#so good to redesign Cassandra for this
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Totally accurate filler episode I remember:
Meet the parents with our s2 couples! :D
Idk what the most fucked up part of Cassandra meeting Glenn was, Glenn exposing the existence of hell by crashing drunk and high at Nick's place without warning, the fact Nicky never intended to tell Cassandra he was part demon, or that Cassandra kept letting Nicky hit afterwards
#dndads#dungeons and daddies#cassandra swift#nick close#nicholas foster#glenn close dndads#doodly#dndads the anime#so good to redesign Cassandra for this#imagine this anime coming out in the 80s#Cassandra with the big teased hair#this one took me a long time to settle on an angle#thank you for the request!#I had another scenario with the Oak family#but I wanted to draw Cassandra more than Lark and Sparrow
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Commander Race Chart
I want to do a big project of having at least one of each race + gender combo as Commander. I don't really know how to make it look good, especially with 3 whole M model asura Commanders.. It really stretched it out..
The plan is to bring back Cassandra and make her one of the Commanders as well as make each of the missing combos as well. I do have F model asura and sylvari, but none are fit for the Commander role so I have to make new ones for them.
Decided to also pick up a second M model charr Commander, as Rodnur is already in LWS4 and I'd like to start from the Personal Story on these guys, so I'm planning to play Wren up to LWS4 and then switch to Rodnur to play the rest.
Big project for next year likely. I still need to wait for character slots to go on sale so I can get the slots for these guys. I've wanted to experience the story with all the different voice actors before too, but this time I am actually making it happen, and making all the characters canon Commanders while I'm at it!
#is there a chart like this already? this one doesn't look too good idk about graphic design#gw2#guild wars 2#guildwars2#asura#charr#sylvari#gw2 human#norn#rhixak#corrow#null#rodnur#wren#eoi#janis#nany#cassanda#van#probably redesigning cassandra a bit when i remake her#i guess if i did only one main for each it would all be even but i wanted to include them all#now the f and m refer to the models idk what gender these guys are#van for sure is transmasc agender so not at all the same as the model#but the point is the voice actors they have
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PICOS SCHOOL DESIGN DUMP
Pico
So, I decided that my previous designs for a lot of these characters are going to be more-so their designs during the events of the Pico’s School games. So when they were kids. Like, some will be a bit different, but for the most part, that’s how it is. So then these new designs are them as adults.
When trying to figure out Pico’s design, I didn’t know how I wanted his outfit in this new design to differ from his previous. Cuz like, that’s already the perfect Pico fit. But then I realized “omg, it’d be so much funnier if I DIDN’T change it.” Cuz he is definitely the type of mf to be wearing the same clothes he’s had since middle school.
Like, Cass or Nin come back for a rematch, and they both look super different, and then they look at Pico and he looks NO DIFFERENT than last time they saw him.
Darnell
I immediately broke my rule with the previous designs with Darnell, cuz I just really liked the previous design’s outfit and was like “eh, imma use that for his adult design, and just change the kid design.”
I imagine he got that varsity jacket like, custom made, and it was like super fuckin expensive. But like, when he got it, he decided “wait, I don’t want the sleeves” and just ripped them off 💀
Can’t have long sleeves when you’re always working with fire ig.
Nene
I think Nene is the one I’ve drawn in alt. outfits the most. What can I say, I just really like drawing her and messing around with her clothes. So I had a lot of previous pieces of mine I could look back on for reference.
The main change that isn’t outfit related is her hair. I just decided to dick around and see what looked good, and landed on that. I think it looks pretty good, idk.
Also, gave her a WWJD bracelet cuz sometimes I forget she’s Christian and I thought it was funny.
Reminded me of this one stupid idea I had, featuring my very headcanoned version of the G-Squad:
Like, the G-Squad are doing their whole cult thing, worshipping the Peniliens, when the Pico trio burst in, and Nene says something like “THERE IS ONLY ONE LORD AND SAVIOR, AND HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST.”
And then they kick their asses, idk.
Also, here, them as kids. Pico just got spikier as he got older
Okay, time for some antags 💥💥💥
Cassandra
She was actually the first redesign I made in this batch.
Main change: Beard. I just sorta wanted to make the Penilien duo more androgynous. I imagine that they don’t really care about transitioning that much, since they don’t have the same gender roles and stereotypes as humans. Just “I’m [insert gender here], that’s it.” Also, I just think Cass slayed with a beard.
I also wanted to incorporate shapes from their alien forms more into their human disguises. So I gave Cass these big sleeve things to sorta emulate the big bulky arms she has in her true form.
One of her pincers is also chipped. This comes from the fact that in Pico’s School, one of her horn-hair things is shorter than the other, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate that.
Damien
I don’t think there’s much to say here that I have already said while talking about Cassandra.
I imagine Damien does less to hide his alien features, since he has a huge superiority complex and thinks Peniliens are superior anyways, so like, why hide his true colors? Why hide what makes him greater than everyone around him?
So yeah, that’s why he keeps his tail out.
Nin
YIPPEE, HEAVYILY HEADCANONED CHARACTER TIME‼️‼️
So Nin differs with the whole “previous design is them as a kid” thing, cuz he doesn’t really age past his age in Pico’s School. Cuz bro dies.
(Also, quick HC timeline: Pico 1 and “Pico 2” (the conflict with the robo-kids) both take place in middle school, while what I call “Pico 3” (the conflict with the G-Squad) happens in high school. So that’s why Nin appears less child-like; he’s a high schooler)
So like, I hc that when Pico killed Nin, Nin pulled some necromancy bullshit and revived HIMSELF. Cuz idk, that feels like some bullshit Pico’s School would pull.
So now he’s undead. His hair also sorta resembles horns cuz it’s sorta to symbolize his devotion to the Peniliens. If y’all are interested in hearing all the HCs I have for the G-Squad (or just PS in general), I might share more at a later date.
That’s all for now tho.
Bonus:
My color palettes for these fuckers. They’re all named after the MSI songs I associate with each of them. I do not support MSI, I just really like the music and it reminds me of Pico’s School for some reason, so I always listen to a lot of it whenever I get sucked back into this fandom
#ashedwings post#ashedwings art#ashedwings ramble#picos school nene#picos school cassandra#pico’s school#picos school#pico's school#picos school darnell#picos school pico#pico’s cousin 2 damien#pico’s cousin 2#pico’s school g squad#darnell pico’s school#nene pico's school#pico pico's school#cassandra pico's school#Wingz!NG AU#ashedwings design
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Promoting my old fic "Like snakes shed their skin, Robins molt their feathers"
Main tags: Transfem Damian Wayne, Good parent Bruce Wayne, Alive Alfred Pennyworth
Pairings: Damian Wayne/Nika|Flatline, Dick Grayson/Koriand'r, Jason Todd/Roy Harper, Selina Kyle/Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain/Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas/Isabella Ortiz
Summary: It all started when Damian's robin suit was ruined by poison ivy, Bruce had to give him his cape to cover up, as his midriff, spots of his thighs, chest and legs were completely exposed and his cape was torn to shreds. They managed to avoid anything flashing, thankfully, on the way back to the cave. Bruce had told Damian he'd go to the Justice League to get another Robin suit made.
"If you do so father" Damian hummed "I'd like to wear a redesign i did"
He was preparing himself for another weird Robin suit, like the one he wore when resurrecting Alfred. He was not, however, preparing himself for a skirt.
