#the concept of the egg being safe and protecting you for a time

[smilesatdawnmain]

Okay okay, so hello!!! Been following you for awhile! I love Mama Wukong! Omg it's so cute my hearttt.

Ll their babies are so sweettttt!!!! I need to ask, just out of curiosity. How did Wukong know he was carrying a baby, his reaction and while Macaque has 6 ears I wonder what was his reaction when Wukong told him.

Who took care of Mamam Mac through it, can imagine Macaque becoming overprotective, and as well as their sons being excited to meet their sibling but also wondering.

Did Mama eat th4 baby???? Cause they all came from stones so can imagine the confusion.

Macaque was actually the first to realize, as they had been trying and while relaxing one day- BAAM! Macaque heard the baby~ 

He absolutely is the most over protective mate you have ever seen. He does not let Wukong out of his sight the entire pregnancy, as neither really know what to expect from it. Especially given they are stone Monkeys. 

Their sons are just as protective, as the Celestia Realm have their eyes on Wukong during this time. They take on the self appointed roles of Wukong’s personal body guards, often following after Wukong like little chicks where ever he goes. 

They do not appreciate any stranger approaching Wukong without their say so~ 

MK and Xiaoxiao doesn’t quite recall themselves being in an egg, so they aren’t quite as confused about a baby being in Wukong’s belly- as they have seen many other babies around the tribe and the pregnant mothers. So to them, this isn’t that strange of a concept. 

To Haoyu however, who did witness his baby brothers being born from an egg and his parents insisting, “This is how it works in their family”, he is VERY perplexed. 

Often concerned his Dad ate the stone egg to keep it safe, which Wukong often has to correct.

[wandixx]

Prompt For Dc-x-Dp With M’gann and Danny M’gann didn't expect to be dealing with Random Lazurus Green Portals forming around mars, but since she's Nearby mars she gets to deal with it... and their's An Alien with snow white hair Fighting A Glowing Vampire who's raving about Fathers and mothers?? Danny Is in such a Mood, He's on mars, which is a plus, but He's Fighting Vlad On Another 'Join me! Let me remove Jack from this plain of Reality!' and Honestly The Portals are throwing him off, Just... Bad memories, And Then, becuase of fucking course Something else happened, Vlad Gets Decked in the face and sent flying. "hey, So im going to guess that The Vampire is The Evil one here?" The Green woman asked, while Looking at Danny. While Vlad is growling and about to Throw A Red Ecto-blast at M’gann Danny gets in the way with a shield and responds. "yeah, arch nemisis and all, how are you even out here? or breathing?" M’gann Just Shrugged and said, "Well Home is home and all." Before flying to go Deck the Vampire and all. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ hope this is enough for you to Work some magic and all. and as for some extra stuff you could use, maybe danny has a Space obsesion, and His Protective stuff is Becuase of the Type of spirit he is half of? And maybe An Ice core Could be fun to go with? Ghost prince territory? with danny not wanting to be ghost king just yet. ideas for ya to use.

It's such a cool concept! I didn’t fit Ghost Prince in, but I hope you'll like what I did

*****

Danny was going to strangle Vlad, all subtleties of ghost powers no withstanding. He needed the brutal power that just wasn't fully there even when using more offensive abilities, like ecto-blasts.

He had been having a good day. Okay, maybe not a good day, it's been a long time since he had an actually good one, but a decent day. One, that seemed to start out calm, with all of his typical rogues stuck in Zone recent enough they shouldn't get out today specifically. It was Saturday, so no school, and for once his homework wasn't swallowing him, so he had a bit of time to breathe. And prepare college applications, because his grades got to an appropriate level again and he actually got a shot in academic career. No chance for scholarship like Jazz, but he could go if he played his cards right.

And then, of course, Vlad had to come into his room to harass him again. This time with the added flair of a portal gun he made for some freaking reason.

This time Danny wasn't even trying to piss Vlad off, in the love of Ancients, he tried to ignore the other halfa even when he showed up in his room, raving about removing Jack Fenton from this plane of reality. Craving to deck the guy right then and there was enormous but Jazz was on him about controlling his ✨️displaced aggression✨️ and his anger in general, so he was trying to tune Vlad out. He carefully didn't even think about transforming into Phantom. Especially since both of his parents were safe, a few states away on some ghost hunting convention that Danny managed to skip by the power of ‘I can't take more days off school, sorry I messed up my attendance early in the year’.

Well, they would be, if Vlad, being the obsessed creep he was, didn't try to follow them with a portal gun.

Danny was still willing to ignore it all, because Vlad was a loser and chances that he made something so complicated work properly were only slightly above chances his parents had. And both of them were tripping hazards in hell.

But then Vlad started blasting around his room to egg him on and hit his Curiosity rover model.

Phantom tackled him before the bastard had time to smirk. They phased through the wall, because otherwise Vlad’s back would smash into Lego Saturn V and boy was not looking forward to even more damage. His white gloved hands pressed Plasmius against the cold floor. It looked promising. Over the years he got to a relatively similar level as Vlad with his fighting abilities so getting advantage so early could in theory mean it would be over soon and he would get back to his applications.

He forgot how to breathe for a moment when he was pushed through a portal. Some most instinctual part of him, deep in his core, fell to the mindless panic because He died this way! He died this way, was he able to survive it again?! Without thinking he lashed out, trying to scratch and bite and blast because he needed to get out, he needed to get away but danger was in front of him and he needed to get rid of the danger before he could escape to safety. And Vlad kept teasing him, like he didn't know fully well what portals did to Phantom, to Danny, like he wasn't breaking the most basic rules of the anarchist ghost society.

So Phantom kept trying to punch and kick and scream, trying to get away from green ovals that just kept appearing around them leading to who knows where.

Powerful blast to the chest sent him flying back, through the portal and down to the ground, which at some point became asphalt instead of wheat field. He was too frazzled to even try stopping his fall, just half heartedly tensed waiting for an impact.

It never came, because he was caught by static. Men in red (Flash he'd realize second too late, Flash) send him a concerned smile and asked about something but Plasmius was trying to duplicate, no doubt to overshadow actual hero and it wasn't the way Phantom wanted to be introduced to the Justice League so he jumped forward, sending both halfas through another portal.

It was easier this time, when he expected it but his hands were still shaking when he put them in fists. He could handle it though. He fought in much worse circumstances.

They spawned through a few more portals, almost threw worried looking Superman off the sky and barely not killed some of Aquaman's dolphins before something changed. Phantom didn't realize it at first, too focused on rapid fire from Plasmius and on the constant lookout for new portals, but something changed.

His next blast hit the target and left charcoal black burn and almost fire in its wake. It wasn't something that happened normally. It wasn't something that happened normally unless Danny's obsessions were being served. He wasn't protecting anyone but himself, which didn't fill the protection obsession, so that left…

Space.

Oh.

He was on Mars. Or well, a bit above.

It was mesmerizing. It was breathtaking. It was everything he wished for ever since he learned about other planets in kindergarten.

Sky was a pinkish red color that on Earth meant a beautiful clear sunset but here was just the middle of the day. He didn't see the sun itself, apparently lucky enough to have his back to it. It wouldn't be brighter than at home, obviously, but it was always nice to not be blinded when admiring the view.

The landscape below them seemed familiar. He probably saw it in some photo, but he couldn't remember which one. He couldn't help but try to remember. He wanted to know where was he, what he'd seen, what he'd touched, later when he was in his room, longing to get out here again.

In his almost trance he just about ignored the blast that flew past his ear like an annoying pest.

He had the name of this rock formation on the tip of his tongue! C'mon, brain, you could do it, you could remem-

Even he couldn't ignore the burning pain of the ecto blast straight to the shoulder.

“Listen to me, Little Badger!” Plasmius yelled before dodging ice javelin. Phantom made sure it evaporated before hitting the ground. He was not letting other planet become collateral damage in whatever mess Vlad wanted to stir this time.

He carefully didn't look around when they teleported next time, aware just enough to know they were still on Mars. It wasn't a good moment to sooth his neglected obsession.

Being mad that this was probably the only chance he got out there helped. It definitely reignited the absolute fury, before muted by the panic and then obsession trance.

Phantom wasn't sure what he was yelling back as Plasmius went on and on about killing Danny's dad and marrying his mom and adopting Danny and how ‘look Little Badger, you and I both see how much better off you'd be if you just joined me and let me teach you’. He just knew there was little other than obscenities, and it was paired with an array of blasts and ice and straight up punches when he got close, which was good enough.

Oh, how he wished he could strangle the pathetic vampire lookalike bastard.

Something green and indigo sent Plasmius crashing into the ground.

“Hey, so I'm going to guess that the vampire is The Evil one here?” Feminine voice asked in clear English. Danny took a moment to just stare, blinking rapidly to make sure he saw what he thought he saw.

Yup, that was certainly The Miss Martian, an alien heroine, whose action figure he displayed at the most honorable place of his room. The Miss Martian he tried to learn everything about when she debuted. The Miss Martian whose powers were so similar he used footage from her fights to learn himself. His biggest inspiration.

Dope.

Wait, she asked him a question, didn't she? It was not the time to be a fanboy, probably.

