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daydreamerwonderkid · 1 year ago

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Me, after doing 15 minutes of excessive googling on every Batfam member's birthday only to then realize I've accidentally missed the majority of them this year, and then also finding out that people are still aggressively debating over whether Bruce's birthday is April 7 or February 19, Dick's birthday happens 3-6x throughout the year, and Stephanie might have just popped into existence for all that DC cares:

Batfam birthday dates btw for anyone who needs them are listed beneath the cut:

DISCLAIMER: DC is notorious for being super inconsistent with everything and I am a mere tadpole caught in the tidal wave of DC's ocean. This post will be regularly updated with edits and corrections so please do not use it as word of law, I am begging you.

Update (8/24/23): To keep things more simple and easier for everyone I am going to start categorizing the birth dates I've collected into 3 categories.

-Most popular: Self-explanatory. These are the birth dates that have been canonized and confirmed by DC and are also more wildly celebrated by the fandom. Typically, this should be the first result you see when you google the character's birthday. But not always because DC sucks ass.

-Other date(s): These are the additional birth dates I come across that have been canonized in some form with multiple sources, but are not as wildly celebrated or popularized by DC and/or the fandom. Why am I including them here? Mostly because I don't want people coming in saying I forgot a date. But also because if I have to see this mess, then y'all have too as well.

-Potential but unconfirmed date(s): This is where I will put all the other additional dates I find, but specifically those that are lacking in complete sources or seem to be highly debated and scrutinized.

Also fun emoji ranking guide for me and me alone:

👑👑: Queen Shit. Characters with a consistent and simple birth date(s). Can absolutely do no wrong.

👑😮‍💨: In the Running. Characters who don't have a set birth date, but the mess is minor and completely DC's fault. They shouldn't have to be punished for DC's crimes.

🤡🤡: Gtfo. Shit is so inconsistent and stupidly messy that it's making me lose my shit. I'm putting DC and the characters on trial for this bullshit.

👑Alfred Pennyworth👑

Most popular: August 18

Other date(s): June 27 or August 10

Potential but unconfirmed date(s): September 19 (fml)

(Yes, I'm including Terry, fuck you lol

Also SERIOUSLY WTF is up with so many of these August birthdays!!!! Fuck, was everyone just getting crazy BUSY in November!!!! What's going on in the DC universe that is making November of all months the HORNY MONTH????!!!!)

(Mini update ((8/18/23)): Well, I just found out that apparently June 27th 2023 is also a highly debated birth date for Terry. As is August 10 2023/2024 and August 18 2023/2024. I even saw a mention of September 19 2023, but I don't know how credible that source actually is. I'm just putting it here because I'm losing my mind and I don't want someone to pop in and say I forgot it omfg I'm dying

I'm just ... why? Why is it so hard to just commit to one month and one date. I'm not even concerned about the exact year. Just commit to ONE, man.

Excuse me while I march over to DC HQ and burn the whole place to the ground iswtfg)

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of these. I have a massive headache now and am open to any suggestions or clarifications y'all have to offer.

Also, I'm going to fist fight Dick in a Denny's parking lot.

Update (8/17/23): So a mini post that I meant to use as a way to vent how insane Dick was making me somehow blew up way more than I ever expected it to, and now I feel obligated to clarify again that I am open to any corrections and additional info that anyone has to offer.

I'm saying this because I've noticed people reblogging this post for actual Batfam bday references and someone already pointed out I fucked up Tim's bday and now I feel bad for everyone who reblogged this post prior to that edit.

It's probably just the anxiety talking, but yeah I just wanted to put that out there.

Also justice for Stephanie Brown! She deserves to have her own special day and if I have to bully DC into giving her a canon birthday, then you bet your ass I fucking will.

(And to all of y'all who are encouraging Dick to keep running his side scam business, I just have this to say: There's an empty Denny's parking lot somewhere out there just waiting for you, too lol)

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certifiedposeidonhater · 29 days ago

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PERCY JACKSON HEADCANONS!! (i have a very, very, VERY long series of these on my tiktok so i’ve decided im gonna start posting them here!)

this is gonna be the first part! i’m gonna do like 20-25 each part. (there’s a lot…) just a reminder to pretty please be respectful and kind. i love hearing different opinions and explaining why i think the things that i do or my reasoning behind these, but if you are rude or mean, im just gonna shut you down. if you want to RESPECTFULLY discuss our different opinions, i would LOVE to!! 💙

alrighty, here goes (why am i lowkey nervous?):

1. So, you know how aphrodite children know French bc it’s like the language of love? Percy knows a lot of island/oceanic languages that are native to island cultures (e.g. Māori, Tahitian, Samoan, etc.) because…poseidon.

2. Percy bottles up all of his emotions until he eventually has a mental breakdown where he lays in bed for a few days and completely isolates himself from all his friends and family. He kinda just pops back up when he’s done and acts like nothing happened. None of his friends or family really have the heart to bring it up, and if they do, he’ll just dismiss it and shut down.

3. He physically cannot eat when someone is upset at him or he’s upset at somebody else (he’s usually upset at himself.)

4. Percy and the aphrodite cabin were kinda friends. Especially him and Drew and him and Silena. I don’t know why but it just makes sense. They have weekly gossip sessions. The aphrodite cabin were the only campers (well mostly Silena but still) who didn’t avoid or ignore Percy once he got claimed. Silena and Beckendorf took him in and became almost parental figures.

5. Percy once got in an argument with his dad so he drove himself to a nearby church and got himself baptized at a local church to spite his dad (which i feel like kinda cancels out the whole point of the baptism but whatever.) His mom also got him baptized when he was a baby because she was annoyed at poseidon and also bc she grew up in a kinda religious household. (‘Cause i’m pretty sure that Sally was from Texas and so it fits the region.)

6. He’s not white. He’s actually Hispanic/Portuguese. It fits the majority of the ethnicity census in the area where he grew up so it’s very likely. Plus (other than Walker) i lowkey cannot imagine Percy as white.

7. He has nightmares from seeing himself from another point of view and seeing how scary he is. (He’s scared of himself. (He sees himself as Luke.))

8. Gods and goddesses used to visit Percy as a kid and just kinda chat him up and hang around him a bit. He would literally just randomly be sitting on the subway and suddenly Iris pops up and starts talking to him, and Percy being the 8 yo kid he is, he starts talking back and suddenly it’s a full-blown conversation.

9. He has a special spot that he used to go to with Beckendorf. They found it while they were searching for something for one of Beckendorfs projects. It’s like a little pond somewhere in the forest, super remote. Percy still goes there whenever he’s at camp and it reminds him of Beckendorf.

10. He has the ability to see the past through water. Like how water can collect energy? Like that science thingy where energy can kinda collect in water? Well, Percy can use his powers to kind of bring the past to life based on what has happened near the water. (e.g. he could use the water in the creek to create like a mist version of the things that happened there. Like his claiming. think Frozen II)

11. When he was a kid, g*be used to kick Percy out on the streets. He would be supposed to be taking care of Percy when Sally was at work and he would just make Percy go outside for hours at a time no matter what the weather was. Even if it was a blizzard and Percy didn’t have a jacket, Percy was outside.

12. g*be has broken Percy’s arm (multiple times) and he told everyone it was from falling down the stairs of his apartment complex. It never healed right either so his right arm is a little funky.

13. He’s left handed.

14. Percy has tried to off himself. But that’s also canon so like-

15. Percy dissociates a lot. It happened more when he was a kid but it started up again after the first war. He will dissociate for hours and no one knows how to get him out of it. It stresses Annabeth out SO MUCH.

16. He developed an eating disorder where he hated himself so much that whenever he ate, his mind would hyperfixate and overthink about that hatred and how much of a terrible person he was to the point he would throw up everytime he ate. Restricting what he eats also helps him feel in control of his life, and he gets so little control that the feeling of starving himself became almost euphoric.

17. He HATES pigeons and squirrels (it’s irrational.)

18. He’s fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. and some Italian bc of g*be and bc he grew up around the Italian mafia.

19. He knows A LOT of random facts about random local places without ever being there. It rlly impressed Annabeth when she started talking abt some cool architectural thing and Percy was js like “oh yeah, i know all about that!” he’s never been to half of them, but he knows about it.

20. His New York accent was *super* noticeable when he was a kid and he got bullied for it, so he started hiding it and does it subconsciously even though he knows his friends wouldn’t make fun of him. It still comes out when he’s tired, stressed, or emotional.

21. He code switches.

22. Percy hates Boston and New Jersey

23. He isn’t patriotic at all but the SECOND someone starts talking bad abt nyc he is ON IT. Same with if a European (mainly a British person) says something bad about America, he starts becoming Alexander Hamilton. He suddenly LOVES his country and that country’s culture.

Hope yall enjoy! I’m just posting old ones from tiktok so i have them backed up on somewhere and to get the people on tumblr caught up and there will be more soon 🤗🤗 If yall have any questions or anything, PLEASE ask me! I love talking to people about this stuff!

#percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #heroes of olympus #headcanons #headcanon #percy jackson headcanon #tiktok #trials of apollo #rick riordan #pjo hoo toa #pjo

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miyeyu · 4 months ago

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Searching for Love and Identity: An Overanalysis of the Llamas with Hats Epilogue

tl;dr LwH is a huge tragicomedy, and Carl is a profoundly complex human monster who ultimately proves able to transcend his cookie-cutter cartoon villain character because of his painfully human desire for love.

I’ve been obsessed with the Llamas with Hats (LwH) Epilogue that released recently. I don’t usually do this, but here’s a super extra, over-the-top deep dive into the symbolism of the episode and what it reveals about Carl’s character. It's not super edited but I hope at least somebody enjoys this.

At the beginning and end are mirrored scenes: a scene of rippling water and a typical funny episode of LwH on a phone. While the water is a callback to the ocean Carl jumped into in Episode 12, the use of the phone to frame the episode emphasizes the nature of LwH as a show; it’s telling you that none of this is real and making a meta joke, since most of us are probably viewing this on our phones (and also long-dead if we were in the world of LwH).

For many of us who grew up with LwH, this is a nostalgic moment and a recap after not having watched the series for so long. What I really love about this scene is that Jason Steele uses these scenes—the water, the playing phone—to bookend Carl’s emotional journey, making the epilogue a complete narrative circle. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In the next scene, we are shown the wake of Carl’s utter devastation upon the Earth, accompanied by a melancholic saxophone track, bringing us back to the end of Episode 12. Surprisingly, we actually know that Carl plays the saxophone, since he mentioned it in Episode 4. As he sinks into oblivion, his hat floats away.

WHAT'S UP WITH THE HAT?

Hats are a powerful symbol in Llamas with Hats. It’s right there in the title! A red hat and a green hat are often used as a visual synecdoche for Paul and Carl, respectively. In a broader sense, clothing is associated with civilization and dignity, that which sets us apart from animals. In the Christian Bible, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit of knowledge, they realized that they were naked and began to cover themselves up.

The hats make up a part of Paul’s and Carl’s identities as important characters; they’re not just llamas, they’re llamas with hats. It’s a core part of the series identity.

Another notable element is that Paul has a red hat and Carl has a green hat. In color theory, red and green are complementary colors, directly opposite of each other on the color wheel and creating the most dynamic contrast out of any other pairing with red or green when used together. This reflects Paul and Carl’s dynamic pretty well, actually.

Therefore, knowing that their hats are deeply tied to their identities, when Carl loses his hat during his dive into the water, it symbolizes a loss of identity, of life. When Carl gets captured by the glowing purple hands and regains his hat, that’s not actually his real hat—it’s his sense of self coming back to him as he regains consciousness. And that’s what the LwH epilogue really is about—the meaning and loss of one’s identity.

WHY HANDS?