I don't have a moodboard for THIS particular transfem Dami fic, so I'll just post the artwork that inspired me:
Art by @ajitomiel
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Alright time for my thoughts on the McFarlane Toys Target exclusive DC Multiverse Gold Label Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) action figure.
As I said when the figure was first announced it's a "Frakenstein's monster" of past McFarlane Toys Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) figures.
The top is from the "3 Jokers" Batgirl while the rest (including the belt) is based on the very first Batgirl figure McFarlane Toys released (the Sean Murphy redesign).
It's not the first time Cass has borrowed from a Babs Batgirl figure. Mattel did it. Even Imaginext did a Burnside Batgirl in all of Cass's colors.
So it has all of their articulation.
Comparing the prior McFarlane Toys Cass figure (the Page Puncher from last year). Comparing the two in molding details, paint, and accessories: the left-hand one is exceptional.
However, articulation the right hand Batgirl wipes the floor with the other. The Pagepuncher is quite hard to stand up by itself without the stand and you can only do a few poses with it due to the molded on batskin lower gear and belt.
Even with it being old molds from McFarlane, the new Batgirl figure takes the crown of being the most posable Cass action figure ever. Destroying not only the DC Direct pair.
So what about it and the Mattel (the long-running champ)?
Well, articulation-wise, McFarlane Toys takes Mattel with "newer" action figure tech. What really takes the crown as THE BEST Batgirl action figure is one of its new parts and its "secret weapon": the wired cloth cape.
The fabric ain't Mafex quality (you can see through the cape). However, like a Mafex the wire is in there go with no fear of popping out. Because it is a wired fabric (and not plastic) you can get some pretty AMAZING pictures with this Cass.
The cape and newly sculpted head make this probably THE best Batgirl figure we've gotten (so far) because you can get Cass in some crazy kickass poses.
If there's a big gripe I have with the figure is the accessories we get. They're from the Murphy Batgirl, and while the grapple gun got a HUGE paint makeover, the BIG Batarang (while also repainted) just feels so out of place.
Instead, McFarlane should've just given us alternate fist hands or an unmasked face (either would've made this would've made it even better).
That's where MODDING comes in handy.
Even with the flaws, this figure is something to behold. It's a game-changer. All caped Bat Fam members have to be content with this exceptional figure and now those who came in the past feel "dated" because of it.
On the plus, for Cass to be the one to get this. Yeah, it feels GOOD. Like, years of wait and McFarlane Toys gives us this banger of a figure.
Like, I keep taking either one I own and begin messing with it with crazy posing.
IT'S JUST SOOO GOOD! 🥺🥺🥺
Therein lies the final flaw.
That this figure IS a Target exclusive. Cause with all I've said, I can easily see this figure being IN DEMAND, and like DC Direct Stephanie Batgirl (or Mattel Cass) before her probably eventually carrying a HEAVY price tag in the aftermarket over time.
Unless of course, McFarlane Toys pulls a McFarlane Toys and does variants with this figure over from now and then. I can easily see it given that this figure is called BATGIRLS (Cassandra Cain).
You don't say that and not tease a future Steph figure.
Cause um Stephanie needs one given we only have two (DC Direct and Mattel). It feels… wrong.
So if already don't have this figure, and you see this figure on a Target shelf? BUY ON SIGHT. You won't regret it. This figure is EXCEPTIONAL even with the reuse. The wired cape and Cass's design aesthetic makes her so GOOD.
Dare I say she's the best McFarlane Toys female DC figure?
I dare. I DARE!
So those who have her: what do you think? Do my words add to what you feel? Do they not? I'd love to know.
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Some more merman!Jim for Mermay, but mostly Cassandra from a bootleg/rip-off Little Mermaid cartoon from Golden Films / Good Times Entertainment. This all came about from a dream, and I kinda love the idea of her being involved now. Whoops?
You can see her original form in the top right, and some slightly varying redesigns. I still haven't decided on what her bottom half is supposed to be yet :'D In the cartoon she's an eel, but I'm considering shark fins or something angler-fish like, though that might be a little too stereotypical?
The plot so far is under the cut.
Jim is trying to figure out a way to get on land to reclaim a relic that was stolen by divers, and with no other merfolk willing to help him, he seeks out the help of Cassandra. She minces no words about the dangers of the above world, but promises to help him get back at the thieving humans. She takes his voice as "collateral," because humans won't listen to reason anyway, and if he's going to do anything, he must lay low and keep quiet.
Jim gets on land, and soon meets humans. The humans theorize he's lived on a ship for most of his life, and never learned to read or write. They're uncertain whether he's non-verbal from before, or if it's a result of the shipwreck trauma, but they try their best to get him accustomed to life on land. Jim's surprised to be treated with kindness when he's only ever known them as invaders, and quickly realizes he's been duped by Cassandra. In the following days, Jim tries to figure out a way to communicate the importance of the relic to the people below the waters, and what will happen if he doesn't return with it.
#artists on tumblr#mermay#treasure planet#jim hawkins#the little mermaid#mermay 2024#little mermaid au#cassandra good times#good times entertainment#traditional art#paint tool sai#golden films
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Questions for your tmnt au, if you’re alright with them, you totally don’t have to answer if you don’t want! I also love them so much, their designs are amazingly well done!
1. When did raph find out he was trans?
2. Who is raph talking to on his phone all the time, especially in that one doodle in the first post about the au where they’re texting hearts back and forth?
3. How are April, Casey, and Splinter in this au (if they’re in it) ?
4. Is there any sort of plot you have 👀?
Again don’t have to answer if you don’t want! I really admire your art and creative abilities!
*cracks knuckles*
1. When did raph find out he was trans? Pretty early in life, so much that Mikey and Leo don't remember ever calling Raph a sister. He still uses his birth name, Aka (Red in japanese), and chose Raphael when he was around 9 with his siblings.
2. Who is raph talking to on his phone all the time, especially in that one doodle in the first post about the au where they’re texting hearts back and forth? Raph is always texting April when she's not around because they're besties. But as for the heart messages, I'm planning to give Raph two love interests/crushes. One of them is Monalisa ('cuz I LOVE Ramona) and the other is an OC i'm still planning. I just really love the little red turtle finding love and being s softie hehee~
3. How are April, Casey, and Splinter in this au (if they’re in it) ?
April is a childhood friend of the turts like in Rise, but I'm still planning how they met. The only things I have right now is: she's a lesbian, she's some years older than the turtles, is Raph and Donnie's best bestie and she's brasilian because,, because i need to give them a reason to speak my language lmao-
Casey is more undercooked than April, cuz I want to do some Jonatello like in TMNT12 but I LOVE Rise Cassandra. I'll probally split Casey in a pair of siblings. I plan to make 'em latino because yes, love latinoamerica 'till I die.
Splinter already has some good backstory thought out for him, but I crave to redesign him. I tried drawing him twice, but he looks too much like a mix of Lou Jitsu and 12!Splinter and I wanted to give him a more,, monstruos look? I don't know if that's the right term, but I'm looking for a bigger "rattier" mutant look for him. He's a very affectionate and autistic dad that loves his turtle children very much.
4. Is there any sort of plot you have 👀? Yes I have! :] I'm kinda bad at writing and explaining my ideas, but I can try to give a tiny sumary- Splinter is the reincarnated soul of Hamato Yoshi mixed with one of his decents, that was being kept in a lab for some good years having her DNA used to make tests. He "possesed" his current body while the original soul basically died in the process of getting mutated after the lab where she was being kept exploded. Thanks to various injuries he remembers little to nothing about none of his lives besides fighting and few other stuff. He almost completely forgot how to speak english and spent good years only speaking japanese with the turtles, that until they met April. In the current time (?) they're in, he can remember his former names and has memory lapses here and there.
