#so al also becomes the one who continues his brother's work in a way. like scar

[f0lklobito]

Can't stop thinking about how these two scenes parallel each other. Here we have two older brothers, two great alchemists, desperately looking around themselves and trying to find someone, anyone that could help them because they're suddenly alone in the world. And the only thing they want then, the only thing that matters at all, is that their little brothers live. They both lose an arm – their right arm – to get their brothers back. Scar's brother gives it to Scar, so that he may live and continue his work, and sacrifices his life for him. Ed gives it away to Truth, as the price to get Al's soul back, at least – and we know he was also ready to lose more, as he says “Whether it be an arm or a leg, take it! But give him back! He's my only brother!”. And as I said, they're both desperate because even though they're not experiencing grief for the first time, losing their brothers would make them completely alone.

[teecupangel]

Based on @wisecloudnightmare’s tags in the Altaïr and Desmond commits identity fraud (on each other) idea:

#this makes me think of that one comic where joonghyuk keeps saying going away kim dokja and then when kim dokha really disappears #he says don't you ever leave again or I'll kill you asfghjkbijgds #ugh but altaïr with 999th joonghyuk's personality would be so fascinating too #the one where his mind is really fragile but he's still a beast to fight with. only kdj can tame him.

(Absolute spoilers to ORV underneath)

I believe you are talking about the 1863rd Yoo Joonghyuk. 999th Yoo Joonghyuk is the best boi who sacrificed his limbs and life so his companions could reach the ending even without him by making a pact with a certain Outer God (which I think would be a fun idea to play with as well).

We’ll focus on 1863rd version for this one and we’ll make it so that Altaïr is regressing over and over again and he has no idea why.

He’s caught in a time loop that starts every time he died (doesn’t matter when, where or how, what matters is he dies) and he doesn’t even have a goal to focus on.

He always regresses to the same point:

The moment he killed an innocent man underneath the Temple Mount, Malik saying the same words again and again.

Nothing worked.

Getting the Apple of Eden during this time did not help.

Saving Kadar did not do anything.

Killing Abbas before he orders the death of his family and friends did not end this cursed life.

His first life was not perfect but it was a fulfilling one.

His later lives?

He could not bear to watch his sons grow and die before him.

He could not bear the thought of that family of his from long ago become just another part of this wretched tragedy.

That’s when the Apple whispers to him of what he must do.

It never did that before.

So he agrees to it as long as the Apple promises to find a way to finally kill him without any chance of returning to that point.

The Apple only says “Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad’s greatest wish will come true in this ‘round’.”

The Apple’s instructions gets Altaïr to kill Al Mualim early on, branding him a traitor and pitting him against his own brothers. This culminates in pretty much a ‘me versus the world’ with Malik being ordered to hunt him down together with Abbas.

During one of the three-way fight between Altaïr, some Assassins and the guards of the city they are in, Desmond appears.

Now…

Desmond survived the Solar Flare but how he did it was hazy. What he does know is that something is terrible wrong with Altaïr because he doesn’t look like the Altaïr in his memories.

This Altaïr is both more savage yet also more tired than Desmond remembered.

There is a resignation in his movements even as he dodged everything. As if he had given up on life but knows he must continue to move forward, ignoring the pain and tiredness of his mortal body.

Desmond doesn’t know about the regressions until the Apple tells him that this is the 1863rd ‘loop’.

Because of this, Desmond tries to help him and Altaïr leans on him because he is an anomaly. He knows of Altaïr’s first life.

He only knows about Altaïr’s first life, reminding him about it when he himself barely remembers it.

Desmond was from the original timeline.

Desmond was the real key to end this, not the Apple.

And so Altaïr started to depend on him.

Protecting Desmond was the most important thing in this entire world because he was Desmond, the key to ending all of this and the first person to ever get pass the darkness that has clouded Altaïr’s mind for so long.

Desmond was important.

Desmond’s words were law.

All he needed was Desmond.

.

.

On the other corner…

The Apple just lets Desmond use it like it was Desmond’s personal Google.

It does, however, give an error every time Desmond asks why he’s been transported to this timeline and the truth about the loops.

Desmond knows that Altaïr is getting a bit… well…. obsessed with him. But it brought life back in his eyes and that was enough for Desmond. He’d deal with the rest as they come up. (famous last words)

.

The twist is the loop is an unintentional byproduct of the Reader and the Heir trying to find clues to how to save the world by checking the other unused timelines that the Calculations had also found and more timelines that the Calculations didn’t catch the first time.

They didn’t know that Altaïr’s constant use of the apple made him the closest being to them and he gets sucked into their research, but didn’t get to the Grey. Instead, he was taking over the consciousness of the Altaïrs in those timelines they’re ‘skimming’.

Time was inconsequential to the Reader and the Heir. It was not to Altaïr.

They only learned about Altaïr around the end of the 1862nd turn.

The Apple? That’s the Heir staying in the Gray and connecting with the Apple to guide Altaïr into bringing the solution into the 1863rd worldline.

Unfortunately, something happened and what he brought was an incomplete solution.

Because Desmond forgot that he was the Reader.

[weeb-polls-with-pip]

Autistic Anime Boys Prelims - Propaganda Division - Group 4

Propaganda:

Natsuki -

"He has a flat affect, especially towards the start of the series, and a strong special interest in fishing. He does not get along with Haru and Yuki at first because he doesn't think they are taking fishing seriously, but after seeing Yuki's drive to improve and growing appreciation for his interest, he warms up to them and develops, what seems to be, the first close friendships he 's had. As the boys learn to fish, he is the source of most of the very specific fishing knowledge in the series, and after the show is finished we see that he has moved overseas to continue pursuing his special interest."

Luca -

*okay I screwed up, this submission didn't have propaganda. It WAS marked 'yes' for propaganda use though, which is where the confusion came from. At this point I'm too tired to move the bracket around though, so Luca's just gonna stay here.

Adrian -

"Not a full time boy (but a boy nonetheless, bigender icon fr) but working autism overtime."

Rui -

"aside from being an adorable piano genius with the voice of an angel? he grew up sheltered and doesn't have a lot of physical stamina but he does his best to become an idol (rescuing his own black kitten along the way) and is officially considered the most cat-like in his unit. he will eat your pudding. also he grows up! he used to be like fifteen and now he's 26?!"

Hikaru -

"He's shown to have difficulty emoting since childhood. In a particular episode, a mother comes to him to alter her child's brain and remove the parts of him that make him difficult to handle. It is heavily implied that the things she wants removed is autism and Hikaru is more upset about this than most other things in the series but seems to understand that acceptance for people like him and the kid is few and far between. He also says things that could be considered rude when it comes to situations where people ask him to alter who they are as people, such as when a friend asks him to change her sexuality so that she's straight and doesn't have to suffer heartbreak anymore."

Rei -

"AUTISTIC ICON!!!!! just like. look at him. look at that one face he makes all the time. it's hard for me to name specific examples other than the obvious fixation on shoji and like general lack of social skills because i haven't gone through the whole thing in so long but there's soooo much there. i might be talking out of my ass but it's also like? such a sensorily focused story (both the anime and manga). he could even be considered a sports anime boy if you just believed ❤️ or something ‼️"

Vayne -

"Relies on his pet cat for social cues, because the cat is better at them. The saddest, most gentle boy to ever wield a cat-sword-gauntlet. Absolutely listens to all of his friends' infodumps with infinite love and interest. Completely oblivious to how everyone in his workshop adores him by the end of the game."

Ganta -

"he has insomnia (frequently comorbid with autism). once he gains an interest in astrophotography it becomes a special interest very quickly. he's sweet and kind but also gets annoyed easily and he rides a bike and works at an arcade and wants to be a nurse and he loves his girlfriend isaki so so much"

Aoi -

"He has a very devoted special interest in the idol Takada-chan, which he frequently imagines in fights and other situations… the moment someone (Itadori) expresses equal interest in something he is passionate about, he immediately declares them besties and brothers and creates a whole elaborate shared history for them that doesn’t actually exist. He’s not really interested in connecting with people who don’t share his interests. He’s seen as somewhat strange and eccentric. Though in the present he is respected because of his strength as a sorcerer, as a child he was very isolated."

Ray -

"Due to his extremely strong memory, Ray is forced to grow up faster than his best friends and gives himself up as a lost cause in hopes of saving them. He is very sharp and smart but has massive blind spots when it comes to trusting and considering others."

[canonicallyobserving911]

Seven Several Sentences Sunday

Fanonwriter2023 on AO3

Where CANON and FANON collide!

Here are several sentences from Part 8 in the Bad Cop vs. Good Cop Parents Series.

__________

Eddie’s in the process of putting the steaks into the freezer when he hears Chris scream, “DAD!”

The sound he hears in Chris’ voice causes him to immediately abandon what he’s doing and he runs towards the sound while leaving the freezer door open.  His breath hitches in his throat as he continues to search every room for their two children.

Chris screams again, “DAD!  COME QUICK!”

Eddie’s eyes are frantically searching every room for them.  He feels like he’s running a marathon and even though he’s run longer distances than this before, he’s almost completely out of breath.  His lungs feel like they’re on fire as he tries to get to their son and daughter.  He checks the living room first but when he doesn’t see them, he heads down the hall enroute to the family room.  He’s sure it’s the only place Chris’ blood curdling screams could be coming from because it’s where the largest TV in the house is located.

Once he enters the room, both Chris and Liz are staring at the TV screen and he notices Liz is still holding a half-eaten chocolate chip cookie.  They’re both motionless and their eyes are glued to something they’re seeing on the TV screen.  When he turns his head to face the direction they’re looking in, he sees the words “Breaking News” at the top of the screen and there’s a Los Angeles ladder truck in flames.

His eyes move so he can look at the captain’s seat and that when he sees it’s completely engulfed.  The truck is burning so badly only two of the firehouse’s identifying numbers can be read on it and they’re “18”.

He can’t tell if it’s 18, 118, 218, 318, or 1118 because they’re all firehouses located in Los Angeles County.

His phone starts ringing and it’s like everything starts happening in slow motion.  His head feels like ginger ale is rolling around in it and even though he can see Chris and Liz are ok, everything else in the room looks completely fuzzy.  He doesn’t have to look at the caller ID to know someone from the LAFD is calling and his suspicions are confirmed when he looks down and sees, “LAFD Headquarters” on the display of his cellphone.

It's the telephone number they use to contact spouses whenever there’s an emergency.

Everything after that happens fast.  The Assistant Chief is calling and he’s familiar with him because he just so happens to be his brother-in-law, Chimney Han.  He was promoted at the beginning of the year from Battalion Chief and now he works directly with Chief Alonzo who will be retiring in a few months and after he does, Chimney will be promoted and will become the new LAFD Chief.

All he can think about is the last time Buck was in the captain’s seat of a burning firetruck.  His voice becomes strangled as he answers the phone and he doesn’t have a chance to say anything before Chimney starts talking.

When he lifts it to his ear, he hears Chimney call, “Eddie?”

Eddie's eyes widen and he inhales as he meets his son’s eyes and motions for Chris to change the channel and keep an eye on Liz so he can take the call in another room.

He’s trying not to panic but he’s having a difficult time of it and once he steps into their bedroom, he closes the door and asks, “Where's my husband? Be honest with me Chimney... how bad is it?”

What happened to Buck?

Also, what kind of BS is Margaret Buckley going to say about Buck and Eddie's daughter, Daniella Elizabeth Buckley-Diaz since she's the only one of their children she ever asks about? 👀

__________

I'm working on part 8 in the series and I hope to have it completed soon. If you missed the last two parts, based on the sentences above, it appears the meeting Buck and Eddie had with Maddie, Adriana, Sophia and their spouses along with Chimney and Albert is about to come into play in a big way. And it seems like Margaret Buckley is about to cause trouble.

___________

Bad Cop vs. Good Cop Parents

Parts 1-7 are available on AO3.

59K Words; Currently 7 completed works. 

A multi-part fanfic series about Eddie and Buck parenting their teenage son Chris and their daughter Daniella.  Usually, Eddie's the bad cop parent and Buck's the good cop parent but occasionally, their roles reverse. Also, as different situations occur, they are both bad and/or good cops.

Becoming the Bad Cop Parent

7.3K words; Rated General Audiences:  Or Buck gets a call from Christopher's school and for the first time he has to be the bad cop parent.

“Growing as Good Cop Parents”

8.8K Words; Rated: Teen and Up Audiences:  When Chris makes it home after hanging out with his friends, Buck smells and unmistakable scent and everything that happens afterwards, helps him and Eddie realize they’re growing as good cop parents.

“Bad Words and Bad Cop Parents"

6.0K Words; Rated: Mature:  After Chris accidentally drops the “F” bomb in earshot of Eddie and Buck, they have a family meeting and hijinks ensue as they work on eliminating “bad words” from their vocabularies before they have an addition to their family.

"Grateful Good Cop Parents"

9.2K Words; Rated: Teen and Up Audiences:  Buck and Eddie are anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter, Daniella Elizabeth Buckley-Diaz.

Brokenhearted Bad Cop Parent

10.2K Words; Rated: Mature: As Eddie prepares to return to work, Daniella’s reaction to his adherence of the LAFD dress code makes him feel like he’s a bad cop parent but Buck’s there to comfort both of them.

