#pattern is sus too huh

[callixton]

need to change my theme in like three days but idk what i’m gonna change it to bc i’m basically just hyperfixated on whatever that boy is doing at the moment*

*FLASHING DISCLAIMER COMES UP ON SCREEN BUT THE TEXT KEEPS CHANGING TOO FAST TO REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT ITS DISCLAIMING

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

book 7 part 9 thoughts!!

***THIS POST CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 7 PART 9 OF THE MAIN STORY!!*** Please note: this is NOT meant to be a summary or a translation; these are only my initial thoughts on the events that roughly unfold. There may be details overlooked or misunderstood in this post, so PLEASE do not use this as a translation.

Kind of a short update this time! It spans parts 140 to 157.

As a reminder, only Vil is following Yuu and co. into the next dream. This is because traveling around with too many people may cause a bug in Idia’s dream hacking and/or it may make it easier for Malleus to notice them.

They land in Kalim’s dream!! There is a segment where Vil freaks out about falling and we get to see his cute squeaky-voiced vulnerable side again. (Yes, the others tease him about it 😂)

They use DREAM FORM CHANGE to swap between dorm uniform (for combat) and school uniform (for general interactions within the dream).

And this new location is…

HUH WHATm/s tHIS?????

It seems like the Scalding Sands, but we’ve never seen this before.

OOP THEre’S THE BOY

Those colors look really good on him!! But the hat looks like it’s floating or sitting on just the scalp… It feels like maybe it should be further down on his head. (Sorry about the weird screenshot chsvskwguejsk)

Kalim doesn’t seem to recognize our squad, nor NRC. He says that he goes to Qasr Sultanate Academy (guess that’s where the name of his new uniform comes from). It is founded on the generous spirit of the Oasis’s Master (the Sultan). The school was established 2 years ago by his rich ass father, since this area did not have a magic school prior to that. THIS IS NEPOTISM AT ITS FINEST, FOLKS

***Note: "qasr" -> castle or palace, "sultanate" -> a place governed by a sultan!***

Idia reasons that Kalim might be this way to avoid the tragedies that play out at NRC. The dream is sheltering him…

Everyone is dying of heat, so Kalim uses his UM to give them cool drinking water. He also has some servants (no Jamil) bring the roof over to them to help them cool off???

BUT THEN jAMIL PULLS UP AnD

iT’S SO WEIRD, WhY’ShE SO PERKY AnD KIRAKIRA…………………… ……. …… …. … . ……. .. . … …. . . . HE;S SMILING TOO MUCH, IT;S SUS...... THIS iS wROng (Side note, those colors are also nice on him!)

Dream!Jamil explains that he was hired by Kalim’s father but that their families never cared about their different statuses. In this dream, they basically grew up as real childhood friends and always talk honestly with each other.

The group reminds Kalim that Jamil isn’t REALLY like this. Vil especially lays into him, roasting Jamil’s character and going into how untrustworthy he is, etc.

Jamil tries to keep Kalim in the dream by using Snake Whisper. Eventually Kalim has his breakthrough, which is where the Groovy for his new card comes from. He realizes that he believed in a false yet convenient Jamil, he cannot face him anymore.

WAHHHHH look at him 😭 He’s leaking like a faucet… but he’s also trying so hard to wipe away his tears, to be strong and stand on his own to fight against the fake Jamil! Let’s give him a round of applause, folks 👏

(This also means that there is potentially a pattern being established with these new limited main story cards; the Groovies will probably be the character crying as they have their realization that this world is a fake one. Does that mean… Crying J word next time??????? Maybe??? Or nah??? 😭 GOD PLEASE NO MY HEART WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT—)

Vil tells Kalim that he also did something embarrassing in his own dream so it’s fine. Kalim callously laughs when he hears about Vil bossing Neige around, then quickly apologies because he realizes he was supposed to deny how bad it is.

Kalim joins the party!! He says it feels weird because usually Jamil is the one to wake HIM up.

They hop into Jamil’s dream!! They appear to have landed in a Silk City bazaar. Ortho takes headcount of them like they’re students on a casual field trip, lol

Kalim enjoyed the jump but Vil seems to be having a hard time keeping up. Ortho and Silver will stay with Vil while the rest of them look for Jamil.

Yuu and co. fuck around in the market a little, getting coconut juice (well, Kalim buys 10 at once) and whatever. Guys… now is seriously NOT the time.

While giving them juice, the vendor suddenly becomes hostile towards Kalim and demands payment instead of letting him put it on his family’s tab.

OMG?????? Apparently in Jamil’s dream, the Al-Asims are broke and scam free stuff from the vendors 😭 WHILE JAMIL IS RICH AF

The vendor is calling the POLICE

Silver comes running to save the day!! He says he will pay for his friends and we avoid being hauled off to jail ✨

We continue our search for Jamil, deciding to trek to Kalim’s home in Silk City since that’s where the Vipers live irl. INSTEAD THEY FIND THIS DESOLATE PLACE (reusing the dried up oasis background)

A bystander explains that the Asim familt’s business failed so they had to give up their house. It got moved and repainted black and red… AND NOW JAMIL’S THE MASTER 💀

A guard comes to chase them off and recognizes Kalim as a servant. Turns out, the Vipers bought the old Asim home and employed them as servants to help them out.

… I saw this coming from a mile away, but the cringe of seeing it for myself is too much to bear…

LMAO????? Now we get a rhythmic/twistune of Yuu and co. marching in a parade with Jamil at the head of it.

WhAT YHE FUCK iS ThiS InTERIOR DESIGN, THAT’S LITERLLY A STatUE OF jAfAR DoING THE GOLFING SWING

Jamil is not enrolled in NRC; he is also enrolled in a new magic school called Jahir Sahar College (?).

***Note: "jahir" -> jewels, "sahar"/"sehri" -> wizard or magic!***

Jamil scolds Kaim for wearing a uniform of the wrong color and “corrects” it for him. Kalim casually says thank you but Jamil tells him it is, “JAMIL-SAMA, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!” He reminds Kalim that the Asims owe the Vipers a debt so large that they cannot hope to repay it in their lifetime, so be sure to be useful to him.

… Bro is power tripping so hard 😭

Jamil becomes suspicious of us but Vil plays it off like we’re students come to research the Scalding Sands for a Film Club activity. He allows us to stay but backhanded comments that we look dumb so we won’t pose a threat.

Jamil then offers to give us a tour SiNCE HE’S THE STUDENT COUNCiL PRESIDENT (Rollo called he wants his title back). I’m guessing this is the case instead of him being dorm leader so Jamil is the ONLY top dog around.

Oh yeah!! Minor thing, magic carpet comes in at some point. Its its colors are closer to that of the magic carpet in the Aladdin film.

He orders Kalim to prepare a feast; Kalim provides water with Oasis Maker and grabs food from the kitchen—all of Jamil’s favorites! But no matter how eager to please he is, Jamil tells him off and makes remarks about how useless Kalim is 😔

xbshgejwgsowkw Yuu and co. are like “WOW, Jamil’s imagination is so strong so it’s going to be hard to wake him up!!” It’s okay, you can say he’s delusional/j

Jamil wavers a little because Kalim begins talking about their childhood memories. It’s stirring up his own recollections, and I think the dream’s interpretation of these evens is clashing with the reality that Kalim shares.

Blah blah blah

Dream!Kalim arrives to kiss Jamil’s ass :v aaand Jamil descends into the darkness…

What we see is a potential future in which Jamil succeeded in book 4; Azul and the Scarabia mobs are under his hypnotic influence… Kalim is gone… and Jamil plans to use the dirt Azul has collected to blackmail the other dorm leaders and take them down. (This lends credence to the idea of him being student council president in his dream because he wants to be the ONLY one in charge.)

LMAO????? Jamil shit talks the dorm leaders 💀 Like saying that no one likes Riddle anyway, how Leona is probably another lazy nepo baby, etc.

AnD THEN AfTER THE DoRM LEADERS HE’s PlANNING ON GOInG AfTER CROWlEY’S iRRESPONSibLE aSS 😭 Jamil has his sights set on ruling over the entire school…

AyO??????????

I THINK KALIM PUNCHED JAMIL AnD THEYmRE fISTFIGHTING?????? PLEASE, THIS IS PATHETIC

They shout about the things they hate the most about each other. Jamil hates Kalim’s optimism, Kalim finally FINALLY declares that he hates how two-faced Jamil is. It’s so intense even the hypnotized students are stunned????

Sebek wants to pummel Jamil too but Silver holds him back. His reasoning??? Sometimes people get emotionally charged and it’s better for them to let those out through their fists instead of their words.

I cannot believe that Silver Vanrouge in our lord 2024 really went, “No, no. Let them cook :)” 🤡

Kalim starts laughing because this is a unique experience to him?? Apparently he and Jamil never fought for real in the 17 years they knew each other. Jamil agrees and says if he neat Kalim up “irl” it would cause problems for everyone… and he realizes his wording and begins questioning the dream world because of that.

He finally wakes up! xbsnbsjwkwkwvdk Kalim is so excited his live 2D model is bouncing on the screen!

The goop returns and drags Jamil to a familiar scene where he OBs and then squares off against his Phantom, similar to what happened with Idia and Vil. Jamil calls his OB self pathetic and always looking for someone to blame. He now sees that view as narrow-minded and limiting.

His Phantom tries to goad him by likening their situation to being genies trapped in a dark and small space, existing to be used their entire lives and not being allowed the freedom they wish for. Admittedly, Jamil has pretty cool lines, saying he doesn’t like the Phantom forcing its own wishes on him. He’s reclaiming his freedom by renouncing the idea of pitying himself. He doesn’t plan to spend his whole life inside that lamp and his wallowing, he is going to make his own wishes come true—not 3 or 10 or 100, but every single one.

(Cue insane Jamil laughter here)

He of course gains the upper hand and rises victorious. Jamil tells Dream!Kalim that he is so polite and subservient it’s disgusting, then he uses Snake Whisper to send him away.

Jamil says there’s no point in changing roles or positions because ultimately the power to decide what happens is his and his alone. He also says he is not interested in power or freedom granted to him by someone else… He will take what he wants on his own! (Not sure why he’s announcing this when no one asked, but pop off I guess 😂 Vil gave a similar speech when he was facing his own demons, but shorter and I don’t think Idia just mumbled to himself before getting back in contact with Ortho.)

Meeting back up with Yuu and co., Jamil is added to the party! (Kalim tries to glomp him in a hug but Jamil expertly dodges ‘xbssvzjav$c(/?/)

Okay, so Vil is staying behind because he doesn’t feel well and doesn’t want to hold the group back. Kalim also stays behind because he’s still covered in bruises and such from fist fighting Jamil. This will probably be another pattern that occurs moving forward; only the OB boy moves on with the group.

Next time… Octavinelle’s dreams and maybe J word crying card 👀!

I think by this time, we already know what to expect in terms of general events. Going into a dream, experiencing it for a short time, learning shocking news about the circumstances, character uses UM, character learns the truth, character cries and fights the dream (who is trying to keep them there), character joins party. If it’s an OB boy, then they will get more screen time and a dedicated segment to fighting their Phantom and then giving a speech about their character development before joining us. Then only the OB boy will dream hop with the Yuu, Grim, Silver, Sebek, Idia, and Ortho while the boys stay behind with the projected selves Ortho creates. Rinse and repeat the formula, and you can probably easily predict what’s coming in future updates.

In terms of this update, I gotta say that I’m impressed Kalim finally followed through on the promise of decking Jamil… a promise he made all the way back in book 4!! While he doesn’t do it with any malicious intent, I think it’s a large stride going forward in having Kalim assert himself and acknowledge the faults that Jamil very obviously has.

