things like flirting, flowers, writing poems(maybe, idk, he seems like the type from how fancy he likes to talk, esp to Iggy in his routes) but they don’t cause him romantic feelings?

Perhaps he enjoys making others feel romantic attraction/fuzzies in general while not experiencing it personally himself? Or does he enjoy romantic reciprocation in a way that isn’t inherently romantic?

I’m trying to think of anything else to ask but this ask is already long af and probably complicated to unpack so I’ll leave this here. Once again sorry if I sound uneducated(because I admit, I have long ways to go in properly understanding the topic >.<) thank you so much in advance, I just want to make sure I properly understand Orlam as an aromantic character

orlam doesn't use any labels, I'll be honest LOL he hates labels in general (like he doesn't even see himself as "bisexual" either). but if I gave him one it would be grayromantic, mostly because even he doesn't really know or understand how he feels when it comes to romantic attraction (and he doesn't want to understand, he just wants to live however he feels like it at any point in time without labeling it)

it's hard for me to describe in detail something like an orientation like this because it's all very complex. and particularly with Orlam he's very capricious. I think that he enjoys classy romantic gestures because he's a classy theatrical guy and doing stuff like that is fun for him. he loves to be dramatic and over the top. and he likes to make others feel good too. does he also get some romantic thrill out of them? unsure. even he is unsure. but he does know that the ways he tends to feel about other ppl, even those he's attracted to, seem to be different from how he's heard others describe and talk about, or the ways he's seen others act. but he doesn't really know (or care) in what way. and he forms connections in his own way

I feel like this is a vague answer and that's honestly because I don't really know a better way to explain it and him 😅 but that's just how I've always felt about Orlam as a character

[soosooxnova]

Twice's Strategy: my opinion

Strategy ft. Megan the Stallion: the last few years have been pretty controversial music wise when it came to title tracks, people made all sorts of arguments on how the TT they chose were bad, outdated, boring and how the promotions were lacking. But this time I think there's genuinely nothing to complain about. The song manages to be a fresh and new style compared to what Twice did until now, but it still managed to have that girly and poppy vibe that intimately belongs to Twice. Props to the collab. I saw some Onces (the minority luckily) being somewhat worried because Megan's image is very different from the group's, but I think they did a great job to meet halfway and blend perfectly with each other. Megan truly sounded like a tenth member, her rap part flowed perfectly and it was well linked to Chae and Momo's rap parts. This wasn't a given because we get tons of songs featuring a rapper where the rap part at best adds nothing to the song, and at worst it ruins it. So yep it was really well-done. The promotions roll out were also crazy. So long story short: Twice and their team did their uttermost best. The song is fun, the choreo is one of their best these recent years. MV is pretty as well.

Kiss my troubles away: retro sound, it's a pretty danceable song, the lyrics are cute.

Like it Like it: this should've been the title track instead of Strategy, byt what I understood. It reminds me a lot of the With You-th mini, it seems a mix between Bloom and Rush. I LOVE the chorus and I hope this song will be performed eventually. It sounds chill and vibey but also very emotional, it's hard to put it into words.

Sweetest Obsession: this song has a long history now and it's weird to listen to the clean version without Sana's little cry lmao but yeah, it's a cute song, probably not the most iconic b-side ever, but we're all fond of it at this point haha

Keeper: the b-sides all have a somewhat magical vibe, with soft instrumental, perfect for an album that dropped in December.

Magical: Their previous winter singles had more of an emotional/sad vibe, this one is more "traditionally" Christmas. Maybe it's the retro instrumental. If you told me this was a song released in the 80s, I would believe you.

Strategy: version without Megan, it still sounds great. I praised how Megan fits so well, but it's incredible how they made this song in a way that allows it to be good even without her. It was a must obviously since they will perform it without her most of the time.

︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶༉‧₊˚.

This is a Twice album, I don't think I've ever found a disappointing album by them. I might need more listens to truly rank it, right now I feel I might've enjoyed With You-th a bit more, but Strategy and Like it Like it are amazing songs that I already added to my playlist. I'm afraid that I'll be addicted to Like it Like it :')

[lilaroxa]

RF1: Year 1 - Spring 10

With Raguna's field/cave work getting longer, his rounds to visit all the Kardia residents have started in the late afternoon.

On Spring 10, Raguna finds Melody on the beach. She confesses that:

"I somehow feel like I was born on the other side of that ocean!"

Which sparked some fond childhood memories for me. I relate to Melody's attraction to water, the sea, and exploring the unknown. But I wonder if Melody was always meant to be a cameo in a potential future Rune Factory title because of this line?

I know that Rune Factory was originally a one-shot spin-off from the Harvest Moon series that ended up getting more entries, but still, it has me wondering...

Either way, rereading this line sparked more thoughts about Melody's character.

Though it's much more likely Melody moved to Kardia alone as a young adult, I wonder if her intuition that she was born on the other side of "that ocean" is some sort of escapism? She's not finding answers here, so they must be over there! ...right?

