#my beloved kids wah

[littlebittykittycommittee]

I know there are some theories about what happens in Soulless Pacifist and what Chara is up to (genuinely out to kill and maybe has already killed? passive aggressive little pissbaby getting in a Sans-style passive aggressive parting shot?), but what if BOTH were true?

Chara is genuinely corrupted and dead inside, just playing along until they can kill on the Surface because that's their purpose, that's the only meaning they can get out of what they've seen and experienced, they can't connect to these people anymore

and how CAN they

Toriel looks through them

Asgore won't even say their name

They're a ghost, unanchored and adrift, unloved and unwanted, tied to a heartless higher being who plays with all its toys and breaks them and doesn't care.

So why should they?

And then

Asriel tells them how much he loves them.

Asriel keeps calling them by name, and keeps telling them how much he loves them.

And Asriel starts crying.

(They hate seeing him cry.)

Until even THIS Lost Soul, turned twisted and made malignant, starts to remember.

How he found them.

How he saved them.

Being a family…

So when Frisk calls out one last time, it SAVES two Lost SOULs simultaneously - like Sans and Papyrus, like Asgore and Toriel - and Chara and Asriel.

(Asriel SAVEs Chara AND the world without even knowing it. Through the power of being a crybaby. GOATed.)

(Not pictured: Chara, snapped back to their old self and now in an emotional tailspin of guilt and anger and other complicated emotions over what they did, lets it out in the most emotionally healthy and constructive manner possible! Tormenting their "partner" with creepy faces and creepy photos to guilt-trip them into leaving, because that always makes Chara feel better >=))

[front-facing-pokemon]

[nightcolorz]

speaking about the parallel between Marius forcing Armand to take the name "Amadeo" (loved one) and keep calling him that even after it's clear he hasn't used that name in centuries (i saw somebody else saying he is like a parent using their kid's dead name in front of everyone and ignoring how uncomfortable their kid clearly is) and Armand calling Daniel "beloved" i was wondering what Marius himself thinks of this?

does he see the parallel too? is it clear to him that a part of Armand is modelling him and Daniel's relationship after the one he once had with Marius? And if so, can he understand Armand is trying to do things differently so he doesn't end up hurting Daniel like Marius hurt him?

What does Marius think of Daniel calling Armand "boss" not because Armand ordered him to but simply because he, Daniel, decided to start calling him that and even then, only sometimes?

the dead name comparison is so accurate oh my god 😭😭 that’s definitely the vibe I get. The way I see it, Marius is so self absorbed that even when acknowledging that Armand is harmed by his actions and is trying to break the cycle of abuse, I think he’d be able to understand that what he did was rlly wrong but still reflect on it in a self pitying, self absorbed way. “Wah wahh my fledgling would hate to become me and rejects the name I gave him in love wahh wahh bcus I hurt everyone i love wahhhh I hate myself and my life so much wahhhh I wish I could just have a good relationship for once wahhh everyone leaves me 😢😢😢😢”

In the books Marius is very aware of how he hurts people and he feels very bad about it, but it comes off as a shallow and self serving type of guilt bcus no matter how badly he feels he never changes his behavior. This is cuz Marius thinks that in any given situation he’s always right and his feelings and what he wants should always be the priority (toddler behavior). He is only able to recognize if smth he did was wrong when it begins to earn him negative consequences, and it seems more like he feels bad for himself and guilty for bringing about these negative consequences then he is about doing the thing. For example, he feels badly about turning Armand and knows it was wrong bcus Armand is a broken person who isn’t able to connect with Marius anymore, but meanwhile, he doesn’t feel badly at all when he turns Benji and Sybelle into vampires against Armand’s will (even when Armand is sobbing in grief) bcus this doesn’t result in anything badly coming to Marius, so Armand’s grief is an immature incorrect reaction and Marius knows best 😜.

I also think Marius would be very upset and jealous about Armand and Daniel and their pet names for each other bcus he can’t exactly place why they r so much happier and healthier giving each other names then he was giving himself and Amadeo names. It def pisses him off seeing Armand happy in new relationships💀Marius is a petty bitch before he is the benevolent teacher he thinks he is

[mochinon-yah]

How would you describe your friend's art/writing? (E.g.: scenario, food, memory, etc.)

OMGGG ANON THANK YOUUU LET ME SMOOCH U RNNN <3333

But i'm gonna twist the question a bit since i haven't read everyone's work so yeah 🥹 i'm gonna describe the way they talk or how they 'feel' like to me lolll

@beloved-brynn: (<- my dear sweet hallow) whenever brynn is talking about something, it could either be the most mindblowing thing ever or the funniest thing ever 😭 i love her sm (platonically) since she's my first ever mutual and the first ever person to just... kinda welcome me to tumblr (i can hesr her in the distance saying smth smth abt i traumatized her despite the warm welcome- /silly) also she's good at giving advices! She's somebody who would cofmort you in an objective but warm way while also try to joke around so you won't feel like you're being nagged at (good grief, i cried more while she did that lol) ALSO A SIMP FOR DIMITRIII ‼️‼️

@meimeimeirin: tbh rin's writing or way of speaking is so so uniquely her that even if she tried to mask it up, i could guess that it's her 😆 she's an amazing mutual that i have no clue how the heck did we even be friends and be close like this??? Is it the same thing like how me and brynn get close- i gave you a drawing- anyway, she has a very elegant way of doing things, and especially when she starts to ramble or write about something that she loves! It's always so lovely reading her posts <3 btw rin, keep a chicken head with you always, yeah? 😋

@leftdestiny-posts: NOW THIS IS AN ENIGMA BECAUSE I HAVE NO CLUE HOW DID WE ACTUALLY BECOME MOOTS????? Shiro, did u just somehow in someway adopt me- 😭 but anywayyyy, shiro's way of talking is so so so soft and cute and warm and it makes me wonder how the heck did they mask their craziness so good like that- /smacked sorry sorry, enough jokes, what i meant to say is that shiro is such a down to earth person, and honestly i could see them go "wah, the clouds are really pretty today~ the flowers too~~" their writing or talking style has that vibe to me! It's so warm and fuzzy to me 🫠 i feel so comfy with themm 💗💗

@a-bookworms-teashop: i took a liking to one of her series and ever since then, i am a fan of her works!! I like to leave comments and just yk... support her works! Suddenly, bam! She dm'ed me or smth and we just kinda talk 😆 i love when she goes to ramble about her works because it shows how much love and effort she pours into each and every one of them!!! Im still waiting for an update to that series hiks but in any case, her other works sre also a masterpiece! Example? The yandere ceo one! It's so interesting and honestly bae, i would read every chapters 😻 i mean i already did, but eh YEAH READ EM GUYS!!!

@jessamine-rose: bae jess, ur works are amazing pookie, i once read one of ur work before eventually falling in love with how u write but i forgot which one was it... (it was a long time ago) was it abt capitano...? I'M SORRY I FORGOT HDBSHSJSJ 😭😭😭 but anyway, jess has the mom vibe that it always made me think of those asian moms (I'M ASIAN- THE TRAUMA IS THERE- /silly) who would hit their kids with sandals and be "i told you don't be like that!" >:o also her way of speaking and the amount of kaomojis she used is so so her that i would just imagine her every time i see one of those kaomojis 😆💗 please keep using em, i love ittt <333

@harmonysanreads: i simp for u. Yes, you read that right, my friends... I SIMP FOR HARMYYYY (shoo shoo eun- /silly) 😻💗 harmy has a very distinctive vibe and personality despite being similar to rinrin, and uhh how do i describe it...? It's like talking with a mom figure (no harm, i don't see u as a mom figure-) who knows you so well!! Her way of talking is so elegant, but it's not the warm-like elegant! It's like seeing a queen (?) and you can't help but to be mesmerized by her mannerisms! I also love the way she can form her words, they're always so thoughtful and really straightforward in a way lolll (she's my argue buddy too- anyway prince hirang 👎 /silly)

@navxry: NAVI ACTS LIKE THE MOM FRIEND!! Not really the mom mom friend, but navi is our server mom 💗 they take care of us and sometimes pop in and say either the most horrendous down bad thing ever for female game characters (while im like "oh yeah so true lmao" but i don't usually pop in and say that) or they'll help us around the server because apparently most some of us are not pretty... tech-savvy (me included HAHAHHA) navi is such a mood sometimes and i absolutely love them for ittt 🫶 u go girl (/gn) be as silly as you wsnt for your fics, or in other words, kill em all- *cough* i mean what

@calxlu: a fellow infp who really loves albedo 😆 i love when one time i made a bedo art for them and they reblogged it so many times,,, it made me super happy and super proud that the art made them that happy 💗 anyway, vivi talks similarly like me methinks but like ummm how do i say it? Vivi is like cuter...???? IDKK HAHAHAJDJ- um, moving on 😆 i love it when vivi describes or tell smth because it could either be the most cutest thing ever or the funniest thing ever (i still remember that grandma comment pls 😭) anywayyy i hope your life has been less stressful!!! Also will be hoping that ppl won't bother you especially when you don't want to get bothered 🫂

@teabutmakeitazure: ZURIII MY BELOVED 🙌 HELLO HI <333 muach muach i hope you're doing well when you read this post /gen /pos !!! When zuri comes in the server and say smth, i will always imagine someone wesring a glasses, talking in such a monotone voice but tries to appear caring and sweet because YES they are actually really sweet and very much loveable and smoochable <3 it's just how you 'feel' like to me, so don't mind em too much loll 😆💗 also, i see that zuri and speckled can match each other vibe so well and it makes me think that they'll be such a great and cute duo together sbsnsjkssk

@vennnnn-diagram: VENNNNN OMG MY PARTNER IN CRIME 😻💗‼️ (<- we never did any crime other than bully brynn... i think-) ven is so funny and chaotic that it makes me wanna smooch em every time they appear <3 how do i explain this... uhhh, like ven always seems to be the silliest person ever whenever they talk in the server, but GUYS they're like really thoughtful and so overall nshdjisks i can't describe it but i will fight anyone who diss or insult ven /hj kinda srs actually ✨️ ven, if u think that being silly feels weird out of nowhere, bae we're all weird, so dw abt it 😆 im also very silly, so we can be silly together!!! ALSO ONE IMPORTANT FACT, ven is our music genius 🙌‼️ i'm so serious abt wanting to hear ur music for an hour straight-

@stickyspeckledlight: speckled...... well, uh, the word 'silly', 'random', "what in the world-" as a person fr 😆 i also just kinda deem her as the gamer pro in our server and well.... i gotta say she's real good when gaming (<- has never seen her gaming stream) BUT LIKE WHATEVER THOSE GAME TERM STUFF, SPECKLED KNOWS IT ALL ‼️‼️ like whenever she said oh this and that about hsr or genshin, i'd be "oh yeah so true" despite me not understanding her words (sorry yall i'm not a gamer 😭) alsoooo it's pretty noticeable, but uhh speckled (and zuri) is aventurine lover and she's pretty crazy abt him *cues me looking at her fics* keep going bestie 🙌 you (and zuri) are our aventurine truther lol