As for Jamil... I think it’s becoming pretty obvious what they’re going for in those OB boy scenes; clearly, they mean to have it be like he is speaking to his “other half” in the mirror, a reflection of himself. In this way, each boy confronts the worst aspects of them and comes to terms with it. It’s meant to represent their character growth from when they first appeared in the main story. I’m just… not sure if I like how it’s been handled overall; I do like everyone’s speeches so far (they are good; Jamil’s especially slays with all the thematically appropriate allusions to genies and wish-granting), but I’m less enthusiastic about the context under which these speeches are given. I will most likely make a separate post going into detail about this, but I figured I’d at least lay my general thoughts out here first.

ahbfbyoqwv8yfqwv8q The highlight of this update this time was just seeing how unhinged Jamil's desires are when given no limitations. It's such a shockingly large role reversal to stick himself in the head honcho seat with zero opposition AND force Kalim into being humbled. When the tables turn on him, Jamil is so quick to being a ruthless and cold master 💦 HE'S FR THE TYPE OF GUY THAT ISNT JUST SATISFIED SUCCEEDING, HE ALSO NEEDS YOU TO FAIL The more of these dreams we see, the more we get the sense that Malleus's idea of happiness is VERY shallow. This was something already verbalized by Idia last update, but I feel it needs repeating because of how difficult to resolve Kalim and Jamil's relationship is. The way his solutions are so... absolute (Kalim and Jamil being besties and/or a complete role reversal) reminds me of the points I often hear from fans who say, "Kalim could free Jamil! Kalim should talk to his dad!" There's good intentions behind it, but it ultimately misses the forest for the trees (that being the complicated social nuances surrounding their families). It's an out-of-body experience seeing that viewpoint displayed via Malleus's magic, but it also feels cathartic to see it being dispelled as being nothing close to reality.

Those are all my thoughts for now!! Really looking forward to the next installment :)) and its potential for... crying J word... Though who knows, maybe it’s just for light trio only and I’m delulu—

[mr-crawlings-wife]

Cat in the Rabbit Hole~

Prologue-1

Next part, Masterlist.

Warnings: Arson, ooc

There was a fire. A flame so bright and blue, it was all consuming.

All around me, I was surrounded. Woken up from my sleep. Disturbed and attacked.

It was hard to breathe. I tried moving away. Until I couldn't.

I was locked in some sort of box. The fire illuminating the darkness inside.

Coughing violently, I clutched my chest as smoke entered my body. Making it harder to breathe the more time flowed.

What- Is this...my execution?

....

Seems like Master Jinshi didn't honor my request.

How unfortunate. To be burned...

I tried flipping the pages of my memory. Even as the fire encapsulated the entirety of the front of my coffin.

Nothing.

How come I have no recollection of what I had done? All i remembered was walking towards father's house after picking herbs and on the way...there was a horse's loud gallop behind me...

I was about to accept my fate when the edges of my sleeves began to burn and the flames touched my skin and I was jolted out of my thoughts. I immediately patted it out.

It then occurred to me, that I was standing.

Since the coffin is upright and the lid is burning, maybe I can get out if I push-

The lid flew off.

And what greeted me was a... strange looking creature. It had gray fur, ears that had blue flames coming out of them, a forked tail and the most odd detail, it was standing on its hind legs and talking.

"Now to grab the goods..-What?! You ain't supposed to be awake!" The...cat shouted? It surprised me how... expressive it's face was.

This must've been the one that almost set me on fire..What the hell..

Immediately shoving past it, I made a run for it.

"HEY! WAIT- GIVE ME YOUR CLOTHES HUMAN! YOU AiN'T GIVEN ME YOUR CLOTHES-!" I could hear the padding of it's paws beating heavily on the ground. It was following me! I need to get out of here!!

As I turned over the corner, the vase I had just passed by got encased in flames.

"HEY GET BACK HERE YOU-"

"STOP FOLLOWING ME-!" I was too disoriented to focus on his words. My body was moving on its own accord. My legs carrying me anywhere. Somewhere. Nowhere.

I began to run in a zig zag pattern.

I ran through classrooms, courtyards, hallways. Every place shrouded in darkness. Making it harder for me to see as I seldom tripped on the edge of many somethings.

"YOU BETTER STOP NOW BEFORE I TURN YOU TO TOAST, HUMAN! I WAS BEING KIND BUT NOT ANYMORE!"

It was starting to get breezy as I had come to realize that this creature was quite bad at aiming. My panic lessening as I could feel myself formulating a plan.

That was until I ran into a library. My face slamming into the hard cover of an old dusty book.

What was it doing mid air?

I fell on my butt and right then, the creature arrived. Blocking my only escape as I'd come to realize that this was a dead end.

Just my luck.

"Heh! You're so stupid! Foolish human! Did you really think you could slip away from ME? The GREAT Grim?? Myahhahha!"

I looked over my shoulder at the howling creature as it puffed its chest out in moment of self gloating.

I huffed and puffed, sucking in air desperately. Too breathless to speak. As a slight wetness touched my top lip. Blood..

So Grim huh...

This feels like a dream.. but hurts like reality.

I watched as it continued to blabber on about its greatness. Glancing down, I took notice that 'it' was a he.

He seemed to notice.

"WHAT are you looking at? HUH??" He sounded embarrassed. "Now unless you want to be burnt to a crisp, take that off-“ why does he want me to strip....

Am I....did I accidentally ingest a red cap?

My heart was beating in my throat, making me nauseous.

He seemed pissed off by my lack of response.

As he was about to throw another fireball, I finally was able to calm my breathing.

"What- why are you doing this?“

He seemed enraged at my question. "why am I doing this?? Have I not made myself CRYSTAL CLEAR yet?? How many times have I told you that I want your clothes?? God humans are such dimwits!“ he had his paws on his..hips? As he yelled, frustrated by me.

So that's all he wanted? Just my clothes?

I looked down at my body and was surprised to see myself adorned in different clothes than my usual aoqun hanfu. This robe with it's dark violet base and gold threading was luxurious. Silk perhaps? But it felt cheaper than the kind Lady Gyokuyou adorned herself with. Still seemed like it'd sell for a pretty penny. Would they execute a commoner dressed like this?

It occurred to me that I had clothes underneath too.

Well then I guess this robe isn't needed anymore.

I took it off. Sliding it off my shoulders as Grim cheered and extended his paw out. "Give it up! Myash! Finally! What was the point of all this chasing??“

I was still wearing my hanfu under it. I felt glad. At least I don't have to escape through whatever this place is half naked.

I handed it to him. Desperate to get him off my metaphorical tail.

He took it and grinned widely.

Huh....the thing looked... almost sweet.

"Hahaha! Thanks!" He quickly adorned it. Frowning when it didn't fit him. The hood too big, hiding his entire face and the waist dragging against the floor. I didn't pay much mind as I stood and began to look around. Swiping at the slow flowing blood trickling out of my nose.

"Damnit! It doesn't fit me at all!" He stomped his foot a few times on the tiles before lighting up and raising a finger in the air. As if an idea had struck him. How comical.

At this point I'd walked past him and towards the door.

I watched as he burned off the edges until the trim was just at his feet and the hood just above his nose. He cheered, and then rushed past me. Down the hallway he went, the same one he had chased me through. "See ya later dimwit!“

I sighed.

What am I to do now? Where is this place? It's definitely not the rear palace or the outer court.

I touched a floating book. Moving it away from my face.

The architecture was very western. Like the land of those foreign envoys..

Whatever... Let's find an exit first.

As I turned around-

I bumped into someone.

"My, are you the lost student?" The person was adorning a beak like mask, his primary colours being violet, black and gold. His cane even had a gold bird on it. His attire was a weird clash between ravens, mirrors and keys.

"Yes sir?“ I was unsure of what honorifics to use with him.

Gold... he's rich.

To summarise, he looked a bit gaudy.

"well your lack of robes suggests otherwise..." He stroked his chin with his clawed- WAIT! Those finger coverings! Those are only permissible for matriarchs and ladies of the highest standing! Then...is he a...woman? But his heavy baritone suggests otherwise...

An eunuch maybe? But they're not allowed to wear those- "WHA- GREAT SEVENS!"

He seemed to have taken notice of the burnt scraps Grim had left. Rushing over, he knelt on the ashes and brought the scraps up to his face. Letting his tears soak into them. "GREAT SEVENS! TO HAVE THE PRECIOUS CEREMONIAL ROBES OF OUR ESTEEMED ACADEMIA BE DISRESPECTED LIKE THIS! HOW BLASPHEMOUS!....*SOB*....HOW COULD THEY??“

I'm dead now for sure...

"YOU!“ He lifted his tearful gaze at me, morphing into a glare.

I immediately dropped to my knees on floor and planted my forehead on the tiles. Mustering the most innocent sounding tone I could, "A monster in gray desired said robe sir...I had no choice but to hand it over...I was not in a position to bargain...those scraps are the results of its attempt at resizing. I apologize for being unable to stop it."

"My oh my! Child stand! No need to bow!“ there was clear mirth in his tone.

As I sat up again, I noticed that he had a look of delighted surprise on his features. Maybe he wasn't of high standing after all if he didn't receive bows often.......

"Anywho!" He stood up and with the snap of a finger, the ashes sticking to his knees and on the floor disappeared.

Yep...magic..

"That confirms your identity as a student! Let us be on your way! We must make haste!“ he rushed off down the hall before I could respond.

Guess I have no choice....

I followed after him.

[midnight1nk]

So, this week's episode...

[Spoilers below cut]

OOH, I'm VERY excited to see another Karen episode today! Back to our roots, huh Team. I see you 😌↕️ and still got "SMG4:" prefix in the title there...

also the pattern's shattered but meh *shrugs* who cares about that

Alright, chat, all bets in! Are we getting the arc this time? Let's see...

(the following is my live reaction:)

SMG4 being sponsored by a DC game oh shit, they've really come a long way..... ROGER CRAIG SMITH?! IN MY SMG4 EP?! welp i did not have that in my bingo card

really funny considering some pages of the Sonic x DC crossover are popping up on the same day (my favorite blue guys 💙)

anyway, about the SMG4 Batman signal....

oh... we're really starting off like this, huh

I can already tell this is going to be an emotional episode. god, this really hits heavy with inflation and stuff.

no... please don't tell me....

NO NO NO

"Eviction notice: Indeed, you have been evicted from the premises. Effective immediately, you are to get the actual hell away from this place. You don't have to go home but you can't stay here. Which was home. Geddit?"

ALREADY TRYING TO PISS ME OFF? BC OH BOY IS IT WORKING. YA VERAS LO TE VOY HACER HIJO DE SU—

alright alright, gotta calm down. there's gotta be another way, right?

oh the kids, nooooo

4 PLEASE HELP THEM

just the fact Karen's able to confide with SMG4, wow. Ever since the "We Must Kill Mario" episode, it seems like Karen's been able to trust him in a time of need, especially for her kids.

Sure, 4 and the Crew always get into wacky shenanigans with a side of trauma (like what happened in Puzzle Park) but she still does trust him, which is very sweet to think about. even if she didn't open up the text message, she already knows 4 would be willing to help her if he could

WHAT?

smh 😔 just another day in the SMG4 universe (also 4 absolutely recorded it for a video, he would)

oh wait he did. shoot. well, at least it was considerate of 4 to let her know anyway

ok side note: I find it hilarious that 4 would be sending memes to anyone he knows besides the Crew (he is a meme guardian after all) and Karen be the one to respond with "K". I love that for him.

huh. the Monopoly Man must've really hit rock bottom to be in a homeless shelter rn

DEPRESSO?! you're back, after all this time?

oh hey Mario! still looking for cheese? understandable (i also love cheese)

Mario: "Mmm, free goo." ...don't do that to me, don't say that *IGBP flashbacks*

NOW HOLD UP SHE'S RIGHT, HOW COME THEY CAN'T GET A SERVING TOO?

YEAH GET HIS ASS

oh, never expected the same shot from The Incredibles movie

OH, ARE WE FINALLY GETTING MORE OF HER BACKSTORY? she did say before that she took the job to make a living away from desperate times

AW that's our lovable goofball, willing to help his friends 💙

Oh. not that i expected much anyway. I thought that maybe a tent?

Really nice of Mario to keep his word and not tell the kids yet

Uh. What's all that about? NO NO go back, what was that?

*head in hands* Team, really? did you really have to dig the knife even deeper with the Koopa family moving in, c'mon

OGH BABY KAREN NOOO 😢

she was really this young? oh hun

*pauses and stares at the Team* alright, do tell. who the HELL is this secret organization?

not only has this organization taken advantage of Karen when she was young and vulnerable, but they also had the audacity of not letting her go after she EXPLICITLY told them she quit a long time ago bc of her kids. Seriously, I bet Karen was even picked solely because she was homeless. Their justification would probably be: "she's got nothing left to lose, that's why she chose us. besides, it's not like anyone's going to miss her if she died on the job"

Not that note, there better not be anyone blaming Karen for not seeing this coming bc if it wasn't obvious, she was a stray kitten desperately trying to survive on her own all her life. Ofc she would take the job, how can she not? There was stability, someplace to go. Even if it came with risks. But above all, she had the courage to leave the job for her kids. if that's not a good mother, I don't know what else to say

man, this organization's EVIL evil

THE KIDS (the Team's trying to destroy me /silly)

FAMILYYYY 🥹

oh right, chat, say it with me now (mickey clubhouse style): Oh, Mario!

