#rejoice crow fans

[inkblackorchid]

I think it says a lot about Crow that his deepest desire isn't actually to experience what life would have been like with his own parents, but that the orphans he used to look after had had the luxury of being with theirs.

[cwritesforfun]

Nikolai Lantsov x Fem!Reader: Fake Marriage, Real Feelings

This is based on a conversation between Dimitri and Nikolai from Season 2 Episode 7. EXCEPT, in this, you’re the Sun Summoner and the firebird is one of your friends, not your love interest.  Y/N = Your Name & Y/F/N = Your Friend’s Name *** lines from the show are in italics & I do not own the lines from the show or the plot ***

Masterlist

Nikolai’s POV

I leave Y/N and walk with Dominik Vertov, my friend, and commander in the First Army. Dominik asks, “When was the last time you parted with your compass?”  I answer “The Sun Summoner means a great deal to me and Ravka. She needs it more than I do...Don’t look at me like that, I want her to be happy. I hope someday, when this nightmare is over, she can be.” He replies “It’s a fake marriage with real feelings. It’s almost comical. Almost.” I reply “Just don’t tell her, will you?” He smirks and replies “Of course not, dear friend. But you should share it before someone else steals her heart. She is the Sun Summoner and with that comes adoring fans and possible lovers.” I reply “It also means potential threats.”

Y/N’s POV

After I destroyed the Fold, I couldn’t believe all that had happened. Did I really destroy it? Is the Darkling really dead? Did I really kill Y/F/N? 

Y/F/N told me with her dying breath to tell Nikolai about my feelings for him. She told me it was obvious how much we cared for each other. I don’t believe he likes me for me. 

I open the compass and I start following it. Nikolai told me that it doesn’t work like a normal compass. It takes you where you want to go and where your heart wants you to go. I want to see Nikolai. We make it back to the base and I can see Nikolai’s outline. The compass really worked. I stop walking and Nina asks “Hey, what’s wrong? Your heartbeat is weirdly fast.” I answer “I just... I have to see Nikolai and tell him how I feel.” She replies “He loves you back, don’t worry. Deep breathing will do wonders. Do you want me to lower your heartbeat to make you calmer?” I answer “No I’m fine.” Inej says “If the Sun Summoner feels this way about a crush, there is no hope for any of us.” Nina replies “Pft there is hope. Believe me. Go on, Y/N, you got this.”

We walk up to everyone and they go over to the Crows. Nikolai sees me, does a double take, smiles, and runs over to me. He picks me up and swings me in the air before I realize what is happening. He places me back on the ground and says “Sorry... I ... I’m just glad you’re alive and here.” I smile and before I can respond, someone pulls him away. He is the King after all and he is needed elsewhere. 

Later, I find myself standing looking up at Nikolai’s ship. I miss our travels and all of the pure joy we had out there. I also miss sleeping in the same bed as him and just having him to myself away from all of Ravka. I hear “You’re cute.” I turn, see Nikolai, and I ask “What did you just say?” He answers “I said you look like a fruit.” I ask “What does that even mean? It makes no sense.” He replies “I guess not... so what are you doing over here by my ship?” I answer “I guess a part of me misses when we were up in the air or on the water just traveling. Life seemed easier up there. I was so happy.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and says “You just destroyed the Fold. You should be happy and rejoicing right now.” I reply “Yeah, but it doesn’t... did you hear that Y/F/N died?” He nods and pulls me into a hug while saying “I did. I’m sorry to hear that.” I ask “Do you want to know what our last conversation was about?” He answers “Only if you want to share it.” I answer “It was about how obvious it was that I liked you and how I should tell you how I feel. I know we started this whole fake marriage thing and it was political. It’s not just political for me anymore. Nikolai Lantsov, I really like you.” He pulls away from me and asks “Are you serious?” I answer “Dead serious.” He replies “That’s pretty serious. Dominik said something similar to me before he died too. He said that you and I were in a fake marriage with real feelings. I just didn’t believe him when he said you liked me.” I reply “The compass led me to you. I think that shows how much I care for you.” He smirks and asks “Do you know how many times I’ve wanted to find you and the compass took me directly to you? It knows what the heart wants.” I wrap my arms around his neck and joke “Are we about to kiss right now?” He wraps his arms around my waist and says “That was very forward of you. We haven’t even been on a proper date.” I reply “We just destroyed the Fold and the Darkling. I think we deserve a kiss.” He smiles and leans in. I lean in the rest of the way and we kiss. 

Masterlist

[too-many-lavellans]

Ooohoohoo~ Thank you @damallarky for taking an interest in the likkle chess set we're assembling! (*/ω＼*)

We'd be more than happy to share the rough outlines of what we're hoping to make with all of them.

Listed from (our ideas of) oldest to youngest;

El'hari:

Tentative Age: early-mid 40s

Faction: Veil Jumper

Class/Specialization: Orb & Dagger Mage (Spellblade)

Romance: Davrin

Juls' will finally be getting an old dalish boy of their very own! We do want him to be a lil younger than Andros, though not by much. Think this will pair nicely with some of the information we've seen through the Veil Jumper background. We're unlikely to get it through the game-proper, but we LOVE the idea of Darvin n him calling eachother "Hahren" & "Dalen" respectively, teasingly. X3c Rather even-tempered and something of a cool customer otherwise, and someone who puts his people first. Be it his clan, the Dalish/elves at large or any given group he's charged with. Another fun and possible tension point with regards to another piece of faction based backstory. This will depend on how long the Veil Jumpers have been active, but maybe he thought he could do more for his people with the Veil Jumpers than by taking up the mantle as Keeper to his Clan. Essentially named "Eclipse", deriving from the elven words "Elgara" (Sun) and "Harillen" (Opposition).

Isska:

Tentative Age: mid-late 30s

Faction: Grey Warden

Class/Specialization: Two handed heavy weapon Warrior (Slayer)

Romance: Lace Harding

We'll essentially be attempting a Beta Von, Male Qunari redemption arc with him. He has a mind for more delicate interests but was pigeon-holed into being a heavy front-liner by the Tamassrans. His name is derived from the qunari words "Iss" ( which denotes an item to be of Veteran/Experienced level) and "Katari" (One who brings death) Making him a Tal' Vashoth, that left the Qun proper. Haven't figured out the specifics on how he joined the wardens yet.