The turtles and Splints will have family mystics abilities like in Rise, but I'm still thinking of how to implement it without being a straight up copy Shreder is still in the corner not being thought about, just like Draxum, Karai, Big Mama, Usagi, the Mutanimals, etc. Not very sure if I'm going to use all of them too-
As for mystical weapons, wich is a concept i LOVE, the only explanation I have for how this kids got them is: They stole it.
Is very little stuff, but i'm happy to share it anyway :)
Thank u for ur kind words about my art, it really means a lot lot for me! <3 /gen
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Nah, you right. From the looks of it psyche got pushed to the side. We didn't get to see her marriage to Eros just a catch up flashback of her becoming a goddess specifically to spy on Apollo for Zeus (and as we know Apollo has ties to Persephone) so the lo world is in a way dragging psyche into the hades and Persephone conflict whether she belongs there or not. No actual development of psyche in her own, her being Aphrodites assistant or learning tech (we're going to ignore her being illiterate because shes a princess wtf she would have a good education). Just her doing the gods work and rerouting the story back to HxP no matter what. Like why is Psyche of all people spying on Apollo? Why is RS adding in Cassandra/Kassandra? (We all know it's going to go poorly for psyche+Hephaestus considering the myths)... Unless RS tries to make it "subversive" again. Psyche doesn't even get her butterfly wings cause RS gave them to Persephone (despite butterflies - I think - having an association with both Psyche + thanatos myth wise).
The more I see Psyche being drawn with butterfly’s the more feral I become, not because she’s drawn with them obviously but because like you said RS decided to associate them with Persephone. That has to be the biggest rob of the century, I’ve seen so many gorgeous redesigns and what do you know? They all gave her her rightful butterflies, I don’t even know why she has them. Yeah it could be symbolism to her link to death and such (maybe but with LO who really knows) but there’s other ways to do that, give her more wilting flowers or something or her sacred animals maybe??? Like it’s so annoying how We don’t know shit about Persephone or what else she represents besides flowers, we don’t get anything from LO and it’s annoying.
But as for the whole Kassandra/Cassandra plot I’m pretty sure that she put it in there to remind people that this is still a “Greek” mythology retelling and not just some fanfic that she created between a random god and goddess falling in love. I hate to say it but it really is a random one, like yeah we get some nods to the myths but they’re never exactly explained or explored at all and it’s just there to be there, like reward cookies or something.
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Hey ya’ll! I’m back with some more of my oc lore dumps! Next up is:
⛵️👑Cameron King 🚬🍹 (they/them)
Cameron is my softhearted, scum lord who loves drinking wine with grilled cheese and always being around or in water. Cameron’s core characteristic is their fascination in culture/art preservation. They have a twin sister, Cassandra. I’ve yet to draw her but eventually 💕
✨🫧🪸 Cameron now comes with dragon form. The current version of Cameron. Originally redesigned for a post-apocalyptic setting with dragons and magic users. Cameron is a water + poison dragon. I took on the design elements of certain sealife, like anemones and lion fish for their dragon form. I haven't drawn a dragon in a good while, so it still looks like how I drew them back in high school haha (c. 2022)
I dont feel like getting into the backstory for this Cameron, since theyre like 1600~ years old, but I plan to bring this version back for a summer camp setting where they are closer to just a 150~ years old Still debating if I want it to be an rp group or a short-ish comic.
🏺🖼️ Og Cameron, created to be an anti-hero of sorts for a paranormal setting. Originally human, Cameron is an art preservationist turned art forger, but nothing comes of this version of Cameron. (c. 2020)
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I don't think Stella likes her stepmom guys
#Chimera 🤝 Bloom: a frankly excessive amount of ruffles#winx club#winx club stella#winx stella#winx chimera#winx Cassandra#rus doodles#winx fanart#winx club fanart#winx redesign#winx club redesign#their all wearing orange bc thats the color of Solaria#Chimera is listening to her mom brag about what a good mother she is and is going crazy being unable to call her out#Stella is too busy contemplating murder to notice#if your wondering why i love the idea of Stella and Chimera being sisters so much its bc they both are clearly emotionally neglected#like i want them to finally get a family that pays attention to them in eachother#its like found family but their legally siblings#i can already see Chimera excitedly showing off her Charmix to Stella and Stella throwing a party#bc her parents barely noticed when she first transformed and she doesn't want Chi to have to go though the same thing anymore#and Chimera getting super excited over literally anything her big sister does bc Stella is basically her idol#i just....love them your honor#also yeah I know in my hcs Luna and Radius apologize for what they've done and work to repair their relationship#but that doesn't fix Stella's childhood and that will never make them as emotionally close to Stella as nearly any of her friends#its more of a closure thing than a 'we'll be a real family thing' especially with Luna#Radius puts a lot of effort into being a better dad for Chimera and Stella appreciates the fact that he listened to her complaints#he still fucks up a lot tho. Chi doesn't care bc she's just happy to be away from Cassandra#that and she prefers Stella's attention and praise anyways#about Chimera's dad.... probably dead
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As an urban planner by profession I devour this content and absolutely love it <3
For a prompt, if you want, perhaps the architect/constructor encountering the worst enemy of all, bureaucracy (in any context, pre or post antihero days)
(Original story for context: Here)
I love and hate you for this prompt. Love, because it's a great idea. Hate, because I am not an urban planner myself. I had to actually use my brain and google things to figure out city government positions and steps a construction project would go through. I'm pretty sure that I still got things wrong, though, because I have a mind like a spaghetti strainer. You might be disappointed or found out I wrote something stupid, or missed out on a crucial detail. If so, I hope you can still somewhat enjoy the story.
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You’d gotten used to recreating cities. This, though. This was your proudest achievement yet: a design of your own.
Not the best design you’d ever make, but smart and practical considering how young you were. And, as much of your work would end up being, it was strictly problem based.
The problem: New Houston had been devastated by hurricanes in the past. There were areas of the city particularly weak to it, haphazardly rebuilt as quickly and cheaply as possible. And hurricanes were only going to get worse and worse in the coming decades
The solution: the first city redesign you'd ever made.
You had talked to people in the area and listened to a variety of experts: environmental scientists, material engineers, everyone who could have any insight. You had revised it several times, and landed on a design that most people agreed on. Your fantastic hurricane resistant city plan, with ample public transport solutions to allow evacuations from even the most vulnerable districts.
Now, of course, there was only the matter of getting the city to agree to it.
A simple matter, you thought. It would save lives. It would make the city a more livable place. With your powers, you could massively cut down any labor costs of the project. You were willing to do it for free, too, though Sandy tried to scold you for starting off with that offer.
So you submitted your plan.
"Alright," said the man behind the desk. "We can get this process started right away."
"Okay great," you said. "When can I start?"
He laughed. “Well, we need to run it by the Office of Finance first. Among other offices. We need to make sure that it's not going to cause more problems."
"But I talked to--"
Before you could rattle off every expert you had gotten to give their stamp of approval on the project's safety, Sandy stopped you.
"Kid," she said. "That's all informal approval. These things need to be officially signed off on."
"But Dr. Hansen said--"
"It's part of the process," Sandy said, soothingly. "Even if it's a good design, the city council can't know that without running it by their own people, right?"
