#redemption is an active choice you make through your actions

[thebisexualwreckoning]

Listen guys I know this fandom like to make fun of harry for only ever using one spell but like the last time the poor boy tried to use a different spell during a duel Malfoy almost ended up bleeding out to death so like, can ya really blame him?

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Do you think that Voldemort/Tom Riddle could be redeemed or find redemption “through” anyone else but Harry? Obviously we are going with a very broad & loose canon divergence scenario here, but, assuming we try to follow canon as closely as possible, do you think that anyone else aside Harry might lend any amount of support for redemption? (I’m referring to the last scene of them with that remorse part)

Omph, okay, so, first of all, I don't think redemption is something that could be found "through" anyone. Redemption and remorse are processes Tom should go through. It's not Harry (or anyone) that leads him through it but Tom actively looking in and choosing to examine himself and his actions — something I don't really see him doing.

Like remorse requires a combination of two things:

A sense of guilt over your actions

Regret of said actions due to the aforementioned guilt.

Now, Tom, I think, does have his regrets. I think he regrets going after Harry, he regrets killing Myrtle to a degree as well, but not because of the effects on others, but because of how these events effected himself. He regrets going to kill Harry on Halloween 1981 because it killed him. He regretted killing Myrtle (at one point) because it ruined his chances to stay at Hogwarts during the summer, but he did not regret her death, or creating a Horcrux. So, Tom does experience regret, so that's no problem.

The guilt is a more interesting aspect. Guilt is defined as a feeling of blame, the sense that you are to blame. Now, I think Tom is definitely aware he is to blame for each and every death he caused, I think he just doesn't particularly care about most people. Not enough to feel anything about it. But, I think he does feel guilt for some things. I think him killing his father and grandparents was in a moment of passion and I think he does feel some remorse over it. Over killing them, not over making their deaths into a Horcrux or making the Horcrux.

The reason I keep mentioning the Horcruxes is because in the quote you brought up, Harry mentioned "remorse" as a means of destroying Horcruxes. I mentioned here and here how remorse could destroy a Horcrux: by regretting the creation of said Horcrux you'll break the oath that binds the Horcrux's magic. So, this specific brand of remorse would only happen if Tom decides he wishes to die (either now or eventually) but the moment he accepts his own death, he breaks the Horcruxes.

Now, I think that the final one is something Tom could eventually do. I mentioned here how Tom's behavior indicates he suspects he would wish to die, eventually, or that he at least wants that option open to him. Another person could help point the journey out to him, but it would still be a decision Tom would have to make. Otherwise, it won't really mean anything.

As for who, well, I mean, there is a reason Harry is the person we see asking Tom to try for some remorse. Harry isn't offering to lead Tom in his redemption, but he offers that path to him. He tells him he could try it, that he has another choice, which Tom, as we know, declines. But I think Harry is the only character in canon (definitely around book 7) who could or would offer Tom this alternative.

Ron mentioned in DH it's scary how well Harry understands Tom:

When Harry had finished speaking, Ron shook his head. “You really understand him.” “Bits of him,” said Harry. “Bits . . . I just wish I’d understood Dumbledore as much. But we’ll see. Come on—Ollivander now.”

(DH, 420)

Now, I don't think Harry understands Tom as well as I do, but he definitely understands Tom better than Dumbledore. I think it's striking how Harry feels he knows Voldemort better than he does Dumbledore, but I digress.

the point is, that Harry always showed sympathy towards Tom Riddle. When Dumbledore showed him Tom Riddle's memories, Harry didn't see a psychopath who was born evil, but a child, an orphan, not so dissimilar to himself, who ended up evil. Harry and Tom both remark on how similar their circumstances were:

Because there are strange likenesses between us, Harry Potter. Even you must have noticed. Both half-bloods, orphans, raised by Muggles. Probably the only two Parselmouths to come to Hogwarts since the great Slytherin himself. We even look something alike. . . .

(CoS, 292)

On how, if Harry's gone on a slightly different path, they could've been even more similar, with how he was almost in Slytherin.

When we see Harry calling Voldemort Tom in the final book, it's in a different tune than when Dumbledore called Voldemort Tom.

Dumbledore called Voldemort "Tom" as a statement of power. To diminish Tom back to the student he was, to diminish his achievements, to remind Tom he is still the same boy and no lord. That he isn't as special as he thinks he is. When Harry calls Tom by his name, Tom is convinced he is doing the same, but I don't think he is.

I think Harry calls him "Tom" because it's his name. Because he's human like everyone else. For Harry, it's from a place of understanding and sympathy and not a taunt. Not really. The taunt is Harry knowing something Voldemort doesn't, Harry is taunting him over magic and information, not about his name.

Harry is the only character in book 7 that can claim to have a resemblance of understanding of Tom Riddle and who he is. More importantly, Harry is the only character we see who feels sympathy towards Tom Riddle. That's why I said Harry is the only one who would offer Tom another option, a chance at redemption because no one else would. The entire wizarding world in the final book, even Death Eaters, Ron and Hermione see Voldemort as a kind of bogyman, a figure of fear more akin to death than a mortal man. Harry calls him Tom Riddle because he sees him as a human being, something which is necessary to be able to offer sympathy and to tell him he could choose remorse — redemption.

I think Harry, who determines how he feels about people not necessarily according to their actions, but according to how much he cares about them (he doesn't mind when Hermione kidnaps Rita Skeeter but is willing to strangle, maybe kill, Mundungus for stealing from Grimmauld Place) and understands Tom too much to not care about him enough to make him this offer at the final moment. And I think Harry is one of the only people, if not the only person, who would look at Lord Voldemort and what he did, and decide that knowing Tom Riddle is enough to offer him a chance at forgiveness. Like, this decision is insane and shows Harry's insane compassion. Yes, his compassion is somewhat selective, but once he decides he cares about you, even the most minuscule amount (like Stan Shunpike) he'll go very far for you. Up to and including giving Voldemort the option to choose redemption. But this isn't something I think anyone else would've offered.

I mean, the Order lost too much to Voldemort in the first war (and the second one). They see him as a monster more than a man. The same goes for Ron and Hermione and everyone else, really. Even Snape doesn't really know Voldemort enough to consider himself his equal, to see Voldemort as just another human. But Harry does: "Mark him as his equal" and all that.

So, basically, I think it could've only been Harry to make that offer because no one else would. But, unless we drastically change the books, no way would Tom have ever said "Yes, I want to try remorse".

(As an aside, I think it could've been hilarious if Voldemort did say: "yeah, sure" and Harry had to explain to everyone Voldemort is alright now, because he's feeling remorse and Harry decided he can forgive him. I can see how well that's going to go)

[coffeecatcraze]

Hello. I like your Chaggie analysis posts and wanted to ask you if you could another analysis on the couple. In this case, a tumblr user, angeltheninth, said they saw an interview of the couple's VAs and one of the highlights include saying that "Chaggie is at the core of the show". I was wondering ig you could do an analysis on what that could mean in the future and how it applies even in season 1. Again, only if you want to, and if not, I totally understand.

Ohhh this was fun!! I took a while to think about it and get it written out for a few reasons (such as working on fanfics and tragically having to do adulting things), and I'm sure I didn't pin down all the little ideas circling my brain about this, but here are my current thoughts on the matter!

To kick off with the obvious, they're the ones who started this. Charlie had a dream, and Vaggie was the only one who believed in her; and even with how hard it's been, they've still been fighting to make the hotel work. And it DOES. They're the first people since Lucifer and Lilith to look at things and say "hm, that doesn't seem right, let's try this" instead of just going along with it. Lucifer and Lilith led everyone into a new era with their dream of freedom, and with the Sir Pentious being redeemed and ascending to Heaven even after Sera said it as impossible, a new era looks to be exactly where Charlie and Vaggie are heading with their dream of protection. Yes, protection, because Charlie's goal to redeem demons comes from a desire to save their lives, not for the sake of making them better people. Protection has been a MASSIVE theme this season, expressed in song, dialogue, and action; and Charlie and Vaggie are the ones who kickstarted it in the first place.

And as far as "redemption" goes, using "redemption" as a term to encompass personal growth, Vaggie was the first person Charlie ever redeemed. She found her badly injured and took her in, helping a complete stranger out of the goodness of her heart; and Vaggie, a former participant in annual genocide, threw her whole self into Charlie's dream of redeeming Sinners to save Hell. Vaggie's redemption didn't come in the form of active encouagement towards it as a goal, but just as a result of being around Charlie. Charlie redeemed her without even trying. Vaggie was her first redemption story and she didn't even realize it until Rosie pointed it out. In other words, Vaggie was always walking proof that Charlie could redeem people who did horrible things. She never wanted to get back to Heaven; she was after redemption for her own sake, and for Charlie.