On the other hand, Melody seems very drawn to water and the ocean in general. I wonder if it has something to do with why she opened a bathhouse? Or maybe her past really does have something to do with water?

Her being a secret mermaid would be such a fun idea. Maybe she wasn't born on the other side of the ocean but rather she was born IN it!

I'll be keeping these theories in mind as I continue to archive more dialogue...

So, row 10 goes to Melody and her secrets!

LILA'S RUNE FACTORY TEMPERATURE BLANKET

Today's the first "double" colour (other than the starting row).

To those who are more familiar with crochet, this pattern works with slip stitches and working through the back loops, so there are some rows that "bleed" into the row above more than others.

At first, this kind of bothered me, since it doesn't make my rows as clean as other temperature blankets I've seen online.

However, the more I work on this blanket, the more I like how each row is influenced by the ones around it.

It makes my blanket a bit harder to "read" but overall, I feel like it represents my Rune Factory playthrough well and continues to challenge my perspective of Kardia!

For example, Tori's and Mei's colours intertwining colours have encouraged me to think more about their unspoken relationship in the game. Tori must run into her occasionally, like whenever she heads home to the Inn! They both enjoy traditionally "quiet" hobbies like reading and fishing. So, I see them as either unspoken friends or silent acquaintances.

I'd also like to take a moment to thank everyone for the positive reblogs, comments, and likes. I'm quite new to Tumblr so I'm a bit uncertain about "Tumblr etiquette", but know that every notification I get makes my day!

Making this blanket would be 1% as fun without you guys! So thanks again!!

[kierancampire]

I have some more gender questions

So I must admit, I am struggling with understanding trans non-binary, my brain is having difficulty with this one. But it's been less than a month since I heard about it, I only just heard the term "trans umbrella" for the first time yesterday, also still very ill and tired, so this all is new to me and I think with time I'll get it, but for now, even after explanations my brain is struggling with it. I accept that people identify that way, I personally just am struggling to understand it is all

But I think one thing that will help, if anyone could answer, and again I am sorry if I word things poorly or say anything offensive, that's why I'm asking, to better understand to not cause offense. Anyway, yes I have some specifically non-binary questions that I think will help me better understand non-binary and also trans non-binary

So what is the difference between personality and gender identity? As an example, yes, for many years I severely struggled with being a man/male, and didn't really like being viewed as one. But I sort of changed what being a man means to me personally, and while society as a whole may not agree with it, for me it helped me embrace being a cis man but I don't view that as gender, I just view that more as personality. So how do you differentiate what's just your personality and the things you like/dislike, and what is gender identity?

But to go on further, and this is my second question. So I do believe that too many things are unnecessarily gendered, and I do believe people should be allowed to enjoy things outside of social constraints, for instance I don't think it makes you any less of a man to wear dresses or make up, and I find it stupid that toothbrushes, vitamins, razors and such are gendered. Then again in myself, I am aware I have "traditionally female" interests, like baking, knitting, fruity/floral scents, in a sense art, and yes, I do have a few "women's" clothing, but I personally don't believe these things make me less of a cis man and I feel no shame in liking them. But while I have seen others share this view, I have noticed at the same time that trans/non-binary people will wear dresses and make up to be fem, but have short hair and jeans/graphic tees to be masc, but doesn't that inherently go against the ideology that these things aren't gendered?

And a sort of third question tied to the other two, yes, as shared, there are many "traditionally feminine" things about me, yet I personally see those more as personality than gender as it is things I enjoy as a person that I feel aren't tied to my gender identity, and happily I see myself solely as a cis man. So what is the difference in myself and others where they either feel these things are gendered, or that it makes them feel they do not belong to one gender? Because I do feel in my position maybe others would view it as a binary/gender issue and struggle with their gender identity, but for me it is just personality and not gender? So what makes people view these things differently to me?

Again, I must admit I have always silently really struggled with either not feeling like you are male/female, or that you change between the two or even more, I've never said anything out of not wanting to cause offense, but it is a thing that my mind just struggles to understand. So if others could help me understand how they view the relation/separation of gender and personality, and even what gender means to them, that'd help me a lot. I truly really do want to understand it, but I think like the idea that trans isn't solely binary, even after answers/explanations it may take more time, thinking, and maybe more questions to understand it. I truly do accept people feel this way, but I just want to understand why they do

I guess something I should add on actually is my lack of care in a personal sense. As I have shared in the past, people in cat groups constantly think I am a woman and call me she/her all the time, but I just never correct people on it as I don't care, and I think that's why I have never put my pronouns in my bio, I don't care. I prefer to be called he/him, especially by friends and family, but I guess that's the thing, people who know better I expect them to address me as a cis man, but for others, I just don't necessarily care, as long as they aren't calling me an insulting name it's whatever. But again, I think this causes an issue in my personal relation to gender identity/personality and how others perceive it, as an area I don't care about, others care greatly for, so it's hard to fully understand the difference in views, which again I accept it, just not necessarily fully understand it