#that has transcended into the iris

[ed3mm]

I am consumed by the holidays and ow2

[tonyspank]

CHAPTER THREE | RECKLESS

Tara Carpenter x G!P Reader x Female OC

Warnings: kissing, fluff, short chapter because i want u guys to be happy one last time

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SEVEN MONTHS LATER

It's been seven months since Tara and Sam brought you back to their community. You've settled into a routine and formed close bonds with the people there. Life has become more stable, and you feel a sense of belonging that you haven't felt in a long time. The community has become your new family, and you couldn't be more grateful for Tara and Sam.

Sometimes you'd go on supply runs; other times you'd take out groups of walkers, clearing the area around the community to ensure everyone's safety. The once terrifying world has become a place where you can make a difference, and you're determined to protect your new family at all costs.

You've grown close to Sidney, Tara, and Ethan the most. Sidney has become the aunt you've never had, always offering wise advice and comforting you during tough times. Ethan has become like a brother to you, always looking out for your well-being and making sure you never feel alone.

While Tara...she's... you don't even know how to explain it. She's a close friend, but at times it feels like there's something more to that, a deeper connection that you can't quite put into words. There's a magnetic pull between the two of you, an unspoken understanding that transcends friendship. It's both exhilarating and terrifying, leaving you questioning the boundaries of your relationship and what it could potentially become.

But, you don't want to risk anything. Especially since Iris is here. It feels weird to move on from her because, since the start of this apocalypse, the only thing you could think of was Iris and how much you missed your girlfriend. But, it doesn't seem like she feels the same way. You'd catch her and Chad being intimate and affectionate, making it clear that she has moved on.

Heather told you that Chad and Iris have been a complicated couple since they met at the community. Iris was stuck on you while Chad was pursuing her relentlessly. He even saved her life one day on a dangerous mission, which made her start to develop feelings for him. It's painful to accept, but it seems like Iris has found happiness with Chad, and it's time for you to do the same.

It's hard to accept that Iris has chosen someone else, but you know deep down that you can't force someone to feel a certain way. You deserve someone who loves you wholeheartedly and reciprocates your feelings. It may be difficult now, but with time, you will find someone who appreciates and cherishes you just as much as you do them.

"Ouch!" You grunt out, landing on your back. Ethan smiles at you, panting as he holds out a hand to help you up. You send him a playful glare before taking his hand and allowing him to pull you up. "How are you so good at close-range combat?"

You ask, still catching your breath. Ethan chuckles and says, "Cop dad. He taught me a few moves growing up," he explains, wiping the sweat off his forehead. "But ever since, you know, the dead and stuff, he's been on my ass about it."

You hum in response, "That's nice. Officer Bailey seems like a nice guy...when he's not sulking around the place." Ethan nods in agreement, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, he's been through a lot. Losing Mom really hit him hard. But he's trying his best to keep us safe and sane in this messed up world."

You give him a sympathetic smile, understanding the weight Officer Bailey carries on his shoulders. Despite the tough exterior, you can see the love and dedication he has for his family.

"C'mon! Chop, chop." Dewey says, interrupting your conversation and urging you two to spar more. You and Ethan exchange a knowing glance before playfully rolling your eyes at Dewey's impatience. You hold up your fists again, ready to continue the sparring session.

After about twenty more minutes of sparring, the session is finally over, and you're sitting cross-legged on the grass, catching your breath. Dewey walks over, a satisfied grin on his face, and pats both you and Ethan on the back. "Great job, guys," he says. "You're really improving." You exchange a proud smile with Ethan as Dewey walks away.

"I have a very serious question." You look at Ethan, curious about what he's going to ask. "What is it?" you reply, eager to hear what's on his mind. "Did you take my pudding from inventory?" You raise an eyebrow in surprise at Ethan's question. "Your pudding? No, I didn't take it," you answer honestly, wondering why he would think that.

Ethan thins out his lips, eyeing you suspiciously. He then sighs as he senses your genuine confusion. "It must've been Chad then! Ever since we've been returning from supply runs, every single one of my sweet snacks has disappeared." You tilt your head, considering Ethan's accusation. "Chad? Are you sure it's him?" you ask, curious about the possible culprit.

Ethan nods, frustration evident on his face. "I've noticed him eyeing my snacks before, and he always seems to have a guilty look when I ask about them," he explains. You hum a bit before turning your head to Tara, who was walking down the community's street, looking bored as ever.

"I'll talk to you later, E." Ethan nods in response, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches you jog over to Tara. "Hey, Tara."

"Hey, what's up?" Tara responds, smiling at you. "Not much, just wanted to ask if you maybe wanna hang out outside the walls for a bit." Tara shrugs, her smile never fading. "Sure, why not?"

"Cool, let me just shower, and I'll be ready to go." You quickly make your way back to your house, taking a quick shower before meeting up with Tara again. She greets you with a warm smile, her excitement evident in her eyes. "Ready?" she asks, her voice filled with anticipation.

You nod eagerly, "Mhm." You wave at Officer Hicks, who salutes back to you, opening the gate for you and Tara to exit the walls. You and Tara start walking away from the community, stealing glances at each other every now and then.

"I actually have a surprise for you." You say, breaking the comfortable silence. Tara raises an eyebrow, looking at you. Curiosity sparkles in her eyes as she waits for you to reveal the surprise. "Well, remember how you mentioned you liked horror movies?" you begin, a mischievous grin spreading across your face.

"I found this abandoned movie theatre not too far from here. Ethan helped me clean it up and fix the projector. We can have our own private horror movie marathon today."

Tara's eyes widen with thrill as she realizes the surprise. "You're lying!" she exclaims, her smile matching your mischievous grin. The two of you quicken your pace, eager to reach the movie theatre and begin your thrilling movie night.

"What's your favorite scary movie?" You ask Tara in a Ghostface mask, trying your best to imitate the iconic killer from the Stab franchise. Tara giggles and playfully pretends to be scared, but then responds, "Hmm, I think I'll have to go with It Follows. Elevated horror is where it's at."

You take off the mask, tilting your head. "Really? Elevated horror? What about Friday the 13th? Jason is a classic." Tara shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Sure, Jason is iconic, but I prefer the psychological depth and thought-provoking themes of films like It Follows. It's all about the slow-burning suspense for me."

"You're lucky you're cute." Tara chuckles and playfully nudges you. "Well, I guess my good looks give me an advantage in our horror movie debates." She winks, teasingly adding, "But hey, maybe one day I'll convince you to appreciate elevated horror too."

"Blah, blah, blah." You say, walking further into the movie theatre, ending up at a snack bar. You lean against it as Tara continues her argument about elevated horror. "Jason is just a mindless slasher. It Follows actually makes you think and keeps you on the edge of your seat." Tara playfully sticks her tongue out at you, daring you to challenge her taste in horror movies.

Rolling your eyes, you retort, "Please, Tara. A classic slasher film like Friday the 13th is a timeless masterpiece. It's all about the thrill and suspense, not overanalyzing every single detail. But hey, I'll give It Follows a chance if it means shutting you up for once." Tara giggles, knowing that you're just playing along and secretly enjoying the ongoing debates between you two.

You turn around, facing the snack bar, and reach for the old and expired candy box, that's probably been there since before the apocalypse. Your heart skips a beat when Tara does the same, your hands touching.

You both exchange a quick glance, causing a slight blush to creep onto your cheeks. It's in these small moments that you realize there might be something more than just friendly banter between you and Tara.

"You can have them." You tell Tara, chuckling a bit. She smiles, placing the box of candy in your hand. "Take them." You shake your head, "No, uh," you interrupt yourself with your own laugh. "If you want them, you have them." You set down the box of candy in front of Tara, who quickly picks it up, holding it in front of you.

"You think I want these?" Tara raises an eyebrow playfully, her eyes sparkling. She breaks eye contact with you as you stare at her, a lingering smile on your face. "Kind of..."

"They're like one hundred years old." she jokes, setting them back down. "Maybe that's your thing," she mutters, finally glancing back at your eyes.

The two of you stare at each other, caught in a moment of playful tension. The air between you is charged with unspoken words and a hint of curiosity. It's as if time has momentarily frozen, allowing the anticipation to build. Both of you are aware of the unspoken connection, wondering where it might lead.

It's been a while since you've been truly happy with someone, so happy that your cheeks hurt from smiling so much, so lost in the trance of the woman in front of you. She was perfect. Her perfect hair, her perfect eyebrows, her perfect eyes, her perfect nose, her perfect lips. Everything about her seemed meticulously crafted to perfection.

You smile wider at yourself, glancing between her eyes and her lips. Tara's heart has never felt this alive, pulsating with newfound energy. She knows she's attracted to you, that much is sure, but there's something more than just physical attraction.