Choosing redemption for redemption's sake is the core of it all. Pentious wasn't trying to get into Heaven when he sacrificed himself; Angel had no way of knowing Charlie could see what he was doing at that club, so he very easily could have fallen back into old habits and called it a cheat day. But because they were genuinely becoming redeemed thanks to Charlie and Vaggie's efforts, they made selfless choices. Vaggie's redemption was real, and now these other souls Charlie took in are following in her footsteps. In other words, Vaggie was the original redemption story, and if she could become a better person even with all that blood on her hands, she knew other people could too; she supported Charlie's dream because she knew it worked, and she stayed by her side no matter how hard things got for them. Their relationship is what set the first ever real redemption into motion; they're at the core of redemption itself.

Themes of protection and love are also INCREDIBLY important in this show, and I'm not gonna cite my assorted Chaggie posts like a bibliography, but I feel like I've talked quite a bit about them being loving and protective. Their relationship is steady and stable, and there's an implicit understanding between them that comes from years of being together. They have rough spots but they get through them. They love and protect each other fiercely. Angel, Husk, Pentious, and Niffty have been learning to love and protect as well. How could they not, when they have such a great example to follow? If not for Charlie and Vaggie being such a united front, things would have turned out much less favorably for everyone.

Working together is what gets them through the hard times; they can't do this on their own. Look at what happened when they were off on their own missions in 1x07! Charlie was struggling until Rosie helped her sort through her conflicted feelings and realize that even though she was hurt, she still loved Vaggie and knew Vaggie believed in her; Vaggie was absolutely getting her ass kicked until Carmilla reminded her what (or more specifically who) her reason for fighting was, at which point she held her own, regrew her fucking wings, and impressed one of Hell's top Overlords. They succeeded because even with things so tense, they knew they had each other and they weren't alone. And isn't everyone supporting each other what that hotel is ultimtely all about? It's basically rehab, and for that, a strong support system really pays off. Their relationship essentially embodies the concepts that guide the hotel.

I know that's a lot more overall analysis than specifics about the future or season 1, but I feel like there are some implications in there, and it's hard to lay them out more explicitly in a frame of temporal reference. (Thanks for running out on me with no refills, ADHD meds, that's sooo helpful for getting coherent thoughts together...) They are indeed, in so many ways, the core of both the Hazbin Hotel and the show itself. I'm flattered you like my analysis posts enough to ask me about this, and I hope it was a satisfactory answer!!!

[girl4music]

I think what gets me most is the “I am a demon” and “there’s a demon inside me” contradiction. Spike owns up to his own evil behaviour. Angel doesn’t. Spike always owns up to his own actions and choices but yet he is not the vampire seeking a redemption.

Spike takes accountability.

Angel says it’s someone else.

Sure Angel feels guilty for the things that Angelus has done but the problem is it’s not HIM that did them. So how can it be a redemption story? It isn’t. It’s an absolution story. So long as the man and the monster are separated, it cannot be a mission of redemption.

If Angelus was the one who was making amends for the things he has done… then it would be a redemption. But that never happens. Angelus doesn’t give a shit. He revels in the damage and pain he causes. He loves it. There’s no morality in the man. He is just a monster through and through. Nothing else.

I do not understand how a guy who is a whole ass other fucking person has to pay the consequences for some other guy’s actions and choices. It’s not his problem so it’s not his fault. He just makes it that way.

The only reason ‘AtS’ works is because Angel feels responsible for Angelus’ 500+ years of carnage but he shouldn’t because Angel is not Angelus and vice versa.

Spike on the other hand chooses to be ensouled even when soulless. It should be impossible for him to feel any remorse whatsoever. He shouldn’t be capable of empathy or free will if he isn’t capable of selfless love.

But that’s just not how it works with him at all. Does the chip train him to be this way? No, I don’t think so because even before that he still can go against his own demonic nature. Yes, for selfish reasons but nevertheless… he shouldn’t be able to choose at all. His evil demon should control and rule him just the same as it does with Angelus. There should be no difference. No leeway whatsoever. No morality.

That’s if the lack of soul is the factor.

It’s clearly not.

He just acts like a selfish and warped person with a screw loose every now and again. He doesn’t act like the devil incarnate has taken over his entire identity.

Redemption truly only works when you’re the same entity when evil as you are when good. If you are literally a different entity… then it doesn’t and it can’t because “I don’t understand why I did this” and “I didn’t do this but I feel responsible” are not the same.

You can feel responsible for something someone else has done but that doesn’t mean that you should. If you did literally do them and have actively stopped doing those things out of your own volition - different story.

It has to be your choice. You can’t be compelled. Redemption doesn’t and cannot work that way.

This is the fundamental flaw of ‘Angel the Series’.

Separating and differentiating the man from the monster by way of “he has a conscience now”.

HE doesn’t have a conscience. HE just has his identity back. He’ll lose it again when his “conscience” goes bye bye. How can THAT work as a redemption story?

You can say you’re not that person anymore. But that’s not a literal statement. You are still that person but you’ve chosen not to be. You’ve chosen to change. If you can’t choose. If you’re forced into changing … then it’s not on you because you’re not that person.

When the soul is a factor - it’s not choice. It’s compelling. It’s forcing the person to change. This would be a problem for both Angel and Spike if Spike did not choose to change while he was soulless. The very reason he gets and now has a soul is the very same reason why he doesn’t actually need one. He fought for his soul so he could be a better person.

He already was simply because chose to fight for it. Angelus never ever makes that same distinction. Ever. Angel does. But Angel shouldn’t have ever had to because Angel is literally an entirely different entity. He shares his body with a demon. He isn’t that demon.

His hands drove the car but “he” was not the driver.

So it’s not a redemption because “he” doesn’t need to be redeemed. “He” is not the one that needs redemption because “he” is not the one that is evil.

[misscammiedawn]

Penlight Spoiler Reviews (Sayori Part 1)

Alright... Welcome to the Sayori segment of my spoiler reviews for Penlight. Sayori route was originally going to be one post but I had to split it in half due to Tumblr limitations.

Download Penlight (Pay what you like) from Itch.io here

My other Penlight reviews: Quick Review - Nozomi Routes - Sayori (Part 2 - Alter)

Turq's reviews: Hiroko Robot - Hiroko Tickling - Nozomi Zombie

So if I've learned anything about these posts it's that you gotta lead with a hook, so... Doll Route and "Alter" Route or Personality Play if you prefer.

I make no secret of the fact that these are my favorite paths in the game.

@spiralturquoise and I are still going back and forth on the route reviews and at present he has done reviews for Hiroko Tickle - Hiroko Robot and Nozomi Zombie and I know Sayori Doll is on his shortlist, so I'll yield a bit more space for him and be brief in my thoughts so I may devote more words to Alter path.

Because of course I have opinions on Alter path. They're glowing opinions, by the way. I mean playing through that route inspired me to write my recent blog entry on ethical personality play.

So-- let's begin.

The first choice in the game, as noted by my original short review, is essentially "are you going to be an ethical hypnotist" will you speak to the girl or just try to brainwash her. Villain and redemption paths are there for if you try to brainwash. Ethical hypnosis paths open if you try to speak.

From there you can either engage Nozomi in her hypnosis obsession or be a coward and miss your opportunity. With a missed opportunity you are given the option to go to other parts of the school.

In other words "go bug Sayori" or "go bug Hiroko"

We'll visit the pink haired gremlin on the next review.

Let's go see why my Penlight tag is "Sayori is best girl" instead...

Sayori is the smartest girl in school. She runs the study club and she gets about 3-5 hours of sleep per night.

In many of the routes she will appear as an observer of the shenanigans that are going on. She knows everyone's characters remarkably well (with one observation I find she is completely blind to, which I may mention during my Hiroko review) and her resentment for Kyou comes from the fact that she sees a focused and attentive person inside of Kyou but he is so self-pitying and uninterested in his future that he does not tap into his ability to succeed at things with focused effort.

For someone who is under pressure from two successful parents to get into medical school, she resents that someone close to her has the makings of brilliance and no drive to attain it.

But she also admires Kyou's potential for brilliance. She wants to coax it out of him. She just cannot reconcile the man she knows he can be with the person he actively chooses to be.