Segwin:

Tentative Age: mid 30s

Faction: Mourn Watcher

Class/Specialization: Staff-wielding Mage (Death Caller)

Romance: Taash

Rather formal in both the way he speaks as well as the up-keeping of his person. Bit of an eccentric when it comes to discussions surrounding his field of interest; various biological and anatomical study via dissection and the like. An Excitable Mortician is what I mean to say and Big fan of Professor Volkarin (sat in on some of his lectures and what have you).

Ath'ema:

Tentative Age: mid-late 20s

Faction: Lord of Fortune

Class/Specialization: Bow & Arrow Rogue (Saboteur)

Romance: Lucanis Dellamorte

Fuckboy 1. Heavy on the teasing. Injured and loss use of this right eye during a mishap with one of his inventions/traps early in his career/journey as a saboteur. Ath'ema's name is derived from the elven words "Athim" (Humility) and "Emma" (to become). Be humble, it's ironic.

Sulehn:

Tentative Age: mid-late 20s

Faction: Lord of Fortune

Class/Specialization: Dual Blade Rogue (Duelist)

Romance: Bellara Lutare

Fuckyboy 2. Absolute Chad jock type. Myre's doing a "Shep n Von Redux" with these actual twin brothers of him n Ath'ema. Sulehn's name is derived from the elven word "Sulahn'nehn" (to sing, or rejoice) Both Sulehn and Ath'ema are absolutely decked out in tattoos and various piercings.

Iero:

Tentative Age: early-mid 20s

Faction: Antivan Crow

Class/Specialization: Sword & Shield Warrior (Reaper)

Romance: Neve Gallus

Short and a rather Hothead butch. A very "Ready, Fire, Aim" type character. Juls will be attempting a sort of Beta Venui Revival with this one (aka an aggressive tiny elf warrior with perhaps a dash of snark ).

Kellum:

Tentative Age: early 20s

Faction: Shadow Dragon

Class/Specialization: Orb & Dagger Mage (Evoker)

Romance: Emmrich Volkarin

Well meaning, in that he doesn't really think things through… or rather as far as he should be. Gonna make him a bit of a "problem-child" in that regard for Von (who we're gonna say is his personal overseer within the Shadow Dragon faction). A sensitive lad otherwise.

And that's what we got so far, again relatively rough and broad stuff that will be honed in and fined tuned when we dive into the game ourselves through the expected multiple playthroughs we'll need to get through all these romances (and then some).>:3c

Happy they've caught your interest all the same, and hope you'll enjoy them some more when we've gotten em locked down!

[jlshadows]

Help us save Six of Crows!

DONATE ONLY $1 TO HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! WE ARE GOING TO DO A BILLBOARD FOR SAB TOO!

On November 15th, Netflix announced its cancellation of the Six of Crows project, an adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s beloved Grishaverse duology. Since then, there has been an outpour of grief and heartbreak online from thousands of fans, begging for a reversal.

The novel Six of Crows was first published 8 years ago, gaining critical acclaim and a massive fanbase. Over the years, its numbers have only grown. First appearing on screen in Shadow and Bone, the Crows rapidly became favorites among critics and fans alike. The fandom’s love for the ragtag crew from Ketterdam was so significant and well-known that the show diverges from the book’s canon to include them. When showrunner Eric Heisserer announced in March that a Six of Crows spinoff was in the works the fandom rejoiced, but since being canceled, the fandom's joy quickly turned into dismay and uproar.

With scripts already written, an immensely talented group of people both in front of and behind the camera more than ready to work, and a massive fanbase, it’s baffling that Netflix would choose not to go forward with the project. However, the Grishaverse fandom refuses to accept this fate. 

We refuse to accept that we will never see Inej Ghafa’s empowering backstory, the beautiful love story of Matthias and Nina, the dozens of famous lines that make us weep, or a single scene with all of our beloved Crows together.

We have organized this Kickstarter campaign to show Netflix that we reject this abrupt and heartbreaking end. For the cast, for the crew, for all of us that love this world and these characters, we will fight to see this story on screen.

Donations to this Kickstarter will be put towards the renting of a large billboard in Los Angeles demanding Netflix’s action in saving the Six of Crows series. If sufficiently funded, we plan to expand the campaign to other locations to further demonstrate our commitment. 

As exact details will partially depend on the success of this fundraiser, more information about the specific address and duration of the billboard(s) rental will come soon. For questions, keep an eye on this webpage or follow @freddybrekker on X for updates.

It is our hope that Netflix will be forced to listen to the fandom’s dedication to this series as well as our outrage at its cancellation. For our cause to be successful, we must be impossible to ignore.

Finally, we will leave you with words from our brilliant, dedicated and beloved cast of Crows.

“I feel like the fans, myself included, have been really looking forward to seeing the Six of Crows storyline come to life. It's just so, so cinematic, that storyline…It would be heartbreaking to get this close and then not get to see all six of them together." Freddy Carter

“I haven't had the same luxury of Inej's backstory yet, and I think they're saving that. I'm really, really glad that they are. I know the payoff for this, if it does happen, is gonna be absolutely an emotional wreck but in the most beautiful, exciting and exhilarating way.” Amita Suman

“I’m heartbroken by the idea that we won’t be able to finish what we started… I desperately wished to go further, and believe me those plans are special…The patience I’ve carried for that dream these past years has been beating in me like a slow steady drum, and yesterday it paused for the first time.” Calahan Skogman

"[Nina has] helped many people like me to love, like, and accept myself. I tried to stay true to her character.” Danielle Galligan 

“Growing up, I didn’t see that many characters like myself who were in big fantasy series, with violence or [who] even had access to fantasy weapons or got involved in big fights and battles…I think to see a character like myself in those situations is a really cool thing, it’s something that I actually don’t see often.” Jack Wolfe

"I think that I can speak for everyone here when we all really care about doing it well, and we are invested in its success… I think hopefully what you see is something that we are already proud of because we’ve put our blood, sweat, and tears into it. And it’s just a joy to do. So wherever it can go next, if we get the chance to keep going, then you know, we’re all game, we’re all excited to do it." Kit Young

#SaveTheCrows #SaveShadowandBone

“Because that’s what we do. We never stop fighting.” 

“Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting.” -  Kaz Brekker, Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

No mourners. No funerals. 🖤

[screentimescoop]

5 New Movies You Can Finally Rent This Month

January may have started slow for new releases, but the month is ending strong with five exciting movies now available to rent on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango at Home. From gothic horror to fast-paced action, here’s what you can queue up for your next movie night!

