#safi no chapter one

[sydmarch]

very confused by the chapter 4 ending

[arcadiabaytornado]

Looks like they aren't continuing Pricefield. There's an opition where you say to Safi that "Chloe died" or that "Max and Chloe broke apart". The devs are so lazy and stupid

Yeah...I haven't talked Pricefield since the first two chapters released, and that's really because I don't really know what I want to say?

It was lowkey devastating to learn that the first WLW relationship I ever witnessed in media broke up off screen. However, I have always seen the faults in Max and Chloe's relationship and think a Pricefield breakup could have been depicted in an interesting way.

Yet, "interesting" isn't the way I would describe how it happens. It feels very lazy and like they wanted Chloe to go away as soon as possible so they could get on with telling their story. I think the first scene we have with Amanda being RIGHT after we learn about the Pricefield breakup is a good example of this...but by full admittance my life has been busy the last week and I haven't gotten to really analyze DE, so take that as you will.

There are also multiple aspects of the breakup that I just don't like... Like....what do you mean after all they went through Chloe broke up with Max over a LETTER? Chloe didn't owe Max a relationship, but they couldn't have even had one last "hashing it out" conversation?And the Chloe/Victoria thing genuinely feels like fanfiction that I think was meant to be fan service??

So, I guess what I have to say is "I don't love the break up in general, but it's made more offensive by the fact that it's not even an interesting break up." However, there are still three more chapters incoming, so hopefully it'll be more fleshed out then. And I would vey much like to add a "Please don’t bother the DE writers who need a paycheck and very likely didn’t have unlimited control of creative process anyway." statement because as much as I don't like where DE went in terms of Pricefield, I still don't wish any ill on the team who worked on the game. It's never that serious.

[annymation]

The Kingdom of Wishes- A “Wish” Rewrite

Chapter 6- And The Star Answered

Chapter 5

She stopped, her arm was being held back by a large hand.

Asha’s heart was beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings.

She didn’t want to look back, she was too afraid to look and see the king’s face-

“Asha… We were all waiting for you. Are you okay?”

That wasn’t the king’s voice, it was a gentle and genuinely worried voice, that was

“… Simon?”

Asha turned around, and sure enough, Simon was holding her arm.

And Asha’s other 6 friends were by his side, they were all very worried about her.

“Why are you crying? What happened in there??” Hal rushed over to dry her tears.

“Did you just break out of the dungeon?!? By yourself?!? How did you do that???” Gabo tripped over his words

“For the LAST TIME, GABO! They would NEVER throw Asha in a dungeon for just raising her voice at them, they’re too nice for that!” Dahlia explained like that was just common sense.

And in any other kingdom, yeah it probably would be common sense, but Asha knew that wasn’t the case in Rosas.

Knowing what she knows now.

“Everyone please, let's all calm down and go talk somewhere quieter, then Asha can tell us what happened” Bazeema chimed in meekly

But Asha didn’t want to calm down and talk, no, she wanted to be alone, she was in no condition to talk with anyone.

“I- I gotta go! I can’t talk with you guys right now…”

She tried to run away again but Simon kept holding her arm, not in a way that hurted though

“Why? We just wanna help. Did they say something that made you upset?” Simon asked very concerned

Dario ran to be in front of Asha so she could see him signing to her “We’re with you on this, you did the right thing speaking up about your grandpa’s wish”

Her friends kept talking all at the same time over each other

But Asha's mind was somewhere else

How can she explain this to them?

“I- I understand wanting to be alone, Asha, I really do, but you’re clearly under a lot of stress” Bazeema stammered through her words.

That everything they've known was a lie…

“You can count on us, we’ll always be on your side” Dahlia tried to soothe her best friend

Would they even believe it?

“Just breathe, we know you didn’t do anything wrong” said Safi

And if they did, then what? They’re just a group of teens, it’s not like there’s anything they can do.

“You’ve always been there for us, so we are NOT leaving your side till you’re feeling better” Hal said determined

Asha is in danger because she knows the king’s secret, she CAN’T risk putting her friends in danger too

Gabo was the only one who didn’t look worried, he was angry, not at Asha, but at the two monarchs who made his best friend cry

“Was that narcissistic dolt rude to you?! If so, I’mma get in that castle RIGHT NOW and give him a piece of my min-“

“NO!” Asha screamed “WHATEVER YOU DO, DONT TALK TO THEM!” She was scared out of her mind.

Asha’s friends were startled, they finally went silent

Asha lowered her voice but kept trying to struggle out of Simon’s grip

“I- I’m sorry. Simon, please, let go of me— I gotta go”

“Go where!?” Dahlia asked

“I- i’ll be fine, really, I just need to be alone for a while, okay?”

Simon, for the first time since the day he gave away his wish 3 years ago, raised his voice:

“I’m not letting go till you tell us what you did!”

… What SHE did?…

Asha looked at him straight in the eyes, no longer just sad and scared, but also angry

“You wanna know what happened so badly?! What happened is that THEY WON’T GRANT MY WISH AT ALL!”

She stepped on Simon’s foot.

He let go of her.

She ran, pushing Dario and Safi out of her way in the process

“ASHA WAIT!!!” Dahlia screamed

Hal, Dario and Gabo started running after her, but of course Gabo threw one last piece of sass while running

“VICTIM BLAMING huh Simon?? Because THAT’S definitely the best way to calm down your crying friend! Great job buddy!” He said sarcastically and angrily to Simon while he ran after Asha.

(Gabo spitting facts)

All the others who stayed behind look sad, but Simon looks the saddest.

Asha can hear her friends calling her as she runs away from the castle, but she keeps running without looking back

Dario, Hal and Gabo eventually lose sight of her.

As Asha runs she keeps seeing the royals faces literally everywhere.

All her life that felt natural, why wouldn’t the people of Rosas want to paint their beloved rulers faces on the floors, walls and have statues of them everywhere?

But now, now that she knows who they really are, seeing how the people are obsessed with them is terrifying.

Eventually, after A LOT of running, she leaves the kingdom

She reaches the forest

Valentino is hopping after her with his little baby goat legs

Tears are running down her face non stop

Asha felt trapped, hopeless, desperate

She knew that by morning “her wish” will be granted

And she’ll lose her free will, her friends and her own sense of self

The king and queen will steal all of that from her and there’s nothing she can do about it.

Eventually she trips and falls on the floor

We get a shot similar to this one from Snow White

She sobs in the darkness

Valentino is now next to her, trying to help her feel better by licking her hand

That actually helps her a little, at least she’s not completely alone

She sits down and Valentino comes lay down on her lap

(Seriously little things like this make Valentino MILES better than he was in the movie, movie Valentino didn’t do ANYTHING to help Asha emotionally)

She starts petting him and takes some deep breaths

“Should I have told them?” She asks Valentino “... I wanted to, but– then what? It's not like there's anything we can do to stop them, we're just some teens…”

Valentino interrupts her bleating loudly, with a frustrated expression

She finally smiles a little bit “Right, some teens and a goat hehe…” she pets Valentino some more, her look becomes distant again “… I don’t know what to do…”

She feels a turmoil of emotions that she can’t put into words

And what does a Disney protagonist does when emotions are too strong for words?

… They sing

Sooo yeah, here’s my version of This Wish, enjoy!

Purple lines are Asha, of course

Orange is my commentary and describing what’s going on in the scene

Should’ve listened to my own instincts

No time to cry for what could have been

If I could show them everything I've seen

Open their eyes to all the lies then

Would they believe in me or in them?

(Asha begins singing still laying on the floor, she takes her sketchbook and at "Would they believe in me or in THEM" we see a drawing of the king and queen, she sketched them a few times since there's images of them all over Rosas so she might as well practice drawing poses using their likeness, right?)

Cause’ when I speak, they tell me, "Sit down"

But how can I when I've already started runnin'?

All I wanted to do

Was grant my wish on my own

But now that wish’s stolen and, I am all alone

(So when she sings "Started running" she gets up. And she walks through the forest, she's looking down as she walks looking very sorrowful)

So I look up at the stars to guide me

For I know they can send me a sign

If knowing what it could be is what drives me

Then let me be the first to stand in line

(“THROWING CAUTION TO EVERY WARNING SIGN”IS SUCH A WEIRD LYRIC AND IT COULD’VE BEEN FIXED SO EASILY! I NEVER STUDIED MUSIC WRITING IN MY LIFE AND I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT REPLACEMENT IN A SECOND WTF DISNEY!?)

(*ahem* so anyway, she looks up, now recollecting her hopes but... Once she looks up, there are no stars in the sky, because she's deep in the forest and all she sees are the tree leaves... So this is Asha's goal in this song, she's looking for a star to wish upon, she's trying to get out of the darkness)

So I make this wish

Asking us for freedom, hope and bliss

So I make this wish

To have something more for us than this

(She keeps walking while looking up, searching for any star to be wished upon.)

(Now let me break down my personal favorite change here "Freedom, hope and bliss" these three words summarizes everything Asha wants for herself and everyone else: Freedom for herself, now that she knows the royals intend to imprison her, and also freedom for everyone else that is having their wishes changed; Hope, because she wants the people of Rosas to have hope that they can achieve their own wishes without the king's help; And bliss, the joy that comes with achieving your own desires, she wants that for herself and everyone else)

(As she sings the last line, she steps on a field of grass and some fireflies start floating around her)

Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, ah-ah

More than this, oh-ah-ah-ah

(The fireflies fly all around her and her smile returns to her face, as she regains a little bit of hope, she sings "More than this" with her hands on her chest)

For many years they’ve been fooling us all

Yeah, they said “We’ll protect you” while being our downfall

Now what’s a girl like me supposed to do?

How do you fight a king and queen? oh and they’ve got magic too!

(We have a bit of a time skip with Asha still walking around the forest, but as she does so she's flipping through the pages of her sketchbook, and tearing off all the ones that have sketches of King Magnifico and Queen Amable. She looks at each one angrily and crumbles the pages in her hands (I'll excuse littering this one time because the girl is going through the 7 stages of grief and is currently at anger))

And all I've got is reservations and hesitations

On where I should even begin

I'm past dipping my toes in

But I'm not, no, I'm not past diving in

If I could just be pointed in any given direction

On where to go and what to do

My legs are shaking, but my head's held high

The way you always taught me to

(Yeah no changes for this verse, it’s fantastically fitting for my rewrite, and the best part of the song in my opinion. As she’s walking in the woods she encounters many different paths, she looks at all of them unsure on which one to choose. She trusts her gut and picks one of them. Asha run through this path she chose and then… She finds the tree she and her grandfather used to sit on and wish upon the stars together)

So I look up at the stars to guide me

For I know they WILL send me a sign

I'm sure there will be challenges that find me

But I can take them on one at a time

(Her heart swells, she’s full of hope as she runs to that tree knowing without a doubt in her mind that she’ll get a sign on what to do. She climbs the tree determined, and upon reaching the top, she sees it, the first star she sees tonight.)

So I make this wish

Asking us for freedom, hope and bliss

So I make this wish

To have something more for us than this

(The star she’s looking at is not very bright at all, is barely noticeable in the vast night sky full of other brighter ones, but THAT little one is the one she chooses, and she puts all her heart on the wish she’s making to this star)

Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah (so I make this wish)

Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, ah-ah (to have something more)

More than this, oh, ah-ah-ah

So I make this wish

To have something more for us than this

The song ends.

We see the night sky... and suddenly... The tiny star that Asha was looking at starts getting brighter, bigger, until it's light engulfs the entire sky.

Asha closes her eyes.

The light proceeds to shine upon all the kingdom of Rosas, and everyone that is touched by that light is overtaken by a pleasant feeling of joy and warmth.

It's very faint, but if you listen closely you can hear the sound of a laughter, the most energetic and youthful laughter you can imagine.

We cut back to Asha, who notices that the light is getting... closer.

And it looks like a big ball of light.

Coming directly in her direction at high speed.

She screams as she quickly grabs Valentino and jumps off the tree branch to get cover.

The bright light passes flying over them and landing deep into the forest. A few animals run away from the place of impact.

Asha is laying down on the grass. Obviously VERY shocked.

Valentino is under her, excitedly trying to get out to check out what that was.

"... As if this day couldn't get any crazier, I almost get hit by a meteor... On my birthday " She's quite done with all of these emotions for the day. She stands up and starts dusting herself off "Come on Val, we better go before... Whatever THAT was starts a forest fire..."

(Any other Disney protagonist would be like "oooh whats that?" and answer the call to adventure, but our girl already had enough adventure for a life time and we are not even in the second act yet ladies and gentleman)

Asha had her eyes closed while she dusted herself off, so she didn't realize that while she was talking Valentino was already happily hopping to the source of the light

She looks to where Valentino was a second ago, aaaaand he's gone

"... Valentino?"

"Maaaa! Maaa! Maaaa"

She heard Valentino's bleating getting farther and farther away... Honestly what was she expecting?

"NO! VALENTINO!! Bad goat! We don't touch stuff that comes from space! IT BURNS!!!" She runs after him.

(Oh it's gonna burn you alright)

...

(Okay I knooooow ya'll are gonna hate me for this but... *sigh*)

We cut to the villains POV

Magnifico is getting ready to use his magic to open the tower's celling, thus releasing all the wishes to be granted that night.

But he stops when he realizes... The room is getting brighter.

He looks out the window and sees it, the light engulfing his whole kingdom.

He stares at it in shock

Once the light fades away, Magnifico is gazing out the window. His face no longer visible.

We hear the BLAM of a door opening violently, the queen is running towards her husband wearing a night gown, her long hair is loose.

"What on earth was that light?!” She speaks loudly, firm and precise, confident that her husband will know the answer.

Magnifico is, for the first time since they've met, not paying attention to her...

Nah his mind is somewhere else entirely.

He looks at the horizon trying to remember something, like a memory he has been repressing but now he really REALLY needs it...

Amaya notices his distant gaze and becomes worried "... Mi rei? Is everything alright?… You think it might be a threat?"

He keeps staring at nothing until suddenly…

He starts mumbling a poem, as if he's remembering the words as he speaks:

“Shining guide of old

Guiding hearts

As bright as gold

To a desire far too grand

To be granted by a mortal hand”

“… EXCUSE ME?!?” Amaya is now even more lost, what’s he talking about?

Magnifico proceeds to the next verse ignoring his wife’s reaction… It’s like he’s trying really hard to remember the whole thing.

“With hair like light

And eyes like prism

That see the truth

And speak through rhythm”

"Darling, what is this nonsense? You're scaring me" She sounds, for the first time in the story, genuinely scared

"Do not fret, they mean no harm

As all they bring is joy and warmth

So if you see the sUN AT NIGHT

KNOW A WISHING STAR IS CLOSE IN SIGHT"

He remembered. A sun at night. That was it.

He turned to his wife with the smile of a mad man.

"I KNEW IT!" He starts laughing maniacally as he lifts her up in his arms and starts twirling around the room

Amaya is not in the mood for his romantic acts at the moment tho

"PUT ME DOWN! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS???" She usually loves her husband's eccentricities but this is too much even for him

He puts her down and tries to calm himself, still laughing while holding her by the shoulders "Forgive me my love, but you have no idea what a joyous occasion this is!"

"Well, perhaps I would if you stopped and explained to me" She’s out of patience.

"Listen. I know what that light was, I've grew up with stories about what it means, it's a sign that a being with power beyond our imagination has arrived in our kingdom" He explains like it's the most amazing thing that has ever happened to them.

Her eyebrows raise "... In what WORLD that's a joyous occasion?!"

"Oh but you misunderstand my queen, that power can be OURS… if we play our cards right." A sinister grin forms on his face "I just need to find one of my father’s old books, so I may recall the spell to absorb the being’s power"

That get's her attention "I see... But what exactly is that being?"