This is what makes the route work in my opinion. Sayori likes Kyou in theory but is so aggravated by him. Their connection is the most organic of any in the game because it would work without hypnosis. They actually have innate chemistry before the events of the game and this is highlighted by some of her actions in routes such as Redemption where she is one of only two people in the entire school (neither of whom had seen the penlight) who remain friends with Kyou after a significant incident.

But in the Doll/Alter pre-routes, Kyou goes to Study Club and meets with Sayori there. There he sees her knowledge and passion at play and recognizes that she is there purely to tutor other students.

She also falls asleep midway through the study session. She's that exhausted. After everyone else in the club has left Kyou sticks around and Sayori...

...sees right through him.

But he notes that he's worried about her lack of sleep (she admits she cannot get on a good sleep schedule because she will just sit up in bed stressing out and has trained herself to "make use" of time she'd be awake anyway) and, after hearing she intends to spend an hour before cram school napping in the study room, offers to help.

He mentions his hypnosis interest and Sayori does a number of things which amp her to the top of my Best Girl list.

1: She identifies why Kyou learned it instantly but decides that giving him shit about it would dissuade him.

2: She notes that helping her with sleep is not hobby hypnosis but therapy and should be performed by qualified professionals.

3: She refuses to engage with this until she has done some research on the topic and can provide informed consent that doesn't rely on being educated by someone who has an unknown motive.

The main three girls of the game come from different levels of trust and knowledge and I find it remarkable how the routes explore that. Nozomi knows the most about hypnosis and is wary enough of Kyou that she calls the shots for most of her routes. Sayori is learning about hypnosis as we go but is inclined to trust Kyou when his statements match her research. Hiroko knows nothing about hypnosis and all her information comes from Kyou, a person she actively hates.

I had described it to Turq as this "Sayori is the only route where it feels like two people on even footing explore hypnosis together". The foundation feels more stable in this scenario.

The next day after school Sayori has lost a couple further hours of sleep in study for hypnosis and agrees that it is safe and can be a good aid for her and so she is willing to give it a try.

Kyou pulls out his trusty penlight and...

Sayori reacts instantly to it.

Intensely.

Kyou gives her a suggestion that the moment her head hits the pillow at night she would fall into a deep and restful sleep.

And it works.

So well that Sayori doesn't wake up in the morning and is several hours late for school. Her perfect attendance record ruined forever.

She explains to Kyou that the moment she hit the pillow she just fell asleep. She didn't even think to set an alarm. It just happened and there was nothing that she could do to prevent it.

Kyou brushes her concerns aside. It was clear that her sleep schedule had been ruinous to her mental health and so her body was just taking the toll. But Sayori is freaked out because she is an over-controlled individual who is striving for medical school and with a single hypnosis session Kyou has invoked a change within her that undid years of self-conditioning.

And with that note we are left to choose between Doll route and Alter route.

I'll start with Doll for two reasons. One, Turquoise is going to say things a lot more eloquently than I could.

Two... this is the route map for Doll

THIS is the route map for Alter:

Even if personality play wasn't a huge topic of personal interest for me, there's just so much more to talk about with Alter.

With that having been said, here's my "I promise I'm trying to be swift" analysis of Doll.

DOLL ROUTE:

This route leans heavily on Sayori's self-advocacy. Kyou wants to start training for the culture festival and Sayori is coming at a base of mistrust from having been freaked out by the sleep suggestion. When Kyou asks to do the doll suggestion Sayori is very firm about what levels of touch she is willing to engage in (she also notes that the concept of "doll" is a malleable term and shouldn't be treated as a universal, something Zombie Route Kyou could have stood to consider).

Not that her mind going straight here could be foreshadowing or anything...

I have resisted labeling routes by their aesop. I think there's so much more to every route than the focus topic. But if NozoZombie is the Abreaction story then Doll is Boundaries and Alter is Lingering Programming.

With boundaries as a theme this route begins with Sayori refusing to let Kyou hypnotize her until she has enough information to consent and her being firm about what Kyou is and isn't able to do. Kyou says that hypnosis cannot make you do anything you don't agree to, but Sayori knows herself and knows her body and...

...she is terrified of the level of control she is surrendering to Kyou. So she refuses to allow him to have any more, even to deprogram her, until she has had time to think things through entirely. Her boundaries are firm and unlike the Nozomi Trance route where Kyou is being shut out by someone who treats him like a trance dispenser, Sayori and Kyou have an open conversation about consent and respect and Kyou has to live with the fact that this is Sayori's mind and he cannot subvert her will without breaking her clearly defined boundaries.

Which is why I like that this route boils down to "pick a good ending or a bad ending". We aren't given options to break Sayori's boundaries or consent because to do so would subvert the story being told. Even the bad/good ending choice is a matter of whether Kyou believes Sayori is being honest or projecting her insecurities. He never betrays her. Not in this route.

Note this isn't a case of "more story has not been written yet" there are many paths on the route tree which are grayed out as a manner of "wait until future updates" but there is only one option in this route and it is fully written.

Though Sayori is skeptical about the penlight and Kyou's hypnosis she is remarkably friendly towards him in this route in a way which she never appears to be with her friends. Sure she is snarky and has a dry wit but consider this CG from early in the doll route.

There is nothing hypnotic happening here. Sayori is just having fun. She enjoys being with Kyou. She's making fun of him for staying up too late in this scene, joking that Kyou is grumpy when he lacks sleep and that maybe he should consider turning in early.

See... as we will learn in the Alter route... Sayori actually does have a light and soft personality. She just doesn't have time for being frivolous and wasting time on friendship nor fun and games.

I'll talk about it in more depth in the Alter half but Sayori's personality shift in that route is treated so well because all the attributes that would make up her alter persona do exist within her, she just has different priorities and perspectives in her unaltered headspace.

I am spending a lot of this Doll route write-up talking about the other path, aren't I?

In parallel to the Nozo-Trance route, Kyou complains about how he is not getting what he wants from this deal (practice for the culture festival) and he accuses Sayori of being unfair in her boundaries. Unlike the Nozo-Trance route, however, Kyou is being unreasonable here. Sayori notes that she wishes to know more about the penlight and firmly refuses to commit to anything until she has reached a level of comfort.

I love her.

Kyou, falling into his worst habits of only caring about a thing while he can maintain his temporary fascination, starts to think of quitting hypnosis and focusing on tech but his (im)patience is rewarded when Sayori calls him after Hiroko's Sunday Tennis Tournament and tells him that she has no wish to go to karaoke and instead summons him to her home.

In which we get a little more on the level of boundaries, power difference and control that this route has to talk about.

Kyou offers to have Sayori at her home but she summons him to her house. She says she will help with the culture festival and put in the application but on her terms. She wants to create the script and she wants to ensure the application is prepared in accordance to her comfort.

...see, Nozomi is the class rep and must handle all applications for the culture festival and thus would learn there is a hypnosis event that will happen.

And Sayori knows Nozomi has a hypnosis fetish. And Sayori knows Kyou is interested in Nozomi.

So she manipulates the situation to lock Nozomi out of the proceedings because she does not trust either of them enough to do otherwise.

A lot of the trust and boundaries of this route isn't just Kyou having to earn Sayori's, it's about Sayori being able to trust herself and her situation enough to lower her guard. She is a rigid woman who believes she can control all the variables. She does not trust herself and that is explored in both routes.

Kyou and Sayori's time together is not so much about Sayori learning to trust Kyou but about Sayori trusting herself to let go and fall into another's hands.

At this point of the story she is not able to do that and she hurts people because of it.

What's worse is... well. I have to stop talking about the Alter route... but suffice to say it serves her purposes to exclude Nozomi in this path.

I wonder how much she will treat Nozomi in another timeline...

And so, at Sayori's house, she agrees to amp up the doll play from just being a arm catalepsy suggestion to feet and invites Kyou to touch her body to test it.

This isn't important but I should note this is one of the only Penlight induction sequences without a dedicated CG.

Turq once said he enjoyed how Angela DeMille treated sitting down as rising action within the context of a hypnosis scene and I feel the absence of a CG is notable, albeit I cannot quite say why.

The leg catalepsy suggestion, brought about by the trigger "booksmart"

As with all penlight suggestions the trigger is so binding that she cannot stand up after Kyou activates it.

They have such fun rapport.

But this route is not a straight line. It's rising and falling in terms of the pairs exploration into hypnosis and with mock exams coming up Sayori wants to get back to study and is frustrated she's allowing herself to be distracted.

Another reason to highlight the choice not to give the player choices here. Kyou's frustration with waiting is never met with an option to force Sayori into further play. He will always yield to her requests.