Yeah, no it was definitely not a time to be a fanboy, he decided, right when he threw a shield in front of her, because Vlad didn't take kindly to being interrupted. It really was the least he deserved.

“Yeah, arch nemesis and all that. If I may ask, what are you doing here, Miss Martian, ma'am? I thought you lived full time on Earth?”

“Well, home is home and all” she just said wistfully and telepathically threw a rock to Vlad's stomach, making it follow until it hit the mark, right before another stone hit him in the unprotected back.

And here Danny thought he got over his celebrity crush back when he was sixteen.

Good thing though, another person in the fight made his protection obsession rear back to life, the fact that she was an alien only helping as his space side zeroed on her too. It was useful to not get distracted by glimpses of the world around them.

Of course Vlad just duplicated to make the chances ‘equal’ once again, so the fight dragged on.

Miss Martian just kept being graceful like a supernova, beautiful and destructive.

Danny hoped he didn’t look as embarrassingly pathetic as he thought he did. What were the chances she didn’t see when he took the blast to the arm because he got distracted by pretty rocks?

Plasmius kept taunting, calling him Daniel because of course secret identities or prefered names don't matter when you have to harass the teenager.

Phantom decked him extra hard for that.

At least he didn’t try to use his portal gun again, too busy with fighting off both of them.

Kick, dodge blast, ice, shield for Miss Martian, ice because how dare he attack an alien, dodge, intangibility.

Was it or was it not a good idea to use Ghost Wail and be done with that.

“I've got an idea, cover for me for a minute, okay?”

“Sure” Did he sound too eager? He wanted to keep it cool at least outwardly, not mess up his first and perhaps last impression.

Wait, shit, Martians can read minds! Miss Martian probably already knows how big of a mess he was.

Shit, shit, shit.

Phantom dutifully shielded heroine as she levitated with her eyes closed, at the same time keeping constant assault on Vlad. It was getting exhausting. At least he could go home fast when the fight ended.

“Do you want me to make him indefinitely indisposed or is it too much for you?” Miss Martian suddenly asked. Danny froze for almost a minute before he choked out.

“What do you mean?”

“I can rip his mind apart, leave his body alive but useless without any thought to lead it, but I know some people find it uncomfortable even when it happens to villains”

For a moment, in the midst of fanboying, he forgot how terrifying set of powers she had.

“Please don't” After all, ghosts are their minds, and despite how despicable things Vlad did, no one deserved fate of completely not existing.

“Alright. Is enhancing his experience of pain okay with your moral code?”

“Yeah, I think”

“Done,” she said with a smile, and despite how terrifying he was of her just a few seconds ago, he had to admit, this smile was gorgeous.

After that, it took, like, three punches before Vlad bailed. Which was good.

What was less good, was the fact that the portal he used to escape closed before Danny could go through it. He just stared for a long moment, blinking quickly. He wanted to scream. Or cry. Or both. Both was good.

“So, Daniel…?”

Danny winced and looked back at Miss Martian.

“Danny. Or Phantom. Nobody calls me Daniel”

She nodded with a friendly smile. Good thing they were flying, because his knees got weak for a hot second.

“Alright. I'm M’gann”

“Should you tell me this?”

“I know your name,” she shrugged. “It's only fair that you know mine. It's not a name I use on Earth anyway”

“Um, sure, okay. It's nice to meet you M’gann” Was this too stiff? He had no idea how he was supposed to interact with heroes who just shared their identity. For no reason too, because c'mon, she didn't know him. Why would she do it?!

“Are you from Earth? You speak English”

“Yeah, USA, Illinois. That bastard teleported us around and of course left me stranded”

“It's your lucky day then, I was about to head back, I can take you with me”

There was no universe in which he wouldn’t agree.

[dreadpiratesilas]

Food and Substance headcanon

The Brotherhood always had a strict dietary regiment with the goal of keeping its soldiers in tiptop shape. Food from the wasteland, Capital or Commonwealth, was largely prohibited as it they couldn’t guarantee the radiation levels were safe enough to eat. Such food could lead to radiation sickness, or worse, turning their soldiers into ghouls.

The food in the Brotherhood was never great. I was never meant to be great, it was meant for nutrition to sustain an entire military. Under Elder Lyons, it was at least palatable.

With Maxson things changed. Maxson is not a logistics-minded leader, preferring instead to focus on presence and appearances worthy of an organization that would rule the wasteland. With all their resources being poured into building the Prydwen, food and supply issues became more of an issue.

The quality of food plummeted and everyone found themselves eating Salisbury steak every day to meet their daily protein needs.

While out in the field, however, you were expected to take your chances on what you could find.

Danse liked LRRO’s for that reason. He’d been in the Brotherhood for close to 20 years. The Salisbury steak had always been a cornerstone of Brotherhood dining, but it was nothing compared to the last 4 when Arthur Maxson became elder. Long Range Reconnaissance Operations gave him the opportunity to taste something else, ANYTHING else. (If he were lucky, he’d get a box of Fancy Lads snack cakes to himself, though he’d never admit to liking such a thing to his squad).

They’d find various canned foods or 200 year old Yum Yum Deviled Eggs to eat. None of it was GOOD per se, but at least it was different. If Danse were being honest, the concept of food being “delicious” was foreign to him before trying his first Fancy Lad.

The first time he had a Fancy Lad was by way of peer pressure from Proctor Teagan, the Prydwen’s supplier of all things contraband. It brought a tear to his eye. He was riddled with guilt afterwards for being a hypocrite. He was ashamed, but from then on it became part of his supply along with the bottles of Buffout and hard liquor.

Teagan didn’t judge. He knew everyone’s vices. He was their supplier after all. He knew what chems, alcohol, contraband food, and even porn all of the high ranking members of the Brotherhood preferred. The only ones who didn’t partake were Kells and Quinlan.

Truth be told, Danse was Teagan’s best customer. He always paid up in a timely manner. His requests were so mild, and downright wholesome, that they were the easiest to fill. For such mild vices, Danse also went through the greatest amount of care to be discreet.

Danse didn’t think he deserved luxuries and felt a deep sense of shame for indulging himself. He made a point of not knowing who else did what he did. The fact that he was doing it was enough.

The Buffout was for his performance on the field so he could better protect his squad. The cigarettes were to calm his nerves. The increasing amount of bottles of hard liquor were to numb himself when he drank alone in his quarters (he really needed to find a way to get rid of all of the bottles piling up in that crate in the corner). The Fancy Lads, well, he just needed to taste something that wasn’t Salisbury fucking steak.

The Fancy Lads were the vice that irked him the most. The rest he could explain away for practical reasons. Those infernal cakes were strictly pleasure.

---

When you're out in the field with Danse, he's always professional. He takes a utilitarian approach towards food. You find yourselves rummaging through the ruins of Boston looking for something to eat. You're famished. Anything would be good right about now.

You come across an unopened refrigerator from before the war. You open it up. Lying on the shelf are two boxes of Salisbury steak. A look of vague exasperated disappointment passes over his face. It's so brief you wonder if you imagined it.

“Outstanding,” he mumbles though his heart isn't in it, “let's break for lunch.”

You eat your meal in silence. Towards the end, you slip him a Fancy Lad snack cake from your stash. He's alarmed and curses himself inwardly because you know his secret and he doesn't eat these things in front of anyone. Then that alarm turns to delight because he can't think of a better chaser after choking down another slightly irradiated steak with what has to be an absurd amount of sodium than one of these heavenly cakes.

He gobbles it down vaguely wondering if Maxson ordered you to offer him one as some kind of test, which he just failed. He doesn't care. At least he got something other than Salisbury steak.

Nothing happens. Maxson doesn't suddenly appear in some "gotcha" moment. You both enjoy your dessert in peace.

Ad Victoriam.

[falmerbrook]

The Falmer and Chaurus Thoughts/Headcanons

So we know the Falmer have some sort of relationship with Chaurus: much of their infrastructure and armor is made from Chaurus chitin, they have corrals that they keep Chaurus and their eggs in, and Chaurus are found pretty much exclusively among Falmer settlements and Falmer settled caves/ruins. I imagine it's also safe to say Chaurus are likely a food source for them. This relationship has been going on for at least a few millennia since we see Chaurus among the frozen Falmer that attacked the Chantry of Auri-El in Dawnguard.

Forgive my inclusion of the HUD in my screenshots lol

How did their relationship form?

I've always wondered what exactly the relationship is between the two. Is the relationship just mutualism where they both benefit from living among each other, full blown domestication of the Chaurus, or are the Chaurus wild animals the Falmer simply tame?