"Right..." you said.
"I know you're impatient," Sandy said. "But these things are part of a system that exists to catch bad ideas from getting through. Just trust the process, alright?"
So you did.
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Email from Richard Cunningham, Planning Director in New Houston at the time, to the Deputy Mayor. Honestly it's just what I need, some idiot breathing down my neck to spend a bunch of money on the shittiest part of this dump, with the shittiest people living in it. It would probably do the whole world some good if a hurricane wiped the lot of them out. It would stop the drain on the budget that all the welfare is costing us, at least. It'd probably up the Governor's chances of re-election, too, given how that block tends to do in the polls.
Here is what you do: nothing, as nicely as possible. Be helpful, act like we're all for it--Constructor has already talked up the stupid project to enough media outlets that if we trash it we'll have to wage a PR war against the lovely Ms. Cassandra White, who is an absolute shark. We don't need any of that.
Just keep delaying. It's not us, it's all these unforeseen circumstances that we can't possibly control getting in the way.
The public safety division will probably drool all over this stupid plan, especially with that liberal idiot running the show over in that department. So here's what you do: pile up as much work as possible on the safety committee, cut their hours, and pressure them to look at every single other item on the list they have first.
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It was months before the project limped over the first hurdle of the approval process.
"It shouldn't have taken that long," you said
"These things take time," Sandy said. "There is a lot of work that needs to be done by these branches."
"When can we start, then?" you asked.
Sandy’s assistant sort of laughs at you. "Not much of a polisci type, are you?"
You blinked. "What?"
"There's a bunch of different departments that need to agree on it first," the man explained. "It's okay, my kid's studying engineering and he's just like you. All this stuff is a big blind spot, huh? It always takes ages to agree on things like this."
"Well..." you swallowed some frustration. "As long as we can get it all done before hurricane season."
So the project got sent to the next committee, and you waited.
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Email from Mr. Cunnigham to R.J Green, Land Use Administrator. So I hear that you got that headache of a Constructor project sent over to you guys?
Email from R.J Green to Mr. Cunnigham Apparently so. But it needs my sign off before it goes anywhere, and I've just had the hardest time finding the paperwork on it. My memory's been slipping these days.
Email from Mr. Cunnigham to R.J GreenWell, what a shame. I'm sure it will turn up eventually. Also, remind me to buy you a drink sometime.
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The last one--and the longest one--ended up being the Office of Finance.
They told you it would be 2-3 weeks to review it. A month later, you emailed the Finance Director.
"There were urgent matters that the budget committee had to address first, so we have not looked at it yet but we are putting it on the agenda for the next meeting."
You waited for the next meeting. You heard nothing back.
"Apologies, but it seems there was a clerical error. Somehow it never showed up on the meeting agenda. We will address it next time."
And then the committee had to take extra sessions to review it due to concerns about where the money would come from. And then they said they needed to send it back to zoning and get another expert opinion on the long term effects of such a plan before deciding to put money into it.
"But we already got--"
"It is important for them to be absolutely sure," Sandy said. "It's a big redesign, and if something goes wrong it would look bad for all of them. It's natural that they'd be cautious."
So you ran around to get the second opinion from the specific expert they mentioned. And you did.
Not that it mattered, because by the time that you got it, a record-breaking hurricane leveled the city.
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Excerpt from an opinion piece titled "So What Happened to the New Houston Redesign?" written by Albert Jackson, member of the Heritage Foundation.
Now the thing is, every puffed up intellectual agreed the plan was great. Of course they did. I'm sure it was, when you're sitting at a desk in a university.
But the new city isn’t going to pop up overnight, already built and with all of the kinks ironed out. You have to deal with the chaos, cost, and risk that comes with implementation. It would be a massive drain on the budget, and redesigning the whole city would put businesses on hold for weeks. Just think of all the small businesses that would never recover from the ordeal, and all of the people who’d lose out on their income.
There’s a reason things are the way they are, and sometimes it’s best to leave things be.
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You were on site, removing dangerous rubble and unearthing bodies, when they told you you’re expected to rebuild the city exactly as it was before.
You flew into a rage. You yelled, and kicked, and threw heaps of scrap metal on the ground. You paced around and ranted. You picked up a severed arm that you had unearthed moments before and threw it at the poor messenger’s feet.
“I’ll fill Cunningham’s house with all of the bodies I’ve found here–” you screamed. “Before I put this place back the way it was!”
But you didn’t. Because Sandy ran out into the rubble after you when she heard, and calmed you down. You cried a little when she hugged you, because you had been working on your feet for twelve hours, and so many people had died, and you were so young.
“Good thing there weren’t any cameras around,” she told you afterwards. “And you didn’t use your powers to threaten anyone.”
“Maybe I should have,” you said.
"I know it's hard," she said. "But it's for the best. Acting angry: yelling, shouting, lashing out with your powers--that threatens people. And we don't live in a country where things are settled by threats and force. We settle things with the democratic process. Only villains threaten people to get their way, and the last thing you want to do is make anyone look at you and see anything close to a villain."
"But I did everything right," you said. “And they didn’t listen.”
"I know, I know," she tells you. "But when you look like a villain, people stop listening to you forever."
At the time it made sense. So you believed it.
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January 14th, 202X
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Excerpt from a recording of a mayoral staff meeting held by Mayor Cunnigham, after getting elected due to his previous experience as Planning Director.
[Shuffling papers, typing, and occasional sound of footsteps.]
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
--latest policy to the public. We need to pay off the city's debt, and so--
[A blast. Floor boards snap. walls crumble. People scream and run. A stones slam, and the people’s screams deaden as if every wall and window has closed in.]
DEPUTY MAYOR
Oh god, oh god--
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Let us out!
THE ARCHITECT
Is everyone alive, then?
[The second the Architect speaks, everyone goes quiet except for some gasping. The Architect's voice is booming and metallic, almost as though being amplified via a microphone from inside of the helmet the Architect has been seen wearing during confrontations with the police.]
CYBERSCOUT
Gimme a sec. Quick headcount-- Yep, looks like we got everyone in here and in one piece.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
You! Let us out immediately!
THE ARCHITECT
That won't be happening.
EXECUTIVE AIDE
What are you going to do to us?!
THE ARCHITECT
This isn't about doing anything to you. This is about what we all will do for the people of this city.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
If you think a single person here believes any of this is for the good of "the people" and not about your sick ego--
THE ARCHITECT
Mr. Mayor.
[Bonfire doesn't say anything, but there is a signature sizzle and the sound of flame indicating her presence. Mayor Cunnigham stops talking.]
THE ARCHITECT
Thank you. Now, I would like to talk to you about the city redesign plans. Which I proposed more than a decade ago now, and see you have not made progress at implementing.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
Because they were never approved, you–
THE ARCHITECT
I have since amended the plans. However, I have made modifications for accessibility. There are now safer pedestrian spaces, with particular emphasis on wheelchair accessibility. Areas have been modified so that a new light rail connects the wealthier districts with the “red line��� ones. Also, all of the low bridges that made it impossible for buses to reach these parts of the city will be rebuilt to allow better movement by people who cannot afford cars.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
You're not fucking serious. You can't be rattling all of this--politically correct bullshit at me while you have a literal terrorist standing right there ready to fry us all!
THE ARCHITECT
I can't? (Pause) What about the current situation isn't registering, Mr. Mayor?
[Some of the villains snicker.]