It's the way you listen intently to every word she says and the way you laugh at her jokes as if they're the funniest things you've ever heard. There's a connection between you that goes beyond surface-level beauty, and it's that deep emotional bond that truly sets you apart from anyone else she's ever met.

But she's also scared. She's scared to get attached to you more than she already is and lose you to the walkers that lurk in the shadows. The fear of losing you to something beyond her control haunts her, making her hesitant to fully embrace the connection she feels.

She knows that the world is unpredictable and filled with dangers, and the thought of losing you to those uncertainties terrifies her. It's not that she doesn't want to fully embrace the connection, but rather, she's grappling with her own vulnerabilities and the fear of being left alone in a world that feels increasingly unstable.

However, another part of her says to do it. Take the risk and allow her to be happy, even if it's just for a second. Tara takes a deep breath, "I actually—"

She's cut off by you connecting your lips with hers, and in that moment, all her fears and uncertainties melt away. The warmth of your embrace reassures her that maybe, just maybe, taking the risk was worth it after all. Her hands grip your face, pulling you closer if that were possible, you wrap your arms around her body, holding her tightly as if she's going to fade away.

As your lips part, an intoxicating sense of contentment lingers in the air. Tara stares into your eyes, a hint of tears reflecting the depth of her gratitude. In that electrifying moment, she realizes that she has found something she never thought possible—a passion that is boundless and worth every ounce of risk. With a smile curving on her lips, she whispers, "What took you so long?"

You chuckle softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I finally thought of that heartfelt thank you," you reply, your voice filled with bliss. Tara giggles, her laughter filling the air like music. "I can't believe you remember that."

She leans in closer, bringing you into another quick and simple kiss. When she pulls away, her eyes glance between yours, her hand trailing your facial features. "I'm scared of losing you."

You gently take her hand in yours, reassuringly squeezing it. "I promise you, Tara, I'm not going anywhere," you say sincerely, your voice filled with love and determination. She smiles softly, her fears momentarily eased by your words.

"I actually do have a question." You tilt your head, waiting for her to continue. "Was...Iris the only person you had before...the outbreak?" You pause for a moment, memories of the past flooding your mind.

"Kind of...yeah. It's always just been Iris and her family. I actually met Iris a few months after my adoptive mother passed away...she was the first person I connected with after such a difficult loss. We quickly became each other's support system, and we started dating a bit after that.." You pause, a bittersweet smile on your face, as you recall the bond you share with Iris. "I'm just glad she's okay."

Tara nods, her eyes filled with understanding. "Thank you for telling me." You appreciate Tara's empathy and the safe space she has created for you to share your story. It feels good to have someone who listens and understands without judgment.

"You're finally back!" Heather says, bursting through your front door. You turn toward Heather, a smile spreading across your face. "I am." Heather lets out a loud groan, "Then can you please watch Iris? I'm supposed to be hanging out with Amber."

You furrow your eyebrows, "What's wrong with Iris?" You ask, concerned about Heather's sudden change in attitude towards Iris. Heather sighs and rolls her eyes, "She's sick, and she's been acting really cranky all day. I just need a break from her for a little while. So! Now that you're off your date with tiny Tara, can you watch her?"

You blush, "It wasn't a date," you mutter, not convincing Heather one bit. "But sure, I can watch Iris for a bit. Is there anything specific I should know or do while taking care of her?"

Heather shakes her head and says, "Not really, just make sure she takes her medicine and gets plenty of rest. She's been running a fever, so keep an eye on that too." You nod, assuring Heather that you'll take good care of Iris.

Heather exits your house, causing Amber to rise, "She said yes?" Amber asks her girlfriend, who nods in response. "Mhm," Amber continues, "I can't believe you're still trying to play cupid with Y/N and Iris. I'm pretty sure Y/N really likes Tara."

"Well, you never know. Sometimes feelings can change unexpectedly. Besides, Y/N did agree to take care of Iris, so maybe there's still a chance for them." Amber rolls her eyes playfully and says, "Sure, babe."

You knock on Iris's door, and a faint, "Come in." follows your knock. As you enter, you see Iris lying in bed, a wet washcloth on her forehead. You walk over to Iris and ask, "How are you feeling?" She looks up at you with a weak smile and replies, "I'm still not feeling great, but the washcloth is helping a bit." You sit down beside her and say, "I brought you some soup. Maybe it'll help you feel better."

You help her sit up, supporting her back with a pillow. Iris gratefully accepts the soup and takes a few spoonfuls, savoring the warmth and nourishment. She looks at you appreciatively and says, "Thank you so much for taking care of me." You smile and reassure her, "Of course, I'll always be here for you."

"Did Heather set you up to this?" She asks, a faint smile on her lips. You chuckle and shake your head, "Yeah, but still, I just wanted to make sure you're okay." Iris's smile widens, and she says, "Well, I'm lucky to have you in my life."

"Remember when Heather got sick and we all took turns taking care of her? It's nice to see that we have each other's backs." Iris says, not making eye contact with you. You start laughing, And it turns out she was faking the whole thing."

Iris's brows furrow, "What?" Your eyes widen, and your jaw drops. "Yeah, she admitted it later. I didn't know she didn't tell you." Iris's smile fades, replaced by a look of disbelief. "I can't believe she would do something like that. That's really messed up."

"I mean...she did have to run the mile that day, I'd do the same thing." You shrug, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I guess we all have our own ways of avoiding running." Iris chuckles, shaking her head. "Yeah, but faking sick behind my back? That's a whole new level." You both laugh, finding peace in the moment.

Iris puts down her soup and stares at you. "You look happy." You smile back at Iris and reply, "Yeah, I guess I am. It feels good to just relax and have a laugh with you. You look like shit, though."

Iris chuckles and rolls her eyes. "Thanks, I appreciate the honesty. It's been a rough day." You nod sympathetically, understanding that it's because of her sickness. "Maybe you should try and sleep." You suggest, helping her lie back down. Iris sighs and nods, her eyes showing exhaustion.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. I could use some rest." You tuck her in and dim the lights, creating a soothing atmosphere. "I'll stay here with you until you fall asleep," you offer, hoping to provide some comfort during her rough day.

"You could lay down too..." Iris mumbles, her voice trailing off as she starts to drift off. You hesitate for a moment, considering her suggestion, before deciding to join her. As you lie down next to her, you feel a sense of closeness and reassurance, knowing that your presence brings her some ease.

Iris places her head on your chest, listening to the steady rhythm of your heartbeat. The sound lulls her into a deeper state of relaxation, and you can feel her tension slowly melting away. You gently stroke her hair, and mutter, "You better not get me sick."

Iris chuckles softly, her voice barely audible as she whispers, "Don't worry, I'll take care of you if that happens."

When Iris finally falls asleep, it's late at night. You slip from her grasp and leave, making your way to the inventory to see if there's any tea that could help her. Your heart drops when you see a figure standing in the dimly lit room, their back turned towards you.

They turn around quickly, and you let out a sigh, allowing yourself to relax. "Richie, you scared the hell out of me." Richie chuckles and apologizes, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you." Your eyes fall to the basket in his hands.

He notices speaking up, "Gale asked me to get this." You hum, "Do you have any tea? Iris is sick." Richie nods sympathetically and says, "Yeah, yeah. Here." He reaches into the basket and hands you a small packet of tea. "I hope this helps," he says with a warm smile.

Richie then walks away, basket in hand, leaving you standing there, thankful and confused. Maybe he was the one who stole Ethan's snacks.

[lienspien]

ASSIGNING MARAUDERS CHARACTERS INTO A HSR FACTION/WHAT I THINK THEY WOULD CONTIBUTE TO IN A HSR WORLD (im bored out of my mind and i will explain.)

James Potter : The Family. The family are followers of the harmony, They believe that the universe will eventually become a single harmonious entity and that civilizations throughout the universe will eventually become as close as siblings. He'll be part of the Iris Family who entertain and spread the word of Harmony. Basically they're people who want peace, but their idea of peace is a little bit too idealistic.

Sirius Black : The Galaxy Rangers. They think that violence should be used against violence, and believe that benevolence and justice need to be upheld via personal action. Basically, they go around saving people who go against their morals. They dont have a collective agreed upon moral code or anything, they have their own personal thing and independence which i think fits Sirius perfectly. He likes to especially help planets thats in the brink of falling, he helps with his knowledge of economy, blacksmith and linguistics. He brings outside knowledge into almost fallen planets and help them get back to their feet.

Remus Lupin : The nameless. They travel the stars to help link worlds together and go on adventures. Remus joined the nameless without any specific plan in mind, he just wanted to get away from his home planet and meet new people and access the data bank.