@ainescribe: AINE MY SPOUSE ✨️ THE LOVE OF MY LIFE /pos 💗💗 ainneee, one of our talented super amazing artists in the hostelry 😻 thought despite me saying that aine is the loml, we haven't talk or interact much, but i know that she's a sweetheart hehe 🫶 aine has a very bubbly way of talking, she likes to yap yap like eun especially if it's about.... uh lores? Idrk the kind of stuff that aine likes to talk about, but it's always fun to hear her (and eun) yap ‼️ also, i can't describe it but she makes me wanna smooch her but also nom her (it's just cuteness aggression-) ALSO I HAVE TO SAY IT AGAINNN, HER ARTS ARE REALLY PRETTYYY 💗🙌 LIKE 100/10 PRETTY ✨️

@lucienbarkbark: girl, idk what goes on in your mind but you're a mood 😆 i am always so surprised whenever rika appears and say something, it's too straightforward but i love her for it <333 she seems like someone who would just do whatever she wants, and i would totally support her for it 💪 rika and her... 66 or more men that she would (respectfully saying) sleep with 🔥🔥🔥 HAHAHHAH THE LIST IS SO LONG AND LIKE 😭😭 i can never not laugh whenever i remember it hdjdjsjwkw pls never change your frank and honest attitude, i love it 🫶 btw, uh, pls have some rest bestie 😭 like an actual rest and also a mental rest 🫂 wishing the best for you rikaaaa >:o

@mixed-kester: esther! While i may not know much about you, but i KNOW one thing!!! It's that she's a really great artist 😻 i'm telling yall to check her arts because (from my opinion) her art style looks like one you would find in a cute short comic (that i would totally devour-) AND YEAH she's just really sweet yk 🥺 also esther talks in a very direct way that it makes you want to just know what's up inside that head of hers 😆 she's also part of the 'would eat mochi 😋' gang and i just.... have to accept that....... anyway LOVE HER 💗‼️ please be more braver and accepting of your feelings, you're precious and worth it, okay? We love you, and i hope sincerely that YOU love YOURSELF 🙌

@euniveve: OHOHOHO OUR RESUME DESTROYER HERE /silly ✨️ jokes aside, i think me, jess, and shiro would say "what can't eun do atp" if we're talking about eun 😭😭 wdym she can write amazing fanfics, great artist, good at debating, a highschool athlete, a student council president- LIKE EUN WHAT THE HECK DID YOU NOT DO???? Is it the intj in you- /silly LMAO anyway, all that aside, eun talks in a very pookie way, so full of.... love (especially if she's talking with harmy) and she would totally yap yap abt smth altho sometimes she's a bit direct about stuff (not in a harsh way tho) all in all, i hope you're not too harsh on yourself 💗 OH AND i love how confident you are!! You know that you're amazing, and i think that's great pookie 🫶

@fishanonishere: FISHHHHH 🫂 the 'albedo' in my life LMAOOOO 😭 they're so cute i wanna smooch them fr ✨️ they like to yap about their works and honestly yap more bestie (I HAVEN'T ANSWERED THEIR DM IN DISCORD BUT YEAH YAP MORE BESTIE 😭😭) they have a distinct way of talking and it's hard for me to describe it, but imagine albedo talking with such an interest while also keeping it low with how monotonous his face is and you're a bit confused whether he's excited or chill with it 😆 fish is also an amazing artist, their art style is very very 😋💗 yeah i'd eat all of em HAHAHAHA anyway fishhh, i hope you keep being 'you'!! It's always fun talking to you, but i think my energy is just not that big enough for us to keep talking for so long 😭🙏

[jiraikasa-kun]

Bum Ba Da Daaaaaaaaa 🎺🎺🎺

your majesty, I know present to you my headcanons of you. I hope you find them accurate or at least amusing :D

You are definitely musical in some kind of way and are a good singer.

Your parents are religious.

You go to a public school, and you’re really shy in person.

You really liked dinosaurs when you were little.

You like instant ramen, not quite as keen on energy drinks.

Whether or not you believe in it or not, you know a lot about astrology.

Favorite drink is earl grey tea.

When you meet someone for the first time you shake their hand, but despite this your handshake isn’t super firm.

You don’t need dramatic display of affection because you prefer to just be in the company of people you like/your WPs because you find it calming and comforting.

This is because some aspect of your childhood was somewhat unstable or chaotic.

You like dark chocolate

YOU HIT IT WITH THE FIRST THREE WAH 😭😭 except I go to the Singapore equivalent of a private school. STILL BALLER THO.

Never liked dinosaurs, but was Pokemon was my special interest as a kid!!

Instant ramen, but only if it’s dry, not soupy. Soupy stuff are bothersome to eat 😞😞

… I actually know astrology enough to wow a novice. Though I’ve yet to be able to read the sextiles, conjuctions and trines between planets.

Favourite drink is…. Hm, not sure. It has to be brown and milky though (eg chocolate malt, chocolate, coffee) or mango/lemon tea!

I do handshake people (might not be firm so yeah) but the way I greet people is by waving my hand in an odd way and going ‘hi :D’. And that ‘hi :D’ is usually high pitched.

Truth be told, I find being dramatic and boisterous (online, at least) as an easier way to show my love. I SUCK at socialising. It’s easier for me to do drastic things them rather than stuff like small talk. I’m on the fence with the headcanon cause one hand, I DO wish they do the same thing as me, but on the other, I know both of my beloveds aren’t like that (moreso my doll 😞😞)

Well, I ran out a class many times in elementary school during meltdowns. So that’s cool.

Hmm… I actually like chocolate flavoured stuff. Not so much chocolate itself 😭😭

[deitybird]

In general, I of course remember you for all your baby tim fics. I went to try to pick a favorite and just couldn't. all are iconic. And your batman fics in general. They're sweet and hilarious (love the serious moments too) and I love the dynamics that the batfam have with each other and especially tim with his family and friends. Dick and tim are standouts but Tim with his other siblings are fantastic and I always appreciate tim bullying bruce (also jason. He keeps him on his toes lmaoo) and getting along with damian. Also core four my beloved. Theyre soulmates ❤️ p.s. your fics were the first time I saw ducky as a nickname for tim and that is the most delightfully endearing and dare I say darling thing

I love using ducky as a nickname because it's just another way to say darling! But so much sweeter, in my opinion. And it works for Tim!! Being a Drake and all, haha. I even slipped it into my Battinson fic with Janet calling Tim Ducky <3

wah but thank you.... hehe. i REALLLLLY love dick and tim's relationship and i just always want to... promote it? shine a spotlight on them? there's another word but i can't remember. i also have a lot of fun with jason and damian exploration - I'm particularly excited to explore more of jason in long way to go. as for damian? who knows. he's not even a thought... :)

the kids bullying bruce is canon. TO ME.

[cainluvr69]

Final Chapter - 22.11 - What I Saw That Night

Previous Chapter

****TL Note: just want to say before we get into it that every single character is in their jammies in this chapter

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Haah… I'm so tired. I think I'll turn in early tonight. C'mere, Saku-chaaaan.

Sacrificium: … …!

Akira: Saku-chan?

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: …

Nova: Oz.

Oz: …! <Vox Nox>! …!

Mithra: Hah?

Oz: ……

Mithra: Hey, don't just summon someone and then…you're already asleep…

Oz: …

Mithra: …Oz…? …Is all of that blood…his…?

Nova: It's been a while, Mithra.

Mithra: …! <Arthim>! …?! My doors aren't opening outside the manor?!

Mithra: …Wake up, Oz! <Arthim>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: Huh? What happened to Mithra? He's vanished.

Riquet: Did he get bored and leave?

Mitile: Didn't he say he had some good cards in his hand?

Rutile: Wah…!

Mitile: Parts of the roof are falling!

Riquet: I believe the rooms at the top of the manor above us are Oz's and Owen's… Should I go tell them to quiet down?

Rutile: Maybe Mithra went to visit one of them? I wonder if I can see him from the window…

Figaro: Everyone, get down!

Mitile: Dr. Figaro?!

Figaro: <Possideo>…!

Riquet: Waah…!

Rutile: There's something outside the window…?!

Figaro: Artificial wizards…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: Wah…

Chloe: Woah…that startled me. That was from the top floor, right? Do you think the Northern wizards are getting in a fight?

Rustica: …

Chloe: …Rustica? Do you want me to go check out the top floor?

Rustica: Chloe, stay next to me.

Lennox: You both need to run…!

Chloe: Huh…?! Waah…?!

Rustica: <Amores Viesse>

Lennox: <Forsettao Meiuvat>

Lennox: They're coming from the southern side of the manor! Escape out the window into the courtyard…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: Oh my, the manor is shaking. What could those naughty children be doing this time of night?

Murr: Fireworks! Fireworks?

Shylock: How lively. We've only just returned home today, so they should be more…

Shylock & Murr: …!

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>!

Shylock: <Inviebelle>

Faust: …!

Shylock: Faust?!

Faust: …Get out the window! Hurry…!

Murr: Did something slam you into the wall?

Faust: …Yes, something I never wanted to see again!

Faust: <Salliuqnart Mulcredo>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Master Sage…!

Cain: Are you okay?! There was a huge noise…

Akira: Arthur, Cain! Something's upsetting Saku-chan! Something's really wrong…

Nova: …

Arthur: …! Who are you? State your name. Long white hair, and a scar over the left eye… No, it can't be…

Cain: ��White hair…

Nova: You.

Akira: …!

Nova: Are you the new Sage?

Akira: …Ah…

Shino: Sage! Are you okay?!

Heathcliff: …! Nova…!

Akira: …! This is Nova…?!

Nova: It's wonderful to meet you, beloved Sage.

Akira: Wahhhh…!

Arthur: Watch out! Master Sage…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: <Arthim> …This is the third one. How many are there?! Tch…! And here's another one!

Owen: <Cure Memini>

Mithra: Owen!

Bradley: What's goin' on?!

Nero: Oz…!

Painting Snow: Goodness!

Painting White: Are they after Oz?!

Nero: Brad, Mithra, Owen! Can I leave Oz to you guys?!

Mithra: What?!

Nero: If this many of 'em managed to sneak in here, the kids are in danger! Snow, White, we're moving!

Bradley: It looks like all the lil' ones are in the courtyard! I can snipe through the window and cover them!

Nero: Do that!

Painting Snow: We must hurry! Faust only barely defeated one of these artificial wizards!

Painting White: The young wizards will be turned to stone…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Waah…!

Shino: Sage!

Heathcliff: Prince Arthur, Cain! Take Master Sage to the courtyard!

Arthur: Got it! Nova's hidden himself! Both of you, be careful!

Shino: I know! Look after the Sage!

Cain: Akira, I'm going to carry you!

Akira: …!

Heathcliff: <Repsev Aivulp Sunos>

Shino: <Matzah Sudipas>

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: They're swarming from that direction, too…!

Cain: How many are there?!

Arthur: …Cain, move! I'll be their opponent! <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Cain: …Master Sage! Don't let go!

Shylock: Cain, Master Sage! Are you unhurt?!

Lennox: Don't stop moving! It's going to fire that beam…! Don't let it hit you!

