#no blues at all. rebel or otherwise

[engagemythrusters]

WAIT A SECOND

jacen has brown eyes

but hera has blue. and so does kanan.

JACEN ADOPTED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Billy Idol - Rebel Yell 1983

"Rebel Yell" is a song by English-American rock musician Billy Idol. It is the title track of his second studio album, and was released as the lead single in October 1983. Although it charted outside the UK Top 40, a 1985 re-issue peaked at number 6, and it reached number 46 in the US. The song received wide critical acclaim and in 2009 was named the 79th best hard rock song of all time by VH1 based on a public vote. It appears in a cassette tape in the video game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and can be heard during gameplay.

The song was co-written by guitarist Steve Stevens. The instrumental introduction, which sounds like a combination of electric guitar and electronic keyboard, is performed by Stevens on guitar alone, who intended it to sound this way. Stevens states that he was inspired by acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke's style.

"Rebel Yell" has been covered by many different bands such as Children of Bodom, HIM, Drowning Pool, Dope, Black Veil Brides, Adrenaline Mob, Bullets and Octane, Otherwise, Blue Stahli, and Queensrÿche.

"Rebel Yell" received a total of 85,3% yes votes!

[no-saints-around-here]

Yesterday's Cage for Tomorrow's Prison: Chapter 1

Yandere Shiba Family, Yandere Sano Family with BabyShibaSister!Reader

Masterlist

‎‎

heavily inspired by @sinreader 's Promise, and many thanks to @trashybandit for the bigbrain ideas!

tw: heavy incest, pseudo incest, explicit smut, yandere, drugging, sexual assault, heretic religious themes, afab reader, female pronouns, dead dove do not eat

“Our Father who art in Heaven.” His words bounced off the ornately decorated walls of the church, echoing back amidst the crackle of flickering lit candles dancing carefree atop their wax prison. At this time of night, it was only his single large figure that towered over the pews, his head of slicked-back blue hair bowed respectfully in prayer. Despite it not being Christmas quite yet, Taiju found himself having wandered back to the familiar, comforting environment of this holy place. Maybe it was in search of divine guidance through these difficult times, or perhaps it was somewhere he could think and ponder without distraction; God only knew he could use whatever help he could get.

Silence fell once more back over the otherwise lifeless building, blanketing the atmosphere with a heavy grandeur as the figure of an angel simply watched on from the altar, stone eyes devoid of any mercy of the inner turmoil Taiju was going through. The man sighed, dropping his clasped hands, yellow tiger-like eyes turned up towards the ceiling, a silent plea to the heavens. Where to even start? 

You were gone, missing from the penthouse he had called home ever since he had parted ways with Hakkai and Yuzuha twelve years ago. You - their baby sister, the single knot left that still held their broken family together - had vanished during his watch, and had failed to turn back up at the Shiba family home like you usually did. You, the only reason why your three older siblings were still in contact despite everything that checkered their past, the one person they would move the sun to keep you safe and secluded away from the harsh outside, the sole being Taiju held above all else in his heart right next to God. 

And you had abandoned him. Left him and his protection for a godless world. A dark and violent reality.

“Forgive me, Lord, for it has been a-” His usually formidable voice cracked, though the hitch in his tone was quickly swallowed. “A long day.”

The soft silk scarf wrapped around large shoulders was lightly perfumed with the fragrance you always wore, the gentle scent only serving to remind him of your equally kind touch. The last of the Shiba siblings to be born, Taiju had been the one to raise you from the beginning, though you were spoiled rotten by all your older siblings. And having promised his mother on her deathbed to always watch over you, he had always allowed you to do as you will, with you never once having been the target of his discipline. Was it his softness towards you that led you to decide to rebel? Was it his reluctance to ever discipline you like he did Yuzuha and Hakkai? Were you taking advantage of his continued goodwill?

Tai-nii! Up! The memory of your giggle from a time past reverberated in his ears, and if Taiju closed his eyes, he could still see a younger, tinier you - arms raised towards your oldest brother, insisting on being picked on and swung onto those broad shoulders. Your chubby, happy face as you dug into a burger he had bought for you, stopping to offer your big brother a bite of what was supposed to be your treat. Tai-nii, stop moving! You’re going to ruin it! Adorable doe eyes that held all the innocence of a lamb furrowed in concentration as you braided his blue-streaked hair into many tiny braids as he laid there and let you thread flowers right before his gang meeting. And any anger towards you that had begun to surge up into his chest instantly melted away, replaced with a nagging emptiness that felt wrong. He needed to find you, and soon.

But where could you have gone?  “She’s out there, all alone. Cold, hungry, dirty-”

That was an answer he still lacked after a week despite his best efforts, though perhaps all the search parties he had sent out would not return empty-handed this time. After all, Yuzuha, Hakkai and him had been so careful that you were allowed to see, meet and know all your life - he couldn’t think of anyone that you would be able to seek shelter with off the bat.

All his life, every second he had watched over you, your oldest brother had worked so hard to keep you pure, both of mind and body; it was what any good Christian father would have done for you as the Bible had demanded within its blessed pages, and in the absence of their own who was too busy working, Taiju had done it in his stead. And you had been so good for him as well when you were younger, listening obediently to everything he told you and learning eagerly from the person you looked up to the most in all the world, that bright and unsullied gaze filling him with joy. But then you grew up, and with your growth came the questions. The doubt. 

“Tainted.”

He couldn’t keep you home from school, not without arousing unwanted interest from the authorities, but with every passing day, Taiju could only watch as your once pure eyes were clouded over. Fouled, dirtied by filth spewed forth from dirtbags. He had tried his best to keep them away from you in the only way he knew how; the blood of sinners that coated his hands, that splattered across his face and stained his clothes was a low price to pay to warn everyone else away from you. Yet you still continued to stray from the light slowly but surely, first asking why you couldn't watch the television, to why your siblings were so insistent on keeping you at home and in sight when everyone else could ‘go and hang out with friends’, and then slowly progressing to why they were 'ruining your life’. 

Sighing, Taiju stood, dusting off and adjusting his tailor-made suit, handcrafted Italian shoes barely making a sound as the giant of a man made his way across carpeted floors towards the empty altar. It hurt him as much as it hurt you, but he was just doing what was best for his baby sister. Coming to a pause right before the wooden candle-laden table, those beastly eyes turned up longing to gaze upon the angel sculpture. Virtuous, sinfree, divine; you were once his little angel. “I pray that you lead me to my lost lamb, Lord, like how you shepherd your flock to the promised lands.”

‎‎

Despite all his protection, you just kept getting older by the day, and the day that he caught the gazes of scum lingering on your behind as he walked you out from the Shiba family compound was the day Taiju had had enough; mere beatings dished out to your unwelcomed company weren’t going to keep you on the right path. The time had come to solve the problem at the root. And even in his memories, Taija had to remind himself that it didn’t feel good. It couldn’t feel good, because it wasn’t like Taiju wanted to do it to you. But he had to do it to you, for your sake. 

Just the sheer thought of some sinner would have their slimy hands touching your delicate skin, fingers dipping into your panties as they touched your lips with that dirty mouth, soiling the purity that your brother fought so hard for- Such a detestable thought that he had to shower again just to remove the ick from his skin. No, he would never let you be taken advantage of, to be tarnished by demons. 

He remembered that he had kept you home from school that day without explanation, instead dressing you up in his favorite white dress and taking you to church. You didn’t question it of course, your head bowed as you listened quietly to his prayer, before compliantly following him home. Neither did you question the drink that the oldest of the Shibas passed over to you, simply drinking it down, washing the glass and putting it away. The sleeping pills didn’t take long to take effect, and it was the first time in a long while since Taiju had seen you in such a peaceful state, your face relaxed as you cuddled into the warmth of his chest, bundled safely in his arms as he carried you upstairs to his room. 

A twinge of guilt prinkled at his chest as the unusually silent man lifted your skirt up to reveal the pristine pair of panties, framed between your silky thighs, though it was mercilessly squashed down - there was nothing to be ashamed of. Because there was no pleasure to it, he told himself: a union under the eyes of the Lord. His unglamorous task of taking your virginity that your oldest brother was undertaking was all for your sake, Taiju reminded himself again and again. To preserve your virtue, to save his little angel from the sinners of the earth, he must.

You were wet between your legs, Taiju had grimly noted, the sticky liquid stretching to form a glistening trail that snapped as he finally peeled your underwear off, the cloth surreptitiously slipped into his pocket instead of being tossed to the side with the rest of your clothes. It was a worrying sign to your god-fearing brother of your slipping righteousness. Where have your thoughts been going? What have you been doing alone? Was he already too late? His distress was somewhat alleviated when he pressed your lips apart to find an unengorged clit, and a quick dip of his finger into your slit alleviated his concerns as you tried to wriggle away from the intrusion into your privates. Good, you weren’t used to the sensation.