He is once again rewarded for his patience by Sayori dragging him to the student council office where Student Council President Akiko, a former friend of Sayori's, takes the application for the cultural festival herself.

Akiko is an oddity within the game. I look forward to discussing her route.

Sayori bombs the mock exams and freaks out, returning to Kyou's house and explaining that she was so distracted by how wonderful hypnosis feels and how she wants to stop what they are doing, deprogram. She wants to stop falling asleep the moment she hits a pillow, she wants to stop exploring this frivolity.

The pair fight. Leaving nothing held back. Kyou accusing Sayori of being terrified that she may have fun for once in her life and Sayori stripping down Kyou's character from years of watching him.

My headcanon is that Sayori has a crush on Kyou and I treat this headcanon as fact.

It is at the height of the argument with Sayori and Kyou both having said things that they regret that you can select your ending:

So my praise to the endings of Doll Route is that they inform one another.

Kyou's hypnotic patter has been programming anyone who he aims the penlight at. Including innate suggestions that hypnosis feels wonderful.

She has become addicted to that wonderful feeling and Kyou can realize that if they have a conversation or he could say "Book smart" and remove her ability to argue with him. Because no matter how careful and well planned Sayori was, her lack of trust in having Kyou go in and remove programming such as the sleep and "book smart" suggestions did leave her vulnerable to lingering programming.

Lingering programming... we should talk more about that later...

In the bad ending if Kyou bullies her into admitting how much she desires hypnosis she will cry and talk about how much she enjoys the wonderful feeling. Kyou is the only one who can make her feel wonderful.

Where in the good ending he realizes that the penlight is actually reprogramming her and maybe they should remove the programming and start again.

And so... they make a trade.

Sayori offers to perform Kyou's original doll suggestion, no caveats, no limitations beyond what is appropriate for the pair. She is willing to trust him to be a good man... and in exchange, Kyou can perform the hypnosis with her full trust.

Kyou even tailors the session, knowing how her mind works.

In the NozoDom "Reversal" route, I had mentioned how the deprogramming scene was the longest in the game and how it treated the trust and intimacy of Nozomi (arguably a better hypnotist than Kyou) taking her time and really earning the scene that we the audience got to experience from a first person perspective.

This is the most emotionally intimate scene because it's the payoff to an entire route of rapport building. This is the initial suggestion. This is what Kyou wanted at the start... and it's being given now and it's SO much more valuable for the journey between the request and the honoring of it.

Sayori's trust in Kyou is desperately intimate.

This is just romantic.

One of my girlfriends is not just into doll play. She's famous for doll play.

Treating someone as a treasured toy, brushing their hair, putting them in poses, treating them as pretty and letting them lean all their trust into the intimacy of your touch, letting themselves be posed and used and cared for...

Sayori is a being who needs to feel in control of her life. Even in matters such as the culture festival (we'll get there) she couldn't bare the flexible variable of Nozomi's involvement.

Her trusting Kyou like this is such a big deal and Kyou respecting her and treating her trust as a gift?

I don't have to imagine that as a romantic action. I feel it every single day with one of the humans on this planet I love the most. THIS is what hypnokink is. Power exchange, scene play, shenanigans. It's all fun and games but at the end of it hypnosis is built on a foundation of trust and a big part of that trust is learning to turn off and let someone else lead.

There's a difference between putting your body in the hands of someone else and putting your mind in them. Your identity. It's a malleable thing after all and not everyone on the planet is willing to be vulnerable, open or allow themselves to be altered by the effects of it.

So to find a person you can give and take that trust? It's romantic beyond my ability to define.

The culture festival is a one woman display of full body catalepsy spreading Sayori between two chairs. Nozomi and Akiko are invited to help run the show and it goes remarkably well.

Unfortunately after the event Nozomi is hurt that Sayori locked her out. Hurt and confused because she cannot even explain why it hurts without revealing her fetish and when explaining she cuts Sayori off and excuses herself.

This ending reveals a side to Sayori's behavior. She tries to control variables and is rigid in how she treats people. She refuses to be involved in any social engagement out of school hours (though she shows up to help Hiroko at her tennis tournament and any route that requires her assistance such as NozoZombie. She shows up for her friends but she does not hang out with anyone) and views all connections as temporary. She knows she'll move on from school and never see these people again, she considers her time valuable.

In talking to Akiko, a person she abandoned when student council became more time than reward, and Nozomi in the ending it is revealed how much this cost her in the end.

Sayori's kind of a bad friend.

The doll ending concludes in the study room with some mundane hypnosis.

The bad ending is where Kyou takes responsibility for a toy and makes all decisions for her. Both students crash and burn and Kyou finds himself burned out taking care of another human being, but she is just too reliant upon him and his penlight hypnosis and so he'll just have to do the thinking for both of them.

Another interesting thing about the bad ending is besides the "wonderful" note that you need context for the good ending for, the hypnosis show is stiff and not quite as successful in the bad ending route. Kyou's display of Sayori as a toy is met with more confusion and mild hostility than the display in the good ending.

...and so... let's switch rails and go back to that original choice.

What if Kyou said Make You Think You're Someone Else.

To be continued in Alter Route... (click for the second half)

[abookfairy]

I need to talk about one of the most audacious and interesting narrative choices I have seen in one of my favorite manhwa: King's Maker. The villain in the first arc is the tyrannical and debauched king, the father of the protagonist. He is sexually debauched, a pedophile, a rapist, completely uninterested in ruling his kingdom, a tyrant, and has had a negative impact on the lives of pretty much every character in the main cast, not only in the first arc but in succeeding arcs as well. Seeing him brought down is an absolute joy, especially since his own vanity, tyranny, and sexually abusive behavior, is more than partially responsible for his downfall. With that being said, we never see much of his childhood, nor what brought him to become this way. He is presented as a monster and is never humanized in any way. As far as the readers and the characters are concerned, he is just a monster.

In the conclusion of the first arc, the authors discuss their choices for the first arcs, and they said something that was pretty interesting to me. That after seeing the atrocious crimes committed in real life and the atrocious excuses the perpetrators gave to justify themselves, they decided not to give the villain any room for excuses.

This choice was, as far as I know, somewhat controversial among the reader base. We are in an era where redemption arcs are fairly common, where we want to see the backstories of our favorite villains, where we feel the need to understand what made them this way. We praise the writers when they get into the nitty-gritty and when we get to see abusive parents, figures of powers, and even better, society, as the real villains. Sometimes, these tragic backstories make the villains sympathetic to the audience, even if they are responsible for misery and pain for the heroes.

I am not saying this is wrong in itself. Making characters more complex is good writing, and pointing to dysfunctions in society makes for good commentary. That being said, I respect the hell out of the choice to say "This character might have gone through some stuff that made them the monster they are today, and you know what? We don't care! Because nothing that happened to them can justify the pain they brought upon others". It actively closes the door for any excuses or justifications. It makes the readers and the characters incapable of understanding or even justifying the villain. We have only their actions and the pain they inflicted on others to judge them. While I enjoy myself a good tragic backstory, corruption arc and even societal commentary, I cannot say I dislike it when the writers say "Fuck off with your tragic backstory! You hurt others and that was your choice!"

We will never understand the King is King's Maker. As far as I know, his name is rarely, if at all, mentioned. But we see people suffering from his actions, recovering from the pain he caused, and building something new and better out of the damage he inflicted on his country and his people. And sometimes, that's the story that deserves to be told, and that's how villains deserve to be remembered.

[natasha-in-space]

Okay i have this scenario for you

Jumin bad ending 2 but jumin suddenly becomes a black tom cat and now mc has to take care of him cuz he is a fucking cat now. How would she cope with it. Would it be her redemption arc (cuz jumin be2 mc is not a good person to say the least) how would ELLY react to it, how would rfa react to it. Would they help mc in taking care of kitty jumin. Will jumin scratch Seven and then get his nails trimmed off as a punishment for scratching seven

I'll be completely honest and say that I am not all that knowledgeable on the full nuance of Jumin's 2 bad ending. And there is a lot of nuance to it. So, I don't think I can write up a full scenario with this promt and give it justice, but I am interested to talk about it!

I'd say Jumin's 2 bad ending is one of the most complex we have in the game. There's a reason why we have an entire dlc dedicated to exploring it in more depth (aside from the obvious profit Cheritz saw in it, since it's definitely one of, if not the most popular bad ending in the whole game). I never actually got it for myself 'cause it personally makes me uncomfortable, but I did play through the dlc for it, as there is some very interesting content related to Jumin's childhood in there that caught my eye.