Cain: …Aghhh…!

Akira: …ah…Cain…!

Lennox: There's another coming from that way!

Faust: We're going to get caged in! I'll stop them here somehow! All of you, get to the dining hall!

Cain: …gh, I'll stay here too! Shylock! Murr! Take the Sage and run!

Shylock: Understood! Master Sage, this way…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: Shylock, Murr!

Rustica: Use magic to hide the Sage and take them to the bar on the second floor.

Akira: Chloe, Rustica…!

Rustica: You don't need to worry about us. Shylock, Murr, if you'd please.

Murr: Gotcha…!

Shylock: We're going…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: <Possideo>

Mitile: Dr. Figaro, you're so strong…! I'll help protect everyone, too! <Scintilla>!

Riquet: Mitile, watch out!

Mitile: Huh?!

Rutile & Figaro: …Mitile…!

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>!

Rutile: Lords Snow and White!

Nero: <Adnodis Omnis>!

Riquet: Nero! Nero…!

Nero: Are you okay, Riquet?!

Riquet: Nero, behind you…!

Nero: …! <Adno…>

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>! Don't cluster! They'll circle you! C'mon, scatter…!

Figaro: Take care of Riquet! Mitile, Rutile, this way!

Nero: Got it! C'mon, Riquet…!

Riquet: Okay…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …The flames are spreading…

Rustica: Stay close to me, Chloe.

Nova: That will be difficult.

Rustica: …Ahhh…!

Chloe: Rustica, Rustica! Why did you do that to him?!

Nova: …

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>!

Nova: …Haha…

Murr: …Uwaah…!

✦✧☾✧✦

I could distantly hear everyone's screams. I'd had magic placed on me to hide me from sight, and I was huddled in a corner of the bar. Shylock had his pipe at the ready, his face taut. Nova had appeared before him… …with a badly injured Murr, broken and discarded like garbage.

Shylock: …Murr…!

His expression stiffened even further. But he flicked me a glance and smiled as if to say everything would be okay. He was going to keep me safe. Shylock stood opposite Nova and laughed, looking for all the world that he was calm and composed.

Shylock: Well now… I suppose I can indulge you. Shall we?

Everything sounded far away. Shylock suddenly fell to his knees, gripping his chest, his body curling in on itself in pain. His injury from <the Great Calamity>. His heart was set aflame, just like everything else in the manor was.

Shylock: …kh…

His face was twisted in agony. Sparks fell from between his fingers, inviting ever more destruction into the manor. Nova stepped towards Shylock, silently but purposefully. This was, I was sure, what the Reaper's footsteps sounded like. I wanted to rush out and help him, but I had no strength in my body anymore. All I could do was continue to hide unseen in the corner, without letting my screams or sobs be heard.

Akira: (Shylock…!)

Nova knelt down and reached towards Shylock. He was going to kill him. But when that thought passed through my brain… Nova pressed his hand against the flames at Shylock's chest. The look in his eyes as he watched Shylock's face was frighteningly gentle. It meant something. Surely the softness of his gaze meant something. The flames upon Shylock's chest slowly, gradually, began to die down in Nova's palm. With all the kindness of someone treating his wounds.

Shylock: …What…?

I was called the Sage, but I hadn't been able to do anything for him. Oz was called the world's strongest wizard, but he hadn't, either. But Nova had granted Shylock's wish. And then he simply disappeared.

Akira: …Huh…?

✦✧☾✧✦

Nova and his artificial wizards had all vanished in the blink of an eye. Even Oz had managed to hang on despite the severity of his wounds. Arthur was grieving over his wounds, and the Northern wizards were trembling. What had they come here for? Why?

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: What a terrible sight… When Oz wakes up tomorrow morning, we shall have him clean everything up.

White: His wounds have always healed quickly. He'll be all better by tomorrow.

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Heathcliff: Oh, Prince Arthur… You must be so worried about him…

Owen: They left things half-finished. They almost kill Oz, they almost kill the Sage, and then they just leave? What in the world did they come here for?

Snow: That's a very good question…

Snow & White: Ah…!

Akira: Snow, White?!

Arthur: Where are you going?!

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: It's not here…!

White: It's vanished…!

Lennox: If something's missing, then… Did they steal it?

Riquet: First they leave the manor in such a terrible state, and then they resort to petty thievery on top of that? Unforgivable.

Akira: Snow, White. Just what is it that's gone missing?

Snow: Surely you should recognize it.

White: They took the Goblet of Judgment.

The Goblet of Judgment. That was… That was what I'd used in the ritual to summon new Sage's wizards.

Akira: … But why…?

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: …

Murr: What a naughty one you are, sneaking about like this in the middle of the night.

Murr: Shh. I'm here to steal the Sage's jacket.

Murr: They'll be worried, you know. If such a tragedy played out within their very room, and they were powerless to stop it? Goodness.

Murr: This isn't a tragedy.

Murr: Mu…

Murr: Monch. Gulp. … This is a poor excuse for a comedy.

[sungbeam]

describe your favorite mutuals & their bias/biases <3

omg i always feel so much pressure for these cuz i have quite a handful of moots but i shall try my best !! thanks for ur ask anonie o7

@justalildumpling & na jaemin — both just uber delulu and mutual orgasm donors 😭😭 their astrology/horoscope reading says they'd be good for marriage, but i think WE r a much better match 😚 anyways, i love u j my beloved wife and soulmate !!

@jaehunnyy & jung wooyoung — bro i didn't know which teezer to pick for u 😭😭 but since the craze lately has been mr wooyo 😗 chip is just the sweetest and most wholesome bean ever?? (except lately 🤡 woosan is getting to her) but she deserves the absolute world

@winterchimez & lee sangyeon — my parents !!! absolutely adore ally :')) she's always encouraging my shenanigans and one of the most supportive people on this app. i feel like every day i learn that we have another thing in common w each other LOL

@ethereal-engene & lee jihoon — NO CUZ EKFNEKDK when i tell u ash looks like woozi (゜-゜) im not even kidding, they both look SO good in specs and i love ash sm, she GETS ME and im so convinced we're like actually long lost relatives 😭😭 the way she puts up w my shit and supports me all the time :')

@loveliestfelix & choi yeonjun — omg no because nana is supermodel material?? supermodel gf and bf say HUH???? her writing is something to fall head over heels in love w !! my beloved angst queen 🫂 ilysm im always thinking of u <3

@tranquilpetrichor & (i wanna say) yoon keeho??? — eris i just realized i don't really stan some of the groups u do and i haven't seen u talk abt ur biases recently 😔 SO PLS DO TELL ME ABT THEM !! but i wanted to include u here bc it didn't feel right without u 😭 but she's so underrated and one of the chillest people ever, and a literal ballerina like 😳 that shits hard bro

@zzoguri & ji changmin/kim sunwoo — MY FELLOW KYUBODAN MONI AHHWHDINEJDJD they are AMAZING at writing??? i guarantee u will fall in love w their style, and they're also just so easy to vibe w and talk to 🤧🤧 hope to get to know u even better bestie :'))

@haet-sal & ju haknyeon — CAKECEYYYYY 😩😩😩 ik the ship name is hakcey/hickey LMAO but cake 😎 anyways LMAO lacey is prob who i aspire to be?? 😭 like u guys don't understand how pretty this girl is and the fact that she's SO COOL TOO?? i feel like i'd be so intimidated by u irl tbh 😳

@goldenhypen & jake sim — my canadian counterpart and chinese 04 twin 💖💖💖 i miss u sm omg i will always uphold that em is one of, if not, THEE nicest person on this app. like if u touch her I HURT YOU 😐🔪 she is sooo so compassionate and caring and just wah i love u sm i hope ur doing alright :'))

@sseastar & byun euijoo (i think? im sorry i don't stan &team 😔) — yet another author here who's style of writing absolutely blows me away skdnkendk like the slice of life ghibli movie vibe of her writing makes me SING and she's also a very cool woman in stem™ </3 she's also so soft and sweet, and i only have the most tender of thoughts toward her

@hqrana & omg im so bad i know eric sohn for sure 😭 — we actually haven't talked about many other groups besides tbz and svt skdnekdk OKAY BUT MY MARVEL MOOT !!! i treasure noa so much, like what a star and the way we literally have so many fandoms in common??? for the longest time (and still) i look forward to interacting w her just cuz she is absolutely SO fun to talk to 💖 ly bff

[teddybeartoji]

food for the vampire au. comforting geto after his vampire transition and hardships with bloodlust by establishing a care ritual, such as brushing his hair in silence during the first kills period. while is body is still adjusting to this new reality. the experience is otherworldly and it's expected that'll take a short time. and you're there guiding him to manage his thoughts and emotions by reminding him of your touch. sometimes cleaning his hands and changing his shirt (more like just taking it off and letting it fall to the floor, haha). soft humming in the background. the world is peaceful here. maybe his cheeks are still stained in red. to take care of each other. to be loved. it's one of the most important things during such a big change and it touches the very core of his heart. and it turns into a lifelong ritual of intimacy even after geto is well and a skillful vampire. he still falls into the gentleness of having you brush his long, long hair softly. domestic. simplicity in how it takes place. he's forever grateful for the life he's been gifted by your side. i think it's a cute concept. big strong guy gets his long ass hair brushed and care for by his beloved wife.

OMGGGGG MOMO!!!!! THIS IS SOO GOOD????

seriously i had yet to think about that time of their life but i shOULD'VE BEEN DOING THAT ALL ALONG THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

he really is a stray cat who was given a warm home and more importantly someone who takes care of him. washing the blood of his hands and face, washing his hair while he sits in the massive bathtub, combing it, dressing him - it's all done with so much care he doesn't know what to do with himself at first. it all feels so unnatural.

letting him drink your blood (bc he deserves the best) from your wrist, watching him try to hold back on the urge, the need, to drink more. he never takes too much. never. you have to push him to drink more because he has to. silly man. he's just soooooo grateful for you and he doesn't wanna be too much but you just keep reminding him that he isn't. he's here, he's alive, he's with you and he deserves everything in the world.

during the days (first hours maybe even) there's so much happening i imagine him snapping at you or just acting very rash. his hands are jittery because he needs to eat, he needs to drink. and you're so calm and it's throwing him off so much but then you calmly caress his face and offer him your neck with a soft eyes and a smile and it's just ohhhhhh. he knows you'll take care of him. "to take care of each other. to be loved." YEAAHHHHHHH

oh i love them so so so much. it takes sugu a minute to get used to the new lifestyle just like u said bUT YOU'RE THERE AND IT MAKES EVERYTHING OK. and when he gets comfy in his new home and he has finally understood that it's okay to take up space that's when he blooms. i just got the vision of him maybe owning a fucking museum or something like that??? like he definitely has a job (it has to be art related in my head) but yk it's not something where he has to be there all the time. he loves it though. it's an 24h museum. canon bc i said so. and it's free, nobody needs to pay for a ticket bc sugu feels like that's wrong. (this is why the reader loves him. he cares so much.) so sugu goes to visit the museum every other night when it gets dark and he's so happy to see all of the people still there that late? i mean i would go it'd be so fun??? all of the couples and sometimes even some kids running around. makes him smile. OKAY HE'S LIKE A REAL SOFTIE IN MY HEAD IN THIS APPARENTLY SUE ME and sometimes the reader and him go together and they walk through the whole thing hand in hand, reader resting their head on his shoulder. wah cute little vamps

ok i really started spitballing here i'm going off topic but i started thinking about their kills, their food. who'd they drink from? oke literally as i was typing this i thought that they'd just drink from rich people yk i think that's a good one. bc sugu wouldn't really want to drink from some random people bc he feels bad for them a bit i think. and the reader doesn't fuck with the rich people (even though they're literally rich too tf??) i think they think the rich people are TOO SNOBBY and it's funny to drink from them bc they're just so fucking stupid. and it's easy. sugu and the reader are always invited to these fancy parties and everybody wants to be their friend. oh my god wait more rambling incoming. what if they also have a person hired for bringing them people??? that's a little fucked up but well that's just the way it is. they don't always have the time (they just don't wanna bother sometimes) so they hired a guy who like picks people up by offering them i don't know what and then brings them to the manor lmao that's funny. okayokay i'll stop now

BTWWWW MOMO MY SWEET do u have any songs that remind u of them? i have fallen into this soundtrack making hole lmao and it's so fun to hear other people's opinions!!!

@twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat i'm grabbing ur hand and sitting u down here with us bc we're all in this together yayyy

[jaysunakestor]

English to Furbish to toki pona ““dictionary””

today, i learned that Furbish is actually kinda a language?? after reading this post by @favoriteanimal and skimming this wiki page, i naturally decided to try to translate all the Furbish words and phrases into my beloved toki pona. oh boy was it a journey!

overall, i feel like toki pona is a much more flexible + efficient little language in comparison to Furbish. the main issue that irked me was the amount of unnecessary variations of the same concept, but made into 3 or more words! (i think this may just be the toki ponist in me.) i’m also not certain, but it seems like Furbish may be a relex?? someone please let me know, if ya know!

however, Furbish still succeeds in what (i believe) it sets out to do: to be a very cute, baby-sounding language that can be used to express many interactions between pet + owner / baby + guardian.

please note:

i was quite tired + made this in the span of about 3 hours!

i am not a toki pona expert and have little experience with Furbies

toki pona is best expressed in context and sometimes requires multiple sentences to convey an idea, so many of these don’t work well to be translated as abstract concepts.

i used some non-standard words (both non-pu and non-ku suli)

if i’ve made any mistakes, please kindly correct me! if you think a phrase could be better expressed a different way, feel free to share!

(above/up/high) oo = sewi / lon sewi

(affirmative) ee = lon

(again/another/more) koh-koh = kin

(and) koh = en

(ask) oh-too-mah = [toki pi wile] seme

(baby) bay-bee = kili mama / jan lili mama

(bad) boo-dah = ike

(be/to be) boh = lon / li (kind of, it’s complicated lol)

(beautiful/pretty) ee-kah = suwi lukin / pona lukin

(best) dee-mak = nanpa wan

(best fun/radical) dee-doo-ay = epiku

(big) dah = suli

(no!/big no) dah-boo = ala a

(big yes) dah-ee-tah = pona a / lon a

(birth/birthday) tee-toh = tenpo pi kama lon

(birthday) toh-toh = sike suno

(boring) koo-dah-way-loh = musi ala

(bottle) bah-bah = poki telo

(change) boo-tay = ante

(cloud) ay-loh-may-lah = ijo kon sewi

(come/coming) bye-bye-oo-bah = kama

(complete) toh = pini

(cute) doh-dee = suwi [lukin]

(dance) noh-lah = tawa musi

(delicious/tastes good) yumm-wah = pilin pi moku pona / moku li pona

(diamond) ay-koo = kiwen mani

(dizzy) ay-way = pilin nasa

(do) doo-dah = pali (i’m not sure of the context of this one, so it’s tricky)

(dog) bar-bar = soweli pona? / soweli jan pi nanpa wan? (i’ve always been bad at translating animal names)

(done) toh-dye = pini

(down) nah-bye = anpa

(dream) way-loo = sitelen lape

(dude) dee-doh = mije / jan o (not sure if this is referring to just “a guy” / or is meant to be like “bro”)

(face) kay-tay = sinpin

(feed/food) ah-tah = moku

(finally) oo-tah-toh-toh = tenpo li lon ni a (this one is tricky)

(friend/buddy) noo-lah = jan pona

(full) oo-loo = pilin pi moku mute

(fun) doo-ay = musi

(funny) doo-loo = musi

(game) doo-ay-loo-lah = musi

(game over) kah boo koo-dah = pini musi / musi li pini

(genius) dah-way = wawa lawa

(give) tah = pana

(go/bye/get out) bye-bye = o tawa pona / o tawa a (not sure if this is supposed to be aggressive or what 😅)

(good/okay) ee-day = pona

(good morning) dah-ay-loh-oo-tye = suno pona

(good night) dah-ay-loh-nah-bah = [o] lape pona

(happy) noo-loo = pilin pona

(have) ah-mah = jo

(health/healthy) koo-doh = sijelo pona / lawa pona (physical health / mental health)

(help) ah-noo = o pona! / o pona e mi! / pana e pona

(hey) hey = toki

(hide) woo-bye = weka lili

(high) oo-tah = sewi

(hmm?/huh?/when?/where?/yeah?/what?) doo? = seme

(home) lay-lah = tomo / tomo mi

(hug) may-lah = pilin pona suli kepeken luka (not sure on this one)

(humor/play/joke) loo = musi

(hungry/eat) ay-tay = pilin moku / moku

(interrogative) doo = seme / anu seme

(island) koo-wah = ma lili / ma lili lon telo suli

(joke) loo-loo = musi

(just kidding/not) kah-loo-loo = mi toki lon ala! / mi toki musi taso / lon ala!

(kiss) may-tah = pilin suwi kepeken uta

(life/nature/living things) tee = lon / ijo lon

(light) ay-loh/a-loh = suli ala (i believe this is supposed to refer to weight? if it’s referring to like a lightbulb, then “suno”)

(lightness) ay = suli ala

(like) toh-loo = ni li pona tawa mi / sina pona tawa mi / mi pona tawa sina anu seme? (this one really only works in a sentence)

(like/similar to/comparative) tay = sama

(listen) ay-ay-lee-koo = kute / o kute

(little/smallness) dee = lili

(live) boh-dah = lon

(log) tee-loh = palisa kasi

(look) ay-ay = lukin / o lukin

(love) may-may = olin

(love it) dah-may-may = ni li pona a tawa mi / ona li pona a tawa mi / ona li pona a tawa sina anu seme? (again only really works in a sentence)

(maybe) may-bee = ken la

(me/mine/myself/I) kah = mi

(money) moo-lah = mani

(monster) moh-moh = monsuta

(mountain) koh-dah = nena

(move) noh-bah = tawa

(music) ee-kah-lee-koo = kalama musi

(negative/no/stop) boo = ala / o pini

(no way/big no) dah-boo = ala a!

(noise) bah-boo = kalama

(now) nee-way = tenpo ni

(oh) oh = a

(oh my gosh/OMG) oh-kah-tee = wawa a! / a! / seme a?!

(ok) oh-kay = oke

(over) oo-bah = lon sewi

(party/party time) dah-no-lah = ma musi / tenpo musi

(path) bye-way = nasin

(pet) ah-may = luka suwi / mi luka suwi e sina

(play) loo-lay = musi

(please) doo-mah = sina pona e mi la mi pilin pona (idk if there’s really a good way to say “please” in tok, but here’s a sentence “if you help me, i’ll feel good”)

(pull) ah-loo = luka / pakala lili (depends on context)

(rain) wah-wee-tee = telo sewi

(receive) tah-tah = kama jo

(really?/seriously?) loo-loo-doo? = seme? / ni li lon anu seme?!

(rock - music) boo-koo = kalama musi kiwen (not meant to be literally— i’m describing rock music as kiwen/“hard”)

(rock - nature) koo = kiwen

(sad) boo-noo-loo = pilin ike / pilin laso

(scared) dah-boh-boh = pilin monsuta / monsuta

(sea) ee-wah = telo suli

(shake) koo-bah = tawa suli

(sing) wee-tee = kalama musi uta

(sleep) way-loh = lape

(so) doh = tan

(song) wah-tee = kalama musi

(sound) lee-koo = kalama

(stand) oo-boh = awen noka

(story) wee-loo = lipu musi

(sun) dah-ay-loh = suno

(sweet) nee-may = suwi

(tail) dee-tee-tah = linja monsi sijelo

(talk) noo-noo = toki

(tell) wee-tah = toki

(thank) dah-kah = toki lon te sina pona to

(thank you) dah-kah-oo-nye = sina pona / pona tawa sina

(that’s right) boh-ee-tay = ni li lon / lon

(thinking/mind) way = pilin / isipin / lawa

(tickle) nee-tye = pana e pilin musi

(time) toh-toh = tenpo

(touching/holding) ah = pilin / luka

(touch) tay-boo-koo = pilin / luka

(tree) tee-tah = kasi suli

(twinkle) tee-wee-lah = suno

(uh-huh) uh-huh = lon

(uh-oh) uh-oh = a ike

(uh-uh) uh-uh = ala

(uncle) oo-kah = jan sama mama / jan sama pi mama mi (not sure on this one)

(very) mee-mee = mute

(wassup?) doo-oo-tye? = sina pali seme? / seme li lon ni?

(water/rain) wah = telo

(where are you?) oo-nye-doo? = sina lon seme?

(whoa) whoa = a!

(wise/wisely) wah-lah = sona suli / kepeken sona suli

(wonder) way-nah = isipin / pilin

(worried) boh-bay = pilin monsuta lili

(yay) yay = pona a!

(yea!) wah! = lon a!

(yes) ee-tay = lon

(yippee) yippee = a! / musi a! / pona a!

(you) oo-nye / u-nye = sina

[pistatsia]

Hello

First of all, I want to thank you for your contribution to the development of the BLLK fandom. Your fanfics have a very pleasant style and beautiful descriptions, reading them is a pleasure

I wanted to ask how did you meet with Blue lock anime/manga and what do you like about it? And also what other fandoms are you in?