AY that's pretty good 😄👍

WELCOME TO THE CRIB ✌️

Karen, you're going to tell the truth eventually. It's better now or never

THIS WHOLE SCENE MANNN, IT LEGITIMATELY MADE ME CRY

IT GOT ME. THIS. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE AN EMOTIONAL YET SILLY EPISODE.

you did it Team. here you go, my stamp of approval ⭐️

SAME MARIO SAME

uh. what.

we did get 4 and Karen as a fighting duo, could we get one with Mario?

welp Monoploy Man owns Amazon now, someone edit the wiki. but that's only in the SMG4 universe. FUCK

y'know, you could've started with that, Mr. Monopoly

WE"RE GOING HOME LET'S GOOOO 🎉

idc what SOME people, LET US HAVE THIS. let them go home 🥹

*record scratch* wait what?

the walkie-talkie? wha....

WHAT? HUH?!

WAIT NONONONO DON'T CUT TO BLACK TEAM TEAM DON'T YOU DARE ROLL THE CREDITS

*flips desk* are you. fuckin. kidding me? they did that? to US? to ME? AAAAAAAA [We'll Be Right Back, after these messages :)]

Uh anyway, congrats to FalconaVasa for your fanart being featured in the end credits🎉 getting some luigi fanart in here, we love to see it :)

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

Nope. I'm still not over that ending. I gotta go and leave the room for a sec. I can't believe we went from emotional to "surprise! it's the start of an arc!!"

TEAM, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? AAAAAAAA. AAAAAAAAA.

Alright, I do have to wrap this review so I'll keep this quick. Without a doubt, we are entering into an arc starring Karen and Mario which can easily be connected to the "We Must Kill Mario" and "The Fight of All Time" episodes. As for the antagonist, we have a couple of choices:

The secret organization—they have been a big turning point in Karen's life and they keep bothering her with jobs she doesn't want to do

Marty—we do still have a hit on him and he still has a grudge against Mario

The father of Karen's kids—Karen mentioned it once in the last episode she starred in and may be associated with the organization itself

or an entirely new villain we don't know about

It can't be Mr Puzzles since (1) he's still in prison, (2) it's too early for that, (3) he doesn't have a personal grudge against Karen. And for those who say it's Shadow Man being part of the organization, I'm going to quote from Anaidon here:

Shadow Man is not canon in the SMG4 universe, and is merely an OC Anaidon puts it in the assigned scenes as an easter egg for fans to find. Ofc there is a chance that the Team could propose their OCs/AUs for future storylines (they are pretty cool). But at this time, after all the planning they've done, it just wouldn't be possible. Side note: if the Team's going to introduce a new villain, they plan several episodes for us to get to know the character before an arc actually happens.

What about Niles? We technically didn't meet him until the Revelations Arc. Or even Wren?

Niles wasn't entirely new, he stemmed from the Genesis arc so we as the audience can keep up with what we already knew. With Wren, we've seen him before WS, whenever Meggy retells it. And, knowing Meggy as a character, we knew Wren was a big influence on her. Now, the argument can be said with Mr Puzzles for him not appearing until the IGBP movie (episode-wise). But even then, he actually appeared until the end of WOTFI 2023 and was the mastermind working behind the scenes. His small appearances ARE his build-up to what his character was like.

When we're dealing with an arc, we have to have our main cast. Karen and Mario, obviously, and for the conflict to make sense, the antagonist has to be related to the two. But I never said there only had to be one antagonist. We could have more than one.

As for Mario, we might have to determine which side he's on. Mario accepted the mission given by whoever talked through the walkie-talkie. Accepted it, with a serious tone. It could be that he was threatened or offered a deal he can't refuse.

Well, here's my mini-theory (yes, cue the intro): when the sounds of the walkie-talkie were going off, it reminded me a lot of the static/standing-by noise Mr Puzzles done before, luring the Crew into the basement "No TV Make Mario Not Okie Dokie" and Mario in "Incredible Game Show Spectacular". Like it was hypnotic. If you really think about it, it's really symbolic at the end of the PV movie, Puzzles making the same noise at his defeat (representing the mind control over the Crew) and 4 smashing his head to stop said noise (representing their freedom). But AGAIN, not saying Puzzles is back for this arc. But I think the walkie-talkie noise was a tool to hypnotize whoever found it in the trash, which happened to be Mario of all people. That's why I'm leaning toward the organization or Marty being the ones behind it. Both of them keep a close eye on Karen and Mario that they have a chance to plant it there. And let's go back to the "We Must Kill Mario" episode, where the first thing we see Mario is when he charges toward the trash bin for a wizard outfit. This isn't the first time either when in "Trash Friends", Mario hides in the dump and is willing to eat trash-made spoiled spaghetti for his own purposes. If anyone would be able to catch on to this, it would be these two antagonists, to hypnotize Mario.

Sorry, got a little sidetracked there. More of my fever talk in there. Ben, you have anything to say?

"Something bad is about to happen." (uh yeah, no shit. still not over what you said last time.) another user: "Brings back such memories when you posted 🔔 and the whole (English) community went crazy thinking it had something to do with SMG4" "Calm down. Yeah, I'm going to do that when the time comes, haha" user: "leave us alone dude" (/silly) ":3"

...sigh. Really, Ben? You really are a menace, my god. Well, too bad I'm bilingual. Anyway, this has been an amazing episode with Karen and the kids. Everything from the voice acting to the animation to the script, oh boy. Team, you really did it. It really hit close to home, such a good story touching a bit of reality there. Like I said time to time again, love is a powerful force that helped the Crew overcome numerous obstacles. Even if it came to a cost, these characters always prevailed.

People have been saying that Karen ended up having no actual consequences by the end of the episode, but honestly, I want this ending. Some people are at risk of losing their homes or who already did. Some parents who suffered a terrible childhood do not want to pass it on to their kids. Some don't get the happy ending Karen and her kids did, but it's one wished for. For Karen, a character who we see working at multiple jobs and caring for her kids, let her have this. This show isn't meant to be realistic in the first place, but it does bring in real topics, and having these characters triumph over their hardships, sparks hope for the people also struggling with it.

If they can, you can too.

Well, that's all from me. Kinda left in charge of production last minute, so I gotta go! Thanks for stopping by, I'll see you all next time, and remember: numbers always go first.

....what's that?

I lost the bet so I owe you all cans of Rizz soda and ideas for my AU? uhhhhhhhh 🏃‍➡️🏃‍➡️🏃‍➡️

[mesopotamism]

Carve (Choi Su Bong AKA Thanos x Reader)

You never expected to see him again – but if it had to happen, you never expected it to be here. (PREVIOUS FRIENDS -> STRANGERS/ONE-SIDED ENEMIES -> FRIENDS AGAIN -> LOVERS)

tw: mentions of blood, a knife, hospitals, references to mental illness, mentions of psychiatric care, mentions of non prescription meds LOL, metaphor of an injury, it’s set in squid games so that is kinda expected.

(WHERE ARE MY FREAK NASTY TOUCH STARVED BITCHES. MENTALLY ILL POS DRUGGIE LOVERS RISEEEEE)

Chapter 1: 2.6k words

The stinging, antibacterial smell of tile was something you were all too used to. You couldn’t even find it in you to feel surprised, at first, waking up in that godforsaken room; encased by beds all around you, the walls a white and green pattern that was far too cheerful for the situation.

Even here, with all these other losers, you scoffed at their stupidity as they stood, looking around in shock. Anyone who thought that signing up for an undisclosed game for money was going to put them in a safe situation is deluded, you thought. Anyone who didn’t feel a sense of dread upon seeing the gray van pull up to the meeting point, in the dark, alone, their breath freezing in the air…was an idiot.

The same numb feeling encased you now, seeing that your clothes had been stripped of you and replaced, along with your belongings, as it had encased you when you saw the narcoleptic gas billowing from the car vents last night. Maybe it was the all-too-sterile environment around you that comforted you, knowing that blood had been spilt already, and you would not be the first. All in all; you weren’t surprised by anything that had happened in the last 24 hours. Playing stupid games, winning stupid prizes, it all didn’t matter when the only other alternative was to end it all.

Curiosity pricked your mind, however, when personnel emerged, wearing masks, each adorned with a shape. The shapes differed – some had a triangle, some a square – but all of them wore the same, uniform, pink tracksuit.

You climbed down from the bunk bed, eyes squinting from the light bouncing intensely off the bright white and green walls. You knew you should focus on the personnel, but their pink clothes hurt your eyes the worst. Everything was in too much color.

“Hello, everyone, and welcome,” the front guard, wearing a square mask, began. As he tried to begin, shouts of dissent erupted from the crowd.

“Hey, where are my clothes?”

“Did you drug us? In that van?!”

“Where are our phones? I need to text my parents - they don’t know I’m here…”

If you have a family, why be here? Why resort to something as hopeless as this? You thought. You focused on the ground, trying to avoid the color bursting from around you - but even your sneakers were squeaky white and clean.

Out of the sea of people, a complaint stood out to you from them all.

“What about my shoes? Those were limited fucking edition!”

For the first time, from the time you were smacked in the face by a man in a suit who offered you money to play a children’s game, to being drugged in a van and waking up in this sterile bell-jar, a shudder of shock ran down your body, freezing to the bottom of your spine.

“All of your belongings are being kept safely. They will be returned to you once the games are over.”

“And what if something happens to them, huh?! You gonna pay for them?”

“Like I said, all belongings, including clothes, shoes, electronics, and anything else, will be returned after the games.”

“You motherf—”

The screen above the guard flashed to life, showing a video clip of that violet-haired idiot staring at the screen with challenge flashing in his eyes, taking a hit from his blue and yellow vape.

It really was him.

“--Player 230, Choi Su-Bong, debt of 1.9 billion won.”

Your shock had faded slightly from that point, and resignation had taken its place. It was unlikely to see him here, but yes – very like him to do. That fucking idiot.

“Kim Hyun Ju, debt of 1.2 billion won. Kang Mi-na, debt of 850 million won.”

As the guard continued to name and berate each person who had spoken up, you turned your head in the direction of where that idiots’ shout had come from.

A shock of violet carved into your vision through the sea of brown and black hair. You couldn’t help it - you stared. Even after being humiliated, his eyebrows raised sharply in challenge, his lips somewhere between a pout and a grimace, like a petulant child. His hand messed absently with the zipper at the top of his green tracksuit, and – as if the amount of color wasn’t enough – his nails were painted an array of bright colors.

You studied his hand as it twitched absently on the zipper. You could recognize his hands just as easily as his face. They were hard to miss, as he never talked without waving them around in ridiculous, emphatic expressions, or without holding a substance to his mouth. The vein that trailed up the back of his right hand disappeared into the green cuff of his jacket, and you knew – you could picture – where it continued to go, and where it ended, under the fabric.

His hand stilled. You shifted your gaze back up to his face, to find him looking back at you.

You fixed your expression into one of indifference as fast as possible, but you knew your eyes had given you away. You turned your eyes back to the front as naturally as possible, forcing your neck to slow the movement and appear natural. Your heart rate raised slightly, and you knew Su-bong too well to doubt that his eyes were definitely burning through the back of your head.

The guard began to talk about the games themselves, drawing your attention back to the front. The guards ordered people into lines to sign the consent forms, and you shifted idly to your right to suit a line. As you crept up to the front, you saw out of the corner of your eye the same unkempt violet hair swaggering to the front of the line, as player 124 grabbed player 333 by the shoulder next to him.

“The amazing Myung-gi from MG Coin? Right?” 124 spoke.

“...Who are you?” you heard 333 ask him nervously.

“You may not know me, but I know you, MG Coin,” Thanos spoke up. “I was subscribed to your channel.”

You can see Su-Bong shift closer to 333, who backs nervously away by a step.

“And I lost a shitload of money, asshole,” Thanos’ voice drops as he sidles closer to 333.

“As did I,” 124 chimed in.

You couldn’t help but have the edge of your mouth quirk up a bit. It made complete sense that Thanos would lose everything to something as brainless as a crypto scam. At least he wasn’t the only one – his new groupie was now eyeing the scammer with the same predatory smile.