🎬 Kraven the Hunter (January 14) Sony’s Spider-Man universe ventures into uncharted territory with Kraven the Hunter, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the title role. The film follows Kraven, a popular comic book antihero, in a world without Spider-Man. Packed with action and joined by an incredible cast, including Ariana DeBose and Russell Crowe, it’s a must-watch for Marvel fans, even if the movie stirred some mixed reactions in theaters.

🎬 Queer (January 14) Luca Guadagnino’s long-awaited adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella stars Daniel Craig in a raw and vulnerable performance. This semi-autobiographical story dives into love, addiction, and self-discovery, with a touch of Guadagnino’s signature artistic style. If you’re in the mood for something deeply emotional and thought-provoking, Queer is the perfect pick.

🎬 Nosferatu (January 21) Horror fans, rejoice! Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Northman) brings his signature visual flair to this gothic reimagining of the classic vampire tale. Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe star in a hauntingly beautiful movie that’s sure to get Oscar attention. Bonus: The rental includes an extended cut not seen in theaters.

🎬 Oh, Canada (January 21) Paul Schrader delivers a sharp drama about reflection and redemption in Oh, Canada. Richard Gere stars as a filmmaker grappling with his past choices, aided by a stellar cast including Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, and Michael Imperioli. This introspective film is perfect for fans of character-driven storytelling.

🎬 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (January 21) The fastest blue blur is back, and this time Keanu Reeves joins the fun as Shadow! Sonic the Hedgehog 3 combines action, humor, and heart, earning its spot as one of the best video game adaptations yet. It’s fun for the whole family and a guaranteed hit for fans of the franchise.

Which movie are you watching first? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to grab the popcorn!

[lemonthepotato]

Bluntly: Some of Y’all Need To Chill.

If this was an essay, I would open this up with:

“Herd mentality (also mob or pack mentality) describes how people can be influenced by the majority. Social psychologists study the related topics of group intelligence, crowd wisdom, groupthink, and deindividuation.”

But this isn’t an essay. It’s a personal anecdote. In 2015, I discovered, or perhaps earlier, a song by… let���s call her Leilani Ortinez. I’m not kidding; Ortinez is a real surname. How many ‘nez’ surnames are there? Ortinez, Gonzales- the other ones. Anyway, Leilani had one album at the time, and one EP. I was young, so listened to them. When the music video for… Shush… let’s call the song Shush, came out, I was uncomfortable even as a 10 year old. Those music videos were weird.

Anyway, in 2017, she got accused of SA by a former friend. The internet, in all its glory, treated the allegations like an inconvenience more than a serious issue. They were waiting for someone to debunk the allegations so they could support their musical overlord. And someone delivered. That someone?

The Crow.

The Crow uploaded a video called ‘Why I No Longer Believe [The Victim].” At the time, I didn’t think anything of it. In 2018 and 2019, I remained impartial.

But then, that same person uploaded a 2 hour video further ‘debunking’ things, I watched it, and even though I was a young/mid teen (I’m an adult now) I didn’t like the video. It had little evidence in it, but I didn’t have the verbal skills to express why I didn’t like the video.

I became more skeptical, went through the evidence and concluded the internet mistreated a victim of SA. I listened to her music, which was released the same year. In fact, while I rarely listen to her music nowadays, it’s pretty decent. Unfortunately, the internet didn’t beat to my drum, but its own.

The fans rejoiced…

They continued to slander the victim to the point where she had to leave the internet. Mind you, the reason why this victim is doubted is because she didn’t react in the way a ‘perfect victim’ would. I suppose I should explain a ‘perfect victim’ is.

The ideal victim:

There are five criteria that make up the ‘ideal victim’ in psychology. The victim must be weak or in a position of complete powerlessness. If the victim had any slither of control over the situation, then they ‘weren’t doing enough to get out of it.’ The victim must be an upstanding citizen, someone respectable. The victim is somewhere that they can’t be blamed for being. The offender is big and bad; what you’d expect an offender to be like. The offender was unknown and had no personal relationship to her.

When people violate these sacred rules, they are considered fake victims. Liars, cheats, fakes. It doesn’t matter if it’s true, what matters is that you are perfect. Did you report it to the police, even though 2.2% of cases end in charges? Did you report it to the police, even if less than 5% of assault cases are reported and those that do aren’t taken seriously? Did you report it to the police, even if you are freshly traumatised?

Did you say no to the act? Did you say no once or twice? Did you say no enough? Did you say it too lowly, did you forget to say it? Were you quiet, were you frozen?

Were you actually there, even though the accused admitted you were?

Is the perpetrator someone we’d expect? A man?

Is the perpetrator a stranger?

Did you get dates mixed up, even though trauma does that?

Did you contradict yourself even once? Even once on accident?

Did you remain friends with the perpetrator because you didn’t realise what had happened to you yet, did you?

We put so many unrealistic expectations on victims, and it’s insane how people blindly watched a 2 hour hit piece and accepted it. I am so glad that all these years later, one YouTuber had the guts to actually call this person out on their shit, Brad Taste In Music.

Oh, and it’s pretty obvious who Leilani Ortinez is by now. Let’s face it, people only defend her because she’s famous, and because they want to enjoy her music guilt free, if they even have guilt. Which judging from the very kind attitude that her fans have, I’m assuming is true. You know, how the harassed the victim off the internet?

Oh, by the way. The victim never said they lied. That’s misinformation that The Crow AND their fans proceeded to spread.

Anyway, much like the post I made about Scott Cawthon, I have no interest in debating this topic with angry, resentful 13 year old girls who haven’t developed critical thinking yet. Then again, a lot of adults haven’t either. Nothing has been proven. It’s very rare to be able to ‘prove’ these situations either way.

I might go through the 2 hour video myself and debunk the debunking, but frankly, from what I remember and have seen… it’s disgusting.

Note: Post is getting some notes recently, here’s part 2: https://www.tumblr.com/lemonthepotato/735806499392258048/debunking-the-crows-amazing-defence-video-how-i

[stella-ignis-rosea]

Erebus and Kohaku look at the poll results, Kohaku wasn’t really enthusiastic but Erebus sure was, he gave Kohaku a wily smile, which indeed put Kohaku in a thought process to suspect Erebus indeed has something to do with the recent change of events

“Come now Kohu~ you can’t really insist we keep the old musty pinned mess on this blog right~?….besides….years passed…we’ve all…Changed~…I got a new look..”