Pulling his erect cock out from his boxer, the man lined himself up between your spread legs. But for all his mental preparations, for all the praying he had done in the week leading up to this day, every last thought was lost, ripped away in a sudden violent wind in his mind as he finally slipped the thick head of his cock into you, as he could only concentrate on biting back the satisfied groan that threatened to rip from his throat as he forced himself past your tight muscles. He was stronger than this, stronger than the immediate siren’s call of your warm walls that instantly began to squeeze around his member, adding to your tightness that surrounded him like the demons of the earth. Pressing through and deep into the tunnel of muscles, he finally bottomed out in you, the hairs that decorated the base of his cock like a halo tickling your soft skin.

He didn’t remember it being a particularly hot afternoon, the memory of a cool wind that gently brushed drawn curtains still strong. Yet the beads of sweat clung to his forehead as he began to thrust, pulling out slightly before gently pushing himself back in as far as he could go - a small mercy he granted you for you to be able to adjust to his size. Even in your sleep, you winced, your brow furrowed as tears welled at the corners of your eyes, your legs subconsciously attempting to close around him in an effort to push away the pain though you failed to wake, the sleeping pills keeping you pliable.

“Shhhhhh,” Taiju had soothed you, running one big hand through your hair as he bounced you on his lap, your bare skin barely making a sound rubbed against the cloth of his shirt and pants. 

‎‎

A soft soft chime of his phone, and Taiju was shaken from his memories. The gaze of the angel seemed more ominous as the night grew older, surrounded and swallowed at the edges by the shadows as several candles expired. The blue-haired man turned, adjusting the silk scarf around his neck as he left, his footsteps thudding across the worn wooden floor. “Amen,” he mumbled, as the double doors of the church swung close behind him.

He needed to find you, and soon.

‎‎

‎‎

You let out an eep as you were yanked backwards by the strap of your bag, though you never did hit the floor like the scrunch of your body and outstretched limbs had prepared for, instead finding yourself being caught and slowly lowered to rest against a warm wall of muscles. “And where do you think you’re going?” He whispered into your ear, hot air tickling the nape of your neck as Izana’s unblinking violet eyes glanced down at you.

Letting out a sigh, you opted to allow yourself to relax, slumping back against the tanned man as his arms moved to wrap gently around your waist: caught again. Your dreams of a quick jaunter shattered once more. “I-I was just thinking of popping out for some snacks,” you admitted sheepishly. 

You hadn’t even seen him there despite his white, wavy hair being a perfect contrast against the black sofa and dimly lit room, and you could have sworn you looked several times before attempting your getaway. Yet against your mind still screaming for you to move, to flee, to grovel and beg for mercy like you always had to in the not so distant past, it was sheer relief that surged through your veins as you realized that his disappointed tone was all you had to deal with now. Receiving nothing more than a hum for your rebellion still came as an unexpected relief to you where formerly you would have had to bare your buttocks for a spanking, two thick unlubed fingers forced into your tight pucker to make the punishment that much more painful. You shuddered, forcing those foul memories back. Come to think of it, you were definitely glad that your older siblings had remained unaware of your secret…excursions out from under their noses - you would have never gotten to know Izzy if you didn’t, and you would have nowhere to go.

Izana pulled you closer to rest his chin atop your head while you pouted at your foiled outing attempt. No words needed to be exchanged: those empty eyes gazing down at you said everything that needed to be said. Even just across the road was too dangerous alone given what was at stake for you.

The glimmer of the polished front door just a stone’s throw away mocked you from where you now sat amidst the grandeur of the reception room, though you knew that nothing looked like it seemed - that door was heavy, much, much heavier than its wooden facade gave away, and almost too hefty for you to pull open yourself. And it didn’t open straight out into the world you knew, instead leading to the lift that would bring you down to a concealed door hidden within an inoperable freezer in the backroom of a Toman-owned club; it was a when, rather than if, you would have been caught on your escapee.

But still, you tried. "It would have been five minutes tops, just there and back."

The white-haired man barely blinked at your plea, cocking his head to one side. “You want to go back there?”

Wincing at his question, his usually harsh gaze seemed to soften on you; you didn’t quite need the reminder that you were just across town from where you had run away from, nor that your siblings were scouring the city for any sign of you. The four walls of this luxury apartment were where your safety and security was guaranteed, protected from your former Shiba family who seeked to return you to your cage, though the same guarantee couldn’t be extended should you choose to wander out alone. “No,” You mumbled, burying your face into his black jacket, his tanned hand soothingly running through your hair. “M’ sorry Izzy.”

‎‎

‎‎

“Don’t worry about it,” Izana reassured, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as he cuddled you closer. You smelled…soft, a hard-to-describe yet addictive scent that he couldn’t get enough of. He imagined it would be much like what a newborn would smell to its mother. “What was it you wanted to buy?”

You were the fresh spring rain to his cold, hardened ground, new life to his tainted world like the first seedlings of the year. It was a well-kept secret that Izana had always wanted someone to dote on after the tough life that he had led, someone unblemished by the horrid world who he could lavish his love on and in return receive unconditional love. Someone he could latch onto and leach off and pass on the burden of a purpose to keep living. 

No pet would make the cut, nor would the hassle of maintaining a significant other be worth the risks or cost. And the crime boss had also known exactly what he needed, the same thing that the rest of his adoptive family (no matter how much he resented them at times) also craved for deep down, but it was exactly what they lacked in every regard: a baby sibling. Someone to spoil, someone to light up their world with their innocent doe eyes and toothy smile, someone to simply appreciate their existence and their presence without expecting anything in return. The youngest of them, Emma, was way too old and hardened, and there were no untainted hands left. 

So when you turned up after all these years, anxiously loitering outside one of the many clubs he owned on that stormy night looking like a lost puppy, soaked with nowhere else to go and no one to turn to, Izana knew he had struck gold. Who better to fill that hole in his chest than a new baby sister who had been so sheltered from the dark, despairing world? But you were his, and he so despised sharing.

“I was- I wanted to buy ice cream.”

Izana raised an eyebrow. ‘Ice cream? Do the kitchens not have any more?”

The corners of your lips pulled down further, your voice dropping to a whisper as if to keep a secret. “I wanted to try the one I saw on the TV,” you admitted, burying your head further into his coat in embarrassment. “The kitchens didn’t have that brand.”

He had known you briefly all those years ago, Izana recalled, as he propped you up better in his lap; you had bumped into him outside of your school, striking up a conversation despite him being dressed in his Black Dragon uniform, only to turn white and hurry away abruptly as if realizing something. And it was those innocent eyes, the same that still looked back at him when you blabbered to yourself, that Izana could never quite scrub from his memories every time he convinced you to sneak out to see him, not even after he lost track of you for all these years. Learning of your family explained much of your disappearance for all these years, but still; he supposed he’ll have to thank them for keeping you this pure just for him. You hadn’t even realized you were simply trading one gilded cage for another.

Trailing one hand up your creamy thigh, slowly inching further and further beneath your skirt, it was a complete wonder that you failed to react negatively, if at all. You didn't register it as wrong or weird, Izana mused, violet eyes watching as you enthusiastically described the advertisement that so caught your attention, the solid gold tag engraved with his name hanging from the equally pricy collar around your neck jingling away merrily with each wave of your arms. But he stopped before he had wandered too far up and retrieved his hand - that was for a more suitable time.

Any sane individual would know better than to approach the insanity that was the Sano family, yet you had waltzed into their - his - lives without a second thought, recklessly trading one jail for another all for the possibility of the real family you craved. Bundling you into his deceptively lean arms, Izana stood, setting you carefully back onto your feet. “Come on, I’ll bring you to the store.”

Your expression changed in a moment, the sheer joy at such a simple request being fulfilled amusing to the white-haired man. “Really? I mean, I don’t need it…”

One tan hand came down to gently rap you on your head. “Unless you don’t want it anymore.” 

“No no!” You did a little jig, before shyly slipping your delicate hand into his. “Thanks, Izzy.”

“Just Izzy?” 

“Izzy-nii-san.”

He let out an approving hum, free hand reaching into his pocket to lightly touch the cool metal of his pistol, the other tugging you to walk with him. “Good girl.” 

Those doe eyes of yours were priceless, but he couldn't help but wonder if they would look any different broken.

[prickly-paprikash]

Something cool about Blue Eye Samurai is how sex is juxtaposed with the end-goals.

I really love how our three protagonists are all obsessed. And that obsession defines them, torments them, and are subsequently reborn through their obsessions.

Mizu, of course, is obsessed with the concept of revenge. It's not even about getting even or getting justice as some might use to justify the bloody road taken—it is simply about seeking satisfaction for Mizu. She cuts a bloody swathe across Japan because of what the Four White Devils did to her mother and herself. She does not concern herself with the ramifications of her wrath but merely charges forward, leaving behind a trail of viscera and gore behind her.

Like I said before, her vengeance and obsession with satisfaction is not painted by the show as wrong. It is how she allows it to affect others along the path. It's why the episode with Madame Kaji is so enlightening; Mizu should not tackle this quest as a vengeful revenant; an onryō. She has let the world define her as a monstrosity and so she embraced it, when Swordfather and Madame Kaji knew what the correct path was to satiate her need for vengeance. Treat her sword as the Artisan's tool it truly is. Treat her body the way an Artist would treat their canvas.