(for clarity's sake, taming is when an individual animal is tolerant of "human" presence while domestication is the evolutionary process where one species has evolved under the mutualistic control of another. Dogs and cattle are domesticated, foxes and deer aren't, even though they may also be kept as pets or get acclimated to human presence)

I lean towards a mutualistic relationship. While they may appear tamed or domesticated because we see the corrals that the Falmer keep them in, and we know the Falmer kill them to use their resources, the ubiquity of Falmer and Chaurus working together across most Falmer settlements we see makes me think it's unlikely to be a circumstance of taming, but the size and aggression of Chaurus makes me hesitant to assume they're domesticated. Typically domesticated species become less aggressive and smaller (with a few exceptions like horses) as they are domesticated over generations. It could be a minor touch of domestication though, since domestication involves mutualism anyway. The Falmer obviously benefit from this relationship for food, protection, materials, etc. and perhaps the Chaurus benefit from the husbandry of the Falmer protecting their young and providing them food. Perhaps the Falmer providing safety for their eggs and young has selected for Chaurus individuals that are less aggressive towards the Falmer over generations. Even if part of the reason the Falmer keep them is to kill them, it still proliferates Chaurus and increases their survivability to adulthood.

From what I can remember, we rarely if ever see Chaurus independent from Falmer settlements. Perhaps, after millennia of cooperation (although real world evolution takes way longer, I am ignoring that because it would make this whole post less fun), the Chaurus that had traits that allowed them to more easily live among the Falmer lived longer, had more offspring that lived longer, and over time the Chaurus as a species became dependent on the Falmer. Hell, with the Falmer being blind, perhaps the Falmer are somewhat dependent on Chaurus.

Falmer uses of Chaurus

Which leads my to my next set of thoughts, what other ways could the Falmer use or depend on Chaurus. In canon, we know they use their chitin shells for armor and building structures, but we also have concept art depicting them riding Chaurus as well.

Remember how I mentioned earlier that horses increased in size as they were domesticated. Maybe they same is true for Chaurus?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I think the idea of Chaurus as mounts could be interesting paired with the Falmer's lack of sight. If you need to move as a group, transport materials, or navigate complex cave systems, riding an animal that can traverse them more easily (both because they can see and because, as we see in ESO, they can climb walls easier) would make the Falmer as a group more mobile and organized over larger distances.

Other potential uses for Chaurus includes food, both the meat of the adults and the eggs. While they probably have a few other sources of meat underground from the stray mammal, Chaurus would be a much more reliable source of protein. Chaurus are probably also good at defense, both in being able to warn of potential threats and attack them. I imagine your average Falmer is more aware of the meaning of various Chaurus calls and vocalizations, which means the response of the Chaurus could help the Falmer figure out the nature of a potential threat.

Chaurus Hunters

The Chaurus we see among the Falmer in the games appear to actually be the larval stage of Chaurus. At the end of this life stage they form cocoons and eventually emerge as Chaurus Hunters, wasp-like flying bugs (tangent: I thought these were predators that hunted Chaurus for years lol). But what relationship do the Falmer have with this phase of the Chaurus' life cycle? Truthfully, we know very little about Chaurus Hunters. We do observe that their cocoons are found near falmer settlements, which makes sense since that's where Chaurus are present, and we know they are tougher enemies in-game than the other Chaurus variants. UESP also states, "While Chaurus and Chaurus Reapers are set to be "pets" of Falmer, Chaurus Hunters (of both varieties) are not, likely due to them having to "hatch" from a cocoon, first." I'll be honest, I'm not sure exactly what this means since I think it's talking from a gameplay mechanics perspective. This does mean, for our purposes at least, that we don't get an opportunity to see them present among Falmer.

So I have two ideas for what the relationship is between Falmer and Chaurus Hunters: 1) They basically maintain the same mutualistic relationship, and we just don't see it in practice because of gameplay limitations (they all start out in cocoons in Skyrim and aren't present at all in ESO). Perhaps, in this case, the Falmer are still an advantageous ally because they protect the cocoons. The Hunters could be beneficial to the Falmer as they can navigate more easily (although I'm not sure someone could ride one of them) and are more formidable foes. My other, less conventional idea is 2) the mutualistic relationship between the Falmer and Chaurus is over after the larval stage. After emerging from their cocoon, Chaurus Hunters are too aggressive or hard to corral for the Falmer, and they live on their own in the caves of Skyrim independent of the Falmer. This could explain why we see so little of them in the games. This theory makes way less sense (especially because it would mean the potential larval Chaurus stage is the one that lays the eggs), but I think it would be an interesting relationship to explore!

Dwemer, Falmer, and Chaurus

One last little idea I'd like to put forth (and, disclaimer, this is my most "making shit up" thought of this post) is what did the Dwemer think of the Chaurus, having lived underground with them before disappearing themselves? The Dwemer don't really give me the "getting along with nature and animals" vibes, so I'm going to go ahead and assume Chaurus were just really big pests. What if the Falmer used that to their advantage when they rebelled/went to war with/attacked(?) the Dwemer in the decades before their disappeance (context, if you aren't aware). Perhaps this is the origin of the mutualistic relationship between the two.

Art time

Finally, it's probably a job or task among Falmer to take care of the group's Chaurus. I imagine it's not the safest job given how big and aggressive Chaurus seem to get. Since I already did that post about Falmer attire, I thought I'd make another one based on that idea :)

[aspoonofsugar]

do you think the song out for love says something about Camilla and veggie and to veggies character arc

Hi!

Yes, it does. I want to talk about Vaggie in other metas too, so in this analysis I will focus on her relationship with Carmilla, since this is what you are mainly asking about.

Before I start, though, I am gonna link to you this meta by @hamliet, where she talks about the main message of the song:

You're gonna fight without gloves And when that push comes to shove Yeah, you just might rise above Long as you're out for love

If you love, you might rise above. So Vaggie, a fallen angel, regrows her wings by choosing love and protection over hate and revenge. The meaning is crystal clear. Love makes you worthy of Heaven. Just like in the finale Pentious ascends thanks to his selfless sacrifice.

This is the meaning of the song when it comes to theme and to the series as a whole.

At the same time it is not by chance this theme comes out so strongly in relation to Carmilla and Vaggie, as they are both tied to "love".

FAMILIAL LOVE AND ROMANTIC LOVE

Carmilla Carmine: So I, I'll be your keeper Do whatever it takes, I'll make the mistakes I'll keep you safe and keep this secret

Vaggie: So I, I'll be your armor Do whatever it takes, I'll make the mistakes I'll spend my life being your partner

Carmilla and Vaggie are set up as foils in episode 3, when they share the song Whatever It Takes. This ballad is a love song, but Carmilla and Vaggie express two different kinds of love:

Carmilla is singing to her daughters (familial)

Vaggie is singing to Charlie (romantic)

This is a pattern throughout the show:

There are two versions of More Than Anything - the first one is about a familial bond, whereas the second explores a romantic relationship

Sir Pentious gets redeemed after expressing his feelings for Cherri (romantic) and sacrificing himself for the Hotel Crew (familial)

So, Hazbin Hotel goes out of its way to celebrate all kinds of positive bonds: platonic, romantic, familial. All of these relationships are enriching and help people grow. Vaggie and Carmilla are two characters linked to this very concept, as they are ready to fight and suffer for their loved ones:

Both: Whatever we go through I know I~ (Carmilla: I'll be your keeper) (Vaggie: I'll be your armor) Whatever it takes (Carmilla: I'll make the mistakes) (Vaggie: I'll make the mistakes) Whatever it takes

They are both warriors, but fight for love. They are out for love. However, Whatever It Takes also highlights a major difference between them.

TRUST AND SELF-EXPRESSION

Scrambled Eggs is an episode about trust. This is true especially for Carmilla and Vaggie, who have opposite secrets:

Carmilla killed an angel

Vaggie is an angel

Throughout the song the conflict between Heaven and Hell is mentioned by Carmilla and is present in subtext in Vaggie's stanza, as she looks at her old home.

Both are struggling under the pressure of these truths and are confronted by a loved one:

Zestial: Carmilla, what troubles thou? Losing thy composure is unlike thee. Carmilla Carmine: It's nothing, Zestial, really.

Charlie: Vaggie, don't say that! You do so much! It's- Vaggie: I'm sorry. I'd… I'd like to be alone for a minute.

Carmilla chooses to open up to Zestial and tells her daughters how much she loves them. Vaggie instead closes herself off and refuses Charlie's attempt to talk. She is singing to Charlie, but Charlie herself isn't present to hear her out. Even when it comes to their respective secrets...

Carmilla says hers in the song:

Carmilla Carmine: I always thought that I would keep blood off my face But when that thing attacked, I had to act To cross that line and keep them safe But if anyone knew, then all of Hell would rise to war And who's to say who'd survive the fray? I might lose the ones that I was killing for

Vaggie only alludes to hers in the lyrics:

Vaggie: When I saw your face You made me feel like a stranger in a brand new place And it felt so good to be understood But there's so much I wished that I could say

Vaggie meets Charlie and feels like a stranger in a brand new place because at the time she is in fact a stranger in a brand new place:

So, Carmilla is able to express herself, while Vaggie can't. This isn't surprising, as Vaggie is basically a child-soldier:

Adam: Do you really think I wouldn't recognize one of my top girls just cuz you're out of uniform? You were on the front lines, I wouldn't forget a bad bitch like you. It's why I named you after the best thing ever. Vaggie.

She is brought up in Adam's army and is taught that love is conditional. She is one of Adam's best fighters, but the moment she makes a "mistake", she is discarded:

Lute: Sinful filth like you has no place in heaven.