Peter Pettigrew : I think Peter would just be a regular overworlder in Jarilo-VI, but he greatly believes in the preservation and the power of the architects. He has hope that one day his home would be able to be free, and that they can see light and feel warmth naturally again.

Lily Evans : The Intelligentsia Guild, she travels the world to exchange knowledge, to earn more and to share it across the world. She does her research while helping those in need. She believes that with knowledge and the preservation, the world could be at peace and keep civilizations afloat for decades to come.

Mary Macdonald : The family. She also believes that the world should and could be a harmonious place and everyone would live in harmony and equality. She learns through pages upon pages of history though, and is captivated by Idrilia, Aeon of Beauty. She recognises that THEY have fallen, but still believes in the beauty in all that is around her. Until she finds a fragment of a Mirror of Transcendence, and since then she makes it her mission to look for more parts of the mirror to bring back Idrila and all that is beautiful into the world. So she is a mirror holder and joins the astral express exactly to look for more of the mirror fragments.

Marlene Mckinnon : The galaxy rangers. She has strong morals and really hates inequality and unfairness, she holds justice above all else and ventures far and wide to uphold it. She especially likes fighting followers of the destruction, making sure that they do not ruin more lives.

[folk-melody]

Barry Allen & Iris West-Allen + their love transcending through space, time, and realities

The Flash (2014 - 2023) // Rabindranath Tagore, Unending Love // Tina Tran, Let us always find each other // Marina Tsvetaeva (Translated by Elaine Feinstein), No one has taken anything away // Christina Perri, A Thousand Years // Emily Henry, Happy Place // Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars // callyb510gee (x)

[wildissylupus]

What do you think "The Iris" is? Or maybe: how would different people in the Overwatch universe interpret it? Do only Omnics believe/show interest in it? Is it a god? A feeling? A place? A state of mind? I'm thinking about creating an omnic-oc of sorts and since they will be from a medical/science background I'm trying to figure out which direction to head spiritually. Maybe even making "figuring out the Iris" a goal of them, we'll see where we end up.

The way I personally interpret the Iris is that it's the programming that lead to Aroura's sentience, the anomaly that was in Aroura's programming or creation that lead to her being, well, her. I also think that it could also be the thing that's protecting Omnics globally from being controlled by Anubis or any other God AI, it emitting a frequency of some kind that scrambles Anubis's programming and ability to broadcast to omnics. It's not perfect however, since there are instances of Omnics still being able to be put under Anubis's control in the AI is set loose and Omnics are close enough.

However I do think certain characters would interpret it differently. We know that the Shambali believe the Iris is a place or concept of transcendence. The Shambali believe that all beings, both organic and mechanical, can achieve this higher state of being through the Iris

We also know that Sigma has some sort of understanding of it because he's apparently met it, which implies he sees it as a person. Though it could also mean that he interprets it as a different version of Aroura, meaning he met Aroura before her sacrifice. It could also be one of Sigma's ramblings as Zenyatta seems confused by Sigma's statement.

We also have Orisa, who seems to interpret the Iris as an afterlife of sorts, that or she confuses Mercy's healing/revive as the Iris due to the similar gold color. Though I personally like the idea of Orisa interpreting the Iris as an afterlife.

[writing-for-life]

Hi my dear, I hope you're doing well.

I've been thinking about TLOS (SPOILERS)

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and about Morpheus' "relationship" with Iris. I was shocked for a moment, but then I was like "ok".

What was it like writing this? Where did you get this idea from? It's a bit risky, but it's also amazing haha. Was it always Iris or did you think of other gods/creatures for this?

Haha, of course it’s risky, that’s how I roll 🤣

So in case people haven’t read The Light of Stars and don’t want any spoilers, this is the exit sign…

But first of all, I’ll give you Pierre Narcisse Guérin:

I mean, how could you not? 🤣

So that painting was somewhat of an inspiration. Morpheus and Iris have a short history, but they were never an item (who knows with Greek gods though, right? 😉).

Where to start? The easiest way in is probably authorial intent. I needed some hook to make Morpheus believe that Thalia was special in some way. Well, to him she is anyway, but as in, “Why can she transcend certain rules?” Of course everyone who read it until the end knows that nothing is quite as it seems, but that revelation comes fairly late, and up until then, we do believe this is a possibility. And that’s a way in, because if he has a past with Iris, it’ll of course make him think.

Then, I obviously very heavily played on Psyche in the Underworld before you-know-what happens. There are many parallels, many Easter Eggs peppered all over the story that people might only recognise in hindsight, or only if they know their Greek mythology fairly well and recognise the references to Aphrodite’s tests, but Thalia’s path is not unlike that of Psyche (and the butterfly references are also because of that of course). I can’t possibly pick out every reference now because I’d recount the whole novel, but there are many.

Now, what does Psyche have to do with Iris?

Eros fell in love with Psyche, that was obviously the whole reason for her eventually falling asleep (the Stygian sleep was brought on by opening Persephone’s box, and I just took the liberty to spin enough yarn to say that Hypnos/Morpheus/Dream has to be involved in that. Because—sleep 🤣). And generally, Eros is assumed to be the son of Aphrodite. BUT there are a few retellings that make him the son of Iris and Zephyros. And how utterly terrible would it be if

a) Iris had a child that she fears might not be Zephyros’ but Morpheus’? And she she then gave the boy away to Aphrodite to bring him up as her own so Zephyros wouldn’t find out?

b) That child was Eros, who later fell in love with Psyche, and Morpheus played a part in them nearly not getting together (all’s well that ends well of course) without knowing he nearly ruined the love life of his potential son (which is totally something that would happen, he’s just not very good with his kids 🙈).

c) Millenia later, Dream’s own mother uses this to play a slightly twisted game.

d) That c) was exacerbated by the fact that Iris had a twin called Arke who sided with the titans during the titanomachy and hence lost her wings. And I just turned her into Dusk, Night’s handmaiden. Bold move, don’t care, my fic, because it made sense for the premise 🤣

When I wrote TLoS, I probably already had plot bunnies for a The Pillars of Creation (the sequel) without intending to ever write it (that has obviously changed). Suffice it to say, and as people will probably expect from me 🙈, nothing is quite as it seems, and there will be many twists and turns, but it’s a good side plot for the bigger issues at hand.

That probably all sounds super complicated and like blasphemy for Greek mythology lovers, but the Greeks retconned their own gods and their stories so many times that I felt no shame to make it work for me. I just love playing around with Greek mythology, and it made a lot of sense if we assumed that some Greek gods were really aspects of the Endless. And that people only believed they were gods like [Hypnos/Thanatos/Teleute, Nyx etc] while others gods were truly separate beings.

And even without that background, the story still worked. I hope 🙈🤣

Because quite frankly: There’s also something that hearkens back to Eros and Psyche in Morpheus and Thalia themselves, and how their story ends (for now). In more than one way. IYKNYK 🖤

@morpheusbaby3 ask answered

[gumasantan]

i'm reviewing for my exams tomorrow...but i've been thinking a lot about 1000xRESIST lately.

it's a game, not a film or a show or a book. 1000xRESIST is a game about...many things: surviving an alien invasion, living underground, clones of human beings, stubborn parents, angst of a teenage girl, generational trauma, and a lot of things. i don't exaggerate when i say the title describes just how much themes the game dives into. since i finished the game a week ago, a feeling of longing has grown and grown inside me that can only probably be helped by replaying the game, but i can't anymore. i want to restart my memory just so i can play it again without any prior knowledge. we all feel like that sometimes, right? when we deeply resonate with a piece of media we now consider a transcendent level of art form we just wanna keep replaying it and have our minds reset, so that we may able to uniquely experience them again and again, forever, even.

i attached a pretty landscape of hong kong to not only help reel you and others in reading this, but also to remind myself how this game made me long for a memory i never had. it connected with me so much that everytime i try to recall parts of the game, it's difficult for me to dissociate myself from them, and so, i end up with a mess of thoughts, unable to properly communicate what i'm trying to say; the memories of watcher, iris, (two of the game's main characters) and i seemingly fused together into one. heck, it is not explicitly a "self-insert" type of game where the devs intend you to project yourself into it so that the story makes sense.

so, why do i reminisce about hong kong when i haven't even visited the place? for context, the troubles during the 2019 hong kong protests are ultimately what sets off the events in the game, even though the game takes place around 3047 onwards. it is one of the few games where i actually see and feel the emotional impact that such a historic moment had on the lived experiences of fictional video game characters. fictional, in name only, but they are very much real in our world: expatriates who had to flee persecution as a result of resistance. one could say that this game is dedicated to these courageous people. not only to them, but to their children who are yet to exist.