We see glowing purple hands made of light multiple times in the epilogue: at the beginning, capturing Carl as he sinks into the water, several times as consciously manifested by Carl (usually in order to harm others, but sometimes to transport him somewhere else), and pushing Acorn-Carl into the sand at the very end. What are these hands supposed to mean?

Well, hands, as the means by which we manipulate tools, have long been a symbol for power—the ability to make our desires manifest. If you recall Episode 8, there is the number 412 on Paul’s new apartment’s door. That actually isn’t any old number. It’s an angel number, a special number within numerology (an occult/spiritual belief that numbers we encounter can be used to divine meaning in our lives) that symbolizes hard work and the power to manifest our desires.

And I mean, I’m sure Carl worked very hard on the orphan meat dragon.

Knowing this, I’d argue that these hands are a visual, spiritual manifestation of the near-omnipotent power granted to Carl by the narrative—in other words, the force of the narrative of LwH. We know that Carl is, despite being a completely normal llama, somehow an unstoppable force of destruction: he sunk a cruise ship in Episode 2, bombed a city in Episode 4, created a rip in the fabric of space-time in Episode 5, and can be reasonably expected to have eliminated all human life (if not all sentient life) on Earth by Episode 12. Just to name a few things. That’s because the narrative grants him this power.

And from a meta perspective, I would assume that the purple hands were probably made using videos of Jason Steele’s own hands, since he is the sole creator of LwH! Literally, the hands of the creator.

The point is that Carl has the power to act practically however he wants, and his narrative agency reigns supreme.

He might get injured physically, or told that he’s in trouble, but in the story of LwH, it has no real consequences for him. Nothing and no one can force Carl to do anything, not even Paul or the meat-tube (tube meat? purple meat? Meatube). His overwhelming power stands in contrast to the typical hero’s journey, which revolves around not having enough power and collecting enough power to defeat the villain. Yeah, we’re subverting a lot of tropes today. We’re not even done yet.

The spiritual dream/limbo/hallucination that Carl eventually finds himself in would be a classic The Nightmare Before Christmas-esque metaphysical journey, led by a spiritual guide to whom Carl is subordinate, and that’s what we’re expecting, but that’s not actually what happens. Carl uses the purple hands to escape this narrative railroad of being forced to confront his mistakes, to mess with Meatube and to launch himself around the dreamscape (I don’t think it’s necessarily a dreamscape, but we’ll call it that for convenience’s sake).

And, as a character with supreme agency given by the narrative, that is his prerogative. That’s just who he is.

So if Carl can’t be forced to do anything he doesn’t want to do, what we’re left with is the knowledge that if Carl does something, it has to be because he very much wants to do it. That is the core journey of LwH’s epilogue: Carl questioning what he wants and eventually changing himself through his own actions.

And now back to the program…

As Carl sinks into the dream realm/limbo/hallucination—whichever it is isn’t important—he finds himself in a surreal in-between room that resembles the old apartments we’ve seen throughout LwH. There, he encounters Meatube, who asks Carl if he’s ready (to fully die and move on to the next existence, supposedly).

Considering its purple color, it’s probably also a meta reference to the guidance of the narrative, but I read a comment on the Youtube video by @thekingtm760 with a theory that I like: that Meatube’s stated purpose and its meaning is not important. It’s simply there to “remind us of Carl’s innate nature”; that Carl hasn’t changed at all since his death and will still readily and remorselessly destroy and/or consume anything that makes him examine himself. In other words, he hasn’t changed. Throughout the epilogue, poor Meatube keeps trying to help Carl by telling him truths about himself even after being mutilated and eaten, but Meatube is powerless to change Carl—it’s Carl who must ultimately confront these truths and decide what to do.

Notably, every time he consumes Meatube, his figure distorts into something… pretty un-llama-like. I’m not quite sure what this is supposed to mean, but I’m guessing that it's a representation of how Carl only hurts himself when he resorts to using violence on others. Because while Carl may be sociopathic, he doesn’t actually adore killing as much as he tries to paint himself as. More on this later.

Then he flexes his narrative power to escape limbo and come back to the meadow where Carl first met Paul. He even has the ability to change the scene and conjure up versions of Paul (more on this later too, God there is so much to get through), though the Paul we know and love never actually shows up once in the epilogue.

CARL AND PAUL'S RELATIONSHIP

Hoo boy, this is gonna be a long one, so buckle up.

Their relationship has often been jokingly referred to as “toxic yaoi llamas”, and I don’t disagree with that. But although I do think that their relationship is romantic, whether the nature of Carl and Paul’s relationship is romantic or platonic isn’t paramount to the core message of the epilogue—what’s important is that Carl as a character has a deep, undying, obsessive attachment to Paul, and for the series as a whole, Paul represents a crucial half of a whole identity. I mean, the entire series of LwH depends on Paul as the normal one in contrast to Carl’s psychopathy, and then revolves around Carl’s trying to get Paul back.

Still, this surprises us. We are stricken at the depth of feeling that Carl has for Paul. We never think that Carl, the sociopath with a long history of violence, could have this amount of complexity and genuine attachment to another being—yet somehow he does. Let’s get into it.

“I always thought of you as made of moonlight because of that first night.” “Maybe we’re both still here. Maybe we’ve been here all along. Just two llamas in a meadow.”

The meadow scene is remarkably romantic. The moon has long been associated with romance, and the wistful way that Carl talks about Paul invokes romance scenes throughout time. There’s a common phrase in Chinese romance novels—to be somebody’s “white moonlight”—which means a yearning for somebody that one cannot touch or have. Indeed, Paul is Carl’s white moonlight. The moon is also a symbol for illusions, the inner self, the subconscious, etc. which fits quite well with this introspective journey that Carl is having.

Remember the whole comedic duo bit for the LwH series? Carl doesn’t see it like we do. For him, he honestly, really does not care one bit about all the people he hurt. He doesn’t hate them, nor is reveling in suffering truly important to him (shown by how he lost all joy in life when Paul left him). Like a child frying ants with a magnifying glass, he is simply incapable of feeling guilt and doesn’t understand that what he’s doing is wrong.

For him, the whole series has been him trying to get closer to Paul and genuinely not understanding why when he fails. That’s why, to him, they are still in that meadow where Paul was Carl’s white moonlight. He’s always been trying to grasp something he could never touch, something he thinks Paul can give him, something we all want desperately: love, acceptance, connection, understanding.

Truthfully, his image of Paul is more important to him than who Paul really is. Though Carl says in the epilogue that Paul will listen to him and understand, Paul has said himself that he doesn’t really get why Carl does anything. Carl tries to force the sheep in Episode 7 to act like (what he thinks) how Paul should act, even ordering the sheep not to sit because Paul would never sit.

Tellingly, in Carl’s dreamscape where he can do anything he wants, he is never able to conjure the real Paul. Instead, it’s a moonlight Paul, a faceless Paul, a distorted call in the distance—and even his hallucination of Paul from when he was still alive was a demonic floating head that was nothing like Paul. Carl doesn’t really know Paul or how he acts. Carl didn’t even know his name or gender until Episode 3.

Let’s look at just how deeply Carl is attached to Paul and why. This might already be apparent, but one of the reasons why Carl commits his atrocious acts is to get attention from Paul (the other reason is that he’s a sociopath with no regard for life).

Here are a couple quotes showing this, if you didn’t want to watch the whole series again:

Episode 3: Paul: “You know what? Forget it. I’m not even shocked anymore.” Carl: “Ahh, that’s no fun.” Paul: “This has become the norm for you, Carl." Carl: “I’ll have to try harder next time.” Paul: “Please don’t.” Carl: “I feel like I’ve been issued a challenge.” Episode 5: Carl: “Come on, look at this. How did I even do this.” Paul: “I don’t understand how or why you do anything.” Carl: “Do you know what it feels like to be Carl right now? It hurts. Not as much as the babies, but it hurts.” Episode 6 Carl: “Aren’t you going to say it?” Paul: “Say what, Carl.” Carl: “That. My name, all offended and annoyed.” --- Paul: “It’s a lot of things, Carl.” Carl: “Just let me explain. Efficiency. Industry. Never before has this many dead bodies been so manageable.” Paul: “Carl!”

Even greater than that, Carl and Paul’s relationship mirrors the relationship between the creator and the audience (us). Carl continually commits horrifically entertaining acts in order to impress Paul; it’s tied to his self-worth.

And us, watching on our phones (another reason why the intro is so good!), we have a huge reaction the first time we see it that showers the creator in love, but as the series goes on, we get bored. The act stagnates because it never changes its ways, just like Carl. So we stop watching and leave. Like Carl, creators can struggle with trying to give their audiences whatever they want because it helps them feel the love and acceptance (something we all want) that we are lacking, because we are all incomplete in some way. But sometimes, like in art, like in the LwH epilogue, what we want is not what we need.

Really, Carl’s identity only has two components: 1) Attached to Paul and 2) Homicidal maniac. Together as a comedic duo, Carl and Paul make up the identity of LwH; Carl is the freak of nature, while Carl is the normal guy. But what happens when one half of the duo is gone? Emptiness. Death. A loss of meaning and purpose.

That’s where identity comes in. Carl’s and Paul’s relationship, the relationship between the creator and audience, and a toxic relationship—while not exactly the same, they’re all mirrors of each other, and deeply tied to the identity of LwH as a series.

So why does Carl care about getting Paul back so much? It’s because of the (often twisted) desire for love, connection, acceptance, and understanding that we all struggle for in all of these mirrored relationships.

Carl says petulantly, “I’m finding Paul. I’m sorting things out between us. He’ll listen to me. He’ll understand.” This shows that Carl does actually have the ability to feel hurt, as well as desires acceptance and understanding—he has throughout the whole series—but he deflects and covers it up by pretending to not care, or else is so full of himself that he doesn’t realize that people are not joking when they tell him what he’s done wrong, as shown in Episode 6, where Paul continually tells Carl why he’s leaving him. Though we know that Carl cares deeply about Paul, he denies that Paul truly wants to leave and refuses to believe it in order to avoid being hurt.

That’s at least part of why he’s such a big jokester—to hide his pain, and to deny that he feels any at all. We watch LwH and laugh because funny comedian sociopathic llama, but for Carl, it’s a long series of his trying to cover up his loneliness and self-hatred by pretending to be this nonchalant comedian who cares about nothing at all.

Episode 10: Floating Head Paul: “Caaarl.” Carl: “That’s not gonna work. I’m in too bad a mood.” Floating Head Paul: “Caaarl.” Carl: “Alright. Oh, hey, how did all these bodies get down here?” Floating Head Paul: “You killed all these people, Carl.” Carl: “Collecting piles of human meat is my least favorite thing to do.” Floating Head Paul: “Caaarl.” Carl: “I am a rascal. Just a no-good troublemaker, that’s me.”

This conversation is fascinating, and it tells us so much. Floating Head Paul (Carl’s hallucination) suddenly starts doing the “Caaarl” when he was talking normally before.

This is a twisted way of cheering Carl up—an invitation to return to their previous comforting dynamic, when Carl’s only way of grabbing attention was to put on his sadistic comedian act. Carl actually doesn’t want to do it at first, but when he does, he noticeably adopts a funny-guy persona to do a bit with Floating Head Paul, ending with insulting himself. This isn’t readily apparent, but Carl doesn’t value himself very much at all. In Episode 9, Carl (pretending to be Paul) says, “Caaarl, I hate you, Carl! I hate you!”

It’s Carl, talking to himself, saying that he hates himself because he couldn’t make Paul stay.

After all, tragedy is comedy. We see this with the acorn and Meatube as well, where he deflects their truths by joking around or getting violent or running away in order to avoid confronting the painful fact that he is a monster.

Here’s who Carl really is: he doesn’t like himself, avoids pain through violence and deflection, wants to be loved and accepted, is incapable of understanding right and wrong, and ties his identity and self-worth to how much others value him.