This is why she feels Charlie will love her only if she is useful and never messes up:

Vaggie: I'm supposed to make your dreams a reality. I'm supposed to protect you. I'm supposed to never fail you. (...) If I can't help you, what's the point of me?

This fear of abandonement and rejection is also at the root of Vaggie's inability to tell Charlie about her past:

Adam: I guess I'll just tell little miss butterflies and rainbows that she's been fucking someone who's killed-- thousands of her people. I'm sure your relationship will be fine.

Still, despite her communication issues, Vaggie's heart is in the right place:

Rosie: If there's anything I've learned, it's that words are cheap, but actions, they speak the truth. So, what have her actions said?

Vaggie is a person of few words. This may be why she has less songs than other characters. Still, she lets her actions speak, so she is given a ballet lesson by a very talented ballerina:

DANCING THROUGH LIFE

Carmilla has a ballet motif, as her outfit resembles that of a ballerina and her two daughters are called after protagonists of famous ballets. So, it is only natural that she teaches Vaggie a new way to fight through dancing.

Vaggie was taught to fight with hate and anger. So, her fighting style is aggressive and focused on attack:

Carmilla: You leave yourself open with every swing. You fight like someone unafraid of harm, and this is what you'll take advantage of. Angels wield no shields, little armor and fight with reckless abandon.

Carmilla tells her she should instead dedicate herself to love, protection and defense:

Fuel yourself with the fear of losin' That somebody who's your reason to live Harnеss your heart and you can't help choosin' To fight with all you can give

Vaggie shouldn't just fight. She should dance:

She shouldn't hate:

I see you're driven by your detestation Your every step is stoked with animus You need a different type of motivation Or there's no way that you can handle this

She should love:

Out for love~ Love~ Think of who you care about Protect them and be out For love~ Love~

Vaggie listens to these teachings and applies them in the finale, in two ways.

She sings her love for Charlie in More Than Anything Reprise:

Vaggie: You've already done so much So many lives you've changed So many souls you've touched And in the end, if it's only me you've saved Charlie and Vaggie: There's something that I've been dying to say More than anything, more than anything Need you to know I love you more than anything More than anything

As stated above, Vaggie doesn't sing much in season 1, but in the final episode she gets a short moment to express how she feels to Charlie. This is in contrast to Whatever It Takes, where she sends her girlfriend away before she starts singing. More Than Anything Reprise shows Vaggie's progress when it comes to self-expression.

She follows Carmilla's advices while fighting

On a practical level she covers herself up in a battle suit inspired by Carmilla's outfit, she wears a harness on her heart and ties her hair:

Vaggie: I'm not used to fighting with long hair.

On a thematic level she reveals her wings and defeats Lute, when the exorcist threathens Charlie:

Lute: So, I'll spare you the pain of seeing your demon bitch die.

And Vaggie eventually chooses not to kill the other angel:

Lute: Do it, then. Correct your mistake. Vaggie: Seriously, you're pathetic, you know that? Ready to die rather than accepting mercy? No, live. Live knowing that you only do because I let you, the failure.

Vaggie is asked to choose between her hate for Lute and her love for Charlie and she chooses the latter. This is why the scene ends with Vaggie leaving Lute and flying to help Charlie. She is given the chance to get revenge, but doesn't take it. She is given the chance to hate, but she loves:

I know you're thirstin' for vengeance, Vaggie You're out for blood But you'll only stand a chance if you're out for love

This is important in two ways:

1- The macrochosm - Vaggie refuses Lute's ideals and defies her expectations. For Lute it is normal that Vaggie is going to kill her. After all, Vaggie is discarded because she shows pity to a sinner, which makes her weak. Still, Vaggie bests Lute in a fight, so she is now strong. It is only obvious then that Vaggie has snapped out of her foolery and is ready to kill. She can correct her mistake. She did not kill the cannibal child, but she can kill Lute. This is how Lute understands the world. And yet, Vaggie doesn't finish her off. By doing so, she moves away from the mentality Lute embodies. She is strong precisely because she can show mercy. Adam is wrong. Lute is wrong. Vaggie isn't out for blood. She is out for love.

2- The microchosm - Vaggie sparing Lute isn't just the morally correct choice, but it is Vaggie's first step into healing:

Husk: (To Vaggie) This one. Judges everyone and everything because she hates herself.

Vaggie hates everyone because she deep down hates herself. She despises Heaven and Angels because she can't forgive her involvement in the exterminations. So, Vaggie hurting Lute would be Vaggie hurting her past self. As a matter of fact Lute is Vaggie's dark mirror. She is who Vaggie might become if she gives in to hate.

A person who hurts others:

And herself:

Vaggie instead has to value her life, so that she can protect others. She must save others and heal herself. Only in this way she can be by Charlie's side. She needs to let go of self-hate to embrace a healthy love. Vaggie's arc is her learning self-love through her bond with the Princess of Hell.

Obviously this journey is just at the beginning and our Angel of Love has a long way to go. How will her story contiue? We can make some hypothesis, which once again stem from Vaggie and Carmilla's foiling. This is just a theory, so take it with a grain of salt, but Vaggie may have a secondary personal antagonist in Hell:

Why is that so? It's because Scrambled Eggs sets Vaggie and Velvette up as foils.

RESPECT(LESS)

Velvette and Vaggie are opposites in their interactions with Carmilla. Both girls are younger than the Dancer Overlord and could learn a lot from her. However, Velvette refuses any kind of mentorship and shows no respect:

Velvette: Mad that I acted respectless? Well, it's cause no one could respect this! You're long past trending! Sorry, bae, but I ain't swiping right! You've lost your relevance-

Vaggie instead comes to respect Carmilla and learns from her:

At the same time, both Velvette and Vaggie confront Carmilla about her secret:

Velvette: 'Oops!' Did I strike a nerve? 'Cause when I brought out the angel's head, couldn't help but observe, that your wrinkled face was turning red! And why are you avoiding war? That's what the guns you sell are for! Thanks to my being respectless, one thing I'm starting to suspect is You know why this angel's headless! Do you have a disclosure?

Vaggie: I know what you did on extermination day. We can talk about it inside, or I can yell about it out here.

They call Carmilla out on killing an angel and keeping this knowledge to herself. Not only that, but both argue that it is necessary to fight back to stop the exterminations:

Velvette: We found it during Extermination day. If these Holy Rollers can be killed, the game has changed. We can take the fight to them. The boys and I have come up with a full assault plan!

Vaggie: Miss Carmine, I'm here on appointment from the princess to enlist your aid in the defense of hell from the angelic extermination. We know an angel fell at your hands and we need to know how.

Still, Velvette fails to get through to Carmilla because she uses war rhetoric:

Velvette: Oh, I get it. So Grandpa is too pussy to fight, so I guess there's no point, right? Oh, what's the matter, Fossil? Too senile to make a real power grab...

She speaks of violence, strength and power.

Vaggie instead convinces Carmilla to help because she mentions the necessity to fight for loved ones:

Vaggie: We didn't pick this fight, but it's here now. And they aren't going to stop with us. You didn't see the look on their leader's face. With us out of the way, it's only a matter of time before they come for the rest of you. They won't stop until all of hell is wiped out, so you can help us make a stand here together, or you can stand alone tomorrow.

She speaks of protection, love and comraderie.

In short, Vaggie succeeds where Velvette fails. Of course, this is true for Charlie's group in general when it comes to the Vees:

Vox: My dear people! We at VoxTek Enterprises have always been at the forefront of innovation. And now, with this new oncoming threat, we are shifting our focus, to your protection. We are pleased to announce VoxTek Angelic Security is coming soon! Trust us, with YOUR safety.

Katie Killjoy: Breaking news - Extermination day is cancelled! Charlie Morningstar managed to fend off the angelic attack with more than just nice words.

The Vees make big declarations of how they are gonna protect the people of Hell, but in the end it is Charlie and her friends who fight for the sinners.

When it comes to Vaggie and Velvette specifically, it is going to be interesting if their foiling is expanded. If so, then I guess Velvette is gonna help Vaggie mature a little bit more, so that when our ex exorcist faces Lute (her nemesis) again, she is gonna be ready for it.

[carnfest]

Follow up question: how would you imagine the First Witch Cookies acting like Beasts themselves? In-game quite a few of them showcase darker elements like Grain, Sprinkle, and espically Egg. I ask because the idea of former humans casting off their meat for dough yet not feeling any better sounds like a villain arc.

Now that is quite a different story, I don't think I am going to include the first cookies into this series less I make the story even more complicated. (And because the Witch's castle is still a brand new game, there are a lot of things we do not know about)

The whole concept of being a Beast is that you have once been the Virtue, a beacon of hope but you grew even more hatred to the people you swore to protect resulting on falling from grace (just like how Lucifer did).

And the first witches from what I had heard, does not have any memories from their time as witches (safe some for view like First Egg), but if they do remember then I like to think that at least half of the first cookies would like to have their former glory back.