"Guys, Girls, Curls and Good Cop Parents"

5.7K Words; Rated: Teen and Up Audiences: Buck, Eddie, Chris and Daniella all have thick hair but Buck’s, Chris’ and Daniella’s is curly and it tangles easily. Since Daniella’s getting older, her hair is growing and Buck and Eddie have to find ways to not only comb and style it but they also need to find the best products to use.

"Both Being Bad Cop Parents

10.7K Words; Rated: Teen and Up Audiences: Buck and Eddie have to tell both Chris and Daniella “No” but neither child likes it.

Parts 1-7 are available on AO3.

[nordleuchten]

24 Days of La Fayette: December 22nd – Jean-Baptiste, Chevalier de Gouvion

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 3, April 27, 1780–March 29, 1781, Cornell University Press, 1980, p. 251.

Jean-Baptiste, Chevalier de Gouvion was born on January 8, 1747 to Jean François Gouvion and Marguerite Catherine Olry. He was the oldest of at least thirteen children. His father was a police officer and several of his brothers and cousins found their way into the army, often as engineer’s and often in high-ranking positions. At least one of his cousins was later knighted – like Gouvion himself.

Gouvion joined the army as an engineer. He had been commissioned first lieutenant of engineers in 1771, and later decided to join the War in America. He became a brevet captain shortly prior to his departure. Contrasting to La Fayette, Gouvion was permitted to do so. He sailed from Nantes on March 5, 1777 with a group of French military engineers. The expedition was organized by Benjamin Franklin. The group arrived in North Carolina and travelled to Philadelphia, there to present themselves to the Continental Congress on July 5, 1777. He was granted the rank of major of engineers and on November 17, 1777 he was made a lieutenant-colonel.

The Marquis de La Fayette valued Gouvion’s skills and character and after a visit to several native American tribes, La Fayette send Gouvion to oversee the construction of a small fort. He wrote in his Memoirs:

The Oneidas and the Tuscaroras, our only true friends, asked for a fort, and M. de Lafayette left with them M. de Gouvion, a French officer who had a rare combination of intelligence, talent, and virtue. Whenever the army needed Indians, or there was any business to be conducted with those tribes, they always had recourse to the influence of M. de Lafayette, whose necklaces and words the Indians respected.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 1, December 7, 1776–March 30, 1778, Cornell University Press, 1977, p. 248.

Gouvion enjoyed La Fayette’s complete trust, and his skills soon impressed several other officers, amongst them George Washington. Gouvion was accompanied by another man that would go one to become one of La Fayette’s aide-de-camps – Louis Tousard. When Gouvion’s work was finished, La Fayette wrote to Henry Laurens on June 7, 1778:

Clel. Gouvion is just coming from the indians. That gentleman has been of a greater use to America among them than it is possible to say. It is uncommon to join a greater modesty, to greater science, more agreable [illegible word] and more profound parts as an officer and gentleman.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 2, April 10, 1778–March 20, 1780, Cornell University Press, 1978, p. 71.

Gouvion found himself again in the employ of La Fayette during the continuation of the campaign of 1778. The Marquis wrote to the Comte D’Estaing on July 30, 1778:

Since General Washington told me to take an engineer with me, I took and now send to Providence M. de Gouvion, captain in France in the engineering regiment, who lives up to the most flattering idea one might have of him.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 2, April 10, 1778–March 20, 1780, Cornell University Press, 1978, pp. 124-125.

On the same day, La Fayette also wrote to General John Sullivan with whom he was supposed to rendezvous:

I send forward to you Lt. Colonel Gouvion of the engeneers whom I have brought with me. He is one of the most sensible and worthy gentlemen I ever met with. His military knowledge in the engeneery way is compleat. In a word I have selected and desir’d him from Gal. Porta'll as the very man I was glad to have with us.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 2, April 10, 1778–March 20, 1780, Cornell University Press, 1978, p. 126.

By the end of 1778, Gouvion worked for Major General Alexander McDougall at West Point. McDougall wrote to George Washington on December 10, 1778:

But to effect this, and secure West Point, I shall want more heavy Cannon, I wish therefore to have your Excellency’s Order for those at Boston, which I am informed are subject to it. Cannot Some of the Somerset’s Cannon be procured for those important purposes? If either can be procured, no Time should be lost. It is for those Services I request Colonel Delaradiere or Lieut. Colonel Gouvion to be with me, to assist me in whatever I may be deficient in Science. The latter I would prefer, if he is equally qualifyed. (…) I have directed Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion the Engeneer, to repair to West Point with me to make an accurate Report of the present State of the works.

“To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 10 December 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 18, 1 November 1778 – 14 January 1779, ed. Edward G. Lengel. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2008, pp. 389–393.] (07/04/2023)

George Washington replied on December16, 1778:

You will detain Colo. Gouvion with you ’till you hear further on the subject. General Du Portail, to whom I generally leave the particular arrangements of his Corps, is now at Philadelphia. Inclosed is a line to Mr Gouvion directing him to continue with you ’till further orders.

“From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 December 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 18, 1 November 1778 – 14 January 1779, ed. Edward G. Lengel. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2008, pp. 425–426.] (07/04/2023)

McDougall was delighted by Gouvion’s work and Gouvion would continue to work at West Point and surrounding sites like Stoney Point and King’s Ferry for the whole of 1779. He lend his talents to Generals Wayne, Woodford and Heath among others.

By August of 1779 he took a short break from his engineering duties and sat on the court martial for Colonel Armand. See the General Orders from August 5, 1779:

The Commander in Chief directs a General Court Martial to sit at the ussual place tomorrow morning ten ôclock for the trial of Colonel Armand. Colonel Stewart to preside. Colonel Gouvion, Lieutenant Colonels Ford, Dubuisson & Littlefield; Majors De La Neuville, Leavensworth & Ville Franche Captain Du Ponceau and a Captain from the Maryland Pennsylvania and Connecticutt Lines and the Garrison to attend as Members.

“General Orders, 5 August 1779,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 22, 1 August–21 October 1779, ed. Benjamin L. Huggins. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2013, pp. 35–37.] (07/04/2023)

By early 1780, the question of Gouvion’s future in the Continental Army arose. Washington wrote a letter on January 2, 1780 to Samuel Huntington:

Congress were pleased by their resolution of the 1st of January last to express their desire of retaining Brigadier General Du Portail, Colonels La Radiere and Laumoy, and Lt Col. De Gouvion in the service of these states for another campaing, if agreeable to them. These gentlemen having accepted the invitation, have now completed the term to which it extended; and it is with pleasure I can inform Congress that their subsequent conduct has more than justified the opinio⟨n⟩ expressed in my letter on which that resolution is founded. They have been particularly useful in the course of this last period, and have acquired general esteem and confidence⟨.⟩ I cannot forbear adding that the better the gentleman at the head of the corps is known the more he is found to be a man of abilities, and of distinguished military merit.

“From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 January 1780,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 24, 1 January–9 March 1780, ed. Benjamin L. Huggins. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2016, pp. 8–10.] (07/04/2023)

Prompted by a letter from Brigadier General Duportail from April 2, 1780 to George Washington, Gouvion was for a short time transferred to Washington’s command. The commander-in-chief wrote on April 28, 1780 to Major General Robert Howe:

General DuPortail being gone to the Southward, it is necessary that Col. Gouvion should repair to this army. If there are any previous arrangements you wish him to make, you will be pleased to direct him to make them and to set out for Head Quarters as speedily as he can.

“From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 April 1780,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 25, 10 March–12 May 1780, ed. William M. Ferraro. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2017, pp. 505–506.] (07/04/2023)

These arrangements did not last long however, since Gouvion’s arrival was delayed and by June 26, 1780, Washington had ordered Gouvion to return to West Point. Therefore, by 1780, Gouvion again worked on the fortifications of West Point. In General Duportail’s absence, he was the commander of the corps of engineers and effectively displaced Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who had previously been the chief engineer at West Point. Kosciuszko wrote Washington on July 30, 1780:

To this day I have not received your Excellencys order respecting my destination, having nothing to do at present as all the artifficers are directed to receive Leut. Colo: Gouvions orders, I beg your Excellency to give me permision to leave the Engeneer Department and direct me a Command in the Light Infantry in the Army under your immediate Command or the Army at the Southward agreable to my ranck I now hold.

“To George Washington from Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, 30 July 1780,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 27, 5 July–27 August 1780, ed. Benjamin L. Huggins. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2019, p. 359.] (07/04/2023)

It was around this time, in late 1780, after Arnolds Treason, that Gouvion wished to join La Fayette as an aide-de-camp. The Marquis wrote Nathanael Greene on November 10, 1780:

Upon My Giving a hint to Clel. Gouvion that I had Some desire of joining you, he has Earnestly Requested I would take him as a Volonteer aid de Camp.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 3, April 27, 1780–March 29, 1781, Cornell University Press, 1980, p. 223.

Shortly after Arnold’s treason has become public, Gouvion with a small party of men had arrested Joshua Hett Smith. Now he was sent with La Fayette to inspect the Forts Lee and Washington and La Fayette praised that Gouvion “with the eyes of an engineer” would see things that he himself missed. In March of 1781, Gouvion was permitted by George Washington to meet with General Rochambeau to pay his respects and to meet with friends that served under Rochambeau.

On April 8, 1781, Washington wrote to La Fayette:

It is General duPortails desire that Colo. Gouvion may return to him. Independant of the occasion which there may be for him here, there is another reason which operates against his going with you, it is, that he would interfere with Colo. Kosciusko who has been considered as the commanding Engineer with the southern Army.

“From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 April 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

To which La Fayette replied on April 13, 1780:

I Have Received Your Excellency’s Letter Relating to Clel Gouvion—it would Have Been Very Agreable to Me to keep this officer (…)

“To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

When La Fayette took command of troops in Richmond, he wrote Washington on May 24, 1781:

As I am for the present fixed in the command of the troops in this State, I Beg it as a great favor that you will please to send me Clel Gouvion. Should a jonction Be made with General Greene He will act as my aid de camp.

“To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 24 May 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

Washington ordered Gouvion on September 2, 1781, to join La Fayette’s camp in Virginia and there to await his orders. He arrived in camp on September 10. Just after the Battle of Yorktown, Gouvion desired to return home to his native France – he had been in America these past four years. In answer to the application George Washington wrote to General Duportail on October 26, 1781:

In answer to your letter of the 24th I beg leave to inform you, that as no immediate operation requires your presence in this country, I shall most chearfully second your application to Congress for a Six months furlough to yourself & Col. Gouvion for the purpose of arranging your private affairs in France. (…) I cannot forebear addg at the same time it will always afford me the greatest pleasure at all times to give the most particular testimony of the zeal, talents and distinguished services of yourself and Colonel Gouvion—and entreat you to be persuaded of my earnest wish that you may receive those rewards from Congress which you desire, at a more convenient opportunity.

“From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 26 October 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

Gouvion returned to France on the same ship that brought La Fayette and few other French officers home. Before he left, he received a glowing recommendation from General Washington:

From the particular recommendations of General Du Portail—and from my own particular observation—I feel the highest pleasure in rendering justice to the distinguished military Talents of Lt Colonel Gouvion, and his indefatigable perseverance in the most valuable services—his Decisive judgement and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions—particularly in the late siege of York—where the opening of the Trenches, the commencement of the second parallel—a very important lodgement in two of the Enemys works that were carried Sword in hand, and their connexion with our attacks—were committed to him—and executed under his orders with that energy and precision which constitute the great Engineer.

“From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 31 October 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

John Jay noted in his diary that Duportail and Gouvion set out for America on October 15, 1782 and went right back to work. He was apparently in such a demand, that Washington wrote to La Fayette on March 23, 1783:

As it is your wish, I have given Colo. Gouvion my consent to meet you at the rendezvous appointed him—& he sets out with all the alacrity of a friend to attend it. You must receive him as a precious loan because I esteem and value him and because it is to you only I would part with him.

“From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 March 1783,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

When Gouvion resigned his commission in October of 1783 to return to France once and for all, now that the War was finished, he had already received numerous official and unofficial recommendations. During his return trip to France, he had received a promotion in the French army, and it was there that he resumed his career. He was promoted to Mestre de camp in 1787.

But the fun should not come too short. We have several invitations from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams for example, as well as protocols of the French chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati that all mention Gouvion. Then we also have this letter from Duportail to George Washington from March 3, 1784:

I saw yesterday for the first time a man in the Clouds and with Colonel gouvion we Regretted that you Could not enjoy so extraordinary view.

“To George Washington from Duportail, 3 March 1784,” Founders Online, National Archives, [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Confederation Series, vol. 1, 1 January 1784 – 17 July 1784, ed. W. W. Abbot. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1992, pp. 168–169.] (07/04/2023)

With the begin of the French Revolution and La Fayette’s appointment as commander of the newly formed National Guard, Gouvion joined his old friend and became a Major in the National Guard. He was one of the officers on duty on the night of June 20, 1791. Despite this blunder, he was made a Maréchal de camp on June 30, 1791. On September 7 of the same year, he became a deputy for Paris in the Legislative Assembly but he became disillusioned after the mutiny at Nancy. His brother was one of the commanding officers at Nancy and was killed during the mutiny. Gouvion was enraged by the pardons that some of the troop received and after his episode (and a duel that he fought with a fellow deputy of the assembly, Choudien) left the assembly altogether to again join La Fayette on the field.