Kohaku listened to Erebus with a raised eyebrow as he looks at the poll, then the pinned post on the blog, then back at Erebus

“Your new look is in progress~”

Kohaku huffed, he didn’t want to deal with what Erebus was planning as it was so early in the morning

“Where are you getting at you sneaky crow-

Erebus’s smile grew as he lets out a slight cackle as he wagged his tail, his wings remained neatly folded and he adjusted the crow skull that was hanging around his neck, and his outfit as he walked around Kohaku, gently tracing his fingers on all five of the kitsune’s tails, Erebus and Kohaku having quite the stare down at each other

“I’m just saying…it seems like a good idea…since some of us have greatly changed….its only fair that….a reintroduction is in order…~ since it’s only proper that the new people that follow this blog are..properly introduced to us”

Kohaku facepalmed, of course it was gonna be that, and he was of course trying to avoid it as he is not much of a fan of greeting new people despite being the main star of this so called blog…he then sneaks and weasels his way to Kohaku’s back and places each hand on a shoulder, the fox’s eyes widening as he looks to the shadowed teenager

“You get to choose who goes first~ to make it fair since your upgrade is still being worked on and all…it’ll be fun Kohaku don’t be so sour about it!! You get to have people properly introduce you~…think of it like…a grand show~…”

“..oi! Hands off the fuckin shoulders ya fucking mutt!”

Kohaku used one of his tails to grab Erebus by the waist and pull him away gently, who was giggling that Kohaku’s stance was slipping and caving to the idea as he…didn’t say no

“If ya want me to fuckin choose who goes fuckin first how about you since yer’being so fucking insistent on this whole thing!….gah…you are a fucking sly crow ya know that?….”

Erebus clapped his hands in rejoice as he zoomed back to Kohaku and hugged him tightly, who flinched but this time didn’t pry Erebus off, instead gave him a scowl that was almost like a pout

“oh merveilleux mon bon ami ! merveilleux!…i promise my good Fox Friend~ you won’t regret this! And trust me! You will have so much fun!”

“Can ya stop huggin me now?…you are squishing my face..”

Erebus giggled as he nuzzled his kitsune friend and then lets go when Kohaku asked, Kohaku huffed out a puff of steam from his nostrils

“But let it be known Kohu~ when your new look is done…You gotta get on center stage~ you are the star of this blog~…”

Kohaku glared but sighed as he gives up with this kid, he just wants some peace and quiet..he was too loud in the morning

“Whatever ya fuckin say…I’m goin back to fuckin sleep….and you should go to fucking bed yer fuckin nocturnal so ya shouldn’t be up…don’t make me get Tivy…”

“Ah no need to get Tivy he’s still asleep in this fine morning..alright..I’ll head to sleep, but I do thank you for your delightful approval~…”

“Whatever…now sleep…it’s late for ya..”

as the two walk off to head to sleep, erebus turns to the askers, the audiance, a smile forming and widely, he raised his hand as swirls of shadows danced upon his fingers and shot into the sky...forming a message, as the message writes itself he stops turning to the audiance...and gives a bow as if to end a performance only to slightly raise his head...eyes glowing red with a menacing grin as he speaks the message

"Stay Tuned~ "

—end scene—

Mun here!! Hope you enjoyed that! As Erebus proposed! This blog will go through some changes thanks to the amount of time that has passed, ocs and their stories have changed over the years and I wanna properly introduce them! Each muse of mine will have their own..introduction post! So stay tuned for that!!

I’m really in the huge need to tidy up my blog since I haven’t done much to it since..years back…but I think once I get official art and notes prepped for my ocs I think an proper introduction would be nice…right?

[thesultrybraavosibard]

“You ought to be careful with that one, Lord Crow,” Tormund motioned to Arya with a nod. “A flower like that’s begging to be stolen.”

I know, Jon thought. I had Mance try to steal her for me. “Arya” being there was a ruse, then, the Boltons’ effort to maintain a hold on the north. But Jon knew what it meant by free folk standards when he sent Mance down to Winterfell to spirit away his sister for him.

When Stannis went to do the same.

I will save your sister if I can, and find a better match for her than Ramsay Snow, Stannis had once told him. Who would be a better match than another bastard who was her own home?

Where else had she belonged, but beside him?

Jon flexed his hand.

“And if she’s the one doing the stealing?” Jon asked, bristling on the inside of the thought of her being stolen by someone else. It was the same feeling he had when he imagined her in a wedding gown, let alone in someone else’s bed.

Someone else. Anyone else.

Oblivious to Jon’s internal turmoil, Tormund guffawed, painfully slapping him on the back. Ale sloshed from Tormund’s horn, spilling dark, foamy stains upon the table. “Har! Aye, aye, she seems the type,” he finally said. “Mayhaps too bold for her own good! You sure she’s not born free folk?”

“I’m sure.” Jon knew the word steal carried different connotations for them both in that moment. It’s true that Arya’s stolen something, but so had he, at the very same time as was commonplace with them. That was a long time ago, though, and what was stolen was purely mired in innocence. The two of them were then playing at the game of hearts, of connection, the two of them so alike that they even functioned as one on a mental level.

The love they had for one another was incorrupt then, but his thoughts no longer were. He wanted Arya, and the knowledge half-wracked him with guilt.

When his eyes set upon her again, he was met with a mirrored stare that seemingly knew, her bottom lip half tucked between her teeth, and his desire bit into him with jagged teeth sharper than a dagger of dragonglass. She slipped a short brown lock behind her ear, exposing the creamy column of her neck, the fragile flest of her ear. Jon shifted his attention back to his cup, taking a gulp of alcohol.

He almost cursed at how his body reacted when he saw how lovelier she became, how wilder. He did curse at how clear the image was in his mind when he thought of her pretty hair against the white of his feather-stuffed pillow, fanned and splayed as they fought like the wolves they truly were and took their pleasure, growling and howling for all of their claimed north to hear. He wanted his slender fingers twining themselves in the strands–

Stop it, you bloody bastard.

You can’t have her.

His stare shifted down to her lips as she continued her conversation with the Dayne. They were a bit fuller now, prettily stained red from drops of wine…

Stop it.

This was wrong, this was all so very wrong, and yet there was a primal part of him that yearned to stake his claim.

His rightful claim.

He hoped she didn’t see him shake his head, as if his thoughts could simply fall out.

Jon took a deep drink of his own wine, begging the alcohol to affect his senses to make him wish to retire to his chambers before he wrenched Arya from her conversation with her new Sword of the Morning companion. He knew their exchange was innocent enough, but he watched the way the man’s purple gaze lingered, shyly drifting when he probably thought she wasn’t looking. Jon tightened his grip on his goblet, not sure if anyone could hear his growls. He could feel the metal giving way under his hold.

