#of course i'd choose apollo

[brodorokihousuke]

Dual Destinies (left) versus Spirit of Justice (right)

I picked up on most of the differences without the need of references, but... it's cool to see them directly compared.

Sure, it might've been easier to just have them T-pose or something, but I felt like it'd be more interesting to look at if they were posed.

The right hands look different due to there being no equivalent of the DD one's hand pose on the SoJ model.

[aeithalian]

On Apollo and fatal flaws

Vague question for my fellow apollogists out there: what do we think Apollo's fatal flaw is? I write this realizing that, in all five books of the series, all told from Apollo's point of view, we never actually have it explicitly stated, either from Apollo's knowledge and refusal to share (which, strangely, seems to me like something he would tell us), or from him not actually knowing, either.

Simply stated, a fatal flaw is any kind of weakness of a hero, god or mortal, that can be exploited and can cause the downfall of that character. That being said, we already know some that generally scope out the larger range of what they can be:

Percy: excessive personal loyalty

Annabeth: hubris/pride

Nico: holding grudges

Thalia: ambition

Leo: feeling inferior

Piper: low self-esteem

Luke: wrath

Jason: hesitation and excessive deliberation

And we are certain that immortals have flaws like these, too. Although it isn't explicitly stated in canon what Zeus' fatal flaw is, it's exceedingly obvious that it's paranoia and hunger for power, as well as his sexual infidelity.

I feel like we can easily knock some flaws off the list already:

Holding grudges is off the list for the main reason that, if there's one thing Apollo oozes, it's forgiveness, and the fact that he is always ready to give second chances to people who have wronged him and the world (Lityerses, Luguselwa, Meg, etc.)

For the same reason, I'm going to knock off wrath. Yes, he has moments of rage, but so does everybody else! It's human nature, and, as stated before, it's usually overshadowed by Apollo's choice to let go of that anger and choose forgiveness instead.

Ambition is an interesting one, but it's not at all something that really comes up in the series to the point where it ends up being powerful enough to be his fatal flaw. He rarely seeks power he didn't already have before, especially when you consider he is Zeus' most powerful son, and one of the most powerful gods period. Why would he need more power? Unless, of course, you choose to point out that one time he tried to overthrow Zeus, but I'd argue he was acting more out of a place of 'hey please be better at your job' than 'I want your title and position', which actually falls more under Poseidon's motivations in that myth.

Interestingly, there's a certain aspect of Apollo's character in the myths that totally screws the pooch in terms of this discussion, and that's the fact that Apollo, throughout the stories of Ancient Greece, is a typical example of perfection. Literally, he's written to be virtually flawless, the paragon of young men, and (in the context of Ancient Greek culture) doesn't have many moments of rage, selfishness, or paranoia, or at least, not as many as other gods (looking at you, Artemis).

HOWEVER, as much as the myths seemingly act like he doesn't have a glaringly obvious flaw, we as a part of Apollo's inner circle/audience know he's got one - I mean, look at him! It's in there somewhere, nobody's perfect, and I don't think anybody's pretending as such for Apollo. What irks me is that we know Apollo is not lacking in general character flaws, but there is one, beyond a doubt, that shapes his inner core irreversibly. And we don't know it.

Thankfully, though, we've got five books of content that might help us come to a conclusion.

The Hidden Oracle, being the beginning of the story and the beginning of Apollo's character development, is where we would get an inkling of what Apollo wants us to think his fatal flaw is. To us, Apollo appears vain, self-centered, and, frankly annoying. And he does these things on purpose. Or at least, he tells us these things.

That's the thing: if you look past all the fluff Apollo spits out to the audience throughout the first majority of the book, before his children are taken into the forest, you'd find that his dialogue, aka how the other characters of the story hear and see him, doesn't really reflect that. Most of the annoying, self-centered brattiness is only on the page, and not as obvious in his personal interactions (not saying they're not there, but it's so much worse in his internal monologue). So, what does this tell us?

That those aren't his fatal flaws. He's very good at pretending that they are, probably because, as I've read several other metas very cleverly explain, that this is what gods are supposed to be, and, Apollo, in his desperation be his father's golden child again (or, also to avoid his wrath, take that how you will) has built up a very elaborate mask for thousands of years, because that is what he is not. He's trying to be glossed over in the vast sea that is the gods, and it's not really working because, well, he got turned into a mortal. Again.

As we pass through books 2 and 3, we're still not quite past the whole "pretending to be petty and self-serving because this is what I am supposed to be as dictated by the laws of my immortal people and my father". That, almost certainly, doesn't come until the latter half of The Burning Maze. So it's further safe to assume that our best guess as to his fatal flaw probably coincides with his more honest moments with the audience, eg. books 4 and 5.

Now, I know a popular common answer to this whole question is that it's his ego and his pride. But here's the thing: as we move on to the second half of the series, we get an interesting revealing of Apollo's perception of himself. To put it plainly: Apollo is not a narcissist, as much as he pretends to be (see the above points). Honestly, he might actually hate himself and what he's become as he learns to take a more critical view of himself as the series goes on. Drawn in direct antithesis to his moments in the first two books, when he tells us that he assumes that anybody he meets is willing to help him, after the peak of his development (marked by his promise and Jason's subsequent death), this isn't the case. That's why I'm pretty okay with putting pride and ego towards the bottom of my list of possible fatal flaws for him.

Honestly, if I didn't know any better as we reach the end of the series, I'd say Apollo's fatal flaw might fall somewhere closer to poor self-esteem, insecurity and self-doubt, but for some reason, that doesn't quite fit. I'd argue that a lot of those feelings probably stem from being stuck in the inadequate body of a mortal with a tiny fraction of his usual power - of course he's going to feel like that. That, and it's almost the direct opposite of what his flaw is perceived to be by other sources, so it feels like too large a leap to me.

I'm deliberating from my point, which is this: I still have no clue what his fatal flaw is.

It's not:

narcissism

pride

OR on the other side of the spectrum:

low-self esteem

self-doubt

OR the list of things we knocked off earlier:

holding grudges

wrath

ambition

And when you compare to other characters he might also be like, I would argue he's a totally different animal. The only character I could see a similarity with is Percy. But, again, it's just not the same. Percy's flaw, excessive personal loyalty, still doesn't really fit because, while I'd argue that Apollo's never really put in a situation where he's had to choose to save the life a mortal friend over his task of restoring the Oracles, I do believe he has a strong sense of duty. No, I don't think he would sacrifice Meg's life to do that job, but it's not something we see him forced to pick between (that I can think of, at least). I like to think that, on one hand, Percy would flat-out refuse to do his duty to save the life of a friend out of principle, whereas Apollo might find a clever loophole to save the friend, do the duty, and end up doing harm to himself. If anything, while Percy would be ready to burn the world to save a friend, Apollo would be ready to burn himself first.

That, I think, is our biggest indicator. Apollo loves his friends and the world. He wears his heart on his sleeve, this is something the Triumvirate exploits to no end.

Athena tells Percy something in the PJO series (the Titan's Curse, I think?) and says that the most dangerous fatal flaws are the ones that are good in moderation. And, of course, Apollo is a main character, so naturally his fatal flaw will fall under this category.

I think Apollo's fatal flaw is of the same breed as Percy's, but isn't really the same creature. I'm sure there's a more eloquent way to put this, but it seems to me that his fatal flaw has something to do with his tendency to be self-sacrificing, easily forgiving, and empathetic. He's been stabbed in the back several times and every time chooses instead to show trust and camaraderie, to see the best in people, and give them another chance to prove themselves: with Meg, Crest, Lityerses, Luguselwa, Meg's adoptive siblings, and many, many more. That seems very dangerous in the wrong situation, yes? Especially someone in Apollo's position - there are plenty of bad people who would be ready to take advantage of this.