THE ARCHITECT
Anyway, we have made arrangements for the city redesign to happen effective immediately.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
What? (Pause) You... no, you'd have to move the entire population out first, and house them, and then--that's too much to organize in such a short amount of time, too much cost--
THE ARCHITECT
We actually already have a plan to deal with all of that. It’s really only the residents of the poorer areas that will need to be housed during construction, since the wealthy areas won’t be affected so much that they will have to evacuate. The we will move residents of the districts being worked on to the--Grand Diamond?
CYBERSCOUT
Diamond Deluxe Resorts.
THE ARCHITECT
Yes. Funny how people are always talking about a lack of housing while so many hotels and resorts sit there, empty rooms just waiting to be filled... but that's off topic. We've already made arrangements for all members of the city to be moved immediately to the resort while I restructure everything and my friends help me add the finishing touches.
SENIOR DEPUTY MAYOR
"Friends."
EXECUTIVE AIDE
The people there haven't agreed to this! You'll be uprooting people from their homes--even if it's a good plan, you can't--you need the people's consent!
THE ARCHITECT
(Audibly smiling) What a good point. (Turns, armor can be heard shifting) What's your name?
EXECUTIVE AIDE
I... Uh... D-Destinee...
THE ARCHITECT
(Turning, again) You'd probably get along with Bonfire, over there. She said the exact same thing, you know. Right when I was ready to just go and do all of this. Helping people without their consent is... what did you call it?
BONFIRE
A shitty idea. (Pause) And also paternalism.
THE ARCHITECT
Exactly. Which is why we did research and found out that people have still been petitioning for these changes to be made, and also we went around polling to see how many people in the area would be willing to be temporarily relocated in order to allow for construction to happen. I even talked to some people in the community and the new changes are based on their explicit feedback.
But I am glad that someone in this room immediately thought of it.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
And what are you going to--you clearly aren't asking for my approval. What are you here for?
THE ARCHITECT
Just to have you make the appropriate announcements to let everyone know that the area will be evacuated in order to make repairs. You will sign the order, make the announcement, and stay in here guarded by my friends until the plan has been enacted.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
....I'll tell everyone that I've been kidnapped. They'll bring in the police--the National Guard, if that's not enough.
THE ARCHITECT
I suggest you first consider whether the budget can afford replacing the entire city police force.
[The entire room goes dead silent.]
Perhaps you should run it by the Office of Finance first.
[Mayor Cunnigham takes a sharp breath. There is a long moment before he breaks.]
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM
Fine. I-I'll do it.
THE ARCHITECT
I'm glad to hear it.
MAYOR CUNNIGHAM.
But you can't--I know you won't be keeping us forever. And the second you're gone--I'll tell everyone. And I'll have every bit of your fucking charity redesigns right back down and put up the way it should have stayed.
[Pause. A heavy step as the Architect moves. The Mayor audibly cringes.]
THE ARCHITECT
You're right. I can't stay. I can't determine what will go on in this city forever. I suppose if you, and the people here, decide to bring down what I've built then I can't stop you.
But they'll know it was done. They'll know it can be done again. They’ll know what it was like to live in a place designed to shield them and raise them up. And you won't be able to tear down the memory. Now, the paperwork.
[Recording ends.]
#constructorverse#both pre and post villain days#constructor#the architect#constructor vs. bureaucracy
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I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE ART FAIRY!!!
The absolutely phenomenal @vjatoch allowed me to commission a portrait of my Inquisitor Quinn Trevelyan. I’ve adored their art for years, ever since they first showed up with this amazing Alistair portrait I still remember vividly. And now... my blorbo. My baby. My boy. Art!!!
I don’t even know what to say. He’s perfect! He’s real! (He’s too powerful with that open jacket!) I just want to lie down and allow my feelings to consume me because this is it. This is him. This is the dude I have always pictured. HE’S A PERSON!!!
(more gushing about the details below the cut)
I don’t know if tumblr will allow it to be viewed in full resolution, but there are so many details put in (which I am so so so amazed by after writing what amounted to a messy illustrated essay of absolutely nonsense for references).
The volume and wave to his hair! But perfectly combed!
HIS FACIAL HAIR. THE PERFECT MOUSTACHE. THIS IS WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED. BIOWARE, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. THIS IS GOOD FACIAL HAIR THAT YOUR CHARACTER CREATOR CONTINUALLY DENIES ME.
His perfect cheekbones! His noble jaw! AND JUST LOOK AT HIS MOUTH, BECAUSE THIS IS IMPORTANT. Quinn has a thin upper lip which is a major reason why he has a moustache (to try and compensate/balance it out/hide it). You can see it so well here, BUT ALSO if you look closely you’ll see the slight upturn at the corners of his mouth. Yes he’s smiling here, but it’s a subtle detail that is ALWAYS THERE and makes his smiles seem so easy and carefree and Vja just brought that perfectly to life!
AND HIS EYES. ARE YOU READY TO GET LOST IN HIS EYES??? LOOK HOW BRIGHT AND FULL OF LIFE THEY ARE. LOOK AT HIS PRETTY EYELASHES. But then LOOK AT THE CROW’S FEET. The crinkles that let you know this is a genuine smile (find you someone who looks at Cassandra the way Quinn does). And the lines around his eyes to show his age! We love an Inquisitor in his mid-thirties!
AND THE SCAR THAT SLASHES THROUGH HIS EYEBROW. It’s perfectly subtle like a scar that old would be, but you can see it. It’s there. Not distracting, but there. Did I ever mention it anywhere? I’m not sure. But when he was around 8 and only just starting out learning the bow, he strung it too tight, the bowstring snapped and whipped him across the face. It missed his eye, by left a gash through his brow which left a permanent scar. AND HERE IT IS.
The inclusion of his pipe AND THE SMOKE that curls up and around amidst the lighting. Look at this motherfucker! He deserves a fancy frame on a wall!
AND YEAH, HOW ABOUT THAT OPEN JACKET. His clavicle gets mentioned so much in smut and now you see why. This is made even better by the fact that once I recovered from how he had his shirt open (TOO POWERFUL. HE IS TOO POWERFUL THIS WAY.), I realized he was in the formal Winter Palace jacket. The shoulder accent caught my eye and I realized it was the version I had redesigned and I cannot tell you how much seeing it made me go, “Oh, it really is a good design!”
I just need to go lie down. I love this. I love everything about this. I just want to stare at it forever. And I need you all to see it and appreciate it because honestly, I think this might be one of their best works of art yet!
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This post has been written by two rottmnt fans, Char (@pepperimps01 ) and Meg (@nostalgiaruinedme ). We wrote separate parts of it and sometimes use "I", but you can safely assume these "I"s stand for both of us.
Warning for spoilers btw.
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Rise of the TMNT is all about changes, from simple things like adding mystic powers to changing up the species of the turtles. It's so great and so wonderful, and to me felt like it could bring old and new fans together. Sure, not everyone liked the changes, but there seemed to be an overwhelming positive response.
Cassandra Jones was one of those changes. For a while, not many people suspected the Foot Recruit would be the new incarnation of Casey. It's easy to see why. One, she was a girl, a WOC, and a member of the Foot Clan. Still there were hints throughout the two seasons and the chaotic energy that past Casey Jones have had really made her connected to them, while still being unique.
The big reveal happened. Cassandra was in fact the new Casey Jones. I, like many others, was ecstatic. A POC, female Casey Jones with a badass fighting style and a shaved head ready to be redeemed and join the good side. I couldn't wait for her to appear in the movie, to develop her story as she truly became a member of the team.