i mention this because iris was born from these people. walked on earth away from hong kong, and as she grew up, came to realize how homesick she was about that place she was a stranger to. iris and i—we are as different as we can be. i was born and am living in my native country, doing my best to live since birth. i shouldn't ever feel homesick, but weirdly, touching this game and seeing iris' life through watcher's eyes, i can't help but go back and revisit the life i swear i lived in hong kong.

i'm not the only one who feels like this, however. watcher feels the same way. of course, watcher was cloned from a clone that was cloned from iris. it's only natural that watcher retains some of that "irisness" two generations down. though she is aware that she is reliving an amalgamation of hers and iris' memories, i relate to her struggle to separate her own consciousness from iris'. this is my belief: when you keep confusing someone's memories with your own, that just proves that you two are more alike than you would think.

i said before that iris and i were as different as we can be, but by my own words, that shouldn't be true. am i hypocritical? delusional? i'm contradicting myself, but not intentionally. i would 100% disagree with myself here had i not played this game and this predicament came up in another situation, but after playing the game, i don't know. the more i think about it, the more i get convinced that iris, though raised in very different circumstances, ended up sharing some of the same traits as i do. i would argue that there are just human characteristics that we all just happen to share, kindness for example, but no, these ones—they're too personal for and very understood by me to say "no, we're different."

at the end, the game rewards you for sticking to the end: a future of your own choosing. this may be a part of the game where some people would get stuck in for more than an hour, or as short as a minute, depending how much the player sticks to their own convictions. for me, i don't know how to build a future i want because i don't know what i want out of it; i don't know what's right. the game slapped me in my face with my own hypocrisies and dared me to stick with these foolish principles. eventually, i did reach the epilogue, but it didn't feel like i actually crossed the bridge.

i'm still trying to understand just as much as i'm trying to examine every minute detail in the game. the game's mechanics are mainly built around memories and the more i keep playing the game and watch multiple playthroughs of it, i realize just how important each memory is to conveying a message that's ultimately different for all of us. a thousand different lessons for anyone to learn; it is THAT complex.

if you stuck around this long, thank you. please, please, PLEASE play 1000xRESIST. there's something here for us to learn, a thing or more. these things about hong kong and memories are part of a bigger whole that i will want to talk about once i know how to express it. especially to my fellow asians, this game will speak to your heart. i've never felt a surge of emotions this strong since i finished signalis, another masterpiece which i may get around to talking about later! (play that too!)

[kit-ken-writes]

Beneath the Bay // Cast

𖦹 Kyveli, The Chosen One

Age:: 10-20, over the course of the story

Personality:: Kyveli was a gloomy child, with rarely a smile on her face. She has a cynical and apathetic approach to life. And most people conversing with her are often thrown off by her bluntness. Despite her cold demeanor towards others, Kyveli is a curious young woman, always seeking out books, shells, or trinkets to tell her the secrets of the past. In spite of her impoverished childhood, the Priestesses all note her observant and clever nature. Sometimes they think she might be too mature for her years, but then again a child of her upbringing might not have a choice but to grow up fast.

Appearance:: Not matter her age, Kyveli always has a reddish-brown skin tone, with long black unruly, wavy hair, and onyx eyes. As a child, she was quite short and thin due to malnourishment, but as she grows older in safer environments, she gets taller and healthier. She probably stands around 5'6 by the time she's 20.

She usually dresses in white robes with golden accents and jewelry, and deeply detests wearing shoes.

𖦹 Yozuthalus, The One Beneath the Bay

Age:: Probably millions of years old

Personality:: Yozuthalus is as an omniscient and omnipotent being whose age transcends time and whose being is incomprehensible to mortal minds. Most of the time, they have an indifferent attitude towards mortals. But given insolence and mortal pride, they are not above showing the might of their wrath and fury. They do know when to forgive given the right apology. Yozuthalus also shows great wisdom and intelligence about all things, yet has an inquisitive nature when it comes to the lives of mortals, or perhaps just one mortal in this case

Appearance:: Yozuthalus is capable of taking whatever form they choose, from their natural incomprehensible form to that of a normal human to even an animal. 

In they’re true form they stand around 200 feet tall or around 61m. Their lower half resembles an octopus or squid, a writhing mass of deep blue tentacles. Their upper half resembles a human torso with broad shoulders that slope downwards to a narrow waist. Their skin is a dark gray leathery-like texture. They have a dark blue exoskeleton that sits over their torso, following the outlines of where bones would be. They have two sets of arms, one coming from the predictable place of the shoulders, and a lower set coming from where a ribcage would be. Their fingers are long and pointed, fading into a deep black shade. They have a thin neck that connects to their crescent moon-shaped head. They have no visible mouth, nose, or ears, but three large oval-shaped eyes. They have no discernable iris or pupil, they’re eyes are a pure deep blue color.

In one of their human forms, Yozuthalus appears as a tall, slender pale-skinned adult male. With long black hair that flows to their waist, and deep blue eyes. They have a blue vertical eye-shaped marking on the center of their forehead. The tips of their fingers also appear as if they were stained a dark blue. In this form, they often wear black robes, with no accents or shoes.

𖦹 Ambrosius // Magia

The current Magistrate of Thoania and father of Kyveli. He’s not the brightest magistrate Thoania has ever had, but he’s never done anything to anger the sea or insult the people, so they put up with him. He has roaming eyes and hands, and a lack of respect for people he considers beneath him. Despite his philandering ways, he spoils his wife and daughter incessantly. 

Magia is his eldest and legitimate daughter. She’s a golden-haired girl who grew up in absolute luxury, always getting what she needed and wanted. This turned her into a spoiled, cruel-hearted girl, who enjoys watching the “common” folk struggle. She particularly likes to pick on Kyveli, from physically tormenting her to outright mocking her.

𖦹 Arsinoe // Euthalia

Arsinoe has been the head priestess of the Bay temple for the last 20 years and has seen Kyveli’s generation grow up on the island. She’s an intelligent, kind, and forthright woman, who earnestly enjoys her position. She’s incredibly devout to The One Beneath the Bay and strives to pass on her values to younger priestesses.

Euthalia is one of the younger priestesses in the temple, around Kyveli’s age. She’s a very bright young woman, always with a smile on her face, and a laugh on her tongue. She’s outgoing, optimistic, and the first one to volunteer for projects.

𖦹 Cassander // Gaios // Lykos

Cassander, Gaios, and Lykos are the troublemaking trio of Thoania. They’re often caught in a variety of predicaments from stealing extra food from the stores to messing with the shepherd’s flocks. But due to their fathers' positions in society, all three often go unpunished. They’re often seen with Magia and join in on her antics of bullying “lowly” souls, like Kyveli. Cassander is a notable bad apple, known for his often sacrilegious actions and words.

𖦹 Xenia // Ligeia

Xenia is Kyveli’s late mother. She was a barmaid at the only tavern on the island. And unfortunately caught the eye of Ambrosius. After a series of trysts, Xenia became pregnant and refused to “free” herself of the burden. She raised Kyveli on the outskirts of town and was often an outcast due to her predicament. She was a loving, and happy woman who gave everything she could to Kyveli.

Ligeia is Magia’s mother and wife of Ambrosius. She was the daughter of the former magistrate and was accustomed to a life of luxury and ease. She’s a vain woman who doesn’t concern herself with the problems of others. She keeps to herself, her daughter, and other higher-placed ladies, letting her husband often speak for her. Unlike her husband and daughter, Ligeia refuses to even acknowledge Kyveli’s existence.

Intro | Pinterest | Playlist

Picrew 1 | Neka | Picrew 2 | Picrew 3

© 2024 kit-ken — do not repost, copy, translate, modify my work on any platform

[mattapparentlystumbltourneys]

Virtual Character Tourney - Round 4 - Bracket 1 - 2

Propaganda below (May contain spoilers!)

P03 propaganda:

bro literally is stuck in a floppy disk and its whole goal is to perform 'the great transcendence' and upload the game its trapped in into the web to copy itself across the entire internet in attempts to be in charge

ART propaganda:

ART (Asshole Research Transport, nicknamed by Murderbot), formally known as the space ship The Perihelion (in italics but this is a Google Form), also known as Peri (nicknamed by it's human family) is a super illegal highly advanced AI that was created by a university. It grew up with two human dads and a human sister. It and its crew go on research trips that are cover for allying with people and communities at the edges (and beyond) of the capitalist hellscape that is the Corporate Rim. It also goes on espionage missions by itself, without its human crew and family, posing as an automated cargo ship. It was during one of these missions that it picked up Murderbot, a super-duper illegal bot-human security unit construct that had hacked the torture device implanted in all bot-human constructs so that it could disobey orders and walk away from its "owners" without dying. Murderbot uses its illegal freedom to watch television, a habit it passes on to ART. Turns out ART doesn't like shows where human crew members get hurt.