He would be a sympathetic character if he didn’t commit like 50 war crimes (a manifestation of his total narrative agency). Honestly, his greatest flaw is not his malice, because none of his crimes are truly personal, but his constant willful ignorance.

So yeah, LwH is a huge tragicomedy, and Carl is a profoundly complex human monster who ultimately proves able to transcend his cookie-cutter cartoon villain character because of his painfully human desire for love.

Enough with the tragic llama yaoi, we must move on before this analysis gets to 4k words because I’ve already spent too much time on this already.

Rain pours in on the meadow. When we move to the next scene, Carl says, “Why? Why did you leave?” Then, when he puts himself into a hole (yet another manifestation of his agency), he says “I’m going to be a good boy from now on so Paul will forgive me.”

Carl’s willful and inherent ignorance is apparent through the entire epilogue:

Apologies are just a tool for him to get other people to do what he wants.

He doesn’t understand why Paul left, and denies it when others tell him why.

He thinks that all he needs to do is check items off a list and Paul will accept him.

To the very end, he doesn’t understand why his crimes are wrong, and he has no remorse for them or the suffering they caused.

He rejects the fact that everything happening to him is a consequence of his own actions.

It’s quite reminiscent of an abusive partner in a toxic relationship, or an abusive parent who doesn’t understand why their kid is estranged. The “toxic” part of “toxic yaoi llamas”. In a way, it’s sad how Carl is inherently incapable of understanding these things, but the acorn is right—even if Carl is a sympathetic character, he doesn’t deserve redemption or forgiveness.

The acorn quotes practically the same thing Carl said back in Episode 4: “Carl is a sociopath with a long history of violence.” He chose to commit all his atrocities. What he is, “Carl”, is incapable of changing or redemption even if he deserved it, because that’s just the way Carl is.

WATER AND RAIN

We see rain many times in the epilogue, with water being a prominent symbol. Water is a symbol for life, purity, and change. The waves of the ocean Carl drowned himself in are present at the beginning and end; the oceans were once a primordial soup that birthed every living being on the Earth, and at the end, when water is gushing down in torrents and envelopes Carl, they serve as both a cleansing force and the amniotic fluid that serves the birth of a new Carl.

In short, the encroaching rain is a reminder that time is running out for Carl—in other words, that he cannot run from confronting what he’s done forever, and that the reality of his death is ever present. It’s a reference to the waters that are drowning Carl, as are the torrents that flood the in-between corridor at the end. Once a gentle drizzle, they are now fierce and raging. As a cleansing force, it’s washing the corridor’s bloodstained walls and making them a blank white, metaphorically wiping his slate clean. Like the acorn said, death is the only solution for him.

We’re almost done… here’s the final stretch!

The face-mountain, while a hilarious Kickstarter option, is a neat reference back to Episode’s 4 balloon faces that Carl made for Paul’s birthday. Carl and the face mountain proceed to dance the butcher dance, or hasapiko, a Greek folk dance. I mean, we can’t have things getting too dark in here, right?

Then he sees Paul’s skeleton, ringed by a halo, and remembers that he is dead.

In Christianity, halos often accompany saints, and honestly, Paul had the patience of a saint to put up with Carl for so long. His death was what motivated Carl to accept the consequences of his actions; he pretty much died for Carl’s sins.

It’s only then that Carl can no longer hide behind his jokes and realizes that there is no going back (notice how after this, he starts speaking completely seriously). In his quest to capture love and acceptance, he has destroyed the very chance to find what he was looking for.

“Paul! I hope you’re having a better time than I am... I really mean that! I think I’m lost, Paul. I don’t think things are gonna work out for me. But you’ve still got a chance! … As long as you stay away from me… Or I stay away from you.”

It’s only when Carl breaks out of his willful ignorance that he does the first unselfish thing that he’s ever done in his life, for the sake of Paul, the only one he ever truly cared about: he gives up on being loved, makes the choice to give up all his agency, and experiences ego death.

As Carl sheds his former identity, his hat falls away, and he transforms into an oak tree, alone in the sands. A beautifully haunting lullaby serenades us in the background.

The oak tree’s white moonlight is there, with him, too far away to touch—and yet because of the last choice he made, the tree is still able to bathe in its rays for the rest of eternity.

tl;dr again: LwH is a huge tragicomedy, and Carl is a profoundly complex human monster who ultimately proves able to transcend his cookie-cutter cartoon villain character because of his painfully human desire for love.

#llamas with hats #toxic yaoi llamas #filmcow #jason steele #deep dives #media analysis #i always thought of you as made of moonlight because of that first night

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daisynik7 · 2 years ago

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Give You Blue

Chapter 8: How It Begins

Pairing: Eren x f!reader, Reiner x f!reader (past relationship)

cw: switching POVs (reader is 2nd person, Eren is third) angst, fluff, language

Word Count: ~3.5k

Previous Chapter | Epilogue

Give You Blue Masterlist | ao3 | Give You Blue Taglist

Summary: The conclusion of the series Give You Blue. Author’s Note: Seriously, I cannot thank you all enough for sticking with this through the end. I wanted to write a story that was realistic, relatable, and romantic, and I hope that in the end, I accomplished that. I wasn’t sure anyone would want to read a story like this, so I’m so grateful to all of you who have. I appreciate every single one of you so so much. I’ll definitely miss this series, but I’m also relieved to be give our main characters some rest LOL. Stay tuned for the Epilogue, coming out in the next week or so!

Eren fingers are entwined with yours, hands resting on the center console of his car, windows rolled down halfway to let the passing breeze sweep through his hair. Every so often, he’ll glance at you, smiling, sunglasses covering his eyes as he drives the familiar route towards the bridge between Paradis and Marley. The radio plays songs you’ve listened with him before, during all those little hangouts inside his room. Choruses and verses he’s demonstrated for you on his guitar, impressing you with his skills. He hums each tune happily, thumb tapping against your skin in tandem with the rhythm.

Nearly three months ago, you were in the passenger seat, that time in Reiner’s car, driving the same road, but in the opposite direction, observing the ocean blue with tears in your eyes and a broken heart. Wondering what would happen next after losing what seemed like everything to you. Because Reiner was everything to you. Was.

Now, you see your future in a clearer light. Instead of storms or perpetual rain, you envision sunshine and bright skies, filling you with warmth that has since slipped from you since your breakup. You’re no longer lost; rather, you’re wandering to something new, something different. Something wonderful. And you can’t help imagining Eren on the other side of that, welcoming you with open arms. Still, the journey isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning. And before you reach your destination, there’s obstacles you need to face to make it there in one piece.

Halfway into the drive, you realize where he’s taking you. It’s his little paradise he told you about before, the special beach he goes to for an escape. It’s my super-secret spot. You have to be really special to know about it. I’ll show you this one day. You’ll love it. Even then, several weeks ago, Eren invited you into his world, deeming you special enough to share it. He trusts you, is giving his all to you. And you wish your heart wasn’t so damaged still, so that you could give him the same. The love that he deserves.

He pulls into a spot right off the shore, letting go of your hand to put the car in park. “We’re here,” he announces, grinning. At the trunk, he pulls out two blankets, handing you one to carry. He leads you down weathered stairs towards an alcove hidden away from the main beach. The sand is soft against your feet, sinking in with each step. The distinct melody of waves crashing on the shore is soothing to your ears. It really is paradise, especially with Eren guiding the way, turning back occasionally to flash that winning smile at you. Eventually, he settles for a spot far enough from the shore to where the water doesn’t reach, laying the blanket flat. He sits cross-legged, focused on the view in front of him. He’s at ease, the tension from his shoulders relaxing, his sunglasses reflecting the glare of the golden hour. You take your place beside him, indulging in this sight. Their last moment together in the sun before you return to reality.

The scene is amazing, streaks of orange and pink mirrored in the shimmering blue sea. It’s too majestic to stare at directly, so you watch it rippling on the ocean surface. With the sun gradually sinking into the horizon, Eren scoots closer, nudging you. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

You rest your head on his shoulder, nodding. “It is. Thank you for taking me here.”

“I know it’s not exactly the runaway you wanted, but it’s the best I could give you,” he mentions, leaning into you.

“This is exactly what I want. To be here with you.”

The two of you sit in silence, admiring the sunset until it disappears, and the night sky takes over, like a curtain falling after the final act. You’re holding hands now, squeezing each other tight, desperate not to let go. Maybe he senses it too, the end of this tiny getaway together.

“Eren,” you start, voice trembling.

Before you can continue, he turns to kiss you on the forehead gently. “It’s okay. You can be honest with me. I can take it.”

Tears stream down your cheeks, his thumbs brushing them away as he cradles your face between his palms. “I’m sorry,” you sniffle. “I’m so sorry, Eren. I wish I could give you what you want, like what you’ve given to me. But I can’t. Not right now. I need time.”

“Then I’ll wait for you,” he urges, placing delicate kisses along the corners of your eyes, collecting your tears on his lips. “I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

You shake your head, refusing. “I won’t let you do that. There’s a whole world out there, people without baggage, without a broken heart. They’re so much better for you than I am. It’ll be so much easier than dealing with a mess like me.”

“I don’t want easier. I want you.”

“Why? Why me?”

He smiles softly. “Because you make me happy.”

You continue to cry, asking, “How can it be that simple? What if you get sick of me? What if I can’t make you happy anymore?” It’s what happened with Reiner. He decided one day that he was no longer in love with you, and in an instant, the life you built together disintegrated into a pile of dust. Remnants of precious memories wasted away into nothing. That’s what it felt like. What if the same happens with Eren? What if you weren’t meant to be loved at all?

He keeps holding your firmly in his grasp, a look of determination in his face. “There’s so many what if scenarios you can give me. I won’t pretend to know exactly what the future has in store for us. But all I know is that I’m the happiest when I’m with you. I’m not going to let something like this go just because I’m worried it might not work out in the end. If I’m going to take a leap of faith, it’s going to be for you.” He nuzzles his nose to yours, grinning. “And who’s to say that you won’t get sick of me?”

“I would never,” you reply, gazing at him through weepy eyes. “But I’m scared of becoming a failure again.”

“Having your past relationship end doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Love isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about learning and growing. Realizing how capable you are to love somebody and allowing them to love you. Isn’t that such a wonderful thing?”

You watch him, awed by his wisdom. As much as you wish it could, it’s still not enough to take the fear away from your fragile heart. After a moment of silence, listening to the gentle waves splash on the shore, Eren says, “Can I tell you something?” It’s dark now, the chill from the night air prickling your bare skin. He unfolds the second blanket, wrapping it around the both of you. You nod, huddling closer, relishing the warmth he always surrounds you in.

“I emailed my advisor. I have a meeting with him Monday morning. I’m officially going to change my major,” he announces proudly.

“Really?”

“Yeah. No more running away. I’m not scared anymore. That’s because of you.” He faces you, eyes shining like emeralds in the pitch black of evening. “You’ve given me the strength to do this. To take control of my life and make decisions for me, and not for anyone else. With you by my side, I can do anything.”

“Eren,” you whisper, chest heavy with adoration.

He presses his forehead to yours. “I wish I could take away the pain. Take whatever hurts you and make it disappear. You have no idea how special you are to me. So, I’ll wait for you, whenever you’re ready to share your heart with me. Until then, I’ll stay by your side, as your friend, as your RA, as a person who cares deeply about you. I’ll always be here for you, okay?”

You swallow hard, tears trickling down your cheeks as you kiss him, unable to express how much he means to you, letting your lips do the talking instead. It isn’t fair to love him with a broken heart; he deserves to be loved fully by someone who isn’t afraid of it. Someone who’s healed instead of damaged, steady without stumbling at every little crack in the pavement they come across. With time, you’re determined to become that somebody for him.