“...You’ve got the wrong person,” 333 responded unconvincingly, trying to walk past them. Thanos pressed a large hand firmly to 333’s shoulder, holding him in place.

Good fucking luck, dude, you thought out to the scammer – player 333. Not only was he the smallest of the three, but it was clear from Su-bong’s body language that he was still as apt to pick a fight as he used to be. In highschool and college, he only ever won fights more than half the time – and usually, that had been from enlisting more groupies, as player 124 had turned into now – but whether he lost or won, he never lost the pettiness and gall needed to elicit one.

“I watched your content all day, every day,” Thanos continued. “Now I even see you in my dreams, motherfucker.”

He set his elbow on 124’s shoulder.

“Your name is Nam-su, right?”

“-Gyu, Nam-gyu, remember? From Club Pentagon.”

“Ah, right, right,” Su-bong responded airily.

You jerked your attention from them, read the consent form diligently, and quickly marked your name. Forcing your head away from the child’s fight Thanos was picking, you hung at the back of the room, waiting for new directions. You thought about how he had met your eyes earlier, and couldn’t help the stab of bitterness you felt that he hadn’t indicated his recognition since.

You took a deep breath of the sterilized air, and closed your eyes. For a second, you were happy to imagine yourself back between those white walls, the beeping of machines, the creak of those old hospital doors opening and shutting. When you wiggled your toes, you could almost imagine the feel of the tile on your sock-clad feet. The only sort of freedom you got in a place like that – to walk around in just socks.

“Señorita, excuse me,”

Your head snapped up, meeting his eyes. Close. He was so colorful, and so close. He raised his hands to his chest, pressing his palms against himself.

“Not gonna say hi?”

“You didn’t,” you reply as evenly as possible. He hadn’t really done anything, and he already felt like a thorn lodged under your skin.

He scoffed, switching back to Korean, his voice taking on his usual air of petulance.

“Hey, you saw me first. You were watching me pretty hard…” he dipped his voice, and you made yourself stay still as he leaned closer. The scent of his body hit you like a ton of bricks, carved through you like glass. Just how it used to be. The faint, sour scent of man-made stimulants and hallucinogens. A cologne far too macho and expensive for his style, or his bank account. Coupled with the perfumed smell of hair product, he travelled coolly through your sinuses, filling your head with the heady scent of him, him, him.

“It’s hard to miss you with that nauseating fucking dye job,” you say bitterly, and he laughs.

“Wow, so mean,” he says, clutching his chest and bending his knees so his face is level with yours. “You’re not still hung up on-”

“--Attention, players. Please line up and follow the path into the hallway as marked. Player identity photos will be taken before the first game begins.”

You brush past him, clipping him with your shoulder as you do so. You hear player 124 ask him a question, but if Thanos responds, you don’t hear. You file into the middle of the line, away from the way he overwhelmed every sense you had.

…….

The hallways were even worse than the dorm. You reminded yourself to feel grateful for the white linoleum when you went back later as you messed with the end of your braid. As you observed everyone lining up to take their photos in a line of booths, commotion and grumblings of discomfort arised from over your right shoulder. You turned your head to see Thanos and Nam-gyu pushing their way ahead in line.

He stopped when he pushed far enough to be in line with you, rolling his shoulders back as he swaggered. You saw him look at you from your periphery – you could even see his jaw work and roll. God knows how much dental work he’s gotten from substance abuse at this point. His underbite was definitely slightly worse than you remember. You ignored his gaze.

“What’s going on with you? No hello for your old frie-”

A lanky, sharp-featured man appeared from a line over from Su-bong, peeking over his shoulder.

“You’re Thanos, the rapper,” the man said lowly. Thanos looked him up and down in surprise.

“Oh, shit!” the man said in surprise, bursting into one of Thanos’ verses. He pointed at Thanos knowingly. “The runner up from the Rap Battleground Final!”

Thanos’ expression turned to face forward, closing off from you. As everyone shuffled forward in line, you stole a glance at him. His expression was pained, distant.

The man persisted. “I’m Gyeong-su, big fan. I’ve been to several of your concerts, please take a picture with me…” the man begged quickly as Thanos started to step towards the photo booth. Many other people felt comfortable approaching after Gyeong-su had, and they chimed in.

“Me too!”

“Me too, please!”

It didn’t take any sort of feat to see the way Su-bong’s expression brightened with confidence and ego, but it made your heart twist all the same, seeing him try to fix his face and pretend to be irritated by their request instead of elated. It reminded you of who he was before, when he’d been himself, not this caricature of Su-Bong – Thanos – standing before you.

Nevertheless, nostalgia hit you seeing him not-so-humbly accept a photo with the players, and you felt faint surprise at how many people continued to push past you to join in, even more that young adults still remembered who this washed-up rapper was.

Suddenly, Su-bong’s head turned, his cool brown eyes meeting yours. He extracted his hand from the herd of crowded bodies, beckoning towards you with two fingers curling towards himself. He jerked his head to the space next to him.

“Hey, I don’t mind having one more person.”

You raised your eyebrow in slight offense.

“Come on,” he encouraged again in English, turning his fingers up and back to the floor, as if he expected you to comply with ease.

A ding sounded from in front of you, and you released the end of your braid, turning to see a guard beckoning you in to take your photo. You rolled your eyes at Thanos’ offer and walked into the booth, missing his slightly deflated expression. As you emerged a moment later, you caught the end of 124 ushering the other players away from the rejected photo, just soon enough to catch Thanos raising his hands to flip off the camera. The way his lip curled was so reminiscent of his stage mannerisms, you had to look away.

Was it bad, you thought to yourself, that he was throwing you off more than the scent of antibacterial liquid masking blood had in that dormitory? That his voice set you more at unease than the modulated ones behind masks? Or was it simply your body adjusting to the whiplash that was experiencing someone again that once had been normal, and yet had long ceased to be?

“I’ve got five days to bother you, I’ll get you to talk,” he commented as he sidled up to you, running his palms over the flat sides of his bright hair. You glanced up, catching his profile as he fell into step with you. For once, he didn’t turn to face you, instead pretending to be fixated on seeing what lay ahead in the hallway. Although, he didn’t need to look back at you; the sight of his upturned smirk told you enough. It nauseated you. Or, maybe it was just the sickening amount of color and detail about him that sickened you. His violet fucking hair, spiked like he’d rolled out of bed – the thick black tattoo that ran from his neck, to his hand, and disappeared down his back – his fingernails, painted neon, individually, with care – that heady scent of powdered drugs and rich cologne – even his pooling brown eyes that threatened to fool you, weaken you. If anyone was to make someone feel sick through experience alone, it’d be him, you thought bitterly. He cut through reason like a knife, and carved his name on you like he deserved to own everything. After all of these years, you felt him again, in the last place you wanted. Running a blade over the long-faded scars of where his name was once etched into your traitorous, weak soul.

(I’ve written fics for YEARS but never posted on tumblr! Sorry the format is jank - but if literally one person reads this I’ll die happy. THANKS LOVE Y’ALL)

[starrieisdelusional]

why kairi might be the one who manipulated sora's memory

yes you read that right, and no i did not mis-type this (if you're thinking hey that should be namine!)

i was going back a few times to kh3 and i found many patterns and cutscenes in 3 that can be compared to previous installments of the game, even side by side, this one particularly caught my eye:

crazy am i right

so remember that scene in 3 where sora falsely exclaimed "the light in the darkness" to be kairi? (it's actually riku) where sora and kairi goes enters the light to made it back to the real world

previous clip in link because tumblr isn't working with me ("riku, answer me!!" comparison with "okay! i have to protect them (aitsu)! Namine can you hear me?")

as you've seen in the comparison i realized it probably a direct paralell to namine's fake meteor shower scene back in COM Sora's side. And these lines of dialogue in particular interest me

it got me thinking, and i think that kairi purposely did something to sora's memory at some point in their lives. The exact when i'm not too sure, but she had inserted herself into some of riku's part in sora's life as sora's taisetsu na hito (special someone)

i know this sounds crazy, but i think there's a valid reason to this theory

Why??

the motive is clear: that kairi is lonely. i personally relate to her character struggle, loneliness can be suffocating, just like how namine portrayed hers that resulted to the events in COM

kairi's main theme has always been about 'seperation' and being left behind by sora and riku. so it would make sense for her to crave attention

kairi might feel sad that sora and riku doesn't pay attention to her unlike how they pay attention to each-other, so i don't see it as off character for her to insert herself into a fake picture if she had the chance, especially as the love interest of her crush

she even said this back in KH1 which sora responded with "Huh!? What's gotten into you?"

or is it done out of malicious intentions? there might be a possibility for that, but i don't think it is as it goes against kingdom hearts thematic story that stays consistent over the years, that portrays every character struggle in a sympathetic way that honestly you can relate too

(xehanort is even a subject to this in dark road)

i think that kairi felt really guilty about it and didn't realized the impact that she had done to sora and riku's relationship. or maybe she thrived for it, because even if the affection is not real, kairi is still loved and remembered by someone as their precious person, and it feels nice especially with someone like sora

snippet from kh3 novel

in the novels, there's a strong hint that kairi cut her hair because riku cut his, which contributes a lot to the theory of kairi wanting to be sora's precious person (riku) where she somewhat mimics his behavior (she probably realized deep down sora cares more about riku than her)

Passing Memories

i think this also made sense lore wise, because why else would sora suddenly lost his memory of riku? and i don't think sora's sort-of infatuation with kairi is caused by comphet alone

forgotten promises is a recurring theme in sora and riku's relationship, everything up to this point has always leads to hidden thoughts and burried memories, you have to dig deeper if you want to find a connection between sora and riku, the examples currently are:

whatever is happening between soriku

passing memories jp name of oblivion keyblade that is owned by roxas

riku is the TRUE light

necklace theory: the fact that THE necklace is everywhere in the game but is never brought up like ever

aitsu (check full discussion on the internet)

COM the game (just everything related to COM, the only game with riku and sora beside DDD? it's sus if you ask me)

compared to sora and kairi who's relationship always seems shallow and on the surface. i think it made more sense with the 'why' factor answered, because every time sora is thinking of riku, kairi would replace herself in his position, just like the light-tunnel scene in kh3

the 'oathkeeper' (promise charm) and 'oblivion' (passing memories) also reflected sora keeping his promise to kairi, but forgetting about his to riku, riku might not be affected in the same way that sora does, so this happens:

+ the multiple and many instances, riku is straight up covered by kairi

some of those instances:

kairi is true darkness (ex: sea is metaphor for darkness)

xion (is said to be kairi but proven also to also be riku)

the final world

Power?

honestly, i think kairi is more than she lets on (like LUXU), let's talk about her nobody:

i think it's already suspicious that namine has the power to mess with sora's memories (because she's from kairi's body and sora's heart?) when existing nobodies like roxas and xion for example has powers directly tied to their somebodies (kingdom key), xehanort doing xehanort things, marluxia possessing the same rose petals as his somebody counterpart, (and a lot more...)

so, with a game like kingdom hearts, does namine's powers really came out of no where? we know that sora doesn't have the ability to manipulate people's memories, so who else could it be?? kairi's powers might even be more powerful

this would also aligns with the theory 'riku is light-kairi is darkness' because even at front value the game is telling you 'hey kairi is LIGHT and riku is DARKNESS' time and time again its always the reverse in certain situations, but you never got to wonder what it actually mean

yes riku is the light, but why is kairi the darkness?? yes she sort-of brings demise as xehanort's pawn, but is it really just that?

lastly, kairi is a princess of heart, and might even came from the lost masters era as it is decorated and spammed with stars (every symbol is replaced by stars i'm not joking)

it's very on-theme with the 'traitor' plot point that has been consistent in every khux game, so... (i have a theory that kairi is master ava, or master ava is her grandma, OR kairi is mom... or skuld)

in addition to all of this, i also think that kairi can also be a creature, maybe she's actually a chirithy:

however i do think as opposed to riku as a dreameater (spirit), kairi is a nightmare chirithy, as seen in their color pallet (might be a coincidence but who knows)

[magicamicitia]

WARNING: Mentions of suicidal/intrusive thoughts.

Volume One, Chapter Two

“You’re not alone anymore.”

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Click!

Sunset Shimmer once again woke up to the sound of her alarm clock, and carried on with her morning routine as normal. However, the memories of the previous afternoon refused to leave her thoughts.