Hi anon! Thank you so much for asking, it really means a lot to me! It's really nice to see that my writing isn't getting lost in the void the second I publish it

Sorry for the long rambling, I've got a bit too excited :D

I think I totally fell in Blue Lock in the December of previous year (since I remember writing a Christmas kaisagi fic). I remember that I've already read it before up to the end of the First Selection arc, but it didn't impress me much so I dropped it. But then at the winter pause between semesters I had a bit more free time than usual, so I've decided to give it a second try. And wah, then there was energy of the second selection, crushing atmosphere of top-5, excitement and delight of U-20, pleasing break with bowling (because I can't really feel characters without such slice of life moments, so it was awesome) and then NEL. Where Kaiser appeared. And it was the end for me haha

About what I like the most - actually relatable teen and human dramas. I can whine about "oh, and that's all?" for a long time, but actually? The theatrical and dramatic setting of Blue Lock plays a role in overraising expectations, of course, but most of the dramas and the reactions to it are very lifelike and very logically constructed from a psychological point of view. Brothers relationships? No big drama, sometimes siblings just grow up and can't be as close as they were as kids, especially since Rin idolized Sae too much, and of course for a failed (from his point of view) Sae this was like a red rag in front of a bull. Hiori's parents expectations and his later realization that it was easier for him to follow their wishes than to resist them because he was afraid of being alone? How Isagi is also still afraid of being abandoned and how his potential was killed by his teacher-coach? The problem of Bachira's rejection and loneliness? Ness illustrating borderline personality disorder? Despite the farcical atmosphere of Blue Lock with jokes about the womb-goal and the clowns-emperors of football, it remains quite vital and relatable.

I can't say that I'm actively in any fandom aside of Blue Lock, but if I'd choose I'd say it would be Haikyuu (oikage my beloved), Katekyo Hitman Reborn and MXTX novels. And maybe Hunter x Hunter (Kaito is my everything and Pariston is a street rat whom I feel sorry for haha. And Illumi!), but for now I patiently wait and hope that Yoshihiro Togashi will get better, since finishing HxH by himself obviously means a lot to him. I also have a plenty of merch with all of them, soooo

Thank you so much for asking once again, and for all of your words about my writing. This really warmed my heart! Hope you won't get too bored reading this response haha

[jules-has-notes]

2013 Napa Valley A Cappella Extravaganza — VoicePlay live performances

In January 2013, VoicePlay were the professional headliners to a roster of collegiate and high school a cappella groups at the 8th annual Napa Valley A Cappella Extravaganza. The event is a yearly fundraiser for Napa High School's choral program, hosted by their Vocal Music Workshop a cappella ensemble. These audience-view videos give a taste of the live concert experience.

.

As indicated by the "Hello!" screen, this song is often their opening number for live shows. It's a great, energetic introduction to their playful sound, but doesn't get too far into the shenanigans that might startle the uninitiated.

Details:

title: Don't Stop Me Now

original performers: Queen

written by: Freddie Mercury

arranged by: VoicePlay

My favorite bits:

the slow build that gently eases you into things

Their choreography's not elaborate, but they do it well, and it allows for a bit of individuality to shine through.

the breakdown section culminating with ♫ "Any tiiii-IIIIME" ♫

the driving triplets in the ♫ "No one can stop me" ♫ section

Earl's soaring riffs

That big finish!

Trivia:

This song was the closing section of VoicePlay's Queen in 5 Minutes medley almost six years later.

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As much as mainstream pop culture might turn up its collective noses at boy bands when they're at their height of popularity among tween girls, there's no denying that a lot of beloved oldies have their origins there. And no wonder. Pop music is darn catchy and fun by design. VoicePlay makes these selections even moreso with their antics.

Details:

title: boy band medley

original songs / performers: "ABC" by The Jackson 5; [0:50] "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles; [1:30] "My Girl" by The Temptations; [2:18] "Sherry" by The Four Seasons; [3:16] "YMCA" by The Village People; [3:50] "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" by New Kids on the Block; [4:12] "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys; [4:52] "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC; [5:23] "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction

written by: "ABC" by Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, & Deke Richards; "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by John Lennon & Paul McCartney; "My Girl" by Smokey Robinson & Ronald White; "Sherry" by Bob Gaudio; "YMCA" by Jacques Morali & Victor Willis; "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" by Maurice Starr; "I Want It That Way" by Andreas Carlsson & Max Martin; "Bye Bye Bye" by Kristian Lundin, Jake Schulze, & Andreas Carlsson; "What Makes You Beautiful" by Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub, & Carl Falk

arranged by: VoicePlay

My favorite bits:

thirty-something Earl being able to recreate the sound of preteen Michael Jackson, holy heck

the way the choreography gets more complex as they move through the eras of music

making hand gestures to signify members of the Village People during YMCA

"I hate you guys." :(

the ♫ "wah-wah-wah-wah" ♫ harmonies transitioning from NKOTB to BSB

hamming up their roles in the "Boy Band 101" section

🎉 Party poppers!!! 🎉 (Which they got in trouble for a year later.)

Trivia:

Having this medley in their repertoire may have given them an advantage when "Bye Bye Bye" was chosen as the battle song for their first episode of The Sing-Off.

Tony was, in fact, the first one from this configuration of VoicePlay to leave. Not to go solo, though. He wanted to be home with his family and focus on growing PattyCake.

The guys updated this medley and filmed a full music video for it as the result of a Patreon poll in 2019.

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What happens when you take a country music classic, kick up the tempo a bit, and infuse your performance with an air of competition between bandmates? You get this, a favorite among VoicePlay fans.

Details:

title: Elvira

original performers: The Oak Ridge Boys

written by: Dallas Frazier

arranged by: Geoff Castellucci

My favorite bits:

the opening harmonies from the trio

Eli nudging Earl to take the lead, resulting in Geoff going to pout next to Layne

Layne pointedly staying out of whatever's happening, but still keeping an eye on things

everyone's feigned surprise for the "Earl can sing low, too" gag, especially Geoff giving his best dramatic chipmunk

Earl's breath control on that long note and the ensuing huff to refill his lungs

Geoff's wide stance and shoulder wiggle to prepare for his high notes

those lush ending chords

Trivia:

Home Free liked this version of the song so much that they asked Geoff to help create an arrangement for them to record with The Oak Ridge Boys.

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You'd think a cappella fans might be sick of this song, given how frequently it was used on Glee. But, as usual, VoicePlay bring their own talented twists to this classic rock song and make it something fresh. This recording is missing the first verse, but it still has most of the best parts.

Details:

title: Don't Stop Believing

original songs / performers: "Don't Stop Believin'"; [0:54] "Open Arms"; and [1:02] "Any Way You Want It" by Journey; [0:46] "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry

written by: all songs written by Steve Perry in collaboration – "Don't Stop Believin'" with Jonathan Cain & Neal Schon; "Oh Sherrie" with Randy Goodrum, Craig Krampf, & Bill Cuomo; "Open Arms" with Jonathan Cain; "Any Way You Want It" with Neal Schon

arranged by: Layne Stein & Geoff Castellucci

My favorite bits:

the gradual layering in the polyphony section, using other Journey / Steve Perry songs to fit inside the rhythmic gaps…

…culminating in that huge chord (Are we sure there are only five of them?)

their use of silence during the unison section

the camera panning around to take in the well-deserved standing ovation

Trivia:

VoicePlay filmed a full video for "Don't Stop Believin'" a few years later when they were the featured guests at Camp A Cappella 2016.

They later did a full version of "Any Way You Want It" as part of the second round of their Partwork series.

For a couple years, Eli also sang with a Journey cover band called Raised On Radio in between VoicePlay gigs.

[bas-rouge]

tell me about your favorite breed from each akc group!

WAH thank you for the ask, I'm glad I wound up saving it for today <3

Herding Group - You're never going to believe this, but. Beauceron. They may or may not be (are) the best breed of all time (imo, lol). I loved them so much as a kid but never thought I'd be lucky enough to meet them and was terrified that I would meet them and they wouldn't be what I expected them to be - which I suppose is true, because they aren't, they're 10,000x better. They have the sweetest expressions, such big, kissable heads, the funnest little ears (I prefer cropped but some of the naturals have such somber, doleful expressions. Love it), and so on. They've usually got kind of rough, wavy fur on their backs, and they're the perfect size to hug and love on. They love to sit on you and lean on you and get so, so offended when you (God forbid!) pay attention to something else. They're fantastic dogs, and I wish I could describe them better. They're unreal. (Honourable mentions - Collies (beautiful, no thoughts, head empty, very loud, more screams from the Collie kennels than from the Sibe kennels), Tervs (sweetest to ever do it), Cardigan Corgis).

Hound Group - Cirneco dell'Etna; second is probably Ridgebacks. Cirnechi are, imo, the cutest ever. They look like little bunnies, and it doesn't hurt that they're sweet, the perfect smallish size, and they're so so so soft. I admittedly haven't met a ton because they're not super common where I live (only one or two at each show, but at least those counts are consistent. There's like one (1) total Dogo that shows in my state lmfao). Ridgebacks are just as sweet, just as soft, and God they're gorgeous dogs. The males get REALLY big, especially compared to the females though, which I just haven't seen in any other breed.

Toy Group - All of them, bless. Really it's probably Chihuahua - Italian Greyound - English Toy Spaniel for me, just because I've been so consistently impressed with their temperaments. Chihuahuas are so stinkin cute, Iggies are so cuddly, and English Toys are Not my personal taste but they have no right being so sweet and gentle and soft. I probably wouldn't ever own a toy breed but one of my favourite non-Beauceron individual dogs I see around here regularly is Tucker, a smooth coat Chihuahua and the most dapper little man I ever did see. He's the best ever. English Toys are really rare where I'm at but I've been seeing a few of them recently, and I like them A Lot, which is weird because I'm not big on CKCSs (love them to bits, but they're not my kind of dog). Might be because they're not as spaniel-y.

Non-Sporting Group - SCHIPPERKE! Second is Finnish Spitz. Schips are such fun little clown dogs that never fail to make me laugh. Their vertical jump is insane. Their dance moves are unmatched. They are violent little bundles of fluff and teeth and sparkly eyes. They're little demons and I'm obsessed with them. I'm always so excited to meet them because they're just the funniest, and they're so compact while being so strong and so motivated that it's just like. I cannot believe that you're a small dog, they're big dogs to me. Finnish Spitzes are just as fun. I wasn't a spitz guy until I met some and now I totally understand the appeal lol.

Sporting Group - Uh I genuinely don't have any really strong feelings on the sporting group, they're all pretty likeable, I wouldn't ever own a Golden, a spaniel (besides a Clumber), or any kind of Pointer, but I'd be down for a Chessie, Curly-Coated, or a Clumber, so I suppose those are my three favourites. I love the wedge-shaped retriever head (field Labs, beloved, however,). I really like Chessie temperament, and I love the look of Curly-Coateds (haven't met many). Clumbers have always been my favourite spaniels - they're SO cute, they're so sweet, they're so silly, and they're so so so soft. I'm sad that they're not more popular.

Terrier Group - Probably wouldn't own a terrier besides maybe a Rat Terrier/American Hairless Terrier, but I love them all. Rat Terriers/AHTs are so sweet, so funny, and so smart. They're such a blast to work with and hang out with, and they're that perfect size and build that they're not too big but not too fragile. Plus they come in every colour ever (Ratties, at least). I like Bull Terriers a lot as well but they like to use their skulls for violence, lol. Skyes are also awesome but you don't see many of them and that's A Lot of hair lmao.