Madame Kaji and Swordfather are both outcasts, for being a woman and a blind man. Yet they found strength in their exclusion, becoming single-minded in their fields of art. Because sex is art and swordsmithing is art. It's what makes Mizu's body writing scene so fucking good.

Artistic vision becomes stagnant when one pulls from only one source. They become rigid and unbending when Mizu, like her namesake, must be fluid. She has shown fluidity in her use of her gender and her morals, but cannot apply that same flexibility towards her goal. Throughout season one, she was becoming an uninspired artist, merely painting the world in hues of scarlet. In a world that forces Women to be either Wives or Whores, Mizu chose to be a Warrior—but a warrior fights for a cause, whether it be just or otherwise. A soldier fights in an army. Mizu is neither of these things. She is an Artist first and foremost, and her medium is Death. Sex, something Mizu was at first hesitant before her failed marriage, and something she actively avoided afterwards, is what gives her a new perspective. Like an Illustrator studying life to better draw their intended worlds, taking inspiration from wherever one can find it.

Taigen and Akemi are also equally affected by the artistry of sex, as befitting of Mizu's fellow protagonists.

Akemi is quite obviously Mizu's narrative foil. Mizu chases after revenge like a bloodhound whereas Akemi longs for freedom like a bird in a cage. Both are fierce women who are unsatisfied with their lot in life, with their sex and gender being used against them in their lives. Literally, the episode "The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride" is a fucking triple entendre:

Mizu is the Ronin as well as the Bride.

The play showcases the tale of the Ronin and the Bride.

It is also Mizu as the Ronin and Akemi as the Bride.

And when Mizu finds her center as she melts down her blade and engages in body writing, this scene of enlightenment is juxtaposed with Akemi laying with her new husband Takayoshi. Both, in this moment, are taking control of their lives through sex. They are both taking control of their futures through the ways Madame Kaji taught them. Mizu and Akemi are both rebels against this oppressive society, and are both talented artists with their body. Whether that be sex, politicking, or ass-kicking.

Taigen, like the two women before, finds freedom through it but in a more subtle manner.

Where Mizu and Akemi are narrative foils, both using sex as a form of art and escape, Taigen finds liberation through his awakening.

Like the closeted bisexual man he is, he begins his journey of self-realization when he first encounters Mizu at the Dojo.

Every single battle these two have is purposefully rife with sexual tension. All his life, Taigen has been taught that a man must live with honor. That he must take control of his life and his identity, or he will have failed and that he is better off dead than to live with such shame.

Taigen is just as much a victim of the Patriarchal society around him. Mizu rails against it violently. Akemi seeks to run away from it all. And Taigen, with the privilege given to him by his manhood, chooses to become a perpetrator, enabling the vicious wheel of society to keep moving forward.

His obsession with honor leads him to hunting down and even protecting Mizu. Mizu is no doubt the better warrior, but even she knows she owes so much to Taigen. The blockhead not only did everything to protect her in the valley, but also sealed his lips shut even under the duress of torture. His obsession with honor becomes an obsession with Mizu.

His regrets over tormenting her over her looks and ethnicity as a child. His shame in having lost so decisively in his own dojo. Taigen was a man born with nothing and climbed up to the top with every advantage he could muster, and suddenly it's all ripped away by this one vengeful spirit passing by.

Taigen learns to surrender control around Mizu. He begins to discover his own sexuality and purpose around Mizu, redefining what honor really means to him now that he, as a man, has a budding attraction towards the man who beat him.

Mizu's Vengeance. Akemi's Freedom. Taigen's Honor. In all three, Sex becomes a catalyst in redefining what each of these concepts truly mean to them all. It's not just sex of course, but it is undeniable how the writers keep juxtaposing sexual acts and thoughts with massive character moments.

It changes how Mizu chases after her Vengeance. It recontextualizes how Akemi can be Free. It showcases the absurdity of the Honor forced upon Taigen.

It's so fucking refreshing seeing Sex not used as fanservice or shoe-horned in just to further a stale, poorly written cis-heterosexual romance; but used as a plot point that cannot be ignored. An impetus that fuels the narrative.

Moving forward, I'm curious as to how sex will be used.

The next few ideas aren't as sound or organized because I'm neither Asexual nor Genderfluid, so please if anyone reads this who understands it better, feel free to point it out.

I think it'd be cool if Mizu met the inverse of Madame Kaji. A person who is apathetic to sex. Sure, Swordfather has shades of this, but I'm tired of the person with disabilities also being on the Asexual spectrum. And I'm not saying that Ace or Graysexual people with disabilities don't exist! But they always tend to be written as having some form of disability (Varys from ASOIAF) or a Robot.

Just as artists need a variety of sources to pull inspiration from, I hope in the next seasons we get to see different perspectives on sex and gender. In London, it feels like Mizu finding the other half of herself, and with that having a better way of tackling her own identity. Whether it be gender, sex, combat, etc.

Basically what this inane rambling amounts to is that Blue Eye Samurai tackles sex and violence and revenge and obsession in ways that most media has yet to truly do. So that was pretty cool.

[thee-horny-thicky]

Head cannons about Muzan and kokushibo sharing or liking the same person

Based on canon, Muzan isn't one to get attached to people. However, that wouldn't stop him from seeing you as a possession that he wants to keep to himself. You'll live life like a pampered pet, living to serve your masters, playing nice with whoever he tells you to, and avoiding those he doesn't want you around. If anyone infringes on his territory, he'll get incredibly jealous.

At least, without his permission.

Upper moon or not, few would get his permission. However, Kokushibo would. He's proven his loyalty to Muzan a dozen times over, and most importantly, dangling a pretty little thing like you in front of him is a great motivator. If Kokushibo does well, he gets you all to himself for a night or two. If he fails to please his master, Muzan will keep you away until he's back in his good graces. Your presence makes Kokushibo easier to manipulate, giving the stoic, traumatized demon much-needed peace and pleasure. Muzan sees you as little more than a plaything, whereas Kokushibo sees you as his newfound reason.

This'll make you gravitate to Kokushibo more, much to Muzan's chagrin. He might not treat you the best, but you're still his, first and foremost. Suddenly, Kokushibo would have to jump through a lot more hoops to get some time with you, and you'll be punished if you asked too much about Upper Moon #1.

So, Kokushibo does something he's never done before. He rebels against Muzan, stealing moments with you. Muzan is often busy and doesn't keep track of every little thing his demons do. His hunt for the Blue Spider Lily distracts him, so he doesn't monitor you 24/7.

Time together is a break for both you and Kokushibo. Seeing each other brightens both of you up, and makes pesky feelings start to bloom. Dangerous feelings that can lead to disaster, and that have you reconsidering your position as Muzan's pet.

Sure, Muzan is good at sex and funds an extravagant lifestyle for you, but he lacks the warmth and devotion that Kokushibo provides. Both of them sharing you are the best of both worlds, but given the choice, you'd choose love over material wealth.

Let's just hope Muzan doesn't catch wind of this development. Otherwise, there'll be hell to pay.

[that-butch-archivist]

"Tess was a performance artist and part-time jewelry maker who now worked as a set designer. [...] The first night we spent together, I taught her to knit — my classic seduction technique (High Femme Camp Antics, or HFCA) — and about frisson, that carbonated feeling that accompanies a crush. We stared at each other for a long time, unblinking. Because I knew that this otherwise might take forever (lesbians!), I finally asked Tess point-blank if she felt a frisson for me (HFCA). In response, Tess kissed me hard, with teeth. I knew she wanted to fuck, but I pushed her hands away dramatically when they crept under my skirt (HFCA). I told her that I didn’t typically sleep with people so soon (HFCA), which was true not for any real reason but because I was privately humiliated by my body (HFCA). Instead of letting her fuck me, I scratched Tess’s entire torso with my long, pink fingernails (HFCA). “Her fingernails drifted down my neck, across my shoulders,” Jess Goldberg, the butch narrator of Stone Butch Blues, says of a high femme whose camp antics thrill her. “I’d forgotten the sheer pleasure of a high femme tease.” “Your fingernails are full of frisson,” Tess said as morning light began to stream in through the window above her bed. “I know,” I said. I recently read a collection of funny stories by Lesléa Newman, high-femme chronicler of dyke life in the 1990s (the materialistic, shopping-addicted Golden Age of HFCA). In one story, a butch named Flash arrives to pick Lesléa up and take her out to dinner. Flash politely tells Lesléa that she looks nice. “The average femme would have taken that to be a compliment,” Lesléa dishes. “But this high-maintenance femme hadn’t spent the last two weeks shopping for the perfect outfit and the last seven hours bathing, shaving, bleaching, filing, polishing, combing, brushing, drying, moussing, spritzing, spraying, and applying five pounds of makeup to have all her efforts summed up in one little four-letter word.” Flash’s flimsy compliment doesn’t satisfy Lesléa’s desires to be seen, appreciated, and worshiped, and so Lesléa starts from the bottom and works her way up, prompting Flash to compliment her shoes, her miniskirt, and finally her hair in a grand, shimmering pyramid of HFCA. But even as she performs satiation, Lesléa is insatiable. Her antics fail at getting her precisely what she wants from Flash, because there’s always something unsatisfying about getting what you want by asking for it. Lesléa’s desire glows from within the frame of her HFCA, distilled and exposed and unmet. Can I Come Inside, my high-femme sex game, deals primarily with unmet, outsourced, and circumnavigated desire. In Females (2019), trans lesbian critic Andrea Long Chu argues that femaleness is a universal, existential condition rather than a gender or a sex — a condition of being and of consciousness that involves letting others do our desiring for us. At stake in Can I Come Inside, as well as in HFCA at large, is a femaleness that both craves and rebels against its tendency to outsource desire. In playing Can I Come Inside, I, like Lesléa, ask Tess to do my desiring for me, and Tess in turn defers her desire to me: the game is strictly my desire, one that she insists she does not share. Even though it mandates a performance of aggressive desire from Tess, there’s no doubt that Can I Come Inside is about my desire; it’s my game; I make the rules."