"… A Star" He says it in whisper as he starts walking out the room, his steps become quicker the closer he gets to the door "You may go to bed without me darling, it will take me all night to find that blasted book, but it’ll be worth it!"

"ALL NIGHT?! But, darling I-"

But he already left the room

"Oh this is going to be GREAT, just you wait my beldam! Sweet dreams!"

His voice gets farther and farther away as he runs down the stairs

Leaving a very perplexed and alone queen in the wishes room.

Magnifico won't be granting any wishes tonight.

(*phew* okay at least the scene with them is brief and it builds up Aster more with the poem... Btw did you guys like the poem? I think it turned out pretty sweet)

So we cut back to Asha's POV

Valentino pops out of some bushes, he's a few feet away from the source of the light

Asha finally catches him

"GOTCHA! HAha-" She sees what fell from the sky. It a blob of light and sparkly dust that shifts and moves around... Like it's trying to take shape "oh… wow"

She picks Valentino in her arms slowly while still staring in awe to the mysterious light.

"This is... Definitely NOT a meteor... We better go, this thing might be dan-"

A hand pops out of the light and grabs the floor.

Asha get's startled by that and hides behind the bushes.

She watches as the light keeps changing shape, she's scared but she's also... Curious.

The light forms a second arm, and then, with now both arms, it starts using them to shape the rest of itself, like a it's playing with clay.

After trying a few different body types the light takes the shape of a 5 feet tall skinny young individual, but yet with no features.

the now "teenager shaped" light starts to manifest clothes on his body, a black outfit reminiscent of something Asha would often see a prince wear in her fairytale books when she was little.

Then a large cape emerges from his back, flowing in the air with a trail of stardust underneath it.

His whole body starts coloring itself, his skin is no longer made of light, he has tan brown skin.

The only part of them that is still emitting light is his hair, that dances around slightly like the flame of a candle.

After ALL that (that would probably be a pretty quick transformation sequence, think of it like in Steven universe when the gems reform) he is now floating with his back turned to Asha, who is still hiding behind the bushes.

Asha is staring at all this no longer scared but more so intrigued, she looks closer and she realizes that somehow the boy looks like... A drawing... A moving drawing

He is 2D while everything else is animated in 3D

The being then finally speaks, while stretching their whole body:

"WOOOAH HAHAHA Okayyyyy I definitely underestimated how high up I was hahah!" It's a voice full of energy, like they can't contain their excitement, he stretches himself out some more as if to get used to their new form "Wow that was a rough landing hehehe but hey! Not too bad for my first time!"

(I picture him being voiced by Jordan Fisher but you're free to picture any voice you'd like)

The young man is gleefully laughing to himself.

He seems distracted enough for Asha to run away, so she get's up holding Valentino.

But almost as soon as she turns around she's now face to face with the boy flying above her, he's upside down. He gazes at her with bright eyes that seem to sparkle like the night sky and smiling ear to ear.

"Hi there! I heard you cal-"

"AAAAH!!!"

Asha backs away and accidentally let's go of Valentino. The goat prepares to jump on star to attack him with his little baby goat horns

"Woah woah buddy it's alright, I'm here to help-"

Aaaaand I'll just let this piece of concept art speak for itself:

"hahHAAHA that tickled" The star says while he's reforming himself back to his original shape.

Valentino looks upset that his attempt to protect Asha didn't work.

The star notices that and tries to make him feel better "Hey don't be sad, I'm sure you can land a hit on me, come on try again!" He says genuinely, like a big brother trying to be encouraging.

Valentino does try again, and this time the star makes himself fall on the floor upon being hit "OOH I've been defeated oh nooo hehehe" He says playfully while lifting Valentino up in his arms, whose now very proud of himself.

Asha watches all of this play out and she goes from scared to endeared by the boy's child like demeanor with Valentino, it's pretty obvious now that he means no harm.

She approaches them slowly looking down on the boy playing with her goat. She's still unsure what to expect but she really wants to understand what this is all about, what he is all about.

The star notices her approaching and stops playing with the goat, they gaze up to her with a beaming smile. Now Valentino is just bleating while standing on his chest like he's asking to play more.

It's an interesting contrast that now he's the one who's bellow gazing up to her, when a few minutes ago she was the one looking up to wish upon them.

"H-hi there" This time it's Asha's turn to say it, she gives the star a little wave.

He seems surprised upon hearing her voice, like it's the first time they hear a voice from up close... Well, because it is, this is the first time a human speaks directly to them... and its HER voice.

A few flowers start growing and blooming around where he's laying down. He realizes that and just reacts with a:

"Huh... Didn't know I could do this... Wonder what else can I do" The star says that second part in a whisper.

The star get's up with Valentino in his arms and hands him back to Asha

"I'm awfully sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." He notices a firefly flying close to Asha and starts trying to catch it, he’s flying around but still explaining the situation to her

She’s just watches them trying to catch the firefly kinda amused, it’s cute how easily distracted he is.

"See, I just got so thrilled when I heard you calling me that I completely forgot I had to choose what shape I’d take BEFORE I landed here heh heh that was weird, wasn't it?" The star manages to catch the firefly in his hands, his smiles widens as they look at the little bug closely, he’s fascinated by it.

"... Called you? I didn't call you, I don't even know your name" Asha says while studying him with her eyes, she's mostly amazed that he looks like a drawing but at the same time has dimension to him.

The star turns to her in surprise, like she just reminded him of something really important

"Oh yeah! I need a name, don't I? Hmmm" They ponder a little bit like he's deciding "I think I'll call myself... Aster, yeah that sounds nice, and fitting too since it means star." He says casually, looking around as they speak.

Aster starts flying around the woods, wanting to take a closer look at each little detail with wonder in their eyes, but still speaking to Asha, who’s watching him fly around amazed by the sight

"And of course you called me! You looked at me and wished for more, to yourself and your people, remember?”

Aster starts flying faster and faster, we see a trail of star dust coming out of his cape, leaving waves of light around the woods. He speaks louder so Asha can still hear:

“I'm so glad you wished upon me out of everyone else by the way! Thank you!... You were the first to do so in a while" Aster speaks that last line with a subtle hint of pain in his voice, but he’s still smiling.

Asha starts out very confused by what he's saying but slowly starts to connect the dots, her eyes widen and her jaw drops once the realization hits her.

"Wait hold on, you're- Are you telling me you’re a... A star?!" She exclaims in awe with a wide smile on her face.

Aster flies back to Asha and stops above her head, floating upside down

“You guessed it!”

Chapter 7

Final Thoughts

THIS CHAPTER TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET IT RIGHT!! Not only because I wanted it to be perfect but also because I've been so busy these past few days!

ASTER IS SUCH A SWEETIE I LOVE MY BOY SO MUCH!!! FIRST THING HE DOES IS PLAY WITH VALENTINO AND THAT IMMEDIATELY MAKES ASHA WARM UP TO HIM BECAUSE HOW CAN YOU NOT TRUST A GUY THAT PLAYS WITH BABY ANIMALS?!

Also Aster forgetting that he had to manifest a human like appearance before crashing down on earth is the equivalent of you going for your first day on a job NAKED and then you dress up there in front of your boss, like the boy is THAT excited to get there.

Did you catch that Aster quoted two Disney characters? He made a few flowers bloom and said “What else can I do” like Isabela from Encanto, and then he said “I’m awfully sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you” which is a line Prince Phillip says in Sleeping Beauty when he meets Aurora, expect a lot more references like these coming from him. He’s not gonna speak only in Disney quotes all the time but I’ll sprinkle some references in his dialogue here and there.

And speak of him SPEAKING I might make a whole blog explaining why Jordan Fisher is hands down the best choice to voice an embodiment of magic and joy, because that man is not only AN AMAZING SINGER but also just the sweetest person alive, and he’s so underrated! If you don’t know him then look him up on Spotify or YouTube, but here’s an example of him singing: https://youtu.be/KsRi-Aj9fQs?si=RRI8Jvy7AT9EA5_u

It still cracks me up how my version of Magnifico is literally a fun house mirror version of movie Magnifico.

Like Movie Mag was like “oooh noo, what was th-that scary light😣? Someone threatened meee 🥺 I’m so scared I’m gonna use dark magic even though I’m not even sure if it was a bad thiiiing” while my Magnifico is like “*recites mysterious poem* LETS GOOOO AMAYA LETS GOOOOOOO!!! THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT THATS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR WOOOOOO!! *leaves with no explanation*” like what a chad. And I don’t even have to explain how Movie and Amaya and Queen Amable are opposites because come on.

I reallyyyy hope you guys enjoyed this little taste of Aster I’ve gave here, because next chapter will be aaaaall about them and Asha, so look forward to that! And as always

Thank You For Reading!

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Meghan Markles Partner Charity Sued for Discrimination and Workplace Bullying by u/LilibuttDumbarton

Meghan Markle’s Partner Charity Sued for Discrimination and Workplace Bullying Meghan Markle's partner charity, Girls Inc., was sued for discrimination and workplace bullying. The foundation serves to empower underprivileged girls through various forms of social and educational support. Although the Worcester, Massachusetts chapter settled the case in 2023, the former POC employee, Gemelee DePasquale, alleged a toxic workplace. Claims included micromanaging based on the belief that she was a "diversity hire" and was less competent than her White predecessor. She was also screamed at for working on a project that was previously approved.An existing Change.Org petition to hold the board accountable is still active and has a list of victim testimonies. At least 30 instances of abuse by the chapter’s CEO and COO against staff and program participants are documented in detail and not only support the legal filing, but mimic Markle’s own bullying tactics. One person states:Black women and girls in this organization have been undervalued and used as props. Our images used to portray an image of Faux inclusivity.Quotes and statistics about black girls posted on the organization's social media and websites are all superficial, never really intended to be inclusive. If it wasn't related to some sort of press The CEO couldn't be bothered. The COO cruelty is calculated and intentional. I have never in my life met anybody so hellbent on being awful. She felt more like a Prison Warden than a COO. Most people's reactions to kids isn't to automatically assume the worst in them But here it is a culture.This is most especially true for the black kids.Girls Inc. Worcester is a place where bully culture and racism thrive. In no way will anyone working there or attending a program be empowered, emboldened or feel strong.The other testimony from staff and participants follow Markle's pattern of abuse: Pitting staff against each other, forcing them to take on too much work, forcing them to start their day early or end their day late, comments on physical appearance, high staff turnover, and more.The chapter CEO was forced to retire last year and the credible accusations were swept under the rug. Beyond the board reshuffling, no one was held responsible for the abuse inflicted on employees and participants. The Duchess of Sussex is a bully and this organization is the perfect fit for her. She failed to properly vet the collaborating organization and threw her weight behind them. In the past, Archewell associated with Jennifer Freed (of Aha! Santa Barbara), a child psychologist who lost her license for covering up SA, Safi Rauf (from the Human First Coalition) who misused funds intended for refugees, and Allen Onyema (Peace Air) who was indicted in the US for bank fraud, and Nigerian King Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, who was twice deported from the US and convicted of fraud. Petitionhttps://https://ift.tt/UBVTonZ https://ift.tt/xSJZACt testimonies archived from the petition https://ift.tt/PJQOyez settled https://ift.tt/ZszUmKv https://ift.tt/mHFfhaK about Gemelee’s complaint https://ift.tt/wzj1sIn https://ift.tt/D587IeJ CEO’s website claiming retirement after board position https://ift.tt/gL59KRi https://ift.tt/d6ATBC7 post link: https://ift.tt/r8ebLkX author: LilibuttDumbarton submitted: October 12, 2024 at 09:12AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[maxthesillyy]

what do you think about the characters in Double Exposure so far?

the characters themselves arent that bad,, but i definitely cant say i really care for any of them yet. as in i wouldnt be that upset at any of their deaths

at first i was NOT vibing right with Safi at all considering literally all of her jokes are straight up hit or miss, but the more we learn about her (or. learn that we have a lot to learn) the more i’ve grown interested and fond of her. she kinda gives Way Too Excited For 8 AM Teacher vibes.

Moses is kinda intriguing to me right now, but is also pretty much a nothing burger,, i can only assume (and hope) i’ll see more about him after chapter 1. so. he’s kinda silly, thats about it.

OH Loretta. i hate her so much, she’s so funny, i love her. i always love to hate a good bitchy girl character. oh my cod— ESPECIALLY when the look she gives Max if u try to call her bluff. im definitely hella excited to see more of her— especially since she clearly brought out the more bitchy side of Max. honestly so far i think these two’s dynamic is my favorite. she kinda feels like Max, Victoria, and Rachel all smushed together.

then theres Gwen,,, the game’s definitely setting us up to be suspicious of her. i dont have many thoughts about her though other than that. shes hot ? kinda endearing when shes not pissed at us. thats about it.

Amanda……………. 😒 she exists ig. no fr though, she’s literally fine. she feels more like a quirky best friend disney channel character than a real person. and then theres with the game SHOVING her and max together… idk! maybe ill warm up to her. i dont want to hate her but the game is very quickly pulling me down that route.

oh then the other guy max can flirt with for some godforsaken reason?? Vinh is his name i think. i dont trust him, and i dont think were supposed to. personally i think it feels ooc for max to openly flirt with him back— especially so quickly,, even if she’s doing it jokingly or smth. like girl you were just either talking about how you can never recognize when youre being flirted with or need to take time before flirting back with someone— AND even then. you’d think max would be more wary of overly charming who show an interest in her.

which brings me to Lucas. im guessing if anything happens with him he’s gonna be a red herring. maybe it’s just me, but i wouldn’t be surprised if were supposed to be reminded of jefferson when we see him,, at least he doesnt have any real interest in her though.

pretty sure Amanda and Vinh are the only two love interests? either way i honestly dont think it makes sense for Max to be seeking either of them out romantically. this may be the Aro in me, but chloe was a realistic “love interest” in the OG game because well. they were Max and Chloe. and besides that Max was already with her basically 24/7, and was obsessed with her. they made sense. they werent forced or obviously placed there just to be love interests— it was natural.

honestly Amanda and Vinh just seem like.. love interests for the sake of love interests.

tbh any love interest for Max right now just feels,,,, maybe could’ve been the right person but WAY too wrong of a time. like i dont even see an interesting unhealthy dynamic— and if i wanted that i would just go to current DE!pricefield so.

this brings me to Chloe… im happy she’s haunting the narrative rn,,, could be doing it a little harder imo—but other than that im. trying not to form any huge opinions on the Max and Chloe situation. when we (hopefully istg decknine) get the whole picture ill probably talk about this more. im just pretty conflicted.. and also wishing decknine just CHOSE one of the endings (bay WHO SAID THAT) instead of leaving it open to not piss anyone off.

oh uh then Reggie and Diamond,, i dont have any thoughts about them really except for being mildly intrigued by the amount of attention handed over to Diamond. im guessing she’ll have more plot relevance later,,, but Reggie will prob stay a very side character.

i thinkkk thats everyone? OH. Yasmin. not much about her. can appreciate how much she cares about Safi’s murder. but yeah nobody else comes to mind,,, and if i did miss somebody i guess that just goes to show how little i think of them.

so i guess overall my thoughts about the DE characters are “we’ll have to see what happens.”