Working Group - Dogo Argentino. One of my dream dogs. They're genuinely such beautiful, cool dogs. As I mentioned there are almost none in the shows around here (only one is ranked in my state for the year the last I checked), but the one I have met consistently has been the sweetest dog with humans. Every time I see him he says hi and gives me many hugs and kisses. A lot of Dogo people are really. I don't know how to put it. There's a lot of gatekeeping being done by people who really have no business gatekeeping other people. There's a lot of irresponsible breeding and ownership in the breed right now and it's definitely not awesome. I also super love Dogues de Bordeaux, German Pinschers (a dog I would own in a heartbeat), and Tibetan Mastiffs. If Presas were recognised by the AKC here, they'd be tied for my second pick with the Pinschers.

Anyway! Sorry for rambling! Have a lovely day!

[moon-ursidae]

THE MANDALORIAN 3.01 SPOILERS

IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I’VE SEEN MY BELOVEDS

this ep is only 36 minutes???

i wonder how they’re gonna break my heart in 36 minutes

or maybe they won’t idk

i’ve been conditioned to expect tragedy by tlou

ANYWAY

okay i hear forge sounds

THE ARMORER???

okay slay

GOD I LOVE THE MUSIC THANK YOU LUDWIG

SHE’S MAKING A HELMET ISN’T SHE

YUUUUUUUP

SLAYYYYYY

it’s small….

omg i thought it was gonna be a flashback to little din but paz is there

i kinda love that they’re showing this process

gives a bit more gravity to din’s situation

THIS IS THE WAH✨💅🏻

oh? what’s going on?

HOLY FUCK????

THAT’S A BIG CROC

GODDAMN.

seeing all these mandalorians is so sick

THAT HELMET SHOT??? SO GOOD

omg this really is a big croc it hit the death roll

OMG THE ARMORER???

YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

THAT’S MUTHA FUCKIN DIN DJARIN

I KNOW THE SOUND OF THAT FLUTE

I’M CRYING BYYYEEEEEEEEE

THE APOSTATE???????????

GO AWAY I’M A MESS

people that didn’t watch the book of boba fett are so confused right now

i’ve missed din djarin and grogu so goddamn much

HE’S WEARING HIS CHAIN SHIRT😭😭

he’s really like “yea girl i know what the fuck is up. i can redeem myself”

i’m SO HAPPY TO HAVE MY BOYS BACK

IS HE NAPPING?????

FUCK OFF

i’m gonna cry this is so sweet

the music is amazing oh my god

THE CINEMATOGRAPHYYYYYYYYY

THE WAY HE CRAWLS INTO DIN’S ARMS GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

NEVARRO NEVARRO NEVARRO NEVARRO

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

“here to meet an old friend” god i love him

I LOVE SEEING THE WORLD FROM GROGU’S PERSPECTIVE WITH SUCH BRIGHT CHEERY WHIMSICAL MUSIC PLAYING UUUUUGH

the ig statue😭

“you remember your old friend?” STOP IT RIGHT NOW

GREEF!!!!!

high magistrate??? slay

the droids carrying the trail of his cape lmao

SETTLE DOWN??😭😭😭😭😭

“his name is grogu.” “if you say so.” HAHAHA

using the force for snacks oml i love him

pirates????

din leaning on the tree HAHAHA

he’s so ready for shit to hit the fan

karga is like “omg stop acting like ur 5 just come have a drink in my office”

“is there a problem here magistrate?” 💅🏻✨

he’s so ready to put these bitches in their place

are they really gonna have a shootout in front of a fucking school bc shit changed? please grow up

din is so ready oh my god

this is so western i love it

“try me” OOOOOOOOO

oh he’s good

hittin his hand like that

DIN LEANING HAHAHA

OH HE WAS READYYYYYYYY

this is so classic hollywood western

the framing and close up on karga, the lighting on his face, the music in the background UGH it’s so good

wait where’s the kid?

where’s grogu??

oh there he is jesus christ i got so scared just then

OH THEY’RE ADDRESSING CARA DUNE WAIT

“she was recruited by special forces” ahhhhh i see

i didn’t think they would kill her off like that

the way din shakes his head after learning gideon was sent to a tribunal :(

omg din as a lawman PLEASE

the idea of din being a marshal is so AHH

i love how greef is trying to get him to settle down rn

he’s really been domesticated since reinventing nevarro

“i need him back.” HUH?????? WHAAAAAT?????

IS THIS ACTUALLY GONNA HAPPEN???

“i need a droid i can trust to help me explore mandalore.” okay so he still has trust issues w droids

“and he’s that droid.” PLEASE HE SOUNDS SO SOFT UUGGHHH😭😭

i love when they prove all the himbo believers wrong

din djarin is literally so smart and clever i do not understand people that unironically believe that he’s dumb

to be a bounty hunter, and considered the best in the parsec?? you have to be damn smart for that

put some respect on the name PLEASE

omg grogu being right next to din while he’s working 🥺

i hope he wakes up omg plz

NOOOOO :(

you tried din :(

AND SUCCEEDED???? I SAW HAND TWITCHING

OH MY GOD😭😭😭😭

din djarin i know you’re at least somewhat smiling under that helmet

THE GIDDY LIL BOUNCE HE DID SHUT UP😭😭

OH SHIT. OH SHIT.

THIS IS HORRIFYING OH MY GOD???

“now that’s using your head.” DIN PLEEEAAASSEEEE LMAO

“if things go skud.” adding that one to the vernacular right away

sometimes i forget that star wars has slang in it

WAIT WAIT WAIT I JUST REALIZED IS THIS GONNA FUCKING BE BABU FRIK

NO. FUCKING. WAY.

i don’t think it’s babu?? BUT OH MY GOD

“uhhhhhh… okay.” I LOVE HIM SO MUCH HAHAHAHA

he’s always asking people if they speak huttese LMAO

THE WAY HE’S CROUCHED IN HERE OH MY GOD THAT MEANS HE HAD TO FUCKING CRAWL IN THERE HAHAHAHAHA

I LOVE DIN DJARIN

“this one is my friend.”😭😭😭😭

“i got it.” SO SASSY

“he says you should get a new one.” AND THE GLARE. I FEEL THAT GLARE THROUGH THE VISOR AND INTO MY SOUL

GROGU OH MY GOD HAHAHA

WHAT IS HE DOIN💀💀

THE APOLOGETIC HAND GESTURES “sorry about that. he’s young.” LMAOO

the way that grogu kept trying to grab him after din took him away HAHA

HE’S PISSED.

din djarin: ceritifed dad

teaching grogu about being a mandalorian and piloting a ship😭😭😭😭

i’m taking notes on this shit so i can be prepared when i daydream later🫡

bro what is this guy’s problem

GROGU STRAPPING HIMSELF IN ON DIN’S BANDOLIER SHUT THE FUCK UP RIGHT NOW😭

I’VE MISSED WATCHING DIN DJARIN OUT MANEUVER BITCHES

HE’S SO SMART

THE MUSIC???

I LOVE THIS SEQUENCE

oh shit. that’s a big ass ship.

“dank ferrik.” YYEEEAAAAAAAA

MANDALORIAN CASTLE???

getting flashbacks to kamino rn

so thiiiis is where bo katan is

“i’m here to join you.” oh??

“where were you then?” a child probably??

he’s so slay for that

he really said “FINE. i’ll do it myself AND prove you wrong” and sashayed away

“goodbye din djarin.” when did she learn his name? i don’t remember. everytime i hear someone say his name in the show i’m like THAT’S INSIDER INFORMATION HOW DO YOU KNOW?

what a fun first episode!! i’m super excited for the rest of the season and what’s to come next week!!

MORE MANDALORE WOOOOOO

STARRING PEDRO PASCAL YUUUUP

he is running the world rn i’m so proud of him

i’m so so so so happy to have mando back though. star wars means so much to me UGH <3

see ya’ll on sunday for episode 8😳 of tlou! if not sunday then next wednesday! <3

kate sackhoff is gorgeous lemme just say

OH HE WAS REEEEAAADDDYYYYYYYY

the mandalorian means so much to me uugh i’m so excited and happy to have my loves back

[anime-dub-transcripts]

Ace Attorney Episode #5: Turnabout Samurai---1st Trial Transcript

This episode has the first part of Turnabout Samurai.

{Caption #1: The Steel Samurai}

{Caption #1a: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo}

Boy: Eh eh eh, huah huah huah huaeah!

Man: GO! RUN!

Boy: Aaaaaahhh! Euahm! Wahuah! PLEASE SAVE ME, STEEL SAMURAI!

Steel Samurai: Huah!

Boy: Weh…

Steel Samurai: Wielding the steel of justice against evildoers! Steel Samurai: warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo! Samurai Hurricane! Your evil deeds end tonight, Evil Magistrate!

Evil Magistrate: You’ve disgraced me for the last time, Steel Samurai! The pale moon in the sky CRIES out for your blood! Oah!

Boy: AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

(Steel Samurai: Steel!)

Boy: Steel Samurai!

Steel Samurai: Hiyah, hiyah! Hiyah!

(Evil Magistrate: Hiyah!)

Boy: Aah! Wah…

Steel Samurai: Feel my steel, Evil Magistrate!

Evil Magistrate: Never!

Steel Samurai, Evil Magistrate: HUAAAAAHHHHH!

{Caption: Steel}

{Caption: Evil}

Narrator: One combatant will fall in this clash of good and evil…

{Caption: Steel}

{Caption: Evil}

Narrator: …but only the moon knows who that is! 

{Caption: Next Week: The Dark Messenger Returns!}

Narrator: Don’t miss next week’s exciting episode: The Dark Messenger Returns! 

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

{Caption #1: May 9, 5:31 PM}

{Caption #2: Wright & Co. Law Offices}

Maya: HUAAH, that was awesome!

{Caption: Turnabout Samurai—First Trial}

Maya: Samurai…Hurricane! Whoops! 

Phoenix: Uah…

Maya: Didn’t realize you were here.

Phoenix [muffled]: Of course I’m here.

Phoenix: What was that crazy show you were just watching?

Maya: Huh? You gotta be kidding me! Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo! Us younguns love it.

Phoenix: You mean teenagers like to watch it?

Maya: Hm…more like kids.

Phoenix: Yeah, if it’s for little kids, then why are you so hyped up about it?

Maya: Because I’m a kid at heart, I guess.

Phoenix’s thoughts: Good for you, but I’ve gotta worry about bills like an adult. And we haven’t gotten a single client this month. Ehum…

(Maya: Nom nom nom! Nom nom nom! Nom nom nom! Nom nom nom!)

Maya: Steel Samurai: warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo! 

(Phoenix: Uah!)

Phoenix: A superhero…takes me back.

(Maya: Your evil ends tonight! Eat my steel! Say what?)

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

Phone: Ring! Ring!

Phoenix: Eum, huam…

Phone: Ring!

Maya: Oh my gosh, this is horrible, Nick! Turn on the TV right now! 

Phoenix: Euh euh…euahah…what happened? It’s way too early to be screaming in my ear.

Maya: It’s the Steel Samurai! He’s in trouble! They’re saying he killed a bad guy!

Phoenix: So what? Isn’t that kinda what he’s supposed to do? 

Maya: Well, yeah, on the show!

Phoenix: Okay, relax, I’m turning on the TV.  