That said, I'd honestly feel very bad for Jumin in this sort of situation. His 2 bad ending is about control, but not in a way that seems to be widely accepted by the fandom. It is a common portrayal and misconception that Jumin is the one in control of MC in that ending. Telling them what to wear, how to walk, where to be, placing tracking gadgets on them, etc. But, a lot of folks seem to forget that it is, in fact, MC who has actively encouraged and nudged Jumin into that direction. (Ignore my sloppy highlighting lol)

In fact, I'd say it's the MC who has all the control and power in this situation. Jumin is simply following what they desire of him to please them. He won't do anything that they actually don't want him to do. We don't see any hints of him actively wanting or doing anything of the sort. So, no, Jumin won't lock you up Toma style (Amnesia: Memories players all shuddered at this mention for sure lmao). It's actually a very common mischaracterization of Jumin up until this day. MC of the 2 bad ending wants to be treated in such a way, and Jumin is in no way forcing anything on them. It's entirely consensual between the two. Now, does it take away the absolute nuclear toxicity of this kind of relationship? Certainly not. But, it's a bad ending for a reason, as I already stated.

In fact, we actually see that power dynamic between them at full play during the dlc. I think it's neat that they directly show you that, no, Jumin is actually very respectful of your choices, and you are the bad guy here. Which is exactly the case. It could be argued that, with the dlc, there is room for improvement in this relationship, and it might turn out good for them, but... well, as I repeat, it's a bad ending for a reason.

So, keeping all of that in mind, if Jumin suddenly found himself turned into a cat without any warning? I'd say it'll be all about control. Yet again. Now that he's a small helpless animal, MC holds his entire life in their hands. Literally. Now, it's definitely not as macabre as I made it sound, as I do not believe that this MC would ever actively harm Jumin. It's a bit more complicated than that. But, these shared feelings of possessiveness and a desire for control manifest themselves in some very unhealthy habits between the two.

Maybe MC will keep him for themselves. Maybe they won't let anyone else touch him. Maybe they'll play a little game of cat and mouse, where Jumin will have to chase them around in order to get some of their attention. Sure, it's consensual, but it is still rather dubious and definitely not healthy in any way. I don't think him turning into a cat would push MC to reevaluate their actions, unfortunately. I think it will only encourage them to straighten their invisible hold on Jumin even further. It is far too exhilarating to have that much control over someone, and that's exactly what 2 bad ending is about.

[hvwks]

and listen i get it i understand a hefty sizable chunk (honestly, the vast majority) of the fandom wants endeavor dead, rendered useless, written off, etc, for his actions and thats fair and completely valid bc like. its a fictional dude. actions were reprehensible, you may have those opinions.

but... i just... the potential for those kids to finally heal and move forward. and begin a life for themselves free of the shackles that their family's fucked up dynamics created... so much of that can come from seeing what brought you pain and misery and choosing to move forward, anyway. i'm not saying you need to forgive your abuser or anything of that nature. absolutely not. but i can tell you. if... my mother, who spent so much of my childhood and adolescence telling me how useless i was, how i can't do anything right, won't achieve anything with my life, and fostered these severely debilitating neurodivergencies that i know have to be in full-time therapy for the forseeable future with no real "cure" for it (woohoo lets go bpd!) .... so much as apologized to me even once. for the things that i went through. i think i could heal so much of my inner. i wouldn't be fixed compeltely. hell, i will still need to do my dbt worksheets and my grounding techniques. but at least i won't have to spend the rest of my life dealing with a "would she ever say sorry? would she ever recognize what she did to me?"

and the thing is, at least for shoto, fuyumi, even natsuo to some extent.... they are choosing to be there, choosing to listen to the man that made their life a living hell in his apologies. enji didn't force any of his kids to listen to his apologies. much less accept them. and that's said time and time again. shown multiple times, too. the way those kids choose to step up and move forward is completely of their own volition--and whether YOU, the viewer, an outsider's perspective, decide hes worthy of "redemption" (which!! he explicitly said he didn't want! he specifically said he wants to atone for his actions!! not be seen as a completely different person, but the same man who recognizes his evils and is actively making the choice to see where he can make things better, even by a small fraction if he can!!) doesn't change the fact that there are people out there who would give up their pinky toe to have a parent that hurt them so badly acknowledge their actions and apologize for them.

not because it makes them a btter person all of a sudden. but because it gives the people affected by them the chance to find closure and move forward to grow into something new and transformed.

and THAT is why endeavor's survival, ESPECIALLY after the climax of the todorokis vs dabi, would be important to the narrative as well as the overall growth of the todoroki family. dabi felt what it was like, for the first time, to be seen. he's a boy that never got to grow or learn how to handle his very big emotions. he was a victim in all things. whether that was with endeavor or with afo. but the potential for him to see what could be, see where things can, maybe, just maybe, one day become what the little touya that died at sekoto peak always wanted is too good for me to ignore.

[mdhwrites]

So, any theories on what Sasha's parents are like? Like I doubt they were perfect considering Sasha's behavior (remember when she outright stated in True Colors that she was okay never going back home and having zero problem with smashing the box, plus the fact she never shows signs of missing them even after her redemption in season 3). And considering how other redemptions are with their flawed relationship with family like Pacifica on Gravity Falls, Amity and Hunter on Owl House, Andrea on Ghost & Molly McGee, Zuko on Avatar the Last Airbender, Eddy on Ed Edd n Eddy, Catra on She Ra 2018, Lena on DuckTales 2017, Ludo on Star vs the Forces of Evil, and Helga on Hey Arnold, it's hard to believe Sasha had the best relationship with her parents. Granted Sunset Shimmer from the MLP FiM spin off Equestria Girls is a redemption character who also never had her family brought up or ever had an onscreen reason for why she was an evil and mean bully in the first movie (aside from probably just being an arrogant power hungry spoiled brat) so maybe Sasha's kinda like her in a sense too.

So this is a question I actually LOVE. There's a LOT you can glean off of a parent by their kid in general, let alone with any references to them. However... Them being redeemed doesn't always say anything about their relationship. Hell, for Amity since you listed her and I can comment, the speed of her redemption versus how much of a mustache twirling villain Odalia is ACTIVELY CONTRADICT EACH OTHER. It's REALLY bad.

Sasha's redemption says literally fuck all about her parents. Mostly because they don't mean anything to Sasha. Very little means anything to Sasha besides herself and her two best friends. Arguably not even Marcy.

The rest of her context to being willing to see the box destroyed and not return is critical here because she does actually explain herself. "Why rule a school when I can rule a world?" Her priority is self aggrandizing. It's not about freedom and it's not about safety. In fact, Sasha has cared very little for other's freedoms or her own safety. What matters is that Sasha is winning. Even Battle of the Bands made it clear that she is used to doing whatever it takes to be on top and getting her way.

Which to me doesn't mean abusive parents like you want to imply just through saying a lot of other shows did the trope of blaming abusive parents for bad behavior... It just means parents who thought the best way to make their daughter happy was to never tell her no. They let her live a life that had no consequences and where she didn't have to worry because if she skipped school or needed fifty bucks for gal pal time, they'd give it to her. This fits a lot more with Sasha's arc too because her arc has nothing to do with rebelling against her parents. She CHOSE to be a bad person. To not care about others. It's only by realizing that what she does hurt people with her actions and deciding they matter that she becomes a better person.

And to me, that's MUCH more compelling than trying to scapegoat what someone does onto their parent. It's not like everyone is evil just because their parents are shit. It devalues their choices as a character and is honestly a trope I'd like to see LESS. Or, bare minimum, not have standing up to their parent be like flipping a switch and making them automatically a good person because those scars last and their parents couldn't have made them do EVERY bad thing they did. Just look at Amity who decided "I'm going to make my ex-friend's life hell for YEARS despite only having to tell her we're not friends anymore to make my parents happy." That's not her parent's fault, that's her decision to be a monster.

At some point, the blame is on you for what you do. Narratively, for me, that's also more compelling and satisfying because it means you are the only one to blame for your gains too. People always have the choice to do good. It's their decision if it's too much work or relies on caring about others too much.

That to me is what makes Sasha so compelling and why anyone who wanted to see her parents I think are just asking for a categorically weaker story.

======+++++======

I didn't mean for the two blogs to be on a theme today but I decided on this anyways since I had both typed up. For anyone curious why I thought the previous one was dumb but this one was fun, it's simple: One asked if it belonged in the narrative. This one is just nice old character analysis.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

And finally a Twitter you can follow too!

[acacia-may]

Could I ask for two?