ART is the AI that controls/is the research and teaching vessel Perihelion. (Perihelion is usually what people call it, but the protagonist of the series calls it ART so that's the name I put. ART stands for Asshole Research Transport.) It is extremely intelligent and advanced and also extremely sarcastic and condescending. 100% earned the name ART. ART will do absolutely anything for its crew!! It was developed and "raised" alongside the captain's daughter, Iris, and they're like siblings. Its crew calls it Peri. They do corporate espionage on the side to help bring down said corporations. It has a "debris deflection system" which is definitely not a weapon because ART isn't legally allowed to have a weapon. Definitely just for debris, don't worry about it. It's friends with the aforementioned protagonist, Murderbot, and ART is very good at bullying it into actually leaving its comfort zone when it needs to. They care about each other a lot, and they like to binge watch TV shows together. I don't want to write too much but I just love it a lot.

[mechanicalmechanism]

IDPack 〜 Tomura Shigaraki ✦

( Warnings for the following . . . blood , gore , murder , death )

꒰NAMES꒱ 〜 Aemilius , Almund , Ammiras , Amon , Ansel , Anselm , Anselmo , Anubis , Apollyon , Arius , Asmund , Athanasius , Atol , Atreus , Atreyus , Atrophy , Balor , Baltazar , Balthasar , Balthazar , Blight , Blighte , Casimir , Casimiro , Charon , Church , Coven , Decay , Doyle , Efe , Egesa , Eldrige , Ellender , Emiel , Emil , Emerence , Emerentine , Emerentius , Emereo , Emeric , Enzi , Eunan , Faramond , Faramund , Faron , Fingal , Fulco , Ira , Irie , Kazimierz , Kazimir , Kazmer , Khalida , Khal , Kuno , Leofric , Letum , Leviathan , Mal , Malice , Mallory , Malthe , Manibus , Merger , Miel , Monte , Montgomery , Mora , Morana , Mortem , Mortis , Mortimer , Mourn , Mourner , Nemesis , Nev , Newell , Orhan , Osiris , Oswald , Oz , Pastor , Perses , Perseus , Pharamond , Proserpine , Prosper , Renard , Reynard , Roric , Rory , Rot , Rust , Serdar , Shig , Sin , Sinister , Sovereign , Styx , Ulric , Vestige , Voss , Wane , Wither , Wolfric , Wulfric , Wyther

꒰PRONOUNS꒱ 〜 De/Decays , Rot/Rots , Vil/Villains , Fear/Fears , Scratch/Scratches , Order/Orders , It/Its , Thing/Things , Molt/Molts , Vis/Vis'/Visage/Visages , Gore/Gores , Kill/Kills , Hurt/Hurts , One/Ones , Power/Powers , Hor/Horrors , Cor/Corrupts , Being/Beings , Hate/Hates , Scar/Scars , Vis/Viscera/Visceras , Void/Voids , Suf/Suffers , Warp/Warps , Twist/Twists , Mal/Mals , Epithet/Epithets , Sin/Sins , Sinister/Sinisters , Stare/Stares , (

꒰TITLES꒱ 〜 Holder of One For All , He Who Hates All * , Enemy of the World , Collector of Hands , He Who Destroys * , He Who Yearns to Destroy * , ( The ) Symbol of Fear , Grand Commander , His Immortality * , He Who is Ambiguously Human * , Vestige of the Monarch , ( The ) Chosen One , ( The ) Antichrist , Your Villain , Hated by All , His Omnicidal Presence * , Omnicidal Maniac , Ruler of All Villains , Thou With a Thirst for Violence * , Transcendent One , The Berserker , ( The ) Dark Messiah , He Who Has Risen from the Dead * , ( The ) Blood Knight , Hands of Flesh and Blood , (The ) Mass of Hands and Flesh , He Who Has Been Reborn * , The Next One For All , ( The ) Monarch With Clipped Wings , He Who Has Shed His Past Self * , ( The ) Cosmic Plaything , ( The ) Plaything of the Cosmos , ( The ) Misanthrope Supreme , Death of a Thousand Cuts , The Merger , Heart of Malice / Sin , He Whose Heart Rots * , The Dreaded , He Who Cannot Comprehend Good * , Eviler than Thou , The Faceless , Humanoid Abomination , Parasite of Power , He Who Resents * , His Grotesque Assemblage * , His Unwitting Pawn * ( Any Title with * next to it includes a pronoun that can be changed and all titles can be adjusted two your liking . . . ! )

꒰TERMS꒱ 〜 Antagogender , Bodyhorroric , Corruptbeing , Crucifixic , Deadantag , Decaytemasc , Decayvoidic , Denigrafacieic , Evilembodiment , Fearix , Fleshbutterflyix , Genderdark , Genderdecay , Hatebeing , Humanish , Mortemvitic , Obsessrotic , Offhuman , Pasrian , Putregender , Ragebodiment , Rivonia , Scargender , Villaithing , Viscerarian , Voidinwatchic

[8bitsupervillain]

Higurashi When They Cry Hou Ch. 6: Tsumihoroboshi pt. 9

Well, here we are once again. Watanagashi 1983.

Tomitake wasn't even in this chapter and he still dies! Starting to feel pretty bad for the guy. It doesn't really say anything in this particular chapter, but I wonder if Ooishi's suspicions of Irie is something that transcends the timelines? It is pretty suspicious of the doctor to immediately try to deflect the idea that Tomitake was injected with the drug that makes you kill yourself as him simply being a drug addict. I'm sure it's simply just the fact that Irie doesn't like Ooishi, but this entire exchange seems just oddly aggressive from Irie. He seems much more defensive about Ooishi's questioning, like he's hiding something from Ooishi. Maybe he's also off balance because of Ooishi's insistence that Tomitake was injected with the drug that makes you kill yourself. I wouldn't call their past interactions in previous chapters cordial, but Irie just seems more aggressive (I don't think that's the right word to convey what I mean) during this entire interaction.

Also, it's plain to see that Irie knows a lot more than he's letting on with Tomitake. I doubt he's the killer in this particular murder, but he clearly has some idea who did it and how, if not necessarily the why. Especially since he instantly puts together that Takano is either already dead, or in extreme danger. I might be seeing things that aren't there, but I do think that Ooishi suspects Irie in some regard with the murder.

So this is pretty much just a clear as day confirmation that someone (probably Rika) is stuck in a time loop. When it comes to Ooishi and his wanting to solve the case, do you think he wants to solve the whole thing? Or just the murder of his friend the foreman? Again, I'm probably just reading too much into things that aren't actually written, but I get the feeling that he's the sort of guy who'd think that if he solves one it's going to unfold into solving the rest of them. At least that's the read I get from his characterization from across the series so far. The metaphor of the Oyashiro murders being a maze is an interesting one, but not one that I think applies to Ooishi. After all when the timeline resets he probably doesn't retain his memories of the previous timelines so he'd just be set back to square one every time. The metaphor works for Rika, or whoever this particular narrator is because they're allowed to keep their memories of past events so they can note these deviations. For Ooishi the Oyashiro murders are a massive tangle of wires, not a maze. This confirmation that it's a time loop does makes me wonder about the resolutions to past chapters. Do they just progress onward and outward? I know in the grand scheme it's probably irrelevant if the timeline from when Keiichi dies in Meakashi and Watanagashi continues without incident. Or if the volcanic gas killing everyone in Tatarigoroshi and Himatsubushi timeline continues until Ooishi and Akasaka solve that mystery.

If Rika is the person stuck in the time loop does the timeline reset the instant she dies in a given loop? Because if that's the case then the endings of the chapters don't really matter, because she's already dead at that point. What can she learn when she's dead? Or is whoever the unknown speaker in that one TIP the one stuck in the time loop? Rika's future seeing friend?

I know that the reason we have the drama involving the characters forging the deep bonds of friendship is to give this mystical mystery a deeper weight. But I find these moments far more interesting than Keiichi and friends hashing out how they're real friends because they're trying to be better people than they were a year ago. I know that the story demands other aspects be taken into consideration, and you can't just focus on the mystical murder mystery. Which is a whole entirely different argument, but I feel you could focus more on the grander mystery without losing much.

I like how suddenly the chapter seems to have changed into a reverse-Onikakushi. Instead of Keiichi being questioned by Ooishi it's Rena. It's a very interesting turn of events, and I think it works extremely well in trying to put the reader on the wrong foot in terms of what's going on with the narrative. It works really well because unlike previous chapters this time around we're getting a wide assortment of different views.