Eventually, you find the will to speak. “I won’t make you wait long. I promise.”

He laughs, snuggling closer to you under the blanket. “Pinky promise?”

“Pinky promise.” You hook your finger around his, swaying it between you.

Eren drives back to campus with your hand in his, brushing his thumb across your skin affectionately. You part ways outside his room, kissing each other once more before stepping down the hallway to your own room. You scroll through your phone to find Reiner’s contact, determined more than ever to settle this once and for all. No more running away.

Without hesitation, you type out your message.

Reiner. I’m ready to talk.

~~~

Sunday afternoon, you and Reiner agree to meet at a café on-campus, one that the two of you frequented freshman year when you were a couple. Upon your arrival, you notice that he’s already sat at a table, waiting for you, two drinks set in front of him. You sit across from him, back straight and neck tall, twiddling your thumbs at your lap where he can’t see.

“I already ordered,” he comments, pushing the coffee cup towards you, reciting the drink name and all the specifics of how you typically like it. Proving that he hasn’t forgotten.

You take it into your hand, tipping it into your mouth. “Thank you,” you say after swallowing your sip.

There are a few beats of awkward silence before he starts speaking. “I’m sorry about the other night. I shouldn’t have ambushed you like that.”

You nod in acknowledgement, fixated on the lid of your drink cup, nervous to meet his gaze.

“I meant it, though,” he adds. “I still want to get back together.”

You take a deep breath, choosing your words carefully. “Why all of a sudden?”

He shrugs, circling the rim of his cup with his finger. “I realized how much it sucks to be alone.”

“So, by default, I’m supposed to bail you out? It doesn’t work like that, Reiner. You can’t love me only when it’s convenient for you. That’s not love. That’s selfish.” This time, you do look at him, finding the confidence in your voice.

He doesn’t speak, facing the window, averting his eyes from yours. When he doesn’t respond, you continue. “It’s hard for anyone to be alone. Imagine how I felt when you broke up with me.”

Finally, he replies, “And you’re right. I was an idiot to do that. We should have never broken up. I didn’t know it was going to be so fucked up.” He trails off at his last statement, as if he’s just realizing it himself.

“You weren’t in love with me anymore. It wouldn’t have been fair for either of us to stay in a relationship like that. And you were right: we relied on each other too much. So much that it hurt the most when we couldn’t anymore.”

Suddenly, he holds your hand, grasping it firmly. “Then let’s go back. It’ll be better this time. I’ll be better.” He’s desperate now; it shows in his pleading eyes and quivering speech. The tightness in his grip as he clings to you, frantic.

You don’t pull away from him, squeezing him in return. “I don’t want to go back. I want to move forward. I can’t keep relying only on other people. I need to rely on myself, first and foremost. Stand tall and make choices because it’s what I want to do. That’s what growing up is all about, right?”

“And you’re not scared?”

“I’m terrified. But we shouldn’t let fear prevent us from moving on and being happy. I don’t know if you and I can make each other happy anymore. I was so careful with you, to a point where I was lying to myself about being fine with the decisions you made. I guess I always felt the need to protect you. It’s been that way since we were kids. As much as we don’t want to admit it, we’re different now. Everything is different. It’ll never be like it was, no matter how hard we try to recreate it.”

He revels at your words, a glimmer of defeat in his expression, understanding that there’s nothing else he can do to change your mind. After a minute of contemplation, he ponders, “You think that it could have worked out if I didn’t break up with you?”

You don’t answer right away, delicately formulating your reply. “Somehow, we stopped communicating. I went along with whatever you said, even when I didn’t agree. And you didn’t talk to me about the fears you were having before you broke up with me. I think we were so focused on protecting each other’s feelings that we stopped being honest to one another. I think eventually, we would realize that and break up anyways.” You take another sip of your drink before asking, “Do you think it would have worked out?”

He opens his mouth, then closes it. Eventually, he replies, “I guess when you put it like that, then no.”

You keep your hand in his, because this time, it’s really the last. And it doesn’t feel dirty or wrong to do it; it feels right. Like there’s finally that understanding that you’ve been racking your brain for the last three months.

“Maybe we were better off staying friends,” he muses.

“Maybe. But I don’t ever regret loving you, Reiner.” You used to think the same thing, convinced that crossing the line from friends to lovers was the vital mistake that doomed your relationship. With Eren’s words replaying in your head, you can’t say you believe that sentiment anymore. After all, Reiner has and will always be your first love. The person who taught you how to love and to receive love in the first place. Despite it not working out for the better, nothing will replace that.

He returns your smile, still holding you. “Me neither. I’m sorry. For everything.”

Silence falls between you two once again, a comfortable one this time, full of acceptance that this is truly the end for you and Reiner. Attempting to lighten the mood, you ask, “So, are you and Christa official yet?”

He looks at you confused, then realization washes over him. “Oh, Christa! Yeah, no. Turns out her and her big in Delta Delta are super close, if you know what I mean.” He smirks, relaxing in his seat. “I never stood a chance.”

You let go of him, leaning back into your chair. “Bummer. I genuinely do think she is nice.”

“Yeah. But I’d be annoyed too if my ex was pushing us to be friends.” He clears his throat, crossing his arms over his chest. “What about that Eren guy?”

You raise a brow at him. “Really? You want to talk about him?”

“Not my finest moment, I know. But I’m still curious. Is he your boyfriend now or what?”

You shake your head. “No. I told him I need time.”

Surprised, he repeats, “Time? For what?”

“To figure myself out.”

“To figure yourself out?”

“Yeah. I don’t want to give him my shattered, fucked up heart. It’s not right.”

He continues to study you, confused. “So that’s it? You’re not even going to give him a chance?”

“He said he’ll wait for me,” you respond, belly fluttering as you recall last night on the beach.

Reiner leans forward on the table, invested. “He’s totally in love with you. If he’s willing to wait for you, he’s in it for the long haul. He’s already fallen for every piece of you, I guarantee that.”

“It’s not fair to him, though.”

“It’s not fair to yourself. He’s not asking you for a healed heart. He wants you just the way you are. Why deprive yourself from someone who’s already willing to love you like this?”

“Because I don’t want to make the same mistakes again!”

He sighs, drumming his fingers on the surface impatiently. “Look, I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m completely cool with it. But for the first time in a long time, I’m trying not to be selfish again. Don’t let our past influence your future. You told me you want to rely more on yourself, right? Then start with this. Trust your heart. Don’t run away. Go for it.”

“I can’t believe my ex is actually giving me dating advice,” you chuckle, seriously contemplating his encouragement.

“Consider this my parting gift to you. As your ex and as your former best friend. I want you to be happy. And if this guy makes you happy, why wait? If it means anything to you, just know I’ll be rooting for you, whatever you decide.”

You grin. “It does mean something. Thank you, Reiner.” You no longer see him as an obstacle standing in your way. Instead, he’s on the sidelines, supporting you. Rooting for you. It took three months of suffocating to surface. And now, you’re free. “Anyways, I should go. I have a lot to think about.”

He nods, remaining seated. “Yeah.”

You’re ready to walk to the exit when he calls out to you. “Coco?”

You turn to face him, heart thumping at the familiar nickname. The youthful twinkle in his eyes returns in an instant and all your childhood memories flash before you in hyperdrive, glimpses of your past life together. Laughing so hard that you’re clutching your bellies until you’re doubled over on his bed. Hidden under homemade forts built out of pillows and cushions, shining flashlights underneath your chins, creating hand puppets with shadows on the walls. Late night drives with the windows rolled all the way down, blasting music and singing at the top of your lungs as he speeds through the highway. Splitting milkshakes at the diner, blowing out candles on birthday cakes. Endless nights spent in each other’s arms, listening to his steady heartbeat. First kisses, first times, last summer and goodbyes. Three months ago, you would have done anything to go back. Now, you’re ready to move on. The final hit of nostalgia before you go.

He smiles at you knowingly, as if he’s watching the same scenes of your lives play out in his head. “Nothing. I just wanted to say that one last time.”

~~~

Eren is in his room, sitting on the floor, strumming the strings on his guitar randomly, not playing any particular tune. He recalls the events of last night, laying it all out on the table, confessing his feelings, revealing his vulnerabilities. He won’t pressure her to rush into this, knowing she’s still processing and healing from her trauma. Her thinking about him is enough. Until the day comes when they can both love each other fully, he’ll wait patiently.

There’s a knock on his door. He isn’t suspecting company, so he assumes it’s one of his residents here to report a problem. When he opens it, he’s shocked to see her in front of him, staring at him nervously.

“I told you I wouldn’t make you wait long,” she says, stepping towards him.

His chest is heavy, fluttering incessantly, and all he can do is laugh, closing the distance between them by wrapping his arms around her. “It’s been the longest day ever, actually. You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

She snuggles her face into his chest. “Me too. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, though.”

He kisses the top of her head, smiling. “Tell me.”

“I can get very insecure and very anxious, so you’ll have to deal with that.”

“Okay. I can handle that,” he answers, inhaling her scent through his nostrils, filling his lungs with as much of her essence as possible.

“I want to talk about everything with you. I want us to be completely honest with each other all the time.”

Nodding, he responds, “I want that too. I want that too, sweetie.” He hugs her tighter, never wanting to let go.

“Also, sometimes I hog the blanket. But I don’t do it on purpose, I swear. I can’t control what my body does while I sleep.” She clings to him, peering up at him with the sweetest expression.

He nuzzles her nose to hers, joking, “Ah, well, I don’t think this is going to work out then.”

She glares at him playfully, pouting her lips. “That’s your dealbreaker?”

“Well, I guess I can make an exception. For you,” he teases, kissing her.

It began with an ending, and it ends with a new beginning. One journey closes, and another begins. It may not be easy, but what wonderful, magical adventure ever is? It’s the detours and bumps along the way that make it memorable, make it worthwhile. And with her by his side, and him by hers, Eren’s confident that they’ll get through anything. Together.

@batafuraikisu @bloompompom @monirei @filunara @katestrophes @ichinosejager13 @hoperenae @zellskz @e-ayyy @liliorsstuff-blog @maliakealoha @holdmeclosebutdontloveme @chrollohearttags @sailorputa @squickkk @dnyllmh @hellomeow12 @s-cream-ing @potofstewie @conniesbbymama @erzascarlett28 @lem-hhn @roronoazorosbxtchh @ichigostrawberry15 @rhaelrence @lilshades @bigmoodyjoody @icansmellsouls @aangsupremacy @ashsauroras @bakuhoes-bxtch @si-kamo @jmtherula @imaddicted-b @monkemanjeager @neesiewrote @large-juice @chiinni @belovedackerman

#eren x reader #eren jaeger #eren x f!reader #eren x you #eren x y/n #eren jaeger x reader #eren fluff #eren aot #aot fluff #reiner x reader #reiner x f!reader #reiner braun #give you blue series #give you blue #eren smut

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wax-the-sky · 4 months ago

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Sky headcanons in no particular order:

1) What makes any individual sky kid themselves is their hair and mask. Everything else can be swapped out with other cosmetics.

2) Masks - further explanation: It should be possible to swap out masks. In canon it is. I'm still thinking about this one.

3) Capes: Sky kids can glide without a cape, as seen in the air trial. They can't flap without them, can't fly up. Capeless have to rely on natural terrain elevation to glide from. Rules for capeless apply to spirits, as they have one wing star. (going by what I've noticed in-game)

4) The diving mask: it doesn't supply air, as sky kids don't need any. It supplies light, or rather energy, from the dark-stone embedded in it.

5) Sky kids cannot permanently die, unless they choose to. Death can be achieved by reaching orbit and staying there, refusing to be re-born. There are probably some other ways, but I don't know more now. Warping home from Point of No Return is a purgatory, in a way.

6) Chibi. I see chibi glitching as a thing they just can do. Being short gives you super powers.