Jean-Baptiste, Chevalier de Gouvion was killed in action by a cannonball during the battle at Grisuelle by Maubeuge on June 11, 1792. La Fayette made sure that his friend was buried with all honours.

While this post is long enough as it is, permit me one last quote to illustrate the trust that Gouvion’s character had earned. The Marquis de La Fayette wrote on September 1, 1781:

Inclosed I send you His letter and that of Mis. de St Simon Both of whom I Request you will Have translated By Tilmangh or Gouvion alone as there are parts of them personal which I do not choose to show to others

“To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, [This is an Early Access document from The Papers of George Washington. It is not an authoritative final version.] (07/04/2023)

[coolcattime]

I think I have figured out a way where we can have our cake and eat it too, when it comes to the danga au, because capsize losing her friend, brother, and everyones trust in one round is way too good of an opportunity to pass up.

So to make it fair they flip a coin to see who does what job. Thanks to the even probability, Capsize was going to become the blackend with Red as her scapegoat. They make a plan on how everything will go down, and they end up choosing Al (I feel as though him and Red wouldn’t get along but you could probably say that about Al and anyone really).

A while after, they’re both doing they’re own thing and Redbeard starts thinking about the plan and how unlikely it’s going to actually work. Between the witness that needs to be taken care of before hand (I assume Alva’s the one being bodyguarded) and the worry that while Capsize could take Al in a fight, it’ll most likely end up way too messy and his sister will end up way too bruised to actually lie. Not to mention that winning as the blackend hasn’t worked for those that have tried before them. And while yes, they have something the others didn’t and that’s each other, it doesn’t stop him from worrying that it won’t be enough.

During his time alone, Redbeard gets an opportunity. Now, Red is not an idiot, but there wasn’t much forethought put into it when he lied to Tom about Capsize wanting to see him. When he led the other to where one of his very first pranks were done. And then he left the room a mess and alone.

When Tom gets discovered, Capsize knows who did it, because Red followed what was supposed to be her part of the plan, perfectly. Capsize understands just how smart Sonja is, so they’re going to have to be smarter and now a lot more careful.

In this scenario, Martha continues to be the baddie and gets to try to manipulate Capsize since she’s going to be in such a hopeless state afterwards. Although, I do think after a bit Sonja would try to empathize with her and reach out, regardless of what she did, Capsize ended up losing a lot more than she gambled.

I love this so fucking much. Like, I knew I'd have to wait a while to answer cause like work, but I opened my document to update this into the sheet because it's just such a good idea.

Honestly I love the idea of them creating a plan to get one of them out. Like it's selfish obviously, but it makes perfect sense for the two of them, because the likelihood of one or both of them getting murdered increases with every motive so at least this way one of them has a chance of surviving. Them deciding by a coin flip is such a good idea, because neither is going to want to doom the other. Also yeah, I imagine neither of them really like Al. Maybe Tucker likes Al? To a point. Jeriah probably likes him.

Skipper getting nervous about the plan, not because he'll die but because Capsize probably will, is just so in character. Because it honestly isn't the best plan (but like when is there is a good plan to kill someone), and the more he thinks about that, the most that gets stuck in his head. (Also yes, Alva is the one getting guarded by Al. Though I've been imagining she only agrees to it because he'll keep Andor at a distance).

Him them going for Tom makes sense since he needs someone who both will come with him without any questions, and isn't going to put up too much of a fight. It didn't feel good killing him, neither did framing the scene, but if there was one thing he was ever good at it was following a plan to the letter.

Capsize is honestly working double time during the investigation, making sure to "investigate" while also trying to plant some of her own evidence. She knows Sonja is getting suspicious, but it's better for Sonja to be suspicious of her than for Skipper to die.

Oh, I love this idea for group antag Martha. She's forming the student council a very normal support group. Honestly, I think Martha might actually get some hooks in just from being the first person to reach out to Capsize. This is not great for Sonja, since Martha definitely starts laying down the idea that Sonja betrayed her. I think I can see Tucker reaching out as well, since I think he's the most likely to call the rest of the group asshats for basically exiling Capsize because I can see him basically going the logically route that she has no reason to kill her anymore.

[charlesangels03]

A letter for Hirohiko Araki, a renowned manga artist.

Dear Hirohiko Araki-sensei, First, I would like to introduce myself. I am Elijah Gabriel C. Perez, a huge fan of your work, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and I am writing this letter to you as gratitude for bringing Jojo to the world. I stumbled upon your work when I was 13 years old on Animax when the the anime adaptation of Part 1: Phantom Blood and Part 2: Battle Tendency aired on the channel at around 11 PM in a Saturday night. At first, there was a lot of things I was confused of. Hamon? Stands? Pillar Men? Not to mention that many memes in fact came from this entire franchise that has been spanning for more than 30 years????! But anyway, I was hooked, really, really hooked, and I have my eyes peeled on the for at least 3 hours. Meaning, I have watched 6 episodes since 11 PM and I caught sleep at around 2 AM. Ever since then, I started watching the anime every 11 PM on Saturdays and I fell on love on its uniqueness from other animes. I fell down the rabbit hole eventually. Months later, I started to read the manga of Part 5: Vento Aureo (Golden Wind) because at the time the anime adaptation of it was just starting. So, I had time to immerse myself in the manga and experience it in all of its glory before the arcs are fully covered in the anime. And my God, I was blown away sensei. Your detailed artstyle using pen and nibs blew me away that each of your characters look like Renaissance statues and the way they pose, oh my, they look so fabulous like runway models. Each hatched line in their form looks so perfect and dynamic. What also amazed me is how your writing also is different from other anime and manga, and it took Western media influences. But besides al of that, when I finished Part 5, I was satisfied and willing to dig deeper into your entire catalogue of works which served as a huge source of inspiration in my art and development as an artist. Fast-forward to today, you have a new part published in your series, Part 9: The Jojolands. I started reading the first 6 chapters and although, the concepts introduced there started to become more complicated especially the "principle of mechanism" but I'm hoping that I'll understand it as the story progresses. Besides that, I am really hoping for the all of the characters' development especially with one of the characters, Dragona Joestar (who presents themself as a woman, however their pronouns are he/him) to really start have their own metamorphosis. Another is that, the main protagonist, Jodio Joestar (the younger brother of Dragona) is somehow boring, besides being reckless and exhibiting antisocial behaviors or that's just his personality. But, please don't let that discourage you sensei, I have high hopes for Part 9, knowing that this is the last part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. With all of that said, I am anticipating for Jojolands to become fully flesh out and be the ultimate representation of the magnificence and grandeur of your art and life as a mangaka. May you have more power, Araki-sensei! May you always continue to make art and may your art continue to speak to people from around the world.

Much love from the Philippines, Elijah Gabriel C. Perez

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elijah's 3rd Week Blogging Entry: Literacy Photo taken from Author's Note of Jojolion Volume 22 Source of photo: https://jojo.fandom.com/wiki/Author%27s_Note_(JoJolion)

[girlbossndarkpink]

Hi .. hope you are doing well with beloved 🌹

iam motaz a nurse from Gaza .. married to fedaa a pediatrician .. father of 3 lovely children ..

writing to you these words with tearing eye and a heavy heart ..

it is not easy for me to ask for help from other but being a father of these lovely kids makes me very responsible for their safety and protection so i have to do any thing to keep them safe ..

we lost every thing because of this violent war !

Life here became unaffordale and unsafe for any human ..

please please help me carry my children to safety ..

i wish my words could explain even little abit of what i am carring in my heart

Vetted by 90-ghost

Please donate if you can and share widely 🆘🆘 1100 SEK = 100 dollars each (55 sek =5$) will make a difference🙏🍉 be the one who saves us

"Hello!

My name is Motaz Jad Al-Haq, and I am a nurse from Gaza. I am married to Fedaa Al-Nadi, a pediatrician, and together we have three beautiful children: Mohammed (9 years), Omar (7 years), and Nima (4 years). I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for assistance, not just for my family but for the many others facing similar hardships in our region.

Since October 7th, the war in Gaza has had a devastating impact on our lives. Our home has been destroyed, our jobs are lost, and everything we once had has been reduced to rubble. Each day, my wife and I volunteer at a local hospital, trying to provide care to the injured and alleviate their suffering. Despite our tireless efforts, neither of us receives any salary, and we are left to live in dire conditions. We have been displaced multiple times, and we now face the daily struggle of securing basic necessities like food and clean water.

The reality of our situation is heartbreaking. Every day, we wake up not knowing how we will manage to feed our children or provide them with clean water. This constant anxiety and fear weigh heavily on us, making every day a battle for survival.

In addition to our personal struggles, my brother Mohamed Jadalhaq, who resides in Sweden, has initiated a fundraising campaign to help facilitate the safe departure of my family from Gaza. The situation here has deteriorated to the point where finding a safe haven has become a matter of utmost urgency. My brother’s campaign aims to raise funds necessary for us to leave Gaza and find refuge in a safer country, such as Egypt. The estimated cost for this escape is $5000 per adult and $2500 per child. The funds will be used to cover travel expenses and basic living costs in Egypt until we can rebuild our lives away from the ongoing conflict.

Throughout this crisis, our family has shown remarkable resilience. Despite the destruction and emotional toll, we continue to support our community in any way we can. My wife, Fedaa, faces immense psychological pressure as she works tirelessly to provide medical care to children in need. My role as a nurse has also been challenging, but we remain committed to helping those affected by the war.

We kindly ask for your support to make this journey possible. Your donations, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. They can provide us with a meal, a clean water bottle, or a moment of safety in these difficult times. Each contribution brings hope and alleviates our suffering, giving us strength to face another day.

Please consider donating to this cause and sharing our campaign with your friends and family. Your generosity can offer us the opportunity to escape this turmoil and find a more secure environment where we can begin to rebuild our lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support. Your compassion can truly transform our lives and bring us hope for a brighter future.

Warm regards,

Motaz Jad Al-Haq"

[bubbledumbbinch]

Heya! Congrats on the 100+ followers!! Your writing is really good and I enjoy reading your works!

If you dont mind, what would be your headcanons on the TWST dorm leaders of what prefrences they have for a S/O? Like what would they want in an S/O? (Also Im sorry if this has already been asked Im also kinda new to your blog as well ;w;)

Hii!! And thank you 🥰🥺💕 that means a lot to me!! I hope you stay and continue to enjoy yourself here!This hasn’t been asked before so I hope you enjoy!!! ;w; I hope you all enjoy I had a fun time (and a difficult time) writing this out! I think I made it too long, again ;w;

I made this SFW uwu just some fluff!!!! But please keep in mind before you follow me, I MOSTLY POST NSFW works.

Warnings: slight story spoilers for episode 5, for Idia’s part, if u squint

Pairings: Dorm Leaders x Reader

I put things under a cut for length!!

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle would probably want a partner who does well in school - at least someone who tries to! It would go against his own desires to do well in life if he has a partner who doesn’t have the drive to succeed like he does.

He isn’t particularly fond of people who have a lot of potential yet waste it on being lazy. Like I said before, it goes against his own morals.

I also see him wanting someone fun-loving! Riddle grew up in an environment where fun was essentially taboo so he would be drawn like a moth to a flame to someone who has so much energy in them. Remember one of his best childhood friends is Che’nya so he would probably not hate the idea of joking around and being silly once in a while!

Someone who would love sweets like him! Not too often so he could maintain his shape, but someone who would love to indulge him once in a while!

Riddle would love to see an S/O who makes time for him and the unbirthday parties that Heartslabyul hosts! He feels like a good dorm leader and seeing you make an effort to come makes him feel like a great boyfriend too!

“Ah, Y/N, I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to make it today.” Riddle sighed to himself in relief. He feared his rose would come to the party late. “Ah, sorry Riddle! I was late because I was studying for Professor Crewel’s exam but I lost track of time!” You breathed out, a bit exhausted from running.

The redhead only nodded and smiled at you. “Don’t worry about it, my rose. We’ve only just begun the party, so no need to fret.” Riddle’s gentlemanly ways never failed to make your heart soar. “No no, I’ll make it up to you! I’ll bake you a tart sometime, you’ll let me right?” You playfully nudged at your boyfriend’s arm and smirked.

Riddle could only blush furiously. “Th-that would not be a bad idea. I suppose I would accept the gift graciously, dear, but only if we can cook it together. I believe it would be beneficial to both of us to learn!”

Leona Kingscholar

Someone who loves to nap with him like all the time

Leona would definitely want someone who is willing to praise him a lot. Growing up he never really had that and felt like he was overshadowed by his big brother, so this guy needs validation like crazy. Tell him how strong he is, how much you love him, how warm he is… he’ll scoff and look away but you could see the faintest blush on his cheeks. He secretly loves it.

I feel like Leona would like bratty tsunderes, for some reason. He would be the perfect teasing type for them and I think I can just picture Leona and his S/O getting into play fights that lead to something more, if you catch my drift.