Resurrection did a number on him, he was sure of it now. It left him an even more possessive, jealous man of his wilful little sister. And seeing her upon her return left him with even more dishonourable thoughts than he knew should have had.

And now he sat in silence and watched on as everyone around him rejoiced from winning the fated battle, half-deep in his cups, lusting after his own favoured sister like some kind of degenerate. He wanted to get to work on the beginning preparations to restore the North or do something, anything to get his mind out of the haze it’s in, but his body refused to move.

Jon laughed to himself, and it was cruel, mocking. I truly do have a bastard’s honour.

My black blood is corrupted, and now my mind longs to defile mine own heart.

He thought she may hate him if she knew. If she truly knew. They were never one to keep secrets from the other, but he’d gladly withhold this if it meant they wouldn’t be apart.

Jon Snow was so deep in his thoughts that he hadn’t realised Arya was next to him, leaning in close to his face.

“Gods, Jon,” she said suddenly, jolting him from his thoughts, “you smell like you bathed in a winery.” She took the goblet from his hand just as he was about to take another drink and had a swill herself.

Jon snorted at that. “I hadn’t had that much,” he teased. The wine was strong on his breath, though, he could smell it.

Her dark eyes studied him. “I wanted to practice with Needle before I retired for the night.” Arya’s slender hand rested on the skinny sword’s hilt. He found himself imagining her fingertips running along the flat of the blade, blood coating its beauty, and Jon pressed his jagged nails into his palm, trying hard to shake the thought from his mind. “Since you didn’t drink that much…come with me?”

He was interested in seeing how capable she was with her tether to him, but he remembered her telling him how she still wasn’t the best with swordplay. He certainly could teach her more, but still… “It is customary for a host to stay with his people as they feast, Arya, you know this.”

“If you want to stay up all night and half the day with Tormund, sure,” she retorted. “I lost count of how many times he sent someone to fill his horn. And somehow he still isn’t drunk.”

“HAR!” Tormund cut in, and motioned for a serving girl to pour more ale. Jon had heard it be said that Tormund Horn-blower could laugh the snow off of mountaintops. He did not deny it now. “You kneelers have soft bellies. Though you sure can make a good ale!” He leaned forward with another boisterous laugh. “Drinking in a warm, fancy castle! I haven’t been this warm in a while. Well, not since I fucked that she-bear–”

“–alright,” Jon interjected, reaching for Arya’s hand. “I think it’s time for those sword lessons.”

[sacred-algae]

Good day, all you Geraskier shippers and Amazing Devil fans! Rejoice, for I have made a thing!

Marbles by The Amazing Devil but make it ✨Geraskier✨

I've walked by your side since 1239

You were chronically brooding back then, still are,

But time grew and so did your sweet smile

And I chipped my teeth on every joke you cracked

You used to buy me ale, you still do,

But now too much is never enough

To take me back to that dance hall where you idiotically tempted fate

You left because you said you couldn't love, you weren't good,

You couldn't lie then, and you sure as hell can't lie to me now

You stole the best years of my life, and I don't even want them back

I got older at heart, but not in the face

I hope it's my mudded bloodline

Because I will, I will wait and hope

Your eyes aren't rivers there to weep

But a place for crows to rest their feet

And I will, I will wait and hope

Rest my head at night content

Knowing where your marbles went

The cabin you built with hands as strong stone

Strong hands that are so gentle in mine

And I stared at you as you worked

You laughed, "Do you think I'm sexy?" and, oh God, I really did

I swoon, I sigh, working shifts ‘till I cry

Oh, if one more guy calls me "darling" then l

Swear to you and to God, I'll have you murder them all

Cause time changes minds and brought your hand into mine

And I'm all yours, I always was, but now instead we're bound to wed

I still pinch myself

And for some reason, you still smile as if it's the first time

And sometimes you sink to the floor, what's the point any more?

And I, I reply

With a glint in my eye

Saying, "I don't know, but I'm here

Oh, dear God, dear heart, don't cry”

‘Cause I will wait, I will wait and hope

Your eyes aren't rivers there to weep

But a place for crows to rest their feet

And I will wait, I will wait and hope

Rest my head at night content

Knowing where your marbles went

I've loved you for a hundred years

At least it certainly fucking feels like it

The minute I met you, the colours of my life began to pour

I'm scared of the dark

And now, even though I'm still mad sometimes, it fades day by day

I'll always stay

‘Cause now I know your love won't fade away

And I will wait and hope

Your eyes aren't rivers there to weep

But a place for crows to rest their feet

And I will wait and hope

Rest my head at night content

Knowing where your marbles—

I will wait

And I will wait

And I will wait and hope

And I will wait

And I will wait

And I will wait and hope

Okay. I’m gonna go cry now.

[phantastus]

Yo, if you're doing the character bingo, I gotta ask about Heather Mason

SLAMS STACKS OF NOTES DOWN ON THE DESK (jk i do not have the energy to go into full sicko mode tonite, but you know how it is).

"Everyone but me is wrong about them". I have seen some truly incomprehensible fanon about Heather throughout my years on the internet and it has resulted in me becoming incapable of being normal about her. I do my best to suppress this because despite the frothing beast within going BARKBARKBARKBARK I genuinely do want everyone to get to enjoy Heather and SH3 in each of their own respective ways. Unless you are a cishet man drawing her with giant balloon tits. I'm going to maul you like a wild chimpanzee.

"I'm obsessed with their character arc". TROUBLED YOUTH PLAGUED BY HARROWING CIRCUMSTANCES NAVIGATES MYSTERIOUS OTHERWORLD, DISCOVERS SHE IS ACTUALLY A CREATURE OF TERRIFYING POWER AND POTENTIAL, CONFRONTS PAST TRAUMA, PROVES "NURTURE" OVER "NATURE", AND SAVES THE WORLD BY FIGHTING GOD??? sign me the FUCK up 👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 good shit go౦ԁ sHit👌 thats ✔ some good👌👌shit right👌👌th 👌 ere👌👌👌 right✔there ✔✔if i do ƽaү so my selｆ 💯  i say so 💯  thats what im talking about right there right there (chorus: ʳᶦᵍʰᵗ ᵗʰᵉʳᵉ) mMMMMᎷМ💯 👌👌 👌НO0ОଠＯOOＯOОଠଠOoooᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒ👌 👌👌 👌 💯 👌 👀 👀 👀 👌👌Good shit

"They got done dirty by the fans". See former note about cishet men deciding that the scrappy tomboy teenager would look much better with a real set of badonkers. Bonkhonagahoogs. Humungous hungolomghnonoloughongous. I'm going to turn into an extra from the Walking Dead and chew some skulls open.