7) The entire kingdom of Sky is sitting on or suspended above a large ocean. The ocean is covering the entire planet, making it mostly water with a couple of islands scattered on it's surface.

8) Something lives in the depths of said ocean. (in my view) Sea-kids are to them, what aliens are to us.

#sky cotl #sky children of the light #that sky game #sky: cotl #wax's stuff tag

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solemnv0id · 5 months ago

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Monsterverse au where almost everything is the same except Godzilla can just become a guy whenever he feels like it

some rambles about the au under cut

ok hai idk what sparked in my brain to come up with this idea but I just think it would be very funny to see how a guy who fucks up cities on the regular would deal with being in a city and trying to figure out how the fuck society works

in this au, whenever he either turns back into Godzilla or goes into guy mode (which is the term I’ve decided for when referring to him changing to his human form), a massive cloud of mist forms around him. So while people don’t know that this guy in particular is Godzilla, they do know that if a cloud of mist suddenly appears and you didn’t see Godzilla anywhere beforehand, it’s time to panic.

There’s usually 2 main reasons why he turns into a person

One is boredom. There’s a shocking lack of things for the king of the monsters to do when there’s no monsters to beat up, he’s not tired, and is fully fed so has decided to spend some of his free time figuring what the hell these humans are getting up to these days

Two is quick maneuvering. It generally throws other monsters way off guard when the guy they’re fighting just vanishes in a cloud of mist.

also for funsies here’s some facts about goji in this au because it’s funny

1) Very good at picking up languages,,,verbally. His ass canNOT read.

2) Doesnt understand the point of paper money and credit cards. Only thing he somewhat understands is coins because “at least they’re nice and shiny”

3) In this version of KOTM, when he was getting final wars’d by Ghidorah he briefly went into guy mode in order to get out of there but couldn’t stay like it for long because yknow he was about to explode

4) Sleeps in loads of different spots bc who knew there’s so many more places to sleep when you’re not the size of a wonder of the world, and like what people gonna do? Move him?

5) Pretty much all his prior knowledge of humanity before deciding that exploring cities is cool is from eavesdropping the humans that were in that weird Atlantis place in KOTM and still remembers how to speak their language, only problem is that that culture and language has been dead for several thousand years so it’s not super helpful these days.

6) Thinks straws are a top 10 human invention

7) Chilled in Japan for a bit before 2014 happened and was given the name Tamaki which is what he uses to introduce himself since he didn’t know for a while that people called him Godzilla and even if he knew, telling people your name is Godzilla or Gojira makes them look at you funny

8) He can still use his atomic breath in guy mode but it’s usually by accident, like he sneezes a bit to hard and lasers a bit of a building by accident

9) For some reason is always surprised when people guess his age because they usually guess like,,, late 30s, early 40s and not several hundred thousand years old for some reason (his ass has no clue how long human life spans are due to both his lack of knowledge on them and the fact his perception of time is kinda fucked, he thinks they’re at least 1000 years)

10) Knows about Monarch but just generally views them as annoying bastards that don’t leave him alone (except Serizawa, he thinks about that one moment a lot). Also Monarch knows about the fact he can go guy mode but they haven’t been able to identify which guy he becomes.

11) Can still breathe underwater in guy mode (he still has his gills on his neck but you can’t see them bc of his hair) and will sometimes chill in the ocean whenever he decides that humanity has pissed him off for whatever reason

12) Will never deny that he’s Godzilla, he might not admit he is but if someone asks he won’t say that he isn’t, he just might indirectly say yes

#I imagine he gets into very goofy shenanigans #godzilla #artists on tumblr #kaiju #godzilla art #godzilla au #monsterverse #au #gijinka #<-?? technically I guess

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melanieph321 · 1 year ago

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Ruben Dias x Reader - Top Spies Part 4/8

This chapter is hot 🔥

Ruben and Reader are super spies, who have to pretend to be a married couple on vacation as a co-signed mission. A enemies to lovers fic, very sweet and funny!

Enjoy!

"It's strange right, him being here on the island?"

Back at the villa. You had your suitcase ready on the bed, clothes scattered all around you. An outfit was needed for tonights dinner.

"So it was him asking you out and not the other way around?"

You paused to look at Ruben who observed you from where he stood arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe.

"Why would I ask another man out for dinner?" You frowned. "I'm married to you, remember?"

"I dunno, you seem very excited to go on a date with a world known criminal. Are you sure your marrige to me was brought up?"

"Have you never heard of keeping your enemies close? I'm excited that the guy our mission revolves around is here on the island. This means we have a chance to bust him by catching him in the act."

"This guy is dangerous Y/N. We're only here to assess the situation and report back to the agency."

Ruben pushed of the door frame and began going through his own suitcase. He had agreed to go out for dinner but only because declining an invitation from your host would raise too much suspicion.

"Not that shirt." You protested.

Ruben raised his head, eyebrows furrowed.

The shirt he pick for tonight, you didn't like it. "The black one fits you better." You shrugged.

He chuckled, but did as you wished, refolding the shirt, grabbing the black one instead.

You decided to walk to the marina. Surley alcohol would be served during dinner so it was better for you and Ruben to be on the safe side getting back home.

You and Ruben arrived early. Looking around the restaurant there was a sea of empty tables, not a single person occupying them.

"What are you doing?" Ruben asked, as he watched you switch to sit next to him instead of across from him.

"He said he was bringing his whole family." You replayed. It was better to sit next to Ruben than a stranger.

"Well, here they come." Ruben sighed.

Surely it was Alejandro Martinez and his whole family. People of all ages, young and old. You recognized some of them from you first night at the resort, the boy that Ruben saved from choking and the old woman that had complemented your dress.

"Quick, put your arm around me."

"What?" Ruben frowned. "Why would I do that?"

Alejandro and his family were coming your way. It seemed like the whole restaurant was booked for only them. Whilst the children occupied their own tables, Alejandro and his relatives approached yours.

"Fuck Ruben. Do somthing, anything that indicates that you love me."

There hadn't been need for that on the mission so far. You and Ruben had mostly gone your separate ways during the day and during the night you had been lurking in the shadows, focusing only on your mission. There was no need for you to act like a madly in love couple if no one was looking. However, tonight, both you and Ruben had to step your game up.

Ruben draped an arm around you as you stood to greet your host.

"Y/N!" Alejandro exclaimed, greeting you as if you were his long lost friend. "Pleasure to finally see you off the golf course."

"I agree." You said, hiding the slight heat that had rose to your face.

"This must be your husband." He said, greeting Ruben with a firm shake of the hand. "Your wife speaks highly of you and so does my nephew."

Alejandro pointed to the table where his nephew sat, and surley the boy looked to watch Ruben with an admirable gaze.

"It was nothing." Ruben grunted.

"If you call savings somebody's life as nothing, than I would like to see what you call doing somthing."

Alejandro was a joker and clearly as charming as they come. He had brought a date for the evening. He introduced her as Nia, an international super model from Namibia. You all went on to have a lovely evening. The restaurant had a wonderful view overlooking the ocean, a view that Ruben often caught you admiring.

"What are you thinking about?" He leaned in and whispered.

You didn't turn to look at him, which to other people made it look like the two of you were whispering sweet nothings to each other.

"It feels like I'm on vacation." You smiled. Truthfully, with you salary and the renovation going on in your apartment, you wouldn't be able to afford a vacation like this in a couple of years time.

"That's because you are." Ruben chuckled, again, surprising you by grabbing your hand underneath the table, his thumb stroking your skin.

You turned to look at him, eyebrows furrowed. But that's when you noticed that all eyes were on you. Everyone at the table were glancing you and Ruben's way, a similar pleasant expression on their faces.

"Where did you two meet?"

The starteling question came from Alejandro's date, Nia, who was also looking at you and Ruben with a smile on her face.

"Um...we...we..."

Of course you and Ruben had talked about the details of your fake identies, however, not those kinds of details.

"At work." Ruben said, clearing his throat, wrapping his arm around your shoulder.

"Was it love at first sight?" A young woman asked. You had come to know her as Alejandro's sister. Apparently he had five older sister, he was the youngest of them all and the only male.

"I wouldn't really call it..."

"Yes." Ruben said, interrupted you.

"Really? Do tell the story."

Agreeing murmurs came from the people seated around the table. All but Alejandro, who was too busy watching you. Perhaps Ruben had noticed this. His arm was now clenched around your shoulders, pressing you against his torso.

"I know it sounds cheesy," he said with a fixed smile, "but the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one. It was her first days at our office and I was so captivated by her beauty that I couldn't bare being in the same room as her, afraid that I'd say somthing stupid."

A pleasant laughter erupted around the table. You however, were a bit confused. The story of you and Ruben was true. He barley spoke a word to you during your first days at the agency, but that was just who he was right? Uptight and arrogant?

"I knew that I eventually had to talk to her not to come off as a complete asshole. You can say that the rest is history."

Alejandro's family exchanged knowing glances with their loved ones. All of them cherershing the heartfelt words that Ruben had just spoken.

"To love and family!" Alejandro said, initiating a toast.

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast to love, and the night continued on with laughter and stories of blissful adventures.

A bit tipsy from all the wine, Ruben, who had managed his intake better than yours, held your hand, making sure to guide you as you walked down the marina, the cool breeze blowing your way.

"So how much of your little story was true?" You asked, curious to know.

Ruben shook his head. "I have no idea what you are talking about?"

"Oh come on." You altered your steps. "The part where you ignored me during my first days at the agency was true, no? I never knew it was because you..." You looked to Ruben. His expression was unreadable.

"You could have told me." You muttered.

You picked up your steps, letting go of his hand. Ruben was soon by your side though, matching your pace.

"Even if I did tell you, we don't have the kind of jobs that encourage you to become too attcahed to your partners." He said, in a very diplomatic matter.

"Partners?" You frowned. You looked to Ruben and he to you.

He nodded his head.

"We're partners now. We work well together. I wouldn't be suprised if Captain Harlow pair us up in another missions from now on."

"Right." You said, but it still didn't make sense to you.

Ruben grabbed your hand, forcing you to turn around and meet his eyes. They were big, big and kind.

"I got attched to one of my partners once. It didn't end well."

You nodded. "I get it. I just..."

"Ssshh!" Ruben hissed, his body shuffling you to the side of the road.

Your feet stumbled in the sand but Ruben made sure to hold you up, guiding you towards a near by palm tree. You hid behind it.

"What is it?" You whispered.

Ruben put a silencing finger to his lips, pointing his other hand in the direction of the ocean. There, not too far from where you hid, was the silhouette of two men, men you recognized.

"Alejandro and...?"

"Andrés Fierro." Ruben said, his gaze focused.

"The swindler?"

The two men looked to be arguing. It was hard to hear them with the ocean breeze, however Alejandro was shouting compared to his companion.

"It was supposed to arrive today!"

"The shipment will arrive on time boss, don't worry."

"Oh I am not worried Fierro. If the shipment doesn't arrive anytime soon you'll be the one to worry."

"Shit!" You cursed. Alejandro stormed off, the only problem was that he was coming right towards you and Ruben.

"Ruben we have to..."

He tackled your body to the ground before you had a chance to protest, wrestling you in the sand. Your heart raised with the groping of his hands. He was pulling at the hem of your dress, his hand slipping beneath.

"Ruben please..."

"Trust me..." He mumbled, his head burried in the crease of your neck. His lips latched onto you like two blood sucking leaches, kissing and licking your skin.

You heard emerging footsteps, but that's when Ruben covered your mouth with his, your lips soft against one another. To anyone watching the two of you looked like two eager lovers getting it on in the sand, with the moon lighting up the sky above your heads. It was exactly what Ruben wanted. Alejandro's emerging footsteps altered near you but changed directions. Ruben however, did not stop kissing you until he knew that the coast was really clear, by then the damage was already done.