Someone who can be “refined” enough for show so that when he brings you home to his family, they can accept you fully. The last thing he wants is his family pestering him about how his potential mate isn’t a good fit.

As tough as he may be he def wants someone at the end of the day to stroke his head and calm him down after a long and stressful day.

“Oi, herbivore, come here and be my pillow.” Leona’s gruff voice broke the silence of his room. He was sitting up on his bed while you studied on his desk. Giggling, you made your way into his bed, crawling over to where he was. Leona pushed your torso down gently and started nuzzling his head on your chest, and you could feel the vibrations coming from his body that was like a low growl. Or was it purring?

“Of course, anything for my big strong boyfriend, the best Magift player in the school, my one and only love~” you endlessly praised him, smiling at him as if he were a rare diamond. Leona only huffed as he wrapped his muscular arms around your form, effectively preventing you from leaving.

“Tch…. Damn right….” Leona mumbled. “Why don’t you tell me more while I start drifting to sleep?” Leona smirked. Running your fingers through his hair carefully, you obliged, feeling Leona’s breathing become more calm as you continued.

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul would ALSO want someone who praises him, due to his years of being bullied. Call him beautiful, smart, tell him he’s the most cunning man on campus. He EATS IT UP. This man will swear on his life for you.

He also would want someone who has the ability to work hard… what? The Mostro Lounge needs extra workers sometimes! Azul thinks that if he can own the lounge, manage contracts, AND study hard for school, his S/O should be able to match him!

I can see Azul absolutely praising/spoiling his S/O too. Since you give him so much happiness in his life he should pay it forward, no? What would you like, a new dress/suit? A new piece of jewelry?

Someone !!! Loyal!!! Azul wants someone who he can feel secure with in a relationship, so he probably wouldn’t want you to flirt with anybody else since his insecurities will SPARK UP like crazy!

Azul wants someone who loves him for who he is, unconditionally!

“Angelfish… hello, good evening. I’m sorry if I am a bit more tired than usual, I just finished with ordering more inventory for the lounge and dealing with some paperwork.” Azul sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. You dropped your bags on one of the chairs of the VIP room and walked over slowly to your octomer boyfriend. Bringing your arms to his shoulders, you slowly begin to knead and massage his arms gently. Azul groaned at the contact, muscles aching.

“How is this, Azul? I know how hard you work, you deserve to take a break too, sometimes…” you spoke gently into his ear, kissing the shell of it. The contact gave him slight goosebumps. “Ah, I would love to but, I have so much more to do… I know it’s going to be a late night for me, so why don’t you head on to sleep?” You tsked, upset with his answer. “I know it’s late Azul, that’s why I’m here. You know, if you keep doing this you’ll get wrinkles, right?”

“Ahem! Well. Then, this might be a good place to stop if that’s the case…” Azul huffed, standing up quickly to retire to his room, you in tow.

Kalim Al-Asim

Kalim wants someone who is cheerful! They may not be a ray of sunshine like he is, but I honestly can’t picture him with someone smug/gloomy. Kalim might be dense but he isn’t THAT stupid. I think he would be able to notice if you were upset which makes him upset.

Someone who is down for anything, Kalim would love to take you on a ride on his magic carpet at random hours of the day so be prepared to drop whatever you’re doing if you want to appease your impulsive boyfriend!

A fun loving person for sure, who isn’t super self conscious about what people think. If he asks you to dance with him he would really love for you to join! He wouldn’t want you to say something like, “oh, but I’m a bad dancer…” Kalim would shake his head and ask you why you would say that! It’s all about having a fun time together, right?

A patient lover is what Kalim would want as well, someone who’s kind, too. At the end of the day when Kalim is ready to sleep after his crazy antics, he wants a partner he can be able to lay next to and feel like himself.

Someone who loves him even if he weren’t rich, Kalim would want someone for their personality and not materialistic things or beauty. Kalim sees someone for their heart ! (*´꒳`*)

You yawned heavily while rubbing your eyes. Was that a tapping noise coming from the window? “Ugh…. What time is it?” Checking your phone, you saw it was 1:30am. You also had a text from Kalim.

*tap tap tap*

You groggily walked over to the window and opened the curtains to see Kalim sitting on his magic carpet with the biggest grin upon seeing you. Opening the window, you giggled lightly. “Good evening Kalim, fancy seeing you here so late.”

“Hi, Y/N!! I woke up and felt bored so, you wanna join me on a night ride around campus?” Kalim practically beamed at you, even this late at night. His smile never failed to make your heart flutter. The boy’s positive energy also transferred to you, effectively waking you up.Stepping onto the carpet from your window was your answer. After getting situated, you kissed Kalim’s cheek and held his hand. “Of course Kalim, I would love to.”

Vil Schoenheit

Someone who can tough out his callous words and treatment. Vil might be a bit much, but the reason why he does this is because he does it with the goal of ultimately helping you. He only wants to see the best out of people, including but not limited to his little sweet potato!

Someone who is patient. He knows he checks who the most beautiful person is quite often and he doesn’t do it to annoy you, it’s just for his own personal validation issues. Lay a hand on his arm, back, or head to give him praises and let him know he’s beautiful to you no matter what.

Someone who is willing to pepper him lightly with kisses (not the face though, he has makeup on!). He definitely eats it up and loves it so much, he feels like you are treating him like a king. He’ll pay that back tenfold and give you beauty treatments, it’ll feel like you’re at the spa on a weekday!

Vil is constantly posting on Magicam, depending on whether you’re comfortable enough to be posted on there he would want to make sure you are okay with him constantly taking photos to be posted on there. Whether it be food you cooked, matching couples outfits, or even pictures of you without makeup, be ready to face comments of all sorts coming from his fans.

“Mira Mira on my phone… Currently, who is the most beautiful of all?” You heard Vil speak outside of his room. Currently you sat on the small chaise at the foot of his bed. Vil told you he needed to step out for a second, so you could get ready for bed now. After putting on your sleeping clothes, Vil finally came back in, seeming more irritated than before. His eyebrows furrowed and his body looked tense.

“Vil, are you alright?” You questioned him as you made your way to his bed, slipping under the covers. Vil only sighed and exchange a quick “Mm.” as he changed into his pajamas and came to join you. He was turned so his back was facing you and he was a bit distant. You knew he didn’t get the answer he wanted when he got those search results back. You didn’t know how to convince your boyfriend otherwise but you decided you needed to talk to him.

“Vil, darling…” you spoke gently as you nuzzled closer, your chest pressing into his back. Your arm wrapped around him to pull him closer, to which he responded with finally relaxing in your touch. “You’re one of the best things that’s happened to me, Vil, I don’t know if you realize how lucky I am to have such a loving, caring, and talented boyfriend like you. Your beauty is simply the cherry on top of the person I fell in love with. To me, you’re perfect. I love you.” You ended your tangent by placing a gentle kiss on his shoulder, dozing off.

You couldn’t see Vil but he trembled lightly as tears silently fell down his face. “Thank you… I love you too, my sweet potato.” Vil whispered into his pillow. With you, he always felt like the most beautiful person.

Idia Shroud

Personality wise, I don’t think Idia would be picky. He’s a shy person and honestly would be surprised he could get an S/O at all! So is Ortho!

Speaking of Ortho, Idia wants someone who is kind and loving to his little brother. Knowing his partner loves his brother would only make him fall for you harder!

Probably someone who would give Idia his own space until he finally felt comfortable and wanted to take it further, he would prob take a few days to even kiss you!!!

Idia wants someone to be his player 2 :) like actually, come over and game with him and he’ll probably be the happiest boy ever.

Big big bonus if you love anime, cosplay, gaming, etc. It’s one thing to be an otaku like Idia but when he has a partner to fully indulge in his interests with?? It’s a win-win situation for everyone! He wants to do a couple cosplay one day if he gets the courage to ask you.

Someone who won’t pressure him too much. If you remember how Riddle pressured Idia into trying to speak publicly, you know how much of a scary situation it put Idia in, even though he was able to do it. Stressing him out is just gonna make him unhappy :(

Someone who enjoys spending as much time inside as he does! I’m not talking a hikikomori but someone who wouldn’t be opposed to staying inside with him 99.9% of the time lol

“Y-Y/N-shi, would you like to g-go on a date with me soon?” Idia fumbled with his fingers, looking away as he asked you. You raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Idia, this is the first time you asked me to ‘go on a date’. Don’t tell me, are we actually going out somewhere?!”

“Eek! D-don’t be ridiculous, Y/N!!” He almost screeched the words out. Suddenly he pulled out a couple of VR headsets with hand controllers, and handed one to you. “Fuhehe, I just made a bunch of simulation locations. We could go to the park, a restaurant, even an amusement park..!” He grinned showing off his teeth.

You giggled at Idia’s enthusiasm, loving the way he gets after speaking about his own creations. “What a wonderful idea, Idia. Maybe we could take Ortho to the ‘amusement park’ too? We’ll be a big family.” You mused. Idia’s face brightened and a faint pink tinge covered his cheeks.

“F-family, huh? Ah, Y-Y/N-shi…. That would be n-nice…” Idia blushed as he considered what the future would bring for the both of you.

Malleus Draconia

Malleus would also mostly not have preferences on a person’s personality. Like, he wouldn’t say something like: “I want someone shy vs someone bold.” Anything his child of man does is interesting to him and he’s entranced by you!

That being said, Malleus would not tolerate rudeness, disrespect to him, Lilia, or his fellow dorm mates, etc. He may love you but he values those bonds more, especially Lilia’s and his grandmother’s.

Malleus wants someone who is willing to teach him human tendencies, since he is curious about them. Malleus will also probably never stop asking you about your life in the previous world, and listen passionately as you describe the hobbies you had, family members, etc.

As long as you continue to love and treat Malleus like a normal person and with kindness, he will continue to love you endlessly. He’s so unused to it that he will feel so special as you only coo in awe instead of fear away, if he showed you a magic trick or maybe donned more of his draconic features like his tail or long claws.

You walked with Malleus under the bright moonlight in the woods near Ramshackle dorm. His height and charm never failed to impress you. And his face, he was so very handsome. His striking green eyes always made you feel hypnotized and his horns were so well taken care of, you almost wanted to reach out and-

“Hm, Child of Man… you do know it’s quite rude to stare, yes?” Malleus chuckled and suddenly broke the silence, making you gasp. “Ah, sorry Tsunotarou. I-,” searching your thoughts, you just couldn’t think of anything quickly enough. “I just couldn’t help myself. You’re very attractive.” You murmured, admitting defeat.

“Oh? Do I not intimidate you, my dear? Usually humans and even other fae fear my features and tend to shy away…” Malleus looked down in thought as he continued walking. You wrapped yourself around one of his arms as he walked, effectively stopping him in his place. “Well, you don’t intimidate me! I like being around you, so, let’s keep it that way. I want to stay with you for a long time so don’t get too tired of me okay, Malleus?”

Hearing you say his given name only made the fae’s heart beat harder in his chest. Surely you knew what you did to him. He smiled down at you, green eyes softening in your gaze.

“I assure you I won’t, little human.”

[hintofelation99]

Batfamily sorted into Hogwarts houses?

Ooohhhh a classic, I love it! Tbh I have no clue how controversial my opinions are here, like honestly each member fits several houses well. So I just went with what felt best to me, but I'd love to hear other's opinions!

First let's go over the main traits of each house, these are the traits I will be focusing on.

Gryffindor -> Bravery, daring, nerve, and confidence

Hufflepuff -> Hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play

Ravenclaw -> Intelligence, knowledge, curiosity, creativity, and wit

Slytherin -> Ambition, leadership, determination, cunning, and resourcefulness

Bruce

-> Hufflepuff: I feel like this one will be rather controversial and honestly it was pretty difficult to decide on. But I think his overall dedication to the mission is what sold it for me. Like that's one of his more consistent character traits, he values the mission above all else. And I don't think of that value or dedication as coming from a place of ambition, but rather a place of loyalty. Honestly Batman's relationship with Gotham really exemplifies both patience and dedication, at least it does in my mind. Hufflepuff is also sometimes thought of as the house that accepts all, so people who don't have a good designation can go there, which is pretty on point with Bruce adopting a shit ton of kids.

Dick

-> Gryffindor: This one might be a tad cliche, but I think that it fits. Because all of the batfam is daring and brave, but Dick takes so much joy from these traits. He’s known for defying gravity and having fun doing it. He’s also the typical confident older brother, like he definitely has insecurities but overall he’s a pretty confident guy. He’s a leader who paved the way for Robins and continues to protect the rights of young heroes. He’s known for being super protective of his family and is willing to make sacrifices for them. Also he brave enough to design a custom that had no pants and confident enough to run around in that costume.

Babs

-> Ravenclaw: Babs the oracle, she’s basically the definition of knowledge. She definitely exemplifies other houses as well but her dedication to knowledge and intelligence definitely put her in Ravenclaw for me. After being paralyzed a lot of people thought she would give up being a vigilante, but instead she turned information into a weapon and a shield. Instead of giving up she created a new and now invaluable position. She isn’t just smart, she’s clever and quick thinking, always ready for any situation.