She was aware of the existence of magic in other worlds, but… This one wasn’t supposed to be one of them. So what’s up with all of this? Magical girls? Witches? A talking cat-with-bunny-ears freak? It was weirder than anything she’d ever seen in any other world. Apparently, humans like her weren’t supposed to be able to see witches like she did. Sunset figured her background as a magic interdimensional traveller could explain that abnormality.

Whatever this all meant, she hoped Twilight knew what she was doing.

“I have no idea what I’m doing!” Twilight Sparkle skipped nervously around her room.

“Don’t worry!” the small white creature, who referred to itself as ‘Kyubey’, carefully groomed its fur in a corner. “If you ever need any help, you can always ask me.”

Twilight couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“Yeah, that’s real reassuring. The last time I asked for your help, You-“

Her train of thought was crudely interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Sweetie?” Her mother’s voice called. “Are you okay in there? You’re gonna be late if you don’t come out soon!”

“Shoot! I’d better get going!”

She left her home in a hurry as to avoid being late, despite her family’s attempts to tell her she still had twenty minutes until her usual time of departure. With a half-eaten sandwich in her hands and a trusty Kyubey over her shoulders, she was surely ready for another day as a high school student AND magical girl!

Huh?

Twilight Sparkle suddenly felt a strange weight on her chest. looking down at the soul gem ring on her finger, she noticed it emitted a strange glow.

“What’s all this now?”

“Your soul gem is reacting to magic,” kyubey answered. “There must be a witch nearby! We have to go after it!”

“NOW?! I can’t go after a witch NOW! I couldn’t even finish off the last one, and if I take too long fighting it… I’ll be…”

She gulped, terrified.

“…TARDY!!!”

“Twilight! You’re a magical girl now, the future of humanity relies on you battling witches!”

“I know, I know… But… Like, can’t you do it or something?”

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about witches in their physicial form. But once you defeat the witch, I can collect its grief seed and make sure it never comes back!”

“Ughhhh!!! Fine, I’ll do it, I’ll do it…”

Her soul gem’s magic led her to a beautiful hedge maze just outside an ancient history museum.

“Wow… this place looks so peaceful. Odd spot for a witch to make its lair.”

“You’re right, Twilight. Usually, witches will try to hatch in locations where they can collect the despair of nearby victims. But this maze is a total ghost town…”

“Well, then that must mean this one doesn’t feel like it needs any extra power, huh?”

“Yes. We’d better get ready; we’re about to enter the labyrinth, quite literally.”

As Twilight moved towards the center of the maze, she could feel reality around her become more and more distorted. But she noticed a strange consistency among the chaos.

“These patterns… these creatures… This is the same witch from yesterday!”

Kyubey backed up against Twilight’s legs, looking for refuge. “Looks like we got real lucky then. If we had decided to fight it then, with a human tagging along, things would have gotten real dangerous.”

Twilight spared no time - casting her magical power, she transformed into her magical girl self and barged through the horde of familiars with her shield. The familiars, however, laughed at her futile attempts. Their torn bodies sewed themselves back together to take on another form.

“P…Principal Celestia…?” Twilight felt an enourmous weight fall onto her shoulders.

“Twilight Sparkle,” said the mirage. “What are you doing here, when you should be at school? You used to be such a good student…”

“U-Used to be? No, no, I still am! In fact, I was on my way back-“

“It’s too late for that now. You’ve already been expelled from Crystal Prep, do you want me to expel you from Canterlot High as well? That won’t look good on your records.”

“No! I wasn’t expelled! Candace just thought it would be better for me if…”

Her legs were shaking.

“I… I’m… You’re not supposed to be here!”

Mustering up her strength, Twilight attacked the illusion of Celestia with everything she had. The familiars, however, simply dissolved themselves while laughing, leaving Twilight to fall to the ground, crying and defeated.

“What’s happening… Why am I… So weak…?”

The laughter around her turned to chants.

“End it!”

“What good is a magical girl who can’t fight a witch?”

“End it!”

“Give up your soul gem and feed us!”

“End it!”

“End it!”

“End it!”

Her vision was starting to get blurry. Why did she accept this awful offer in the first place?! She didn’t have what it took to be a magical girl at all!

Oh,

That’s right…

The reason was…

“Hold on tight, sugarcube!”

From the skies, a mysterious sillhouette came down to Twilight’s aid. Once it landed, she was surprised to see another magical girl, just like her!

Well, maybe her clothes were a little different. Very country. And instead of a shield, this girl took out five mint-condition flintlock muskets from her stylish cowboy hat. With the aim and confidence of a professional, she took down the monsters without missing a single shot. Then, she whipped her hair around, adjusted her hat, and turned to a baffled Twilight on the ground.

She smiled and reached out her hand.

“You alright over there?”

Before she could even say anything, four other girls made their way to Twilight and the mysterious magical girl.

“AJ, no fair! You said this one was mine!” A feisty girl with rainbow-colored hair rushed in first, clearly very upset.

“Oh, darling, please, that was clearly not the witch. You’re making a scene for no reason.” Added a purple-haired girl dressed in gorgeous modern-victorian couture.

“Wait,” said the multicolor girl. “Who’s that one over there?”

“I-I’m… Twilight… Twilight Sparkle…” She clumsily adjusted her glasses and got up.

“Pleasure to meet ya, Twilight.” The girl with the muskets smiled. “Name’s applejack.”

“I’m Rainbow Dash!” the spunky girl added.

“My name is Rarity, but you may call me Miss Rarity if you’re a fan.”

“Oh, I’ve heard your name before! You’re like, a prodigy star of the design world, right?”

“You’re quite right, darling! And those two over there are Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.”

“W…Woah… So, you’re all magical girls…?”

“ALMOST all of us. Flutter can’t seem to come up with a wish, so we just drag her along as moral support.” Rainbow Dash cut in with a sarcastic tone.

“Rainbow, don’t say that!” Applejack reprimanded. “Don’t you worry, sugarcube. I know how scary it is to fight them mean witches all by yourself, but you’re not alone in this no more. We got your back!”

[at-wicks-end]

a soul of determination | two

john wick x reader undertale au ; idiots to lovers <3 bored out of your mind, you drag your best friend, john, to go on a hike with you on mount ebott. who cares that it's a supposedly haunted mountain! those instagram pictures won't take themselves. until, of course, you fall through a hole, dragging him with you. ...whoops?

chapter notes: after a weird encounter with a flower, toriel leads you and john into the ruins. john finds toriel sus and does some self-reflection?? this is unedited.

< prev | next >

ii. ruins

This is a strange day, John thinks to himself as he follows you and a goat… monster further into the Ruins. While there have been more dangerous, stressful days in his life, such as the day of his first mission, or the first time he had met with Gianna D’Antonio for a bodyguard stint, he’s not sure he has ever been in such a strange situation. If it weren’t for the slight ache in his left knee (damn thing never healed quite right after a tumble down some stairs), he’d be inclined to believe that he was either dead or in a comatose state and this was just some strange dream his mind had cooked up.

Walking through the doorway leads the three of you to a foyer, with twin staircases leading up to another doorway, this one with creeping vines surrounding it. Everything seems to be covered by deep purple bricks, which while appearing to be maintained somewhat, reveal the passage of time with every crack that has appeared. Toriel walks up ahead, her dress rustling with every step. 

There’s a pile of red leaves in between staircases and something glowing. John narrows his eyes. Is that a star? 

You appear to be staring intently at it too, your eyebrows furrowed. “Huh.”

“Any idea what that is?” He says quietly. Toriel had no reaction to it at all when she walked past it. 

“Nope,” you murmur, seemingly mesmerized. As if in a daze, you step closer to it, reaching out to touch it. John waits with bated breath for something to happen, but you only turn back to him with a disappointed expression.

“Nothing happened.” You frown, walking back to him. “You try it.”

Never one to say no to you, John steps forward to touch the star. He waits for his hand to make contact with something solid, but instead he feels a wave of warmth wash through him. The ache in his left knee disappears and he feels strangely determined. Determined to do what, he doesn’t quite know. In any case, he reports his findings to you as you both head up to the doorway where Toriel waits. 

“I didn’t feel anything warm.” You muse. “My hand just went right through.”

Toriel smiles warmly as the two of you walk up the staircase. “Come, young ones. Allow me to educate you both on how the Ruins operates.”

The three of you walk into a smaller room (still aggressively purple), with six white tiles laid in a pattern on the side. There is a line of lighter purple right in the middle of them, passing two tiles. Before John can even ask what they’re for, Toriel walks over the tiles not touched by the line and pulls a lever. The door on the other end of the room opens with a soft groan.

“The Ruins are filled with puzzles,”  Toriel explains. “Ancient fusions between diversions and doorkeys. One must solve them to move from room to room. It would be best to familiarize yourselves with them.”

“I see,” John replies, trying not to let his confusion show. You, on the other hand, turn to John with an expression of what the fuck?

“Head into the next room with me and I will show you more of these puzzles.” Toriel smiles before walking through the door, leaving you and John to follow her. Upon noticing a worn signage  by the doorway, John halts to read it.

“Only the fearless may proceed,” John reads. “Brave ones, foolish ones—both walk not the middle road.”

“Well that’s ominous,” you remark. “Must be a hint for the puzzle.”

John turns back to the tile puzzle Toriel had solved earlier. The tiles in the middle, the ones right on the lighter purple remain unpressed. “Guess so.”

For the next few puzzles, Toriel leads the way, solving most of them for the two of you. She only steps back for what she deems “safer” puzzles, which can be solved by just pressing switches. The deeper Toriel leads you into the Ruins, the more confused he is. The Ruins are no doubt old, but it appears to be taken care of. However, other than Toriel and Flowey earlier, there appears to be no one else in the area. 

He’s content to let you take the lead in puzzle solving, stepping back and watching as you step on tiles or pull levers with Toriel’s guidance. He is not, however, oblivious to the way Toriel’s smile seems to falter whenever she looks at him for too long. It doesn’t take a genius to see she doesn’t trust him.

John doesn’t particularly mind. He doesn’t trust her or this place either.

It isn’t until Toriel introduces the two of you to a training dummy that John bothers joining in the conversation.

“As a human living in the Underground, monsters may attack you,” Toriel says seriously. “You will need to be prepared for such situations.”

The training dummy looks different from anything John has seen in his life. It doesn’t look anywhere near human. In fact it looks a bit like a character you’d shown him before. Snoopy? Except this has no face and no ears or limbs. It’s worn out and stitched in certain areas.

“Would one of you like to step forward?” Toriel says, looking at you directly. John doesn’t like that one bit.

“I’ll do it,” he says firmly. Lord knows he’s done more than fight a dummy.

“Ah! Very well then, young one.” Toriel beckons him to step closer. “When you encounter a monster, you will enter a fight.”

John stands just before the dummy, staring at it intensely. 

Toriel continues. “Your soul will be exposed, and you and the monster will enter a different plane temporarily. There, you will have to fight.”

“A fight?” You repeat worriedly, looking at John. “A bit dangerous, isn’t it?”

“Worry not.” Toriel smiles. “When you are in a fight, strike up a friendly conversation. Stall for time; I shall come to resolve the conflict for you.”

“That’s unwise,” John replies, a hint of annoyance. 

“It’s kind,” Toriel corrects. “Violence is unnecessary in the Underground, and monsters are not as strong as humans. The right thing to do is to spare your enemy when you get the chance.”

John wants to argue back but decides against it. Fine. He’ll play by the rules.

Stepping closer to the training dummy, he instinctively brings his fists up. Should he punch it? That what he would normally do, but in a heartbeat, he finds himself in a black void again. A maroon heart glows in his chest, and the training dummy is stark white before him. 

Right. Toriel said to strike up a conversation.

“Hello?” John says hesitantly. The training dummy merely stares back at him, and the world flickers back into existence.

You’re staring at him with wide eyes and he raises an eyebrow. Toriel, on the other hand, looks pleased.

“Well done, John.” She smiles. “Now, I think you are both ready for the rest of the Ruins.”

“Thank you,” you reply, moving towards John. Your palm rests just on the small of his back, offering him a tidbit of comfort. John leans towards you ever so slightly.

“For now, I must attend to some errands,” Toriel continues. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out an ancient looking brick phone, one that has certainly lived past its prime a long time ago. “Here. Use this phone to contact me if you need anything, alright?”

You accept the phone, staring at it bewilderedly. “Damn. How old is this phone,” you mumble to yourself.