[nightmanatee]

so something IS??? wrong with safi at the end?

previous part

there's an interesting part of caledon university - it's main statue near the entrance of thomas caledon jr the founder of caledon university. we see this statue in the menu and it changes - mainly in chapters 4 and 5.

there's his quote:

one thing can't survive without the other/can't understand the darkness without the light/"can't understand the present without wondering "what if" first" HMMMMMMMM.

two sides of the same coin? two hard choices made in the finale?? max and safi themselves???

if you start trying to solve the abraxas box you get this follow up:

"a bird on each shoulder. wonder which one's the devil"

huh. the box in the dead safi timeline has "right" crow missing. maybe that's the one that... hold on to that thought.

also this statue is compared to safi (or more like safi's legacy) through the chapters - first as her new memorial (max talks about how she finds it too...patriarchal - his statue until it becomes a memorial to safi and changes it meaning), then as a place where you can first encounter lucas and shut him up.

this statue disappears in chapter 5 as safi herself is brought into the nightmare. but you know what? you know WHERE you can see a painting that is oddly familiar (how the hell did i not notice this before??). in max's diary.

once again safi is compared to that person or more like. a symbol. and guess which crow she's listening two - the missing one the devil one???

during the nightmare in the only place that was closest to safi herself - the only that probably meant safi herself (with lucas and maya's tree etc) we get the first look at our "new" statue. and oh boy.

oh boy.

not only is it's head divided in two - two timelines? despite being merged there might be 2 more? or is it so that safi's split between herself and something/someone else?

but also this phrase. "you're back... mostly" just like safi herself, despite being?? seemingly brought back feels weird. max was supposed to fix her and yet safi still talks about how she doesn't feel like herself and how she still wants to find others etc etc. honestly? feels like her being brought "wrongly". and just like thomas caledon himself said "can't understand the darkness without the light". as two sides of the same coin max (the light?) and safi (the darkness?) are going to have to talk again.

[emerynn]

MAX 🥺🥺🥺

(double exposure spoilers under the cut)

I knew episode 5 was gonna be a nightmare sequence but i still ate that shit up what can i say it's fanservice and im the fan lol

genuinely did get a bit emotional at the end like okay im HAPPY FOR HER

post credits scene was wild?? Not sure how I feel about them just handing out super powers like halloween candy but...okay? and MAX CAULFIELD WILL RETURN HELLO ???? part of me is sceptical and part of me is like yay more max hehe (fanserive, fan, etc.) - either way, guess im gonna be insufferable for a while then whoops

'will you ever go back to arcadia bay' 'one day' 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺girl i'll cry

lowkey the journal entries were nerfed. i mean i dont really care but still.

amanda max flirting scenes gave me major flashbacks to my own lesbian situationship so 10/10 points for accuracy on that one

i really enjoyed all the characters ngl!! and safi was so good and so intriguing i love that they let her be morally dubious oooo

'our lady of the storm' iconic. shes my fucking GIRL.

okay but is safi creating the lis avengers. like what is her plan. im concerned

how many endings were there because i strongly suspect there might have just been one and if that's the case that's hilarious but also like, come on

they kinda baited me with the "two maxes" bit at that one point i was like YES time travel bullshittery and max being a bitch to her alternate self EXACTLY WHAT I ASKED FOR and then i figured out the twist like 10 seconds before it was revealed and i was like well thats cool but.....i just wanna see max bully herself is that too much to ask for.....

'text from: chloe' like okay my heart did skip a beat lbr

okay so did max actually kill safi or what because that was never clear. like i think the polaroids were from the original timeline and then max shoots safi in that timeline leading to timeline 2 which is OUR original timeline i.e. the dead timeline and then...the living one happens asw? or was it like a pre-emptive timeline split did max ever actually shoot safi? i mean someone had to right? maybe this will make sense in the morning. or on the wiki. who can say

knew there was gonna be darkroom shit in the nightmare sequence fuck yeah (lowkey wanted more but hey im just being greedy now)

another tiny criticism but the krampus party did not feel like a college party lol like the vortex club end of the world party felt intense it felt dramatic it had stakes - krampus i was like oh this is giving me dead freshers week vibes guys just animate in some more extras please i know you can do it

music was amazing ofc

man i had this whole theory going on where max died in the "living" timeline at the same point that safi died in the "dead" timeline and that was why there was no alternate version of herself and it was some safis trying to save max while max is trying to save safi thing - obviously very wrong but i still vibe with it

i just really like max okay <3

To form something of a coherent conclusion: Really solid game, with some great scenes (the end of chapter 2 and start of 3 were def the standouts to me) and (in my opinion at least) really really good development for max - she was so clearly the same max as the original game but also she's grown up and she's grown into herself and ahhh it made me so happy to see!

I found some of the twists more effective than others and I think there could have been more build up to the storm (like in the original lis you KNOW it's coming for so long and there's this feeling of dread throughout whereas it kind of felt like we rushed to get to it here), but overall i had a good time, i really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and most of all, i really enjoyed getting stupidly attached to Max Caulfield again <3

7/10 looking forward to going down the rabbit hole with this one and i guess we'll see where we go next...??

[signed-sapphire]

The Fallen Star ✨ Wish Reimaigned

Chapter 2 - The sorcerer

Tw: minor injury, flashing light in a gif, panic attack below the red “boom” (check the comments for a summary of what happens)

Chapter 1

Asha made her way over to the teens. She would inform them of her Sleepy/spindle idea at once.

“I’m sure the Royal Healers will find a way to help your Saba,” Dahlia was telling Hal sympathetically.

“..yeah,” Hal murmurs. She seems to remember herself and puts on a smile. “Yeah, he’ll be okay! My Saba is a fighter!”

“That’s the spirit,” Safi grins.

“Dario!” Hal exclaims, momentarily forgetting her plight. She runs up to a lanky teen and hugs him tight.

Dario grins and signs something with his one free hand.

“Oh, sorry!”

Hal steps back and Dario signs, Sorry I couldn’t make it! Gabo was busy training and I didn’t want to leave him alone.

“My abuela’s always like, gotta work to protect the royal couple,” a voice from below grumbles.

“Gabo! Glad you could make it,” Hal smiles.

“Hey, Hal.” Gabo crosses his arms. “Like, they’re infinitely powerful! Amaya knows potion magic! And there’s nothing Magnus wouldn’t do to protect his wife— even his daughter! For some reason…”

“Ahem.”

Gabo freezes at the towering figure above him. Asha glares down at the short peasant, nostrils flared. “Ah, Grumpy. I’m surprised no one has trampled you yet.”

“I’d offer you the chance to do it yourself but Your Royal Highness wouldn’t want to dirty her shoes with the peasants, would she?” Gabo snarks.

Asha crosses her arms. “You’re the grandson of the captain of the guard. Unlike your gaggle of friends, you’re not a peasant.”

Gabo huffs. “Thanks for the insult, Highness.”

“Gabo,” Bazeema hisses.

Gabo shrinks. “Sorry, Bazeema.” He glances up. “Sorry, Your Highness.”

Asha rolls her eyes. How sincere. “Anyways. You look sad, Happy. Which is ironic, considering you are usually very… loud. This is a nice change. But Magnus has his reasons. Sorry.” She turns to Sleepy. “Besides, I have the perfect idea to keep you awake.”

“Huh?” Simon yawns and turns to Asha.

The princess taps her foot. “Well,” she says addressing Simon, “it’s this magical spindle that pricks you whenever you start feeling sleepy! It’ll keep you awake! I know, I know. Amazing. What can I say except ‘you’re welcome!’” she smiles.

Dario signs something that has the other teens snickering, giving Asha an innocent look when she glares at him.

Gabo snorts. “Thanks for the ‘advice,’” surrounding the last word with quotation marks, “but we really don’t want any more royal decisions that ultimately end up helping us none.”

“Gabo,” Dahlia says cautiously.

“My— Magnus has reasons for what he does,” Asha says.

“Hal’s Saba is sick!” Gabo exclaims. “What reason does he have?”

“Gabo,” Dahlia warns.

“Watch your tone,” Asha says sharply.

“Why should I listen to you?” Gabo rolls his eyes. “You didn’t do anything to deserve being the princess—"

“Gabo! That’s enough!” Dahlia says firmly.

“What? She’s not even their daughter! All she did was have a “boo-hoo, I’m so sad” childhood and now she thinks she gets to dictate people’s lives—"

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” Asha snaps. “I am your princess and you will respect me or so help me I will ban you from Rosas forever and you’ll never see your friends again!” She growls.

Asha exhales and runs a hand through her hair “Take him away.”

The guards hesitantly herd the teens off as Asha storms past them into the castle, Valentino scrambling to follow her.

She tried to help them, and this was the thanks she got?

“They’re so infuriating!” Asha shouts, slamming her door. She yells and grabs her vanity chair and throws it across the room, only for a magical blue net to catch it and gently return it to its place. A note pops onto the chair.

Asha groans and flops onto her bed, grabbing her pillow and screaming into it.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Valentino bleats and nudges Asha with his horns. Asha rolls over and pets his fluffy head. “Thanks, Val. I just… I know I’m not magic like Magnus. But I’m going to be. Soon. Just a couple more months until I’m eighteen. Then I’ll show them.”

Valentino tilts his head.

“I’ve tried Amaya’s “make friends” idea,” Asha deadpans. “It didn’t work.”

"Behhhh."

“What do you mean? Of course I tried!” Asha exclaims. “I was as nice as I could be!”

"Behhhhhhh."

There’s a knock on the door, the knock Anna did on Elsa’s door.

Dun dun dun dun dun

“Asha?"

“Come in,” Asha mumbles into her pillow.

Magnus steps inside. Valentino jumps up and bleats happily. The king grins and pets the goat’s head.

“Hey, Mags,” Asha says imperceptibly.

“Are you alright?” Magnus asks softly. “I saw you running off after the meeting.”

“I’m fine. Your roses come with a bunch of thorns, that’s all. You should prune the lot of them.”

Magnus sits by Asha’s bed. “Want to tell me what happened?”

Asha rolls her eyes and sits up. “Just… people are stupid.”

“Which people in particular?”

“Grumpy,” Asha mutters. “Him and his stupid friends.”

“The group of friends you were interested in joining?”

“What? No!” Asha exclaims. “Why would I want to join them? They insulted me! Well, he did, at least. Stupid little rose,” she grumbles.

“Grumpy… grumpy grumpy— ah! Little rose,” Magnus nods. “Was it Gabo Noceda?”

“Yes, it was Grumpy Whatever-The-Crap-His-Name-Is.” Asha crosses her arms.

“What did he say?” Magnus asks.

“Nothing. I’m fine. Just some bull about how I’m not really your daughter and I can’t do magic like you,” Asha mumbles.

Magnus purses his lips. “I see. I shall inform Captain Noceda of this as soon as possible.”

“Don’t. It’s fine,” Asha says. “I’m turning eighteen in a couple months. You can just grant my wish then.”

Magnus raises an eyebrow. “So you want to talk about this now?”

“Talk— talk about what?”

Magnus smiles. “One: Asha, you are my daughter, and you are Amaya’s daughter. We love you, you are part of our family, and you will always be loved. Okay?”

Asha looks uncomfortable.

“And two: we’ve been over this. You can tell me your wish, Asha. I promise I won’t judge,” Magnus says earnestly.

“I told you. I want to be a sorceress,” Asha says simply.

Magnus smiles softly. “Come with me, yeah?”

“I really don’t think—"

Magnus was already out of the room. Asha groans and contemplates throwing something again. Maybe out the balcony. Maybe it would land on Grumpy’s head. Oops.

She decides to follow Magnus instead. Valentino trots alongside her as they walk to his study, where Magnus waves a hand and the crystal doors open to the wish room.

Asha closes her eyes and basks in the glow of the wishes. “They’re… everything.”

“They are,” Magnus agrees. “They are the true essence of a person. A part of their heart. The very best part. As long as they stay here, they are protected. And they remain safe. When you turn eighteen, Asha, your wish will join them.”

He floats the wishes down, admiring them softly. “When that happens, I’d rather know your wish already than find it out on my own.”

“Mags, stop prying, okay?” Asha crosses her arms. “I told you. My wish is—"

“That may be a wish, but I only guard one’s true wish,” Magnus interrupts. “I can feel them, Asha. A sorcerer knows.”

“And when I’m a sorcerer, I’ll know too,” Asha retorts.

Magnus massages his temples. Teenagers.

How am I supposed to get through to her? I just wish—

Ah.

“Would it help if I told you my true wish?” Magnus offers.

Asha’s eyes dart to him. “What?”

“My wish,” Magnus clarifies. “I don’t think I’ve ever shown you it.”

“N-no,” Asha stammers, “you haven’t.”

Magnus grins. “Five years in our family and I’ve never once showed you? We must fix that!” His eyes are sparkling.

Asha winces, then walks up to Magnus, where he’s floating down the wishes. Music starts playing.

🎵 A Wish Worth Making 🫧

Magnus

Asha

The wish of someone like me

Magnus smiles at Asha as the room fades to a dark greyish

Someone whose hopes were in despair

Wind picks up and shows Asha’s sketchbook flipping, Magnus’ magic swirling and dancing onto the paper

After the smoke and screams

We see a sketched young Magnus (created from his magic, she didn’t actually draw this) look around the rubble

After the dust cleared from the air

He’s hugging Young Asha

I made a wish, with my whole heart

Holding her close, she’s sleeping and his hand is cradling her head, Amaya is sitting next to him

To never see yours breaking

Looking up at the Stars, seeing a small one peeking out from behind the clouds

That was my wish worth making

Yeah, everybody dreams

Real life Magnus, wishes dancing around him, the drawings fly off the paper to see Magnus and Young Asha studying books together

To be something, someday, somewhere

Even kings and queens

Daydream to be free from their royal chairs

I see a dream that’s got your heart

Clasping Asha’s hands

It’s not magic you want to be reaping

So tell me. What’s really your dream worth dreaming?

Asha pulls her hands away and turns off

I started as a wildling

Page flips back to drawings, Younger!Asha playing in the Hamlet

Playin' in the sun

Then that night came and crushed my dreams

A shooting Star flying into her house

I told them that the day would come

Young!Asha sobbing over Sakina and Tómas’ bodies

So I must wait my time

Young Asha with Magnus now, seeing a magic book labeled “Bringing Your Ohana Back”

You tell me, "Be nice, play fair"

Jumping off the pages again

But if I want to bring back mine, yeah

Real life Asha singing

I can’t be close to you, I have to prepare

Turns back to Magnus

'Cause I feel it in my heart

There's no way you're not sowing

A new dream that I have to stop growin'

My wish is to not be apart

Singing over the light drawings as the room starts fading in again

But that means your heart breaking

Looking fondly at the light doodle of Magnus going back to being just ink

I can’t tell you my wish worth making… 🎵

Asha sighs, then turns back to Magnus. “I told you. I want to be a sorcerer. Just like you.”

She gives him her best Princess Smile™️. Luckily, Magnus seems to buy it.

“Fine. I’m letting you off the hook for now!” Magnus smirks. “But I’m getting it out of you somehow. Maybe during the Wishing Festival?”

Asha freezes.

“Will you be joining us this year?” Magnus asks softly.

Asha doesn’t respond.

“Asha?”

“Thanks for the talk, Mag. I’ll be in my room.”

Asha walks out of the room without a second glance.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Asha doesn't head to her room.

No, while in the wish room, Asha had a different idea on how to make Grumpy eat his words.

Magic.

Now, Asha wasn't magic. She didn't study the textbooks during those years growing up. But she knew which books taught you magic.

Including the special books that Magnus kept locked up in the cellar. His secret cellar. The one thing that remained untouched by the Stars that destroyed the previous kingdom.

Rosas was built on its foundations. Literally and figuratively. Magnus used a spellbook from the cellar to create the barrier around Rosas that kept Stars out. Surely Asha could use that spellbook to give herself magic a bit prematurely.

"This isn't to prove anything," Asha explains to Valentino. "This is just for me to get to my goal faster. Seeing Grumpy's happiness get crushed is just a bonus."

Valentino gave her a look.

"Come on, fluffy. Surely you'll want to know what they're like," Asha reasons.

“Baaaaaa.”

"Agreed. Let's hurry," Asha says.

She ducks under her adoptive father’s desk as he walks past, murmuring something about protection. She waits until he leaves, then crawls out and heads towards a lever on the wall.

Magnus had told her that was the one thing off-limits in his office. To never touch or pull it. He made her promise.