-- An excerpt from "High Femme Camp Antics," an essay written by Jenny Fran Davis. (Emphasis in bold my own.)

[creeperman247]

alright, so, we all know that the ending to the whole phyrexian arc was really disappointing, but honestly one of my biggest gripes is what they did with urabrask.

the phyrexian praetors were twists on the stereotypical color roles; elesh norn turned white's order into tyranny, vorinclex turned green's nature into a "perfected" nature, jin-gitaxias turned blue's desire for progress into a desire for progress at any cost, etc. urabrask took reds emotion, most commonly anger, and turned it into emotion, most commonly compassion, which is a super interesting direction to take it. he shut off weapon creation from the rest of the phyrexians, he sheltered the mirrodin rebels, he even went as far as to think that compleation should be a consensual process, that if it truly was perfect, everyone would become willingly compleated eventually, and that the other praetors forcing compleation upon people was a sign they didn't really believe in it. he shows that, unlike what basically everything else would lead you to believe, the phyrexians are not inherently evil. (it is also important to note that despite what wotc seemingly really wants you to think, compleation isn't "a fate worse than death," at least not when consensual, it is shown that compleated people maintain their original personalities and memories.)

so, what did they do with this incredibly unique character (who is my favorite character in the entire lore honestly)? they had him lead a revolt that went nowhere and got him killed, doing nothing in the process. what a massive waste.

so, here's my idea on how the ending should have gone: urabrask leads the revolt but is outnumbered and overpowered. however, instead of being killed, he escapes and flees the plane through the planar gate (perhaps with the help of one of the compleated red planeswalkers.) he ends up hiding and/or on the run for a while, and then the whole "phyrexians invade every plane" thing happens. a bunch of planeswalkers kill elesh norn like in the current story, but this time elesh norn isn't stupid and the phyrexians don't shut down just because she's dead. however, her dying gives the rest of the planes hope that this is a winnable battle, and they begin to push back. this then gives urabrask and the red phyrexians the space to begin fighting alongside the planes to defeat the rest of the phyrexians, and, once the rest of the phyrexians are defeated (obviously over the course of multiple sets with more cinematic battles and such, instead of cramming it all into 1 set) urabrask takes over as the new leader, and ushers the phyrexians into a new age of kindness where they aren't the villains for once. urabrask educates the compleated planeswalkers about compassion and such and undoes the teachings of elesh norn (which really wouldn't be that hard honestly? the planeswalkers don't really have a reason to not believe him, especially more naturally compassionate ones like tamiyo, and even meaner ones would probably listen better once the first few do). if for some reason, people really think important characters like jace being compleated (and otherwise exactly the same) is a bad thing for the story, then there can be come character arcs where some of the planeswalkers realize that they don't actually like being compleated and some people come up with some way to reverse the compleation process, probably with the help of urabrask himself due to the whole consensual compleation ideology. plus, this new story allows for all sorts of followups: instead of the phyrexians just being gone with no chance of coming back because the oil no longer works, you can have the red phyrexians exist as denizens of mirrodin, living alongside the natives, and even as allies in other story things, like having them help fight against emrakul or something. and because the oil still works, there will be leftovers of the other phyrexian factions all over the place, so you could have them reappear occasionally as both major or minor villains.

and of course, make sure to give a few sets that go over the consequences of the multiverse-wide invasion instead of just glossing over them.

[theriverbeyond]

have you seen any breakdown of the political situation on New Rho (in New Rho? is the rest of the planet also populated? I think at one point someone says "down in Ur" but maybe there is an application of 2-dimensional direction terms to 3d space I havent yet thought of). Like who do they mean by militia, who is the government (who is the police?), is there any official house presence, what is the status of the barracks, who manned the spaceport, what power does BoE hold and how are they viewed in the population (Hot Sauce denounces them but who is her faction-that Pyrrha saw her with-then?) and do they know how splintered and farspread it is? what is the siege the blurb is speaking of, just the imperial emissaries showing up?

Also assuming the BoE wings are all named after different planetary settlements which seem in turn to be named after cities in the ancient near east (ur, merv, ctesiphon), why isnt new rho? but i might be misinterpreting this.

Also where does the Empire want non-House humanity to end up? They seem to be turning planets left and right with no endgoal. And how many settled planets might there be?

Sorry I'm dumping this all at you, I havent seen any worldbuilding discussion here on tumblr at all really so maybe you can redirect me somewhere.

Thankies, keep up the good work (posting)

I HAVE seen posts about the political situation on New Rho including analysis posts that were very interesting and I have utterly failed to tag them appropriately, I am sorry -- if anyone who sees this has links to that meta pls add on/reply to help anon!

But to cover the rest of your points:

What is Ur?

Ur is mentioned twice that i can find, in ch 16: Ianthe says that the end has come to the "rebels of Ur", and a person in the crowd says "Ur is fighting".

EDIT: big thank you to @eskildit in replies: "There are four total references to Ur- Corona also says that Judith is in the Ur facility and Kiriona says that the 6th house is "parked outside the Ur system". Could be that Ur is the planet New Rho is located on. While we refer the nine houses as planets, canonically the houses are actually "installations" on each planet with quite small populations. New Rho alone, which is specifically stated to be just one city on a resettled planet, is 3x the size of the 6th house"

It may have been mentioned more times, but Kindle search is giving me the 2,320 times the letters "ur" were used next to each other so I'm ngl I cannot sift through that. Rather than being a city, though, I actually am assuming that Ur is another planet entirely! This is due to multi-planet SciFi in general treating entire planets like countries or even big cities. Like…. planets are huge. There are thousands of different cultures on a planet, but in SciFi planets are often like. One Big City. One Big Country, if you have a particularly ambitious worldbuilder. See: Star Wars, the Nine Houses themselves, etc. not saying that Ur cannot be on New Rho, just that I don't think it is because this is multi-planet Sci Fi.

The militia/civic government?

In chapter 6 a distinction is made between "the militia and the old civic govnerment". Following that, I think the civic government was probably installed by the Houses, as a ruling party that is friendly to them/House interests. I think the militia is a non-unified population of hired guns, that probably revolted at some point priot to the story. It does seem like at least some section of the militia is in power in most of the city, but I do not think there is one coherent government at the moment

Official house presence?

Yes, because there are official cohort barracks. I don't think they have much political leverage by the time NtN rolls around, though

Barrack status?

Under siege due to the people of New Rho hating them/political instability/possible militia revolt, doing badly otherwise because any and all necromancers are suffering from Blue Madness/RB proximity, as seen in ch 20 when Ianthe mentioned some of them were so poorly she had to put them down.

Space port?

I am assuming the civic government/House was originally in charge. unsure of who is in charge during NtN

What power does BOE hold?

Unclear. It seems like BOE itself is fractionated, with a lot of animosity held between different factions, and a lot of both animosity AND collaboration between different factions of BOE, the militia, the population, and the old civic government. It is a very decentralized resistance force, despite sharing a name. BOE do not appear to BE the official government, or BE the militia, though, but I would not be surprised if some groups had ties to one or both. It seems like they have influence both socially and politically but it is unclear what that power is... some factions have some amount of power. Over some parts. But!! it seems that during the events of NtN they had more power than in the past ("best hand they were ever delt", chapter 1)

How is BOE viewed by the population?

My guess is they have mixed reviews. I think a lot of people probably rely on them for resources/protection even if they don't like or fully trust them. I think a lot of people probably see them as extremists and wish they were less extreme (the liberals, u could say). Like Hot Sauce and the gang, a lot of people probably think they aren't radical enough and wish they would resist more, harder, differently. I think a lot of people probably deeply support them, either physically by being part of BOE or by providing resources/etc, or quietly because they are afraid of retaliation by the House or civil government. A lot of the population probably has opinions about BOE versus the militia, BOE verus House, BOE versus the civic government, based on their own interests/position/power. This is a really long answer that can boil down to "idk"

What is the siege?