“I would like to discourage you from leaving this room, given that it is quite dangerous to wander around. There are many puzzles I have not been able to maintain as nicely as I would like them to be…” Toriel trails off before continuing. “However, I cannot stop you. If you truly feel that you must leave, I only ask that you keep in mind what I have taught you.”

“Alright,” John says quietly. Toriel looks at him pointedly, before sighing deeply. 

“Very well,” she says reluctantly. “I will leave for now. Try not to leave this room.”

With that, Toriel rounds the corner and disappears from view. You immediately turn to John, waggling your eyebrows. “We’re totally not staying here, are we?”

The corners of John’s mouth quirk up. “I suppose not, if you have something to say about it.”

“Alright.” You chuckle. “Let’s give it a few minutes before we leave though. Just to make sure the coast is clear.”

The two of you head to a corner in the room before sitting down, your knees just touching each other. Not for the first time today, John found himself at a loss for words. There were a lot of things not adding up in his mind, but he couldn’t piece them together quite yet. One thing was for sure, however; he didn’t trust Toriel. 

He is used to getting certain looks from other assassins. Majority of them looked at him with fear, envy, or respect. Some looked up at him, and some looked down on him. In any case, John could at least hazard a guess as to why they reacted to him in that way. His reputation of being the boogeyman, an emissary of death, or lo spettro often meant that others had preconceived notions about him. It never affected his work negatively, and so he paid no mind to the whispers surrounding his name.

Toriel, however, is a different story. A mere two hours ago, John had no idea that she even existed, and she had no idea who he was either. So why did she look at him with such wariness? 

John glances at you briefly. You’re still leaning back against the wall, your eyes closed as you breathe in deeply. Toriel looked at you with a smile at all times, her expression sometimes bordering on affection. Meanwhile, Toriel looked at him with barely concealed suspicion.

“I don’t trust Toriel,” he mutters.

You blink. “Huh?”

“I don’t trust Toriel,” he repeats. “Something’s strange.”

“Is it the fight thing?” You lean towards him. “I thought that was a bit weird too… she can’t honestly be expecting us to wait for her to resolve things right?”

John nods. “I find it hard to believe that violence is unnecessary in fights.”

You hum in response, fidgeting with your fingers. “She seems nice enough, but the flower from earlier was…”

“Insane?” John suggests.

“Sure,” you snort. “I was gonna go for not as nice, but that works too. Just makes me wonder how the other monsters would be, if there are any.”

Another silence falls on the two of you. John stretches his legs out, subconsciously rubbing his left knee. The ache has slowly begun to make its return after walking for so long. 

“There’s gotta be an exit somewhere, right?” You say hopefully. “I know there are a lot of caves in Mount Ebott. We’re bound to find our way out eventually.”

“I hope so,” John replies. “We still have food and water in—”

Right. The bags had been left behind on the foot of a tree right before both of you fell.

Your enthusiasm wilts slightly. “Fuck, I forgot about that. Guess we should go look for that, then.”

He breathes in deeply, nodding. “Yeah. We should get going.”

The two of you get up, much to the complaints of John’s aching joints (was thirty five already old? Winston always said he was still in his prime, but right now his back begged to differ.) As the two of you dust off your clothes, neither of you notice a golden yellow flower observing both of you from a distance.

“Interesting.” Flowey smiles sinisterly. “This is going to be very interesting.”

author's note: the fanfic author curse has hit me, i fear... after the wisdom tooth fiasco, uni starts this week for me which means i'll be busier. don't worry, i'll still do my best to update every one or two weeks! reblogs and comments are much appreciated <333

[theharmonious13]

342 - Recognition Test

It is Watari, nooooooooooooooo 😭

Omg how are they going to investigate? This is arguably worse than the traps ngl

Yanagi hugged Mai out of relief OMG 🥺

If Yanagi gets with Mai ONLY because Watari is dead though 😭

Mentally distressed Yanagi :3

Poor Hama losing all of his friendsTM

Everybody is boycotting, hooray

Hama would rather die than go on... 😔

Watch it be the people in the pool and it was timed rather well

I don't want it to be Hama, Mai or Hiroaki though 😩

They're all fed up with eachotherTM

Even Hasegawa is beefing with Mai and he's scared of her 😭

Yanagi being the voice of reason out of the whole group to me is wild

Man it makes sense why they never follow their investigation rules to the letter but come on guys get it together 😩

Wada dissing the whole cast and proving why he and Yanagi are the best haha

343 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Computer Lab

Saving the computers is good, destroying the 3D printer also good tbf

I can't stress enough how much I like seeing this duo on occasion

344 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Watari's Room

Hama... you trashed the room to find Watari, that's so sad...

You think she killed herself???

Why go through all the trouble of damaging school property just to do the above

Oh no... Hama got a note, gdi when do these cases end

The Love Nishino sign off is weird to me ngl, like it half sounds like Watari but it moreso sounds like someone trying to impersonate her speech patterns (and not well)

Watari is definitely not the type to write a note, especially to Hama since they were close

Oh dear this is sus as hell

SECOND NOTE!?

HIROAKI WAS IN THERE!? AND THEN NOT!? WHO WAS SNEAKING AROUND?

Incase of what? Evidence providing? What on Earth does Hasegawa intend to do with it?

345 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Chemistry Lab

Tamba is totally not sus of MaiTM

Oh Jesus so they removed evidence, all the students would have actually died no way 😭

346 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Body

Poor Wada...

Poor Yanagi...

SHE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE SKIN!?

Oh no this video is really short, do they fall? Or is the body impossible to investigate?

347 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Locked Room

Whinging about Takeshi's height is a mood lmao

Omg what was in it?

WHAT-?

THEY CONNECT!?

GUNS!?

WHAT

WHAT

WHAT

WEAPONS!?

WHO KNEW THIS WOULD BE BEHIND THE DOOR!?

WHO BROKE INTO THIS PLACE VIA THE FIRE!?

348 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Engineering Lab

I forgot this was a room too 💀

Tamba trying to accidentally set herself on fireTM

349 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Sewing Room

Garage smell?

Gasoline? No wonder Hama made the above comment

Chunk of metal? Oh god... really important clue, I'm getting Chapter 2 flashbacks

I can't even imagine how damaged these rooms are if they have to stick to the walls

350 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Hayashi's Room

Student Profile time?

Has Watari got suicidal tendencies? That's the only reason atm I can think of using the book, or for any kind of student weakness that was stated in the interviews

"Do you want to live?" Was such a cold line from Hasegawa 😭

Morals (Hama) vs Necessity Drives (Hasegawa)

How much info is he gonna read to us and how much am I going to need to write down for later?

Also Hama asked not to read the dead students profiles, I know Isono is Student 1 but come on man 😭

Hama gonna cry 😩

Sensitive Hasegawa all of a sudden when it comes to Kamimura 👀

Hayashi is going to kill Ken after this, actually all the students are going to do that 💀

That was an... interesting reaction to Hama's question about the fear of the dark hypocrisy Ken...

Hama looking at Hasegawa's snooping like -_-

They're both Okazaki haters togetherTM

Yeah but will you let him read yours huh? HUH? (Hasegawa is acting weird I think)

He's so outspoken considering his abcence

2 Sisters? What happened to the other one? Am I forgetting something?

Why is Hasegawa so sensitive about his profile if it's as short as Hama says?

Bro asking if Watari is Yanagi's girlfriend after she passed is WILD

351 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Student Cafe

Ojima not being checked in all the time worries me so 😭

Emphasis on the fuck from Hiroaki hehe (I'm paying more attention to how the voice actors portray lines after the 20k Views Tetro Celebration livestream)

352 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Woodshop

Ah they can estimate the area in which the fire started, that's smart

353 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Supply Closet

Oh?

Rearranging Furniture ✨ (or however the viral audio clips go lmao)

354 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Incinerator Room

Such a short video good lord

355 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Archive

UH OH WHAT HAPPENED

Yanagi doesn't deserve ANOTHER INJURY WTF

Is this what Yanagi fell onto going to be VERY RELEVANT TO THE CASE-?

Yanagi instinctively asking for Mai shows how much he cares about her <3

356 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Kitchen

No comment, just engrossed in watching

357 - Rescue

Wait I jumped forward in titles who fell down a floor?

Caught up, poor Yanagi 😭

Oh no... poor Yanagi is impaired for the trial

MAI TAKING CARE OF HIM LET'S GO

358 - Cave

Is this a secret hidey hole/stash for someone suspicious that might not even be a killer? Or a part of school they haven't been able to access yet? Or an enclosed space created by the debris? All my guesses before I watch the video

TAKESHI AWOKE AT A PIVOTAL MOMENT!?

WHY WAS THERE AN EXPLOSION!?

WHAT A BROMANCE/ROMANCE MOMENT FOR TAKESHI X OJIMA

Huh!?

They're in THE UNDERGROUND!? A MOUNTAIN!?

359 - Breakdown for the Raging Wildfire Girl: Staff Room

Is engrossed in the conversation again

360 - Catalyst

Omg Ojima no...

Oh god Yanagi DOES NOT SOUND WELL

Why is the episode called Catalyst though? Nothing really uh... sparked a follow up during this episode

[dearweirdme]

Okay, so I decided to do some self-torture and go and search "jikook" on youtube and I started watching some of the videos. I was almost a little afraid that I'd start watching the videos and have a panicked revelation that I was wrong all along and that there actually is something to jikook.

But let's just say I was laughing a big chunk of the time. The way people take such insignificant moments between the two of them and turn them into something completely crazy is hilarious. The grasping at straws is too funny.

I truly think it's strange how people just look at their interactions at face value. It's so bizarre to me. Even things that might seem "sexual" to them like an ass slap or something... doesn't mean it's sexual if you look at years of them interacting. They are so clearly just friends.

I've been an ARMY since 2015 and a Taekooker for almost as long. The amount of butt slaps they've all given each other is incredible. Does that mean they are all dating? lol But seriously, a big reason why I became a taekooker was not due to the individual moments between them. Because that's silly. All the members are super comfortable with each other.

It was the observation of the behavior over time that really made me start wondering about taekook. The patterns, the way they treat each other, etc. And I'm sorry, but it was always clear to me that Jungkook especially in the early years was smitten with Tae. He could barely look away from him and I could practically see the heart eyes.

Also, it's the way the company treated them throughout the years and how others acted around them as well. And I'm sorry, if jikook were and are dating, why on EARTH would the company be basically shining a giant spotlight on their relationship. That makes no sense. At the end of the day, the company wants to make money and highlighting a gay couple via a SHOW and also countless hours of content focused on them would be just downright stupid and dangerous for everyone. ALSO the military thing. I mean COME ON. Enlisting in the army...in KOREA...with your "boyfriend"?? I'm sorry but that's insane and extremely dangerous.

Whereas with taekook, they were (as we all know now) more hidden by the company and not as promoted together. I remember it at the time of their peak "separation phase" and I was always hoping to see them together in Bangtan Bombs or behind the scenes footage, but was always disappointed most of the time when they weren't. Not to mention the countless subtitles with "bro" and "friend" whenever they were filmed together. Be a bit more obvious, huh? Nothing like a little brainwashing to try to prove they are only "bros."

Idk, I guess at the end of the day, I'm still extremely confused about how jikooker's minds work lol I love taekook so much and will continue supporting them for a long time.

Love your blog! xxx

Hi anon!

😂😂😂.. notice to everyone.. no need to be afraid to watch Jkk videos. I actually did that when I first became aware of Jkk also being a ship, and I did it exactly because I wanted to know if there would be some sort of revelation. I mean, I’d rather know the truth than believe in something that’s not real. That revelation did not come. I had already watched a lot of official content when I started to watch Jkk vids, so I was kinda able to place everything real quick. I know there’s some moments that on their own look sus, but that’s all it is though, moments that appear sus, but really aren’t. I always just got the friends vibe from them, and I think Jm and Jk’s characters explain a lot about the ways they interact and why some make more of it.

[myeagleexpert]

The Silence of Seven

↳Synopsis:

❝ The peaceful atmosphere is shattered when Yuu finds one of her friends in a coma of unknown causes. Determined to uncover the truth, Yuu and her friends begin investigating the case and discover a curious pattern that links the victims. But as the investigation progresses, they find themselves in a tangle with powerful enemies, and this time the danger is out of Twisted Wonderland. Yuu and her friends will have to fight against unknown forces to find answers and unravel the mystery before it's too late.❞

↳Notes: Crowly being sus, Trey not handling the loss well, Worried Grim, YUU TEAM CAPTAIN, Leona crumbles because we'll have a proper feast later, short chapter to warm up the next one, always read to the end.