Asha pulls the lever. There's a shift, and then a click. The spiral pattern on the stone floor starts to move, and Asha watches as it opens up to a staircase, candles lighting them up like this ⬇️

"Here we go," Asha murmurs. "Come on, baby."

Valentino shakes his head. “Behhhhhh!”

“Okay. Wait here. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Asha promises. “You be my lookout, okay?”

“Behhhhhhh!” Valentino bleats worriedly. (You’re right Anny, this is peak dialogue)

Asha kisses his forehead and descends down the stairs. The flames cast eerie shadows on the walls.

Asha shudders and presses on.

At the bottom of the staircase is a hallway, prison cells lining the walls. At the end is a door that leads to a large library. In the center of the room, on a pedestal covered in a glass case, lies the spellbook.

It’s old and leather bound, with an orobourus wrapping around two eyes (a sparkle shape and an oval). Five points stick out of the snake, forming the shape of…

A Star.

It’s… not what Asha remembered.

Asha studies the glass cover. There’s swirly designs of… dragonflies? Curiously, she reaches out, her finger brushing the glass.

There’s a zap, and the insects burst out of the glass.

Asha shrieks and starts swatting at the bugs diving at her. A sudden, sharp pain bites her hands.

THOSE WERE DEFINITELY NOT DRAGONFLIES!

Asha spews out curses as more red-hot needles stab into her skin, running around to avoid being stung.

Avispones!

Asha rips off her sash and slips off her outer dress, running from the hornets as she ties the end into a knot. She jumps around, catching bugs in her makeshift net.

Her hands and arms are covered in stings by the end of it. Asha covers her mouth and screams. What did she do to deserve this?

“Life is so unfair,” Asha mutters as she yanks off the glass cover and flips open the book. “Fire magic… rules of a genie… how to turn your household items into your servants?” Asha peers through the pages. “I’m not even going to ask.”

Finally. Asha stops on a page with moons and stars. “How to gain magic quickly and easily,” Asha reads. “‘Simply tear out this page and use it as a sorcerer’s hat. Then, harness the magic inside.’ Kind of vague.”

The page was still intact. Figured someone as powerful as Magnus wouldn’t need the assistance.

Asha tears out the page and curls it into a cone, placing it on top of her head. Immediately, the hat starts glowing and pulsing blue. A burst of magic explodes out of Asha’s fingertip and hits a broom leaning against the shelf.

Asha covers her mouth as the broom sprouts arms and starts sweeping.

“Ohmigosh. It works,” Asha breathes. “It works! It works!”

She does a little happy dance. “Take that! Boom, baby! Although I will have to find a way to pretty you up,” she says to the hat. “You’re sort of ugly right n— hey, watch it!”

The broom nearly ramms into her leg. Asha loses her balance, and another burst of magic shoots out of her hands. It ricochets around the room, and Asha yelps and ducks.

It shoots into the makeshift net housing the hornets, and Asha swears as she scrambles up and runs from the now free hornets.

“Get away! Stop it! Go away!” Asha shrieks as she runs, blasting more magic at the devils chasing her.

The broom kept on knocking things off shelves. More bouncing magic blasts crashed around the room as Asha kept missing her attackers.

That’s when one of Asha’s magic blasts hits the spellbook.

Even the hornets freeze.

Asha holds her breath.

…

…

…

BOOM!

Asha is thrown back. She cries out as her back crashes into the shelf.

She lands on shattered glass, the shards digging into her skin. Red fills her vision.

Red.

Fire.

Smoke.

Asha can’t breathe.

She can’t move.

She gasps for air. She’s running.

Run. Run where?

Up. Up is the way the Stars go.

No Stars.

Her vision blurs.

She’s running somewhere. She sees Stars.

No, those are statues.

Star?

Painting. Get it together.

The walls are crushing in. The walls are falling. Falling onto her.

She collapses somewhere. There’s something soft. It will suffocate her. Asha crashes against the floor, clutching her throat.

Her hands are burning now. She couldn’t care less.

She can’t breathe. There’s a ringing in her ears.

Suddenly, something suffocates her.

Heavy, heavy weight. Asha chokes.

The something is pulled off her, onto her legs.

There's a new weight over her legs. An anchor.

Her hand moves on its own. Soft, something soft. But not bad soft.

Asha gasps in, and she can breathe. She drinks up the air greedily, trying to get as much oxygen as possible.

There's a soft bleat.

Fluffy. Asha is petting something fluffy.

Slowly, she regains awareness of her surroundings. She’s in her room. She’s against her bed.

She’s safe.

“Behhhhhh,” Valentino bleats.

Asha gasps in another breath. She inhales deeply, then lets it out.

Valentino had pulled down her blanket and laid his head on her legs. He was her anchor, her air.

Asha takes in another shaky breath.

"Thank you, baby," she whispers.

Valentino nuzzles his head against her leg.

They stay like that for a while.

Chapter 3

Author’s notes

Idk how I feel about this one??? Feels a bit fast but oh well. This is the inciting incident, like how movie!Asha’s was her interview with Magnifico.

Ajskahdkajskjas this is not really paced out like @annymation’s KOW fic (go check it out! It’s finished, it’s beautiful, it’s a homage to Disney’s 100th!) but oh well. I’m being stabbed in the stomach by cramps so I’ll edit it later.

The first three or four chapters will come out quick because I’ve already written the majority of them (to plot the temporality paused comic), so after that expect a bit of a delay.

As you can probably tell, I took a lot of inspiration from Puss’s panic attack from The Last Wish. As someone with frequent panic attacks, I really really appreciate how they showed the muffled surroundings, the “can’t catch your breath” feeling, and the helplessness. Valentino in the movie could’ve been nonexistent and it pretty much would’ve played out the same. TFS!Val, however… he’s a therapy animal for Asha. That weight, grounding you but still allowing you to finish your panicked thoughts… for me personally I don’t like “focusing on the moment” because the moment is usually terrible. My dog resting on my legs gives me something to come back to, like an anchor.

Love you Teddy Bear <3

I want to point out something. Yes, you do forget your wish once you give it to Magnus for safekeeping. But Magnus remembers them. He keeps them safe. Plus, he’s “powerful enough that no Star can influence him”

Yeah. If anyone has any comments about how I write Asha’s panic attack, please please let me know! Her PTSD is something that’s integral to the story’s plot, so I would really appreciate some feedback. I drew from my own experiences, but of course this does not apply to everyone and if there’s a way you feel I can improve, I promise I will not be offended.

Thanks for reading! <3

[mythoughtsandrandomcr4p]

Life is Strange: Double Exposure- Initial thoughts

So. I bought the early access version and want to give my initial thoughts on this game, having played Chapter 1 and some of Chapter 2.

PLEASE DO NOT READ AHEAD IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET SPOILED!! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

First of all, the biggy. The huge issue everyone on social media and who has seen spoilers/played the game is ranting about right now. Some people (actually, a lot of people) are even choosing to refund their purchase, or to not interact with the game at all anymore due to this...

Deck Nine have seemed to dismiss the player's major choice from the ending of LIS 1, where we either chose to sacrifice Chloe or Arcadia Bay. The way they chose to (pretty lazily) write in how Max and Chloe broke up- (via a letter from Chloe, if we chose the 'we broke up' dialogue option at the start of this game)?.....a pretty shitty decision, and, for the majority of fans, seemingly a deal-breaker. A lot of fans are also disappointed in Chloe seemingly not being in this game at all...but I'll write more on that in a sec.

As for my opinions so far...I'm not gonna lie, yes I was a little disappointed and I can fully appreciate why so many people are hating, but it was something I could personally look past (even though I chose bae over bay). Firstly, the trailers and teasers leading up to this early access release pretty much set my expectations for this going in- that Chloe would likely not be a main part of the storyline at all, and that the major choice made at the end of LIS 1 wouldn't be, either. Okay, yes, the writing connecting this game to LIS 1 could have been a lot better. But...

Max is much older, and the story is centred on her time at Caledon, with new friends, a new setting and a new storyline. I went into this game really excited about all of these new things, instead of having my heart set on a game centred around the continuation of LIS 1.

LIS 1- related things aside for a sec... I LOVE the new setting, it's really gorgeous, I love the design of the university and all the new characters we get to meet, the soundtrack is amazing, and I'm just having such a blast playing this game. It's so cosy. And it certainly keeps the charming, cringe-at-times but hilarious dialogue and vibe we get in every other Life is Strange game, and I love it so much. The characters are all pretty unique, too, and I am quickly growing attached to some (and already hating others...lmao). Max's new ability to switch between universes is really well-done. I love using it and seeing all the, often subtle, little differences that really add to the atmosphere and the story-telling of the game imo.

So...personally I am really enjoying Double Exposure so far!

Back to the whole 'Max and Chloe' thing... it feels as though the game could (take this with a pinch of salt) go a certain way in regards to Chloe. I have a theory (a VERY far-fetched one, but a theory, nonetheless). If there is a chance of them actually having Chloe be in this game in Chapters 3, 4 or 5, it might just redeem a bit of respect back from the fandom. I don't think they will, but something in the back of my mind, a slither of hope, if you will, is saying that they might just do this...

So, in Chapters 1 and 2, Max finds polaroids that neither her in the 'Dead World' or her in the 'Living World' have taken. Suggesting that there aren't only two alternate universes. Now, all of these other alternate universes may have only 'opened' to Max in the present, but surely they aren't only influenced by what has happened to Safi. What if an alternate universe, perhaps the one that these mysterious polaroids are from, had Max and Chloe's relationship (or breakup) happen differently? Who's to say that we won't get a sudden, unexpected change in a future chapter where Max and Chloe meet in an alternate reality, where they didn't break up, or where they did break up but differently, or something like that?...I don't fucking know. I'm rambling lmao. I don't want to give false hope. Maybe I'm clutching at straws atp. But in LIS 1, remember when they (Don'tNod) completely baffled us with the whole, sudden 'polaroid time-travel, William being alive and Chloe ending up disabled' reality? If Deck Nine really wanted to take that kind of route with this game, this would be a hell of a way to do it. Take a sudden turn in a non- early access chapter, have people fooled, and all that. But this is Deck Nine- they have a 'reputation', and maybe they just fucked up.

Unless I've missed a crucial point of LIS 1 or LIS: DE where this just would not be possible (?), I just can't help but think that there could still be a little bit of hope for the people who wanted to see Chloe, or who are immensely effected and disappointed by how her and Max's relationship played out according to this game.

Probably not gonna happen, though. Just food for thought. If nothing close to this happens then I'm still going to fully appreciate and love this game either way, as I already currently am.

This is a hell of a waffle, but I just wanted to get all my thoughts down. Would love to hear anyone else's opinions on this whole thing. Do you like this game? Are you avoiding it now after hearing 'the news'? Do you hate Deck Nine? Are my thoughts on a potential turn-around completely wacko? lol. Any and all opinions welcome!

(also, I stream on twitch occasionally. I've been streaming some LIS:DE early access, but I play all sorts of games. if thats your thing and you wanna check out my twitch, my channel is 'splritwolf') :)

[tumblingdownthefoxden]

"The Assistant and The Star"

Chapter 5: A Moment of Peace

It was a dark evening as the firework show had ended. A drizzle fell upon land as Hal trudged her way through the castle alongside Dahlia, who was holding a picnic basket. Hal was released from work early and made a change in apparel. She now wore a blue dress with orange designs. Much more comfortable than her tunic and pants.

The 2 girls were on a mission. They needed to finish their picnic basket for the dance show. Every show was better with refreshments, at least that's what Dahlia said. They had invited Sakina and Saba to join them with Asha but they politely declined. They are happy for Asha to enjoy the evening out, but they want them to bring Asha home before midnight.

Their evening with Asha has to be perfect. Asha almost never comes to their evening outings. Either working late or needing to get home fast. This was the Solstice festival, it's criminal to not let loose and have some fun. She went through a hard time this week, so Hal was determined to be sure that Asha had a good time. No. A great time!

“Okay, we have two more hours before the show.” Dahlia started. “How many more people are coming?”

“Simon should be with Bazeema outside.”

“I have things for them. But who else should I prepare for.” Dahlia recounted.

Hal counted on her fingers. “I think Gabo should be there. Dario should show up with Safi later. And… Oh yeah! We need something for Valentino!”

Hal paused. “Can Safi eat cheese?”

“Not blue cheese and he doesn't like cheddar. But he likes hard cheese. Hmm… we should get crackers.”

They stopped outside the kitchen and checked if anyone else was in there. Only person in the kitchen is Asha, unfolding her cloak at the bench, facing away from them. Dahlia felt a tap on her arm and looked at Hal. With a mischievous smile, she put a finger on her lips in a shushing motion. Dahlia knew that look. She rolled her eyes with a grin and took a step back.

Crouching low, she creeped towards Asha as she struggled against the layers of fabric in the cloak before finding the opening where she would fit her head. Slowly, she gently placed one foot in front of the other. She wasn't as steady as Bazeema when sneaking on a tiled floor but her balance made up for it. Dahlia watched on, a hand over her mouth to silence her snickers as Hal was now a foot away from Asha, her cloak properly fitted. Hal rose up and slowly reached her hands to grip Asha’s shoulder when she froze.

There was a growl from under the bench. Hal looked down to see the Iberian lynx stalk around Asha from his hiding place, his eyes on Hal. Heart beating out of her chest, she raises her arms in surrender and took a step back. Hal dared to look back at Dahlia, who was just as lost and scared. Hal looked back at Asha. Does she know about lynx?

Before she could say anything, the lynx ran at her. Screaming, Hal ran and jumped onto the kitchen table. Asha jolted up at the sound and turned around to see Charo hopping up onto the table and biting her dress, trying to pull her off. “Hey! No! Bad cat!” Hal shouted as pulled her dress skirt back. Dahlia ran in and grabbed a pan hanging above the table. She aimed to swing when Asha came and grabbed her arm. “Wait! No Dahlia! Don’t!” She said before rushing to pick up Charo. He still bit down on Hal’s boobou with all his might, even as Asha tried to pry his jaw open with one hand. “Charo! Please! This is my friend! She is not dangerous!” Dahlia and Asha both pulled at Charo until he relentlessly let go.

“Why on earth is there a lynx in the kitchen?” Dahlia asked, still holding Charo. “He's the guardian pet of the royals. Magnifico gave him to me for tonight.” They put Charo back on the floor. “Why on earth did you attack Hal?” Asha asked him. He yowled.

“I think he thought I tried to attack you.” Hal panted.

“He thought you were a threat? What made him think- wait. We're sneaking up on me again?” Asha asked with squinted eyes. Hal stared at her as she hopped off the table. She gave her a guilty grin. Asha crossed her arms. “Well, they weren’t lying about his efficiency.” She said before returning to the bench to put on her Ibex mask.

“So, is it time for the thing yet?”

Dahlia hooked the pan back up and placed her basket on the table. “Not yet. We have time to freshen up though.”

She opened a lower cabinet to pull out a tin holder. “It will be cool outside. Do you want tea or hot chocolate?”

“Hmm. Both?”

“Both.” Hal went.

“Yeah, both are good.” Dahlia went.

Charo went to sit in the corner out of the way of the girls. From boiling water to scavenging for cheese and cutlery, the girls sorted everything they needed for the others.

After a good hour of brewing and cleaning after, Dahlia recounted everything that she put back in the basket. “Turkey legs… Fruit salad… potato salad… shish kabobs… water… tea… hot chocolate… plates… forks… Wait, where are the napkins?”

“Here.” Hal dropped a tall stack of napkins onto the table.

“Good. We got crackers, bread sticks, more bread, and a banana. That should be everything.” Dahlia turned to Charo. “Do you want anything?” Charo stared and licked his paw. No. Dahlia nodded.

...

The drizzle outside has ceased and the girls walked through the courtyard. Dahlia and Hal walked on either side of Asha as Charo marched behind.