He helped you back up on your feet, his hands brushing sand off your dress. A part of it had ripped at the bottom.

Ruben looked to your exposed thigh with slight guilt. "I'm sorry I..."

"It's okay." You assured." You did what you had to do." Matter of fact Ruben had done so well that at one point you were afraid that his creeping hand would find its way to the wet pool between your trembeling legs.

A part of you wished it would have.

#fanfiction #football imagine #ruben dias #man city #manchester city #ruben dias x reader #ruben dias imagine #footballer imagine #footballer x reader #football angst

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grigori77 · 11 months ago

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Once again, to celebrate this awesome day, I thought I'd give another shout-out to some more of those wonderful ladies that I alove and admire, both those who hve inspired me for a while now, and those that I just recently discovered ...

IMAN VELLANI. Oh my sweet girl! :3 Exploding onto the scene thanks to the recent acclaimed hit/fan favourite that was the Disney/Marvel Ms. Marvel streaming show, the most adorable geek girl in ALL THE WORLD really got a major, much deserved profile boost (regardless of the problems) thanks to her co-starring return to the role of super-popular young Marvel superhero Kamala Khan in The Marvels. She's a genuine absolute SWEETHEART and she deserves all the success that's surely coming to her.

GIDEON NAV & HARROWHARK NONAGESIMUS. Yup, I have FINALLY gotten round to reading Tamsyn Muir's ridiculously popular sci-fi fntasy novel series The Locked Tomb! It's still early days, I'm only on Gideon the Ninth, but I am ALREADY falling head over heels in love with the story's central duo, the reluctant warrior Gideon, a snarky oversized golden retriever of a woman, and her "hated" charge, Harrow, the scheming, overly-ambitious scion to an ancient clan of intergalactic necromancers, who's a metaphorical vicious little soaked ferret. I love them, they're so adorably dysfunctional ...

AWKWAFINA. For me, one of the funniest people around, this musician, comedian and actress deserves every ounce of success she's earned for herself. I mostly know her for her acting, having been a fan ever since she was in Ocean's 8, since showing up in a raft of great roles in the likes of Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings, Raya & the Last Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians and Swan Song, although she's REALLY hitting her stride now, showing up in REALLY BIG stuff like Renfield, Quiz L\ady and, now, the incoming (and long-awaited) Kung Fu Panda 4.

TATIANA SUAREZ. Perhaps the most incredible sportswoman I have come across in a good long while, this one is a TRUE INSPIRATION REVELATION. A strong up-and-coming contender for UFC World Champion, she's been through SO MUCH in her life to get where she is now, having had her teenage dreams of being an Olympic Gold Medal wrestler dashed after an accident during training led to the discovery of a burgeoning case of thyroid cancer. Fighting off the condition, she then fought her way back after embracing judo and then mixed martial arts, before AGAIN suffering a debilitating neck injury which NEARLY ended her sporting career again, forcing her to take another long-term hiatus to get back into fighting shape ... just as COVID hit. Now she's back again, fighting fit and better than ever, hungry for that next chance and looking like she's definitely gonna get it this time ...

SINEAD O'CONNOR. The last 13 months have been really tough, we've had to say goodbye to some truly wonderful people, but one in particular REALLY HURT. The music industry lost a true GEM with the passing of this genuine GODDESS, the Irish singer-songwriter best known for her INSANELY popular cover of Prince's Nothing Compares 2 U, although those in the know recognise that she was ONE HELL of a force nature in her own right, courting controversy throughout her career for her outspoken religious and political views. She NEVER backed down on what she believed, and earned my undying respect and admiration for it.

FLORENCE PUGH. A completely amazing young actress who's had a trily ASTOUNDING rise to fame in recent years, I've be a fan of Flo's ever since she broke out in a MASSIVE WAY in the twisted psychological drama Lady Macbeth. She's blown us all away since, lighting up the screen in the likes of midsommar, Don't Worry Darling, Oppenheimer and, now, Dune, Part Two, but now, for me she will ALWAYS be Yelena Belova, the true successor to the MCU's Black Widow mantle.

MIZU. One of my favourite female characters of the past year (although I'm sure she would balk at actually bringing up her gender), the titular lead protagonist of Netflix' wild runaway success new animated series Blue Eye Samurai is a genuinely fascinating and intoxivating character, who prompts profound debate about gender roles and personal identity while kicking arse in SPECTACULAR FASHION indeed in feudal Japan.

TEYONAH PARRIS. Definitely one of THE MOST AMAZING African American actresses coming up right now, this young lady is definitely earning her breakout star status. Having come up through sterling turns in the likes of Dear White People, Chi-Raq, If Beale Street Could Talk and Candyman, before finally making good on all that promise with high profile lead turns in THey Cloned Tyrone and her ongoing role as MCU superhero MOnica Rambeau/Photon in Wandavision and The Marvels.

BILLIE EILISH. What do I REALLY need to say about one of the most popular and astoundingly unique musical artists of the moment? Ever since her breakthrough at just THIRTEEN YEARS OLD with her wildly successful first single, Ocean Eyes, which became a massive runaway smash on Youtube, this incredibly talented young singer songwriter has consistently impressed with ever release, entirely deserving her immense success with an amazing debut EP and two subsequently BRILLIANT albums. She keeps going from strength to strength, and at just 22 years old is only just BEGINNING what's sure to be a MONSTER of a career ...

KITTY O'NEIL. A true legend in cinema, even though most of us have NEVER actually seen her face, this little lady was one of the GREATEST stuntwomen and racers of all time, and a MASSIVE inspiration throughout her life as well. Despite going deaf due to illness during childhood, Kitty still went on to become a record-breaking racing driver and professional stunt performer, probably best known for having doubled Linda Cart in Wonder Woman and Lyndsey Wagner in The Bionic Woman. It's a genuine mystery why Hollywood hasn't made a biopic about her yet ...

HOLGA KILGORE. Probably my ABSOLUTE favourite fictional female protagonist of 2023, the badass barbarian lady from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was a pure, unapologetic JOY, thanks in no small part to a wonderfully game turn from Michelle Rodriguez. Holga's just an absolute sweetheart, fully capable of decimating a whole room full of big, dangerous men with her bare hands without ever losing her gentle kindness, simple, honest innocence and unswerving loyalty. TRULY the MVP warrior tank any adventuring party wants in their corner ...

SIOUXSIE SIOUX. Truly one of alternative rock's true, all time GOATs, the lead singer of one of goth's greatest and most important bands, Siouxsie & the Banshees, is a singular master of haunting, ethereal vocals and a genuine style ICON who lent her look and manner to a whole GENERATION of scary young women ...

SABINE WREN & SHIN HATI. While my favourite Star Wars offering of 2023, the opening season of the Ahsoka series, was, all round, just SO GREAT for me, there was one particular element that just stuck with me above ANYTHING ELSE - the season-long rivalry between Ahsoka's troubled Mndalorian apprentice Sabine and Dark Jedi student Shin. They raged, continuously tried to kill each other and endlessly traded smouldering looks of hate that bordered on OBSESSION ... all while genuinely SIMMERING with barely restrained sexual tension. They made the whole fandom FERAL, myself includced. #wolfwren indeed ...

BRODY DALLE. And last, but BY NO MEANS LEAST, a little more personal self-indulgience ith one of my greatest rock-fan super crushes, namely the awesome Aussie lead singer/guitarist of supercool punk bands the Distillers and Spinnerette. Still rocking her iconic status to this day, she remains a genuine inspiration ...

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highfantasy-soul · 11 months ago

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NATLA Episode 8 - Legends (2/4)

[Masterlist of my NATLA thoughts]

Of course, full spoilers ahead.

I really enjoy how Zhao (Azula) is a much smarter villain in the live-action than he was in the animated series. While I do love them both, leaning into the Fire Nation not just working off brute force, but rather being strategic and clever with their attacks was a great choice. The Ice Moon caveat for the spirits and Kuruk's spirit knife made the world feel bigger to me than just having the moon and ocean spirits conveniently always sitting there to kill by any means. I don't think the live-action team went in with the idea that the ocean and moon spirits being mortal was 'a plothole to fill' like some claim (yet again, always jumping to the least charitable interpretation of the live-action rather than spending three seconds to think about what it ADDS to the story to flesh that part out), I think they used it to seed a lot of lore and worldbuilding while also giving reasons as to why events played out the way they did.

Like I said in my post about episode 6, it makes a lot more sense to me that Zhao would have easy access to the info (and weapon) needed to kill the Moon Spirit rather than that shlub somehow finding the super hidden library that an archeologist spent YEARS searching for. While it was a cool foreshadowing of the library in season 2, having Zhao discover the moon and ocean spirit stuff in Avatar Roku's temple in the live-action I think makes more sense.

The fire sage being the one to explain the spirit oasis and the origins of waterbending to Zhao was a really cool change! It shows Zhao formulating his plan rather than having it just told to us like in the animated version - it includes the lore behind the ocean and moon spirit without making it so obvious that that's the solution to their problem, it introduces it as the problem and we have to work our way to the solution instead of it just being given to us. The fact that the sages still know and revere (even though they're using it to form an attack plan) the histories of bending is a nice touch. Especially the older sages, they remember the old ways and stories and don't discount the power of the old tales like younger people might. It doesn't stop them from falling into fascism (it stops some, but not all), but it does add layers and nuance to their world view rather than the very surface-level 'all others are bad, we don't pay attention to them' view that was shown mostly in the animated version.

Kuruk appearing to Aang to warn him was super cool!! I like how past Avatars can appear to their current iteration (not to mention they were right outside his shrine) to warn them of something and having it be Kuruk's knife that he can feel added a lot. It's another instance where the Fire Nation can turn anything into a weapon against the world - the weapon Kuruk forged to PROTECT the world from evil spirits and keep the world in balance is now being twisted and used by the Fire Nation to hurt the good ones and throw the world out of balance. Just as Zhao and the Fire Sage took a beautiful story about the creation of the Water Tribes and twisted it into something to harm them, they're taking a weapon of protection and making it a brutal weapon against the light.

UUUGGGHHHH Zhao and his twisted 'justifications' as to why killing the moon isn't actually all that bad. "Killing the ocean would deprive people of their lives - I'm not a monster!" of course he wants a world to rule, so he can't kill them, only fully subjugate them and wipe out their culture! See, they will get to live under his amazing rule, why would he deny them that opportunity?? Watch closely, everyone - that's the reasoning a lot of fascists give when they start trying to eradicate cultural practices - they argue that they're leaving the people alive, so it's not actually bad! We're just stripping away their identity and replacing it with our own! Save the man, kill the savage and all that.

"The Avatar's power is great, but it pales in comparison to the elemental spirits" SUCH GREAT FORESHADOWING WITHOUT GIVING IT ALL AWAYYYY!!!!!!! Also a great way to show the power scale of the world - as powerful as Aang is in the Avatar state, the spirits are the OG - especially the elemental ones. Aang ISN'T the most powerful thing in this world. It sets up how they're going to defeat the fire nation army without Aang in control of the Avatar state really well! They're leaving breadcrumbs rather than telling you the plan in a monologue or just randomly deciding to join with the ocean spirit - a power that hadn't been discussed at all in the animated show.

That Momo fake out death was CRUEL!!!! He just saved a girl's life and we think he gave his life to do it!!!! But it was a great way to introduce not only the spirit oasis, but also the healing properties of its waters. In the animated show, that's not mentioned at all until Pakku gives Katara the water vial and tells her it can heal - it's actually SHOWN in the live-action that it's powers are beyond normal healing. Yue's story about her being healed in these waters makes a lot more sense here as well rather than in the animated series where she tells the story once the moon is in trouble. At the time, it seems like it has nothing to do with the immediate danger, it's just a way to set up that she'll give back that life in the end - a quick lore set-up break in the action. In the live-action, it's directly tied to what's happening - she's doing the same thing to Momo that was done to her to save her life. Her connection with the moon isn't relevant yet, so that part of the story is held till later when it is relevant.