I think the siege is the cohort being sieged into the barracks. I am guessing there was some sort of revolt in the local government, probably related to Blue Madness weakening the cohort, and they have pushed the cohort into the barracks. , as described in chapters 1 ("the cohort dies like anyone else under seige") and chapter 20 ("the barracks siege").

What group is Hot Sauce in if she denounced BOE?

Hot Sauce specifically calls BOE "fat cats" and "zombie lovers" in chapter 15, after noting that she, Honesty, and Born in the Morning, as well as Born in the Morning's father, are "active" in with an unnamed group at the park. It is unclear what group that is, if it has a name, or if it is organized in any capacity. From what little we know, it appears it is a group of people who are more radical than BOE, which I think is either ex-BOE members that were pushed out for their radial choices/beliefs, or civilians/other freedom fighters that aren't satisfied with what BOE is doing. But beyond that I have no idea

BOE wing names vs New Rho?

So BOE wings are named after historic Earth cities. Ctesiphon, Troia, Merv, Valencia (which is not historic to us, as it exists today, but WOULD be history in 10k years). They are named by BOE, likely to keep connection to Earth, just like BOE people-names. "New Rho", on the other hand, is likely named by the House. Rhodes is a place on the 7th house (see: 7th cavalier is the "Knight of Rhodes"), and I assumed that New Rho was like. The house naming shit. Like how New York is named after York in England, even though that area of land already had a name (Lenapehoking, I think?).

Specifically this difference is important because like, the House is a imperial colonizing force here, and they are naming things after their home system as a part of the imperial violence they are enacting. In As Yet Unsent, Judith notes that the non-house people call New Rho, "Lemuria" -- HOWEVER, in NtN chapter 17, the Angel mentions Lemuria twice in a way that is phrased like Lemuria is Somewhere else, and is Not the city they are in right now ("I was born on Lemuria", "there's still a facility on Lemuria") I am not sure what happened there, honestly. Perhaps an oopsie?

Where does the Empire want non house humanity to end up?

Unclear. Coronabeth notes in As Yet Unsent that even she (who has studied the war in-universe) has no idea what the real goal is. My guess is nowhere, because a forever-war has no end goal. It's a war for resources gained only by literal blood and death. Many analysis could be made about this as an allegory to to oil based forever-wars of today -- I read a few of them and as said before unfortunately failed to tag them, so if anyone has a link and can share with anon that would be awesome! But anyway, I do not think I am smart or learned enough to say a lot beyond this but, yeah. I think there is no end goal to the war besides meaningless revenge and the resources gained via murder, because that's the point. We could learn different in AtN tho! who knows

How many settled planets?

No idea! Thousands. Hundreds of thousands? Hundreds? Unsure! 10k years is a long time, and there are a lot of planets out there in the fantasy universe that could be habitable. EDIT ty @eskildit, unclear how many planets were settled over the course of the Empire, but there are three settled planets by the timeline of NtN: ""Everyone was crammed on one of three planets now, and they all agreed that this planet was easily the worst", from chapter 2

-

Thanks for sending this!! I really enjoyed answering it, and I hope it helped -- sorry if I missed any. Ask more any time!!

[thewhizzyhead]

warriors 2024 and the art of giving meaning to struggle

alrighty ramble time: let's talk about luther and how he managed to fuck up NYC for good. if luther were like i dunno lex luthor, i'd say his move to destabilize gang relations in nyc is a very fucking calculated move because i really do have to give credit to him in actually achieving the goal he set out for himself because his decision to kill cyrus,,,,aka the one that organized the "Please No Gang Fighting" summit that aimed to unite everyone against the bigger baddies of NYC,,,essentially fucking killed any and all chance of such a peace summit and unity initiative from ever happening again. because, like, after seeing a beloved and seemingly untouchable leader be murdered in front of all of you despite explicit instructions to Not Bring Weapons, would you even risk witnessing that chaos again in another summit? would you trust that forming a united force work after such a tragedy? is there even a possibility of finding trust among other NYC gangs if someone among their number killed your very hope? so yea knowing how the movie ends with just the gramercy riffs saying that the warriors (with two dead people and one arrestee in tow) are off the hook because someone else witnessed luther killing cyrus,,,the original ending is actually quite hopeless when you think about it in their shoes. in the words of movie swan himself in the movie, is what they end up with all their night of sleepless fighting and struggle is worth? hence, i now really see why warriors (2024) decided to make what I consider to be the 2nd biggest diversion outside of the genderswap: making cleon live - because otherwise, the warriors' struggles surviving the night can be said to be struggle for solely struggle's sake.

in the musical, cleon is an astute believer in cyrus and the future cyrus envisions for all of NYC - thus, she becomes the harbinger of cyrus' hope in the form of still breathin' and somewhere in the city. her being alive doesn't detract from the widespread tragedy faced by the NYC gangs - i still really believe that no matter what, luther effectively killed their one shot at true unity and trust - but in cleon's own words: "What do you do when they kill everything you believe in? Give it meanin." the decision to keep cleon alive is warriors (2024) counteractive measure at the absolute shithole luther placed NYC in because in her message of keeping the dream alive despite situations that are, realistically speaking, impossible to wholly recover from, gives their struggle meaning, purpose, and direction - the end goal being hope. that theme of hope despite and in spite of adversity now becomes evident on as to why we are made to be invested in the warriors' journey home and their subsequent growth. in mercy's decision to leave the orphans for a place of belonging and pride that can make her finally hold her head up high. in ajax's and fox's decisions to retaliate against their pursuants among sleazy old men in blue. in swan's persistence in getting the rest of her crew home alive despite still reeling from the loss of her leader and her fellow warriors. all attribute their own reasons to why they resist and rebel because they ultimately hope for something fucking better. ultimately, warriors (2024) exists because of the want to give more meaning to struggle in the form of hope amidst hopelessness. in the movie, the warriors find their meaning in the sweet simple bliss of survival - in making to coney island's sunrise. but in the album, another meaning is emphasized among not just the warriors, but the marginalized communities of NYC in general: their meaning of struggle goes beyond surviving the night - because they carry on and carry forth the dream of one day having a city where they all come home alive. because after all, isn't the formation of grassroots rooted in resistance - and isn't resistance born out of the want and hope for something better?

[sandbees]

What I think the Dark Mirror would say to my different AUs of Yuu's:

Disney Fanatic! Yuu - The nature of your soul is bright, such as a shooting star. I sense no magical power within this one, but your soul is imbedded with imagination stronger than any bestown upon me. Therefore, they belong to no dorm.

Blot! Yuu - The nature of your soul is...shapless, but a dark ink has surrounded this boundless soul. You have potential, but it is blocked by the fog around your soul. There is no magic, therefore, they belong to no dorm.

Addams Family! Yuu - The nature of your soul is...a darkness that streches out beyond your body. It reaches for those that attempt to harm you. It protects you, becoming a beast that would die for you. Your soul does not fit any dorm, therefore, no dorm would be appropriate.

Gem Hybrid! Yuu - The nature of your soul is...a pink rose, healing and calming. Your soul glistens like a diamond, however the pressure upon your soul dulls the potential you have. Your magic is purer than those in this room. Therefore, no dorm shall be assigned to this one.

Harry Potter! Yuu (Griffindoor) - The nature of your soul is...brave. Red and gold, your soul screams for adventure, willing to rebel against those who oppose you. The magic within you has shaped your soul to a Griffin, one that gives a cry that has already sorted you. Since you have already been sorted, I shall not assign you a dorm.

Harry Potter! Yuu (Ravenclaw) - The nature of your soul is...wise. Blue and bronze, your soul has settled to seek knowledge, your magic shaping it to a raven. The raven caws, a knowing look in its eyes, and it already knows that once you've been sorted. Since you have already been sorted, I shall not assign you a dorm.

Harry Potter! Yuu (Slytherin) - The nature of your soul is...cunning. Green and silver, your soul plans for the future fate has handed you. Your magic within the soul is strong, twisting it to a snake. The snake hisses, defensive as you have belonged to another. Since you have already been sorted, I shall not assign you a dorm.

Harry Potter! Yuu (Hufflepuff) - The nature of your soul is...loyal. Yellow and black, your soul can feel that this year will not be like others. The magic within you shifts in this world, forming a badger. The badger huffs, welcoming, but stern that you shan't be sorted. Since you have already been sorted, I shall not assign you a dorm.

Card Collector! Yuu - The nature of your soul is...interesting. Very, very interesting. The magic you possess is akin to Unique Magic. However, your soul is unable to wield it. The shape of your soul is boundless, nothing, unless you learn to wield it in the future. Therefore, your soul is fit for all dorms once it is shaped. Otherwise, there is no dorm that fits in the present time.

[riding-with-the-wild-hunt]

"Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of Men that had rebelled from Melkor-worship, to stir up rebellion. . .and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East. . .They must have had very great influence on the history of the Second Age and Third Age in weakening and disarraying the forces of East. . .who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have. . .outnumbered the West." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Last Writings"

@ainurweek day 5 ⇢ THE BLUE WIZARDS

[ID: an edit comprised of four posters in teal, grey-blue, and shades of brown. All have a beige background.