It was fairly quiet and surprisingly empty. There were less than 50 people around them. All of them with dreary eyes and bored postures. It's odd to think these were the same people cheering their hearts out at the ceremony. Most of them concentrated into a crescent formation around where the performers should assemble.

Within them, Bazeema sat cross-legged as Simon and Gabo laid across the overlapped blankets spread along the ground. Valentino laid on Simon’s belly, still trapped under his hands. Creeping forward, Hal gripped Bazeema's shoulders and she shot onto her feet in surprise with a squeak. She turned around to see Hal buckled down laughing, letting go. Bazeema smiled. “Hey, your sneaking is getting better!”

“Took it from the best,” Hal said, patting her back.

“Hey guys! Are the others coming?” Dahlia asked, handing Bazeema the basket. "Yeah, Dario was ju-Hmmph!” Bazeema was taken off guard by basket’s attempt at pulling her over. With both hands, she hoisted it up and sat it down on a blanket. “Just here. Said he was going into the market with Safi first.” Bazeema walked over to Simon and leaned down to whisper in his ear about Asha’s arrival. Simon groaned and slowly sat up. Valentino squeezed his body from his loosened but strong grip until he popped out onto the blanket. He hopped over and rubbed his body against Asha’s leg. “Aw, did you miss me buddy?” She said, bending down to scratch his head. Valentino turned to see Dahlia and then rammed his little horns into her leg as hard as he could. “Haha! Ow!” She remarked, looking down.

Valentino stuck out his tongue. He still didn't forget how she left him captive to that guard for the whole day, checking on him for bathroom breaks and to feed him. He’ll get Dario later.

“Oh, Come on. I said I was sorry.” Dahlia giggled. Valentino just headbutted her again with an angry bleat. “You can't hurt her Val, come here.” Asha cooed as she picked up the goat into her arms. He settled into Asha’s arms before sitting up when he noticed the lynx still behind them. He curiously bleated to Asha.

“Oh, right. Guys, this is Charo. The royal pet.” She said.

“The King decided Asha should have two guards to take her home.” Hal explained. Simon and Gabo turned over to see Charo just before the blanket and his face lit up.

“Oh, hey! It's you!” Gabo said. “Great to see you outside. Come on over.” He patted the blanket where he could sit.

“Wait, you know him?” Asha asked as Charo sat down between Simon and Gabo. “Yeah. I’ve seen him maybe two or three times near the library.” He patted Charo's head. “You didn't?”

“No?”

“Dang Charo. You don't show yourself to the King's assistant even once? Insensitive much.” He teased. Charo placed a paw on Gabo’s mouth. He didn't like to be seen by most. Gabo caught him when he didn't have the energy to hide.

Asha sat down and put down Valentino to meet Charo. The goat stared at Charo with curiosity and suspicion. Why did Asha need a cat? What made this cat think he can guard his favorite human better than him? He reared up and butted Charo’s chest. Charo made no response. He backed up and charged him but Charo gently swatted him to his side before he could collide. He hopped back and bounced side to side, bleating excitedly. Maybe he can fight!

Gabo and Simon gave the two more space as the goat continued to playfight with the lynx.

“Aw. He likes him.” Asha said, laying her head in her hands.

“Well, what do we have here?” Asked a voice. Asha looked to see Safi before them with a glass carnation flower in one hand, holding onto Dario's hand with the other. He watched the fussing animals with a tilted head. “The mighty kid is defending his damsel from the treacherous feline?”

Gabo chuckled. “Hey Safi. I bet you two silver coins that Val wins.”

“Are you certain about taking that risk?” Safi asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“So what if he once ran away from a swarm of pigeons? He’s a big fella that has endured more hardship and gained more strength than a lynx living with royals.”

“Yes, a lynx that I’ve seen come in and out of castle windows with caught birds has lost his wild spirit. 3 silver coins on the lynx.” He challenged.

“Anyone else wanna wager?” Gabo called out to the other. They looked at them with silence. “Dario?” He asked. Dario only smiled and sat down on the blanket, pulling a kabob from the picnic basket. He's just here to watch.

“Are Gabo and I Valentino's only supporters? I thought you were his friends.” Asha mockingly chastised, crossing her arms. Dahlia coughed and she looked away.

Asha humphed. “You got this Val! I got 5 silver coins under your name!” She cheered.

Valentino looked at her with glee before aiming at Charo with newfound determination. Charo stood up at this moment and Valentino charged. Fast as a serpent, Charo stepped out of Valentino’s way and dropped himself on top of the little goat. Valentino bleated with fury as he tried to squeeze out of Charo's weight but Charo turned and held onto Valentino with his large paws. Once more ensnared, and he could barely squirm.

Safi looked at the two with a smirk. “Don't say it.” They scoffed in unison as they tossed the coins before him.

Asha took hold of Valentino and pulled him out of Charo's grasp before placing him down. Freed and remembering his objective, Valentino zoomed out after Dario. He leaped up but Dario saw his charge and pulled back before grabbing him midair. A stick in his mouth, Dario grinned and handed the kid to Asha, signing a simple sorry to the goat. "Okay, you can forgive him Val." Asha shushed as she fitted him in her lap. Valentino just glared daggers at the boy.

“But, why did the lynx come out here?” Safi pointed his glass flower at Charo before bending down to collect his winnings.

“He’s going to be my little helper as I bring Asha home.” Simon scratched behind Charo's ear. “I do have a few blindspots to work out that he can cover.” He put Charo down once he let go. “Honestly, a small and cute guard will be the best thing to have by your side.”

“I am right here!” Gabo shouted. Asha snorted.

Dario passed Safi a slice of cheese when there was a beat of a drum. The chatter of the audience died down as the drumming continued. Hal sat up straight as 9 dancers emerged onto the empty space before the crowd bearing drums. Hal excitedly waved at two of them, who looked back at her with loving annoyance. Asha took off her mask to get a good look at the dancers. They were in outfits of yellow, blue and orange. The drummer began in perfect sync. It started slow and became faster. As the drumming fastened, the dancers began their choreography.

*0:30 - 0:45

Awed by the carefree dancers, Asha pulled out her pencil and sketchbook. Their movements were too fast for Asha to keep up with. Her figures were drawn loose and low detailed but they captured the ecstasy of the dancers quite well. She looked up and back down at her drawings. The flow of her pencil brought her to a trance as she quickly drew the lines of the clothes. The first time that she drew in 3 days. She was only pulled out of her trance when someone shook her shoulder. She looked to see Hal hand her a cup of hot chocolate. “So how do you feel right now?” Hal asked.

“I’m… heh! This is actually fun.” She said, taking the cup. Asha felt another tap on her other side to see Simon hand her a bread stick. “Oh, thanks.”

Asha looked back at her sketches and put the book away with a satisfied grin. Taking a sip from her chocolate, she looked to her right side. Safi leaned into Dario, who wrapped his arm around him while eating two more kabobs. Simon held out a banana for Valentino to munch on. Charo sat still and only yawned. Gabo was leaning back on his arms when he caught her gazing at them and made a concerned look. She responded with a thumbs up. She looked to her left side to see Hal and Bazeema lying on their stomachs and holding up their heads while slowly kicking their legs. Dahlia was pouring herself a cup of tea. Petting Valentino, Asha turned back to the performers and sighed. Hal was right, she did need this.

*camera switches to the castle*

Inside the royal chambers. King Magnifico examined himself in the tall mirror against the wall. He slowly turned around, smiling at how the light from the window shined off his outfit and highlighted his face. It saddened him that he couldn't wear it more often. A suit this elegant was also fragile and hard to clean. He couldn't risk ruining it on monthly affairs.

He unclipped the cape clasps. He needed to change into something more fitting for his meeting with the Queen. Leaving his folded suit on a chair for the room keepers to retrieve, he changed into a bathrobe and left his chambers. First things first, he went down to the kitchen. It was dark and deserted. Not that it bothered him. Summoning a light from his hand, he entered the pantry to retrieve the rose gold box of Queenly cookies. Opening the box, he tasted one cookie as a precaution. He couldn't let another "accident" happen. There was no scent of lemon, no taste of any citrus. However, sweeter than the Kingly cookies with a hint of vanilla. Perfect.

Satisfied, he closed the box and walked to the corridor of the ground floor. Gently humming, he passed through a hall with tall windows. Pots of great perennial flowers stood tall in-between each window. Magnifico stopped at a door on the wall across from the windows. It was an arched door with a door knob shaped like a bluebell flower. The Bluebell.

The King opened the door to a short, softly lit hall. The air smelled like a fresh river. The end of the hall opened up to a swallow pool in a circular room.

The room was adorned in blue tiles. The pool had rounded edges at the bottom and was filled with tiny peach blossom jellyfish. A creature that he learned about from a trading kingdom in China. A creature that captivated him enough to try to recreate with his magic. Turning mango leaves into these little, squishy orbs. And in this pool were stepping stones leading to a circular platform just above the water.

At the edge of the platform, Amaya was dressed in her silk nightgown with her unbraided hair spread over her back and shoulder. She knelt down to dip her hand into the pool, feeling the harmless jellyfish as they bumped into her palm. She didn't notice him yet. Magnifico looked to the ring shaped faucet opening over the plat and then looked to the side at a little setting dial on the wall. The King clicked the dial 2 digits clockwise, and water sprinkled down from the faucet. The Queen shrieked as the warm water hit her skin and retreated to the center of the edge. She scoffed, turning to Magnus annoyed. “Oh dear. How did that happen?” He purred.

He said with innocent surprise as his hand still rested on the dial. “Room for one more?” He asked. Amaya chuckled and scooted to the side. “I see your spirits were risen.” Amaya commented as he hopped over the steps.

“Well, the beginning of a wish ceremony will do that to you. It’s always wonderful to hear from Sakina after she receives a wish.”

“Ah yes, she never ceases to be adorable. Though, a surprisingly mundane wish. Never seen someone wish only for a dark oak spinning wheel.”

“Well, she did wish for wool yarn last year. A weaving loom the year prior. And she sent me a thank you letter each time I granted a wish.” He giggled.

“At least someone actually says thank you for granting a wish.” She said.

“Anyway, are you hungry?” Magnus set down the cookie box before her and sat down next to her. She looked at the box with glee but her face turned to worry. She looked at her husband and pointed at the box. “It doesn't have lemon right? I won't break out again?”

“I tested them, Mi Reina. I can assure you, they're safe.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Slowly, she opened the box and pulled out one cookie. A nearly spinning replica of her profile. She looked back at Magnus. He said nothing but smiled back. Looking back at the cookie in hand, she took one bite. She chewed once before melting into her husband's side at the sweetness of it. The cook outdid themselves today. “See?” He affirmed.

“Let's wait half an hour, first.” She replied.

Time passed and there were no sign of bodily distress so Amaya further indulged in the treats.

“We should bring chocolate next time.” She suggested

“Hmmm. That sounds great. White chocolate?”

“How about dark?”

“Dark is nice.” Magnus took another cookie. “Maybe strawberries covered in dark chocolate? With a caramel drizzle?”

Amaya giggled as she buried her face into his chest. “Don't make me hungrier than I already am.” She mumbled. He passed his nails over her back. He held her in silence before asking a question. “Did you enjoy the ceremony?” He asked.

“I always enjoy your ceremonies.” She answered, raising her head.

“Do our people still enjoy the ceremonies?”

“Why wouldn't they?” She took another cookie.

“Everyone seemed more disheartened for a moment today than before.” He explained, disheartened. “They were passive aggressive with the development of Sakina's wish. And if this will be like before, I will receive wave after wave of letters with complaints and requests this week.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Am I doing everything correctly? How were so many people disheartened?”

Amaya pulled back to think of a response.

“Well, we have been spoiling them for years. But I thought they would get use to making one wish by now.” She pondered.

Magnus rubbed his right arm. "Then what is going wrong? Should I increase the yearly wish intake to 2 or 3?"

"Magnus! You can't jeopardize your health for the wishes again! With so many people, it's miraculous you collect one wish from everybody." She took his hand. "Even if it means displeasing many, you must care for yourself. You need to respect your body's limits."

“That’s what I am doing. And it's getting me into trouble.” Magnus retorted.

Amaya put a cookie to his lips. “We have all the time we need to think about a solution.” Magnus took the cookie into his mouth. “But for now, your mind needs to rest. Let me take care of any complaints that arise tomorrow while you rest your magic.” Magnus looked down. Silent as he scratched his right arm.

Amaya took his face into her hands to make him look at her. “I know that the people have become… entitled but I know that they do love you. And they would do anything for you.”

“How are you so certain of that?”

“All I have is faith, but a little faith can bring you a long way. A little faith is what brought Rosas up from the ruins on this island. A little faith was what helped slowly turned this land into a prospering kingdom. And I have a little faith that they will remember how you have kept us safe for a good century now. They will remember that you are the greatest king that a kingdom could have.” She pressed her forehead against his. "And they will care for you as much as I do."

Magnus stared into her eyes before he took her hands and kissed the wrists. “How do you always have the right words to say?”

“Libraries are a woman's best friend.” She chuckled. Magnus smiled and pressed a light kiss on her lips.

Magnus took a deep breath in and out before turning to lay down on the tiles. Magnus laid there doing nothing, and Amaya laid down with him. Both of them listening to the splashing of water falling around them.

@annymation @signed-sapphire @chillwildwave @wings-of-sapphire @your-ne1ghbor @uva124 @oh-shtars @rascalentertainments @mythartist21 @emillyverse @spectator-zee @hopeyarts

A/N: This chapter was harder to write than expected •^•. I see why Disney switched to 3 close friends/guardians with Sleeping Beauty. I have no idea how to write a dance choreography so I put a video and time stamp of the clip that best presents what I imagined. I also made a reference to animators sketches dance poses from live references. i.e animators and dance model for Sleeping Beauty.

I do envision the pool around Magnifico and Amaya as the Wade house pool but there is no gif for that.

But I will say that my next chapter is gonna be a doozy.

[detachable-tits]

Life is strange double exposure review:

I wasn’t sold on the trailers and tid-bits leading up to double exposure so I instead watched someone play the game, but since the life is strange games are more story driven, I’d say I still got a similar experience if I had actually played the game. Anyways in my opinion this new instalment has absolutely killed the series for me😭

Pros:

•the start of the game actually wasn’t that bad, the new setting and the supernatural murder mystery was a good angle. And a good spin on the first game with Rachel amber, expect this time with more of a supernatural twist.

•The characters like Moses and ESPECIALLY Gwen were my favourite characters. (Gwen is such a big hear me out I’m sorry, like 😮‍💨) we’re great and I enjoyed their time on screen.

•graphics are good as expected

•Chloe’s character (even tho she never shows up) is done so well! If you chose to sacrifice Arcadia bay Chloe builds upon her character arc in the first game, she’s learning to live with the consequences of her actions and learn that she has an impact on others and that other’s feelings matter. And in the texts in this game she states she wants to look toward the future. Very good character building👌

Cons:

•The ending of the game, chapters 4-5 were horrendous imo. It fundamentally went against what life is strange is about.

•my MAIN criticism is the way they end the game. I’ve never been a big superhero fan, I couldn’t care less for them (except deadpool he’s funny) but that’s why I love life is strange cause it’s a realistic depiction of what people would really do if they got superpowers. Max tries to question why she got hers but can’t come up with a clean answer. In these games the power feels more like a burden rather than a blessing. The focus is more on the relationships between the characters. I also love how in the first game it feels like max is somehow not meant to have this power but nonetheless she does, and whenever she uses it it just destroys reality. However in this new game it goes too much towards that marvel vibe in my opinion. Making safi evil with her powers made kinda sense? But the way the set up like a future battle between safi and max was just too outlandish for me. In the first game max doesn’t fight crime, she just gets on with her life and tries to deal with her strange new ability. However in this one she acts like the superhero of the local town.