I'm not exactly sure if my answer is accurate, since I don't catch up with the Witch's castle's lore that much. But let's just say that the first witches hadn't turned into cookies yet in the main storyline, less it complicates the things I have in store.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask! I'm actually quite suprised not many people caught on the detail of their (Virtues) weapons appearing and disappearing (it is quite intentional)

[atopvisenyashill]

Team Green fans hate Daemon saying the words "winter is coming" because he's right, it's the only thing the whole fandom can agree on lol I don't have a dog on this fight, but why do you think the Targaryens never did anything about the white walkers and the long night?

Yeah I mean the tgs hate everything related to the prophecy because they're incapable of using their brain cells and anything less than rhaenyra and daemon fucking next to jaehaerys' corpse was going to get them all in a tizzy about how hotd is ~excusing rhaenyra's actions. i'm sure everyone is deeply annoyed by the amount of times i have said "you're saying this but it's not true" but the thing about So Much of the fucking discourse is that people are inventing things that don't happen in the show to get mad at, and sorry, but That's Not True, and its hard to engage with this argument when they're going "SEE LOOK" about scenes that obviously and clearly depict the prophecy stuff in a negative light, except to say "that's not true." get a better argument, or better yet, actually engage with the themes and stop thinking with your fandom poisoned team brain!

As for "why did the targs not prepare for the long night" my answer is "because they're stupid" but that's because we don't have a lot of information on it. Show wise, there's no fucking reason why both Jaehaerys and Viserys weren't actively attempted to prepare. You could argue the king's road was decent preparation but it's very much half assed, because Jaehaerys has the ability to build a proper road with the dragons but puts a dirt road down instead. Alysanne also has the New Gift, but that is much more about undercutting the STarks than anything and note that Jaehaerys doesn't send more men to the night's watch, or settle people loyal to the crown there, they just let the new gift go to waste which actually hurt the realm in the long run wrt the Night's Watch. Viserys doesn't even do half measures! And I get Rhaenyra being in the capital is difficult due to the *waves hands* everything but she could have been doing other things to prepare that would also net her approval with the lords for the upcoming war and doesn't do any of that either. And none of them ever comments on this at all. It's super stupid and there's no reason for it.

When it comes to the books, we have even less information because the prophecy has only been hinted at there, it hasn't actually been given to us nor do we know which Targaryens found it. Likely Aegon + Rhaegar + Egg found something related to it but that's all we really know. Interestingly, all of these people prepared in dumb ways as well - again, Aegon does jack shit, and both Rhaegar and Egg become super weird about Targaryen Power, with Rhaegar doing insane nonsense to maintain Targaryen hegemony and Egg turning to blood magic to create dragons. Have to stress, these are both still on par with Jaehaerys, Viserys, and Rhaenyra for dumb decisions because like, populating the New Gift with supplies, strong soldiers, battle tested leaders, and fortifying the abandoned castles there and along the Wall are all massively more helpful than anything either of them did, but that makes sense - it's such a selfish, such a self involved way of looking at the conflict. Not about keeping everyone safe but about HOUSE TARGARYEN KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE. None of them can even conceive of a world where the Long Night happens and they aren't the ones to lead the charge against the Others. So none of them do anything at all that helps the realm, only what helps their own family.

so the tldr is because they are vain, selfish, and self centered when it comes to interpreting prophecies and in their conceptions of protection and power - but like, i can't see the lannisters or tyrells doing much better there either lol, and it is literally only stannis of all people that takes Jon's letter seriously so in general, i think whoever was in charge dynastically was always going to do a bad job. but also, it doesn't get much worse than what the targaryens did lmao.

[paego]

Random idea, but the issues with Carmilla Carmine and Vaggie having little to no character development could have easily been fixed by having Carmilla be Vaggie's adopted mom.

The biggest issue with Carmilla is that she is given a lot of screen time and 2 songs for little payoff. The biggest issue with Vaggie is that outside of her relationship with Charlie, there's not much else to her. By creating a connection between these two characters, it fixes both of these issues, plus provides a much needed connection between the Overlords and the hotel group.

Carmilla hiding the fact that her angelic weapons can kill angels would be plot relivant because the knowledge could be used to hurt her daughter (or out her as an angel seeing as her blood would be the main tell.) It would also tie Carmilla into the main plot more because her daughter is a main character. Instead of the egg boys being the ones to bring her secret to the group, have Vaggie be the connecting line between those plot threads.

The main benefit of this change for Vaggie would be the added connection to Hell she would gain. In the Canon, she is maimed by the angels and immediately taken in by Charlie. While cute, this limits her connection to Hell to only Charlie. By having Carmilla find her (which makes sense as Carmilla collects angelic weapons after exterminations) this gives her an attachment to hell and its people. It also shows that demons can be just as compassionate as Charlie.

Vaggie keeping her angel status a secret from Charlie would make sense given that Carmilla would have insisted it be kept a secret no matter what. Vaggie does love and trust Charlie, but she wouldn't want to disappoint her mother. Plus it wouldn't be just her secret to keep. The idea that Carmilla is harboring an angel could create enemies for her and risk her overlord status.

It could also be the focus of their duet in episode 3, Carmilla promising to keep this secret to keep her angel daughter safe, and Vaggie reflecting that protective energy and doubling down on her commitment to Charlie as a partner, even if there is this secret between them. Transform the song from "Two seperste people really wanna protect their loved ones" to "a family struggles with the risk of dangerous information being leaked and how keeping their secrets is for the best to keep them safe despite conflicting viewpoints." It would also reflect how Carmilla impacts Vaggie's character, instead of them just being similar. (It could also be addressed in a way that keeps the angel!vaggie concept a secret if you really wanted to keep the episode 5 reveal)

This would also transform their "Out for Love" scene from basic training to Vaggie proving that she is strong enough to fight on the battle field with Charlie. Proving to her mother she can fight for herself and hell against the ones who cast her aside. That she is no longer a helpless angel but a powerful and determined denizen of Hell. This would make Carmilla's decision to supply the fight make more sense, as she has stakes in the fight now; her daughter is on the battle field. The song would probably need to be rewritten given the new context, but I feel like it would be worth it. Plus it would tie better into the plot.

Personally I don't care for Carmilla's character and role in the canon, but if she were Vaggie's adopted mom!? She'd be one of my favorites for sure! The depth of character added by that one fact would be my favorite part of the show.

[raayllum]

At the end of S5, is Claudia still the same person as she claims to be in the last episode? Puzzle house has her the soul that can reveal the a map based on the character of her soul... Would the map still reveal itself?

So Claudia's identity is a loaded concept, both in terms of how she sees it and in terms of how other people (particularly the princes, Viren, and Soren) see it as well. I forget whose tags it was, but I remember someone going off on a delightful tag tirade of how Claudia is someone who is absolutely, extremely attached to being able to see herself as a Good Person. (Which like, most people are - but if you're too attached to that idea, any failings to live up to that can easily be brushed off, particularly if you don't have the self awareness or self compassion to cope with the reality of what you've done - but a post/tangent for another day)

She's not bending her morals to do dark magic because she never sees anything wrong with dark magic in the first place. What she does or threatens to do to elves/dragons doesn't matter because they (as individuals tethered to a group association in her mind) aren't people (with Terry and Aaravos, conveniently the two elves who are helping her, as the exceptions) and they Deserve it.

This isn't how she sees things when she's a child, in The Puzzle House, around the ages of 5-7ish, and we see her struggle with aspects of identity: doubting whether she ever really knew Kpp'Ar ("I thought I knew who he was. And then he disappeared") and of herself: I’ve been messing things up, and everyone’s angry at me. What if they’re right? What if I’m… not good?"

Which gets us into the weeds of S1, in which the egg - motionless, voiceless - is not a person and not even a creature, but a thing and a weapon, and her dad took it to Protect them, so keeping it isn't evil. She's not evil. She's just trying to do the Right Thing and bring the princes home (where they'll be safe, as far as she knows). She just wants to keep her family together, therefore:

Which really just shows that Claudia can and does hold herself accountable for her actions ("I know this feels like a betrayal" to illusion Callum in 2x03 and "I'm so sorry" twice to Ezran in 2x09) but she is incapable of accepting any of the potential Consequences as justified, because she had a Good reason, didn't she?

The rigid, unwavering nature of her motivations - to keep her family, particularly centred around her father, Together - as well as her methods - dark magic and a certain amount of manipulation - are two of the reasons I've always said, Inherently, Claudia is the exact same person she was all way back in 1x02, suggesting the soul switching spell and having no capacity to fathom why it would make Harrow uncomfortable (unlike Viren). She very much is someone who is largely the same person as she always has been, but her circumstances have amplified many of her worst (and technical best) character traits because said circumstances have also become so extreme. She's just Worse - more of the Same.

Cause in a lot of ways, 2x03 isn't Callum seeing a brand new side of Claudia ("Now I feel like I don't know who she is" - Callum's Spellbook) even if that's what he believes is happening, but that he's seeing her clearly for the first time: a dangerous dark mage wiling to sever loyalties and do whatever it takes for her family/father. Mirrored, I think, by Viren having the same realization in 5x03, even if it's with horror and fear/love rather than betrayal and anger.