1: A small rectangular image of Joel Adama Gueye, a middle-eaged italian-senegalese model with light brown skin and dark, tightly curled hair pulled back and decorated with small metal pieces. He is looking up and to the left with a serious expression, and wears a large silver necklace. A blue piece of cloth unfolds behind him. The upper right corner of the image is framed with a layered teal and blue decoration, and text in the bottom left corner reads "alatar," with the first letter larger and in a teal gothic font with a brown shadow, while the rest is just teal and in a cursive script / 2: A rectangular image extending from the top right corner of the poster almost to the left. It shows blueish mountains wreathed in clouds and extending down to water. Teal text in a frame of the same color, partially layered over the image, reads "alatar" in the same format as Image 1, and below it, "also called Rómestámo, or east-helper, and Haimenar, meaning one who fares far, was a Maia of Oromë before undertaking the journey to Middle Earth as one of the five Istari. He strove valiantly to bring succor to the peoples of the East and frustrate the encroaching power of Mordor." The same decoration as in Image 1 is on the lower right corner of the frame / 3: Same format as Image 2, but reversed. This time, the image shows a street of blue buildings in a traditional north african style, and the large text reads "Pallando," and below it, "also called Morinehtar, or darkness-slayer, and Palacendo, meaning far-sighted one, was sworn to the service of Nessa. They traveled to Middle Earth at the behest of their friend and companion Alatar, and alongside the armies of the East proved themself a great warrior." / 4: Same format as Image 1, but the central picture shows Dua Saleh, a young sudanese person with dark skin and braided black hair. They are looking down and to the right, and wearing a white collared shirt and a silver piece of jewelry that extends across their face, as well as silver caps on their ears. Text reads "pallando" //End ID]

[a-strange-inkling]

Jason hits the brakes quick and hard, throwing them all forward suddenly. His hand squeezes her knee enough to bruise before slamming down on the horn just as the infamous brown and tan van skids and screeches loudly past the jeep with almost gleeful ridicule into the parking lot, kicking up loose gravel and dirt behind it.

“Jackass!” Jason shouts after him, standing through the window, blue veins popping out in his strained neck.

It was very clearly on purpose.

Chrissy pants from the near collision, her seat belt digging into her chest. She turns to check on Mattie in the back seat first. His blue-green eyes meet hers, shaky and wide. He’s a little startled, but otherwise fine. She then cautiously lifts her gaze back to Jason with a soundless sigh as he falls back to his seat. He’s fuming, jaw locked and eyes blazing. He finally down shifts and slowly continues on toward the front of the middle school.

Chrissy stares through the swirling dust cloud left in the wake of Eddie Munson’s reckless driving, her heart pounding in her chest, well awakened from her catatonic stupor. She barely makes out his dark figure as he kicks open the door and jumps down in all his causeless rebel glory.

“I swear that freak is going to kill someone someday.” Jason grits out in frustration and contempt, his hand finding her knee again under her skirt, smoothing over the reddened skin apologetically.

[ronnierites]

Okay lets all put our heads together and talk about this - the WILL Outro video

For any Atiny who are not a Loretiny, here’s what you need to know:

There are two universes inside the Ateez context - Universe A and Universe Z (otherwise referred to as Strictland).

Universe A is the one that we are familiar with. It’s bright and colorful and happy. It’s seen is mvs like Pirate King, Treasure, Wave, and Dreamers. If you’re more familiar with their performances, it’s any song that has costumes with color. They softer looks in sweaters and khakis and such. Those are all Universe A.

Universe Z is the alternate universe. Time is funky here and I won’t get into a whole thing about it but it’s reversed. So there is a 12 hour time difference between A and Z. Complete opposites existing at the same time. This universe is dark. There’s lots of broken down buildings and boarded up windows. There are no mirrors or other sources of reflection so the people cannot see themselves and wish to be free. It’s seen in mvs like Hala Hala, Say My Name, Deja Vu, Halazia, Bouncy, and Crazy Form. In this Universe, music and art and all forms of expression are banned. The people all have microchips implanted in them to disable their emotions. The Black Pirates, who we know are in kahoot with the Ateez we know and love, are a group of rebels that are trying to bring art and emotions back through song (very HSM) and disable the microchips. There’s a whole thing about how they got there but that’s not important for this context.

There is a device called The Cromer, which allows Ateez to switch between these universes when the moon is full (which is why we see a lot of moon imagery). When the moon is not full, it does other things that again are not important here.

We know that the Cromer was broken. This happened in Deja Vu when Yeosang broke it to save the rest of Ateez (long story that’s again not important here). Ateez eventually uses the Cromer from Universe A, that is not broken, to get back to Universe Z later.

We see the broken Cromer at the end of Bouncy as well, but this time a little blue bird flies seemingly out of it. There are lots of questions about this Cromer. Is it the original Cromer? Is it the Cromer from Universe A? Why is there a bird? Was it trapped inside? Is that how it works? Is there a significance to the Cromer breaking when the moon is full? Is that why the bird appeared? I don’t know. And the new video cleared up approximately nothing. It shows the bird as it flies around the set of Crazy Form, but without the members. It’s after the events of the MV take place, which we know for sure because it shows the area that Yeosang is seen spray painting.

The first pic is from the new video and the second pic is from the Crazy Form MV.

I’ve seen some people as questions about the people in white. But these are students at Prestige Academy. There’s a good bit of lore here but the gist of it is, the Black Pirates are using the school as a place to start their revolution. The school is introduced in the Guerrilla mv. A boy from the school appears. It’s also seen in the Bouncy MV and referenced in the narrative in the Diary version of Outlaw.

There is also a paper and a cube seen at the end.

The paper is clearly plans for a pirate ship. The questions here lie solely on when this all takes place. As we know Ateez has all of their lore all mapped out. It’s is all carefully planned, meaning when they release new content, it’s not necessarily in chronological order. We’ve seen them release things out of order before. There’s no real way to know until we get what comes next. So the question of what is the ship for, relies on when this takes place. If it’s earlier in the timeline, then we have seen the ship in action. If it’s later in the timeline, then it could be replacing the old ship.

The cube is a little more confusing. I’ve seen some people say that it’s probably the same cube that is seen in the Dreamers mv.

Except now it’s red. Red is not a good color in the Ateez world. So what does it mean and what does it do? Dreamers takes place in Universe A, but we are in Universe Z now. Is it a different color because it is a different universe? Is it a different color because it’s been activated? What sort of abilities does the cube have? Is it related to the Cromer or is it separate?

I don’t know.

Thoughts?? Please anyone what are you thinking??

Even if you’re not a designated Loretiny, I’d still love to hear what you’re thinking. Or you can Reblog so other Atiny can see this.

I need answers!!!!

[foxglovewritesstuff]

your magic in my heart // Chapter 1: tell me your name

Read on AO3 [chapter 1] Chapter 2

Summary:

Sirius Black is the crown prince of Astrera, a kingdom that heavily discriminates against magic-users. He has a lot of problems: his parents are less-than-great, his brother is hurting and closing Sirius off, and the kingdom he's set to inherit might be crumbling from the inside. But his new personal servant is fascinating(ly disrespectful towards the crown) servant might make things more interesting.

Remus Lupin is a magic-user, which prevents him from doing anything safely, including hiding his magic to work at the castle. He has a lot of problems: his kind are being attacked in the streets, he desperately needs this job, and he's fighting himself to survive. But the prince he works for doesn't quite seem to be what he assumed.

or

The amber-eyed man put his hand on the doorknob when Sirius blurted out, “Wait.”

The servant eyed him stonily. “Yes?”

“Tell me your name.”

“I’m sure the prince doesn’t need to know a mere servant’s name-”

“It’s an order.”

“Remus,” the servant said, and then he was gone and the door was swinging shut.

Sirius Black was dreading the past, present, and the future. His family, none other than the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, otherwise known as the royal family of the kingdom of Astrera, was a mess. That wasn’t anything new, but it was still a problem. The kingdom was showing signs of crumbling from the inside as much as the royal family ignored it. Magic-users were causing trouble, as expected. What else could be expected from creatures with wild, unnatural blood?

Sirius’s parents hated magic-users. At first people had hated the trouble they caused, but now preventative precautions had been put in place, and the distaste seemed to extend to anyone unusual. Sirius didn’t hate magic-users per se, but he didn’t need them causing trouble. His view on magic-users, while not completely positive, was still more positive than most, making him a bit of a rebel. He hadn’t had much of a chance to be a rebel externally, at least not yet. After all, the King and Queen would force the Crown Prince to be their ideal successor in any way they could. His younger brother, however, was favoured by their parents.

Sirius rolled over to face the window from his position on his bed. He wondered, now staring at the night sky instead of the stone ceiling, if he leaped out of the window and fell to his death, would his parents be happier? Regulus would then be the next in line, and they wouldn’t have to worry about the messy eldest prince anymore.

The soft, subtle moonlight entered the room through his windows, on the wall across from the door. There was a dressing room and bathroom across from the bed, where the headboard was pushed up against the wall. The chandelier in the centre of the room had all of its candles lit, casting a warm glow over the room. There was also a lit candle at Sirius’s bedside.