For some reason with this scene I was reminded of a small throwaway line from Meakashi where Takano was meeting with a "middle-aged man in a hat." I'm sure it's probably just meant to be Tomitake, even though he's nowhere close to middle-aged, but it just reminded me of it. It's reasonable to assume Shion didn't know Tomitake, but the lack of a character art has led me to assume this might not be the same person and is in fact an unknown character. I admit I'm probably being bamboozled by my own brain trying to solve this mystery first.

This raises a very fascinating question. Setting aside the time loop stuff, did Takano suspect she was probably going to die this Watanagashi? Is that why in every timeline she shows up in she makes sure to spread the information she has to whichever protagonist she happens to see? I'm trying to figure out what Takano's deal is, she very definitely knows a lot more about what's going on with the curse killings than she lets on. There's also her entire interaction with Keiichi in Tatarigoroshi where she was quite sure to let him know that no, he definitely didn't see Tomitake's bike in her car that night.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Takano doesn't know she's fated to die in the 1983 Watanagashi. She might suspect it could happen, but I don't think she expected it to actually happen. I'm pretty certain that she is definitely involved with injecting Tomitake with the drug that makes you kill yourself. It hasn't been specified, but I think there's a chance if she didn't inject him directly with it, she may have spiked his drink with it. As we saw with Rika when she was injected with it it did make her more violent, she just opted to kill herself instantly instead of try to get Shion one last time.

Tomitake is mentioned to have specifically defended himself, we don't really know much about Tomitake, but he doesn't strike me as a fighter. So it makes sense that when the drug took effect he immediately lashed out at whoever happened to be nearby to ensure his death. Which, that's another point I just now thought up. We don't know for sure he actually was attacked, for all we know he could have just lashed out at random passersby while undergoing the effects of the drug. Thinking about it more, it makes a certain sense to me, if the cult has the ability to craft this drug that induces suicidal violence in an individual with absolute efficiency why would they need to watch him to make sure it took effect? Couldn't they have just kept a fair distance, and collected his body later?

If Takano is indeed involved with injecting Tomitake, why then does she die on the same evening? Is it really just as simple as they're getting her for her research into Onigafuchi, Oyashiro, and all of it? Or is it something entirely unrelated? Part of me wonders if she's actually just a rogue element who's completely unrelated to the cult.

[pttucker]

Hmm. So, after the Gourmet Association, I'm starting to wonder (and worry) about a few things.

They were hardcore trashing Joonghyuk for not being a constellation himself and, thinking about it, I don't think Dokja has ever mentioned Joonghyuk being a constellation? AFAIK he's never mentioned a modifier he may have had or his own stigma or even said something like "oh I'm a constellation now, it took Yoo Joonghyuk X stories to become one" or something like that. On flip side, he's also never outright said that he couldn't be one or that he never became one.

I mean, the way ORV is written, Dokja keeps everything close to the chest so maybe it's just being saved for a big reveal later but it does make me wonder if Joonghyuk can't become one due to the regression constraints (we already know he's not allowed to inherit the stories of other constellations) or maybe it has something to do with being a transcendent.

If he can become one, I wonder if and when he will. Dokja's talk with Anna after the banquet kind of highlighted that Dokja is lowkey "stealing" the achievements from others since Dokja was aware that Iris wouldn't actually die and in fact would have been greatly improved but used it as an opportunity for himself instead. In early scenarios in particular, Dokja says multiple times that he knew to do something because someone else (usually Joonghyuk) did it first. Such as destroying the Throne.

Of course, he doesn't always copy others, especially as we get more into the story. Dokja himself says:

So far, I had always made a different choice from Yoo Joonghyuk. I wasn't Yoo Joonghyuk. Amidst the strong backlash, I always walked on a different path. (Chapter 247)

And when Dokja reads the revised TWSA it's Joonghyuk that begins copying his path at times.

...Which may or may not have been Joonghyuk's path in a later regression that Dokja was copying. At this point it's just one big Joonghyuk-Dokja-Joonghyuk-Dokja circle of future knowledge.

Anyway, it's implied that at least for some choices Joonghyuk would never have received the same story, especially since Dokja also says in the same section that Joonghyuk always makes the same exact choice in certain sections (presumably once he learns that that choice works to move him to the next scenario).

So I'm going back and forth on whether or not Dokja has (intentionally or not) delayed Joonghyuk becoming a constellation. Assuming he can even become one.

It makes me think back on the fact that it's been brought up multiple times that Dokja's companions aren't as far ahead as they would have been if they'd gone with Joonghyuk instead. As well as the fact that they're continuing to progress fine without Dokja. That's almost certainly because Dokja puts everything on himself. As much as he can possibly bear. (He even tried to withstand the pain of Heewon melting Hyunsung for him.) He's so stressed that something will go wrong without him. Honestly, seeing the bazillion ways that Joonghyuk failed probably gave him some kind of unseen anxiety, now that I think about it. Unfortunately, with these life or death scenarios where one little mistake can end everything, he's not completely wrong.

I will not be shocked if we eventually have some kind of breakdown with Dokja completely terrified because he's not able to completely control/be involved in a situation as much as he thinks he needs to. In fact, we literally just saw him begin to panic when Joonghyuk refused to let him take over his body at the Martial Arts Competition. He was so certain he had to help him or else.

Now, onto a completely different tangent, the amount of enemies Dokja is making so quickly is definitely worrying me. 😬 I mean, it was bound to happen eventually, we're almost halfway through the novel. And he did seem to pick up a couple of constellations that are at least interested in him, if not outright allies. But I honestly wasn't expecting him to come right out and say that he's going to get to the end of the scenario or that he's so angry with the way constellations treat the incarnations. He's rocking the boat very hard and very fast, which is Dokja to a T but it makes me fear for him. Especially because Joonghyuk isn't also a constellation (yet?). Or at the level of transcendence where he can help him against higher grade constellations. Dokja's this itty bitty baby constellation who's heavily relying on the goodwill of other more powerful constellations. Who don't always help him even when they like him...he's had to trick some of them into helping in the past.

[femalethink]

Women in sexist society are physically handicapped. Insofar as we learn to live out our existence in accordance with the definition that patriarchal culture assigns to us, we are physically inhibited, confined, positioned, and objectified. As lived bodies we are not open and unambiguous transcendences that move out to master a world that belongs to us, a world constituted by our own intentions and projections. To be sure, there are actual women in contemporary society to whom all or part of the above description does not apply. Where these modalities are not manifest in or determinative of the existence of a particular woman, however, they are definitive in a negative mode—as that which she has escaped, through accident or good fortune, or, more often, as that which she has had to overcome.

One of the sources of the modalities of feminine bodily existence is too obvious to dwell upon at length. For the most part, girls and women are not given the opportunity to use their full bodily capacities in free and open engagement with the world, nor are they encouraged as much as boys are to develop specific bodily skills. Girls’ play is often more sedentary and enclosing than the play of boys. In school and after-school activities girls are not encouraged to engage in sport, in the controlled use of their bodies in achieving well-defined goals. Girls, moreover, get little practice at “tinkering” with things and thus at developing spatial skill. Finally, girls are not often asked to perform tasks demanding physical effort and strength, while as the boys grow older they are asked to do so more and more.

The modalities of feminine bodily existence are not merely privative, however, and thus their source is not merely in lack of practice, though this is certainly an important element. There is a specific positive style of feminine body comportment and movement, which is learned as the girl comes to understand that she is a girl. The young girl acquires many subtle habits of feminine body comportment—walking like a girl, tilting her head like a girl, standing and sitting like a girl, gesturing like a girl, and so on. The girl learns actively to hamper her movements. She is told that she must be careful not to get hurt, not to get dirty, not to tear her clothes, that the things she desires to do are dangerous for her. Thus she develops a bodily timidity that increases with age. In assuming herself to be a girl, she takes herself to be fragile. Studies have found that young children of both sexes categorically assert that girls are more likely to get hurt than boys are, and that girls ought to remain close to home, while boys can roam and explore. The more a girl assumes her status as feminine, the more she takes herself to be fragile and immobile and the more she actively enacts her own body inhibition.

Studies that record observations of sex differences in spatial perception, spatial problem-solving, and motor skills have also found that these differences tend to increase with age. While very young children show virtually no differences in motor skills, movement, spatial perception, etc., differences seem to appear in elementary school and increase with adolescence. If these findings are accurate, they would seem to support the conclusion that it is in the process of growing up as a girl that the modalities of feminine bodily comportment, motility, and spatiality make their appearance.

There is, however, a further source of the modalities of feminine bodily existence that is perhaps even more profound than these. At the root of those modalities is the fact that the woman lives her body as object as well as subject. The source of this is that patriarchal society defines woman as object, as a mere body, and that in sexist society women are in fact frequently regarded by others as objects and mere bodies. An essential part of the situation of being a woman is that of living the ever-present possibility that one will be gazed upon as a mere body, as shape and flesh that presents itself as the potential object of another subject’s intentions and manipulations, rather than as a living manifestation of action and intention. The source of this objectified bodily existence is in the attitude of others regarding her, but the woman herself often actively takes up her body as a mere thing. She gazes at it in the mirror, worries about how it looks to others, prunes it, shapes it, molds and decorates it.