So I believe that Claudia wholeheartedly believes she's the same person, not solely because she says it outright, but also because of the consistent manifestation of her choices and motivations, and because believing she's the same - still believing that she's Good ("She kidnapped you and prince Ezran, how can she be good?" ask yourself that in an episode, Claudia) is crucial in how she justifies everything to herself.

She doesn't want Terry (or herself) to think of her as cruel. She's a good person. She's doing the Right Thing. She's on a righteous path. That's why:

Now, in regards to change, Soren has the most varied perspectives on his sister, which can and should be taken into account ("Claudia, you're changing too" / "I hope you're careful, Callum, cause [magic] can change people" / "It's not too late Claudia, I know you can change!"). So it's not that she hasn't changed at all as a person, it's just that her Fear of Change and Choice, and her adamant resistance to ever radically changing her worldview because of new information is like, dead on arrival, and we haven't had a turning point for that yet.

But yeah, if Claudia still has the scroll, it wouldn't surprise me if it wouldn't work for her post-killing the unicorn she found and/or would be extremely, extremely faint if it did show up for her anytime post-arc 1.

No reason she can't find her way back and actually start becoming someone fundamentally New, though

[altik-0]

This is your brain on gender

I've been mulling over the concept of "eggs" recently.

For the uninitiated: it's a term used in the trans community to refer to "the folks out there who haven't figured it out yet." Perhaps most notably when people talk about their pre-transition selves, identifying "the signs" that they didn't acknowledge until they seriously began questioning. However, it's a term that also gets pointed towards others as well -- a kind of playful game of trying to spot the people in your life who, with the right nudge, would schedule a consult for HRT.

I've participated in these rituals plenty, and I can testify to the humor in some of the more extreme examples. I still cannot work past the "dude" who insisted to me that "I'm not trans, I just experience seasonal dysphoria."

Sure Jan.

But I have started reflecting on this concept lately, spurred on by a blog post linked to me earlier this week. It left me with some conflicting feelings, which makes me feel like this is a conversation worth having in earnest in the community. So I'm making my contribution to the milieu here (for whatever that is worth).

I think the simplest way to break down my complex feelings about this blog post is to highlight the main thesis statements I took from it:

The reality of trans existence has been systemically mediated through the lens of cishetero normative society for decades (at least), and that has warped everyone's (emphatically including the "eggs") understanding of what being "trans" really means

Online trans communities have established a norm of avoiding telling an "egg" that they might be trans -- referred to as the "trans prime directive" by the author -- with what she finds to be superficial and illegitimate reasoning

On the contrary, she concludes that we should be ACTIVELY confronting people about their gender, loudly and aggressively, and that this is a moral imperative for helping foster the next generation of trans people through their transition journeys

I'm sympathetic to the sentiment here. Like the author, I resonate with the experience of feeling overwhelmed and lost in my queer feelings when I felt I had nobody safe to confide in. Having earlier guidance from trans elders may have helped me work through these thoughts earlier, and perhaps saved me from some of the pain I later experienced when I properly began questioning my gender. In fact, guidance from trans elders was essential to getting me to begin questioning in the first place. And with rare exception, this seems to be the experience that nearly all my queer friends have voiced as well -- spending time around other trans people was the biggest catalyst for them to begin their own self-discovery.

Yet I can't quite work past the distaste I feel reading words like these:

Proponents of the egg prime directive claim that a person being told they might be trans could make them uncomfortable. Counterargument- who cares? ...

The other argument I've heard in favor of the egg prime directive is that being encouraged from without to explore gender is an avenue for self-doubt. The argument goes that if someone is "told" what their gender is, then there's a chance they'll push back. This argument is even more questionable. ...

I think this rule has a lot to do with the kinds of communities that trans people early on in understanding themselves get shuffled into. ... I find that these "egg communities" tend to be saturated with early-transition people with very few elders for guidance. Left to their own devices, they stew in their own doubt and create rules like the egg prime directive to protect their comfort. ...

These words present an innate naivete on the part of those early in transition, and explicitly infantilizes them and their experiences. She describes the concerns as "discomfort", much in the way I'm accustomed to having my gender experiences diminished by conservatives; "grow up snowflake, your 'safe spaces' can't protect you from the real world", and all that.

And it's frustrating, because I can read back on my own experiences I've written and immediately dredge up the extreme emotional turmoil I was in during my initial questioning phase. "Uncomfortable" is not the word I would use to describe my mental state at that time -- an extended panic attack would be much more apt. There were nights I laid awake, unable to stop spinning in my anxieties of "am I really feeling this way or have I just convinced myself of that because of the friends I hang around with?" or "if I pursue this, am I prepared to face the social consequences of it?" These are heavy fucking questions, and not something that a random internet stranger would be able to address constructively. It takes a strong, intimate relationship with someone to safely confront these kinds of emotion-fraught discussions, and that finesse is not what I'm reading from the author's post.

Which, for what it's worth, is something I think everyone I've ever heard discussing the "trans prime directive" in earnest has agreed with. I discussed this with a number of trans friends before writing up my thoughts here, and all of them shared stories of helping friends through their questioning phase. Even giving the gentle nudges of "maybe you should try the dress?" to friends who were still deeply in denial. These are careful, considered conversations that make no declarative statements towards the "egg" about what their identity definitely is or is not.

^ But I fear that my thoughts up to this point basically boil down to pure critique of the author, and I really don't want that to be the spirit of this discussion. As I said from the jump: I'm more sympathetic to the sentiments in her post than not. Approaching these conversations with care and consideration may or may not be her preference, but the general sentiment of being a shoulder for close friends who may be going through The Shit with their gender is a kind, and in many ways necessary, service that we as the trans community must provide for one another.

Instead, I would like to approach this topic constructively, building off the ideas of those who came before me. And here is where I've landed after digesting my thoughts and feelings on the topic:

We should stop calling people "eggs."

The central conceit of "egg" is that there is a class of people who are trans, but haven't figured it out yet. This class of people are, by their nature, incomplete and ignorant of themselves. The narrative of "egginess" implies that once someone has properly figured out they are trans, and thus breaks free of the shell (so to speak), they are finally of their true form. Perhaps still imperfect and young, needing time to grow fully, but nevertheless more knowledgeable and enlightened than those who have not yet "hatched."

I think it is true that many people (dare I say everyone?) have blindspots in their self-awareness, which are much more easily pointed out by a trusted confidant. That may even include gender identity crises. However, observing that one characteristic of a person does not invalidate the rest of their existence. It certainly does not grant a right to violate their personal autonomy. And ultimately, prescribing someone as "egg" is doing precisely what we criticize cishet society for doing to us: imposing an identity upon us without our authentic input.

Meeting my fellow trans folks in good faith: I do not believe anyone (including the original author) intends to violate anyone's autonomy with their discussions of "egginess". I think it is noble to feel a sense of moral obligation on helping others avoid the pain you suffered from ignorance. However, I think we should give more respect to the validity to the identity someone has before transition.

And frankly, I think that includes our own experiences. I've participated in the shibboleths of recounting "The Signs" from my past; all the moments that crop up in my memory when I reflect on my past life as a boy. But the more I reflect on this, the more I feel I owe it to my past self to respect that I did not at any point identify as trans -- in fact, I explicitly did not. I do not regret these years. My life was not wasted because I had not yet transitioned: I studied and obtained a degree that led me to a profitable career. I survived religious trauma and built a strong sense of self that allowed me to eventually embrace my transness later in life. I made friends and fostered skills that let me help them to properly be a part of a community. I learned about the world and developed increasingly nuanced understandings of politics and ethics that help guide me through my life to this day.

I'm going to personally try to cut "egg" out of my trans vocabulary, and rethink my relationship to those I see as "showing signs". I'm not convinced this is the perfect solution, so don't mistake me for suggesting you are all obligated to join me. But I'd hope you at least stop to consider your relationship to this word, and what it does for you and your relationships.

[frankent1ts]

Also, looking back on the Deltarune Valentine Newsletter, this letter was DEFINITELY written by the Forgotten Man.

They both speak in all-caps, they both bring something up and immediately forget what that something was about, they both talk riddle-like, it's difficult to hear them talking, they both directly bring up the game Deltarune, it's gotta be him!

And since it is him, oh boy this letter sure is interesting.

“I WANT TO HELP! YES, THERE WAS SOMEONE I WANTED TO HELP.”

This is definitely referring to Kris. The Forgotten Man is giving Kris these eggs for a reason, and the CH3 and CH4 egg rooms both hint that Kris is repressing a memory of some sort, a memory having to do with the scarlet tree.

And in the CH4 egg room, the Forgotten Man is inside the patient room, encouraging Kris to draw the memory they've been repressing. It's very obvious that the Forgotten Man used to be Kris’ therapist, and he's encouraging Kris to draw out their trauma. 

Something happened to him that made him get erased from Deltarune’s reality, but he's still trying to help Kris. Matter of fact, I bet that the Forgotten Man never got Kris to tell him what they saw behind that tree before the Forgotten Man got erased, that's why he's trying so hard to help Kris remember now. 