Sometimes he would turn over and stare into the flickering flame, the red and white and blue at the centre, hoping the brightness would burn itself into his eyes, into his mind and white everything out. Sometimes he wanted to touch it, to feel it burn on his skin, but he always resisted. What would he tell his mother if she saw burn marks on his skin? He could almost her tight grip twisting his skin as he thought, her nails digging into his arm. What did you do? she would ask, not out of care of his wellbeing but out of concern for their image.

His stomach rumbled uncomfortably. He was used to not showing up at dinner, normally he would just call for it so he could continue to feel sorry for himself in his lonely bedroom. Maybe he should talk to James to distract himself. His loyal knight and best friend.

Sirius wanted to sleep everything away, but he wasn’t ready for bed yet. Not like he had the resolve to do it anyway.

A knock shattered the haze of negative thoughts that were filling his head like a noxious gas. Sirius didn’t bother to sit up; it was probably James. From his position splayed out on his bed, back facing the door, he boredly called out, “Come in!”

The door swung open and the warm light from the well-lit corridor spilled into the room. His room was dimmer, he could’ve lit the torches, but he preferred it the way it was. “Will you shut the door?”

He heard the door close softly. “I’ve brought you some food,” someone said. Someone that was not James.

Sirius rolled over and made eye contact with a handsome stranger. “Who are you, exactly?” Servants were supposed to announce themselves as so.

“I’m the new personal servant. I’ll carry your stuff, bring you food, whatever you tell me to do, I guess…” the man said. He looked about Sirius’s age, with amber eyes and light brown, almost blonde hair. He had a few scars littering his face, and a poorly-masked stony expression. He was awfully rude for a servant. Not that Sirius cared, he just hoped this guy wouldn’t act like this to any of the other members of the royal family, since they definitely would care.

“Thanks,” Sirius mumbled, glancing at the tray the servant held. It had only pastries, as if the man knew Sirius was wallowing in dread.

“Well?” the servant asked bluntly.

“Well what?” Sirius responded.

“Where does Your Highness want me to put this tray?”

Sirius’s eyebrows raised in shock. No servant had ever said your highness with such conviction. No servant would dare speak to him that way, but again, it wasn’t like he was going to report him or something. Too bad someone so hot was so rude. “The bedside table is fine.”

The servant placed the tray down, holding eye contact with the prince the whole time. “You like staring into my eyes?” Sirius said without thinking. Immediately he cursed himself. He could not start flirting with his new personal servant not even five minutes after they had met.

“Ew. As handsome as you may think you are, not everyone is going to willingly wrap themselves around your finger.”

The servant had actually just said ew to him . Now Sirius was intrigued. Who was this guy, and why did he go around insulting people? “Guess I’ll just have to do it myself,” he muttered.

The servant rolled his eyes. “May I go? Or do you have a task for me?”

“Do you want you want,” Sirius told him. “You certainly say what you want.”

The amber-eyed man put his hand on the doorknob when Sirius blurted out, “Wait.”

The servant eyed him stonily. “Yes?”

“Tell me your name.”

“I’m sure the prince doesn’t need to know a mere servant’s name-”

“It’s an order.”

“Remus,” the servant said, and then he was gone and the door was swinging shut.

Sirius stared at the closed door for several seconds before turning his attention to the pastries.

At least something has gotten interesting.

[salaminus]

Rex & Cody and the unclear connection points

Summary:

Rex and Cody recently got Natborns on the ship who are actually civilians and of course they can spawn randomly in the galaxy, not to mention they have some potential for anything that can burn. Time for a briefing

Non-native speaker, pleaser bear with me.

Masterlist

Rex has two headaches. One is called Anakin Skywalker, is practically the same age as him in Natborn years, wields a glowstick and has never landed a ship without it being destroyed. The second is a baby Jedi edition with pointy teeth and an even pointier tongue - small, so small, so inexperienced, so eager to learn, but.... SMALL! And of course it comes after the first headache, Rex never has it easy. There was even a song written about it, 'I like it rough' by Lady Gaga - Rex recently got one of those strange cell phone devices, packed with music from an alien planet, which he listens to while typing reports. And he makes playlists, depending on his mood, the 'Headache' series in gradations from one to four. Playlist Two-three-quarters is currently playing, blaring out of the small device on the metal plate, next to a crooked tower of datapads. Framed in a really picturesque way, a few more are scattered across the plate, always nicely lined up, as straight as possible, because Rex doesn't like clutter.

The only thing that doesn't fit into the picture is the bottle, the liquid in it is dark red, a strange contrast to the other light and dark gray in the cabin, especially as it glows because it illuminates the lamp above the desk. Rex has thrown his legs up on the table - the door is closed, no one can see him like this and that's a good thing - and rubs his temples with one hand before stretching and reaching for the bottle. A very slow movement, as he still has a datapad on his thighs that he doesn't want to drop. The display grins at him, the grooves roll down gently, always at the same regular intervals, spreading a cold blue-white light - because there's nothing there. He hasn't typed a single letter yet, there isn't even a heading because he has deleted it.

Education - inappropriate, doesn't hit the nail on the head, too complicated, raises too many questions. Nici and Jojo - sounds like porn, he'll never save it anywhere where Wolffe can find it and make stupid comments. Natborn operating instructions - See above, this is even worse. Rex must know, he knows his vod'e, even Bly howls with laughter at the title and he wasn't really susceptible to dick jokes. My fourth headache - If a Medic somehow reads this, Redcross will annoy him again. He can actually ignore him, but recently there's a younger brother in the medbay (Kix, because their names are the same length and share a letter, Rex likes him) and he flinches every time he pulls the Medic title, but he does (and Rex doesn't like that).

Cody's problem - Would be lying, it's his own, because OF COURSE they didn't show up on the Negoiator, no, no, no, they showed up on the Resolute. Of course.

For now, Rex puts the bottle on and takes a big swig, even if the alcohol burns his mouth out and brings tears to his eyes - it's the weird stuff his boys have been brewing lately, he urgently needs to do more routine inspections in the barracks, otherwise they'll flood the ship and that won't end well. According to the regulations, alcohol is forbidden on duty, on the ships, on all GAR equipment. Luckily Rex is always on duty. Carousing assholes. A little absently, he shakes the bottle gently in his hand, listens to the clear liquid gurgling, then places it on the edge of the table next to his ankle. What a risk, what a danger, he of all people, the rule-abiding captain, rebels in his old age, becomes careless, not at all Cody's little nerd. Kriffin' hell. If Fox knew that, his eyes would pop out. Speaking of Fox. Rex grabs the right-hand datapad - his own, he can even feel it through his gloves, every groove on it, the light scratches. The painted Jaig Eyes, he can't, although there's even a second pair of them by now (If he already has a Natborn who is gifted at drawing who's getting on his nerves, he might as well use that, to the prime with you, Kote!)

The commander chat is empty, no new messages after the last flood of fraternal insults, Rex has to tap the arrow key a little until the chat with Fox pops up. He hasn't read the last twenty messages either (he probably doesn't even know how to do that), not that it would stop Rex from sending him another stupid holonet picture. At the same moment, the name at the top of the chat gets fat - WhatdoestheFoxsay - He says get karked is ONLINE. What's going on here? Rex is about to send him a middle finger when the door next to him shoots open- "Fuck you, Cody, you're late." He is, way late, probably his stupid ori'vod was banking on Rex already having this thing ready. Uhh, I'm marshal commander, Rex, the responsibilities, you have to understand me... Yeah, no. On principle, Cody isn't looked at, at least until the commander leans over Rex's feet and grunts as he grabs the bottle Rex confiscated for himself. "Get your own booze, what do you have Ghost for!" "Get your feet off the table, you rag." First stealing alcohol and then getting cheeky, that's what Rex likes. Cody should know better, of all people he knows how Rex deals with this sort of thing and yet he drinks far too relaxed - at least until Rex elbows him in the stomach. Cody gasps, tears his eyes open, actually spits booze, goes down on his knees for a millisecond - ever so slightly, but Rex has seen it and can't help but laugh. "Where's your cover, what's wrong with you?" Very slowly, Cody raises the hand he's holding the bottle in, wipes the back of his hand as he stares at Rex, the semi-evil Cody look Jojo likes to call "Sauron himself". Whoever that is, the image of a glowing red eye on a tower presented to him didn't help much - speaking of Jojo. The problem part one, the reason Rex is sitting here, and Cody should be here, but he's a nasty Hutt and is, once again, late. However, Cody is of the opinion to remind Rex of his marshall commander rank, he fixes Rex again without blinking, the head slightly tilted. "Are you getting cheeky, vod'ika?" There were times when Rex was really a bit scared of him. He was three then, now he's twelve, soon to be thirteen - which Cody seems to like to forget, as well as that they have the same training, only Rex, because he was planned as a CT, didn't become a commander and won't be because his Jedi has a Padawan. Because Rex only folds his arms behind his head and smiles compassionately at his ori'vod, Cody bares his teeth for half a second. "Oh, you asked for it, karking little shit...!"