"ADOPTION PAPERS". BABIE.... BABY GIRL...............

"I am rotating them like a fork in the microwave". See former note about me not having the capability to be normal about Heather Mason. I have been doing this for over a decade and my interpretation has only ever gotten more deranged.

"The popular ships for this character suck". Honestly I don't think there actually ARE popular ships within canon for Heather anymore??? WHICH IS GOOD HONESTLY I'm all for shipping Heather but for awhile there was a lot of Heather/Douglas and Heather/Vincent and even (puking in my mouth) HEATHER/HARRY around and let me tell u I did not care for that ONE BIT. One of the things I really like about SH3 is that the closest thing to a canon romance for its female lead is the tragic childhood bond between Heather/Alessa and Claudia. For actual SHIP ships, I will stick to putting her in ridiculous crosscanon RP ships with anime villains and also Laura Palmer.

"constantly listening to songs/holding them up like paint swatches". I have Heather songs coming out of my freaking ears please listen to them: "Black Dahlia" (Angel Haze), "God's Got Nothing On You", (Thea Gilmore), "Little Secrets" (Passion Pit), "Invincible" (OK Go), "Fear of Fireflies" (Calla), "A Better Son/Daughter" (Rilo Kiley), "Rejoice" (AJJ), "Forces of the Unseen" (Cloud Cult), "Black Eyes" (Radical Face), "Shake it Out" (Florence and the Machine), and of course that classic "Welcome to the Black Parade" (My Chemical Romance). And because I'm a fucking nerd, go ahead and also have the two songs I picked out as her main themes from the two most prominent RPGs I've played her in the past fuckifIknowhowmany years: "Inferno" (Promare OST) for the slice of life Pokemon game, "The Crow" (Dessa) for the monster-horror game where she got turned into a cannibal bird thing.

"what's wrong with them (affectionate)". [slaps top of Heather's scruffy dandelion head] this baby can hold so many issues.

"not enough screentime". More Heather is always the answer. There should be an optional setting for all SH games where there's just a live Heather reaction cam in the corner the whole time.

"My opinions would be received with wasps". I mean I am always on some level assuming that everyone around me is responding to my stronger opinions with that one photo of white girls holding solo cups and judging the viewer. AND PERHAPS THEY ARE RIGHT TO.

"The best character in the work". I mean. I am pretty biased.

[rhetorical-ink]

Haikyuu!! Observations: Chapter 396 and The Art of the Reaction

**SHOYO-CENTERED SPOILERS BELOW OF COURSE**

I’m currently in emotional denial that this is the final arc of Haikyuu!! but man, Furudate has given us so much greatness in these last twenty chapters. My only consolation is that the anime will at least extend our Haikyuu!! lifeline for years down the road...the hype is real, y’all, and this chapter just cemented HOW MUCH our human tangerine has grown over the course of this series. 

I’m sure everyone is going to rave about Hinata showing off his left-handed spike -- what Furudate does in Chapter 396 that really cements its greatness is the art of the “reaction” by those around Hinata, specifically with two key points in the chapter: 

First of all, this double-spread. This double-spread may be one of my favorites in the whole series. Everyone expecting Hinata to do one thing, play setter and toss or dump, and he tools us all (audience, us the readers, and the players on the court) and does the unthinkable with his left-handed spike. Koganegawa, of course, is the representation of us all having whiplash. Love my sunny rooster!

But can we just talk about the greatness of the Karasuno reactions here? 

You have Daichi, Azumane, and Sugawara, who are all basically: thirdyears.exe has stopped working. Please Reboot. 

You have Yamaguchi, who looks so proud. I love his and Hinata’s developed friendship over this series, and it makes perfect sense for him to be so happy seeing Hinata’s hard work come to fruition. If anyone knows the value of practicing something to be successful at it, it’s Tadashi Yamaguchi. 

You have Tsukishima, who bears the best reaction (seriously, Furudate is having the time of their life giving Tsukishima the best faces of disgust this arc), staring with a look that clearly says: “How is it possible for you to get even MORE annoying?!” 

And finally, you have Kageyama, who’s simultaneous thrilled/agitated expression clearly read to me the same as:

I just love Furudate’s focus on the crows and their reactions to their friend’s incredible growth as a player. But, I would be remiss not to show the next page, as we get a few more key reactions:

Hoshiumi looks completely stunned. You can tell he both wants to yell at Hinata for pulling something off he can’t, but you know he’s going to be practicing this now, too, so he can spike left as well.

I LOVE that we get the callback with Lucio Kato, who was clearly around when Hinata was practicing the left-handed spike back in Rio. As soon as that panel was in the collage, I had been waiting for Furudate to give us this moment.

And then there’s Ushijima. You can just tell he’s actually pleased with Hinata’s move, there, despite the frustration of it winning the set for the Black Jackals. From all those years ago when he was frustrated at Hinata’s confidence without the skill to back it up -- he now sees Hinata as a worthy opponent who can back it up -- and you can also see the little pride there that it was a left-handed spike to end the set: Ushijima’s calling card.

On the next page, we get a wonderful callback to Johzenji’s coach’s conversation with Washijo, The Ball Boy Arc Strikes Again, and I love that this whole time, the Johzenji coach as been a Hinata fan. Back in the ball boy arc, we saw that Coach Anabara originally wanted Hinata to come to the training camp, but since he didn’t meet Washijo’s “standards” of the players he invited, he was left out. I love that this chapter is proving that Anabara had reason to value Hinata’s skills from way back then.

And then our AtsuHina fanbase gets a spoonful of goodness, as we see Atsumu’s extended reaction here as he remembers Hinata looking like he was eating a good meal while playing volleyball. I want to point out that if you look at the original page when Hinata spikes, Atsumu is in the corner looking so cheeky, like “Bet you didn’t see that coming!” as if he’s seen Hinata work on the left-handed spike during practice and was waiting for this moment. Atsumu Miya looks really good in this side-profile, and he actually gets a considerable amount of awesome content in this chapter, with his serve, THAT SAVE, and this reaction! AtsuHina fans rejoice! 

I’m not ready for this series to end. Thank the Lord we get hopefully two more sets of this game. The chapter ends with a solemn reminder that the game is going into the evening and it’s past the half-way point. I’m holding out hoping we at least get a finale that shows the members chosen for the Olympics, even if Furudate doesn’t end up showing us the Olympic match itself. 