Jellal x Erza, then Gajeel x Levy for the bingo game? 👀🙏💖

Of course, Erika! Thank you so much for the ask! I like the enemies-to-lovers theme going on here. 😁 To tell you the absolute truth, these are definitely my top ships in Fairy Tail (A/N: with Elfman x Evergreen rounding out the top 3--I'm not sure the exact order), so it's a little funny to me that they came in on the same ask. I love that it worked out that way! 💖 This post got so long that I'm actually going to split your ask (if that's okay?) and will tag you in the second one as soon as it's finished. The Bingo card for Jerza is below, and my thoughts, songs, and a few headcanons are below the cut!

Part of the Relationship Bingo Ask Game!

Jellal Fernandes x Erza Scarlet

A Bingo!! Yay!! They deserve it! 🥰

Jerza

Thoughts:

Gosh I'm not sure I even know where to begin with this one. This ship had everything in the absolute best possible way: childhood friends to enemies to friends to lovers. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite ship tropes so I appreciated that part of their backstory--those flashbacks made it so abundantly clear why Tiny Erza was so fond of Tiny Jellal and wanted to believe that there was still good in him despite the fact that he was a villain when we first meet him in the canon. [A/N: Jella's overall culpability for his inexcusable actions is another discussion that I'm not going to go into here but seeing as he (1) was brainwashed, abused, and manipulated, (2) feels genuine remorse and guilt for what he did, and (3) is actively trying to atone, make amends, and heal the hurts and wrongs he caused, I'm much more inclined to forgive him]. Even though it was clear early on that they did have this history and there was definitely some chemistry there, I liked that their relationship actually got the chance to be the slow burn that was warranted by their situation. They didn't rush into a relationship or jump into a confession immediately after Jellal started his redemption arc journey, and, in fact, because he is so ashamed of and remorseful for the way he treated her, Jellal actually refuses to pursue a relationship. He has so much respect for Erza and truly believes she deserves better than him. His redemption arc isn't cheapened by questions like 'oh, is he only bettering himself so he can be with her?' She is inspiring him to be better, but he is taking these steps to better himself because he wants to not because he wants something from her (i.e. her love or a relationship). Jellal truly wants to be the best version of himself, the man that Erza believes he can be, regardless of whether or not he ever gets to be with her, and I think there is something very beautiful and selfless about that.

On Erza's side, when Jellal has this redemption and the time comes that she wants that relationship with him, there is something so admirable about her love for him and her loyalty because she doesn't idealize Jellal. She sees that he is flawed, recognizes his mistakes, and doesn't make excuses for what he has done. She doesn't dismiss it or forget, but she chooses to forgive and chooses to love him anyway. There really is such a freedom in that because this love is her choice. She is freely choosing to love Jellal, not an idealized, fantasy version of him. She knows, possibly better than anyone, that Jellal is a broken and flawed man, but she also chooses to see the good in him and chooses to love him for who he really is. If the crux of Jellal's argument for why they can't be together is that he isn't good enough for her, the crux of Erza's argument for why they should pursue this relationship is essentially "I know you've made mistakes, but you are not the sum of your mistakes, so I choose to love you anyway."

They're both been through so much and deserve the world. If they really love each other (which I believe they do) and want to be together, then I support them in that 100%.

[And don't even get me started about Edo!Jerza... My goodness! I love them so much that I'm not even sure I have the words to express it. My very first Fairy Tail fanfiction ever was actually about Mystwalker even though I don't usually write romance, but gosh...yeah...I just I love them! However, I kind of consider that a separate thing so I won't go into that here.]

Some Headcanons:

Erza and Jellal both prefer lowkey dates their favourite being having picnics. They'll pack a picnic lunch or dinner and sit and talk for hours at the beach or in a woodland clearing. In the far future when they marry and have children, it becomes a regular family activity.

Jellal says the words "I love you" first, but Erza says them more often.

They take things very slowly in their relationship and date for a long time before getting engaged even though they both know very early on in their relationship that they want to spend the rest of their lives together.

Their wedding was small and not very extravagant, but it was a very joyful occasion shared with their friends/found family which is exactly how they wanted it. Jellal tears up when he sees Erza walking down the aisle.

Jellal has a lot of fears and reservations about becoming parents, and Erza is a little nervous about the idea herself but reassures Jellal that the most important thing is that they will love their children. In the end they make a wonderful mother and father to four children: two of whom are their biological kids and two of whom are adopted but they never make that distinction. Their kids are their kids, and they love them very much.

A Song That Reminds Me of Them:

There are several songs that remind me of Jerza, but one of my favourites is "Find My Way Back" by Eric Arjes for them. I think it really speaks to their journey and how after everything they've been through they ultimately find their way back to each other again. While I think this definitely works in a literal sense, it is also fitting in the more figurative sense of Jellal kind of losing his way and losing himself. Erza never gave up hope that Jellal would eventually find himself and find his way back to her, and, in turn, as part of his redemption arc, Jellal really vowed to once again become the good man that Erza believed he could be. The lines "Even if you slip away, I'll be there to fall into the dark to chase your heart" really remind me of Erza, and a lot of the second verse (i.e. "On my way now, don't give up on me" and "These weary eyes will never rest until they look in yours again") remind me of Jellal. Ultimately, I think the end of the chorus is really fitting for both of them:

No distance could ever tear us apart There's nothing that I wouldn't do I'll find my way back to you

Find My Way Back - YouTube

[teiasviago]

Oh, 100%. And young starry-eyed Scully in love with her professor, while adorable, is EXTRA creepy when you realize she didn't even know he was still married (at least that was GA's intention) and left after she found out. YIKES. And yes about Maggie. And I totally get your point about 30+. I differ slightly (25+ is my range, because the brain is fully formed at 25, etc.); but I don't think all the precautions in the world would have helped the disaster that was the Waterston situation.

I think GA was going for redemption arc and closing up old wounds and insecurities, but needed a two-parter to resolve it all. Or, hot take, I think it would be better to cut out the tea shop lady-- she really only exists to give Scully the moral. I love it more when Scully comes upon the answers in her own agency: her decision for Emily in the Emily arc, letting Emily go in All Souls, not killing Ruiz Cardinale in revenge for her sister, etc. There is usually no handholding for Scully, and it shows her moral strength and practical wisdom in sorting out the threads of her life in ways that she can live with. That's another thing-- Orison ended too soon, not showing Scully's important growth through that episode's conclusion. Or maybe she didn't resolve it yet, and carried that pain through En Ami and into All Things; in which case maybe mention it a little.

BUT, for a first time script? It's really good. So props to GA-- she's got more guts than I would for a first time writer on a highly successful show. AND DIRECTING?? The girl was left w/ all the blame if it plopped or succeeded, and she took that all on her shoulders willingly. You gotta admire that she takes on challenges that could daunt a lesser man.

Oh, yes, for a first time script it’s super good! And, honestly, it’s really rare to have the first draft of any script be all that great, either, haha. It takes a lot of revision and critiques to get it right. I think it would’ve been better to tackle this issue + Mulder and Scully finally getting together in a two-parter just so everything could have the time it needed to really work right. Gillian (and David) writes Mulder and Scully in such a unique and beautiful way and you can definitely see that. I absolutely love the last scene (except for that outdated music). After all those years of pretending that she’s fine in front of him, Scully finally opens up with no qualms and feels so comfortable that she can fall asleep next to him on the couch. That trust and security.

I can’t take “Orison” seriously, honestly, but I think that’s just my personal bias talking. (Damn, I hate Catholicism.) I just don’t think it makes sense for Scully to fall back on her religion and assume that it had to have been the devil because she’s never before shown any indication that she would feel that much guilt for shooting such a terrible person. And it’s like, if he was able to escape once, the prospect of locking him up again doesn’t very well make you feel safe and secure??? Like, if she’d been like, “I think the devil was influencing my actions,” I could’ve accepted that, but the impression I got was that she was saying he fully took control of her in that moment. Idk, I generally just leave it as “blegh, Catholic bs” lol.

Anyways, yes, I think the fact that after all that, we didn’t really see Scully make an active choice between Daniel and Mulder was a disservice. (I also passionately despise the teaser for the episode but I’ll let that sit lol.) Like choosing to trust Mulder and be by his side is a big difference between the choice to have sex with him for the first time. Those are different intimacies. They’re not dependent on each other, you know? I think the teaser would work if we saw them snuggled in bed together. That implies the deliberate and continuous choice to be together—to be intimate in that way.

And, yeah, Gillian Anderson steps up to bat a lot. Very much a role model in that respect.