And what is a story if not the hero learning to overcome their fatal flaw? And, really what is the Trials of Apollo all about? How do we end? What choices does Apollo make for the future at the conclusion of the Tower of Nero that directly contradict his overwhelming urge to choose forgiveness and let others try again?

The Tower of Nero, Chapter 36

At the end of any good epic story, the hero learns to overcome their weaknesses and flaws and do the right thing regardless. For Apollo, this comes when he refuses to forgive one person: Zeus. Apollo ends his pentalogy with coming to an understanding of himself and his relationship with his father, learning to overcome that tendency see the best in everyone, and realize that not everyone can choose to change for the better like Apollo has.

EDIT: a masterlist of my other metas

[freddie-77-ao3]

Riordanverse Characters As EPIC Lyrics

"I no longer dream, only nightmares of those who've died" is Clarisse after manhattan

"Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart" is Silena in general

"No matter the place, we can light up the world" is Lee and Luke, when they're dreaming of college right before Luke betrays them

"Time... I've unlocked it, I see past and future running free" is Rachel before manhattan, she sees all sorts of visions and doesn't know what's going on, just knows that it isn't happening now

"There is a world where I help you get home, but that's not a world I know" is Leo to Jason. If only he'd made it back just a bit sooner-- maybe jason wouldn't be dead

"A man who gets to make it home alive, but it's no longer you" is drew returning to camp after manhattan, and at the start of this war she was happy and bright, and now she's unrecognizable.

"I'm the only one who's line I haven't crossed"

"What if I'm the one who killed you, every time I caved to guilt"

"What if I've been far to kind to foes but a monster to ourselves"

"Learn to be colder when she got older, and now she saves them the pain" Drew refusing to let aphrodite kids fight. if people don't remember they CAN fight, they won't make them fight. if they're kept out of the worst of the battles... well. drew will have protected them in the way she can.

"Does he throw away his remorse and save more lives with guile"

"Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves" that's a general drew and malcolm idea that connor is opposed to but can't get through to them on

"i must become the monster, and then we'll make it home" percy in house of hades (especially with ahklys)

"I have something that I must confess, something that I must get off my chest, until it is said I cannot rest" silena, trying to tell clarisse she's the spy, before she resorts to the drastic pulling a patroclus

"No, i'm not a player, I'm a puppeteer" Drew Tanaka in general. like she won't fight. she'll watch from the sidelines, manipulate people into doing things, but she doesn't want to get her hands dirty again.

"Of course I'd like to leave now, of course I'd like to run, but I can hardly sleep now, knowing everything we've done" Connor, refusing to run away with Malcolm and Drew the night before a big battle (you choose if it's manhattan, the BOO, or a trials of apollo battle)

"Wouldn't you like a taste of the power, wouldn't you like to use more than words?" some new camper trying to convince drew to fight (and then promptly getting stabbed, because drew CAN fight, she just prefers charmspeak)

"I've got people to protect... so I'm not taking chances" silena on why she chose to join luke. like yeah she was groomed but she also honestly thought it would protect those closest to her.

"i still believe in goodness, I still believe that we could be kind" connor, trying to reason with malcolm, drew, or clarisse in war counsel (about the romans specifically)

"you are reckless, sentimental at best" ares to clarisse about her fighting in manhattan (her loved ones' deaths were the things motivating her and she told kronos to fight her so)

"I know what I'm fighting for, while you're fighting to be known" malcolm to annabeth in an argument early on.

"what good would killing do, when mercy is a skill, more of this world could learn to use?" connor again, probably about the romans.

"the blood we shed, it never dries, is this what it means to be a warrior" sherman praying to his father, (he was so paralyzed by guilt after the battle of manhattan he would have nightmares about being covered in blood again and just throw up), (this is when he loses faith)

"this life is amazing when you greet it with open arms, whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart"

"i'd like to show my friend that kindness is brave" silena about clarisse

"Have you forgotten to turn off your heart?" clarisse to silena

bolded are chb in general

[a-couple-of-notes]

I sympathize with the people who thought the mystery in Stray Gods was weak (I guess the murder mystery was a fair part of the marketing, and I also picked the culprit out the moment the demo dropped), but it always seemed fairly clear to me that the mystery was just pretext for character arcs and worldbuilding rather than the other way around.

Spoilers under the cut. You've been warned.

Calliope's murder and Grace's trial offer Grace an excuse to talk to people, to explore the world of the Idols, and to do so under a ticking clock that keeps the story tight and the tension high. (And from a Doylist perspective, lets the developers keep the scope of the game to a cool seven days.) At its core, the game is not a murder mystery. It's Grace's coming-of-age story. It's about a cast of characters learning to change, move on, and grow up; it's about memory and identity; it's about facing the truth.

So it makes total sense to me that Athena's reveal would prize narrative and thematic cohesion over an unexpected twist. Grace and the Idols are growing up, and Athena is the "scary mom." The characters are moving on, and Athena is the embodiment of the past. The characters have had to face painful truths, and Athena, as leader of the Chorus, the one in power, has not. Of course it's Athena. To bring a revolution, you must topple the head.

Would it have been great to have narrative and thematic resonance AND a twist culprit? Sure. But if I had to choose, I'd rather have a satisfying coming-of-age story with nuanced characters and an intriguing world than a thriller mystery with a twist ending that undoes the core of the story. I'm guessing that's what the developers would choose as well.

(I also think it's interesting to look at the ways other characters were complicit in villainous things--like sure, Athena was the main murderer, but Pan was also unwittingly involved. Apollo hurt Persephone badly out of inaction. Aphrodite's ceremony directly engages in the tricky question of whether passing on her eidolon will consume Venus, maybe killing her in another way by transforming her completely. Those are the trickier mysteries.)

[rannadylin]

Ranna's Knitting Goals: 2025

I don't really make new year resolutions buuuuuut I will make a nice little "Someday!" list out of my Ravelry queue and other things I've been meaning to work on, huh? :-D I might even get some of these done this year and not a decade from now, but no promises!

Publish the Gloves of the Reunited Kingdom pattern: It's...mostly done? I think I got it pretty much done over the summer but thought it could use test knitters before I actually publish it, and that didn't happen and then the fall semester kept me too busy to think about pattern publishing.

Also publish the Ribbon Twist Socks pattern. I'm pretty sure that one was done but it also fell to the Fall Semester trap?

Write up my Feather and Fan Socks pattern and publish that as a free pattern! As I mentioned on my 2024 Knitting round-up post this morning, this is my go-to for self-striping yarn nowadays. In fact I rounded up all the feather and fan socks I could find in my drawers (I don't think any are currently in the to-wash pile but I could be mistaken? I may have also given some away to my mom) so you can see that I do indeed knit this pattern a lot! It's a pretty easy lace pattern (so a nice one for someone new to lace knitting) and looks great with or without stripey yarn, and I thought it'd be nice to have a free sock pattern people can download as a sample before I upload Ribbon Twist and any future sock patterns as paid patterns.

Knits to finish:

Clapotis 2024B! The one I didn't finish in time for the Knitty contest, but it's more than half done and is likely to be my first 2025 FO. I finally took a WIP picture of it just to prove that it exists (and that it is such a lovely colorway!):

Vox Machina Blanket. Seam that thing finally, Ranna! (I hate seaming...)

Dollegina's outfit.

I do just need to seam up the Chorus of Cats hat, and that is much less seaming than a blanket, so surely this one can get done in the next 12 months? XD

Knits to design:

Dolls! I mean, this is the basic doll body pattern and it's not my design, but I'd like to extend my series of fandom-inspired dolls based on it (currently: Dollegina, Dolloth, Fenris (and Hawke), Kylo Ren & Eleven for my niece!) to include some LOTR Rangers and maybe some BG3 and/or Veilguard characters!