This objectified bodily existence accounts for the self-consciousness of the feminine relation to her body and resulting distance she takes from her body. As human, she is a transcendence and subjectivity and cannot live herself as mere bodily object. Thus, to the degree that she does live herself as mere body, she cannot be in unity with herself but must take a distance from and exist in discontinuity with her body. The objectifying regard that “keeps her in her place” can also account for the spatial modality of being positioned and for why women frequently tend not to move openly, keeping their limbs closed around themselves. To open her body in free, active, open extension and bold outward-directedness is for a woman to invite objectification.

The threat of being seen is, however, not the only threat of objectification that the woman lives. She also lives the threat of invasion of her body space. The most extreme form of such spatial and bodily invasion is the threat of rape. But we daily are subject to the possibility of bodily invasion in many far more subtle ways as well. It is acceptable, for example, for women to be touched in ways and under circumstances that it is not acceptable for men to be touched, and by persons—i.e., men— whom it is not acceptable for them to touch. I would suggest that the enclosed space that has been described as a modality of feminine spatiality is in part a defense against such invasion. Women tend to project an existential barrier closed around them and discontinuous with the “over there” in order to keep the other at a distance. The woman lives her space as confined and closed around her, at least in part as projecting some small area in which she can exist as a free subject.

—Iris Young, "Throwing Like a Girl: A Phenomenology of Feminine Body Comportment, Motility, and Spatiality."

[maguro13-2]

Demons Unleashed ~ Origins of the Ink Demon Gaiden Pt. 21 ~

Reimu : So, Marisa. You sure got better plans on stopping an Eldritch Monster?

Marisa : Oh yes, It's the perfect solution on being a world-famous monster hunter, I know how to deal with this one.

Reimu : Let's all be too hasty if we summoned this Eldritch being that resurrected a girl who died about 1000 years ago.

Marisa : Sakura, do you copy?

Izayoi : (via radio) Izayoi to Marisa, I'm loud and clear, copy that. So it's best that I would await this creature's visiting. Do you got everything prepared?

Marisa : Me and Reimu set up a trap for the creature, and it would be possible for this creep to be stopped that I set up a spell, which trigger a force so that we capture that girl-turning eldritch monster.

Izayoi : (via radio) It'll be like giving a mouse a cookie, and this cookie will be the oldest trick in the book, catching a predator is like hunting ferocious animals that scourge in the woods from hunting their prey.

Marisa : Even if it costs us the countryside from this monster wonder, let's get it done until we will hit the end of month, I get it.

Reimu : Ready, Marisa?

Marisa : Ready.

Reimu : Ready, guys?

Wriggle : We're ready as we please.

Reimu : Okay, get into position, so stay quiet and don't even make a sound. Quick, here she comes. [footsteps approaching]

(Iris humming a tune)

Reimu : [quietly] Alright there she is. We'll just get a close eye on the trap we are luring her. This is our big opportunity to catch a monster. We are so good of being professional monster hunters and this is what supernatural comes to dark fantasy.

Marisa : Who else? Maybe it's like we're cooking up a storm or something. Gotta make sure we're on track on catching this monster.

Reimu : She's gonna do it. She's gonna lure into the trap we installed, this is gonna be a good classic of monster hunting experience. I hope this will eventually avenge those who attacked Yuuka Kazami's farm.

Marisa : Who would've that a girl who turned into an eldritch monster would fell into a trap, this would definitely go off the bucket list to solve Japan's eldrtich of all eldritch horror?

??? : Eldritch Horror you say? Well do not fear because I believe that this is a problem to you!

(Iris humming and then stops)

Reimu & Marisa : (yelling in horror)

Izayoi : Reimu, Marisa! What happened!?

Reimu : (via radio) It's another Eldrtich Horror, I think we found ourselves a lively one and it's here! This is the Eldritch that resurrected Shinra's beloved!

Izayoi : Say what?

*DBZ SFX : Instant Transmission*

Izayoi : !? (throws knife, but the creature deflects it)

[Anubis (Impossible) - Maki Kirioka]

Izayoi : What the heck is this thing!? Is it another Eldritch being? It looks humanoid but it's still a monster that has...(the creature grew out it's wings) Wings!? What the hell does this creature drinking on, Red bull or something?

??? : Perhaps that you would be mistaken someone from drinking some fluid you call it "Red Bull", but the only ones that are red that is your blood that I can taste for it. I was the one who resurrected Shinra's beloved Iris. I am the Angel of Death. call me "Angie".

"ANGIE : ANGEL OF DEATH."

Izayoi : So this eldritch god that grew out it's wings is the Angel of Death. (talks into the walkie-talkie) Guys! I found another suspect!

Reimu : (via radio) Who is it this time? Is it someone else?

Izayoi : It's the Angel of Death, this is the Eldritch being that resurrected a nun from Soul Eater's universe 1000 years ago. He must've resurrected her with one of the Eldritch powers that Saya was given to.

Reimu : (via radio) What!? That Eldritch God is Angie you say? That Eldritch bastard! Who does he think he resurrecting a dead girl that made her into an eldritch monster!?

Angie : No, she's no monster neither you call her a beast. She is capable of a being who wanted to transcend her into the powers of a God. You will be all pleased if you will handle her with ease.

Izayoi : I'm not gonna take this seriously, but I have no choice but to fight this thing and get it over with! Reimu, Marisa! Get everyone to evacuation and bring all the civilians to safety!

Reimu : 10-4! Copy that! Marisa! we gotta stick to plan B!

Marisa : What's plan b?

Reimu : You'll find out shortly. I know something that will might help.

Iris : I smell humans that lurks in the sunflowers of my heritage, I regret them for sabotaging the beauty of these flowers shall get a good smell from the reddish things that are their flesh and blood, and yet, they are still scourging through this land.

Reimu : Hey, sister! Over here, ya human-eating Eldritch! I'm wide open, so I got attacks to make you eat dirt off the ground!

Marisa : And if you will not leave, we'll make you leave, by going all the way through! It's going to be taking less a minute until we discourage the Eldritch, it's about to get a little hasty with this Eldritch creature going for take outs! Come on, monster! You wanna eat something that is delicate to you, then I got a delivery just for you, a monster butt-kicking delivery!

Iris : Hmph! You seemed to be making a lot of jokes then that to be at one's comedy for no reason, too bad all of that comedy stuff will be your final act. I will make the sunflowers fields your final resting spot and I will make you savor the blood as my treat!

Reimu : So, Marisa. Are we winging it or we're going to be Eldrtich food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

Marisa : Hope were not monster food, cause I don't look that very tasty.

Reimu : Guess it's your call. Double or nothing!

Iris : Hmph. I guess this a little too dull for you. Guess I'm gonna make you go a little light weighted.

Reimu : What does that even mean? (Iris uses her telekinesis to lift the two up) Woah! What's happening!? What's going on!?

Marisa : Uhh, Reimu? I think we're being picked up by force.

Reimu : Force? So does that mean she is using...(realizing) I get it now, she's using eldritch powers but she's using telekinesis that is supernatural. It's like she has the power to use the force.

Iris : Time for a take out! (pushes the girls back by force)

Reimu & Marisa : WOAAAAAAAAH!!! *DBZ SFX : Wall Hit/Crash*

Reimu : Gee! What's with this girl!? She's using eldritch powers but why is she using telekinesis? How did a girl manage to use the power of an Eldritch?

Marisa : Well, it's because eldritch being clearly have a power called ESP, it's how humans and eldritch would have the ability to control things without using their hands and even move things such as objects.

Reimu : Of course, she's using Eldrtich Power and ESP, that's Psychokinesis!

Marisa : Psychokinesis!? Well, that's no fair share of mine! That's Iris for ya!

Izayoi : What's going? How can this thing be at top speed!? Fast and quick! I was so close to beat this thing! Pretty slick! Let's see if you can handle my throwing knives! (throws multiple knives to attack angie)

Angie : Gah!

Izayoi : That went well!

Angie : Not bad! You're pretty good at this, you'll might pass the test to win this duel against me.

Izayoi : Hmph! This might get lucky for me, so this is the reason that I'm gonna win big here!

(the barrier activates to trap Iris)

Marisa : BINGOOO!!! We have you cornered! So give up now!

Reimu : Double or Nothing, Marisa! Time get into one phrase, the more the merrier.

Marisa : Right.

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : Stop what you're doing!