Then...the Rise movie trailer dropped.
Instead of Cass, we got a new Casey. A generic guy Casey from the future. There was no Cassandra. Not even a mention. It was like she never existed. And I'm angry. I'm hurt.
Many people in the Rise fandom have been excited over the new Casey, and have been arguing non stop against anyone who has been pointing out the flaws. Here, I'll be covering why each argument does not fix what the new movie has done to Cassandra Jones.
Argument #1: "He's probably her son/grandson"
Sadly, this doesn't change much. The problem is that this new Casey is taking over the role of Casey Jones in the movie and looks to be the main character (excluding the turtles obviously). Female characters have been pushed aside for male ones throughout all of history and this is no exception. I'm so tired of female characters being important because their kids or descendants are going to be important. That's blatant sexism and fixes absolutely nothing.
This IS a misogyny issue.
Argument #2: "He's not erasing her - there'll just be two Caseys now!"
But that's still an issue. When Rise first made Casey Jones Cassandra Jones, they were doing something new and different (just like their redesigns of the turtles and April). So many people were pissed the new Casey was a woman, and a woman of color at that. But Rise stood their ground and kept her as Casey Jones and it was beautiful! They made an amazing redesign of Casey that was so different and unique and had an amazing backstory and look, while still keeping the things that made Casey Jones "Casey Jones" (her impulsiveness, fighting ability, willingness to stand up for what she cared about, etc). She was an amazing representation for girls of all ages: she had a shaved head! She was badass! She was a woc! She showed little girls that they could still be Casey Jones too even if they werent a skinny or muscular white guy like all past Caseys have been.
They undid all of that progress by adding in a second male Casey Jones who looks, sounds, and acts exactly like his predecessors. The main 6 in the movie are the turtles, April, and the new, male Casey Jones. If you compare him and Cassandra, it is obvious who people are going to consider the "real Casey''.
Now, when people are upset there's a female Casey Jones, we can't tell them "well that's just who Casey is in this universe". Because there's two. And one is exactly the character everyone wanted Casey Jones to be.
Argument #2.5: "And he'll probably leave afterwards"
So? The damage is still done. New Casey Jones is established in the universe. New Casey Jones took the main role of the 6th member of the team instead of the Casey Jones we already had.
And, let's be real: if Cassandra Jones was a male to start with, they NEVER would have made a new Casey Jones. They'd have no reason to. They'd NEVER have replaced her to begin with.
Argument #3: "Andy said to wait and see!!!"
You know what? Fair. Maybe Andy, the NFT guy knows what's best. Maybe he, Ant and the crew have big plans for Cassandra that we haven't seen yet. Heck, she could have a big surprise reveal. This doesn't really solve the other two complaints we've had though.
Furthermore, why even have this build up of a girl Casey and then backtrack and bring Future Casey in anyway? What's even the point? It's not like his design is clever at all, or his backstory, considering we have had multiple time traveling characters (Renet, Fugitoid) that could have filled this role just fine.
It seems like poor planning at best, and lazy writing at worst.
Argument #4: "We shouldn't judge based on a trailer"
I like to keep an open mind whenever I watch things, and you're right, judging by a trailer alone is usually not the way to go. But this trailer told us a lot, mainly that this new Future "Casey" is the driving point of the story, the person who brings the plot into motion. It's hard not to feel discouraged.
The point is this: no matter what they do in the movie, the trailer alone reveals how much they've hurt Cassandra Jones' character. Short of undoing the entire movie (or making New Casey a trans guy who used to be Cassandra), the damage is done. I can't think of a single thing they could do with either character to fix this. His existence is the problem.
In conclusion… This movie had so much potential, but destroying Cassandra Jones' character is not helping it at all. It puts a bad taste in my mouth every time I think about it now. And that's so upsetting, because so many of us have been waiting for this movie for years!
Even if the new Casey Jones is the most interesting and loveable character in the franchise, his mere existence destroys another character completely. I don't see a single way this can be fixed… and that's really sad.
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Day 6: Party
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE
Continuation of days two and three
Marinette grins at her reflection in the mirror. The costume was perfect- close enough to the original that you could tell who she was, but also with her own touch so that she didn’t hate looking at the costume. She’d even curled her hair slightly. The knock at the front door makes her squeal in excitement, knowing exactly who it is.
“Cass!” She cheers, opening the door and grinning widely at her best friend. Sure, Cass didn’t talk a lot (she was like Luka in that way), but she always seemed to know when Marinette needed help out of her own head. And she was eternally grateful for that. She was even more grateful that Cass had agreed to do a duo costume with her since Jason apparently didn’t want to dress up. He was ‘too old’ or something. Well, Marinette wanted to have fun and wear a damn costume.
“The suit is amazing! I’m not sure the cowl I made will be good enough for it.” Marinette says worriedly, examining the stitches on Cass’ costume. “Where’d you say you got this?” She asks, frowning. It was definitely higher quality than the Halloween store downtown. Cass just smiles, the one that basically says ‘not telling’. Mari just grins, used to it by now. She passes the cowl to Cass and grabs her own domino mask, sliding it on. Posing next to Cass in the full length mirror, Marinette takes a picture and sends it to the group chat that Jason had recently added her to. Dropping her phone into her purse and grabbing her keys, she turns to Cass.
“Ready?” She asks.
“Ready.” Cass says. Marinette grins. Look out, Gotham, Batman and Robin are out on the town.
---
Dick squeals as the picture comes through on the groupchat. He was beyond relieved that Jagged had scheduled his Halloween party two weeks before the actual holiday. It meant that he, and the rest of his brothers, could actually go instead of being on the extra patrols they always had to schedule around the holiday. Grinning, he opens twitter.
@flyingrayson
Look at my little sisters! Aren’t they the cutest?! #halloween #Waynefam #jaggedstone
[image description: One girl stands with a hand on her hip, dressed in what is obviously a spin on a Robin costume, including: a domino mask, black tights, dark red tunic with a Robin logo, gold belt, knee high emerald boots, and a dual sided cape black on the outside and gold on the inside. Another girl stands next to her with her arms crossed over her chest, dressed in what is obviously a Batman costume, including: black catsuit, yellow utility belt, black cape, and a redesigned black cowl.]
---
Marinette pecks Jason’s cheek and grins.
“What, not a Robin fan?” She asks teasingly at his frown. He huffs.
“Not really. More of a...Red Hood guy.” He says, and she snorts.
“Of course you’d like the one with guns.” She says, shaking her head with a smile. “His costume is actually probably one of my favorites. Well, besides the whole helmet thing.” Jason grins, pulling her in and giving her a sweet kiss before he glances behind her and groans.
“My brothers just walked in.” He says and she smiles.
“Go say hi, I’ve gotta go ask Uncle Jagged a question really quick. I’ll be right back and Cass and I can show your brothers our awesome costumes in person.” She says, pecking his cheek before walking away. She looks around for Jagged, but frowns when she doesn’t see him in the main room. Pulling out her phone, she sends him a quick text asking where he is.
In the garden with Fang!!!!!!!
She shakes her head fondly. Of course he skipped out on his own party to spend time with his crocodile. Smiling, she heads out to the garden to try and get to him. She’d wanted to see if the man planned on being in the US around Thanksgiving. Bruce had already invited her (probably to get Jason to show up) and said she could invite any of her family as well. Since her parents and superhero partner were both dead and her grandparents didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, she decided she’d really love Jagged and Penny to come instead. As she walks outside, she’s shocked that Fang doesn’t immediately run up to her.