Regardless, what a chapter this was. Furudate, you continue to impress.

BONUS: My little crack pairing of Saeko x Akiteru lives on. ^_^

[seijohiselite]

𝓓 𝓲 𝓪 𝓶 𝓸 𝓷 𝓭 𝓼

Based on rihanna’s 2006 song ‘diamonds’

requests: Open

genre: fluff/ angst if you squint?

(sorry for the fem! pronouns)

synopsis: oikawa finds a diamond in the rough.

Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy

he has often passed you in the crowed hallways of seijoh. It was rather hard to miss you actually, you were the school’s gem child. You were so innocent and naive to the rumors that people spread about you, they were far from negative but rumors nonetheless. People often spoke of how you and oikawa would make such a good couple (this was much to to the dismay of his fan girls) while oikawa had given it thought; he decided that his passion for volleyball should come first. He couldn’t deny that you were gorgeous - a simple smile from you was enough to light up a room, to have everyone in the room fawn for you, to worship the ground you step on. but it wasn’t enough to simply disregard years of hard work.

You're a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

When you hold me, I'm alive

We’re like diamonds in the sky

The first real interaction the two of you had was during your second year, the idiot himself had over worked himself despite knowing the consequences of doing so and it just so happened to be that you were a student nurse, you helped patch up the unlucky souls who ended up in the nurses office in exchange for extra credit in health and social care. It was awkward at first. But you, being the social butterfly you were, saw this as a great opportunity to start a conversation with the skilled setter as you held on him, aiding softly to his damaged knee. From what had started out as breathless silence had blossomed into a symphony of giggles and poorly-hidden guffaws.

I knew that we'd become one right away

Oh, right away

After multiple visits from Oikawa due to his unnerving tendencies, a friendship had sprouted between the two of you. bringing him bentos,water and making sure he didn’t overwork himself had become a regular occurrence and at the your the beginning of your daily rounds the team had actually believed you to be a overly persistent fan girl or his girlfriend perhaps - all the while Iwaizumi had already known but cared all too little to inform his team of utter idiots.

At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays

I saw the life inside your eyes

Oikawa could’ve sworn he saw genuine rays of pure sunlight beaming from your smile when you’d come to visit the team, eventually he fell victim to your love, devouring him whole as his every thought, breath and smile fell into orbit, revolving around you, the sun that paved a way through his life. It took him a while to come terms with his feelings.Though we was no stranger to the emotion itself, he had a girlfriend not to long a go actually, however what pained him was the break up that followed, caused ultimately by the bad habits that led him to you. Those same bad habits fueled his insecurities when it came to thinking about you. But alas the time has come for your 3rd year winter formal, and you (never being one for stereotypes) had decided to ask out the resident pretty setter to the event. But even a glimmering jewel has its doubts, heart thumping as you asked him, heart thumping even louder when he accepted. Little did you know about the box of chocolates and bouquet of roses in his locker with your name on them.

So shine bright tonight,

You and I,

Arms linked you waltzed into the venue, already drunk off eachothers presence. While he wouldn’t admit it anytime soon, Tōru was pretty much sure his heart had stopped beating when you had met him outside your house. His infatuation with you grew tenfold every time he glanced at you, ‘ beautiful inside and out’ were the only words swimming through his mind that night. Upon entry the gentleman’s friends had greeted you, your own not to far off as you waved joyously to them. The night was well spent, giggling amongst the group that towered over you.

Slow dancing, that was the moment you dreaded the most, ‘what if you couldn’t dance, or stepped on his foot?!’ you would probably just drown yourself in the punch bowl right there and then. Noticing you concern, the young man grabbed you hand and led you to the dance floor, so as your head lay on his chest while his arms lay loosely against your hips with yours around his neck and on his chest, you breath in the smokey scent of his cologne. You make no hesitation in basking in his everlasting beauty though as you fall deeper and deeper into to your daydream, you fail to notice they way he looks back down at you, you fail to notice the way he slowly takes your chin in his hand and bends down until the moment he asks ‘ can i?’, dazed from you day dream and the close proximity between the two of you, you nod feverishly.

The feeling of his lips against yours was truly ethereal, the saccharine of his lips mixed with the raw emotion led your hand to his hair. You combed through it slightly, twirling it between your fingers.

He rejoices for he has found his diamond in the rough.

a/n: this was my first ever actual fic, so i would really appreciate some feedback or tips. request for matchups, head cannons etc are open although it would be preferred if the prompt list was not used, if you would like to use it please give me a small idea of what to write thank you

[curlyhairedbibliophile]

Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron || ARC Review

Synopsis | In the Jim Crow South, white supremacy reigns and tensions are high. But Evalene Deschamps has other things to worry about. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move.

On top of all that, Evvie’s magic abilities are growing stronger by the day. Her family calls it jubilation—a gift passed down from generations of black women since the time of slavery. And as Evvie’s talents waken, something dark comes loose and threatens to resurface…

And when the demons of Evvie’s past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her.

REVIEW

Thanks to Simon & Schuster & Hear Our Voice Book tours for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

ju·​bi·​la·​tion |ˌjü-bə-ˈlā-shən| (n): 1. an act of rejoicing, the state of being jubilant; 2. an expression of great joy

I'm a big fan of historical fiction, especially when mixing in fantastical elements, so this one made my TBR from the moment it crossed my radar.

There was something so familiar about this that made it easy to connect to - from the setting and dialect down to the nature of the characters. I could match most of them someone I knew in the real world and that made it that much more relatable. The thing I loved most about this was the concept of jubilation as a superpower. The fact that it was used as a means of survival reminded me of how many times joy is used as a coping mechanism for trauma, especially within the Black community. It was great to watch Evvie get a handle on her power and come into her own as a young woman and how that carried over to her various relationships with those around her. If I had any negatives at all, it would be that I'm sad to see it end because I want more time with these characters! I love multigenerational stories, especially with matrilineal relationships, so I would happily stick around for more - past, present, and future.

Rating | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Goodreads

[delicately-written]

A small surprise

Summary: You decide to pay a small trip to comic con, seeing as you missed Tom too much.

Paring: Tom Holland x Reader

A/n: Thanks for all the support on my last imagine! I really appreciate it! I hope you guys enjoy reading this one.