Then the Forgotten Man goes on to say, “I SEEM TO HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO... YES, IT'S QUITE IRONIC, BUT I SEEM TO HAVE FORGOTTEN. WAS IT MYSELF? NO... WELL, PERHAPS. REGARDLESS, WHEN I SEE THEM, I'M CERTAIN I WILL KNOW IT STRAIGHT AWAY.”

This states that the Forgotten Man has a hard time remembering Kris despite trying to help them. It might be hard to tell how truthful the Forgotten Man is being as he seemingly has knowledge of many important things (The prophecy, Kris’ trauma) but I think he's being genuine here. He can only remember things when they're right in front of him, and he mostly acts on instinct. He somehow knows where Kris is going to go, and so he always goes there.

But the, “WAS IT MYSELF? NO…WELL, PERHAPS,” part is really interesting to me. The Forgotten Man implies here that helping Kris remember their trauma will help himself in some way. But how?

Well, let's actually look at the method that the Forgotten Man uses to help Kris: the eggs. Now even though we have a better grasp on the Forgotten Man’s deal now, the eggs still come across as really random. What do eggs have to do with trauma?

Well it's less so the concept of eggs themselves and more so the fact that the eggs are seemingly the only object that can go between the Light World and Dark Worlds without changing.

Your Light World pencil turns into a sword in the Dark World, Lancer and Rouxls turn into cards, the Shadow Crystals turn into glass, but the eggs are the only things that don't change in-between worlds. Why is that?

Well, this is me just spitballing here but what if the Forgotten Man is using the eggs to ground Kris to reality? Like the eggs are the only “real” objects in the Dark World, they're something tangible for Kris to hold onto.

Then Kris can take them into the dark world and put them somewhere safe, in a pile of eggs or in a fridge. Because eggs are fragile and need to be protected…

Fragile…protected…

OH, THE FORGOTTEN MAN IS USING THE EGGS AS AN ALLEGORY FOR REPRESSED MEMORIES.

Think about it: The Dark Worlds are very direct metaphors for day dreams and escapism, two things that people who are traumatized often partake in. But even when you try to escape from your trauma, it still comes back in flashbacks or triggers. That's the eggs, the eggs are the fragile memories that you need to go out of your way to find and protect or else they'll go away again.

This would explain why the egg rooms go from a simple room with the scarlet tree to a rudimentary island with multiple inhabitants to a doctor's office in line with the style of the rest of the game. The eggs are slowly helping Kris remember the doctor's office, the island, the scarlet tree, the Forgotten Man.

And maybe, when we get the final egg in CH5, we'll get to clearly see the Forgotten Man, and he'll clearly see himself too. Helping Kris helps him.

However, the Forgotten Man goes on to say something very strange, “WILL YOU HELP ME? YOU ARE VERY ODD, RESPONDING OUT LOUD TO A LETTER. BUT, YOU SEEM RELIABLE. I WILL BE COUNTING ON YOU.”

Who is the Forgotten Man talking to? All of the other letters don't address the reader this directly, sure most of them say “you”, but that's because they're Valentine's letters made for anyone to use including other in-universe characters. But the Forgotten Man seems to be talking to someone responding out loud to the letter, the person reading the letter. Who could it be?

Well, I don't think he's talking to Kris, because if he was he would've “known them straight away” as they do in the egg rooms. No, I think the Forgotten Man is talking to us, the player. He's asking us to help guide Kris to the egg rooms, which makes a lotta sense. After all, Kris probably doesn't want to confront the trauma the Forgotten Man is trying to help them remember. Plus the egg rooms are only found through breaking the game in a way that calls attention to the fact that the world of Deltarune is, in fact, a game. 

We have to walk in-between rooms to get to the egg rooms, something that doesn't make sense to Kris because all they see is an open world, but we have the power to see the transition between rooms, the dark fade in, fade out. The darkness in-between. 

This game breaking element is especially obvious in the CH3 egg room. In order to get to that egg room, we need to get the “X” in the UI menu to change to red and click on it, causing our SOUL (not Kris' physical body) to walk off into the egg room, dragging Kris with us.

But do you know what this means? This means that the Forgotten Man has the ability to talk directly to the player, something that only Gaster is shown to do, further proving that the Forgotten Man is a version of Gaster. (Not to mention the fact that in CH3 and this letter, the Forgotten Man says “DELTARUNE IS WAITING” and “HOW IS DELTARUNE?” He knows that Deltarune is a game that we are playing, just like Gaster.)

RIDDLE THEORY

Okay so y'know how in the CH3 egg room the Forgotten Man says this nonsense?

Most ppl in the fandom write these lines of dialogue off completely, but I actually think this a riddle. More than that, I think this riddle is the Forgotten Man telling us where the past egg rooms were and where to find future egg rooms.

Let's start off with addressing the whole Thursday-Sunday thing, what do the days of the week have to do with egg rooms? Everything actually! Because guess what? CH1 of Deltarune takes place on a Thursday.

We know this because in CH2 Susie and Kris go to school, but then in CH4 no one's in school because it's the first day of the weekend AKA Saturday.

So if CH4 takes place on Saturday, then CH2 must take place on Friday, and CH1 must take place on a Thursday. CH3 is stuck in a weird limbo bc Kris opened up the TV dark world late at night (probably closer to midnight, as evidenced by this quiz)

So while technically it's Saturday night because it's currently past midnight, it also doesn't feel like the start of a new day. That'll be an important detail so keep that in your noggin.

ANYWAY, let's start with the first part of the riddle.

Now while we obviously don't find the Forgotten Man selling donuts in CH1, we do find a bake sale, a bake sale that sells donuts.

It's worth noting that the bake sale has a teleporter door and the only save point you'll have for the next couple of rooms. These two things mark the bake sale as an important checkpoint. Why is the bake sale so important? Because in the very next room we find a tree identical to the one found in the egg room, hinting that we may find this very same tree again between the bake sale and the next checkpoint.

So that's part one of the riddle down, but what about this next part?

Well, this one's actually pretty obvious. CH2 takes place on a Friday, right? Well, guess where we find the egg room? In-between a sidewalk and a hidden dumpster room. Bada-bing, bada-boom.

Also notice how the dumpster and bake sale both relate to the first two secret bosses, Spamton and Jevil? Above the bake sale is where you find the blacksmith that mends the broken key to Jevil's cell, and we find out that Spamton lives in the hidden dumpster. This draws a very deliberate connection between the secret bosses and the egg rooms. Remember this.

Okay and what about the third part of the riddle?

Well, and this might be a bit weird, but I don't think this part of the riddle refers to the CH3 egg room at all. Remember how I said that CH3 is kinda in a limbo in-between Friday and Saturday because it takes place at midnight? Well, I think CH3 being in-between the days of the week excludes it from this riddle. Plus, beyond the whole time thing, the CH3 egg room doesn't relate to windows at all.

But y'know which egg room does relate to that? The CH4 egg room. Yeah, this one's also pretty obvious but we find the CH4 egg room by going in-between a window and a secret library.

Now before we move onto the last part of the riddle, allow me to spit another theory at ya. Remember how I said that the riddle deliberately connects the egg rooms to the first two secret bosses? Well, right about now you're probably beginning to question that connection. The secret boss of CH4 is Gerson, and the CH4 egg room doesn't have an obvious connection to Gerson at all. So was the connection between the first two egg rooms and the secret bosses just a coincidence?

No.

I believe the connection between the first two egg rooms and the secret bosses was intentional, and I believe that Gerson not being all that connected to the CH4 egg room was also intentional. Why do I think this? Because Gerson is the first secret boss to not slip into darkness.

Let's think about it: what do the first three secret bosses (Jevil, Spamton, and ERAM) all have in common? They're all related to darkness. Jevil is trapped in a dark, lonely cell and talks about how a darkness will consume our hearts. Spamton is forced to live in a dark garbage can and complains about how it's still so dark even in his NEO form. And ERAM is a shadowy figure found in a dark hidden room that gives us an item resistant to dark attacks.

But Gerson isn't like that at all. He tells us that someone gave him the shadow crystal and wanted him to use it, but he refused to. And seemingly because of that, he didn't get lost in the darkness. Unlike the first three secret bosses, Gerson is kind, helpful, friendly, but most of all he isn't consumed by darkness. Hell, he spends most of his time in a comfy well-lit room with a fireplace. He's the absolute antithesis to the first three secret bosses.

And it's because of this that the CH4 egg room isn't really related to Gerson. All the other egg rooms are connected to the secret bosses in some way (even the CH3 egg room is kinda related to ERAM since they're both found through convoluted secrets in retro video games), but because Gerson broke free of that cycle, he didn't become connected to the egg room.

…However, there is still a connection to be made between Gerson and the egg room, albeit a vague one. As I mentioned, the CH4 egg room is found in-between the window and the hidden library. Well, the hidden library actually contains a single book inside. Read it and you get this story: "Something grew from the bitter water. It felt like glass."

Hm. Water, something that looks like glass? Where have I heard all that before?

Ah, yes, the shadow crystal. A piece of glass that moves like water in your hand.

So what does all this mean? Why are all the egg rooms connected back to the secret bosses/shadow crystals? Well, that's because the secret bosses/shadow crystals all relate back to one thing: Gaster.