Thrill of the Weave Socks: So I got this gorgeous skein of yarn sometime last year and when I opened that package I was in the midst of playing BG3 and my first thought upon seeing those colors was (of course) "Gale socks!" The colorway is called Thrill so (of course) the pattern would have to be called Thrill of the Weave, and that's as far as that plan has gone for now. I have vague ideas of a lace or cable pattern based on the embroidery on his purple camp shirt? That may not come across well in a multicolor yarn, though, so I am pondering Plan B's.

I started work on a colorwork chart for a Lyrium Dagger bookmark... :-D It'd be three colors though, so still pondering whether to do intarsia (not my beloved) or try to do three-color double knitting (what even is that? triple knitting?) or stranded (but for a flat piece...what am I thinking). It probably should be intarsia. And that's why it's still in this rough form and I haven't cleaned up its edges yet:

If anyone who likes intarsia more than I do wants to take that and run with it, feel free!

I'm also working on some mythology-themed dice bags for JCL convention! Got a Minerva and Apollo panel done so far but I need to make some variation of the JCL logo to pair with them for the back of the bag.

Knits from the Ravelry queue:

Amphora Cardi: I have the pattern and the yarn; it was on my 2024 knitting to-do list but not one of the things I got around to, so this is my reminder to self that it needs to happen!

Might be up for knitting a vest this year? Maybe Sennit or Canton or Rockhound. Or Tracery!

Choose Your Fellowship! Mix and match colorwork LOTR sweater? Yes please!

Aglow - I can always use another pretty lace-and-beads shawl! :-D

Techniques:

I tried mosaic knitting (in the Chorus of Cats hat that I still need to seam) for the first time in 2024! So for 2025, my knitting bucket list still includes trying Entrelac and Brioche knitting.

[axolotlsupremacyowo]

20 Questions for Writers

Thanks @oceangirl24 for the tag! I love you, bestie!

Now, on to the questions!

❣️How many works do you have on AO3?

I have 86 fics! I write all kinds of things! Case fics, angst, fluff, smut, and all that jazz. I like to think that I have a diverse range of stuff on AO3, which I find I'm really proud of :3

❣️What is your total AO3 word count?

613,383....Yes, I write too much.

❣️What fandoms do you write for?

Most of my fics are Ace Attorney, but I have other fandoms like Stardew Valley! I also write in fandoms that are gifts for friends.

❣️What are your top five fics by kudos?

Say My Name (233 kudoes)

Operation Helios (178 kudoes)

Apollo is a Crazy Cat Attorney™ (166 kudoes)

Ace Attorney: Maya Fey (166 kudoes)

Turnabout Birch Meadows (151 kudoes)

Nice! Most of them are Klapollo XD

❣️Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I love responding to comments! I get to ramble, and I want each and every commenter to know that I appreciate them <3. Sometimes I take a long time, so sorry about that!!!! But I'll get to the comment eventualy!!

❣️What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Definitely Things Left Unsaid, that fic is SUPER angsty with a really sad ending. It's non canon Major Character Death, so of course it's angsty lol.

❣️What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I'm...not sure? A lot of my fics end in happy endings. But if I had to pick the happy ending that made me the most emotional, I'd have to choose Blossoming in the Rain.

❣️Do you get hate on your fic?

Surprisingly, no. I've only gotten support for my fics. Which I am VERY much thankful for. To all of my followers, readers, and supporters...thank you SO much for making my fandom experience so lovely <3

❣️Do you write smut?

Definitely lol. I used to be terrified of writing smut...and then I met a certain someone *cough cough* @mikaharuka *cough cough* and now I've written a lot of smut. This is all YOUR FAULT BESTIE.

❣️Do you write crossovers?

Nope lol. I like to keep my fandoms separate.

❣️Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I...don't think so? But if someone has stolen my fics, please be sure to tell me! I'm not exactly keen on the idea of my fics being plagiarized or stolen.

❣️Have you ever had a fic translated?

Again, I have no idea. I don't think it has since nobody has approached me before, so to my knowledge it's a no.

❣️Have you ever co-written a fic?

Yes!!! I've co written SO many things with my bestiest of besties @tsunderesalty and I love every fic I've co written with him. He's just the greatest and he's an amazing writer. Check him out!

❣️What's your all-time favorite ship?

Hmm! For Ace Attorney, it's a tough choice between Klapollo and Franmaya. For Stardew, my top ship is my farmer and Sebastian (Sebakonnie)

❣️What's the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

My flufftober series. I started it in 2022...and it's currently 2024. I just kinda lost steam for that fic. I am very proud of all the fics I've written for it, though. Maybe I should revisit it...

❣️What are your writing strengths?

Nothing.

Ahem, knowing how my dearest besties would respond to that...I guess my flexibility with writing styles? I talked about this with my friends before, but I have multiple writing styles, five to be specific. I can switch between them pretty easily, and I like to think they're all distinct from each other but still being undeniably me. God, I really don't wanna sound like I'm bragging XD.

❣️What are your writing weaknesses?

NOT KNOWING WHEN TO SHUT THE FUCK UP. I literally cannot shut up for the life of me. It is a curse. My fics would be SO much shorter if I just shut up lol.

❣️Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

Oh!!! Actually, so about this! For reference, I'm Filipino, born and raised in the Philippines. I can speak Filipino and Tagalog pretty well, and I can understand Bisaya (Cebuano is its official name, but everyone in the Philippines calls it Bisaya) well, but I can speak it only a little bit. Anyway, I've always wanted to incorporate Filipino and Bisaya into my fics but didn't know how...and then I thought of Filipino Phoenix! Happy to say that I'm planning on writing that soon :3

So yeah, happy to include languages other than English! Especially my native language. Otherwise, for languages I don't know. I use Deepl, it's a very useful tool!

I'm all for using different languages in my fics, and when I get something wrong, I'm quick to correct it!

❣️First fandom you wrote for?

Ace Attorney. I have had Ace Attorney brainrot for SO long.

❣️Favorite fic you've ever written?

.....

.........

.........

YOU'RE MAKING ME CHOOSE OUT OF ALL OF MY BABIES?

Would it be cheating to choose a series? XD

But yeah! My Defense Attorney Maya Fey series contains my favorite fics of all! The top ones of my list being Ace Attorney: Maya Fey and Yours Truly, Franziska von Karma. I just...love these fics so much...I especially love Ace Attorney: Maya Fey. That bitch has been my baby since like...2021?

Now! Who to tag...that would be my besties @mikaharuka, @aislinnstanaka, @udaberriwrites, @kayedium-writes, @justanotherpersonwhowrites, @mikaharuka @fattybattysblog

[mystieris]

Urban Gods' plot and world details

So, I did post one synopsis here on Tumblr back when I started posting my Greek mythology comic, but it's kinda changed plots about 2-3 times since then, so I thought I'd post the most recent one.

Often times, the gods grow bored with their own existence, at which time they choose to reset their lives to experience them again through fresh eyes. The following story is an account of one such instance... 

The story is basically a retelling of several popular myths, adapting them to a full 21st century setting, including Mortal Realm locations. The premise of how this is possible is that every once in a while the gods will just erase their own memories and relive their youths again.

I hope to eventually do several other shorter comics going deeper into other myths that will be briefly mentioned in the first story, which is an adaptation of the Abduction of Persephone.

Kore had grown up happily on her mother's farm, but dreamed of more, showing particular interest in the Underworld, specifically its king. A dark secret bars her from entering the realm, but that doesn't stop her as she continues to interact with Hades.

Other myths to be touched on include Minos and the Bull to Theseus and the Minotaur (which of course includes the Fall of Icarus and Dionysus and Ariadne <3 ), the 12 Labours of Heracles, The Myth of Sisyphus, Eros and Psyche, and the early years of Hermes.

As stated in previous posts, in this world, animal sacrifices have fallen out of fashion with mortals and in turn gods have started opening retail establishments or working in the entertainment industry, which mortals can patronize as a form of worship.