Honestly, I think the spirit oasis is much more impressive in the live-action. In the animated show, it's just a small island of grass with a pond - in the live-action, it's a whole valley filled with life. And I love how NO adaptation can resist showing Zuko fire-blasting his way out from beneath the ice - it's just too damn cool to leave out! I like how Iroh is still playing his loyalties close to the chest - he's not going to outright attack Zhao yet, but he'll definitely stall and not help out as much as Zhao wants him to.

Zuzu!!!! Like always, huge shit is happening all around but Zuko still thinks him capturing Aang is the most important thing in the world. I like that they're keeping that narrow focus for him - one of his biggest flaws - that blinds him to everything around him. He's not concerned about saving Agna Qel'a, he's not concerned about saving the spirits, he just wants to capture Aang and restore his place in the Fire Nation.

His face as Katara says she's gonna fight him and Aang agreeing - oof. Here he is thinking he's Aang's biggest threat and Aang is just handing his battle off to Katara. And Aang's sly little 'go easy' that wasn't to Zuko - the poor thing. So we begin Zuko v Katara round 2!!! Back in episode 2 on Kyoshi Island, Katara stood against Zuko - untrained and terrified, but knowing she needed to protect Aang. She was beaten easily, but now, she's had training. She's had experience. She's forged herself into a warrior and she's ready for everything Zuko can dish out. Well, not EVERYTHING as even in the animated series, Zuko does win due to his extensive training, but she puts up a wicked fight!

I am good with the siege only lasting one day rather than several like in the animated version. Though I do miss the 'you rise with the moon, I rise with the sun' line, it does kind of feel like Zuko kidnapping Aang was more to provide a cliffhanger for the end of The Siege of the North: Part 1 rather than a necessary narrative choice. In a 2-part finale, yeah we want a cliffhanger, but since this is all one episode, like I mentioned in my post about how episode flow has to change given the new format, that just wouldn't have worked out as well as a smooth single-night attack. Aang seeking guidance before the battle rather than getting kidnapped mid-meditation I think was a smart move. (I've always felt like that cliffhanger was a bit of an odd choice anyways because they make this huge deal about Aang not being able to find his body if it isn't right where he left it, but then it's…not a problem at all - his spirit just zooms back to his body - conveniently showing the Gaang where to find him and Zuko and nothing actually comes of that 'threat' of him not being able to re-enter his body. I'll talk about Zuko's speech about Azula later when it's brought up and altered in the live-action).

I LOOOOOVE Zhao's little speech here - his ambition to gain status - to become a legend, has led him to more and more dangerous things. He truly believes he could become the new Fire Lord. Iroh pleads with him not to do it, but Zhao is too filled with the desire for power that he's not listening to reason. Even after Iroh's threats, Zhao isn't concerned in the least - he views the threats 'empty' and is so smug about how 'this could still work out for you'. As if Iroh is like Zhao and would cave to any opportunity for power.

Like always, Aang tries to talk his enemy down - he tries to appeal to their better nature, an idea that they wouldn't want to throw the world into chaos. The exchange here is SO FREAKING GOOD. Aang pleading with Zhao that this isn't power, Zhao so drunk on his own importance that he can't imagine why anyone would give up the chance to wipe out an entire race of benders - and Aang knowing exactly what that's like, how horrifically awful it is. But for Zhao, those are only stories - he's never known a world with airbenders in it, but Sozin went down in history for that 'accomplishment' he, himself, can be in the history books along side such a 'legend' with no thought to the actual real, human hurt necessary to get there.

Aang finally tries the last thing he can - making Zhao the same offer he made Zuko: leave the attack behind and he'll go with them peacefully. But Zhao isn't Zuko - he wants more than just the Avatar. He wants to cause pain and suffering and have people look upon him with fear. I think it's such an interesting take to have Zhao, like June, not view the Avatar with reverence. He's bought into the Fire Nation propaganda that the Avatar isn't actually all that powerful - the Fire Lord has taken that place. Even the legitimacy of the concept of the Avatar itself is called into question - after all, the Fire Nation wants all the power and the Avatar would stop them. That's not helping them, so the Avatar must be useless.

Unknowingly, Zhao has just struck at Aang's biggest fear: while Zhao thinks the Avatar doesn't matter on its face, Aang is afraid that he's not good enough as an Avatar TO matter.

I've seen people confused about Iroh's loyalties and his true goal in the live-action - is he really working against the fire nation or not? And some criticism that it seems like he's helping Zuko capture Aang TOO much/ doesn't stop Zhao soon enough from killing the moon spirit. I'd point them, yet again, to the animated series where he very clearly, in The Waterbending Master episode, tells Zuko "once we get to the north pole, the Avatar will be yours". At the moment, animated Iroh is fully on board with Zuko capturing the Avatar. If he plans on trying to influence him not to turn the Avatar in to the fire lord, it's not even hinted at yet, so I think keeping it up in the air for the live-action is staying true to Iroh and Zuko not being 'good guys' - their goals are still to capture Aang. Live action Iroh even attacks Zhao BEFORE the animated Iroh does! In the animation, Iroh threatens Zhao, but doesn’t make a move until Zhao has killed the moon spirit - in the live-action, he attacks in an attempt to save the spirit. Yet another example of people criticizing the live-action for something even more apparent in the animated series - often because they're thinking of the character 2 seasons from now and what they think THAT version of the character would do and trying to apply it to season 1 when that's not even the characterization the animated show gave them in season 1.

I think the subsequent fight in the moonless night is even more emotionally intense in the live action than it was in the animated series. You can FEEL the terror and SEE people dying as the waterbending fails and the fire nation advance. The way this sequence was shot is honestly amazing - it's not gruesome or violent for the sake of it - it's showing the truth of war and the horrific cost of such an assault. Letting the warriors of the Northern Water Tribe have a heroic stand against the firebenders even when their best resource was taken away was great to see. Giving Hahn and Chief Arnook their moment showed that it truly wasn't just about Aang and his friends - this story is about every single person who stands up to fight against tyranny, no matter the weapon they might wield or power they have.

#natla #avatar the last airbender #netflix avatar #atla #natla positivity

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relatableblorbopoll · 1 year ago

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Preliminaries

Here's how it will work:

The first round will consist of 18 polls of 6 participants each, the first two places get a place on the bracket

For the second round, there will be 12 polls of 6 participants each, the first two places get a place on the bracket

The third round will consist of 4 polls of 12 participants each where there will be a (metaphorical) knife battle to the death where only one character from each poll will get in the bracket

All pairings of groups are randomly generated

Check after the read more for the full list of participants and for the groups of the first round of preliminaries

Group 1 poll

Nimona (Nimona)

Twelfth Doctor (Doctor Who)

Blue/Green Oak (Pokémon Green/Blue/Red)

Jack Reacher (Reacher Series)

Tsubakura Enraku (Len'en Project)

Albedo (Genshin Impact)

Group 2 poll

Jessica Day (New Girl)

Daniel LaRusso (Karate Kid)

Omota Uramichi (Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan)

Jack Spicer (Xiaolin Showdown)

Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid)

Eichi Tenshouin (Ensemble Stars)

Group 3 poll

Conner Bailey (The Land of Stories)

Lucy Honeychurch (A Room With A View)

Greg Heffley (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

Gideon Nav (The Locked Tomb)

Akaashi Keiji (Haikyuu!!)

Burgerpants (Undertale)

Group 4 poll

Legosi (Beastars)

Stephen Stills (Scott Pilgrim comics)

Sunny (Omori)

Tony Stark (Marvel Avengers)

Rookie (Club Penguin)

Charlie Morningstar (Hazbin Hotel)

Grupo 5 poll

Melissa Chase (Milo Murphy’s Law)

Candace Flynn (Phineas and Ferb)

V-Flower (Vocaloid)

Ciaphas Cain (Warhammer 40k)

Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson series)

MK (Lego Monkie Kid)

Group 6 poll

Jesper Fahey (Six of Crows)

Crowley (Good Omens)

Dave Strider (Homestuck)

Junior (Total Drama Presents: The Ridonculous Race)

Kim Dokja (Omnicient Reader's Viewpoint)

Donutella (Tokidoki)

Group 7 poll

Rigby (Regular Show)

Angua (Discworld)

Cao Weining (Word of Honor)

Aang (Avatar: The Last Air Bender)

Okuyasu Nijimura (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Shin Tsukimi (Your Turn to Die)

Group 8 poll

Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

Miles "Tails" Prower (Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise)

Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives)

Ford Prefect (The Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy)

Shaun Murphy (The Good Doctor)

Sonic (Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise)

Group 9 poll

Overlord (Bad End Theater)

Denji (Chainsaw Man)

Abed Nadir (NBC Community)

Entrapta (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)

Gren (The Dragon Prince)

Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg (Ride The Cyclone)

Group 10 poll

Nagisa Ran (Ensemble Stars)

Waver Velvet (Fate series /The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II)

Shuichi Saihara (Danganronpa V3)

Opossums (real life)

Midori Takamine (Ensemble Stars!! Music)

Seven of nine (Star Trek)

Group 11 poll

Mae Borowski (Night in the Woods)

Shigeo Kageyama / Mob (Mob Psycho 100)

Barry the Quokka (The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog)

Kaveh (Genshin Impact)

Yusuke Kitagawa (Persona 5)

Nanami Kento (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Group 12 poll

Rod (Avenue Q)

Missi (Vampair Series)

Lia (The Music Freaks)

Sand (Only Friends)

Pa Jindapat (Bad Buddy)

Sara Murphy (Milo Murphy’s Law)

Group 13 poll

Cecil Gershwin Palmer (Welcome to Night Vale)

Noah (Total Drama Series)

Basil (Omori)

Stanley Pines (Gravity Falls)

Wen Ning (Mo Dao Zu Shi/The Untamed)

Nick (Only Friends)

Group 14 poll

Oz Vessalius (Pandora Hearts)

Sound (My School President)

Luz Noceda (The Owl House)

Gundham Tanaka (Super Danganronpa 2)

Saiki Kusuo (Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan/The Disastrous Life of Saiki K)

Drew (The Music Freaks)

Group 15 poll

Wen Kexing (Tian Ya Ke / Faraway Wanderers)

Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Nico di Angelo (Percy Jackson Series)

Heinz Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb)

Reki Kyan (Sk8 the Infinity)

q!Quackity (QSMP)

Group 16 poll

Parker (Leverage)

Gudetama (Sanrio)

Finn the Human (Adventure Time)

Rain O'Fire Frazier (Worm)

Piper Mclean (Heroes of the Olympus)

Norma Khan (Dead End Paranormal Park)

Group 17 poll

Berdly (Deltarune)

Hamlet (Hamlet)

Squidward Tentacles (Spongebob)

Hunter (The Owl House)

Szeth-son-son-Vallano (The Stormlight Archive)

Nami (One Piece)

Group 18 poll

Tobias (Animorphs)

Isaac O'Connor (Paranatural)

Trisana Chandler / Tris (Emelan book series)

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Air Bender)

Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Hostclub)

Shinji Ikari (Evangelion)

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dimalink · 3 months ago

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Basic Pascal version 1.17 “Block” - Block after block, little cube after little cube!

31 October 2024 year, it is, again, to happen a little celebration! Yesterday, just yesterday, it was a Halloween. And, it is nice to watch a horror movie. Such a celebration to remember about a vhs cassette or creepy game. And, today, – it is new day – at the exam, like it is a celebration. It is, already, more positive. Day of knowledge. Day of programming. Day of release a new version!