Jason

-> Hufflepuff: Okay, so in a lot of ways Jason mirrors Bruce. He’s incredibly loyal to his home, has strict rules that he (mostly) stands by like don’t hurt kids and no abusers get no mercy (and yes I’m using the terms rules loosely here). But honestly what sold the whole ‘Jason is hufflepuff’ thing for me is how protective/kind his is of crime victims, specifically women and children. He was a crime lord who fought to for kids, who didn't tolerate abuse, and who protected prostitutes. And yeah that's all super brave and very Gryffindor-esque, but in my mind it all comes from a place of genuine kindness, and that's what makes him a Hufflepuff to me.

Cass

-> Hufflepuff: Cass is deadly, she could snap just about anyone like a twig, but she's also a complete cinnamon roll. She's a sweetheart who adores her family and, for the most part, likes people. Cass is kind and sweet and she literally booped Batman on the nose. Like if that isn't the most Hufflepuff thing, than I don't know what is. She's just the epitome of 'soft cute Hufflepuff,' but also never forget that she can easily kill you.

Tim

-> Ravenclaw: In my opinion (and I think also canonically but I'm not 100% on that) Tim is the smartest bat. Tim literally outsmarted Ra's Al Ghul and he figured out Batman's identity when he was just a child. And he's not just 'I know a lot of things' smart, he's cunning and knows how to plan for any outcome, how to out wit others, how to lie to Batman. Like in the Red Robin arc his Tim's side quest is outsmarting the league of assassins and pissing off Ras Al Ghul. That's such a Ravenclaw (and baller) move.

Steph

-> Gryffindor: Steph had the nerve to put on a purple suit, she was daring enough to hit Robin with a brick, and she was brave enough to become Batgirl even after her encounter with Black Mask. She's bold and shameless in all the best ways. Like Steph isn't the greatest fighter or most skilled bat, but she's bold and fearless and that's what makes her such a great hero.

Duke

-> Slytherin: This one took me forever to decide on, but I realized that Duke has all the smarts of a Ravenclaw and all the bravery of a Gryffindor. Traits that both fit perfectly into Slytherin. He's cunning and smart and an amazing leader and so determined. Duke lead the 'We Are Robin' movement and made his life goal to out riddle the Riddler. Honestly he's the perfect mix of smart and brave and really exemplefies the best of the Slytherin traits.

Damian

-> Slytherin: This one is a bit lack luster and a bit typical, but I do think it's fitting. He's cunning and ambitious and really values his heritage. Damian knows his life goals, he knows where his heritage can take him, and he will do anything to reach his full potential. And I do think that he has some Hufflepuff undertones, undertones that come out even more around animals and Jon, but overall he is a Slytherin.

And wowie, I'm done. This took waaayyyyyy longer than expected, so sorry for that. Honestly when I saw this ask I was like 'oh, cool, easy!' then I tried to answer and holy shit. I went back and forth so much and could not decide. So after many days and much thought this is what I ended up with. That being said I did really love this ask bc it was super fun.

Also srry if there are any typos but if I keep trying to edit this I will never finish bc I will keep changing my mind.

[wisdomrays]

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Are Muslims Guilty of Imperialism?

This charge continues to be leveled against the Muslim world. I would like to counter it by asking the following questions:

Given the existing circumstances of 1,400 years ago, how would any one living in Makka or Madina go about exploiting his own clan and tribe? If the supposedly exploited lands and people were those of the Hijaz, which were poor, unfruitful, and barren, who would have wished to invade or exploit them? It is ludicrous to level the charge of imperialist colonialism against the most noble-minded Muslims, who risked their lives to spread the message of Islam; who spent the greater part of their lives far from their children, families, homes, and native lands fighting armies ten or twenty times their size; and who felt deeply grieved when they did not die on the battlefield and join the earlier martyrs for Islam. We ask ourselves what worldly gain they obtained in return for such struggle, deprivation, and sacrifice!

Those who invaded, occupied, and exploited others with the worst intentions (and results) of imperialism are power-hungry individuals or nations. To mention a few: Alexander the "Great" and Napoleon, the Roman empire and Nazi Germany, the Mongol armies unleashed by Genghis Khan and the colonizing armies unleashed by western Europe, Russian dictatorship (whether czarist or communist) and the American empire (whether "manifest destiny" or "making the world safe for democracy"). Wherever such conquests came and went, they corrupted the morality of the conquerors and the conquered, causing chaos, conflict, tears, bloodshed, and devastation. Today their heirs, like bold thieves who bluff property owners to conceal their theft of that very property, turn to besmirching Islam, its Prophet, and his Companions.

True Muslims have never sought to exploit others. Nor have they let others do so where Muslim government had jurisdiction. At a time when Muslim armies were running from triumph to triumph, Caliph 'Umar said: "What befits me is to live at the level of the poorest Muslims," and he really did so. As he took only a few olives a day for his own sustenance, who was he exploiting?

After one battle, when a Muslim was asked to take the belongings of an enemy soldier whom he had fought and killed, he said: "I did not participate in the battle to take spoils." Pointing to his throat, he continued: "What I seek is an arrow here and to fall as a martyr." (His wish was granted.) While burning with the desire for martyrdom, who was he exploiting?

In another battle, a Muslim soldier fought and killed a leading enemy who had killed many Muslims. The Muslim commander saw him pass by his dead enemy. The commander went to the head of the dead soldier and asked who had killed him. The Muslim did not want to reply, but the commander called him back in the name of God. The Muslim felt himself obliged to do so, but concealed his face with a piece of cloth. The following conversation took place:

-Did you kill him for the sake of God?

-Yes.

-All right. But take this 1,000 dinar piece.

-But I did it for the sake of God!

-What is your name?

-What is my name to you? Perhaps you will tell this to everyone and cause me to lose the reward for this in the afterlife.

How could such people exploit others and establish colonies all over the world? To speak frankly, those who hate Islam and Muslims are blind to the historical truth of how Islam spread.

Let's look at what exploitation and imperialism are. Imperialism or colonization is a system of rule by which a rich and a powerful country controls other countries, their trade and policies, to enrich itself and gain more power at the other's expense. There are many kinds of exploitation. In today's world, they may take the following forms:

• Absolute sovereignty by dispossessing indigenous people in order to establish the invader's direct rule and sovereignty. Examples are western Europe's conquest of North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Zionists' conquest of Palestine.

• Military occupation so that the invaders can control the conquered nation's land and resources. One example is British colonial rule in India.

• Open or secret interference and intervention in a country's internal and foreign affairs, economy, and defense. Examples are those Third World countries who are manipulated and controlled by various developed countries.

• The transfer of intellectuals, which is currently the most common and dangerous type of imperialism. Young, intelligent, and gifted people of the countries to be exploited are chosen, given stipends, and educated abroad. There they are introduced to and made members of different groups. When they return to their country, they are given influential administrative and other posts so that they can influence their country's destiny. When native or foreign people linked to exploiters abroad are placed in crucial positions in the state mechanism, the country is conquered from inside. This immensely successful technique has enabled Western imperialists to achieve many of their goals smoothly and without overtly rousing the enmity of the people they wish to subjugate. Today, the Muslim world is caught in this trap and thus continues to suffer exploitation and abuse.

Whatever kind of imperialism they are subjected to, countries suffer a number of consequences:

• Various methods of assimilation alienate people from their own values, culture, and history. As a result, they suffer crises of identity and purpose, do not know their own past, and cannot freely imagine their own future.

• Any enthusiasm, effort, and zeal to support and develop their country is quenched. Industry is rendered dependent upon the (former) imperial masters, science and knowledge are not allowed to become productive and primary, and imitation is established firmly so that freedom of study and new research will gain no foothold.

• People remain in limbo, totally dependent upon foreigners. They are silenced and deluded by such empty phrases as progress, Westernization, civilization, and the like.

• All state institutions are penetrated by foreign aid, which is in reality no more than massive financial and cultural debt. Imports, exports, and development are wholly controlled by or conducted according to the exploiter's interests.

• While no effort is spared to keep the masses in poverty, the ruling classes become used to extravagant spending and luxury. The resulting communal dissatisfaction causes people to fight with each other, making them even more vulnerable to outside influence and intervention.

• Mental and spiritual activity is stifled, and so educational institutions tend to imitate foreign ways, ideas, and subjects. Industry is reduced to assembling prefabricated parts. The army tends to become a dumping ground for imperialist countries, for its purchases of expensive hardware ensure the continued well-being of the latter's industries.

We wonder if it is really rational to liken the Islamic conquest to imperialism, which brought disastrous consequences wherever it went.

The victory of Muslim armies never caused a great exodus of people from their homes and countries, nor has it prevented people from working by putting chains on their hands and feet. Muslims left the indigenous people free to follow their own way and beliefs, and protected them in exactly the same way it protected Muslims. Muslim governors and rulers were loved and respected for their justice and integrity. Equality, peace, and security were established between different communities.

If it had been otherwise, would the Christians of Damascus have gathered in their church and prayed for a Muslim victory against Christian Byzantium, which was seeking to regain control of the city? If Muslims had not been so respectful of non-Muslims' rights, could they have maintained security for centuries in a state so vast that it took more than 6 months to travel from one end to another?

One cannot help but admire those Muslim rulers and the dynamic energy that made them so, when we compare them to present-day rulers. Despite every modern means of transportation, telecommunications, and military back-up, they cannot maintain peace and security in even a small area of land.

Today, many scholars and intellectuals who realize the value of Islam's dynamics, which brought about Islam's global sovereignty and which will form the basis of our eternal existence in the Hereafter, expressly tell us that Muslims should reconsider and regain them. While conquering lands, the Muslims also were conquering their inhabitants' hearts. They were received with love, respect, and obedience. No people who accepted Islam ever complained that they were culturally prevented or ruined by the arrival of Muslims. The contrast with the reality of Christian Europe's conquests is stark and obvious.

Early Muslims evaluated the potential of knowledge and art in the conquered lands. They prepared and provided every opportunity for local scholars and scientists to pursue their work. Regardless of their religion, Muslims held the people in high regard and honored them in the community. They never did what the descendants of the British colonialists in America did to the American Indians or in Australia to the Aborigines, the French to the Algerians, or the Dutch to the Indonesians. On the contrary, they treated the conquered people as if they were from their own people and religion, as if they were brothers and sisters.

Caliph 'Umar once told a Coptic Egyptian who had been beaten by a Makkan noble to beat him just as he had been beaten. When 'Umar heard that 'Amr ibn al-'As had hurt the feelings of a native Egyptian, he rebuked him: "Human beings were born free. Why do you enslave them?" As he went to receive the keys to Masjid al-Aqsa, 'Umar visited and talked to priests in different churches in Palestine. Once he was in a church when it was time to pray. The priest repeatedly asked him to pray inside the church, but 'Umar refused, saying: "You may be harassed by other Christians later on because you let me pray in the church." He left the church's premises and prayed outside on the ground.

These are but a few examples to indicate how Muslims were sensitive, tolerant, just, and humane toward other people. Such an attitude of genuine tolerance has not been reached by any other people or society.

[irresistiibles]

below the cut is a very long event starter/plotting call with all of my characters and little blurbs about what has changed for them and how they’ll be during everything. feel free to like this post if you want to plot first but i’m also fine just writing starters and going off of vibes! please reply with who you want starters from/for if requesting anything. i’m not going to cap this since i’ll queue them throughout the week, but please try not to request more than like 5 per mun so i can try to write with everyone!

amber | genshin impact | no powers  ➡ dog animagus 

is really just having fun! trying to see if a human can become an emotional support dog. she isn’t sure if she should be trying to hide it but she absolutely isn’t. finds the whole power swap thing fun and is trying to be helpful but probably can’t quite understand why someone would be stressed about everything. (0/?)

asami sato | legend of korra | no powers  ➡ sharingan

finds the whole thing interesting but is unsure how it’s meant to be useful or what the point is. like it’s cool to go from the one without any wild to powers to suddenly having something going on, but the way her eyes look different feels unnerving. she knows it could probably be utilized for fighting or something real big, but it mostly using it to do some small scale engineering projects that were usually hard to look at. lowkey trying to continue life as if everything is normal, and probably encouraging others to do the same. (0/?)

blue sargent | the raven cycle | power enhancement  ➡ geo and vessel manipulation

goes through a whole character arch of not needing to be psychic to like herself and her life and now suddenly powers?? she has mixed feelings about it really. it is undeniably cool, no matter how much she doesn’t want it to be, but she also is sure this can’t be permanent, doesn’t want to get attached, and is trying to act uncaring about the whole thing. will happily turn into a small dragon and sunbath, but she’s trying not to use them too much. (1/?)

chihiro ogino | spirited away | no powers  ➡ size manipulation and enhanced strengh

just using it to carry more stuff at work and make herself a little taller than everyone she’s around. she’s used to being the short one so it’s a nice change. honestly probably a bit of a brat who is gonna make herself half an inch taller than people.(0/?)

ciel phantomhive | black butler | no powers  ➡ witcher powers

a little overwhelmed honestly, but trying not to show it. you go from being a sickly victorian child to a highly strong and enhanced human and it is not a simple change. using the heightened senses to his benefit and is even more of an asshole than usual now that he doesn’t have to worry about a strong gust of wind knocking him over. will also probably try and take advantage of the stressful situation to help people but make them feel like they owe him. (1/?) 