Despite the constant debates he faced in which tempted him to come home to you, he knew that his work priorities reduced all chances of him seeing you up close again. His work constantly thrived to have him around the world, viewing new people and filming new things. Unfortunately, that also meant that there would be less time spent with you, less time in seeing each other. 

He didn’t hate his work, being an actor had always been his dream, he just despised the small sacrifices that came with it. One of the major factors being that he couldn’t rejoice with his family as much as he used to. But nonetheless, he always managed to think optimistically, even when you weren’t always there to support him.

So as he now sat on stage, his plastered smile a facade to cover the hum of sadness drawn to his features, he thought of you. Your smile, your eyes, your laugh, anything his mind could possibly picture. You distracted him from his reality, something that tended to happen quiet often. Not that he minded.

“Yo Tom, can you hear me? ‘think his day dreamin’” 

The loud screams that only seemed to get louder with the compacted walls appeared to gain his attention. Though, he wished he could’ve just stayed in the midst of his brain a bit longer.

“mhm, yes? sorry, blacked out for a minute there” he laughs, his hand immediately going to scratch the back of his neck.

“Yeah, blacked out dreaming of Y/n” Sebastian croaks, gaining the attention of the crowed with the simple drawn to your name.

“Always am man, can’t help it” he smiles, finding no reason in hiding the fact that he misses you dearly.

                                                              ***

“Are you sure this is a good idea? I’m pretty sure he’ll spot me before I even make it to the microphone”

Watching from afar, you stand next to Harrison, your heart thumping with anticipation. 

With extra time on your hands, and a strong longing to see the person you love, you decided that a small surprise would be a perfect way to rejoice with Tom. The phone calls and face times weren’t achieving much in satisfying your needs in him being away, and so you decided that booking a flight across the world to surprise him at a comic con, would be a great way to brighten both your moods. 

“Yes Y/n, just make sure your hat covers your face whilst you’re waiting in the queue” he smiles.

“Okay, okay, I’m just really nervous” 

“mhm, that won’t be for long”

“what’s that supposed to mean?”

                                                              ***

“Did you guys have any favourite scenes you particularly liked doing?” You could hear the smile in the young girls voice as she spoke into the microphone. If you looked closer you could almost see her legs shaking.

“Hmm, great question! Personally, I liked many of the fighting scenes. It takes a lot of hard work to get the movements right, as well as having to be careful you aren’t physically hurting anybody, but the ending result makes up for all the complications” 

It felt nice to hear his voice again. It wasn’t mustered up due to the reception, nor was it drowsy whenever he stayed up late just so he could call you. It was how you remembered it was when he left.

“Really? I thought you liked filming the fighting scenes because you loved how Y/n gushed over them” Anthony remarked, a pure and greedy smirk plastered on his face.

“Oh, that too” Tom blushed, his cheeks visible even from where you were standing.

“Ah, young love” Sebastian concluded, earning the crowds loudest screams.

“Alright, now that we have that question covered, let’s move on to the next person”

With you spider-man hat still covering majority of your face, your body swimming in an oversized red spider-man hoodie, and your pants having web patterns printed all over, you almost looked crazy spider-man fan.

“Looks like we have a big spider-man fan” Teased Anthony, but Tom was too concentrated to notice. Why did it look like you?

“Well I have to support my boyfriend don’t I?” Pulling off your hat, you were met with the familiar eyes of Tom. As well as the loud screams and applauds of the crowd.

“Y-Y/n?” Before you could even reply Tom had already jumped off the panel racing to you. Despite the guards efforts in getting him to stay, Tom simply disregarded their pleads and focused on getting to you. He couldn’t miss the opportunity, especially when it was laid out in front of him.

“How come you didn’t tell me?” his breathing was heavy, having to run a flight of stairs to come face to face with you.

“It was a surprise, the whole point is to not tell you” you smile arms circling around his neck.

“You know I hate surprises”

Before you could even utter a word his lips were on yours. Despite the cameras, screaming crowd, and the endless remarks Anthony kept yelling from the stage, the only thing you could focus on was Tom. You didn’t want to think of anything else.

“KEEP IT PG GUYS!”

                                                              ***

*no jokes Tumblr wont let me tag the people in my taglist* wth...

[fullmetalkittn]

Of Devils and Crying

After a decade of waiting for the Dante I knew to return to his franchise, I have  at last fought my way through Devil May Cry 5. And I have thoughts. Thoughts that just won’t fit on the Twitter. Figured it was as good a time as any to brush off this tumblr thing and sort through them.

Spoilers ahead.

First of all, this game was just about everything I could have hoped for. I mean, it even has a photo mode! The campy humor and the over-the-top combat were all back in action, along with the stunning cinematics and setting. I stepped back into a franchise 10 years absent, and I felt right at home again.

And then there’s the cast. Dante is back, just as I remembered him -- if a little worse for wear. Kyrie kinda phoned it in, but Trish and Lady make their appearances. Lady looks a lot like Kingsglaive’s Crowe on account of sharing the face model, but that was just bonus points for me. I was even happy to see Nero again.

But who really stood out to me was the new guy. And he’s what I need to talk about right now.

V

Going into this game blind, I didn’t really think much of him at first. Who is this guy, right? When do I get to play Dante? But then as I got to play around with V, and started noticing all the fascinating little details about him - like the way the ink flows off his skin and out of his hair to form his summons, I admit I got attached.

So then i started to get worried. Around about the end of mission 4 I wondered if he wasn’t Vergil somehow. A disguise or something. But then I figured it was too obvious with a name like “V”. Surely it had to be a red herring. After all, he looked and sounded nothing like Dante’s brother. I talked myself out of my suspicions and continued playing, eager to see what sort of place this new protag would carve out for himself in the DMC universe.

If only I had listened to myself. If only I hadn’t gotten attached.

Turns out my new favorite thing here ended up being a Vergil-half. A cast out human piece of him seeking atonement and reunion with the demon part. And as far as the last part, he got what he wanted in the end. And I know that Vergil fans everywhere rejoiced to see it.

But you see, even though I appreciate the character, I never was a Vergil fan. At least, not as much as I am a Dante fan. And certainly not as much as I had already become a V fan.

When the reunited Vergil appeared, all of the fascinating little things that I liked about V were gone. This was Vergil as I remembered him - calm, strong and still wanting to best his brother. Awesome! But, that left V as nothing more than a plot device, doomed to disappear once that plot was delivered. So, even though I had a blast and won my fight against the last boss, I still feel like I lost somehow. Because it feels like someone is missing. Don’t get me wrong. I loved this game. It is absolutely fantastic.

But. I want V back.