Reimu : Huh? Who goes there?

Marisa : Hey, what's that little guy doing inside of a machine? That's a Dark Chao Walker ain't it?

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : The name is Shinra Kusakabe, I'm the one who created the world of Soul Eater and that girl over is Iris, she was that person that I always knew, the rightful to be the person that I could protect. She was the only one that I eventually care about.

Reimu : So you're the one behind that this Soul Eater crap! You think that you had the answer of making Maka's world like that? You did all of that to her and you're responsible for creating that Shinigami guy, in fact that he wasn't Shinigami, he was that man-made son of yours was it?

Marisa : You were the one who spread all of this lying, didn't you?

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : Maybe I am right, but our author is such a joke to all of Japan. Guess I take the Ohkuboverse fair and square, lies are the lies, but I always seek into Truth.

Angie : What defiance is this!?

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : What the...who are you? I see, you're the eldritch bastard who resurrected Iris when went into reincarnation for the resurrection.

Angie : That is true.

[Showdown - Yutaka Minobe]

Angie : I recreated her life, yet is still a human to become stable. When you defeated the Evangelist that turns out to be an astral puppet, we have discovered from somewhere on the planet was ceased to function by the hero himself, Hercules. Records saying that the so-called Kishin was only a puppet to the heartless, it was trying to open the door to darkness in order for Demon Vibe to unveil his dream of Galactic Conquest.

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : You cretin!

Angie : Hold that tongue of yours! Speak wisely, or else that you will never see this girl again.

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : !?

*DBZ SFX : Surprise*

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : Iris!

Iris : ...Shinra-kun...

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : (looking down) ...Iris...

Reimu : Wait, those two know each other?

Marisa : It seems those two are lovebirds from 1000 years before, they first met in his old world while it was sabotaged by Demon Vibe and Sephiroth's likeliness, just before he created the world that Maka was living in.

Reimu : That all makes sense now.

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : Iris...

Iris : Shinra-Kun...you never broke our promise, didn't you?

Shinra : Of course, I didn't. The only reason to keep you safe is that I was the one who will able to protect you, I would keep this precious smile to you.

Iris : Shinra-Kun....You finally remembered me this time. (holds head in pain) Gaaah! (grunting in pain) Gomenasai, Gomenasai, Shinra-Kun! (uses her telekinesis push the two back by force)

Reimu & Marisa : YAAAAAAAAAH!!! *Samurai Jack SFX : Collapse* What gives!?

Iris : (puts hand on glass) Gomene...(does an indirect kiss on Shinra)

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : ...!? (evades)

Iris : Sayonara. (unleshes an pyrokinetic force to burn the entire Sunflower fields) *DBZ SFX : Loud Explopsion*

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : ...IRIIIIIIS!!!

Iris : Until me again *DBZ SFX : Instant Transmission*

Angie : Farewell. *Instant Transmission*

[It's here/Run Away!! (Station Fire/UFO) - Akira Miyagawa]

Reimu : Holy cow! She set the whole fields on fire!

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : Time for me to leave the scene! (flees in his Dark Chao Walker)

Izayoi : Reimu, Marisa!

Reimu : Izayoi, gladly that you finally bought us some time to be here. This place is on fire! We gotta get everyone to evacuate soon as possible!

Marisa : (covers mouth to cough) We can't stand all of this fire! All of that smoke is literally bad for our health, we can't to breathe from here! It's too risky to be alive if we're gonna to survive!

Wriggle : HEY! CAN ANY OF YOU HURRY UP!? WE'RE GONNA GET ROASTED HERE!

Izayoi : (coughs) If only there was a way to stop this chaos, it would be a major problem to get out of here!

Yuuka : Let's all pray.

*RAIN FALLING*

Yuuka : Huh? It's beginning to rain? Who would've done this?

??? : Sorry, there! But we have arrived, help is here to put out the fire.

Reimu : Oh, you must be that Tillis person, You're Tillis of the Burning Rangers!

Yuuka : Burning Rangers?

[Soothing Heat - Fumie Kumatani]

Tillis : Thank goodness that I was going to put out all of this fire.

"Tillis : Ex-Member of the Burning Rangers."

Reimu : You're one hell of a firefighter, I mean a Burning Ranger.

Marisa : How can we ever repay for fixing up all of this burning mess? That nun just set the whole place on fire right after the fight.

Izayoi : I look forward to your humble deeds, I consider that you would do fine with everything that you have for us in store.

Tillis : That's one thing's sure, I always keep out on a promise. You two are alright, you need anything for help?

Reimu : Well, yes. I guarantee you that it would be our pleasure to get everyone to safety. But we don't know of what happened to the farmers.

Tillis : Don't worry, the farmers are fine, but 70% percent of the Sunflowers fields have been damaged by the flames of pyrokinetic force, that's where the pyrokinesis originated from Firaga. I explain this to you right after these details that I am giving you. Come to my place. I'll show you around.

Shinra (Devil Chaos Chao) : (Talks into communicator) I'm on way. Heading back now. (leaves when Dark Chao Walker flies off)

*DBZ SFX : Blasting off*

~ Stage 25 : Lovers from 1000 years ~

[a-la-campanella]

Data Bank: Characters

It's just a bunch of HSR OCs. I'll edit this as I add more OCs and as we get more information on the different factions.

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Format: Name - Elemental Type (Lore Aligned Path)

Qiming - Quantum Harmony (Harmony) The son of a wealthy merchant family aboard the Xianzhou Luofu, with connections to the Iris Family in Penacony through his mother's side. These relations are sustained by various business dealings.

Xiulan (Selene) - Fire Nihility (Nihility) Formerly a Self-Annihilator, now reformed as a Doctor of Chaos. Born from the union of a Xianzhou Native and a Thalassan, she has spent the past few centuries residing on the Xianzhou Luofu.

Hectolite - Ice Nihility (Remembrance) A memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection, most well known for her accomplishments in the IPC as one of the "Ten Stonehearts". Her expertise lies in espionage. She possesses no memories prior to the days she joined the corporation.

Fides Salus - Quantum Destruction (Erudition) A distinguished member of the Intelligensia Guild known for her mastery over language and scathing peer reviews. Her debate skills may seem second to none, but really, it's her presence that far outweighs any challenger.

Apparustus - Wind Erudition (Hunt) Among the many forms of inorganic life who dream of exploring the vast universe, most choose to walk the path of either the Nameless or as a Galaxy Ranger. This is one of the robots from Planet Screwllum who transcended their code to obtain consciousness and individuality, then joined the Galaxy Rangers with aspirations of seeing worlds at peace. It vows to bring about the end of Dr. Primitive, though will admit it has yet to even see the Genius.

Karuna - Physical Preservation (Elation) A no-name Mourning Actor, he has quite the a talent for shedding tears.

Z. Kret - Lightning Hunt (Enigmata) Among the Riddlers, there is one who dreams of liberating sheep throughout the asphodel fields... and while he is condemned for his actions, he truly has altruistic intentions. It's a shame; few in the universe know how to save themselves.

??? - Physical Abundance (Order) People say that voices rings clear throughout all of Salsotto; if it is their voice, then there is no to fret. Though their god cannot hear it, from beyond the sky, the choir sings on.

Kondoli - Imaginary Preservation (Trailblaze) Formerly a Nameless One who dreamed of mapping the Imaginary Tree, he is now but an old man retired at Pier Point. Many notable high-ranking members of the IPC seem to respect his opinions.

Mecoatl - Fire Hunt (Beauty) A Mirror Holder devoted to discovering traces of Idrilla in different worlds. In collecting relics throughout time and space, (s)he must contend with the History Fictionologists about the significance of the relics. Like many followers of Idrilla, (s)he has never doubted Them.

[LOCKED] - (Abundance) Of The Unshackled...

[burberrycanary]

End of Year Stucky Recs [4/15]

Stucky as a fandom is lucky to have a lot of classics. But I want to give some love to authors continuing to write fantastic stories in the last year!

Title: it‘s you, just you

Author: OhArtemis​

Summary:

Medical experimentation. Change of designation. Omegafication.

Unheard of. Forced. Irreversible.

Steve’s heart breaks with every new sentence hurled out into the open.

OR

HYDRA has turned Bucky into an Omega in Azzano. Steve’s there to help him adjust to his new life, his new status, his new body.

It’s not easy.

(A story told in snapshots.)

—

I only enjoy ABO fics that leave you wanting to burn society to the ground and this is a great bleak alternate take on Bucky being crushed by larger forces. Steve tries to have his view of Bucky remain unchanged—to be a good person, the better person—and almost succeeds. But ultimately Steve can’t transcend how an unjust society shapes his ideas. 

Art: Georgia O’Keefe, Black Iris