{Caption #1: Morning News}

{Caption #2: Steel Samurai Accused of Murder}

TV Reporter [from TV]: Shock and controversy rocks the children’s television world as popular superhero The Steel Samurai is arrested for murdering a costar.

(Phoenix: Duah!)

{Caption #1: Superhero Murders Evil Villain?}

{Caption #2: Was the Samurai Spear the Weapon?}

{Caption #3: Jack Hammer, Evil Magistrate in Steel Samurai}

Reporter [from TV]: The victim is 37 year old television and film veteran Jack Hammer, who played the Evil Magistrate on the show. According to police reports…

Phoenix’s thoughts: A guy who pretends to be a hero…kills another guy who pretends to be a bad guy? 

(Reporter [from TV]: …the murder weapon was the very spear the Steel Samurai wields)

Maya: There’s no way! He’d never kill anyone! This must be a publicity stunt! 

(Reporter [from TV]: Keeping young children at home the day…)

Phoenix: Uh, yeah, that’s probably it.

(Reporter [from TV]: …after Will Powers, who portrayed the Steel Samurai…)

Maya: I know! Listen! This is gonna be Wright and Company’s very first case! 

(Reporter [from TV]: …for many years, and his virtue was beloved by many young and old)

Phoenix: Uahah!

(Reporter [from TV]: But it seems his next appearance…) 

Maya: We’re gonna defend The Steel Samurai!

(Reporter [from TV]: …will be in front of a judge…)

Phoenix: Uah!

(Reporter [from TV]: We can only hope, as…)

{Sign on door: Wright & Co. Law Offices}

Phoenix: What?!

Reporter [from TV]: …justice will be served.

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

{Caption #1: May 10, a certain time}

{Caption #2: Detention Center}

{Caption: Accused | Steel Samurai | Will Powers}

Maya: Is that monster really him?

Phoenix: Euah! That monster’s Will Powers; he’s also our client.

Maya: I probably shouldn’t say this…but he…looks guilty.

Phoenix: You definitely shouldn’t say that.

Powers: Uh…

Maya: AUH!

(Phoenix: Euh!)

Phoenix: Yeah?! What?!

Powers: You’ve come here because you’re gonna help defend me, right? Uah, I’m just so grateful for your help. Thank you! Uah, I mean it!

Maya: AAH!

(Phoenix: Auh!)

Phoenix: Please, have a seat, Mr. Powers.

Powers: Yeah. Sorry about that. I know I look like a monster, so I decided when I was cast as the Steel Samurai that I would never show my real face out in public ‘cause I didn’t wanna ruin everything for the kids. I wanted them to believe!

Phoenix: Duah!

(Maya: Oh!)

(Powers: Geh geh…)

Powers: But now that this has happened, they’re gonna hate The Steel Samurai. It’ll break their little hearts! Wehwehgeh…

Maya: Powers really is a good guy.

(Powers: …wehwehweh!)

Phoenix: Yeah. I can see.

(Powers: Wehwehweh!)

Maya: I know: he’s innocent!

(Powers: Wehwehweh…)

Phoenix: Ehum!

(Powers: Wehwehweh…)

Phoenix: Mr. Powers. Can you tell us what took place the day of the crime?

Powers: Uh, yeah. Let me think…we spent most of the morning working on fight choreography. We broke for lunch. Then I took a nap. But I ended up oversleeping, so I was late for the afternoon rehearsal. I hurried back to the studio, and when I got there, everyone was freaking out. They’d found Jack dead; it was awful. He was wearing the Evil Magistrate costume and…and he had the Samurai Spear sticking out of his chest.   

Phoenix: The Samurai Spear?

Maya: It’s what he uses to fight evil. You know, the spear he’s always carrying around?

Phoenix: No, I don’t know. 

Powers: I was in shock. I could barely move, and before I knew it, they were arresting me for Jack’s murder. 

Maya: Don’t worry! ‘Cause we’re gonna clear your name! Right?! Aren’t we, Nick?! 

Phoenix: Ehum! We’ll start at the studio.

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

{Caption #1: May 10, a certain time}

{Caption #2: Global Studios}

Maya: AUAH! I can’t believe we’re actually here! Oh wow, aren’t you excited? 

Oldbag: What are you doing?!

(Phoenix: Euh!)  

Oldbag: If you want inside the studio…you’re gonna have to go through me. As head of security…

{Caption: Global Studios Security Guard | Wendy Oldbag}

Oldbag: …it’s my job to make sure slack jawed gawkers stay out.

Phoenix: Actually, ma’am, we’re here---

Oldbag: I bet you heard about what happened here at the studio and decided to snoop around, didn’t you? Kids these days are always sticking their noses in things. Way back when I was your age, it was a different world. You should’ve seen me; I was quite the knockout in my prime, you better believe it! Poor Jack Hammer deserves to rest in peace, so I won’t stand for folks like you…

Phoenix: You’ve got the wrong idea. I’m defending… 

(Oldbag: …poking around and trying to find some kind of dirt on him!)    

Phoenix: …Will Powers, so we came here to investigate.  

Oldbag: That’s just a cheap knock-off. 

Phoenix: It’s the real thing!

Oldbag: Oh please, I saw one just like it at the corner store. Well, look here, young buck, the badge I’m wearing is real and it says you gotta keep out unless I say you can come in! I oughta bend you over my knee and give you a good hard spanking for trying to pull one over on an old lady like me!

(Gumshoe: Nom! Nom nom nom nom nom, mm mm! Slurp…huah…)

Oldbag: That’s right, just take off my belt and give you an old fashioned thrash!

Gumshoe: Enough with all the RACKET! 

Maya: AAH!

(Gumshoe: AAAAAHH!)

Gumshoe: What’re the two of you doing here?!

Maya: It’s Detective Gumtree!

Phoenix: Actually, his name is Gumfoot.

Gumshoe: No! Both of you are wrong! For crying out loud, my name’s Detective Dick GUMSHOE! 

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

Sal: Hehe, heheuaugh, hehehe, hehehe, hehe, hehe…

Vasquez: Can’t I have some quiet?

(Sal: …hehehe, hehe, heauh, heheheheauh…)

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

{Caption: District Police | Detective | Dick Gumshoe}

Gumshoe: So you’re gonna try to defend Will Powers in his murder trial. 

Maya: That’s right! Well, sorry to break it to ya, but that guy’s guiltier than the cat who ate the dang canary! Take a look at this, pal. Before the murder, everybody at the studios that day…

{Text on blueprint #1: Front Gate}

{Text on blueprint #2: Gate}

{Text on blueprint #3: Dressing Room}

{Text on blueprint #4: Staff Area}

Gumshoe: …was over here, and the victim was found all the way over here.

{Text on blueprint #1: Studio 1}

{Text on blueprint #2: Studio 2}      

Gumshoe: So whoever jacked Hammer had to go through this part of the lot right next to the security station.

Oldbag: And the only one that passed this way was Will Powers. Nobody sneaks by me!

Maya: ‘Kay, so what do you make of all of this? I hate to say it, but if he’s the only one that she saw, maybe he did it.  

Cody: Ehuah!

Oldbag: AAUAH! IT’S A TRESPASSER; CATCH HIM!

Phoenix: Uh, that kid there?

Oldbag: You’re supposed to be a cop, right? GO! 

Gumshoe: You talkin’ to me?

Phoenix: You’re the only cop here!

Cody: Aw, dream on! You’ll never catch me! 

Phoenix: HEAH!

Gumshoe: Hm! 

Cody: Heuh, uhm!

(Gumshoe: Huah!)

(Phoenix: Heah!)

Phoenix, Gumshoe: Hm? DUAAGGHH!  

Cody: Guah! Ha! Hehe, serves you right!

Oldbag: WHAT?! Back in my day, a man protected a lady! Uhegh!

(Phoenix: Heuagh…)

Cody: Eh! 

{Text on book cover: Steel Samurai Path to Glory}

Maya: Steel Samurai Path to Glory? Huh…woah! So cool! 

Phoenix: This kid must be a superfan. 

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

Gumshoe: Uaugh…I’m gonna be feelin’ that one for the rest of the week.  

Maya: So, uh, Detective, we’re gonna need to interview everyone here. 

Phoenix: Powers told us he was taking a nap inside his dressing room.

{Text on banners: Welcome}

Phoenix: Someone might’ve seen him there. 

Gumshoe: Well…feel free to poke around as much as you want. We, the prosecution team, have thoroughly investigated everyone and everything here. You may have won your last trial, but that was just a fluke. This is a totally different case. Edgeworth will show you why he’s the biggest dog of law enforcement. He’s gonna eat your lunch, brother.

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

Von Karma: Victory after victory…it’s truly been impressive.

Edgeworth: Thank you, sir. 

Von Karma: That being said, it does make your defeat more vexing. 

Edgeworth: I humbly apologize.

Von Karma: Cast your feelings aside. The only justice…is conviction.  

Edgeworth: I understand, Mr. Von Karma. 

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

{Text on sign: Courthouse}

Maya: Well, that was interesting, but…we didn’t find anything.

Phoenix: Yeah. A nap is a pretty weak alibi. 

Maya: If Powers ends up getting convicted, I’ll tear you to pieces with a Samurai Hurricane!  

Phoenix: Uhuhah! If you do that, who’s gonna be around to defend you, Maya? 

{Caption #1: May 12, 10 AM}

{Caption #2: District Court--Courtroom No. 4}

{Caption: Judge}

Judge: This court is hereby in session for the trial of Will Powers.

{Caption: Prosecutor | Miles Edgeworth}

Edgeworth: The prosecution is ready to begin, Your Honor.

{Caption: Defense Attorney | Phoenix Wright}

Phoenix: The defense is also ready to begin, Your Honor.   

Phoenix’s thoughts: I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to face him again so soon. 

Judge: Mr. Edgeworth, you may proceed with your opening statement.  

Edgeworth: The prosecution will prove that on May 9th, Will Powers murdered fellow actor Jack Hammer at Global Studios. All the evidence we have points to him as the culprit. And we’ll prove his guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. Detective.

Gumshoe: Allow me to present the facts of the case. On the day of the murder, the only people at the studio were Powers, Hammer, and the production staff.

{Text on blueprint #1: Studio 1}

{Text on blueprint #2: Front Gate} 

{Text on blueprint #3: Studio 2}

{Text on blueprint #4: Gate}

{Text on blueprint #5: Dressing Room}

{Text on blueprint #6: Staff Area}

Gumshoe: At noon, they all gathered in this area here. Autopsy has time of death at approximately 2:30 p.m. The security guard clearly saw the defendant heading to the crime scene before that time, and she maintains that no other person passed by the station until the body was found at 5 p.m.

Powers: Uwah!  

Edgeworth: At this time, we shall call upon the studio’s security guard to take the stand. 

{Caption: Witness Testimony}

Edgeworth: Your name, madam?

Oldbag: I can’t refuse a handsome man! I’ll tell you anything you want to know!

Edgeworth: Uwah! Name, please.

Oldbag: You’re just precious when you blush like that. Call me Granny. Mwah!

Edgeworth: Name, please!