edward elric | fullmetal alchemist | alchemy  ➡ water manipulation

he’s pretty stressed. not about his new powers, but about the ones he lost. his alchemy was maintaining his brother’s body back home and he doesn’t know how the rules work here and if al is okay. because of this he’ll be looking for people who can now do alchemy since he’s assuming some sort of exchange happened and one of them is unknowingly responsible for his brother. will be a real pain to anyone he finds. (0/?)

esther mckinnon | harry potter | witch  ➡ force field projection

she’s vibing and comfortable. she wasn’t using magic for too much to begin with so the loss of it isn’t too bad, and she likes having powers that feel protective. trying to make sure her family is okay both in terms of enemies getting powers, and like them potentially hurting themselves with whatever they got. happy to be a form of protection in general for people who need it with everything going on. (1/?)

glinda upland | wicked | witch  ➡ flaming feet

definitely destroyed a pair of nice shoes and is pissed about it. is also just confused and trying to figure out how to get the shoe situation squared away in general. biggest concerns are fashion ones, and also ruining the floors of her place. will be loudly complaining about the whole ordeal. (0/?)

jin ling | the untamed | no powers  ➡ astral projection

absolutely gonna try and use it for pranks and to freak people out. poor fairy is probably gonna be stuck playing guard dog to his body while he goes around doing dumb stuff and trying to catch people (his friends/uncles) off guard. he’s also probably dumb about where he’ll astral project from like hello do not separate from your body while it’s out somewhere people can find it, but does he stop and think that?? absolutely not. (0/?)

jaskier | the witcher | no powers  ➡ snow and ice manipulation

this is a man who was unaware for years in washington. he knows frozen! he’s living his best elsa life. has probably already bought a blonde wig. has been singing it go for hours. point is he’s being annoying. also kinda thrilled to finally be able to help in a physical fight and is bragging a little. doesn’t want to cause any issues but he does want to show off (0/?)

kageyama shigeo | mob psycho 100 | psychic powers  ➡ no powers

man is honestly kinda relaxed and comfortable. he has led his whole life being careful with his emotions so they wouldn’t blow up on him and now he can finally chill and just like feel however he wants. knows what it’s like to be burdened with dangerous power and is trying to comfort people who are freaked out by the situation, though i can’t promise he’ll do a good job. (0/?)

kyoshi | avatar the last airbender | avatar  ➡ fae magic

saw all these power changes and was excited to get a break only to get something weirder than what she currently had going and would just really appreciate a nap. unfortunately, she also feels obligated to try and help how she can, so will potentially be trying them out, but is not happy about it. she is already self conscious about standing out she has no desire to manifest wings thanks (2/?)

lily evans | harry potter | witch  ➡ telepathy (twilight)

trying to use it to to get an advatage against the death eaters but it’s definitely giving her a splitting headache. avoiding crowds at all costs. probably avoiding her friends too since it feels like an invasion of privacy that she isn’t quite comfortable with. (2/?)

mianmian | the untamed | no change

the newest addition is already stressed and didn’t need any changes to continue to be stressed. will be trying to go around helping people who are struggling with all these changes, though she doesn’t quite know how. not thrilled to see the extent of powers here. (0/?)

nie huaisang | the untamed | no powers  ➡ compulsion

he’s trying not to do anything tbh. he doesn’t  like starting problems for no reason or giving anyone an idea that he could be more than they think. will mostly be using the compulsion to get himself out of trouble if someone with new powers tries to start something, but it is very tempting to go and take care of any concerns he has regarding people he knows and what they know about him. just ensure they have no problems with him and don’t feel some type away about what he did. he knows he shouldn’t, but it is Tempting. (0/?)

rita skeeter | harry potter | witch/animagus  ➡ orbing

some concern that someone might find out she’s an animagus with this, and is also absolutely annoyed at losing her magic. she uses it for a lot of stuff and finds the whole situation frustrating. stuck trying to remember how to do a whole lot of things the muggle way. will use the teleportation to try and get into places she shouldn’t be and be nosy. (0/?)

shang qinghua | svsss | no powers  ➡ air bender

you cannot convince me this man is not at least aware of avatar the last airbender. even if he doesn’t realize that’s what his powers are from it’s the joke he’s making. shouldn’t be trusted with these abilities. he’s too much of a klutz. he’s having fun trying to do an air scooter and stuff and absolutely slamming into walls and falling a lot as a result. probably accidentally blowing people around with wind too so will annoy/upset people (0/?)

shi qingxuan | heaven official’s blessing |  wind master  ➡ no powers

uh made them lose their powers for reasons and the reasons are i’m mean and like to suffer. qingxuan is freaked out, mostly about being human and vulnerable and worried something will happen to them before they can figure out what’s happening and contact their brother. trying very hard to be optimistic, and it’s working like 60% of the time. sad they can’t shift between forms. not completely hopeless despite all the panic though, like genuinely hopefully and doing their best. (0/?)

tessa gray | shadowhunters | warlock  ➡ pathokinesis

stressed lowkey. she already had powers she barely understood and now she’s got some new ones. feels a little invasive to know how people are feeling, but also it makes navigating everything a little easier, so she doesn’t mind as much as she should. doesn’t want to use them, but probably will to calm down people who are freaking out about things.(1/?)

toph beifong | avatar the last airbender | no change

judging the chaos from the sidelines and glad her own stuff didn’t change. thrilled that there are other benders all of a sudden and will probably be challenging random people to fights. like friendly fights, not meant for anyone to seriously get harmed, but also, absolutely looking to brawl. (2/?)

victor nikiforov | yuri on ice | no powers  ➡ shapeshifting

thinks it’s a neat party trick but also, he likes being himself most of the time so doesn’t see much of a reason to change. has probably made his hairline look slightly thicker though. will also be absolutely annoying and change into the person he’s talking to and just copy what they say like the menace that he is. (0/?)

zagreus | hades | fire feet  ➡ shadowsinger

a little confused by the new powers. he thinks they’re cool but they also remind him of something he’d see in the underworld with like nyx, and is a little worried this means he’ll be going home soon, so he’s trying not to use them too much. he will like being able to travel with shadows though and probably will wind up accidentally sneaking up on people because he doesn’t think. will be really interested in seeing other people try out powers they suddenly have. (0/?)

zhongli | genshin impact | geo archon  ➡ terrible luck

ngl he’s kind intrigued, and annoyed, but also intrigued. he’s lived a long life and it takes more than this to seriously phase him. is probably trying to mitigate it by just not doing a lot, but he’s frustrated that he can’t offer much help to anyone else in the situation as a result. i am sure a bunch of little annoying things are happening to him, and the biggest struggle is just not wanting to go out for meals until this passes since he doesn’t know how things will go wrong. (0/?)

[harcidian]

fma post-series predictions

with Arakawa's new content coming up on July 12th, 2021, I wanted to share some details I tied together to form a general idea of how the series can possibly continue beyond the canon timeline, based on all the clues in the manga and in brotherhood. Even if Arakawa doesn't follow this theory, at least I'm able to get it out of my system.

Disclaimer: I'm not saying these are canon, or that these should be canon. These are mere observations and some are completely assumptions, so take it with a grain of salt.

Let's start by enumerating the characters' goals in the future, then defining the basic symbols, then drawing out assumptions on how these can be connected.

For this discussion, we'll be following what the silver pocket watch looks like in the manga. I have no idea why both FMA 2003 and brotherhood changed it, so if anyone knows, feel free to share!

note: I'm also using this headcanon for my ongoing post-fmab fic, meridian :)

(also this is very lengthy, so just click keep reading if you want to read more)

Due to Tumblr's photo limit, I wouldn't be able to add a picture for every point. But all these are from the mangahood unless otherwise stated, you could cross-check if you like!

Character's goals

EDWARD ELRIC, ALPHONSE ELRIC, CHIMERAS

At the end of the series (both anime and manga), the Elric brothers mentioned two goals.

first

"a new rule to counter the law of equivalent exchange".

Alphonse told Gracia that receiving "ten" and giving back "ten" only amounts to a zero-sum gain. So he proposed that if they receive "ten", they will give "eleven" in return.

In real life, this could be analogous to how interest rates work.

Gracia then asks Al what keeps them driven to come up with this principle, and he told her it's because of "a little girl we couldn't save."

This leads us to their next goal.

second

"once we pool what we learn from east and west together, maybe we'll find a way to help those who are suffering from alchemy".

Ed plans to head West, while Al plans to head East. Both of them seek knowledge on bringing chimeras back to their original bodies.

Al also mentioned studying the PURIFICATION ARTS in Xing.

The chimeras also strategized on how they would get their bodies back.

First, they take the soul out of the body and keep it safe in a separate location, then they take the body and separate it. They also cautioned about the "SPIRIT", which connects the soul to the body, and if it gets cut the soul can't come back to the body.

ROY MUSTANG, RIZA HAWKEYE, AND THE MILITARY

There were also two things that the mangahood hinted on what the future has in store for the military officers.

first

In Volume 16 of the manga, Riza tells Ed that their first priority is to "restore power to the parliament and move the country towards true democracy". Then she also shares that they plan to "negotiate with other nations to reduce our armaments" and "abolish the state alchemist program". Lastly, "end up on trial for the injustices we committed in Ishval".

However, the last plan should be taken with caution. There is an anomaly between the idea of getting hanged for their crimes and what Volume 15 is connotating.

In Volume 15, the highest-ranking priest in Ishval wanted to offer his life in exchange for the lives of thousands just to end the slaughter. However, Bradley tells him that one life is still equal to one life no matter who that person is. (It makes sense, in a way, but then again they only need it for the transmutation circle).

So I'm not sure if Arakawa wants military war criminals to experience death by firing squad or something but I guess it just depends on the way you interpret it.

Sidenote: After hearing about Roy's plan for "self-destruction", it appears that Ed has his own way of telling Roy to "stay alive". When Ed told him "you won't go far in life being that petty", he decided not to pay Roy back until he becomes the Fuhrer. And when that time comes, he'll borrow some more and will pay it back when Amestris becomes a democracy. Roy tells him, "then I've got a long life ahead of me". Ed also tells him "not to worry the Lieutenant."

second

Manga: Dr. Marcoh tells Roy that he would only use the Philosopher's stone to restore his sight if he agrees to restore Ishval.

Brotherhood: Roy already plans to restore Ishval without knowing that Dr. Marcoh can restore his sight. First, he plans to call off the military occupation from Ishval, then he'll return the holy land to the Ishvalans living in the slums.

In Riza's words, "This may not erase our sins, but it's the least we can do to fix it." (in the English dub but it has similar connotations in the manga)

OUR HEROES FROM XING (LING YAO, LAN FAN, MEI CHAN / MAY CHANG)

For now, I admittedly don't have much evidence on what's to come for them, but I think it's important to note that Ling Yao canonically becomes the Emperor two years after The Promised Day, where he decided to accept all clans.

I think that's all I have for the characters' goals, I'm sure I missed some, so feel free to let me know!

Now that all of that is in place, let's talk about the common symbols and how these are clues to what could possibly happen next after the series.

SYMBOLS AND THEIR CONNECTION

1. The "star" symbol on the silver pocket watch and its relation to the "spirit"

Again, I can't help but notice that the star symbol on the pocket watch looks different in the manga and the anime (and it honestly bothers me) so I'm going to have to rely on what it looks like in the manga.

So let's talk about this symbol.

In alchemy, a hexagram represents "the fifth element", the "quintessence", the unity of all elements [1] (it's Wikipedia lmao but it has citations. I'm too scared to check on other sites, I don't wanna dive too deep into alchemy)

We know that Hiromu Arakawa follows this symbolism since she used triangles for Flame Alchemy

(fire: plain triangle for fire, air: a triangle with a stripe on its top, and earth: an inverted triangle with a stripe at the bottom) [2]

I find it interesting to know that Arakawa specifically placed it on the silver pocket watch.

Caution, this is more speculation than observation and I've used it for my fic. I believe it stands for Time, and time has many connotations. The length of an event, a process from one point to another, and, of course, FMA's theme: immortality.

In an alchemical, philosophical, and chemical sense, time can be seen as the period that a substance exists, also known as volatility.

The volatility of a substance is central to alchemy, where alchemists believe that mercury is the most volatile substance. And it's interesting to note that alchemists code mercury as the Spirit.[3]

Remember when we were talking about the Spirit? About Ed and Al's plan to bring chimera's back to their original bodies?

SPECULATION: I, therefore, surmise that the quintessence, that time, that the Spirit, has something to do with splitting the soul of the chimera and putting the human soul back to the human body.

It's also interesting to note that volatility is a property used in Distillation (both a chemical and alchemical process). In Distillation, a liquid mixture is separated back into a pure component by heating it until the component with the lower boiling point (or higher volatility) evaporates.

And Distillation is one of the 12 Purification Arts that Al talks about, based on the magnum opus [4] [5]

Another interesting fact is that Ed and Al's goal of "fixing the volatility" have been foreshadowed all along.

2. Ed, Al, and Izumi's symbol

This represents the Crucified Serpent, where Arakawa modified it and placed wings and a crown on top of it.