Some of my personal favorite establishments is the big three own bars in the heart of Athens, Hades has a nightclub near the flea market, Poseidon has a tiki bar on the beach, and Zeus owns a chain of hotels, the flagship location overlooking his major temple in the city.

Athena runs a university also in Athens, Aphrodite owns a chain of adult toy stores with the flagship location in Sparta, Demeter and Dionysus have a farm shop/farmers market in Sicily, Apollo is a pop idol, Ares operates this world's equivalent of the UFC, and Artemis runs a hunting blog.

[fictionkinfessions]

Alright. Here goes. Long post ahead.

Leo. Sweet, beautiful, tender hearted little Leo. I didn't value you enough. I should have taken more time to look out for you and make sure you were okay. I should have been a better friend. We all should have been. I miss you. I should have done more. I should have let you feel safe enough to open up to me. Festus shouldn't have been your only form of security. You risked your life for us, said it was for Calypso, and then she didn't even truly value how big of a heart you really had. And I could see that it hurt you, but I didn't do enough to be there when you felt most alone. I'm sorry. Please let me back in. I'm looking for you just as much as anyone else in the Seven. I miss the companionship. Our friendship reminded me that we were still mortal, still had vulnerabilities, still had parts of us that just needed to feel human with each other. You were one of the things that kept me human. Thank you.

Piper. My fiesty little dove. I wish I could remember more about you. Everything is a blurr, just like it was back when we first met. I am so, so sorry that even now, people still paint you as something you're not. This fandom still tries to shape you into a narrative instead of letting you just be your authentic self. The biphobia that people have about headcanons of you and I is disgusting, and I know you would probably feel the same. I don't blame you if you feel a need to step away from the fandom or stop looking for me as a result of any confusion or discomfort. I wish I'd been more loyal to you and helped you better process any of your feelings about your identity. Because you're still beautiful to me no matter what you choose. You never let anyone push you into a box, and you were so powerful and real for that. Wherever you are now, I hope you're still proud of yourself and shining as radiant and empowering as ever. Never, ever, ever doubt your ability not just to give love, but to be loved as well. Whatever we were, whatever we are or could be, it doesn't matter what it was called or could be called, because that love I have for you transcends labels.

Will. I know it was difficult for us at first. I was protective of Nico, and didn't want him to get hurt, and hounded both of you while I was getting defensive and overbearing. I did a lot of projecting instead of letting you both have the space to figure things out for yourselves. You were excited to have your first boyfriend, so was he, and I was fearful of seeing it potentially go wrong. It had to go its full course though, and I'm truly sorry if my jealousy or possessiveness over Nico got in the way. You'll always be my little brother though, and I wish only the best for you. I wish I had been more patient and kind. Thank you for being so understanding and patient for me, and allowing me the space to feel welcomed by the Apollo cabin and like I was part of the Camp Halfblood community. It was an escape from the heavy energy and responsibility of New Rome, and there's a lot I could have learned from you if I'd just taken the time to shut up and listen.

Annabeth. I know you didn't trust me. My intentions were never to take Percy from you. I'm sorry for making you feel insecure or intruded upon. Much like with Will and Nico, I guess I was just afraid. You and Percy went through so much together. I can never expect to understand the experiences you shared, and I admittedly feel like I will always be second to you in a lot of ways. I never wanted you to feel second to me. You are a bright, bold, intelligent, courageous and highly diplomatic young woman who I have always had a deep respect for. I only ever wanted for us to be friends, had we ever been able to talk it out and establish those boundaries and vulnerabilities with each other. It's okay, though. Don't ever, ever doubt that Percy loves you. I swear that.

Frank. You're a good guy. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing great. I know your upbringing and heritage made a lot of your position in society quite scary and heavy to carry, and I could have been more available to support you in shouldering all of that responsibility, but you show a maturity and kindness that many could learn from. I have no doubt in my mind that you'd make a brilliant father and a fantastic pioneer for change in New Rome, and I trust that had you carried on after I was gone, you were making the right decisions. Fighting alongside you was an honour, soldier. Be a little nicer to Leo though, okay? He means well.

Hazel. I have nothing but respect for you. I wish I'd gotten to know you better. Thank you for looking after Nico when he needed a sister in his life. You were everyone's sister, and your compassion and kindness never went unnoticed by any of us. Keep on shining.

Clarisse. I know we butted heads, you butted heads with everyone, but it's okay to show your soft side. Not everything has to be a battle. It's okay. You're not alone. Nobody really hated you. You're so much tougher than you give yourself credit for. I enjoyed our friendly banter and sparring. You were a good buddy. Your music taste is still fantastic. Never stop rocking, queen.

Rachel. Thanks for letting me vent. You were invaluable in my times of need. Bless your heart.

Reyna. Get yourself that damn vacation you've been dreaming of all your life. Kick your feet up. Have a margarita. Reward yourself from time to time. You work so so so hard. It's okay. Let yourself rest. The legion will keep going even jf you take a break for yourself. You've earned it. Let yourself rest. More importantly, let yourself sleep girl!

Thalia. Thalia, Thalia, Thalia. What would I have ever done without you? I am... so, so, so sorry I had those fights with you. It's ironic how I turned to the sun and you to the moon, huh? So similar yet so different. But we were always pack, always family. I shouldn't have lashed out when you needed support of your own, even if it did come from someone like Luke. I still feel hurt and like you chose him over me, like how I guess Nico felt about Bianca choosing Artemis as well sometimes... but it never made me hate you, if anything it just made my admiration for you so much stronger. I wish, with all my heart, that I could have been there with you and Grover to prevent those things happening to you, to stop Luke turning on everyone, but I guess destiny just called us in different directions, huh? I can't say I'm happy about how things turned out, but I don't blame you for being angry at our parents about it. Just know that I forgive you, if you have it in your heart to forgive me. I'm sad that we never really reconnected after we found each other again, but I know that you were in good hands with the Huntresses. If we ever reconnect in this life... I want my sister back, and I hope you want your brother back as well. If nothing else, to at least find closure and patch up loose ends. I miss you. I love you. Please be safe.

- Jason Grace #🖤⚡️🦅

x

[thevoidstaredback]

I could give a normal introduction of my OCs, but that's boring and not quite on brand for me. Instead, here's this:

My OCs as some of the Lines that are forever stuck in my head:

Vanessa - "Am I so wrong to wish that they would see things like I do? And am I so wrong to think that they might love me, too?" (The Moon Rises, ponyphonic)

Lilanna - "But such is the way of the limelight, it sweetly takes hold of the mind of its host." (Lullaby for a Princess, ponyphonic)

Ruby - "I'm not gonna love you just 'cause I know that you want me to. If you want love, then the love has got to come from you." (From God's Perspective, Bo Burnham)

Luciel - "I'm gonna be what they want, I'm gonna be what they say. Hey, World, I'll do it your way! You're looking for a monster, it's lucky day. I'll be what you want..." (Build A Wall, Shrek the Musical)

Tazmay - "Now life has killed the dream I dreamed." (I dreamed a dream, Les Miserables)

Dimitri - "But this is it. The deed is done. Silence drowns the sound. Before I leaped, I should've seen the view from halfway down." (The View From Halfway Down, BoJack Horseman)

Joseph - "There's no shame in loving my small town. The only good things that happened to me, happened in Uranium. It took a horrible accident for me to realize how god damn wonderful everything is." (Jawbreaker, Ride The Cyclone)

Vera - "I don't have to live life based on negative parts. No matter how bad they are, they're just thoughts!" (Life Is Fun, TheOdd1sOut)

Sisy - "I'm not crying. I'm laughing. It's all a big joke. It's very funny, Charles. I keep waiting for you to say 'April Fools!' Then I'll rush into your arms and... But, you're not going to, are you? No. Of course not. It's not April." (I Ate The Divorce Papers, Goodbye Charles)