「 Chapter 2: Don't show and tell 」

“Keep this secret, what you saw and heard here must not leave this room. But don't worry, your benevolent director will solve the mystery.”

The scary mask Crowley wore was useless as everyone knew what he meant.

I don't have the slightest idea what's going on. I can't do anything.

Automatically, Yuu felt her shoulders heave as she felt the director's golden orbs collide with her eyes, an unspoken command hit her in the chest.

If you don't fix this, it will be your fault.

.  ˚  . 　　.　　　　  　 ✧

“Deuce! You fool! Not to put that!" Ace complained to the ex-delinquent switching the potions before he poured them into the cauldron

“Oi, Ace…you think I don't know what I'm doing huh?” the already irritated student shook hands in a sign of struggle

“We can't reset one more test, have you forgotten? It is to put fifteen quinzel crystals before boiling and not put quincker crystals afterwards. Yuu tell him!”

Blinking her eyes and turning back to the scene, the girl just monotonously scolded them without even knowing what they were fighting over for the millionth time. And honestly, she didn't care.

“Guys, please.”

Surprised, the boys looked at each other in surprise. Isn't she going to fight with us? So… they went back to sheltering uselessly.

“BAD DOGS”

Taking a few lessons from Crewel, the two quieted down and how puppies with their tails between their paws finished their potions properly was almost funny to watch. But Yuu didn't find it funny at all, nor did he notice when she received the grade, a nice 80/100, Riddle had helped her improve her grades. Her gaze stuck out the window, with thoughts that wandered between hypotheses and nowhere. She was still shocked by yesterday, she hadn't digested the situation as well as Carter, this one, hid his emotions from him for years, and as much as Riddle's situation was disturbing, it just swept more sand under the rug.

Time seemed crazy to the girl today, disconnected, in loopings, in vacuums, she didn't seem to have the notion of how time passed and when she blinked her eyes she was already in the most precious time for grim: the lunch break!

“Aah…henchman, aren't you going to eat?”

They had arrived early today, the line was short, the delicious snacks were hot and they didn't fight with anyone on the way! Everything that never happens to their beautiful bad luck is happening today! Luck is on our side today! What intrigues the feline monster the most is that…just today Yuu doesn't want to eat! As much as Grim considered the missing as a friend, he wasn't worried about the tyrant, he was worried about Yuu who didn't even look at the mouth-watering, tasty meat Ruggie brought them, at Leona's behest.

“I'm kinda not hungry.” with a calm and tired smile the girl smiled at her friends, who studied her form.

"You better eat Yuu, you looks pale." - the beastman friend of the group, Jack was the first to mention causing Grim to stop eating his tuna so quickly.

“Hechmaaaan, do you want to trade the tuna with me? The Great and Powerful Grim won't let his henchman go hungry! Enjoy the special treatment, I only do it for you!”

“Thanks Grim, they look delicious but…I'm not hungry right now. BUT so you don’t get worried, I’m going to drink this juice ok?”

Juice taken, Yuu changes the subject and changes to a more lively tone of voice trying to make them not insist anymore, she invented the excuse of going to prepare for flight training to be alone walking quickly to the bathroom, Grim accompanied her, along with with painful sequences of memories.

“What do you think it could be?”

“I don't know, I've never seen anything like it. It must have been something really strong to catch him off guard and leave him with…”

“Are you bored? Then you might as well study the laws of Queen of Hearts.” “What if we studied something else? I really wanted your opinion on this matter.”

-Hello? It's Yuu, all right senpai? -A-ahh Yuu, I need you to come to the dorm now!

“You are so mysterious, everyone is afraid of me, but not you. It's not like I'm accepting your ways or anything."

“There were no signs of violence on the body, no spell fighting, no signs of poisoning….”

"Let's settle this, guys."

If you don't fix this, it will be your fault.

Washing her face, Yuu hoped that the water from the tap would wash away her disorganized thoughts, just like her uniform that she wore without even paying attention, putting her left arm on her right and missing several buttons. Regretfully, she sighed heavily.

“Yuu-chan! I found you~” a heavy hand touches the girl's shoulder who screams as she recognizes the voice “Carter-senpai!!”

Pulling her into a hug, her senpai whispers coldly in her ear....

“You are not disguising yourself well, dear kouhai. I know it's sad, but you need to be strong. Its gonna be alright, okay?"

Oh yeah.

No one is to know what happens to Riddle.

Trey busied himself spreading the lie that Heartabell's dorm-leader had to return home indefinitely, and everyone knows that Riddle's mother is a woman not to be disputed, and everyone swallowed the sweet lies exclaiming the how nice the air would be without Riddle.

As sweet as his cakes were, Trey couldn't get the guilty bitterness out of his mouth. For the second time, he wasn't there for his childhood best friend when he needed him most. He locked himself in his office, amid papers and regrets.

"So let's go?" Returning to his usual spirit, the redhead kindly organized the girl's uniform without magic, which organized her thoughts, stifling them in some dark corner of her mind and, like Carter, putting on a beautiful mask, smiling and waving to the world.

“If you wanna ask for advice for flying you should ask Carter instead of me. He has a great sense of balance.”

.  ˚  . 　　.　　　　  　 ✧

“Look look who arrived!” “About time!”

His friends were already waiting for them in the field, warming up and lining up brooms. As celebrities, the overboot destroyer girl, the magican freak, and the monster cat arrived on the field and were greeted by not only their friends, but some admirers as well.

“Hey Yuu! Here- Ace shouted waving to the girl who ran towards him. “Yuu, can I join you guys?” a beastman ounce stopped her on the way, he clearly didn't need help. Did you see those muscles? That agility? What do you want with us?

“Can I too?” ‘I’ll go along, I won’t be alone!

Ace complained to Deuce, with these unknown students wanting to steal Yuu's attention all to themselves.

But Ace wasn't the only heartbreaker who couldn't get a little piece of Yuu's attention, a certain second prince had followed the female figure with his gaze from the moment she touched foot on the field.

“Let's start!”- Vargas shouted manly and a whistle was blown

The theory given was the time for practice. While Vargas was checking group by group the evolution and flight of each one, the students who had already been released and those who were waiting were left loose in the wind, without having much to do.

Um, magical teens with magic brooms in their spare time. What can go wrong?

The group of 5, became 8, which became 13, which became 20 and when Yuu saw it there was already a separate team to play some kind of tag game on these brooms. It was a mixture of elements of the famous spell drive with children's games

"Get him Epel!"- Yuu, the captain of the team, shouted to the spell drive player, he certainly knows the techniques to catch the jaguar that stole the ball from them. “I will now!!” the lilac-haired one flew fast and high, trying to reach an Octaville student who was using his reflexes to throw the ball far to a cat beastman

"Deuce! Cat!" commanded the girl, guarding the goal, next to Grim who held on with all his strength to the broom. For those who didn't eat anything it's pretty excited, huh, mentally Grim had already pushed Yuu off the broom because he did know how to score the goal..his words.

With all the speed and breath he had, Deuce flew quickly towards the beastman cat, this one with such agility escaped from all the ambushes that the ex-delinquent tried to take him, the ball seemed to enjoy being on the rival team.

We gonna loose.

“Ace, come over here!” Yuu was famous for having unpredictable actions and making a substitution in the middle of the game, changing from goalkeeper to striker, was something..different.

With Trappola in her place and Grimm at her back, Yuu identifies where the ball is. A jaguar is staring at her, he's the only one who noticed that she's going to play defensively now, exchanging defiant smiles the girl starts moving so diligently and fleetingly dodging her opponents and heading towards the ball, that Grim starts to dig its claws into its back like a scared cat that refuses to go to the vet.

“We will win, minion!” but he still supported her.

The sight of an unbridled flash chasing the ball was seen and heard on the field, the jaguar was good, ambitious to get the ball into the goal, but Yuu was quick, determined to win the game. The two literally played like cat and dog, cat and mouse and—- ohhh by the seven!

By changing strategy, Yuu “disappears” from the jaguar's field of vision, attacking from below and stealing the ball from him! And the opposing students chase her, she, who just flies higher and higher and faster, making sudden turns and then gaining space and angle for the much desired goal.

We will win.

Utilizing the same technique that Yuu used, a Scarabia student steals the ball from under Yuu causing her to lose her balance and fall off her broom.

“AAAAAAH!!””

With the world spinning and already out of air, it looked like Yuu's friends wouldn't catch her in time.

“HENCHMAAN!” “YUU!” “KANKANTOU-CHAN!”

The higher the top, the greater the fall. How ironic.

Before she fell to the hard floor, strong arms rescued her and held her in bridal style, trapping into a strong, warm chest.

Leona holds the girl in his arms, both breathing fast with adrenaline. Hearts beating so fast. He traces his fingers gently across the girl's soft cheek, and taking advantage of having saved her from a big fall, he uses it as an excuse to hold her closer, for longer, sinking his nose into the girl's neck, who even stunned felt they were going down.

Even as she touched the ground, Leona was too caught up in this moment, in the touch and the opportunity to get her closer.

“Aah, Leona… I'm fine now, thanks.” light pats were given to bring the lion out of his trance, who, when he realized that his annoying friends were approaching, dropped Yuu carefully to the ground, checking for any other injuries.

"Be careful." the forcefully angry voice did not reach Yuu's ears, still dizzy from the fall, she did not notice that Leona was running her hand through her hair, stroking it—putting the strands in place. Her hair was all messed up from the wind ok?

Stupid Herbivore

Yuu thanked the leader of the beasts' dormitory, apologizing for the inconvenience and running back to her friends, who were anxiously waiting for a new match. Except for Grim, who groaned at the strong scent of lion on his friend's uniform.

 ︵︵⸙︵︵

<<Previous You are here Next>>

[mephinomaly]

[TL] BIOHAZARD/Chapter 3

[ This post uses Ois~su ♪ ]

Time: The next day

Location: At 'AIIE', the fourth experiment facility, known as "CRADLE"

Tomoya: “Welcome! To the AIIE project’s fourth experiment facility, also known as CRADLE!”

Hajime: “Fufu, we are your Guide Robots, and we will be showing you around ♪”[1]

Koga: Huhh? Don’t suddenly start spewin’ nonsense terms, this ain’t a sci-fi movie ya know?

More importantly. What the hell you doin’ here, Ra*bits?

Tomoya: “Ah, we aren’t Ra*bits!”

Hajime: “We have been created for the AIIE project, or more specifically, we are AI idols!”

Koga: ...? ...?

Adonis: Are you really— are you really not Mashiro and Shino? Or are you just playing a part?

Tomoya: “Yep, we aren’t real!”

Hajime: “We have no affiliation with any real person or organisation!”

Koga: No connection, huh… Is that okay? Did you get permission from the real people t’do this?

Rei: Fumu. This isn’t meant to be me playing the old man character, I’m honestly just commenting plainly but - technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Honestly, I really can’t keep up.

So these Mashiro-kun and Shino-kun lookalikes are rather peculiar. I suppose this beautiful scenery we’re seeing is also an illusion?

Kaoru: I feel like we're being conned. This place is supposed to be indoors, yet opening this ‘door’ reveals a gorgeous view with the sun shining brightly in the sky.

Adonis: This is what is called VR, or virtual reality. Via the contact lenses fitted in our eyes, we can see a reality that doesn’t actually exist.

Since we don’t know exactly where the walls and boundaries are, it's best if we do not move around too much.

Rei: Ah, ouchie!? I hit my head!

Kaoru: You alright, old man~...?

Rei: Mhm… From the outside, this building looked rather spacious but the reality is that it’s probably only the size of a school gymnasium.

As Adonis-kun quite rightly said, we should keep jumping and skipping around to a minimum.

Koga: You guys have bigger bodies than me so watch yourselves, alright?

Kaoru: Fufu. That’s why if you line us all up, Koga-kun’s only a wee little thing. The fans love it, they’re like “ooooh he’s so cute.”

Koga: HaaA? It might make you feel happy, but it don’t me. Feels like I’m bein’ made fun of, it’s uncomfortable.

You enjoy playin’ around with other people’s inferiority complexes for fun, dontcha?

Rei: Kukuku. What’s more important, we weren’t called out here to stand around, but what is it that we’re supposed to be doing?

The fact that we have answered our agency about this AIIE thingamabob is wonderful, but they still haven’t explained anything to us in any great amount of detail.

Hajime: “We will explain!”