•The way that multiple people know in the game that max has powers puts me off, I like when only one or 2 characters know about the power as it makes the bond between them stronger and more meaningful. But in this one max just feels like your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man.

•the whole storm sequence I interpreted as a nightmare, like the first game. Almost like the physical embodiment of time is taunting max. But in this one the fact that all the characters were really there and experienced the weird time line thingy makes it feel like a high stakes endgame scenario and not a person’s inner struggles. And the fact that not everyone is traumatised from that beyond belief is unbelievable. They just kinda like “oh damn that was weird”

•Giving safi powers was… a choice. I didn’t hate it and it was an interesting avenue to explore but I didn’t exactly love it either. We as the player know that there are more than one person in this universe who has powers but the magic of being the only one is lost when these super powered people interact with each other. The shapeshifting for safi was also a bit out there. Max Daniel and Alex’s powers work I feel like cause it’s a force and not a physical change as their power. But now that safi has shapeshifting It just feels too ridiculous. Like how could you hide that?

• dialogue was really bad at times especially when safi goes “I am my own mom” 💀

• I don’t understand what the thing safi’s mum kept secret from her was. Was it the fact that she cancelled her book? That seems a bit extreme to pull a gun out on your mum cause she cancelled your book. And then she was like “ everyone lies to me!” Girl WHO!?!?

•max is made into a bit of a dick head in this game. She wants to keep Chloe around even though Chloe doesn’t need her rewind, but she keeps insisting it upon Chloe. And it’s cause of this that Chloe can’t be around max anymore cause max can’t focus on the future and reminds Chloe too much of her past mistakes when Chloe needs to look to the future.

Anyways sorry for rambling so much but if you read it all thank you for listening to this girl groan on about how she didn’t like the newest lesbian powers game.

Anyways I give this game a 5/10

At least we got this absolute gem out of it

[hyperfixatedonthings]

My thoughts on Double Exposure:

TL:DR

I'm upset that some of the game feels like it was plagiarized from the original. I also really don't like the way Chloe or, Arcadia Bay were handled in this game. My BIGGEST issue is that this game could have been better with a NEW protagonist, in my opinion.

I didn't have an overall bad time with Double Exposure. But for me I can't put it in the same world as Life is Strange (the series). It's just too different. My ending made it seem like Safi was going to get a bunch of super-powered/mutant people together like the X-Men. I hated that! Maybe there's more to the game and maybe there's a different ending for her, I don't know. What I do know is that that's not the LIS experience that I've come to love.

The thing I fell in love with is the intense and emotional decisions that you make, the game makes you reconcile with them in last chapter. It's the way that the game turns your choices and actions against you in the final chapter that makes the build toward the seemingly "impossible" choice so intense. I'm particularly talking about LIS and LIS2. True Colors was cool and fun but, had a very different payoff.

There are also things that I felt were pulled almost directly from the original game. I'm not just talking about the dialogue flashbacks that we get either. It's that final sequence of Max walking up to the overlook to meet Safi, toward the end of the storm section. I felt like that almost exactly borrowed from the feeling that you're supposed to have when walking up to the lighthouse (the final time) in the original game. The problem is, at that point I had not been as engaged with the story nor the characters near enough to warrant the dramatism of that moment. It just rubbed me the wrong way. Also the original work so well because it mirrored the start of the game.

One of my other issues was the way (in chapters 1,2 and a bit of 3) that Chloe and Arcadia Bay are both referenced. In my playthrough, Chole survived (I also romanced her). With that context, the way that Chloe interacts with only Victoria on Crosstalk and never Max, and that you only get a text from Chloe at the very end. Plus the fact that it's been YEARS since Chloe left Max. I found it hard for me to understand Chloe's behavior. Chole knows what it's like to be ghosted by Max for near/exactly as long. I can't imagine that Chloe would not even in a minor way engage with Max's Crosstalk. Especially since it would seem like Max is making new friends. I can understand why Max would not reach out to Chloe. I understand that it's been YEARS since the storm for Max but, if she's as haunted by it as she says, then some of the reactions to it and Chloes seemed a bit off to me. I'm fine that they broke up, in fact it makes sense. However, they were such close friends FIRST.

I really wanted to like this game. Tbh I was one of the people that was really scared about Max being back. I wasn't sure if it was time to tell her story again. I also recognize that a lot of people poured their heart and souls into this game and it's beautifully animated. It's also beautifully acted. There's definitely a lot of love and care in this game. But I'm not sure that the vision is well communicated to the audience that loved the original game for what it was. Not that I can speak for everyone!!

[arcadiabaytornado]

SPOILERS AHEAD Episode 5 Double Exposure Rapid Fire Thoughts After I Just Finished Two Route's:

A: I'm still so conflicted about Safi. I ended up refusing to help her because A: I do think she went to far multiple times. B: I don't feel like she really learned a lesson here. C: She broke her promises to Max by shapeshifting into Max and Amanda. If she can't even keep a promise like that then she's not someone Max can trust. HOWEVER...I do like her character in the evil type of way. I'm so bummed that we were so close to getting toxic yuri and then the game ripped it away. /hj

B: So. I don't like Amanda. At all. Will not be romancing again. She's just so...I literally don't know she see's in Max?? Every time Max speaks she's gets irritated, and she straight up says that she "dodged a bullet" if Max friendzoned her. I will admit I didn't really think about the moral implications about romancing someone on one timeline after being rejecting in the other, and I do think it's interesting that the game brought it up. I've literally never seen that addressed in a time travel story.

C: I can't believe how much I like Vinh?? He grew on me a lot through the course of the story, and I ended up liking his romance more than Amanda's, which is CRAZY. Him comparing Max to tarot card's in his social media message was cute, and I liked their little "focus on what's in front of you" exchange. (Though I prefer the Vinh/Max friendship route, I think) Overall I ended up really liking Vinh and his messiness, honestly he's one of my new favorites for all his nuances and complexities.

D: My favorite new character introduced in this game is Moses. He's been a great friend to Max since the start, and I really hope we get him again some day.

More Undercut

E: They did so much Arcadia Bay/Chloe stuff in this episode, and I still feel like they didn't do enough??? They just explore any route thoroughly enough for tastes, but I did up preferring the Bae route again so, there's that. TBH I'm not holding out much hope that Max and Chloe will get back together. I would L O V E to be wrong....but IDK.

F: Diamond has powers I guess? I don't really have a lot of thoughts of her character TBH, and that's because I don't have a lot of thoughts on MOST of the characters. The only characters I ended up having any feelings toward were: Max, Gwen, Safi, Vinh, and Moses. The rest of them just faded into background noise for me, and I think a major complaint that I have is that every character feels kind of underdeveloped in a specific way that varies from character to character.

G: The end choice was...fine I guess?? For me it was the worst end choice in the franchise, and I feel like in the sequel it will only lead to a few small dialogue changes.

H: I I'd rate the game overall a 7/10, but I'd only rank this episode a 5/10. When the chapter ended my first thought was "What am I even supposed to say about this? It was underwhelming? It was slow? It made the entire game feel kind of pointless?" I'm not really finding any words it just...was a chapter I guess?? Like...I feel nothing strongly. Easily the best scenes were the ones with Max and Safi, but other than I found no substance anywhere. It was the chapter that just was....and my lingering feeling is disappointment.

If I was going to rank the episodes from how I liked them from most to least, I'd rank them: 2, 1, 3, 4, 5.

If I was going to rank the games from how I liked them from most to least, I'd rank them: LIS 1, LIS 2, Before The Storm, Double Exposure, True Colors. (It's weird because I think the high's of Double Exposure reached a high that True Colors never peaked at for me, but I also think the lows of Double Exposure reached a low that True Colors never dived to for me.)

Well. That sure a game. And I'm probably going to need a few days to be more eloquent than that.

[annymation]

The Kingdom of Wishes- A “Wish” Rewrite

Chapter 2- Asha's Big Day

Please read Chapter 1 before this one.

Asha wakes up with the first rays of sunshine coming out of the window hitting her eyes, she blinks a few times as things start coming into focus.

The room she’s in is not the same we saw her in the opening with Sabino, it’s a rustic bedroom with a more detailed built to it, with wood carvings that resemble animals on the walls and furniture, including on a bed next to Asha’s with the name “Dahlia” carved on it.

Also there’s way less of Asha’s drawing hanging on the walls, just a few of her favorite ones. One in particular it’s a drawing of her and Dahlia together, although, Asha’s face doesn’t look exactly how she really is in real life, she still needs more practice with self portraits.

Asha stretches her arms and yawns, waking up a little someone on a little bed next to hers.

And from the tiny bedsheets comes out a baby goat that quickly jumps to her lap excitedly bleating and licking her cheeks.

“Heheheh good morning to you too, Valentino” she says as she hugs him.

"Did you sleep well?" she asks as if the goat could answer, and sure enough, he does

"Maaaa! Maaa!" the baby goat bleats shaking his head positively

"That's good, I slept well too... Although, I had the weirdest dream"

"Maa?" not to brag but I'm writing peak dialogue here the goat raises one eyebrow

"I can't remember much but... I think I saw a boy made of light, and he was trying to tell me something, I couldn't understand what it was… but I feel like he was asking me to not give away something, something important… Weird huh?" She asks her baby goat, who's too busy munching her blanket to pay attention, since ya know, baby's short attention span.

"Yeah, I guess it's just as weird as the fact I ask for advice from a goat hihih" She giggles to herself as she takes the blanket off his mouth, Valentino hops out of the bed jumping around and falling over like:

(Baby goats are so cute, like, how did Disney manage to make a baby goat NOT cute?)

Asha looks at her pet fondly and chuckles a little with his little jumps. But then her smile lessens a bit and she looks out her window, from there she can see the castle, imposing and radiant in the distance.

"Today really is the day, huh?..." She says softly, with a hint of both anxiousness but also hopefulness in her voice

Asha hears something approaching her door, the distinct sound of footsteps, as in, MANY footsteps, and a few whispers like "shhh she might still be sleeping" "be careful with that cake, will ya? It took me all night " "ouch! Simon, that's my foot!" "SHHHH"

Asha smiles, knowing full well who's coming, she waits eagerly for the door to open.

The door opens revealing her friends, all together trying to fit through the door, with Dahlia on the front, and she says:

"Is she awa- OH SHE IS! SHES AWAKE OKAY LETS GO- Happy birthday to-"

They all sing happy birthday as they get in, some more gracefully than others since Gabo just tripped over Valentino and fell on the floor, he's clearly very angry about that.

Hal rushes over to Asha holding a purple birthday cake with one candle, she's smiling widely and singing louder and more beautifully than everyone else. (She did have the best singing voice of the 7, in my opinion)

Meanwhile Dario is struggling to balance a tower of 7 presents, all of different colors and sizes, he manages to catch some with his feet before they fell on the floor, he’s pretty much performing a balancing act.

Simon stops in the middle of the song to give a big yawn.

Safi sneezes because of the smoke from the candle.

Bazeema is singing veeeeery quietly and clapping her hands softly.

Asha is overjoyed by the surprise "Awww guys! Thank you so much! Dahlia, this cake looks amazing!" She says looking at a beautifully decorated cake

If you wanna picture it lets say it’s just like the unbirthday cake from Alice in Wonderland, but purple.

"You're welcome!" Dahlia replied, very proud of herself "I guess when your little sis is an assistant at the royal kitchen you get some perks, am I right? hihi" Obviously they're not actually sisters but since Asha has been living with Dahlia and her parents they treat each other as if they were.

"We are soooo happy for you Asha!" Hal exclaims "You'll finally get a wish! this is so exciting!" She starts jumping up and down with the cake, Gabo quickly takes it off of her hands, annoyed by her recklessness.

Bazeema shyly and quietly remarks "yes, you deserve it more than anyone Asha, after all the kindness you spread to others" she has a big smile on her lips.

Asha puts her hand behind her neck smiling awkwardly "I mean, it's not really that big a deal, I think I'll just wish for something small"

Gabo, who is placing the cake on the table next to Asha's bed, turns his head abruptly after hearing that "Uuuh haha, excuse me? After 18 years of waiting you just gonna ask for something small? Are you crazy? A wish can change your life for the better, ya know? I ,for example, am gonna wish for a bunch of diamonds and gold" he claims smugly

Simon doesn't seem like he's fully paying attention, but even then he realizes Gabo had an oversight "… Wait, but now that you told us, it won't come true, remember? that's one of the king's rule-"

"THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME SIMON! THAT TOOOTALY DIDN'T JUST RUIN MY DAY" Gabo screams, frustrated by his slip up, because yeah, you CAN'T wish for something that other people know you want, it has to be a secret.

Safi is itching his nose as he claims "I think we all know what Asha is gonna wish for tho"

he glances at Asha's sketchbook that is laying next to her bed

Asha gives him a smug smile "Ooh-ho you think I'll wish to become a better artist? Hehehe nope!"

Dahlia of all people looks the most shocked "What?! Really? Aww that was my bet too, all I see you doing is drawing on that sketchbook everyday"

"And you often complain that you don't feel like they're good enough" Simon adds

"Heheh well yeah, I just don't feel they're quite the same level as my mom's drawings, that's all"

Hal raises her eyebrow as she smiles "Now that's just silly, I've seen you draw Asha, your drawings are AMAAAAZING! Just look!"

Hal grabs Asha's sketch book and starts showing to the others

"H-heey wait! those aren't finished!" Asha stutters, concerned they might see some of her rough and less than perfect drawings

(side note, never look at an artists sketchbook without permission, that's like reading someone's diary)

Asha grabs the notebook back, but sees all her friends staring at her expectedly (except Gabo cause he's still frustrated he'll have to think about a whole new wish) , so she breathes in and shows them.

She goes through the pages showing animals, landscapes, rooms, people, and if this was in the movie maybe some pages could have concept arts, both from wish and from previous Disney movies, as a subtle homage to the artists.

All of them sit next to Asha on the bed as she turns the pages, they're amazed.

"Wooow you've improved so much, Asha" Bazeema says, while giving some excited little claps

"You call that unfinished? then they'll look even better when you're done" Safi commented.

"They look really pretty" Dario communicates using sign language.

"See? I told ya'll" Hal says victorious.

Gabo and Simon look slightly unimpressed. Dahlia has already seen most of those so she has no comments, Asha knows how much she loves her drawings, she even glued some of them on their room.

"Thank you, that means a lot actually... " Asha says while staring at one particular drawing of her grandfather and her on a tree branch, looking up at the stars.

"… Most people say I'm just wasting my time but I really feel like I'm getting better everyday… Although." she flips the pages to show a drawing she made of herself, but the face doesn't fully resembles Asha's (could be a concept art) "I still can't figure out how to draw myself properly."

Gabo seems to try holding his tongue but he let's out anyway "I mean… to be frank, it kinda is waste of time when you think about it"

"Gabo!" Dahlia scolded him

"Hey I'm just saying, why take so much time practicing to be as great of an artist as your mom when you can just wish TODAY to be the best artist ever?" Gabo says frankly.

Asha doesn't really mind Gabo's previous comment, she's used to it, so she just shrugs and explains "Well for one, like Simon said, a wish that other people know about cannot be granted"

"Ugh don't remind me" Gabo facepalms, still angry by his own mistake.

"And second" Asha continues "I just feel more satisfied like this, working hard to improve everyday, even if I don't think my art is perfect just yet, I feel proud of myself every time I improve, and that drives me to keep trying to get better and better."

Simon chuckles at that "Hehe you're an amazing person Asha, but that's one thing I'll never understand, all of that sounds so hard, sometimes it's easier, and smarter, to just...*yaaaawn* take the easy route, ya know?..." As he rambles, Simon starts laying down on Asha's bed without noticing and almost immediately falls asleep.

That doesn't phase the group at all, they're used to it.