Genji - "I've been thinkin' of our future 'cause I'll never see those days." (Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head), Powfu)

Horus - "I thought these two might be different. Well now I know, they're just like all the rest!" (Build A Wall, Shrek the Musical)

Lucy - "Good, good, we can't be too safe. Promise me you won't go back there, hm? Just...stay here. Are you...you are going to stay here, aren't you?" (The Narrator, The Stanley Parable)

Jacob - "Stanley felt a cool breeze upon his skin, the feeling of liberation, the immense possibility of the new path before him. This is exactly the way, right now, that things were meant to happen. And Stanley was happy." (The Narrator, The The Stanley Parable)

Alessia - "What exactly did The Narrator think he was going to accomplish? When every path you can walk has been created in advance, death becomes meaningless, making life the same. Do you see now? Do you see that Stanley was dead from the moment he hit start?" (Second Narrator, The Stanley Parable)

Justin - "If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have." (Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic '06)

Apollo - "There, see? This is what you want. This is where we can both be happy, we really can. If we stop moving...we just have to stop moving." (The Narrator, The Stanley Parable)

Phoenix - "God forbid I'm seen just as a average human being!" (Main Character, Will Wood)

Wade - "Well I don't wanna eat the rich, I'd have to eat my heroes first. And my tuition's paid by blood, I might deserve your fate or worse." (Rät, Penelope Scott)

Sora - "You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better?" (Karma, AJR)

Raven - "Save yourself, I'm far beyond repair. They will bury me alive, but I'm not inclined to care." (For The Departed, Shayfer James)

[saberamane]

Just had the most sureal experience in my life.

Im outside, walking my baby Loki (see below) minding my own business. And some lady walking towards me on the sidewalk pauses, and gets this outraged look on her face. So of course I stop and look at her (likely with a 'wtf is wrong with you' face) and she says to me:

"You really should have him muzzled. He's dangerous. There's kids living in this neighborhood, he could bite someone."

...Excuse the absolute fuck out of me?!?!?

I will be the first person to say Loki gets overly excited with new people, and hasn't spent much time around children, but he wouldn't ever bite someone. Shes basing this fact on how he looks.

He looks like a rottweiler, mostly, but he is a complete mutt. His mom was a purebred (a Catahoula Spotted Leopard dog, to be precise) and his dad was a mutt (of black lab, dalmation, and dutch shepherd). She's saying I should muzzle him just on his looks, when she knows nothing about him. WTF?

And for context there's quite a few different breeds of dogs in the neighborhood. Way down the road is a dalmation, there's 3 different great danes in the area, a husky/shepard mix behind my house, at least 2 boxers, several labs and golden doodle's, and lets not forget all the ankle biters that will absolutely bite someone, given the chance.

I hate people who judge based on looks. I'd bet she wouldn't have said a damn thing to anyone else walking their dog and minding their own business.

Loki (right), his full-blooded brother Apollo (left) and baby Lily (the calico feigning innocence between Apollo's front legs)

You're going to tell me to muzzle a dog that lives with 2 cats (whom he loves dearly) and tries his best to curl up on a door mat? (despite having 4 dog beds to choose from in the house)

And FYI Lily is now queen of the house, a hefty 20 pound calico made of spite and acid and eternally angry at the world.

And the brother she never asked for, but walked into my house like he owned the place when I was letting the dogs out to potty.

(Ignore his sinister look, he absolutely isn't planning on how to take over the world.)

[myburntwritings]

Day 27: The most special visit to the City for you.

I had great shows. I had some truly incredible shows. But honestly, I don't believe I had a singular 'most special' show. My special moments were so split across various visits that I don't think I could choose between them.

Perhaps, if I'd had a singular special show near the beginning of my visits, I would feel differently. However, honestly, I'm almost glad I didn't. I know me, and I would have been chasing that 'special show' again, and that would have led to constant measuring against a likely unattainable goal. I'm glad my special moments were spread around, because that made them more special in my mind and not comparable to the others.

If I'm having to pick a singular show, the only reasonable answer for me is the final show, 24th September 2023. We're now over a month after the show closed, and I still haven't spoken publicly about why this show was so incredibly special to me. This is in part due to the personal nature of what made it special, but also because I didn't want to brag. I didn't want to upset anyone who perhaps didn't get the same level of cathartic gratitude that I was lucky enough to experience.

My desire not to upset others is not down to reactions from other people. I have never received anything other than excitement and joy when I have been gifted an interaction they perhaps didn't get while on the same loop. Everyone I know in the Burnt City community has been unwaveringly supportive of the spread of love when it comes to special moments. This is my own internalised fear, baseless given previous interactions with fellow fans. But, things get bigger when we internalise them, don't they?

Everyone who knows me personally, who met up with me before or after shows, who were the recipients of my 'Burnt City Story Times' (actually only one person, but she knows well enough.) knows without a doubt who my favourite performers are. Standing in the queue before the show, when someone would inevitably ask who I planned on following, there was the 'of course you are' response when I told them I planned on following Georges, Seirian, Milton, or Tim. I so enjoyed their performances that I followed them repeatedly. And if I didn't know who I was going to follow, others would invariably find me following one of these talented performers at some point during the show.

It also helped that these performers held roles of some of my favourite characters, so if I wanted to follow a favourite character, there was a good chance I was following one of these performers.

For my final show, I wanted to split my time between my favourite performers, as much as I wanted to see favourite characters. I had planned on doing Apollo, Kronos, Apollo so I could see both Seirian and Georges in the role of Apollo, and follow Milton for his final loop as Kronos.

I had a premium ticket, so got into the building reasonably early (that VIP/Premium queue was LONG) and as I was having my ticket scanned, a FOH black mask gently gripped me by the elbow and pulled me aside. She told me that she knew I'd been to the show a lot, and if I wanted to skip the museum entry, they would be letting some people in through one of the side doors in Peep. The queue was huge, I think they were trying to relieve some of the pressure of people getting in. She told me where to go in Peep and left it to my decision.

Once in Peep, I asked one of the FOH staff if I was in the right place. I didn't need to go through the museum again, and the crowd around the entrance was already getting unmanageable for me to stand in that crush for an extended period. They said yes, I was in the right place, and if I wanted to grab a few friends who also wouldn't mind skipping the museum, that was fine. A few, mind. Don't go around telling everyone.

I grabbed three friends and told them about the side entrance. They all happily joined. There were maybe a dozen of us waiting in the side area of Peep. As the first group were let into the mask room, we were ushered to the door and handed stamped masks. We were told we could keep these masks, and they opened the door Apollo and Artemis usually enter Peep by, six of us let through. The next group would be let in as the second main group entered the mask room.

The first group were still in the mask room, or maybe just being sent through to Hades. We six were the first people in the space; an incredible privilege.

I went into the Town Square, and found Louis J Rhone as Polymestor stood in the centre of the square, taking a moment to himself. He noticed my arrival, nodded, and walked away. I was practically floating that I was so lucky as to be one of the first people in the space, and I decided that I wanted a final moment alone in the Tenement Square, one of my favourite locations. So, I headed straight there.

Only, I wasn't alone. I wasn't the first into that space. Milton Lopes was already stood in the Tenement Square. He was stood next to the pillar, not doing anything. I went and stood in my favourite spot (see Day 9 answer) and Milton and I just watched each other. Gods only know what he was thinking, but we both just stood there, letting it all soak and sink in.

Tenement Square slowly filled in around us, and when he moved to start his loop, I knew I couldn't stick with my plan. I currently hate Hades for being right that words cannot describe it. The feeling that went through me at that moment. I couldn't not follow Milton into the Cyclops room. I wouldn't be able to leave his loop until he did. I knew I would regret it if I did anything else. I would never stop regretting it if I didn't go with my instinct to follow him after that moment, the two of us reflecting in the Tenement Square.