“Uncle Jagged?” She calls, frowning. Where was he? And why was it so dark out here? Fang was scared of the dark. Jagged never would have brought him outside without more lights on, he was too protective of him. She tenses when she notices a slumped figure next to the bench Jagged had put in the gardens for when she visits. It was one of her favorite places to sit and design.
“Hello?” She calls, watching the figure for any movement. Seeing none, she steps closer and her stomach drops. Immediately she runs over and checks her Uncle for a pulse. She sighs in relief when she feels it, but the gash on his head is worrisome. How-
“Hello, Birdie!” An amused voice rings behind her, making her blood run cold. She whirls around and manages to catch a glimpse of the man’s pale face before a thick piece of metal flies at her head and the world goes black.
---
“Jaybird! Where’s Mari and Cass? They’re blowing up on twitter, even MDC liked my tweet!” Dick says happily, making Jason scowl.
“Did you seriously post my girlfriend all over your twitter?” He asks grumpily. Dick nods.
“Oh yeah. Her and Cass looked too cute to keep it to ourselves. Where are they anyway?” Dick asks, scanning the room.
“M said she needed to go talk to her Uncle about something. Personally, I think she was just avoiding you guys. You all crowd her every time you see her.” Jason reprimands, crossing his arms. Replacement rolls his eyes.
“It’s ‘cause she’s so much cooler than you. And she’s not an asshole like you are.” He says.
“Something’s wrong.” Cass says, suddenly appearing at Jason’s side. He jumps slightly, but then frowns at her.
“What?” He asks, surprised to see the deep scowl form on her face.
“Don’t know.” She huffs.
“Well if Cassandra believes that something is wrong, we should investigate.” Damian says, looking relieved that he wouldn’t be asked to socialize with anyone. A startled scream from outside makes the five vigilantes tense before running towards the noise. Jason curses when he realizes it’s Penny Rolling, Jagged Stone’s….something. She’s kneeling by a slumped figure, shaking it until a groan escapes it. Jason feels his blood run cold when the figure’s hair catches the light. It’s Jagged. Then where-
“Where’s she? Where’s she at?” Jagged slurs out, blinking wildly.
“Who?” Penny asks, gently holding the man’s face. Jason frowns at the gash.
“M. He wanted ‘er.” He says, and though the man is looking around crazily and slurring his words, Jason can tell he’s completely serious. And M-
“Do you mean Marinette?” Jason asks, stepping forward. Jagged frowns, but nods.
“Crazy clown.” He adds before turning and throwing up in the grass. Jason growls and turns on his heel, ready to go hunt the damned clown down. Out of everyone in this damned city that he could’ve targeted, why did he choose her?
“Jason, wait.” Dick says, grabbing his wrist. “We need to have a plan. Come on. You can’t just go out like this.” He reminds him lowly, Jason’s eyes narrow but he follows anyway. Might as well use the good tools. That fucking clown won’t make it to morning.
---
Ice cold water falls over her and Marinette sits up, gasping in shock at the sudden temperature change.
“Little cold, Birdie?” A voice asks before walking around and standing in front of her- a huge smile on his face and a thick piece of metal in his hands.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Marinette says, trying not to let her voice shake. This was the villain. The one she never wanted to meet. The one that gave her boyfriend nightmares that he couldn’t explain to her. And now she was alone with him.
“If you’re sure, we could have some...fun before Batsy arrives.” He laughs.
“Why would Batman show up?” She asks. “You do realize this is just a Halloween costume, right?” She flinches as the piece of metal- a crowbar, she thinks shakily- stops inches in front of her face.
“How stupid do you think I am? Of course it’s a costume. A costume posted by one Dick Grayson. You’re a Wayne, somehow. And Batsy always shows up when a Wayne is involved.” Joker says, his twisted grin making her sick to her stomach.
“I’m not a Wayne! Batman isn’t going to come for me.” She argues, cursing her decision to not wear her earrings today. Some days were harder than others, especially leaving in a mask. Even if the mask was a costume. Every time she tried to put on her earrings today, she shook and started to panic. Granted, it was probably for the best. Because she would definitely be tempted to transform and she did not want to give Joker that kind of knowledge.
“Wayne or not, one of the bats will come. You have friends in very high places, Birdie.” Joker tuts, twirling the crowbar in his hand. She flinches as it nears her face, making Joker laugh. “If I wanted to hit you, I would.” He says. She doesn’t even have time to figure out what he means because her shoulder explodes in pain. The pain is blinding and she wants to scream but no sound will come out of her mouth as she gasps for breath.
“That’s no good. A silent bird is a dead bird. So sing, Birdie.” Joker demands, and he aims slightly lower this time, shattering her left arm. And she screams. The pain tearing at her throat nothing compared to the pain in her arm, her shoulder. She sobs, the shaking making the pain worse, but she was unable to stop. It hurt.
“S-stop!” She manages to yell, nearly biting her tongue when Joker grabs her chin and forces her to look up at him.
“Hmm. You’re right! The internet should definitely see this.” He laughs, pulling a phone out. She shakes her head, flinching as he whacks the crowbar against the floor near her chair. He points the phone at her, and she knows he’s recording. The bastard.
“Hello Gotham! Look at this little Birdie. I’m afraid she flew too far, and now we have to clip her wings.” He says, sighing as if he’s actually apologetic. He sets his phone up on the table and stalks over to her before turning and waving at the camera. She watches him move the crowbar around warily, her breathing shaky. God, she hoped Jason wasn’t watching this. Hoped he was somewhere safe, not trying to go do something stupid. She winces as Joker acts like he’s about to hit her, only to stop before the crowbar actually connects with her good arm.
“I told you, I’d only hit you if I wanted to.” He chuckles.
“Go to hell.” She spits out, ignoring the voice in her head (that sounded suspiciously like Tikki) telling her to shut up. To not antagonize the crazy man with the crowbar.
“Gladly.” He says with a grin, rearing back and swinging the crowbar out to hit her in the ribs. Her scream echoes around the room and she has no time to catch her breath before he’s attacking her ribs again. Tears stream down her face, but she can’t scream, she can’t even catch her breath. I’m going to die, she thinks, and the thought is terrifying. She didn’t want to die, she wanted to live.
---
“Do we have a fucking location or am I about to go shoot up every goddamned warehouse in this city?” Jason growls as he zips through the streets on his bike. He knew Babs and Alfred were back at the cave, watching the livestream and working to locate Marinette. And even though he couldn’t see the video, the audio playing through the comms was enough to make his stomach churn.
He didn’t give one singular fuck what Bruce said. He was going to kill that goddamned clown the minute he saw him.
---
Marinette glares at the Joker, barely able to keep her head up. For some unknown reason, he’d decided to use his fists on her face instead of the crowbar. Not that she was complaining. She wouldn’t have survived multiple hits to the head. Not with the force he had. She watches him, and she knows he’s saying something, but she can’t tell what it is. She’s too tired, too hurt, to care what he’s saying anyway. Unless it’s some magical cure to stop her from feeling like she’s broken into a million pieces, she doesn’t want to hear it.
Eyes wandering behind him, she’s relieved when she notices the costumed figure. The cowl, the cape- Batman did come. How strange. Though, she had assumed that Joker was live streaming. So that could definitely explain that one. Deciding she was out of immediate danger, she lets her eyes droop shut, reveling in the darkness that surrounds her. She let’s it stay, and she can feel things slipping away, some of the pain lessening. It’s nice, until someone is poking her and talking much too close to her. She lets out a whine as the person forces her eyes open.