Asha closes her sketchbook and starts getting ready for the day "Well not for me, and another thing, if I wished to become a better artist I would forget that wish and my passion about drawing for a little while, and I REALLY don't want that, no, I'm gonna wish for something else." She says while taking off her braids scarf (Like this one, she wears it to sleep)

Hal claps her hands, smiling ear to ear "You go Asha! make a wish that counts! Now... BOYS! OUT! Shoo shoo! Get out of here, this is a girls only zone" She says pushing Dario, Gabo and Safi out the door

(Yes Hal, please get them OUT, I can't keep writing dialogue for 8 different people!)

"You too sleepy head, wait with the others downstairs" Dahlia shakes Simon a couple of times to wake him up.

"Uh what- why?" Simon wakes up confused

"Cause' we gotta get the birthday princess ready for her big day" Hal says, while sitting Asha in front of a mirror.

"Princess? Haha what?" Asha asks, holding her laughter

"Why, yes. You're a princess for today! Whatever you say goes, now, let's get your birthday hair done!" Hal says excited, while Asha grabs from a drawer some silver beads to decorate her braids.

"I can help you pick up a dress" Bazeema says quietly

"Heheh you all are too much" Asha says with a smile

(I just realized while writing this that Valentino kinda just vanished, didn't he?... Okay let's say he went downstairs after Gabo tripped on him, there, crisis averted)

Dahlia walks holding something behind her back and coughs a little as if to clear her throat, but really it's just to get their attention "If you think this is too much, wait till you see EVERYTHING else we've planned for today"

Asha gives Dahlia a knowing look with a smile "You made a list, didn't you?"

"You bet!" Dahlia reveals a long list that hits the floor with a step by step plan of all the activities they'll do the whole day.

"First! We gonna eat my cake for breakfast, yay! Then! We'll visit the royal garden, Bazeema has spent months preparing a small garden of Purple Hyacinths just for you"

Asha gasps "Those are my favorite flowers!"

"hihihi I know" Bazeema says giggling bashfully

Dahlia continues "Of course, Safi won't go with us to that because of-"

"AAA AAAAACHOOOOO!"

They hear from downstairs.

"... That, so to make it up to him, the next event is at his house where we gonna play our instruments the whooole morning"

"But I don't play any instruments" Asha says, her hair fully ready while she takes a dress Bazeema picked up for her.

"No problem, you can just dance and sing." Dahlia says "And then after that we have lunch and finally when it's sunset we go to the wish ceremony! So, what do you think?"

"That all sound's amazing" Asha says coming from behind a room divider (ya know those wood curtain like things that people use to dress up behind them?) now dressed in a purple dress, with a few star details embroidered on the base.

"Great!" Dahlia says "Because that's just the first part of the list, we got a filled day ahead-"

"You do indeed" Dahlia is interrupted by a new voice coming from behind the door "Good morning girls, may I come in?"

"Oh! Sure thing mom" Dahlia says opening the door

We see a woman that looks a lot like Dahlia but, of course, older, and wearing a dress that is composed only of muted shades of blue from top to bottom.

"Morning ms. Hayashi" Asha waves to her cheerfully.

"Good morning Asha, happy birthday" the woman says with a smile then redirects her attention to her daughter "Dahlia, I need your help, the King and Queen's wedding anniversary is in 2 days and the queen didn't like the cake recipe I came up with, I need to test a new recipe as soon as possible, so go to the market and buy me these ingredients." she hands Dahlia a grocery list.

"Wh- but mom I told you I'd be dizzy- I-I mean busy today” Dahlia replaces words when she’s nervous the same way Doc did constantly in Snow White “it's Asha's birthday, and this list is huge, it'll take me too long and mess up our whole schedule"

"I can help you" Asha chimed in

"whAT- OH NO YOU WON'T YOUNG LADY!" Dahlia exclaims pointing a finger at her

Hal and Bazeema are just in the background watching now

"Young lady? I'm officially older than you, remember? hehehe" Asha jokes

"Don't get funny with me you little ray of sunshine! You're turning 18 today, I won't have you spend your birthday in a carpet- I MEAN market!"

"Umm we can help too" Bazeema says meekly.

"Yeah, and the boys too, so we can get it done faster" Hal adds

"Huh? but-but our plan though" Dahlia points to the list

"Anywhere I spend with you guys it's special, then, after we're done buying what your mom needs, we can go to the royal garden, and then to Safi's house" Asha reassures her friend

".... *sigh* fiiiiiine, we'll help you, mom" Dahlia bemoaned, very frustrated with the change in plans.

"Thank you girls, please be back before sunset" She starts walking down the hallway

Then, Dahlia remembers something

"oh OH WAIT- Bazeema, grab a book that is under my bed please!" she asks her friend, since it's more difficult for her to bend down with her crutch and overall her mobility disabilities.

"Um alright" Bazeema grabs an old book that is almost falling apart, it has "family recipes" on the cover "This one?"

"That's the one. mom! mom!!" Dahlia walks up to her mom and shows her the book "Look what I found under the food cabinet last week~"

Her mom looks surprised "Huh... I haven't seen this in years"

"You said you wanted to test a new recipe, weeeell this book has a lot of cool recipes I've never heard about before! And I'm sure King Magnifico and Queen Amable would think so too!" She opens the book, it has hand written recipes in both English, Spanish and Japanese "By the way, how come you never told me about this?"

Asha and the other two look at them talking and Asha notices how Dahlia's mom looks... Indifferent to this book that is apparently a family relic, with recipes from her native culture, surely she'd at least feel nostalgic by it, would't she?

"That's nice sweetie, but that's not the type of food your majesties would like, I only make meals for them, remember?" she says in a very detached way, almost robotic.

Dahlia looks disappointed "Oh... Okay... Then maybe you can teach me later?" Dahlia asks, hopeful.

"... I don't think I'll have the time dear, I have way too much work already at the castle, besides, there's nothing interesting in that book anyway" she explains, clearly not caring at all.

Her mother leaves, Dahlia hugs the book tightly.

... Well that was weird wasn't it? I'm sure it's not foreshadowing anything...

Anywaaaay that's enough of a scene on Asha's bedroom, let's move this along.

We cut to the gang splitting up at the plaza, each one going to a different sales stall.

It's our first look in the actual kingdom, and it is... Exactly like it was in the actual Wish movie, only notable difference is that the sculptures and paintings on the walls and floors are no longer only of king Magnifico, there are images of the king AND queen all over the place.

And most people are dressed head to toe with muted shades of blue, white and yellow. Younger people like kids, teenagers and Asha and her friends stand out because they dress up with more varied and bright colors... Except for Simon, whose clothes are more of a muted bluish green and white... I'm sure that doesn't mean anything tho.

Asha and Dahlia are picking some fruits together, and Asha notices how Dahlia looks upset and deep in her thoughts.

"I'm sorry your mom is too busy, if you want we can try making those recipes together later" Asha says trying to comfort her best friend

"Huh what?" She snaps out of her train of thoughts "Oh that? pffft That was fine, I'm used to it, she and my dad... Always prioritize working for the king" she looks clearly frustrated.

Asha places a hand on her shoulder, concerned.

Dahlia glances at her friend and takes some deep breaths

"But yeah... I'd like to try making them with you, that'd be nice" She smiles at her friend and holds her hand "But hey enough about me, this is YOUR day! So, excited to have your wish granted? humm? hmm?" Dahlia is back to her bubbly self, trying to lighten the mood

"Honestly? I'm excited because after today I won't have the expectation of MAKING a wish at all" Asha says sounding almost relieved just thinking about it.

Dahlia looks confused "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't you feel it? Like everyone expects you to have this--like-- GREAT goal you want to reach more than anything, that something you can't wait to wish for King Magnifico, and if you don't have it everyone thinks you have no ambition? Well, I don't have that something, I just want a simple life." Asha explains like this is something she has been holding inside for a while.

"... Sis, you lost me" Dahlia chuckles a little "You can wish for anything, doesn't have to be grand at all, and that won't CHANGE your life, if anything it'll just make it better." she says trying to reassure her friend even though she doesn't understand her struggle

Asha is smiling but there's a hint of sadness in her eyes, knowing her best friend doesn't understand how she feels, so she tries changing the subject "Yeah... It sure didn't make Simon happy, did it?"

"What do you mean?" Dahlia asks while buying some apples

"The droopy eyes, the constant yawning, the fact we gotta cary a pillow for him everywhere we go because he might literally collapse from exhaustion out of nowhere" Asha lists it like it's obvious (because it kinda is)

"Ah he explained that to us before, remember? Since the day he turned 18 his dad has been more strict with their training, so he can be the next captain of the royal guard. Sometimes Simon just doesn't get enough sleep"

"I know… I guess that makes sense, kinda" Asha looks down, thinking about how Simon reminds her a lot of her grandfather... But Simon is literally 21, he should NOT be acting and feeling like a man that died when he was 100, that's not right, regardless of how terrible his dad is.

"Okay I gotta ask" Dahlia interrupts her thoughts "Do you even know what you'll be wishing for, because I somehow got a feeling you don't know yet" her best friend looks at her suspiciously.

"Oh ya know, just something simple. Something that won't change my life at all-"

That comment caught the attention of a nearby juggling performer who was entertaining some children near the market, he stops what he's doing and rushes over towards the two girls while doing some cartwheels.

"After all the only one who can change my life is m-"

"MAGNIFICO GRANTS NO "SIMPLE WISH", CHILD" the jester exclaims interrupting Asha as he points his finger to her face.

"Oh- Hello there" Asha looks surprised but she can kinda already tell where this is going

Because now, it's song time!

This is a concept lyric still, with no specific instrumentals nor established rhythm yet, just inspired by "Keep your friends close" From Epic: The Musical. But in the future the song may have it's own instrumentals, with the help of @annamations03

But for now, just read these lyrics like a poem and try to imagine the vibes.

I Made A Wish

Lyrics in bold white are sang by background characters

(Jester) Child, are you not in the know? How can one not dream to have anything they wish for? Why, you’d end up hopeless and alone! But! if you’re in need of assistance Perhaps a jester with no persistence Can show just how wondrous is this kingdom we call home!

Ha ha ha I made a wish! Yes, I was as young as you! Then your majesty made me into something new Back then I was shy— You? I know, right? But now I bring joy to all of those around!  See, it’s that simple, no need to think so much! Just look within and a wish can be found And our dear king will bring in his magic touch! Yes yes, I know how this works I’ve been living here since birth But the thing is that I don’t see any perks… Sounds like you lack self-worth What? Ha ha ha I made a wish! And my light shone brighter! Whatever you want is what you’ll get! Show some gratitude, kid, don’t you wanna be wiser? Just forget with no regret! Ummm 'Cause why would ya take the hardest route? When dreams coming true here is more than allowed So make a wish too, for your life to turn around! Whatever you want is what you’ll get! (Whatever you want is what you’ll get) (Asha Talking)  Thank you for the advice, but… I still think I can make my dreams come true on my own, I'll just  give him a simple wish because it's tradition. (Jester, still singing) *sigh*  Alrighty then, but don't forget That's something you might regret. (Dahlia Talking) Okaaaay now that THATS over,  let's go meet up with the others … Hey, this is the day for you to make YOUR wish. Doesn't matter what anyone else says that wish should be like, okay? … *Breathes in* *breathes out* Okay! Let's go!

(Asha and her friends are on their way to Safi's house to play instruments together, Asha looks around listening to background characters singing as they walk)

(Random Citizens)  I made a wish, and the king made it all better! Whatever you want is what you'll get (Whatever you want is what you'll get) Here in Rosas we got no worries, no pressure Just forget with no regret (Just forget with no regret) 'Cause in a world so cruel and unjust We can trust our dreams won't get crushed, so I made a wish, and I don't regret it! Just forget with no regret (Just forget with no regret)

(They get to Safi's house and start playing instruments together, Asha dances but internally she's very conflicted, and we get a glimpse of what's going on inside her head as she sings to herself while still listening to her friend's voices faintly. She recollects about her grandfather, and how he never remembered what his wish was.)

(Asha) It's my day, so they say  Make a wish that you won't regret Well, I know it may not go this way Cause' when you made a wish, all you got was to forget (7 teens) Today 's your day! Will the same happen to me once I wish away? To celebrate you! And what even is this wish I wanna pursue? Now it's your time Time step up those stairs and do what's expected Now it's your time You all are the only ones who I truly feel connected Now it's your time Can't I just stay here Please, let me stay here Now it's your time (????) Now it's your time

(Asha looks confused, a voice she doesn't recognize echoed in her head. But she has no time to question it, because Gabo just realized... The sun is setting.)

(Gabo) It's time… GUYS! It's time! It's wish ceremony time! (Everyone) LET' S GO! (7 Teens): We gotta go, we gotta go, we gotta go (Asha): I know, I know, I know, I know

(Citizens sing the main chorus as they run to the castle, we cut to the wish ceremony, and we see Asha and her friends getting there, just in time for the king's entrance, with a huge puff of green smoke covering the stage, and lighting effects to dazzle the public, we hear the voice of the king of Rosas echo like a thunder, as he jumps out of the smoke.)

HELLOOOOOO ROSAS!

HA HA HA Come on! Come all! It's that time again! Don't be shy now! All you'll do is gain! Just fall in line now! Here's where dreams start! Cause' if I'm your ring master then you are all my stars!

(The king dances around the stage, full of energy as he hypes up the already excited crowd. Meanwhile, queen Amable walks in gracefully and begins to sing melodically as if she's singing a lullaby. Asha is already in the line to give her wish, she's the last in line.)

Ooooh This, my flowers, is our reason for living To see all your wanting be turned into wishing So just come now ,my darlings, and welcome to Rosas Where your yearning comes true, no what-ifs and no wonders

NOW'S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT!

(People in line) We forget with no regret All he got was to forget What we want is what you'll get I'll finally get my wish I'll make a simple wish With just a magic swish

Oh I can't wait for it! Oh I can't wait to end this! Oh I can't wait to grant it!- ...

This last part is like the end of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" where characters sing all at the same time, and we see Asha slowly approaching the king and queen more and more as the line keeps getting smaller and smaller the more people give away their wishes, Asha's turn is approaching, and then...

She's right in front of Magnifico, he stands his hand to get her wish, she takes a deep breath and... she thinks on her wish.

...

Nothing happens.

...

The song ends abruptly.

...

Asha opens her eyes expecting to see a wish bubble.

...

All she sees is Magnifico's hand.

...

The whole crowd goes quiet. Magnifico and Amable exchange a quick confused glance to one another.

"... Is anything wrong, little one?" The king asks, staring at her expectingly but still with a very calm smile.

Asha get's nervous, she can feel everyone's eyes on her.

"I- I'm sorry your highness, I might not be focusing on it hard enough... Is it supposed to be hard?" She looks up to them both looking for some guidance.

The queen notices the girl's anxiety and gives her a soothing caress on her shoulder "Do not fret my flower, it's different for everyone, you can take aaall the time you need" She says in a motherly tone.

That does help Asha calm down a little bit, but she still can't manifest her wish no matter how hard she tries.

"Hmmm" Magnifico ponders for a moment "Say, how about you just whisper what you wish for to me?"

"... But isn't that against the rules?" Asha asks

The king can't help but chuckle at that "Well, I'll know what your wish is either way so of course the "Keep your wish a secret" rule doesn't apply to me. Come now, I promise I won't judge." He speaks in a soothing tone and a welcoming smile.

Asha hesitates for a moment, but she steps closer to the king, who's now leaning down to be on the same level as her so she can whisper in his ear.

She whispers something and...

Magnifico's face contorts from a gentle smile to a dumbfounded frown with his eyebrows raised all the way up.

The queen is staring at them puzzled, what could she wish for that threw him out of the loop so quickly?

As they slowwwwly distance themselves, the king and Asha are now staring at each other, the king still leaning down to her eye level... He whispers to her:

"... Why on earth would you wish for high grass to grow on your backyard?" the king questions like she's insane.