And then he leaps forward, throwing himself at Rex with all his weight before Rex can get the blaster out of the holster. "You don't stun me, don't stun me, Rexi!" He's totally going to do that, Cody will see, for now they roll around on the ground, trying to pin each other, before Cody goes limp all at once and just stays on Rex's chest like he's a pillow. "I'm getting too old for this shit, why did I train you again..." So that they can now both sit side by side in front of Rex's bunk, legs stretched out, the questionable bottle between them. It's half empty by now, Cody's eyes are glassy, Rex's own are certainly glassy too, but he can't see that. However, he can already see his vo'd, who has rested his head on Rex's leg and is scratching the bridge of his nose, just like the datapad in Cody's hand.

"Karking hell, of course we get that kind of shit and nobody else does. Can't even Ponds get kriff like that? Or Wolffe, the big bad Wolffe on a rescue mission, he knows a thing or two about civilians - we absolutely won't ask him, Rex. Never. You might, but I will not." No, Rex won't either, it's enough that the Commander calls him a puppy, no matter how many times he punches him in the face. Some things just never change, especially with Wolffe, the imperfect commander in the marshal patch. All of his batchmates - Cody, Fox, Bly - they all became marshals, except Wolffe.

Because Wolffe didn't want to. In short, if Rex asks Wolffe for help because he has two karking Natborns on his ship that the Jedi don't know exactly what to do with, he'll laugh at him, just laugh hysterically into the com, before pushing him away, guaranteed with a comment like "You wanted to join us, CT!". Rex doesn't like that (just like when the medics pull rank, but he's more likely to let Kix take care of him than ask his ori'vode for help with Nici and Jojo). Because Rex doesn't answer anything, at least not vocally, he snorts once too loudly, which makes Cody grin wickedly before his favorite brother shakes his head. His hair scrapes over the plastoid under his head, Cody reaches out for the bottle and yawns without covering his mouth. "I could ask Bly. Emphasis on could, I'm sure he already knows what's going on with us anyway. After all, his Jedi is also on the Council and she tells him too much anyway. I'm actually surprised that nothing has come-" Rex's datapad beeps, the display lights up and reports a message on priority mode in the command chat. He sticks his finger in Cody's ear. "You've jinxed it!" Unfortunately, it's Cody, who stares Rex in the eye and doesn't even react, even though Rex put his finger in his mouth beforehand. Cody's nose twitches for half a second, though, making Rex curl his lips into a grin, before he leaves Cody's ear and grabs his datapad.

BLYla REX BLYla REX REX REX BLYla REXxxxxxxx WhatdoestheFoxsay - He says get karked Shut up BLYla Rude. REEEEEX. Cody BLYla Then this way @WOLFFE . Rex and Cody have kids! NeYO is online NeYO Nova asks for more information, which ARCs are there this time BLYla has sent a picture. A blonde young woman with curls pokes Ki-Adi-Mundi through the eye, another dark-haired one looks fierce enough that Wolffe would be proud BLYla Something to say? Bacara Mood. BLYla Not you! Bacara Shameless slut Wolffe is online. Wolffe has sent a picture. WHO. IS. THAT.

That's a problem for someone else. Rex has work to do. He has to finish writing a report. Regrettably, his Ori'vod is a marshal and he needs to read the chat, especially messages sent in priority mode. Cody clicks on the chat without comment and immediately disconnects before the pad can show his status as online.

Ponds is online. Commander Cody, I can see the activity log. Anything to say to the matter?

"No," Cody grumbles against Rex's leg, rolling onto his other side. "I don't want to. I'm drunk - We finish this fucking file now and send the thing, then we're out and all the other shebse shut the fuck up. Great idea, very good, let's do it, so come on, old boy. Rex, type something." Funny, hilarious, but Rex dutifully takes the datapad - and waits. Connection points in  orders need to be clarified, so let Cody do it, because he should know best.

So far, he's just staring at the ceiling, his own datapad pushed far away from him towards the door so that he doesn't see the flashing of new messages. "Let's start with... We'll just make a list. Bullet point one: Keep away from anything flammable. Bar two: Humor is good, but inappropriate, a gag is recommended. Bullet point three: Will not die immediately in blaster fire. Follow orders, nevertheless clarify rank beforehand. Mirror line four: Mirror line four: They offer cookies if they want to apologize. Cookies are very tasty. Dash Six: Unrecognizable in the Force, the Jedi disagree on how to proceed. Until then, categorized as... Natborn in clone training. Mirror Stitch Seven: Further testing and training required. Mirror Stitch Seven and a half: Deal with it, shebse - You know what, Rexi? Who do these two actually belong to, as whom did your idiot of a general save them?" In the system, Cody says in the GAR system, they have to be listed, because Rex will start a rampage if his battalion gets less food because of Natborns. "Information person, but with the wrong form. He took the one for contact-persons." All at once, Cody jerks up vertically - he's grinning ear to ear, a real Kote-grin. Damn, did Rex miss that, they've been getting fewer and fewer since the war started, the last one was a long time ago, so karking long ago...

"Contact-persons, yes? Very well. The 501st is ultimately under the command of the Seventh Air Force Corps, in other words under my command. I just happen to be responsible for their training and development. Coincidentally. You suggest people as ARCs and I sign off on it, of course, that's how it works. So the Natborns are formally mine and not outside Jedi? They're part of the GAR, though never officially joined, of course not, because contact-persons, thank heavens for Skywalker's lack of competence...!"

Two minutes later, Rex is typing on a training form for continuing education whereas Cody is just laughing. He's still chuckling even when their request is confirmed and Kamino announces that they're expecting and scheduling the three of them to arrive in three standard weeks.

[strayheartless]

Listen I’m only sharing this because I don’t want to be in pain all by my lonesome:

So, alternative crisis core where instead of rebelling Genesis comes home and as he gets off of the helicopter Angeal and Sephiroth are there to meet him (both still tense from his training room incident). He looks okay. A bit battered but otherwise fine.

And then between looking at eachother to breath a sigh of relief and then looking back at him, Genesis just… drops.

They both shoot forward in time to stop his head from cracking against the floor, but there’s nothing to be done about the apparent seizure that grips him. Hollander is on them, trying to pry Gens coat off and Angeal is turning the room blue, swearing at the scientist and yelling “you said you’d fixed this! You bastard, you said he’d be fine!”

Sephiroth can only do what he knows which is what he’s been taught to do when someone has a seizure. Clear the area, make sure Gen can’t hurt himself, cushion his head and wait. He pulls out his PHS and times it after putting his coat under Gen’s head.

It lasts about two minutes. It’s the longest two minutes of Seph and geals lives. Hollander wants to take him straight to the Lab but Angeal insists Genesis needs rest and to recover from what just happened. They stand and argue about it for a good five minutes before Sephiroth simply picks Genesis up and walks away from them.

Angeals quick to follow as Seph brings Genesis to his own apartment and eases him into bed in a recovery position. He allows Hollander to Check him over and take a blood sample but then he makes him leave. He tells Angeal to stop hovering and start making dinner, that Gen will need to eat, and uses his generals voice to make it clear that its an order not a request.

It takes a little while for Gen to come fully round but he is conscious for most of this and Sephiroth stays with him and rubs his back when he’s throwing up into a bucket. It’s pretty hard going for the next couple of hours. Genesis is anxious and nauseous and can’t remember much of what happened after he got on the aircraft. There’s a massive blank spot where going home should be, and if his field diary is anything to go by, this is t the first Seizure he’s had.

Angeal gets a report from Genesis’ sergeant major that he’s been having been having blank moments that in hind sight were petit mal seizures. Genesis’ mobility is deeply affected by whatever’s going on, and once he’s recovered enough to give verbal consent to things they find out he has a brain inflammation that Mako can’t heal.

Eventually Hollander figures out that S cells will stop the process of degradation and Sephiroth is all to happy to hand his cells over if it means saving his friend. But the damage that is doe to Genesis’ brain can’t be reversed. He goes through long periods of being fine and having mobility, but then has long periods of fluctuating between crutches or a wheelchair. He still has seizures, though he has medication for that now.

And he’s changed. He’s quieter. Once Lazard confirms his honourable medical discharge, and Angeal has filled in dependency paperwork to keep him with them, he’s just despondent. Not even loveless can really rouse him and it terrifies Sephiroth and Angeal.

Eventually, when Angeal starts showing signs of degradation however Genesis seems to re-emerge. They are quicker to catch Angeal’s symptoms once he complains of headaches and starts snapping at Zack and Sephiroth. Genesis is the one to realise what’s happening and takes himself down to Hollander to report the emergency.

Once Angeals injected Genesis announces that he wants out of Shinra and that he’s leaving regardless of what Angeal and Sephiroth think. The two follow him, much to Hojo’s absolute dismay.

It takes fighting their way out, and Genesis has the absolute pleasure of setting RnD on fire before they make their way to AVELANCHE -Zack and a small fluffy chocobo looking cadet named Cloud in toe.

Genesis puts all of his energy into helping AVALANCHE fight for the planet and in the end he gets to go home to the two men he loves and nobody fricking dies.