I find it interesting that this site has defined what a crucified serpent means, and at the same time, defines what Ed, Al, and Izumi's symbol meant in relation to that.

So “fixing the volatile” generally means stabilizing the active principle, something which can separate harmful and beneficial elements from each other or even transform the harmful (pure active, too active) into the beneficial (balanced active).

The symbol that Izumi, Ed and Al wear, however, is not the crucified serpent alone. It is the crucified serpent winged and crowned. As we can see in many manuscripts, wings are used to mark progress or advancement of an alchemical solution toward perfection. Crowns mark the final stage of a spirit or solution: perfection, completion, ascension.

If we interpret snake = Mercury = spirit, which is a common symbol chain, then the symbol can suggest that the final “rendering” of the spirit, by death or enlightenment, will produce the pure, perfected, incorruptible spirit that, in alchemical terms, tends to go along with an incorruptible body. In this reading, the symbol indicates immortality, the standard promise of the philosopher’s stone. [3]

Basically, Arakawa is telling us that Ed and Al's goal has always been to fix the volatile or "render the spirit".

From the same quotation, another important factor we should look into is "Mercury", "volatile" and "snakes".

Do you remember another FMA symbol with snakes?

Yes. It is in Riza Hawkeye's tattoo.

This will be the last thing we'll interpret for this post and is the symbol that basically says it all.

3. Riza Hawkeye and the emblem of Flame Alchemy

Manga and Brotherhood

Source of the last picture [5]

I'm honestly a little skeptical of the last picture, because, in the mangahood, Riza's tattoo does not look like that, unless this was revealed in one of Arakawa's FMA guidebooks.

Anyway, we see that the snakes in Riza's tattoo look like an inverted Caduceus, which is the staff carried by the Greek or Roman god Hermes or Mercury. It is a symbol for medicine, and it also has Biblical roots where Moses crucified serpents to cure diseases back in the day [6]. Yes, we've gone full circle, we've mentioned the crucified serpent earlier, where it also mentioned the crucified serpents being related to Moses' healing [3].

We also know that snakes = mercury = volatility, and based from soterianyx's analysis:

Master Hawkeye meant for these two representations (the sun and the serpents) to be deciphered as one unit. When sulfur (the sun) and mercury (the moon/the serpents) are placed together, they are usually depicted in alchemical illustrations as the “Red King” and the “White Queen,” respectively. Riza would be considered as the White Queen, and whoever successfully decoded the array as the Red King. [5]

In alchemy, sulfur is related to the sun, fire, ambition, and is non-volatile, and mercury is related to water and volatility (correct me if I'm wrong, also I'm too scared to link it directly here but you could see it as the first result when you search "mercury and sulfur alchemy")

And if you remember that fire has the triangle symbol, and water has the inverted triangle symbol?

Yes, this merge forms the hexagram = the quintessence = time = life!

And in alchemy, this union between two dualities, fire and water, masculine and feminine, the Red King and the White Queen, is called the Alchemical Marriage [7], where two things become one.

(will edit this from time to time I'm so sleepy right now asksksakjd) Note: If the last picture is indeed true, then there's one more thing I'd like to point out.

Surrounding the largest circle in Riza's tattoo are 12 symbols. These 12 symbols are also known as the Zodiac signs. Interestingly, these signs are also used as a cryptography for the 12 Purification Processses in alchemy (the one we also talked before) [4]. This observation is also noted by soterianyx [5].

Calcination (Aries) ♈︎

Congelation (Taurus) ♉︎

Fixation (Gemini) ♊︎

Dissolution (Cancer) ♋︎

Digestion (Leo ) ♌︎

Distillation (Virgo ) ♍︎

Sublimation (Libra ) ♎︎

Separation (Scorpio ) ♏︎

Ceration (Sagittarius ) ♐︎

Fermentation (Capricorn ) ♑︎

Multiplication (Aquarius ) ♒︎

Projection (Pisces) ♓︎

Whew finally done.

How'd you like that? Thank you for reaching the end.

I also used this headcanon in doing my post-series fic, meridian . You might want to read it if you want to know more of my speculations since I'll be making my own analysis in the worldbuilding I'm doing there.

Other FMA blogs: @royriza - for royai stuff

@fullmetalanalyst - for my analysis

[princewished]

Piggybacking off of one of your answered asks... If Al and Moze did turn out to be brothers, and they were able to at least become civil (preferably able to fix their relationship and become good brothers to each other), what would be some headcanons you have for them?

!!!!! okay yes so if they were able to reach this place I think there would be quite a few stipulations honestly

• Mozenrath would have to give up the Gauntlet. there’s no two ways about it; in order for a relationship to work, the Gauntlet has to be gone. I think in this way there would be a big power imbalance at first because for all intents and purposes Mozenrath would be a prisoner, but one who was able to roam the Palace almost freely (a la Belle from Beauty and the Beast). but the fact would remain that he’d be a prisoner without power.

in exchange, Genie would stabilize Mozenrath’s condition. depending on the way one plays Mozenrath, the arm / his body / his actual essence would be in varying states of decay. @fallowfinality has a headcanon that I really like about Mozenrath being super sickly without the Gauntlet to disguise it, and I think that would definitely come into play here.

• @fallowfinality and I have also discussed this, but I’m gonna put it here too bc I do believe it’d happen. Mozenrath is like… the equivalent of a feral cat. sullen and unfriendly and angry because he’s so powerless. and Aladdin (and by extension Jasmine) would have to be incredibly patient and kind and would have to meet Mozenrath at his level.

• Mozenrath is, at first, determined to make his own life miserable. he refuses to eat when he can stand it, to sleep for as long as he can bear it, or to list any preferences. he refuses books and activities to pass the time. he refuses to leave his room (which is, for all purposes if not intents, acting as a cell), and doesn’t even really speak to Aladdin. but Aladdin is as determined as he is stubborn, and he can out-stubborn Mozenrath any day of the week.

Mozenrath may like to call him stupid, but Aladdin is highly observant, and by week two he’s already changed up the meal roster, adapted it to Mozenrath’s erratic sleep schedule, stopped offering activities and has begun leaving the types of books that he reckons Mozenrath might like. a lot of the time he gets them thrown at his head in return, but some life is better than no life and Mozenrath at least has the will to continue to hate him.

• a few weeks have passed by the time Aladdin finally forces Mozenrath from his room. it’s definitely not what Mozenrath wants because it prompts a tantrum for the ages—hollering, scratching, writhing—name it and Mozenrath’s doing it. but Aladdin is stubborn and has a well that goes on for miles, and spite has never really been a great motivator outside of its own conditions. Mozenrath stands outside in the garden, scowling and empty eyed, for an hour that day on.

• “I hate dates.”

if Aladdin is startled, he does a good job concealing it. “Okay,” Aladdin says calmly. “You hate dates.”

“Stop including them.” Mozenrath’s tone is a challenge.

“Okay,” Aladdin agrees, just like that, and Mozenrath’s next meals don’t have dates but do have olives. Mozenrath doesn’t dispute those, so they stay. he doesn’t thank Aladdin, but Aladdin has never done this for thanks.

(and either way the lesson is learned: ask, and I’ll do it for you.)

• Mozenrath starts asking for things. well, demanding them, but truth be told Aladdin is simply happy to see the re-emergence of a personality and so doesn’t quite mind being ordered around so long as it’s not insulting.

which is a rule that Mozenrath, predictably, tests to its limit. Aladdin doesn’t care about being called petty names; he devotes his time to better things than caring about what Mozenrath thinks of him. (he already knows.) but the minute Mozenrath starts insulting Jasmine, it’s a problem.

“Jasmine is the only reason you’re alive,” Aladdin snaps, which isn’t a lie but is certainly on the far end of the truth. it had been Jasmine’s word that finalized Mozenrath’s stay of execution, but Aladdin who had tirelessly argued for her to give it. “watch your mouth.”

and Mozenrath stops talking after that. back to square one.

Aladdin doesn’t apologize, but neither does he revoke any privileges. so they exist at a stalemate, neither of them willing to give ground.

• Aladdin sits outside of Mozenrath's room most evenings. sometimes he talks, sometimes he doesn’t; sometimes he asks questions and sometimes he offers information of his own. depending on the day, the sound of a quill scratching or parchment rustling can be heard, and Aladdin mutters to himself, too low to hear properly even though the door is cracked.

and then, one day, Aladdin talks about Cassim.

“I never knew our father,” he begins. stops, starts, stops. “my mother always said he would come back for us and he never did.” and then he tells Mozenrath everything.

he gets up and doesn’t seem to expect Mozenrath to respond, and doesn’t speak of it again. he doesn’t ask Mozenrath his own story.

• “I hate you,” Mozenrath says.

“Okay.”

“I hate you. I hate you.”

“Yes, you said that.”

“I hate you.”

“I heard you.”

“I hate you.”

Aladdin doesn’t yell. he doesn’t scold. and he doesn’t stop coming.

• Mozenrath gets very sick. he doesn’t remember much; something in Genie’s maintenance spell failed and without it Mozenrath truly began to waste away, and battling fever and delirium is hard on the body.

Aladdin takes care of him because no one else will, but Mozenrath is so out of it that Aladdin doubts he remembers.

• but he does.

“I don’t hate you,” Mozenrath whispers through the door.

Aladdin’s voice is very calm. “I know.”

maybe Mozenrath should be angered by the presumption. but he isn’t.

• things start to get better after that. they’ve finally weathered the crest of the wave, and though they’re far from the trough they’re no longer battling uphill. Mozenrath begins to tentatively ask for things—books, certain foods. Aladdin gives him nabidh, but it’s unfermented even though Mozenrath wants to be drunk. he asks for books and activities and even trips to the garden. he bests Aladdin at shatranj repeatedly. he’s not foolish enough to ask for the Gauntlet, which is good because Aladdin doesn’t want to have to tell Mozenrath no any more than he has to.

• sitting around the fountain one day, Aladdin nursing a headache as Mozenrath suns himself, Mozenrath says, “I never knew our father either.”

Aladdin startles. headache forgotten, he stares at Mozenrath, trying to discern the best way to go about this. “no?” he finally settles on. a prompt.

“no,” Mozenrath says. “Instead, I had Destane.”

and then Mozenrath talks and Aladdin listens. and when Mozenrath is finally returned to the room, hoarse from having spoken for so long, Aladdin retreats to the safety of Jasmine’s arms and mourns.

• Mozenrath tries to coax Aladdin through shatranj since he’s absolutely terrible at it. for a man who’s good at strategy, Aladdin can’t visualize it on a shatranj board. “don’t you help plan battles on maps?” Mozenrath sighs, but he’s not really irritated.

“this is nothing like that!” Aladdin protests. “that’s easy. it’s clear. everything is—” Aladdin waves vaguely. “labeled.”

“mm.”

“shut up, Mozenrath.” but it’s teasing, a smile lurking at the corners of both their mouths. it’s progress.

• they talk more about everything and nothing. they stray from harder topics and instead settle into interests, books and princehood and the differences between leading lands of the living and the dead, and Aladdin is gruesomely fascinated by the concept behind mamluks, which Mozenrath relishes in revealing. in return, Aladdin teaches Mozenrath how to do card tricks and tells stories about his childhood—lighter ones. if Mozenrath squinted he would be able to catch the severity behind them, but Aladdin laughs about them and that’s all that really matters.

• Mozenrath and Jasmine spend time together too. Jasmine gives Mozenrath the equivalent of a shovel talk every single time and threatens to punch him at least once during it. she’s much slower to affection, but “Aladdin trusts you, and I trust Aladdin. but don’t think I’m foolish enough to forget what you’ve done.”

Aladdin is much softer—and Jasmine much harder—than Mozenrath had first expected. but Jasmine does warm up slowly. painstakingly slowly.

• “it’s weird,” Aladdin decides one day. “it’s weird.”

“I cannot read the minds of dunderheads,” Mozenrath drawls. “you’re going to have to elaborate.”

“this. you and me. I never expected—I mean, I hoped. but.”

Mozenrath blinks at him. Aladdin refuses to look at him, eyes firmly focused on the horizon line. they’re on top of the Palace because Mozenrath mentioned never being able to see the sun in the Land of the Black Sands, and Aladdin asked if he’d ever seen a proper sunset, and the answer had been yes, as a child, and apparently that wasn’t good enough.

“well, you did it,” Mozenrath says, not sneering. but close. “and you can’t take it back.”

“I wouldn’t want to,” Aladdin says absently, mind somewhere else. this is good because it means Aladdin doesn’t notice the look that takes over Mozenrath’s face. “I just thought I’d be alone.”

Mozenrath doesn’t answer.

• “I have no fucking clue how to do this,” Aladdin scowls, seconds away from chucking the scroll out the window. “I hate politics.”

“you’re a prince,” Mozenrath says. he’s staring at the ceiling, flat on his back in bed. “you’re going to be sultan.”

“maybe you’ll kill me before then.” he doesn’t sound particularly convinced, but he does sound a little hopeful.

it’s a testament to how far they’ve come that Mozenrath only blows a breath out of his nose, a half-laugh. “maybe. give me the Gauntlet back and it’ll be quick work.”