Now, it's worth noting here that I have not been the recipient of any interactions from Milton in any role for some months at this point. The one scripted interaction I received was that he threatened me with the chisel maybe a month or two before. He knows how many times I've followed. He knows I've had all of the interactions before, and Milton was always so good at choosing new people to interact with where he could.

So, by the time we get into the tenement rooms for what I call the 'forwards backwards' sequence, I am comfortable with the fact that this would be like every other show. He would give interactions to the people he didn't recognise. He takes the seat in the first room and picks up the litter-picker device. There are a lot of people behind me trying to see, so I skirt around the edge to stand behind the chair and watch the interaction.

Only, he looks over his shoulder at me and snaps the picker in my direction. I cautiously step forwards, and he takes hold of the rim of my mask with the picker, lifting it up onto my head. He throws the picker aside and approaches me. He puts my mask back in place, he holds my shoulders tightly, and leans in towards me.

"Thank you."

Another thing you should know about me at this point is that I am an emotional sap. I cry at anything. I'm crying writing this. But those two words from one of my favourite performers in a show that I have loved so fiercely, broke me into pieces. Milton moved off to the continue through the rooms, and I was frozen, tears streaming down my face as the rest of the sizeable group of people on the loop filed past me after him.

A number of people passing by me were friends, and each of them grasped me by the arm, by the hand, by the shoulder. A squeeze of understanding, perhaps of recognition that they would be exactly the same in my situation.

I stayed at the back of the group. I waited for the backwards portion, and to see the Kronos wall crawl from the far end. We went into Klub, and I watched that scene from behind Polymestor's desk so that I could see Polydorus dancing in the office while Polymestor, Kampe, and Kronos performed in Klub. My favourite position to watch that scene.

We returned downstairs, and through the rest of the loop, as expected, a variety of people were chosen for each interaction. I'd had my interaction, my gift. I was exceedingly happy with that. But I had always known I wanted to follow Milton for his final loop, so I stuck around in the tenement square over reset as he took someone for the 1:1. I watched Apollo and Cassandra dance with Seirian as Apollo, so I was thrilled I got to see that.

And onto loop 2 we went.

This time it was as we were leaving Klub. In the Elysium hotel corridor, Milton's Kronos would storm back through the crowd and then find a spirit to sniff as he tries to work out what is following him. I've had this interaction on many occasions, (I sometimes joke that I was sniffed so often, Milton could probably pick out my perfume at the Boots counter) and knowing I'd had my moment in loop 1, I was not expecting for Milton to slam his hand against the wall right next to my head. He sniffed me, and then pulled back to look me in the eye.

He nodded and set off again. And once again, I found myself frozen for a moment as my brain caught up.

In loops 2 and 3, it is directly after this interaction that Kronos goes down and selects the mid-loop 1:1. The crowd around Kronos was huge at this point. Going down the stairs, I was at least a dozen people back, and there were at least another dozen behind me as he did a backbend on the banisters and stared up the stairs at us.

I was easily in the third row of the circle of people around the 1:1 door. There were people who had been around since the beginning of the loop, and those who had started following as we left Klub. Milton shone the torch around people's shoes as he always did, and there was a lot of shuffling as he moved around the group. Then, very suddenly, he turned the torch back, thrust his hand between two other followers, and held it right in front of me.

We went into the room, and he locked the door behind us. I am on the verge of laughing with the absurdity of it, and crying with gratitude. By the time we lay on the trolley under the car, I was emotional.

"I'm going to tell you the story of your life."

I was openly sobbing again. Tears streaming into my hair as he told me of the labyrinth. A very wet laugh as he remembered an out-of-show conversation we'd had almost a year earlier and reworded it into the text.

I'd had this 1:1 twice with Milton. Both times were before the change where the performer would put the minotaur head on. As such, I never saw the Minotaur with Milton, as he would tell you to close your eyes back in the early days, and apparently I do what I'm told.

I didn't see it this time either. Instead of putting the head on, he invited me into a hug which I gratefully accepted. I never saw the Minotaur while with Milton's Kronos. This fact amuses me.

We left the 1:1 and went straight back into the Tenement Square. Milton performed a crucifix aerial move against the wall, went into room 8 and closed the door... and he was done. The next time the door opened with Louis' Polymestor carrying Polydorus into the room, it was Nick's Polymestor who emerged afterwards, and Louis Kronos.

Milton's performances were done.

Obviously, I can't speak to Milton's reasoning for choosing me, or his feelings about that final show. All I can do is be incredibly grateful that he chose to share some of these final moments with me. That his performance (and I have said that it was never about the 1:1s, it was always his performance that kept me coming back) that Sunday afternoon was so deeply emotionally impacting on me. I don't think I will ever forget it.

I left Kronos behind to go and find Apollo.

I found Apollo in Peep, and followed Georges as he went through the Troy backstreets to his reset. I was stood beside one of my best friends, the person who introduced me to Punchdrunk, and an equal Georges' Apollo fan as he laid on the ledge over the door and reached a hand out to the both of us. I nudged her forwards to take his hand.

Every performer in that final show was giving it their everything. Georges Hann was incredible as he went through Apollo's story one final time. He beamed bright as sunshine when happy, and was entirely devastating when he wasn't.

I've said before that Georges was my Apollo. One of my favourite performers in my favourite role, and finishing this incredible, emotional rollercoaster of a show with him was perfect. It was absolutely everything I could have asked for, and I can't imagine spending that final loop with a character other than Apollo. That it was Georges in the role was as devastating as it was wonderful.

After the show ended (yes, with lots of tears during the finale from me) most people were filing out. I hung back, letting the majority go through first so that I wouldn't be stuck in tight spaces. Across no man's land, I saw a friend, @my-burnt-city (thankfully dressed in a furious pink dress, so easy to spot) also saying goodbye to the space. We clocked each other, and without a word, we both practically ran into a tight, emotional hug.

As we left, we got one final drink from the crate room water cooler (best water in show) and went around the crate room toasting everything from the best water cooler to Sallie the horse to the 1:1 crate. A final little ridiculous moment shared in this fabulous space.

And that is what makes this particular show so incredible. Not only the perfect gifts of performances and interactions from personal favourites, but the inexplicable understanding that everyone is feeling such similar emotions. That we all fell so deeply in love with everything this show gave us, and as it came to the end, we were supporting each other.

I think I hugged more people in that one show than I have any other combined. I like to think the performers were grateful for our love of them and everything they gave us.

And that's something truly special.

[bluebelleisabelle]

7, 11, 12, and 14 for the ask game?

7. Favorite G3 parent(s)?

Apollo is definitely up there! Best dad award goes to...

But also, Dracula is great too! I love how much character development he's received this season. Starting from being super stubborn and non-approachable about witchcraft to being like "I'll try to bend the rules and make witchcraft acceptable" and "here, daughter of mine, let me help you with your witch studies!" Like, what a great dad T-T also, his egotistical moments can be really funny! That whole interaction he had with Apollo about his "really handsome friend" was hilarious. Other parents are wonderful too, we just don't get to see them a ton. Lyra and Medusa are adorable, and the way Medusa described how she fell for Lyra was so sweet 🥺 

11. Any G3 ships you'd like to see?

The only ship I'm a die hard fan of is clankie, and they're canon 💅 not to brag or anything SHHJSH /lh. So basically, more clankie!! I hope we get to see more of them being together in season 2. Maybe there will be a date episode...👀

But, I know it was stated in the MH bible that Clawdeen is a lesbian. Even if the bible isn't real, would love to potentially see her embark on a gay little storyline! But single icon Clawdeen is also wonderful!

12. Are there any canon relationships (platonic or otherwise) in G3 you enjoy or don't enjoy especially?

hehehe I wonder what ship I enjoy...

IT'S CLANKIE OF COURSE!! XD

They're just so adorable!! And queer love is so precious!