[nouraferjani]

Unveiling Okarun: Your Gateway to Thrilling Adventures and Captivating Stories

In a world filled with countless sources of entertainment, Okarun stands out as a unique destination for those seeking thrilling adventures and captivating narratives. Whether you're an avid fan of immersive storytelling, or simply someone who loves exploring the unknown, Okarun offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you enchanted. Let’s dive into what makes Okarun a must-visit universe.

What is Okarun?

At its core, Okarun is a vibrant and dynamic world that combines elements of adventure, creativity, and storytelling. From its meticulously crafted settings to its intriguing characters, Okarun creates an environment where every turn reveals something new and exciting. Whether it's an epic quest or a quiet moment of discovery, the stories of Okarun are designed to captivate and inspire.

The platform’s appeal lies in its ability to transport its audience into a realm of endless possibilities. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s an immersive journey that stimulates the imagination and encourages exploration.

Why Okarun Stands Out

1. Thrilling Adventures

Okarun is a treasure trove of thrilling adventures that keep you on the edge of your seat. Each narrative is meticulously crafted to deliver excitement, suspense, and wonder. Whether you’re delving into ancient ruins, navigating treacherous landscapes, or unraveling long-lost secrets, Okarun ensures every adventure feels fresh and exhilarating.

The adventures in Okarun aren’t just about action; they’re about emotional connections. The stakes are high, and the outcomes often hinge on the choices you make, making each journey personal and unforgettable.

2. Captivating Stories

At the heart of Okarun lies its masterful storytelling. The narratives are rich with detail, offering layers of complexity that appeal to a wide range of audiences. From heartwarming tales of friendship to intense sagas of conflict and redemption, Okarun’s stories resonate deeply with its fans.

Each character is brought to life with depth and nuance, making them relatable and memorable. Their triumphs and struggles invite you to invest emotionally, ensuring that their journeys become just as important to you as your own.

3. Intriguing Characters

No adventure is complete without compelling characters, and Okarun delivers in spades. The inhabitants of Okarun are diverse and multifaceted, each with their own backstories, motivations, and arcs. From valiant heroes to enigmatic antagonists, the characters enrich the narrative landscape, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and unexpected twists.

4. Immersive World-Building

Okarun’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular. Every corner of this universe is filled with intricate details that breathe life into its landscapes. From sprawling cities teeming with activity to tranquil forests brimming with mystery, the settings in Okarun are as much a character as the people who inhabit them.

The seamless integration of lore and environment ensures that every location feels authentic and alive, drawing you further into the narrative tapestry.

What Makes Okarun Unique?

While many platforms offer adventure and storytelling, Okarun distinguishes itself through its commitment to interactive experiences. Here, you’re not just a passive observer; you’re an active participant. Your choices shape the direction of the story, adding layers of personalization and engagement that traditional narratives often lack.

Moreover, Okarun’s community fosters collaboration and creativity. Fans can share their own interpretations, contribute to the lore, and even create their own stories within the Okarun universe, ensuring the platform continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.

How to Begin Your Journey with Okarun

Starting your adventure with Okarun is simple. Visit Okarun.net, where you’ll find a wealth of resources to guide you into this captivating world. From introductory guides to community forums, everything you need to immerse yourself is at your fingertips.

Take your time to explore the different narratives and characters, and don’t be afraid to dive deep into the lore. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, Okarun has something for everyone.

Conclusion

Okarun is more than just a platform for adventure and storytelling; it’s a gateway to a universe brimming with excitement, emotion, and discovery. Its thrilling adventures, captivating stories, and intricate world-building set it apart as a true gem for those looking to escape the mundane and embark on unforgettable journeys. So why wait? Step into the world of Okarun and let the magic unfold. Your next great adventure awaits!

[vinceleemiller]

The Legacy of a Patriarch And Prostitute | James 2:21-26

What do Abraham, a patriarch, and Rahab, a prostitute, have in common? At first glance, it seems nothing—one is a giant of the faith, the other a woman with a checkered past. Yet James places them side by side, using them as examples of how men and women of living faith should aspire to live.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 2:21-26.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. — James 2:21-26

Abraham’s faith is legendary in the Bible. It led him to the ultimate act of trust—total obedience to God and the willingness to offer up his son Isaac on the altar. Even though God did not let him carry out the final act, Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s command revealed a faith so deep and complete that he became known as the Father of Faith. This wasn’t just about belief; it was about belief that acted. His legacy of faith became the foundation for generations to come, marking him as a friend of God and a model for all who follow.

Rahab’s story, though seemingly different, echoes the same truth. As a Gentile woman with a sinful past, Rahab had no reputation to lean on—only a choice to make. Her faith moved her to risk her life by hiding Israelite spies and helping them escape. This single act of courageous trust in God not only saved her family but also grafted her into the lineage of Jesus Christ. Her legacy? Proof that faith can transform even the most unlikely life into a story of redemption.

What binds these two together is a faith that moves—faith that acts, responds, and lets God write the story. Abraham’s faith shaped nations. Rahab’s faith redeemed her family and secured her place in history.

Faith that moves writes stories that endure.

So, what story does God want to write with your life and faith? The only way to find out is to live out your faith through action.

Remember, Jesus didn’t just speak of love—He demonstrated it through the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice. Leaving the glory of heaven, He took on human form and laid down His life on the cross for our sins. His unwavering faith in the Father’s plan was lived out in perfect action, securing redemption for all who believe. Jesus went all in for us—now it’s our turn to live all in for Him.

#FaithInAction, #LivingFaith, #TrustAndObey

ASK THIS:

How does your faith inspire you to take action in your daily life?

What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in obedience?

How can you trust God more boldly, as Abraham and Rahab did?

What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with your faith?

Check out this episode!

[stockmarketanalysis]

Complete Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Everything You Need to Know

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained immense popularity in recent years, revolutionizing the way people invest in the stock market. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, ETFs offer a flexible and cost-effective way to diversify your portfolio. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ETFs, with a focus on the Indian stock market, real-world examples, and actionable insights.

What Are Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Why Should You Care?

ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges, similar to stocks. These funds pool money from investors to purchase a basket of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day.

Key Features of ETFs:

Liquidity: You can trade ETFs during market hours, just like stocks.

Diversification: A single ETF gives exposure to multiple securities.

Low Costs: ETFs typically have lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds.

Real-World Example:

In India, the Nifty 50 ETF tracks the Nifty 50 Index, giving investors exposure to 50 of the top companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

How Do ETFs Work?

Understanding how ETFs work is essential for making informed decisions. ETFs operate through a creation and redemption mechanism. Large financial institutions, known as authorized participants (APs), create or redeem ETF shares by exchanging them with a basket of underlying assets.

Trading ETFs in India:

ETFs like ICICI Prudential Nifty ETF or SBI ETF Gold are listed on Indian stock exchanges (NSE and BSE).

Investors can trade these ETFs through brokerage platforms like Strike.money, which provides a seamless experience for ETF investments.

Different Types of ETFs: Find What Suits You

The versatility of ETFs is one of their biggest strengths. Depending on your investment goals, you can choose from various types:

1. Equity ETFs

These ETFs invest in stocks and track indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex.

Example: HDFC Sensex ETF.

2. Bond ETFs

Focuses on fixed-income securities, ideal for conservative investors.

Example: Bharat Bond ETF, launched by the Indian government.

3. Commodity ETFs

Invests in commodities like gold or silver.

Example: SBI Gold ETF, a popular choice among Indian investors.

4. Thematic ETFs

These ETFs focus on specific sectors or themes like technology or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Example: Nippon India ETF Infra BeES, which targets the infrastructure sector.

Advantages of ETFs: Why Are They So Popular?

ETFs have become the go-to investment vehicle for many due to their unique advantages.

1. Cost Efficiency

The average expense ratio of ETFs in India is around 0.1% to 0.5%, significantly lower than mutual funds.

Example: Bharat Bond ETF has an expense ratio as low as 0.0005%.

2. Flexibility

Unlike mutual funds, ETFs allow intraday trading, making them ideal for active traders.

3. Tax Efficiency

ETFs are more tax-efficient due to the in-kind creation/redemption process, minimizing capital gains taxes.

Risks of ETFs: What You Need to Watch Out For

Despite their advantages, ETFs are not without risks.

1. Market Risks

ETFs like the Nifty 50 ETF are subject to market fluctuations. If the market falls, so does the ETF's value.

2. Tracking Errors

This occurs when the ETF's performance deviates from its underlying index due to fees or other factors.