Aladdin stills. Mozenrath blinks and cranes his head to find Aladdin staring at him, then rolls his eyes. “relax. I wasn’t serious.”

“weren’t you?” Aladdin says quietly.

“no.”

“don’t lie.”

“I’m not.” and he’s not; he really hasn’t obsessed over the Gauntlet for weeks, which is an odd development and not one that Mozenrath is inclined to linger on. “I just thought I’d give you a fast, painless death, but if you insist on being bludgeoned via candelabra then I can’t help that.”

Aladdin blinks at him, stupefied. “what?”

“I’ll kill you with a candelabra instead. keep up.”

Aladdin’s smile is a slow, tentative thing, but it unfurls all the same, changing his face and his eyes and the air around him. it’s not the first time he’s smiled, but it’s the first time it’s ever looked like this.

(Aladdin is much, much softer than Mozenrath had expected.)

• and they live like that for a while. they’re not quite brotherly, but they’re certainly something close to friends, even if that’s a word that neither of them will use, and that's enough

[thedeviljudges]

This is a different anon; regarding your last controversial opinion from your previous ask. Would you still think that Yohan had some degree of infatuation for Isaac if in the drama, Isaac and Gaon did not look similar? I personally don’t think that that would even be a topic of discussion if they didn't look alike.

I don’t necessarily think it’s be such a sore point as it is for a lot of people if it was never mentioned at all. However, I do think that someone in fandom, at some point, would bring up yohan’s devotion to Isaac. the entirety of the devil judge wouldn’t have happened if isaac hadn’t died. yohan would still become a judge, and he’d serve justice. and only then maybe down the line would he use his position to tackle the elite. but to the extent that he went on behalf of his brother? i’m not sure he would. isaac would be alive - would he still meet gaon? would he seek him out; would he befriend him, teach him? does gaon in this world still resemble isaac, in that case? because that leads to another discussion of whether yohan would've sought comfort in gaon outside of isaac even while alive.

but that's a lot of what ifs. what we do know is yohan loves tremendously. isaac’s death drove the storyline but so did his love of elijah to keep her safe and prevent her from ever learning the truth of what happened. it’s very clear yohan feels things deeply; he just processes those emotions much differently than the average person. it takes gaon to actually understand him. isaac understood him, too, but only to an extent.

i digress, yohan’s only safe haven growing up was Isaac. He protected him, he visited him in his basement. Yohan didn’t have any friends except Isaac and later heejin and Elijah. yohan probably had surface level, kinda buddies in college and co-workers, at most, as a judge. his only source of interaction was through isaac - and that’s not to say he was deprived completely, but he was alienated at a school-age level. the confusion of growing up and figuring yourself out, working through hormones and reading about these things in books, coupled with isaac being older and eventually dating heejin. jealousy certainly could’ve loomed there. there is a lot of what-ifs, and one of those is yohan's development, need, desires, attachment style (in a deprived household), etc.

now does any of this call for an incestuous nature? no, not necessarily. but yohan also didn’t get to experience what life was like as a “normal” person in society from a very young age. his social, moral, ethical, cultural and any other -al is vastly different than that of others. he operates on a different belief system due to finding guidance through isaac and books. it’s how he’s able look at murder as self-preservation (for himself, for the country). why he never changes his mind about how no human is truly innocent, resorts to a “means to an end” mentality without remorse and is devoted to his family above all (which gets into a whole other topic of discussion about yohan’s abuse and his inability to break ties with those he loves - saving gaon from being mobbed to death while shot and then bleeding out on the floor despite gaon’s continues back-and-forth trust and distrust with him). he doesn’t actually care about the kang family social standings outside of his plan (clearly seen the day of the church fire where he didn’t even join, and there is no way isaac would’ve banished him from the event; it seems he actually gave yohan a choice whether he could participate or not).

the books he reads also clearly delve into darker, meatier subjects. in fact, one book specifically called “the god of small things” by arundhati roy features this subject (twins who have sex out of grief). and while it’s not from a place of true romance, it’s still there and serves its narrative purpose for the story that is being told.

i know this is probably not the place you’re necessarily coming from, and this ask is just out of curiosity if anything, but what i really want to challenge people with this is instead of saying oh ew gross - think about it from another context historically and textually. just because you learn about it, know about it or it exists doesn’t mean you have to condone it, but i don’t think it’s a thing to be feared in topics of discussion - i’m sure it’s a heavy subject in psychology and other sciences as well as within the history of humanity.

i also discussed a smilier theme regarding the death penalty because when the show aired, people were horrified, and that is what the tone of the show is supposed to take on, yes. how does someone go so far to condone that - not just yohan but the general public? but, in reality, when we look at the historical context of death in and of itself, was murder treated as taboo? did people have the same reaction to it back then as they do now? can’t say for sure because i wasn’t there, but history has told us that it was pretty normal, so much so to the point that it in certain regions of the world, it was pretty equivalent to an afternoon movie showing.

i think you make a very fair point, and i don’t think there’s anything wrong with thinking that no, it wouldn’t be a hot button issue if the storyline nixed the resemblance aspect. so as i said above, i don't think it'd be such a touchy subject because it wouldn't be a leading narrative carrot. though even if that were the case, i don't think it'd stop anyone from playing devil's advocate anyhow - which is what my how spiel is about.

in the end, i think it’s an answer that can go either way. there’s no right or wrong way to view it, but because you asked, there’s my two cents.

[docholligay]

The Green Knight: A Ramble Through the Field of Honor

So I talked in an earlier post very glancingly about the line “Why greatness? Is goodness not enough?” and how it fits into the idea that Gawain has no idea what true greatness looks like, and I think, dovetailing into that, we kind of have to talk about how Gawain is...not a great guy. 

And I’m not even talking about the way we begin the movie with him in a brothel, though I am going to use that to spring off here and talk about his conduct toward Essel. Knightly stories are full of these ideas of chivalry particularly around women, and I think Lowery is using Essel to make the point that Gawain is not doing that, not even remotely. Essel is a working girl, sure, but she’s also, as its shown throughout the movie, devoted to him, and cares for him far beyond his ability to provide for her. She even tells him that she has his gold, when she asks to be his lady, but she wants very simple things--to sit by his side at the fire, and have his ear, and be his lady. In full fairness to Gawain, I suppose, he never pretends even for a moment that he has any intention of doing that. Gawain is not interested in whatever he might owe her, because in seeking his greatness he utterly passes by this goodness. 

We see this again in “A Kindness” where he repeatedly tells the scavenger that he is “Just passing through” when asked if he is a knight, not dodging the question, exactly, but allowing the scavenger to think this untrue thing. The scavenger talks about how he has brothers out there, the wide field of bodies like the fallen trees, showing us the lumber that Camelot is built upon, but Gawain does not have a moment for sympathy or pause. He fails to see this kid as a human being, and the narrative allows us to glance over it too, fixated in the same way Gawain is on the destination and not the journey. 

Even when he is given instructions about how to get to the Green Chapel, when it’s been shown he has only the roughest sketched ideas of the way--and we can argue that the instructions may be false, but I’m not sure I think it matters--all he offers this scavenger, this BOY, is his thanks, despite being told he’s lost his family, was almost lost himself. He has to be shamed into offering a single coin, when Excalibur itself was offered to him when he needed the help. 

This goes back to the idea of a test, and of Gawain’s repeated failures to have honor, to be great. He can’t see that mercy and generosity are a part of what it means to be a knight, to bear that mantle of goodness that I would argue underlies the knightly ideal. 

This is why, when he’s captured and his things taken from him, he asks for the GReen Chapel and is told, “You’re in it.” This is a test as surely as kneeling before the Knight himself, and he’s failed, not only the test of generosity, but of courage, as he pleads with them that he’s not a knight, and he never said he was, and it’s true, that he isn’t, and so he’s stripped of all the trappings that make him a knight--his horse, his arms, his shield--because if he will not behave a knight, if he will not meet the world with the courage and honor he’s meant to have, then he may as well have none of it at all. 

Gawain is pretty much a world-class fuckboy until the Tale of St. Winifred, until he truly connects with the natural impulse within him in the form of the fox (More on this in a much longer later post) 

The tale of St. Winifred is his chance to begin his redemption, really the first time that he’s been willing to take any real instruction on the nature of becoming a knight--he sure as shit could not be bothered to listen to Arthur--and so this is where he earns back the axe. He earns back the right to even have this quest in the first place. 

I don’t know how much the audience knows about the tale of St. Winifred, but the details are changed from the usual telling of the story in order to support the themes of the film.  St. Winifred is also, in one sense, a tale of beheading and of virtue. That in upholding her ‘purity,’ she lost her life and her head. This is why I think it’s not actually a foregone conclusion that Gawain is spared at the end--I think Lowery makes the point that sometimes our values must be paid for in blood. 

The flexible nature of honor is addressed directly in Winifred’s story. From the beginning, when she tells him not to touch her, that “a knight should know better,” there’s a sort of restarting the clock on his ability to be that knight. He just failed the last test, but as people, we are not who we are in one moment, whether that is terribly virtuous, or terribly cowardly, but the accumulation of who we are in all the moments. Each story is the chance to start again, and that’s why you’ll see so much menton of his being a knight at the start of each ‘section.’ It’s his chance to begin this anew. 

In that way of, just tell the audience what’s going on, when Winifred is telling her story, of a man who came and desired to lay with her, and says, ‘Perhaps he was thee,’ that’s not just speaking to the sense of circles and repetition of nature in the movie--though not unrelated--but the idea that Gawain could be that man, could still, in a sense, choose to be that man. That he can always fail this test, too. 

“If I go and get it, what will be my reward?”

It takes you aback, just for a moment, when he asks her that, until we realize that we were all asking ourselves that too. Reading into the traditions behind knights and saints, I think we’re used to the idea that a boon will be received for dong the right thing, and Lowery asks us to evaluate all that in Winifred’s reply:

 “Why would you ask me that? Why would you ever ask me that?” 

Harkening back to when he didn’t give the kid more than just a single coin, and telling him, “my thanks”--does he really have the right to ask for such a thing when he couldn’t manage to reward kindness himself-- but also the idea that honorable tasks should be taken up for their own sake, and not in order to have a reward. Can you truly be said to be acting with chivalry and honor if you’re doing it for a reward, or even notoriety? 

Going back to my larger theory that Lowery is trying to bring forth the idea in all of this that there is no such thing as being a “knightly” sort of person at rest, while still holding that the decisions of a moment can cement the sort of person we continue to be, it makes sense that he would ask if we can say Gawain passes this test, if Winifred regards him. 

“Now I can see thee,” she says, because this is a baptism of sorts, and being a saint, she can only see a soul in clarity. This is the direct opposite to the moment that Arthur tells him he has mud on his face, this is in direct opposite to his behavior with Essel, this is him doing the right and kind thing for a woman, without a thought to reward, and in that, he is cleaned, and Winifred can see what’s underneath, the sort of man he can be under what he’s accumulated. 

ANd this is why he gets back the axe. It gives him leave to continue his quest, even though just a bit earlier, when asked where he was going, he simply said, “home.” But the show of the axe let him know that honor was not yet lost to him, that there was still a chance to be the sort of person he might have been. 

WHich, by the way, does not makes things clear to him still. Life is not that simple, and I am very very resolute on my idea that a lot of what this movie is about is about the journey of our own lives to meet death and live with honor inasmuch as we can overcome our own cowardice and shitty behavior to do so, and even at the end of it all, about to meet the Green Knight, asked why he’s doing it, expressing that honor is why a knight does what he does, and then, pressed, says:

“Honor is a part of the life I want.” 

This is Lowery pretty firmly taking aim at the old Arthurian texts, wherein honor very often good be a sole raison d’etre, saying that for most of us--and I would argue the whole reason Gawain is a fuck up is that he’s meant to represent most of us--that isn’t enough. There needs to be something more. 

I also don’t think, for all I’ve talked about tests, that Gawain’s cowardice with the Green Knight had to be the end of the story. I think Essel’s pregnancy, and his cruelty, was a test. I think lying about what happened in the Green Chapel and accepting a knighthood was a test. I think there are multiple tests in that little interlude, but you see, the problem is, the more you do something, the more you’ll do it. As he makes these choices, this more and more becomes the man he is, as these choices stack up like stones, it gets harder and harder to knock down that wall. This is why his green sash--his cowardice--has become a physical part of him by the end of that interlude, bleeding as he draws it out. 

Honor isn’t set, and it isn’t enough. Life is a confusing journey, rife with difficulty to do the right thing with consistency not because of outside influence so much as ourselves. Gawain’s great antagonist in al of this is not the Green Knight, but himself. Such as it is for all of us, as we TRY to be good people, and risk sometimes redefining honor, or greatness, what it means to be “a knight” in order to convince ourselves that it might be true. 

“Is this all there is?” Gawain asks, before the axe is laid down, and I want to give Dev Patel a lot of credit here, though I’ve mostly been focusing on imagery and story. I’m not sure this would work as well if he hadn’t made it feel quite as human as it does, when he says it. It’s the question I think all of us ask, as we contemplate our own deaths, our own struggles to even up with what was right. Is there no way of knowing what comes next? 

Life is a series of tests. A measure of honor. And what else ought there be?

On Doc and The Green Knight