In a short, about that period of time. So, it was a first time, I become brave. And, try different dialects of Basic. Once, again, I suggest whole 4 videogames, written with programming language Basic. But different dialects. First time, I try BBC Basic for SDL 2 and Free Basic. And take into account, that second one I, already, use with text editor GVim for writing code! So, it is, someway, like day of knowledge and learning for me! Celebration day! It is not an empty words, that I write – for exam like it is a celebration day! Every release – it is a celebration day for me! It is a celebration of programming and intelligence!

I bravely try a different Basic. Before this, I sit very heavy with certain one Basic – it is QB64. And, I have a fear to try something new! And, now, I become brave!

Code name for this version – Block. Block structure. Block, building block. Element by element, block by block. So, this way everything can be done. Even more, that first little game with programming language Free Basic – game has a title Free Blocker. So, it is a block! Super word for this version!

About development – I will write – but, in the end. And, now, for most important part, Id like to go – short description of every game. 4 new games. And, main, attention to them!

Platform Ball

This is simple game about little cubes. With blocks. You move platform left and right. And throw a ball. To break a little cubes ( blocks ) at the top. They are stands in a row. With one row. With two rows or with three rows. So, it is like three such levels. You can throw a ball with a straight line or from the left, or from the right from you. It is such a game feature. And, in everything else – it is a game about a blocks or platforms. About a ball.

Everything is made with several colors. Cubes (blocks) - different colors. Colors are made with random way.

It can be said, that it is a platformer – because of game about a platforms. Or blocker. Game is about blocks, little bricks, little squares. Also, it is, maybe, something a little about Arkanoid. You throw a ball in a platforms (blocks) at the top. And gain a score for this!

Maybe, these kind of games can to be at the computers of 80s years. 16 colors. Background – black. Different colors blocks. And you throw a ball. Which is flying with the straight line. And, one more, by the way, you need to catch it back. Or, you will lost a one live. If you not to catch a ball. And in total, by classic – whole three lives.

Game is about scores. Three levels. First probe of programming language BBC Basic for SDL2. Simple game, most simple game, to have some relax, I can to say. As it can be said – less than a 5 minutes.

Cabin Pilot

This is arcade and pseudo simulation format with style of 80s bit computers, something like Spectrum 48K, or BBC Micro. Or Soviet 8 bit computers, which were like Spectrum 48K, for example Sintez 2.

You are a pilot of a space avenger. With a spirit like it shows in old movies by Star Wars. For example, episodes 4, 5, 6. View from a cabin. You are going to world tour by different planets. As a pilot of a space avenger. And you will fly across the different planets.

It is a game action genre. Action. At the different planets. Shooting from a laser and maneuvers in the air – all you need to do here.

Game will show to you most different planets. Planet ocean, planet jungles, planet with plains and planet desert. They all are different from each other by background color.

It is goes as a shooter game with a cabin view. Pseudo simulation, I can say. Crash enemies space ships. And rockets. Enemies, by the way, can to shoot at you too – so don’t be too lazy! And you have a laser – your trustworthy friend. And, it requires reloading. You shoot at once with a burst. And, later you need a little to wait. So, make aiming carefully.

Game has a storyline. And description with planets. And even a little enciclopedia.

By storyline it is a science fiction action movie. So here, there are two episodes. Each one has a story. And plus to this – enciclopedia. It is as a several pages. You turn one page after another one. There is a little picture. And description for all the enemies, which you will meet in the game. Enemies avengers, enemies rockets. Everything is described in this enciclopedia.

And, now, lets move to a valuable part. It is a storyline. In a first episode. You are a pilot rookie. Which is going to his first tour. Everything starts at the planet ocean. You are going to your first patrol. And meet, already, a some resistance, at once. Enemy rockets. And hostile space avengers. Story with a style of science fiction action movie from a pilots side. And, the second mission, it is going a rocket attack. And you need to destroy these rockets. Such a big huge rockets. Something like ballistic rockets. So, you have lots of things. You will visit a different planets. At the planet desert, planet jungles. Everyplace has some story behind. You will see these planets. And get to know about what is going on. To be at the pilots skin from a first person view, a pilot of a space avenger. But, it is not so easy. One thing is good – that this game is not difficult, and it is only a computer game, programmed by a programmer with Basic.

Planet desert. So, here, it is ancient world, for example. And star fighters are everywhere here. So, these are the things. In this endless world of sand. So, next you move to next planet. It is planet jungle. And it has its own story. So, this is a tour for a pilot. For a space fighter.

For a second episode. You are, already, experienced pilot. And, at once, you are goes into real action, some things to do. Only one planet. And, at once, very hard going things. At once, a frontline. And no training. Very hard situation. And you are sent to attack. And in defense side. Counter attack. And, even, by story, it is very hard. Story has a text form.

Idea for a game was in ahead for a long time. At first, very long time ago, I see in a network a game screens for little game Spitfire Command. There it was a theme Second World War. Game is for simple 8 bit computer BBC Micro. Something like Spectrum 48K. And it has few colors. And, everything is schematical. But, it plays as a simulation and arcade of avenger from Second World War. I was very impressed about such game concept! So, think to do something like that, but my own way, of course!

Second part of the idea. Part of inspiration. It is a movie. Star Wars episode 6. It is, simply, unbelievable science fiction action movie. About a space, space avengers, princess from stars, lasers, and different planets. Whole space! With a science fiction vision! Planet forest, it was very a lot, in a memory, with a crazy, out of the head, star fighters there. And a big trees, for example.

It is, already, second game, written with programming language BBC Basic for SDL2. So, here it is everything more cool and lots of stuff here!

Free Blocker

Little interesting such a little game about blocks. Little bricks, cubes. It is simple with its idea. As arcade. You move left and right. And with space you catch a blocks. You eat little bricks. Everything is made rather simple. Random way it is a set for a background. And you move little square or left or right or at the middle. In total three positions for you. And you catch blocks, which are going on at you from the top.

Or, maybe, they are falling? Or, you are flying by a interspace tunnel. Or, is it everything in space? Is it a road? Highway, track? It is everything made with simple graphic style. Or like blocks (little bricks) and background. Abstract everything is made.

Little game is abstract. About a little squares, little cubes and little bricks. Block, as I call it here. It is made with vertical format. A narrow strip. And different colors blocks at the your side. Different backgrounds are here. And pay attention there is a funny point – ahead 55 levels awaits you. Yes, levels, of course, are short, about for several tens of seconds. 30 seconds, 40 seconds for a level. But, there are lots of them in exchange! About a different level, it is going on a different situations. Somewhere, there are few of blocks, someplace, they are slow or fast. And, somewhere, there are lots of blocks, at once.

Game about blocks. Something like a shooter type shmup, something like a Tetris. Game about a blocks. As main idea. In a tunnel. A narrow vertical line.

Game with something, again, reminds a first game – Platform Ball. Well, at the part of, here, also, there are little squares, platforms, blocks. Well, this idea, I think, with this idea, it is easy to start and to try everything. Little squares, blocks. A comfort form for make calculations and do drawing.

By the way, game title – Free Blocker, it goes after main ideas. Game is about blocks (little squares). And it is written with programming language Free Basic. And you are, also, a block. So, here everything is a blocks. You are a blocker, looks like this. And catch another blocks with help of space and you gain scores. Anyway, ahead there are 55 levels! Short, but lots of them! Interesting attitude for a game software!

And, this is, already, a first game written with programming language Free Basic. Excellent language! True good Basic. And, also, I write a code with a text editor GVim. And, it is unbelievable success personally for me, in a terms of learning programming and practice in programming. It is editor of text – almost, like operational system or frontier type of Norton Commander. And Free Basic – excellent and comfortable form of Basic.

Free Bee

Game is about a funny and joyful little bee! Sprites picture. Funny pictures. Pair of funny sounds. And you are flying forward at the day or evening. And collect fruits. Avoid another bugs. Funny sounds and sprite, positive good and kind graphics – these are features for this game. And, mainly, game is simple. You are, simply, fly forward. Free movement across the screen using keys. All 4 keys are active here. Up, down, left and right.

Little bee is funny and good and kind. And it speaks – bzzz! Little bee is flying! What a beautiful summer day! What a funny little day! Game is about a summer. And positive joyful mood! It is very good and kind summer game! For positive mood! Make a smile! Little bee says Bzzzz! Bzzzz!

So, this is a simple summer fun. Summer fun time. You are flying by levels forward. It is arcade or runner. And collect fruits. And avoid bugs. That’s all! And, main – it is your good mood! Little positive! Bzzzz! Game has two modes. Something like two episodes. Day and evening. Everyone has 2 not long levels. And, that’s all! Sounds in game can be turned off from main menu.

Summer and a little bee. Bright blue sky. Everything is so excellent and cloudless! So, this is a theme for a little game. Interesting story for the idea for this little game. It is a stickers to the little orange and little mandarin. Such little circle form of a sticker. And, there are a stickers of the firms. Imagine, at the big orange or little smaller, such orange mandarin – whole little oval circle form for a sticker. With a good and kind little picture. As a rule. So, I run into such a fruit. With a sticker, with a picture of a little bee, beautiful and a drawn blue sky. And, later, I see a sticker with mandarin itself. And, later, appears a sticker with a green apple, such a picture. At the apple, should to be. Mainly, I collect such kinds a things and put them into standalone little textbook. For a positive! So, this is my good and kind hobby! And that is the way it appeared idea for a little game!

I think, all the time, that good and kind little games – it is a very valuable! And, I have a theme of a little games about a good and kind little animals. Good and kind little animals!!! Whole theme for me. So, this is one more game in a cycle of a good and kind animals.

Just, simply, fly forward in excellent day or evening. It is about your choice. Collect fruits. And avoid other little bugs. They are flying at your direction. And they have their own things to do. They are not evil. Absolutely, that’s for sure, absolutely. Simple, they fly by their own things. And, they are very busy with this. Funny sounds are in game! Bzzz! First level excellent goes for a search of a positive vibrations! Game, of course, is not difficult! What purpose little bee needs hard things? In a such excellent summer day or evening? ( As you select! They are like episodes). First level, anyway, is more simple. And second one is harder. It has more of bugs, which are flying at your side. Game is about summer and positive! Bzzzz!

I am a little bee, little bee and I am flying!! Bzzzz! Funny such a flying bug. Black and yellow. Bzzz!

It is, already, a second game, written with programming language Free Basic. With usage of text editor GVim. And, first time, I write here with sprites. And with sounds.

And a little about different Basic

Development plan for this version has a name - Different Basic. I try different Basic. It was the idea. First time, I go aside from a things I was very attached to. It is QB64. Very cool and modern Basic. But, there are lots of dialects of Basic. There are lots of them! And I start to be interesting! And what else exists and how does it looks? And I start to search. Some of Basics are old, some – something else. I search for something, that has rather modern versions. And it is still in updates, with support of developers. I find two dialects. It is BBC Basic for SDL 2 and Free Basic. And, I do two games for each of them. First one is more simple and second one is more complex and more interesting.

So, two basics – it is, already, excellent start for a plan. Saying more, it is good to learn each of them. To see unexpected things. Last my experience – it was only QB64. And I need to have first new experience, get the ideas how it works. That’s why first game is more simple. And about a little cubes! Little cubes - it is a building element, block!

Both new Basics – I like them a lot! And, of course, – I will to use them in a future projects! Brave step was done. And, it is very interesting and right way direction. Something to learn, to practice. And, after to expanse sphere with something similar. Rather wise step. So, here it is with Basic!

Have your excellent BASIC day!

Basic Pascal version 1.17 "BLOCK" – most newest version. In this version there are 4 new games! Platform Ball, Cabin Pilot, Free Blocker, Free Bee. And even more retro games! It is a pack of retro games with modern versions of Basic and Pascal. Basic Pascal: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/packs/basicpascal/index_eng.html Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html Itchio: https://dimalink.itch.io/basic-pascal

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