“‘m tired.” She mumbles, wincing at the pain that comes with breathing, with talking.
“I know, kid, god I know. Just keep your eyes open.” A voice says. She blinks, the blue marks on the suit in front of her helping her to identify the vigilante.
“Couldn’t fight.” She spits out, tears springing to her eyes as her attempt at conversation makes her chest ache.
“But you’re fighting now, you’re staying awake. You’re doing such a good job, I’m proud of you. Stay awake kiddo.” Nightwing says quietly. She vaguely feels the ropes slide off her wrists and ankles. Fighting to stay sitting up, because slumping will hurt more than she’s willing to allow, she sighs.
“Jason’s gonna worry.” She mumbles, and Nightwing hums.
“Ambulance is almost here, kid, just stay awake.” He says instead of asking about Jason. She hopes Jason is okay. Hopes he isn’t mad at himself for letting her go talk to Jagged alone. Suddenly, sirens are close and she lets the world finally slip away.
---
The pain is the first thing that clues her in. She isn’t dead. Which is a relief. But the way her entire body aches, is not a relief. Forcing her eyes open, she sighs at Jason’s slumped form in a chair next to her bed. She wished she knew how long she’d been in the hospital so she could scold him. Because he was still wearing the outfit he had on at the party. Which meant he hadn’t given himself a break. Just as she’s trying to decide how to ask the nurses for pain medicine, Jason’s eyes open.
“Marinette!” He gasps, starting to lunge forward, then stopping himself. “I thought, god, M, I thought-”
“‘m okay.” She says softly, and he frowns.
“Okay? You were nearly beaten to death with a goddamned crowbar. You’re not okay.” He argues. She sighs.
“I’m alive, and I’m with you. I’m okay.” She insists, wincing. He looks like he still wants to argue, but stops himself. He scoots closer and holds her hand, kissing the back of it softly.
“I’ll never leave you.” He promises. She smiles softly, before falling back asleep, finally safe.
Tag list: @maribat-october-rarepairs @stainedglassm @kittenmywaythrulife @laydeekrayzee @doll246 @queenz-z @deathssilentapproach-blog @literaryhiraeth @unoriginalmess
#angst#maribat#maribat oneshot#jasonette#maribat marinette dupain cheng#maribat jason todd#maribat joker#maribathalloween21#maribat dick grayson#maribat tim drake#maribat batman#maribat damian wayne
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ok ok so core four redesigns. here they are . pls excuse the mess i legit cannot draw cleanly. BUT let me tell u about the identities stuff :
SO as ive said in another ask, core four changing for other identities in this AU would happen after a big fight with their mentors as a whole which is mostly triggered by cassie being angry at batman and superman for how they treat tim and conner seFJSFEJOFSEJ anyway .
they do not want a visual connection to their respective hero families, and they’re growing up from the kid/boy/girl/robin stuff.
SO
• BART ALLEN becomes Mercury . This is both in reference to Max Mercury who was his mentor and is, not here anymore, and a reference to the roman god (hermed in greek) who was the god messenger and was known to be fast.
• CONNER KENT becomes Atlas. this is in reference to the Titan with the same name, said to be the titan of endurance. he’s supposed to be holding the actual Earth on his shoulders, which i thought was a nice symbol that wasnt just, hope and strenght ? there is more to this titan’s story, but this is the bit that i’m keeping.
• TIM DRAKE becomes Strix. a strix in mythology was a bird of ill omen. in its first appearance in texts, it could be both an owl or a bat which i think is really cool for tim !!! there are a lot of stories about strix being vampires, but there is another one in russia about them being ghosts that are still visible after their death. which i think is interresting bc in this AU tim stays a long time in mr oz’s/jor-el’s prisons and he’s mostly left alone and he kind of goes crazy bc he’s alone with his thoughts and at some point he’s not sure he’s alive :D !
• CASSANDRA SANDSMARK becomes Alekto. Alekto (the unceasing/the implacable anger in ancient greek) was a figure of greek mythos, one of the erinyes (or furies). they were deities of vengeance, alekto dealing with moral “crimes” (crimes of anger is the one ive seen quoted the most). she also has a link with war, as one of the stories in the aneid by virigil tells how she causes the trojan’s downfall through war. which is especially interesting for cassie as she is ares’s champion on earth, whos the god of war hehe.
SO YEAH h hh HHH im sorry the designs aren’t that good and polished but ill work on it !!! i jst rly wanted to get this out @ckbookish for making me research strix and @batfam-chaos for atlas !!!!!!
#core four#tim drake#conner kent#bart allen#cassie sandsmark#young justice#red robin#superboy#impulse#wonder girl#dc comics#redesign#eddy's art#ughhHHH mess#but now i have a clear head and i can do actual good art of it#but for now im yeeting this here and taking a break from it hehe#cassie is the one i love the most ...#im prob gonna change conners again ... and tim .... rip#chucks tim in sweater and leggins . thats it . bye#aLSO conner sitll has his jacket i jst didnt want to draw it there#and yes i gave cassie a sword and yes i gave conner knuckle brass#i think they deserve it#as a treat#500#1k#2k
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Now if statues are your thing Cassandra has had a few of those as well. Two from DC Direct, two from Eaglemoss, and Kotobukiya.
Here's the 2024 addition.
The first is this DC Direct statue designed by co-creator Damion Scott and sculpted by William Paquet.
She's the biggest of the statues offered. So yeah a good chunk of space is gonna be needed to display this one.
Sadly, this statue has jumped up in price since 2019. Currently, most searches on eBay are asking $200 for this statue.
The next offering DC Direct gave was from their Ame-Comi (DC characters given "shonen" redesigns) line. This was designed by Paitoon Ratan.
This particular one also has some of the most interesting stories behind it.
#1 Cass was one of the only characters not in the comic line (2012-2013. Take guesses on WHY*rolls eyes*)
Still, this was one of those rare "sneaks" folks at DC got in (the other being the JL Classified Batgirl Cass figure).
#2 is Ratan designed an alternate unmasked face sculpt for Cass. It was sadly cut due to cost-cutting purposes.
Here you go for a link to that.
Currently, as of 2024, it is the "rare" Batgirl of the Ame-con line (any of the Babs statues are quite cheap) and can go for $149 to $200 on eBay.
Though I did see a loose one for $69. HOWEVER, it is missing a few items (the two batarangs and bats accessories).
If you're looking for something smaller scale, then this is where Eaglemoss swings in. They're the only ones who have Cass not only as Batgirl but also as Black Bat!
As of 2024, they've still not given us an Orphan to finish this "trilogy".
Both statues were part of two different lines. The Batgirl is part of their "normal" release statues. This one can come with a book that fully details Cass's origins and appearances.
A nice little character bio as it were.
This Cass without the book is currently going for $19 loose (minus the book) or $24 in pack complete.
The Black Bat was from their Batman Chess line. She was just a pawn in the game. 😭 But hey that means she can evolve into a QUEEN.
Much like Batgirl her price is around the same range $19 to $24. She can be bought together in the entire set too, but that's $600. 😵💫
Our final Batgirl statue is the Batgirl One Coin from Kotobukiya. It was made in 2005 and is part of "season 2" of their line.
This one hasn't really gone up in price like the Eaglemoss and is easier to display than say the DC Direct statues.
As of 2024, $25 is the asking price for this statue.
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