Oldbag: Wendy Oldbag. But you can call me whatever floats your boat, sweetie. You won’t believe what I’ve been called over the years. Kids can be so cruel! When I was young, the captain of the chess club, who I loved madly, called me “old hag”! I still cry about that one from time to time!  

Edgeworth: YOUR HONOR! I object to the witness’ garrulousness!   

Judge: Objection sustained. I’ll ask the witness to please stay on topic. 

Oldbag: I was just getting to the good part, grr.

Maya: Not even Miles Edgeworth can handle this lady.

Phoenix’s thoughts: I’m not sure I can, either. 

{Caption: Cross Examination}

Phoenix: Are you absolutely certain you saw the defendant pass by?

Oldbag: Oh yeah. I was superbly guarding the front from 1 to 5 p.m. without so much as a single potty break. Around two o’ clock, I saw Will Powers murderously approaching the studio. 

Phoenix: And there is no doubt in your mind it was truly him?

Oldbag: My eyesight is 20/20 if you add up both my eyes.

Phoenix: That’s not how it works.

Oldbag: There’s photographic evidence. Hey! Scruffy McTrenchcoat, show ‘em the picture!

Gumshoe: My name is Gumshoe! You weren’t even close, old hag!

Judge: Please share this with the court, Detective.

Gumshoe: Right. There’s a security camera installed here. It has a sensor that detects anyone crossing the gate and takes a picture.    

Oldbag: Part of my job is to carefully check the photos every day.  

Maya: Hold on, we haven’t heard about these photographs before, have we?

Phoenix: No.

Phoenix’s thoughts: If it shows Powers crossing that gate, that could definitely mean a guilty verdict. 

Judge: Detective. Please put it on the monitor. 

Maya: Eh?

Phoenix: What the…

Judge: What exactly are we looking at?

{Text on photo” May 9, 2 PM Photo No. 2}

{Caption: Objection!}

Phoenix: OBJECTION! How does this prove it was Powers?!

Oldbag: How?! Because we’re all looking at a picture of him. Right, cutie?

Edgeworth: It is.   

Judge: Uh, well, I suppose it could be him.

Phoenix: It’s a picture of the character he plays. But we simply can’t prove that’s him wearing the costume in this photograph!

{Caption: Objection!}

Edgeworth: OBJECTION! Despite your assertion, that is indeed Powers in the picture. Ask the witness.

Oldbag: Most definitely! 

Phoenix: Uah!

Oldbag: Look! See how he’s dragging his leg? The left one has something wrong with it.   

Phoenix: Uh…his leg?

{Caption: Testimony}

Oldbag: While they were rehearsing the fight choreography that morning, Powers fell and sprained his ankle pretty bad. Everyone saw it happen. He even broke one of the props when he fell! It was a huge mess.

Phoenix: When you say “everyone”, who do you mean?

Oldbag: Well…Powers was there, of course. Poor, sweet Jack Hammer, too. I was there to observe, and, uh…uaugh! 

Phoenix: Eum? Was there someone else?

Oldbag: No, nobody else. It was just the three of us that day.  

Maya: That’s weird. She just bit her tongue for some reason.  

Phoenix: Powers. He broke a prop when he fell?

Oldbag: Yeah. He really did a number on the Samurai Spear.

{Caption: Testimony}

Oldbag: Luckily, I was there with my trusty old duct tape to fix it.   

Phoenix, Maya: Duct tape?

Oldbag: I taped that thing up real good! 

Judge: And during that incident is when the defendant injured his left ankle. Is that correct?

Oldbag: Yes, sir, it is, and that’s why he’s dragging it in the picture there. He was having trouble walking. 

Judge: Yes, I see that. 

Maya: Aw man. Stupid old hag!

Phoenix: Uah! Wait. One question! 

Oldbag: Yes?

Phoenix: That day, the only person that passed by your station was the Steel Samurai?

{Caption: Objection!}

Edgeworth: OBJECTION! The witness has already answered that question. I insist that the defense stop badgering her at once.

Oldbag: I love a man that stands up for a lady! 

Maya: Yep. She’s nuts.

Phoenix: Can you explain this? 

{Text on photo: May 9, 2 PM Photo No. 2}

Phoenix: The stamp at the bottom says “May 9th, 2 PM, Photo No. 2”. So that means there was one taken before.

Oldbag: Yeah…but I deleted the earlier one.   

Maya: What?! Why did you do that?!

Oldbag: Another part of the job is to erase any innocuous photos. I do it every single day.  

Phoenix: Is that so? Will you tell us who was in the first photograph?

Oldbag: Just a fanboy.

Judge, Maya: Fanboy?    

Oldbag: The Steel Samurai has some diehard fans, including this annoying, snot-nosed kid.

{Caption: Testimony}

Oldbag: The drain near the office connects to the outside…and this pest is always sneaking in. 

Cody [flashback]: Heum!

Maya: Wait, a kid? Is it the same one we saw?

Oldbag: Yeah! That little rat, always sneaking around! 

Phoenix: As I remember…he looked to be in probably second or third grade. 

Gumshoe: By the way, the Samurai Spear weighs about 35 pounds. A grade schooler would have a pretty hard time picking it up like a weapon.

Edgeworth: Are you really accusing an innocent little boy of murder? I cannot believe you’d stoop so low.

Phoenix: Because I never said that. 

Oldbag: See? The picture was completely unrelated, so that’s why I decided to delete it.  

Edgeworth: The only other person spotted at the studio was a child. The boy’s not a suspect. So therefore, the only one who could have committed the murder is Will Powers. 

Powers: Guwah!

Edgeworth: The prosecution rests, Your Honor. And I formally request a verdict of “guilty”.

Powers: No, I swear I didn’t kill him!

Judge: Hm…

Maya: Come on, Nick! We can’t let this happen! 

Phoenix: There’s gotta be something. Somebody else. If we can just find any other possible suspect…we’d be able to buy ourselves a little more time. 

Maya: Right! So we gotta go for broke! We name someone else that was there!

Phoenix: Yeah, but who the heck would that be? 

Phoenix’s thoughts: Who could have put on the Steel Samurai costume and limped over to the studio at two o’ clock that afternoon?

Judge: So…this court finds the defendant, Mr. Will Powers---

{Caption: Objection!}

Phoenix: OBJECTION! We know there was another person on the lot! They could have committed the murder! Not just Powers.

Edgeworth: Such a pathetic attempt. Tell us, who would that be?

Phoenix: That person is…well…uh…

Maya: Ehumah!

Phoenix: …Wendy Oldbag!

Edgeworth: Uah!

Maya: Uah!

Judge: Uah!

Oldbag: WHAT?! THAT’S CRAZY!

Phoenix: In this picture, the Steel Samurai is dragging their leg, so whomever was wearing this costume would have to know about the injury sustained earlier. That leaves one person besides Hammer and Powers. Who was it? It was you, Oldbag! 

Oldbag: Uah! 

Phoenix: She was standing guard all by herself at the main gate. So no one can back up her alibi. She could have left her post, put on the costume, and walked by the gate, thus triggering the camera!   

Oldbag: Grr…you dare call me a murderer?! This is how you repay me, boy?!

Phoenix: I don’t recall owing you anything. That means we must further investigate this possibility.   

Oldbag: Grr…GRAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHH…

(Maya: Aahah!)

Oldbag: …RAAAAAAGGGHH…

(Phoenix: Ehum!)

Judge: Order! Order in this court!

(Oldbag: …RAAAAAAAGGGHHH!)

Judge: Now, defense. Do you have any idea why she would put on the costume in the first place?

Phoenix: It’s simple, Your Honor: the security camera. She knew crossing the gate would result in a picture. It was part of her job, after all. Wearing the costume was the only way to hide her identity.     

Judge: Yes, that’s true. Excellent deductive reasoning. It seems that it would be best to adjourn the trial for further investigation. Prosecutor Edgeworth.

Edgeworth: Your Honor?

Judge: We should take the old hag---uah, I mean, Miss Oldbag, into custody at once. She needs to be interrogated.

Edgeworth: The prosecution sees no need to rush the verdict. Consider it done.  

Maya: Uh, so what now?

Phoenix: I do feel bad for her, but this is the only way I could think of to buy us another day.

Judge: That is all. Court is hereby adjourned!  

{Caption: Objectionnnnnnnnn!}

Oldbag: OBJECTIOOOOOONNNNN! Huah…huah…huah…you think I’d stand here while you accuse me of murder?! No way. In fact, I’m finally gonna start talking!

Judge: What does that mean?

Edgeworth: Explain yourself.

Oldbag: There’s something major that I was told to keep mum about.  

Phoenix: What? Seriously?

Edgeworth: Is that so?

Oldbag: Yeah! You’d better listen and listen good! No one tells me to shut up! So I won’t hide it anymore! I SAW MORE PEOPLE THAT DAY!

Phoenix: Uah!

(Crowd: Huah!)

Maya: WHAAAAAA?!

Edgeworth: ABSURD! Why wasn’t I told about this?! 

Phoenix’s thoughts: Looks like this trial is just getting underway.

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

{Text on screen: Ace Attorney}

Phoenix: OBJECTION!

Phoenix [narrating]: The Steel Samurai case just gets more and more confusing. At times like this, we have to remember what he swore to do: fight evil in the name of justice! Victory is not decided by who is stronger but by who’s more righteous. The search for justice leads us in new directions, but also into new traps, and time is running out! Find the contradictions, believe in the truth! 

{Text on screen: Next Episode: Turnabout Samurai--2nd Trial}    

Phoenix [narrating]: Next episode: Turnabout Samurai--2nd Trial! Take that!

[lovedvra]

Purpose in pain, nope.

I've always hated pain.

Growing up the adage or proverb "who cyah hear will/must feel" was enough to keep me in line. However, my thoughts were always against it. Adults used it when children were disobedient, but the actions of those children were just a copy of what those same adults did on a regular basis. Yes, it kept me in check for a while. No one took the time to teach or to exemplify the type of behaviours expected of a child. A good child would need good adults around to maintain healthy habits. "Who cyah hear will feel". Feel the sting of a belt or a hand much too big to use against a child, yes we felt it. Scared, anxious, and mortified on the inside to make a mistake, the promise of that saying would keep me in check.

That's how God was introduced to me. Supreme being with supreme wrath for disobedience. God loved obedient, good children. It seemed unfair. No one remains a child forever, so what happens when we are longer little boys and little girls? Would God not love us then or love us less? Did He keep score of all the times I forgot to pray, said no to my parents, or didn't want to share my toys with other kids? Would God only accept me if I never made my parents angry or never expressed my own?

Those thoughts and the emotions attached ran through my mind and body for years. Who cared? Emotional suppression is what we accept as obedience and good behaviour only includes smiles and being agreeable, and easy to handle. To hear that there is a purpose in pain confused me at first. In our culture, where any emotional expression of difficulty is met with "there is purpose in your pain" or "if yuh wah good tings, yuh nose affi run", it never made sense to me.

No one, well most people don't like pain. It doesn't automatically mean that person expects everything to be easy.

Why should children have to bear pain to have a good life?

Why do so many adults think it's a right of passage?

What type of God would want that for his beloveds?