Example: Nippon India ETF Nifty BeES may have slight deviations from the Nifty 50 Index.

3. Liquidity Risks

Some niche ETFs may have lower trading volumes, leading to wider bid-ask spreads.

ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference?

Why Choose ETFs?

For Indian investors, ETFs like Kotak Banking ETF offer a low-cost, flexible alternative to actively managed mutual funds.

How to Start Investing in ETFs?

Starting with ETFs is straightforward, especially with platforms like Strike.money simplifying the process.

Steps to Invest:

Choose a Brokerage: Register with a trading platform like Strike.money.

Research ETFs: Look for ETFs that align with your goals. Example: Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF for global exposure.

Place an Order: Buy ETF units just like you would purchase stocks.

Top ETF Providers in India

India’s ETF market is dominated by reputed players offering a range of products:

1. Vanguard ETFs

Globally renowned but less prevalent in India. Offers low-cost, diversified options.

2. BlackRock (iShares)

Known for innovation and extensive global ETF offerings.

3. Domestic Players

SBI Mutual Fund: Popular for its gold and index ETFs.

Nippon India: Offers thematic and sector-focused ETFs.

Real-Life Applications: How Investors Use ETFs

ETFs are versatile tools that cater to various financial needs.

1. Retirement Planning

Investors use ETFs like Bharat Bond ETF for long-term, tax-efficient growth.

2. Income Generation

Dividend ETFs provide regular income, ideal for retirees.

Trends in the Indian ETF Market

The Indian ETF market is evolving rapidly, with several trends emerging:

1. Growth in ESG ETFs

Investors are increasingly focusing on sustainable investing.

Example: Quantum India ESG Equity ETF.

2. Rise of Thematic ETFs

Thematic ETFs focusing on tech, pharma, and EVs are gaining traction.

3. Increasing Retail Participation

According to SEBI, retail investors' participation in ETFs grew by over 50% in the last two years.

Are ETFs Good for Beginners?

Yes, ETFs like the Nifty 50 ETF are ideal for beginners due to their simplicity and low costs.

What Are the Tax Benefits of ETFs in India?

ETFs held for over a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax at 10%.

Why ETFs Might Be Right for You

ETFs offer a cost-effective, flexible, and diverse way to invest. With platforms like Strike.money, starting your ETF journey has never been easier. Whether you're looking for steady income, long-term growth, or sector-specific exposure, ETFs are a versatile tool to meet your financial goals.

Take the first step today—research, plan, and invest in ETFs to build a robust portfolio for the future!

[sharri-byfaith]

Standing Firm in Faith: Trusting God for the Restoration of Relationships

In the tapestry of our lives, relationships are the intricate threads that weave a story of love, growth, and shared experiences. However, there are seasons when the fabric of these relationships is tested, frayed, or even torn. In those moments, standing firm in our faith becomes a beacon of hope, guiding us toward the promise of restoration that God has whispered to our hearts. This post explores the profound journey of standing on faith for the restoration of relationships, anchored in the belief that God's promises are steadfast.

1. The Divine Blueprint of Relationships:

As believers, our relationships are not random occurrences but part of God's intricate design for our lives. In times of discord or separation, remembering that God is the ultimate architect of our connections gives us the assurance that He holds the master plan for our restoration.

2. Anchored in God's Word:

The Bible is replete with promises of restoration and reconciliation. Turning to the Scriptures becomes our source of strength and encouragement. Verses like Jeremiah 29:11 which states:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

remind us that God has plans for our welfare, including the restoration of what may seem broken or lost.

3. Prayer as a Powerful Tool:

Prayer is our direct line of communication with the Almighty. In the quiet moments of communion with God, we pour out our hearts, laying bare the brokenness and longing for restoration. As we pray for the healing of relationships, we align our desires with God's will, trusting that His timing is perfect.

4. Patience in the Process:

Restoration is often a journey, not an instantaneous event. As we stand on our faith, patience becomes our companion. Waiting on the Lord requires trust in His divine timing. During this waiting period, we grow, learn, and develop the resilience needed for the fully manifested promise.

5. Walking in Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is the linchpin of restoration. In imitating God's boundless forgiveness, we create space for healing. Letting go of resentment and extending grace, even when it seems challenging, mirrors the transformative power of God's love working within us. 

Choosing forgiveness is a decision rooted in obedience that stems from your will, not merely your emotions. opt to seek forgiveness, decide to pardon others, and make the choice to forgive yourself. The act of forgiveness is a deliberate and obedient choice.

6. Community Support:

God often uses our faith community as a source of strength during challenging times. Seeking counsel, prayer support, and encouragement from fellow believers fosters a sense of unity and reinforces the belief that we are not alone in our journey toward restoration.

7. Faith in Action:

Faith is not passive; it's an active trust in God's promises as stated in James 2:17:

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” 

Engaging in acts of love, kindness, and humility, even when faced with relational challenges, demonstrates our unwavering faith. It's a tangible expression of our belief that God is actively at work in our lives.

Conclusion:

Standing on our faith for the restoration of relationships is an embodiment of our trust in a God who specializes in redemption. As we navigate the complexities of strained connections, let us remember that God's promises are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20):

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God."

Our faith becomes the anchor that steadies us in the storm, guiding us toward the promised restoration. May this journey be a testament to the transformative power of God's love, mending what is broken and ushering in a season of renewed connections and joyous reconciliation.

Sharri Van Zyl

18-01-2024

[salty-eggg]

So, let's start w a lil someone named Muse Sin Maliris. I know, "sin" right?? She was Caeda Nerys, however, she was exiled and had to change her identity, which entailed a transmogrification process that physically stripped her of her former body and gave her an entirely new one. She has Caeda's soul, but her body is Sin's.

So, already, there's some funky identity shit. First off, homegirl already suffers from body dysmorphia. When she was transmogrified, it is her ideal body, and yet, she still feels as if something is Wrong. But, she quickly shakes it off, trying to get her head back in the game. A new name and body, yet still the same soul that searches for the loved ones she knows she caused pain from her own actions.

And this is the really fun part about her character, this toxic cycle that she doubles down on as Sin: she loves ppl, then she hurts them, then she genuinely apologizes and feels bad, so then it's back to growing a fondness for them, but then she does not stop hurting them. Her ego blinds her from seeing beyond herself. I mean, this is the woman who, in the same breath, apologizes to Jebediah for causing him sm pain by allowing Fairy to force him to go through an excruciating transmogrification process she personally witnessed...but does not hesitate in telling him he might have to go through it again cause he blew his cover.

Like...the Hypocrisy that drips from her mouth is literal Sin.

My bf described her perfectly: malicious, but not sadistic. She doesn't take pleasure in seeing other ppl get hurt, but she does actively make decisions that hurt other ppl. She genuinely feels bad, but she doesn't take the time to reflect on her actions to realise the collateral damage she would cause.

It reminds me of the Christian idea of sin. Sin doesn't necessarily entail sadism, they are mistakes you make against the will of God. With what I grew up with, my understanding was that you can make all the mistakes you want, but if you go and confess them to a priest to apologize, all is forgiven. It made me think that you can sin for the rest of your life, but as long as you confess to a priest right before you die, then everything is fine and you'll be able to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Sin is this concept. She believes that her apologies are enough for ppl to move on and forgive her, and she tells herself that she'll do anything for those she loves, but then she boobs bodaciously off to the next sin she commits. I'll make the mistakes, I'll confess, then I can move on. I can be in your Heaven.

An interesting thing my player said about Sin was that she has to believe redemption is possible because "she needs to believe she can get better".

Like!!! What an incredibly selfish belief!! The question was about redemption and all this bitch (/pos) can think about is herself.

And then...she saw her (ex???) girlfriend's dream. Her dream to be wed to Caeda, not Sin. And it finally dawns on Sin how much she's lost herself in her pride and ego. She made the choice to throw out Caeda with barely any hesitation if it meant for revenge and power that by the time her tide came to quell her fires, the forest was already burnt beyond recognition.

She tried/tries so hard to be a completely different person, but she still has her old soul. A woman who has assumed many other identities for the sake of power, but this one is Permanent. A woman who has sinned a million times, but this one Stays. You are Sin, now, you are "Without".

Can you finally see what you've become, Sin?Are you able to see beyond your fire and realize how much you've been polluting your own world? Or will you continue doubling down, hurting others and yourself?

Will you be able to remember the Caeda that once was, or is Sin too enticing?

I just. I just *have* to rant about my brilliant pcs for a bit. I'll prolly send this to them so hello my greatest friends, I love you and you all are so fun to play with.