Tomoya: “That’s what we’re here for!”

“The AIIE project, as the name suggests, is a project to ‘manufacture’ idols!”

Koga: This smells super fishy.

Rei: This is the kind of thing Tenshouin-kun would enjoy.

Though that is mere speculation. He’s probably taking advantage of this by being a sponsor of some sort.

Kaoru: Well, isn’t that kinda better than being involved in a shady private business’ experiment that you know nothing about?

Rei: I suppose so… Anyhow, I’m struggling to understand. What is an artificial idol? What does it do?

Hajime: “We can answer that!”

Tomoya: “We are your Guide Robots, and that’s our job!”

Rei: Well, as you’re not the real Ra*bits, I can take a guess as to what artificial idols do–

Hajime: “Yes. As we mentioned earlier, we are artificial idols created for the AIIE project.”

Tomoya: “To give a brief explanation, we are idols created in the image of real idols, copies so to speak.”

Hajime: “This involves copying the physical aspects of pre-existing idols and pasting them onto robots, and, using AI, we can replicate accurate speech patterns and behaviour.”

Tomoya: “So at a glance, we are the exact same as the real idols.”

Hajime: “Although with the current technology, it is not possible to create exact copies, therefore the result will be similar but not perfect.”

Tomoya: “With your cooperation, we can continue to experiment and improve our technology until we can even copy your fans.”

“—Soon, we will be able to create perfect replicas of your parents and siblings!”

[ ☆ ]

these 'versions' of tomoya and hajime speak in keigo, which is fancy fancy speak. it's what ibara speaks in, though unrelated to ibara. just an example!

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

[thewickedbohemian]

Thoughts on a show CBS should make room for and its perfect "roommate"

So Help Me Todd

In medias res so in medias I can barely follow

Okay so why is Beverly in France

I would take that as a Tyle tease if they didn't both have a date

Lylex, please, not in that much public

Todd, Lyle can hear you

And yet again with thing I interpret as metaphor for show's issues, this time Susan's career (#savesohelpmetodd #renewsohelpmetodd #wrongdecisionCBS #makeroomforsohelpmetodd)

Oh hi Gus Oh hi three patterns at once

That's a little too-suspiciously suspicious

Todd being all ADHD again

Of course the burner plays Pokemon music

Todd got punked, of course

And Todd gets revenge via emotional manipulation and a whole lot of donuts

Susan totally looking like more Margaret's daughter than Allison

generation wars, girl athletes who sound like walking TikToks and sus tennis coaches, did the writers of Elsbeth write this

And the prank war's still on

Wow, Judy cleans up nice

Way to be subtle Todd and isn't those distractions suspicious

Ok, Alex isn't Alex, and my hopes for a potential S3 involving a Lyle/Todd/Judy triangle similar to the Leverage and Librarians OT3s just went up

To be fair Todd kinda deserved getting got by his own prank after the glue

More proof SHMT and Elsbeth are meant to be together, yet another "Ball Girl" (Elsbeth S1E5) reference with Margaret playing tennis in astrobrite pink

Of course parking tickets tipped off Lyle

Judy's turned on by detecting ;)

Margaret/Gus = Tyle parallel?

was she supposed to be the one who got glitterbombed (I'm surprised she didn't forcibly shut down their prank war)

And so a trap is laid

Susan seems like yet another "kid" of Margaret's she has to save

Spontaneous date night go

So Alex isn't even Mabel and I have a crazy idea for how we get CBS to get this back if the two remaining episodes of the season don't contradict this; we have the real her join the ensemble of one of the FBIs linking SHMT to that universe without diluting it

Elsbeth

controlling parents, creepy bosses and people not being who they seem, I guess this is a dual-way parallel

could the dance guy be more obviously gay

Another dumb Elsbeth murderer, the tape makes it not look like an accident

Of course she found the cake

I love the throughline of the murders mirroring her adapting to New York

Convenient sus affair is sus

Please tell me those fleeting mentions of Fosse and Broadway aren't all that count as our Broadway-reference-of-the-episode

What is Elsbeth wearing?

So not gay just Extra^TM

Of course Elsbeth wants to learn that Chicago dance

even more SHMT flashbacks as Kaya whose side are you playing

For half a second I thought they were going to pretend to be lesbians and this was going to be SVU with Benson and Rollins at the fertility clinic all over again

Having a bit too much fun with the golf cart are we, I'd be the same if I could drive worth a darn

Oh so that's where the tape went

I know it's not the exact one but it's more than just rainbow; Elsbeth looks like she's wearing Riley's sweater from Inside Out

Yoda are we quoting?

Please don't ADHD out near the dangerous things in the kitchen

Dissolves in water, huh...

Time for a science lesson

Oh so there's the Hot Honey Rag, I was worried we weren't going to get a proper Broadway reference (and now I'm wondering how Carrie Preston's singing voice is as Elsbeth could totally pull off a Psych-esque musical episode just like SHMT)

Elsbeth's place is just so Elsbeth and there's everyone from previous episodes who didn't turn out to be a murderer and I think the intern chick and hip hop tour guide are going to be a thing (and fingers crossed these people show up in more episodes that didn't just spotlight them)

Uh oh here comes the captain and now things are getting as whose-side-are-you-on as they are for Susan on SHMT

[musingmemories]

@fablesuntold sent: « [ BED ]: while the sender is sleeping beside them, the receiver has a moment to watch them and consider their own feelings, resulting in clarity and a realization. “Please, just tell me the truth, even if it hurts I can handle it.” » Cheong-san x On-jo

A moment when time stops, a core memory.

In the comforting glow of a fireplace surrounded by friends, it was easy to imagine they weren’t on their school’s rooftop waiting for help but camping instead. If you managed to block out the occasional pounding on the rooftop access door, and the growls and snarls past its border, below out of broken windows and the horde that restlessly paced the grounds from the zombies that outnumbered them greatly. If you pretended… they were somewhere else. Everyone acted like it too, falling back into old patterns of gossiping, cracking jokes, talking about silly things like no more school… and love.

Surrounded by safety, uncertain if rescue would come… or if they’d even make it out alive, final words were considered, friends the torches to carry them on if they fell behind, secrets they’d been holding onto confessed into the night sky. Cheong-san’s included. Feelings harbored for her since they were six years old. Twelve years. Twelve years of having a crush on her and On-jo had no idea.

As though expected to respond in the same manner in front of everyone, On-jo felt herself shut down, embarrassed… upset and frustrated. Because at the end of the world… that’s when Cheong-san decided to suddenly reveal he’d liked her the whole time instead of hated her like she’d assumed? At a time they both could die and hadn’t had a chance to do a thing about it? She couldn’t handle this on top of everything else. On-jo had been heartbroken to learn the truth, and to make matters worse… she’d almost lost Cheong-san before she could properly think about his confession and say anything back. Bitten, their lives on the line… he’d boldly chosen to stay behind to give them all time to escape. But not without their first and last kiss, and an exchange of their name tags.

As if On-jo would let him go and do something so stupid.

She doubled back, with Nam-ra and Su-hyeok hot on her heels, finding him grappled with Gwi-nam and fighting to the death. Nam-ra shoved Gwi-nam down the elevator shaft, they ran through dystopian Hyosan… finding the safe zone all together where they’d already started working on a cure. … that took months to finally perfect, but a cure nonetheless. She watched the color return to Cheong-san’s face as he slept, body absorbing the antidote fighting the virus, perspiration dancing in beads of sweat down his face and On-jo there to dab it off. The warmth of his hand remained the same, tightly held in hers, never going cold the entire night.

On-jo couldn’t stop looking at him, his confession echoing through her mind, lips tattooed with what she’d thought would be their one and only kiss… realizing that the feeling of panic she’d felt watching him leave and pushing her to follow hadn’t been friendship. Not only. Love, too. She loved him. She loved Cheong-san and that stupid, cheeky grin. The way his face blank when she’d ask him a certain question and he’d ask “Huh?” Kicking and hitting as a form of endearment in a… non-traditional sort of way, any excuse to touch him, to be close to him. Her soulmate to the point everyone but her saw it.

‘Please, just tell me the truth, even if it hurts I can handle it.’

He was awake — when had she dozed off? On-jo felt her heart almost stutter with a sucked in breath, gaze traveling up to find Cheong-san wearing that vulnerable look he used to wear often around her before. One she never exactly noticed was him being vulnerable, but a look she'd wanted to smack off his face because of how it'd made her feel. Palms sweaty, stomach fluttering, breathless, tongue numb. In the past… and now present. On-jo immediately glanced away to catch herself. Tell him the truth. That's right... she owed him that, didn't she? A promise made to talk tomorrow. Because tomorrow was their guaranteed promise. Always anticipating seeing each other first thing in the morning like they'd been doing since they were six years old, their much needed conversation pushed aside for months since she’d found out how he’d felt.

“I don’t know what to say…” On-jo admitted, bangs tickling her lashes as she stared as his hand still covered by hers. “For twelve years… I’ve gone through hell by your side as your friend, Cheong-san. I thought it was just because you’re a bully — you are… but since that night… and the past months… I realized it’s because…” Her bottom lip was caught, afraid to say anything else. Afraid of what it could ruin. Their friendship. Losing her best friend if it didn’t work out. They’d been perfect the way they were. So she’d told herself. “I’ve always liked you too. Before you… don’t you remember? I came over and asked if you wanted to have lunch at our house the day we met. I was so nervous because I thought you were cute, and you’d be living next door. You shot me down… but kept hanging around me so I… stopped. Or didn’t. I pushed those feelings away.” Nervously, On-jo finally gazed up at him, vision starting to swim and a heartfelt smile. He’d made it back. They’d made it back. “Totally your fault it took so long, you know that?”

[minsu-the-cowardly-human]

(Apolgies for not posting when the poll actually ended I was sleeping)

Anyways but the winner is 457!! Yipee!! :] I can't tell you in what form I'll draw them neccessairly because it's near the end of the 9 weeks and I have a lot of art shit to do. Maybe I'll try to sneak them into an assignment for yall haha.

Oh also the two people who suggested rarepairs, again I can't tell you exactly how or when but I will doodle them at the very least!! :] (because since they weren't on the poll there was no chance in hell they would win yk? It feels fair to me idk)

I ship all of these ships, truly,,however if you're in the 5% that chose Semgyu...hello out there you're a real fucking trooper for choosing that one. /gen. (I love it so much grr incel x girlboss.)

Anyways but this was a lot of fun! It's interesting seeing yall's views on ships n shit /gen. Also don't worry if your fav ship didn't win/wasn't suggested as a raepair, again I ship all of these to varying extents so it might just depend on the idea but I will likely make more content for some of these ships!! :]

NERD [/j] ramblings about statistics!!

I think Daegyu getting more than boyfents is so so very funny to me,,because ik of course not everybody on Squid Game Tumblr or in the overall Squid Game fandom voted on this poll of course but generally I thought boyfents was more popular. Than again this is more on what you wanted to see me draw so..hm.

Top 5:

1: 457 (29.8%)

2: Daegyu (17.4%)

3: Boyfents (15.7%)

4: Shypill (9.1%)

5: Sae Byeok x Ji-Yeong (8.3%)

...huh. I do think it's interesting that 2 Thanos ships and 2 Nam Gyu ships are up here in top 5. Although that's not suprising because I love their characters too.

Bottom 5: [going from highest to lowest]

3 way tie- Hyun Ju x Young Mi, the salesman x Min Su, and other (3.3%)

4: Jung-Bae x Gi Hun (0.8%)

5: Coinpill (0%)

Interesting how there seems to be no pattern this time. My only thought of a pattern is that the Salesman x Min Su only lost because it is a rarepair & because shypill is a more popular Min Su ship, at least in realtion to the choices on this poll. I wonder, similarly, if coinpill got overshadowed by the options for shypill AND boyfents which probably didn't help the numbers. I think Jung Bae n Gi Hun is the one most overshadowed by another ship involving one/more of the characters (457), but also I know a lot of people don't ship with Jung Bae in general or make (much) content of him in realtion to other players so I wonder if that plays a factor in any of this...hm.

201 FOLLOWERS???

:00 YALL ARE MAD LADS...<3333 I feel like I should draw something nice for yall so...yall can vote on a sg ship for me to draw some more of! :3 (ik not every follows me for Squid Game but that's what I'm into now so I hope.my non Squid Game followers don't mind !!)

[pocketramblr]

Don't try to lie to Adolin he knows you better than that oh come on