Platonic-wise, I love Deuce and Frankie's relationship. With Portrait of a Monster being my favorite episode, their friendship dynamic/interactions are so fun!

For ones I don't enjoy... there's none in particular I hate. I just feel like some are exceptionally rushed. Like Gil and Lagoona. They only had two episodes (one being Gil's introductory episode) before they ended up going to the Monster Ball together. If people ship them though, then that's totally chill and I respect you :) if you don't ship them, that's also totally chill, and I respect you too!

14. You have been given the chance to design the G3 version of one G1-introduced character. Who do you choose?

Ooo this one is tough. Probably Heath...💀 I've gotten used to his design, but at first, it was jarring for a lot of people to see HSJHJ (no offense, Heath). I like some of the changes they made. As weird as it sounds, I kinda like the bald-ness XD I feel like it makes sense that his hair is literally fire that can be put out at any time. Not sure how I feel about the blue in his design; blue and orange (which is a large part of his color scheme) are on opposite ends of the color wheel, so it sorta throws me off a little. I'd probably have a fun time integrating more red/orange/black colors into his outfits and design :)

[cha-melodius]

Hello (and guess what, I'm sending a 'normal' ask for once😉)

So, I love your TMFU AU's headcanons and I felt like sending you one for your consideration: Apollo 13 (the movie (hoping you've seen it otherwise this will a bit spoilery...)).

Illya, Napoleon and Gaby are the three astronauts meant to board the rocket and fly it to the moon (while Waverly is the Flight Director guiding the mission from earth.) They are a tightknit team who've come to trust each other with their life after hours and hours of training. Of course, Illya and Napoleon have fallen for each other along the way, and although they suspect their feelings may be returned, none of them has dared to make a move yet. Gaby is growing tired of seeing those two idiots dance around each other but, as the launching day approaches, she figures out she can wait a few more days before making them confront their feelings.

Only, days before the launch, Napoleon learns that he has been exposed to the measles, and since the NASA can't afford having an astronaut fall sick in space, he is replaced with his backup (I have no idea who that could be, but I like the idea of making a crossover with another spy movie franchise and bring in Colin Firth or something 😋). Illya and Gaby are not quite happy - not that the new guy is not competent, only he's not Napoleon -, but it's not like they can do anything about it anyway. Napoleon has thus to stay on earth and watch as a spectator as the rocket rises in the sky.

On the third day of the mission, an electrical short causes an explosion and the rocket starts loosing fuel. the NASA has no choice but to abort the moon landing, but that's not the worst part: with a damaged craft and little energy left, the astronauts might not make it back to earth either. Ground control gather the best experts to find solutions to (safely) bring the crew back home, and Napoleon (who did not get measles after all) is the most dedicated of them all. No one on earth knows the craft better than he does, and he'll be damned if he cannot find a way to work something out!!

I just think this AU offers so much possibilities (ok, so much angst 😅). Between the announcement that Napoleon has to step back (maybe Illya and/or Gaby say they won't go without him and Napoleon is the one to convince them to go anyway - then blames himself for it after the explosion?), the conversations between Ground Control and the crew (in my head, Waverly is the main interlocutor but Napoleon steps in to explain the required procedures/modifications...of course the communications are public and probably recorded, and though I can't see Napoleon make an outright confession, I can see him slip in allusions, choose his words to show how much he cares...), the deteriorating life conditions in the craft (the heat turned off, the carbon dioxide filters running out, the automatic navigation systems shutting down,...), the excruciatingly long seconds of radio silence... (and of course, as a bonus, the reunion!)

Just thought I'd dropped that here in case it may interest you (or you've got more ideas to add...) 😊

I have to admit I smiled at your warning that this might be spoilery, because somewhere in my parent's house there's a copy of the book Apollo 13 that I got signed by Jim Lovell on a class trip to the Huntington Space & Rocket Center shortly after the movie came out. So I am quite familiar with the story, as it turns out. 😅 (I loooooved that movie. It sparked a little space phase for me.)

Also oh my goodness, this is a wonderful setup for a super angsty story, lol. Especially with them not admitting their feelings before the launch! This is definitely torture Napoleon hours—not only does he not to get to go on the mission, he has to watch as two people he's super close to, one of whom is the love of his life, facing near certain death and not be able to do anything about it. I can imagine someone trying to keep him out, maybe Waverly as the mission director has an inkling of what they mean to him and so he worries about letting Napoleon be involved because he's so emotionally invested.

Then in the actual discussions, Napoleon would at first not be the one doing the talking, as you suggest, but I can see him taking over in a moment of emergency. He just jumps in, because this would be so much easier if he could just talk to them. And of course, the moment Illya hears his voice he's kind of stunned, there's silence on the line and people kind of freak out. I imagine Illya would be torn because of course Napoleon knows the ship better than almost anyone, but at the same time he knows he's staring down certain death and he doesn't want Napoleon to be there for it. Their communications (which were absolutely recorded and public) would become increasingly fraught, and I love the idea of them trying to say it without saying it, because this might be the last time they have to speak together.

So yeah, the A N G S T. Oof. But the reunion would be everything, I'm picturing them both just about running into each other's arms and kissing, not caring who is watching (it's the whole world, the whole world is watching lolol). Thanks for sending this in, it's a great AU idea!

[littlesparklight]

In myths Zeus seems to have a better relationship with his children that are important in society, like Athena, Apollo and Hermes. But how would you describe what makes him like a child and want to spend time with them, versus what makes him have a contentious relationship with a child. Because it can't just be about approval and obedience.

I know I've talked a little about Zeus and his relationship to his children before, but :V I'm not going to try and find those posts lol

Anyway uh, first thing I feel is kinda important to point out - absence of any interaction (positive or negative) with Zeus and any given offspring of his in myth can't be taken as "he has a negative relationship with them".

The only one we unequivocally know Zeus doesn't like and definitely has a (up to the Iliad, at least, which is at the end of the myths bar some stragglers) contentious relationship with is Ares. He straight up tells us (well, Ares) why he doesn't like him, and still helps him promptly.

Does he have a good or bad relationship with, say, Hebe? The Charites? The Muses? We don't know. It's not like it comes up (there's no need for it to come up/no stories/myths/poems/etc, if they were written about that, like Callimachus' literary hymn to Artemis where she goes to her father, has survived). I'd default to "it's usually good" because assuming that he doesn't just because we don't see anything either way... just seems like one is assuming a priori that of course no one likes Zeus, etc.

I think you could just as well ask why he likes Athena, Hermes, Artemis and Apollo, because it's not as if we actually get much of any reasons for that either. He likes Athena because... she comes mostly/only from him, because her war domain is more "aristocratic" than Ares, because she is like him? Your pick/guess. She certainly isn't always obedient and he instead usually bends the rules he has just set up for everyone else for her (see you the Iliad).

He absolutely has a contentious relationship with Apollo, but I also interpret their relationship as mostly positive, too.

An example; yes, he grants Athena and Artemis to stay virgins - because they specifically ask for this particular status. He has quite a lot of other divine daughters who never marry (and some of them variously have demigod offspring at least once, but those trysts/marriages are only temporary, the mortals left behind). So does he like Artemis and Athena better... or did he just give them what they asked for, while allowing his other daughters to do as they wished, without any need for specific virgin status?

I think we're better served looking at it from another angle; who he chooses to put close to work with.

Apollo asks for, and gets, the official position as disseminator of the knowledge of fate as it pertains to mortals from Zeus. Note; this ultimately comes from Zeus. Apollo is a middleman, and claims the exclusive spot for this. Other divination is unreliable/can be false, exactly because it doesn't come down through the ~official channel~. And Apollo, we know, isn't particularly obedient all the time, so clearly 100% obedience isn't a trait necessary. Perhaps he values Apollo's approach, etc.?