Asha whispers back

"... Because my pet goat likes to eat high grass... A lot... Your majesty" she adds that last part like she almost forgot to address him formally.

The king stares at her for a few seconds, that to Asha felt like it were minutes.

His smile returns to his face though, so that's good right?

But the smile turns into quiet snickering, as if the king is trying really hard to hold in a huge uncontrollable laughter, but he has to hold it in, can't lose his composure like that in front of his subjects.

Asha did have a wish in that moment, she wished the floor would eat her up so she could escape this embarassment.

Everyone in the crowd, and the queen as well, looks shocked at the king's reaction.

Magnifico takes some deep breaths and calms down.

"Oh my... hahah that's a good one, thank you, I needed a laugh today... oof okay okay I'm good, *cough* now come on, what's your actual wish?" He asks her again cheerfully

"... It wasn't a joke my king, I just have a simple wish, really." she explains with her voice sounding meek

The king realizes his mistake...

"Wait... Has no one ever told you?" The king asks her, raising one eyebrow.

"Told me what?"

"Well eh- now how can I put this... I believe you might misunderstand what I actually DO, my dear" The king starts explaining

"... Misunderstood what?" Asha is very concerned with what the answer may be

The king starts walking around Asha, circling her while he explains, similar to a teacher lecturing a child "You see... People who come here don't wish for simple mundane things, although yes, I have gotten a few who, like you, thought they could just wish to "Dance on beat" or "Have hair that touch down on their feet"... Which was very odd may I add- But the point is that my magic is not made to grant those wishes."

Asha can already feel her heart sink, she's starting to understand where the king is going with this, but she holds some hope it's not what she think's it is

"So umm..." Asha shyly asks "What kind of wishes DO you grant?"

The king looks at her with a big radiant smile as he answers her qauestion

"The ones that matter, of course! The wish that comes from deeeep inside that big heart of yours, your main goal in life! To put it simply, my child, what you must give me is the wish that makes you... well... YOU!" The king claims passionately, his demeanor full of enthusiasm like he's describing the most beautiful thing in the world.

That's it... That's exactly what Asha was afraid he'd say.

She CAN'T give him this wish because she doesn't know WHAT THAT WISH IS!

And even if she did know for sure... She doesn't want to hand it to him... That wish... whatever it is, it's HERS.

Her father used to write about how important it is to chase after what you wish for, how is she gonna chase after something Magnifico is just gonna hand to her, where's the fun in that?

Also, is this common knowledge?? How come no one ever told her she had to give to the king the most essential part of herself???People are just okay with that???? Do all those 18 year olds that came before her already have that figured out?????

(Technically the Jester did tell her, but she didn't think he was for real, the lesson is, take clowns seriously)

"Hey! Are you listening? Helloooo?" Asha is snapped out of her own thoughts by the king literally snapping his fingers in front of her face.

"I- I'm sorry I dozed off for a second... What were you saying, your majesty?"

"We were saying that a wish is what makes you who YOU are." The queen says patiently "Which begs the question, my dear...

Who are you?"

Chapter 3

Final Thoughts

"Asha's Big Day" indeed, this took me the whole day to write lmao

Okay so let me just say, the reason I focused a on Dahlia's mom for bit was because I wanted to introduce how Magnifico's magic is affecting the people of Rosas, besides just Simon who is affected because his wish hasn't been granted yet, unlike him Dahlia's mom DID get her wish granted...

You might know where I'm going with this if you read my blog explaining how I'd rewrite the villains, but if you're new, hi, welcome to the madness, you don't have to read how'd rewrite them if you'd rather be surprised by the twist.

Oh, and you surely don't have to worry about what's the symbolism behind a purple hyacinths, Asha's favorite flower, there sure is no meaning to that.

hehe

Also I legit laughed to myself for several minutes thinking about how I builded up Asha's wish the whoooooole chapter

AND IT TURNS OUT ALL SHE WANTED TO WISH FOR WAS GRASS

FREAKIN

GRASS

She must be protected at all cost.

Alrighty, hope you’ve enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it, see you guys on the next chapter!

Thank you for reading!

[my-taintedheart]

Double Exposure rant ahead!!

Read at your own risk because I typed a LOT..

As someone who got early access to the first 2 chapters, I’m so disappointed that they are trying to ruin a ship (pricefield) that has been around for almost an entire decade and trying to rip them apart. They said they were ‘going to respect both endings’ but I don’t think ‘we broke up or she died’ is respecting both endings considering Max didn’t sacrifice a whole town of people for the girl she loves just for Chloe to break up with her via letter? like that is not the Chloe we know.

The fact that they’re trying to force so many relationships onto Max such as; Amanda (even after we friend zone her EVERYBODY keeps on talking about how much she likes us, basically guilt tripping Max), Vinh (almost every dialogue we have with him includes at least one choice of flirting with him, there was even a choice to ‘be sexy or not be sexy’ when he said drinking at work was sexy??? like what?) and last but not least Safi (I haven’t seen much flirting with her but it is obvious that deck nine is trying to ship them together in a desperate attempt to take our attention away from the fact we waited 9 years for an ‘After the storm’ Max and Chloe game where we can see their struggles and how they push through them together because they love each other, just for them to release another cash grab game that in my opinion was kinda rushed..)

Also, I have no idea what they’re trying to do with Chloe. Like what on earth do you mean that she jokingly suggested a threesome with her, Max and some random guy?? that is NOT the Chloe we know considering the Chloe we know had almost every page in her diary in ‘Before the Storm’ about Max and: how much she missed her, wanted her back and just wanted to be little kids with her again. Um, also what is it with Chloe and Victoria FLIRTING on the posting app on Max’s phone?? Get this off her timeline because in what universe would Chloe EVER consider Victoria a love interest? Like yeah maybe they’re friends, bonding because of the storm but they in my eyes could NEVER be more than that considering all the stuff they say about each other and how much they hated each other.

I’m just saying I saw that little ‘Chloe was thinking about Rachel’ cameo, I know she loved her but DAMN Max sacrificed a town full of people for Chloe. No offence but the least she can do is miss the girl that cheated on her for whatever reason in private?? Please leave Rachel and her constant haunting dialogue behind, I don’t need to hear about Rachel one more time it’s not nostalgic it’s just irritating..

I miss DONT NOD Entertainment so much!! They actually were the peak of pricefield and deck nine is just ruining it, Max and Chloe literally promised to not leave each other— who ever that writhe that letter breaking up with Max was definitely NOT Chloe..

I don’t even count this as a Life is Strange game because what on earth is happening in it??? Max’s diary, the art style the relationship between Max and Chloe (or the lack of it), the forcing multiple love interests on Max when all we wanted was Chloe and Max. I loved the first Life is Strange game mostly because of pricefield but another factor is how there was perfect balance of drama, it didn’t feel forced unlike Double Exposure.

If you’re going to make another cash grab game, put some effort into it?? Milk your cash cow better because the only thing that’s remotely ‘Life is Strange’ about this game is the fact that they’re riding on Max’s name.

[snackara]

Chapter Two: A Humble Yet Cozy Abode

(Let’s just pretend this shot is at night alright?)

We watch Asha ride through the thick forest. She glances back a couple times, but there’s only thick branches and bushes behind her. She finally pushes away a cluster of branches to reveal a clearing with several little houses. A tree stands tall in the middle of the huts. She’s finally reached the hamlet. Asha dismounts Maximus and grabs the large sack, slinging it over her shoulder. Valentino crawls onto the saddle and sits down.

“Welcome back, Asha,” and older voice says. Asha stops and turns around to see an older man standing by one of the huts, leaning on a cane for support. A lute is strung over his shoulders.

“Aren’t you up a little late Sabino?” Asha says with a teasing tone.

“Ha, I could say the same to you young lady,” Sabino says.

Asha chuckles and walks towards a tree in the middle of the clearing. Sabino follows. “Well, I had to travel to Rosas and back in the cover of darkness so I wouldn’t get caught and beheaded. What’s your excuse?” She sets the bag down in front of the tree.

“Insomnia,” Sabino says, “And I wanted to make sure my favorite adopted child made it home safely.”

“Your only adopted child, Sabino,” Asha teases. “You don’t have to worry about me. I have mastered the blade and the art of theft. I can take care of myself out there.” She grabs Max’s reigns and leads him into a small pen. Sabino hesitates, his smile fading as he glances away. Valentino notices Sabino’s look and rubs his head against the older man’s leg. Asha notices it as well and stops pauses after taking off Max’s reigns. “Is something wrong?” She asks, her tone more serious.

“Safi was in the eastern woods earlier today and spotted a couple knights by the edge of the tree line.” Sabino says.

“Is he okay? We’re there dogs this time?” Asha asks, looking worried.

“No and no. They left after a couple minutes without spotting him.”

Asha sighs with relief and shuts the gate to the horse pen. “Good.” She takes off her cavalier hat and pinches the bridge of her nose. “That’s the second time this month. I would hate to force everyone to stay in the hamlet for a few days again, but those knights are getting closer and closer to searching the forest, and I don’t know what else to do…”

“Perhaps just advise them to stick closer to the western side of the forest instead. It has less to forage, but it’s safer,” Sabino suggests.

“Good idea, Sabino,” Asha says, relaxing.

“I have those from time to time,” Sabino jokes to lighten the mood. “Now, let’s get some rest.” Asha nods and picks up Valentino, walking into the hut next to Max’s pen.

We transition to the next morning, where Asha emerges from the hut in a very different outfit from the previous day. Instead of a plain shirt, pants, cape, hat and boots, she sports an orange dress with flat shoes and her hair in a large bun.

We get to see a montage of an average day in the hamlet. First Asha gives the hamlet morning announcements and hands out the supplies she had gotten from the previous night: food, cloth, seeds, a couple books, and a few toys for the children. We see some people washing their clothes and collecting water from the river. Others are preparing food for their families. A few collect berries and wild mushrooms in the woods. Several men and and women tend to the fields and their livestock.

Near the end of the montage we have a scene of Asha sitting alone in a stump, sketching. Valentino sits in front of her. His ear twitches and he strikes a goofy pose. Asha looks up from her sketch of the genet and giggles. She reaches out and scratches him behind the ear.

We transition to dusk. Asha is brushing down Max when a couple teenagers walk by and stop. “Hey Asha!” One, a boy, calls.

Asha jumps slightly at the noise and turns around. “Oh, hey Safi. Need anything?”

“Well, my sister and I wanted to come by and ask if you wanted to come over for dinner. Our mother is making some Shish Tawook tonight that’s to die for,” Safi explains. His sister shyly nods.

“Uh- sorry. I wish I could, but I have some work I need to catch up on around the house,” Asha says.

“You always say that,” the girl says. “Why don’t you take a break from working for once and relax with some of us?”

“I-I know, I just-” Asha hesitates, clearing her throat. “I’m very focused on, um, taking care of Sabino, you know? I mean, someone has to look out for him these days.” She stumbles over her words, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Safi’s brows furrow. “Is everything alright, Asha? With you I mean.”

“What? Yeah, of course I’m fine, everything’s fine. I’m totally fine.” She takes a deep breath. “Look, I know I don’t hang out with anybody these days, but I have my reasons, alright?”

Safi nods and walks away with his sister. Asha leans against the fence and sighs.

We cut to Sabino, who’s sitting in a chair and watching Asha from the window. Valentino is curled up in his lap, sleeping. Sabino gasps and grabs his chest, coughing. Valentino wakes up and whines, watching Sabino with worry. Sabino gently pets Valentino as the coughing stops. “I’m okay. Im okay.” He watches the sun for a few moments as it sinks down the horizon, and gets up.

Asha walks out of Max’s pen just as Sabino walks out of their hut. “Asha, would you care to join me on a walk?” He asks.

Asha perks up. “Where to?”

“You’ll see,” Sabino says with a wink. Asha hesitates before following Sabino into the woods.

We skip to a little later in the evening. Night has settled over the forest, and Sabino is still walking with Asha. Valentino trails just behind them. “Are we there yet? This dress wasn’t exactly made for long strolls in the night,” Asha says, a little irritated.

“Almost. Have patience, child,” Sabino replies. He pushes away some branches. He slips out of the forest.

Asha follows him and stops, letting out a small breath. “The old willow tree…”

“Well don’t just stand there gawking, hurry up,” Sabino calls from ahead. Valentino hurries after him and helps him up onto the tree’s roots. Asha makes her way over and climbs onto the tree with ease. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Sabino says.

Asha nods. “It’s lovely.” She pauses, gently running her fingers down the bark. “Papá took me up here a lot. He’d tell me lots of stories about the stars, and how they helped people long ago. He gave me his sword that last night we came up here. Said I would need it more than him. I guess I really did…after he disappeared….” She trails off, looking downcast.

Sabino frowns and rests his hand on Asha’s shoulder. “I miss him too.” He takes a deep breaths and sits down on one of the roots. “When I came here with Sonia, Jon, and their families, he did everything to make us feel safe and happy. Even after we had lost our wishes.”

Asha looks at Sabino with surprise and a hint of sadness. “You lost your wish? I had no idea.”

Sabino nodded. “I only learned about the hamlet after the king took it. I try not to think about it too much. I’ve lived a good life. It was modest, but I’m alright with that.” He frowns. “Though it doesn’t stop the pain, knowing my wish may never come true-“ He’s cut off by a coughing fit, startling Asha and Valentino.

“Sabino?” Asha says, putting a hand on his shoulder with concern

Sabino waves his hand. “Ah, I’m okay. I just forgot to breathe for a moment.” Valentino whines and licks Sabino’s hand.

“What can I do?” Asha asks. “You know I would do anything to help you and the hamlet.”

Sabino sits thinking for a moment. “You can stop the king,” he says firmly.

“What?” Asha blinks and leans back in shock. “I wouldn’t know where to begin. I’m good with a sword, sure, but he’s a sorcerer king. There’s no way I could defeat him and save the kingdom, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“Well, there’s your first problem,” Sabino says, holding up a finger. “You can’t think about saving the whole kingdom, you have to think about saving one person.”

“Like you?” Asha asks.

“Perhaps, but I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m old. I’ve lived an honorable life without my wish,” Sabino repeats. “But there are still so many young people out there whose wishes have been stolen from them. Asha, no one should have to live and die without a chance for their wishes to come true.”

“If I’m not supposed to worry about you, then who do I focus on saving?”

Sabino smiles. “That is for you to decide.” Asha gives him a hesitant smile and looks up at the stars. We fade to a bush, where a pair of cat eyes narrow before fading into the shadows.

Author’s Notes

This chapter was a little heavy with the dialogue and exposition in the second half, but I like how it went. I feel like I’m really picking things up with this chapter. Asha gets some more characterization that will be important for her arc later, and we get to see the hamlet. I wanted to let her leadership qualities shine early on. None of that adorkable shit for this Asha. She does have her moment of awkwardness talking to Safi, but that’s there for a reason.

So far the hamlet citizens won’t be that important, so they don’t get much dialogue or screen time. But Safi here did get a cameo, as well as an unnamed cameo from Bazeema (his sister in this rewrite).

We also finally get to meet Sabino! I took a lot of inspiration from Gramma Tala from Moana when developing his character. He’s very mischievous and teasing towards Asha, but also offers a lot of guidance to her and acts as her advisor. A big change I wanted to make with his character was having him be more worried about other people’s wishes than his own. Like he says, he’s lived a fine life without his wish. The heartache is there, but for the most part he’s pushed past it. I just think it makes him more sympathetic than wanted his wish and his with alone to be granted. I really like how his speech turned out, especially the line inspired by the deleted Spiderverse scene. (“You can’t think about saving the whole world, you have to think about saving one person”). Again, it will be important to Asha’s relationships later on as well as the climax.

Next chapter will be back to the royals, so lots of fun stuff there. I honestly can’t wait to flesh out Flazino and his parents more.

Thanks for reading!