Hermes is another important one. I feel like he just likes Hermes' approach/personality, on top of needing Hermes' particular skills. He likes the kid instantly after he's performed his infant larceny, after all! And I suppose you could call Hermes obedient because he certainly does all Zeus has him do, but Zeus also clearly liked a child that showed they were very much not going to be obedient if it got them what they wanted.

I honestly think Zeus does, in general, has a pretty good relationship overall with his many offspring. Most of them he doesn't need to work with closely, so any approval or intimacy isn't going to be spotlighted (or even necessary for day-to-day life).

Also; The ones he seems to like best are the ones he's also most likely to have at least temporarily contentious relationships with!

[miafeystits]

ace attorney (obv) & let's say run with the wind

wooo thank u!!!

ace attorney: (im gonna focus on the mainline series i think but if tgaa shows up well. that's to be expected considering everything about me.)

Favourite character: for the main series honestly its SO hard to decide, i'm constantly going back and forth between trucy, franziska, edgeworth and mia depending on the day. for tgaa well. obviously it's kazuma lmao.

Funniest character: this is so hard because literally every ace attorney character is so funny in their own way i literally don't know how to choose. i guess ill just use this answer to shout out godot & van zieks who, despite both being characters i'm at best kind of eh on, are redeemed in my eyes on account of being the funniest motherfuckers alive in the courtroom.

Best-looking character: look at my url. who do you fucking think.

3 favourite ships: EXTREMELY boring answer sorry but for the main series wrightworth klapollo & franmaya (lanamia coming in a very close 4th), and for tgaa its asoryuu, [redacted on account of spoilers you don't know yet], and susahao/susarei/whatever we're calling it

Least favourite character: the entire cast of turnabout big top lmao. if we're narrowing it down to just major and/or recurring characters though uhhhhhhhhh. larry probably. he has his moments but i'd be perfectly happy never seeing him in an ace attorney game again.

Least favourite ship: i know some are pretty popular but i honestly don't really like almost any ship including van zieks because i simply do not care about him as a person. also i'm personally not comfortable shipping him with people he's like. actively racist towards for large portions of the game lmao.

Reason why I play it: i love mystery/puzzle games!!!!! and also something about this game series permanently altered my brain chemistry and made it so i can never fucking shut up about these games ever. something about how the characters and their relationships in particular are written just really resonates for me i think and that's why i keep coming back--- so much of these games is deeply, deeply silly but that doesn't stop the characters from feeling very very human, idk.

Why I started playing it: honestly i don't fully remember! i think i played the trilogy + apollo justice on my ds around 18/19 ish, and i was just generally going thru a mystery/puzzle/visual novel ds game phase around this time (i also was playing the zero escape series) but i think i'd probably heard about this game via tumblr. and fast forward years later and i have a whole corner of my brain exclusively devoted to ace attorney trivia, thanks shu takumi

run with the wind:

Favourite character: despite the fact that i am fully obsessed with haiji's whole deal my favorite is probably kakeru tbh!

Funniest character: 100% haiji. mansplain manipulate malewife icon. literally who is doing it like him.

Best-looking character: i can't believe i, a lesbian, and being forced to make this call but also. like obviously it's haiji.

3 favourite ships: kakehai is of COURSE number one on account of being the mostly insanely stupidly in love pair of weirdos ever, and to a much lesser extent i'm also fond of musa/shindou. and for a third one idk if this is a ship exactly but i do really like the idea that fujioka & haiji had a Thing when they were younger and are currently something along the lines of amicable exes

Least favourite character: i dont think there's any character i actively dislike (who i'm not Supposed to dislike) but the twins are kind of annoying sometimes. also. hana honey i'm sorry its not your fault that this show can't write women but her character is really flat :/ but that's sports anime for you i guess

Least favourite ship: akane/kakeru is like. Fine i Guess but i much prefer them as friends and really don't understand the popularity of this pairing. kakehai is literally right there guys.

Reason why I watch it: apart from the normal reasons i get into sports anime, run with the wind really resonated with me because it's about young adulthood & the ups and downs that come along with trying to figure out your life at that age. especially since most of the characters don't have lives entirely centered on running and sports, it makes their stories not only enjoyable & charming but also deeply relatable in a lot of ways, esp when you're around that age yourself. i watched the show as it was coming out during my last year of undergrad, and it really captures the anxieties of that stage in life and sticks with me because of that. ALSO. haiji is there and im obsessed with him.

Why I started watching it: once again i don't fully remember but i think it might have been your fault. we definitely watched the show together as it was airing so this is what i'm choosing to believe

[geekhombre]

I love how SHAZAM re-acronyms his name over and over. I also thought it was interesting how in Fury of the Gods Billy recategorized them as gods and mythic figures. Maybe history, too?

Wisdom of Solomon

Strength of Hercules

Courage of Achilles

Power of Zeus

Stamina of Atlas

Speed of Mercury

of course. Then there's Black Adam's

Stamina of Shu

Swiftness of Heru

Strength of Amon

Wisdom of Zehuti

Power of Aton

Courage of Mehen

So how about mix and match...

S - 17 Sobek - crocodile (power, water, toughness?) Surtur - fire Shiva - protector, goodness Saraswati - wisdom, knowledge Surya - sun, life Shakti - energy, life source Set - violence, chaos, strength Sekhmet - protector, anti-disease Shamash - sun, justice Selene - moon Saturn - generation, wealth, plenty Somnus - sleep Sif - law, relationship Sjöfn - love Snotra - clever Sol - sun Skadi - snow, archery H - 19 Hercules - strength Hera - power, cunning, women, birth Hephaestus - forge, creativity Hecate - magic Hades - death Hermes - speed, thievery, messenger Hypnos - sleep Hanuman - trickster, battle skill Hathor - sky/sun, motherhood/sex, music/dance Heh - infinity Hadad - storm, rain Hestia - home, chastity Hyperion - light, power Helios - sun, oaths Heimdallr - brightener, sight Hariasa - hair Hretha - victory Hachiman - agriculture, war Hotei - contentment, mirth, abundance, luck A - 11 Atlas - strength Adonis - beauty, charisma Apollo - sun, prophecy, poetry Athena - wisdom Ares - war Artemis - hunting, wild/wildness Amun - creator Aten - sun Anubis - protector of the dead Ananke -inevitability, compulsion Aurora - dawn Z - 4 Zeus - power, sky, storm Zephyrus - flight Zehuti - wisdom Zelos - rivalry, envy M - 9 Mahes - lion Mercury - speed, messenger Mehen - courage Minerva - wisdom Marduk - power, strength Mnemosyne - memory, inspiration Metis - wisdom, advice, cunning Mars - war Mimir - memory

Really want more Zs. So much so I almost put in Zechariah. I must be missing good As.

If choosing, I'm picking

Shiva - protector, goodness

Hermes - speed, thievery, messenger

Atlas - strength

Zehuti - wisdom

Apollo - prophecy

Mehen - courage

But how I think it should work is randomly. You says SHAZAM you rolls the dice. Using random.org got me:

Snotra - clever

Hariasa - hair

Anubis - protector of the dead

Zehuti - wisdom

Apollo - sun, prophecy, poetry

Mehen - courage

If I wasn't lazy, I'd make an applet.

Ideas for names - please add in the tags. SHAZAM!

Where Mary Marvel originally got her powers from; it is not the same as her brother, Billy, or Freddy Freeman.

While “grace” and “beauty” are nice, I think she’d have been better served with a dose of invulnerability.  Don’t be mistaken: she was invulnerable, but you wouldn’t know it to look at that list.

This was finally addressed very recently.  Mary lost her Shazam powers at the end of this year’s Lazarus Planet event.  However, because of her heroics and bravery, she was endowed with new powers by a cadre of goddesses, NOT the old wizard Shazam.

Mary’s new Shazam powers are:

S - Selene agility

H - Hippolyta strength

A - Artemis stamina

Z - Zephyrus flight

A - Aurora invulnerability

M - Minerva wisdom