Jevil met a strange someone that made his view of the world become darker, yet darker. Spamton was always on the phone with someone that made him a big shot, and the phone emitted garbage noise. ERAM is found in the shelter, and the shelter emits the same sound found in ENTRY NUMBER SEVENTEEN. The shadow crystals are impossibly dark shards that don't reflect any light, photon readings negative.

It all leads back to him. But why? Why are the egg rooms deliberately connected to Gaster? Well, I think you know why.

It's because the Forgotten Man is Gaster.

The Forgotten Man is found in-between rooms, and so is the Mystery Man sprite in Undertale. The Forgotten Man is forgotten and obscured, and so is Gaster. The Forgotten Man can only speak in all-caps, and so does Gaster. Gaster has knowledge of the prophecy, and so does the Forgotten Man.

“But the Forgotten Man doesn't have knowledge of the prophecy,” I hear you say. “He never tells us anything about the prophecy.”

But he does.

Let's finally talk about the last part of the Forgotten Man's riddle.

The fifth egg room is going to be found on a Sunday, it's going to be found in CH5. Importantly, it's going to be found in a wheat field. Now obviously CH5 hasn't come out yet, so I don't know what it has in store. But I know for certain that the CH5 dark world will have a wheat field.

How do I know this? Well, during your fight with Gerson, he rattles off the titles and descriptions of the chapters from The Lord Of The Hammer. We find out from Gerson that The Lord Of The Hammer series is based on the prophecy that the Fun Gang are seemingly destined to carry out. The chapters of The Lord Of The Hammer further confirm this fact as they all sound pretty similar to the first four chapters of Deltarune.

But then Gerson tells us of a fifth chapter.

According to Gerson, the fifth chapter will contain a field of pink and gold, a garden that gets burned. Obviously this hints at the CH5 dark world being inside Asgore's flower shop. It's a flower shop with double doors, Asgore had fire magic in Undertale so Asgore's garden being set ablaze would make sense, Asgore could become jealous of Sans having a better relationship with Toriel than he does.

It all adds up. But what does the “Field of Pink and Gold” mean? In Deltarune, pink and gold is often related to the secret bosses (Spamton has pink and gold shades, FRIEND's eyes are pink and gold, the controller Kris uses to play the secret boss game is pink and gold.)

Why is the field in CH5 gonna be pink and gold?

…Well, the Forgotten Man did say you'll find him in a wheat field. A golden field.

The Forgotten Man knows about the prophecy, he knows that Kris will be able to find him in a future plant-themed dark world.

But what did Gerson say about Chapter 5? That it was the last chapter? That the story “swallowed up the author whole”? An author that got killed by their own creation, now where have I heard that before?

And what do you know? The Forgotten Man only tells us about where to find him up til CH5, but not CH6 or CH7. Why is that?

If the Forgotten Man truly is a version of Gaster, then this can only mean that after CH5 we may never see the Forgotten Man again, and (just like Gerson, just like Gaster) the Forgotten Man will be swallowed up by something, something he created.

CH5 is gonna be the last chapter where we'll be able to collect an egg. And these eggs are gonna be the only way we'll be able to remember the Forgotten Man after he's gone.

And the Forgotten Man knows that this will happen. He tells you as much himself.

[thereaderpoint]

Tips for Pregnant Women to Reduce the Risk of Neurological Birth Defects

Pregnancy is an exciting yet crucial phase in a woman’s life. Taking care of your health during this time is essential not just for your well-being but also for the healthy development of your baby. Neurological birth defects, which affect the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system, can be a concern for expecting parents. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce these risks. Consulting neurologist child specialists and following these tips can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

1. Take Prenatal Vitamins Regularly

Folic acid is a critical nutrient during pregnancy. It helps in the proper development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord, significantly reducing the risk of conditions like spina bifida. Doctors recommend that pregnant women take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting even before conception if possible.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports your baby’s neurological development. Include foods such as:

Leafy greens (spinach, kale) for folate.

Fish (low in mercury) for omega-3 fatty acids.

Eggs for choline.

Fruits and nuts for essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Avoid processed and junk foods, which lack nutritional value and can lead to complications.

3. Get Regular Checkups

Routine prenatal checkups are vital for monitoring the health of both mother and baby. If there are any concerns about the baby’s neurological development, your doctor might refer you to a child neurologist in Gurgaon or another nearby specialist to ensure proper care and treatment options.

4. Avoid Harmful Substances

Certain substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, can harm the baby’s nervous system. Avoid these entirely during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neurological birth defects. Even certain medications should be taken only under medical supervision, as some can interfere with fetal development.

5. Prevent Infections

Infections during pregnancy, like rubella or toxoplasmosis, can harm the baby’s nervous system. Protect yourself by:

Washing hands frequently, especially after handling raw meat or using the bathroom.

Avoiding contact with cat litter to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.

Getting all recommended vaccinations before and during pregnancy.

6. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise during pregnancy improves blood circulation and reduces stress, which benefits both mother and baby. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are safe and effective, but always consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

7. Manage Stress

High-stress levels can negatively impact your baby’s neurological development. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or prenatal yoga to keep stress in check.

8. Educate Yourself and Seek Expert Advice

Staying informed about your pregnancy and baby’s development can help you make better decisions. If you have a family history of neurological issues or other concerns, consult neurologist child specialists early in your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Taking proactive steps during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neurological birth defects. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding harmful substances, and seeking regular medical advice are all crucial measures. If you need expert care, don’t hesitate to consult a child neurologist in Gurgaon for guidance. Remember, a healthy pregnancy sets the foundation for a healthy and happy baby!

[mukherjeehealthcare]

7 Things To Always Discuss With Your Gynaecologist

A gynaecologist is a doctor every woman should visit. It’s a misconception that women see gynaecologist for treatments or a problem in their reproductive health. Seeing a gynaecologist doesn’t necessarily need a disease. You can consult your doctor for lifestyle and reproductive health advice for better well-being. Visit the best gynaecologist in Siliguri for comprehensive female reproductive health support.

Here are seven vital things you should always discuss with your gyne doctor.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle

 Menstrual patterns can say a lot about a woman’s overall health. Abnormal periods, such as unusually heavy bleeding, grey-colored periods, dark brown or black-colored period blood, irregular timing, extremely painful cycles, and the absence of periods, often indicate a health concern.

These may include hormonal imbalances, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, infections, or even early signs of female reproductive diseases. If you notice any of these signs, you must consult your gynecologist for early diagnosis.

Vaginal Discomfort and Unusual Discharge

Unusual discharge is common yet concerning. Many women notice occasional vaginal discomfort, itching, burning sensation, or changes in discharge. But, ignoring these symptoms can cause more trouble. If you have ongoing or sudden abnormal vaginal discomfort or discharge, you should see a gyne doctor without delay.

Painful urination, pain or tenderness in the pelvic area, foul-smelling discharge, foamy discharge, chunky discharge, etc. need medical attention, especially if these are ongoing. Your doctor will check if this is a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, an inflamed condition, or something not serious. You might reach out the best gynecologist hospital in Siliguri town.

Breast Health

Though growing awareness, we are less concerned about breast health. While self-exams are important, annual breast exams by visiting your gyne doctor can be of big help.

For any lumps, pain, or changes in breast shape, size, or texture, you must seek a gynecologist’s attention. This will help with for early detection of a disease, such as breast cancer, or cysts.

Sexual Health

A gyne doctor is a safe place to talk about your sexual health and concerns. These include pain during intercourse, low libido (sex drive), dryness in the vagina, use of contraception, protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), healthy sex habits, douching-related facts, etc.

Many people have emotional concerns that might affect their sex life. Medical experts help them with proper guidance and treatment if required). Screening for STIs, blood tests, pelvic exams, solutions to emotional well-being, healthy lifestyle advice, hygiene advice, etc., boosts quality of life and reduces health risks.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a very common problem with various causes. After listening to your symptoms, your doctor may recommend blood tests and a pelvic exam.  Such pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, affecting quality of life.

Make sure you see a gynecologist since pelvic pain is a common sign of endometriosis, urinary tract infection, infection, fibroids, ovarian cysts, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, STIs, ectopic pregnancy, twisted ovarian cysts, or else. You must know that pelvic pain is not always a sign of reproductive health issues.

Family Planning and Fertility

People have their own plans of having a baby soon, later, or never. You may discuss your conception plans with your gynecologist, which helps you get expert tips. Medical professionals will help you with birth control options, fertility preservation, and other health strategies.

You’ll be recommended the right tests, health advice, and treatments for immediate pregnancy planning, delayed pregnancy, egg freezing, etc. Talk to your best gynaecologist in Siliguri.

Mental and Emotional Health of Women

Gynecologists also monitor the mental and emotional health of women. Your reproductive health can impact your mood and motions. Many women experience anxiety, depression, or mood swings related to hormonal changes, pregnancy, infertility, and menopause. See your doctor at the best multispecialty hospital in Siliguri.

Access to quality health services can resolve your health problems. Visit the right gynaecologist for routine checkups, diagnosis, and treatment. The compassionate support and experience of a gyne doctor give the best possible outcomes.

[ivfcenterinindore]

Birth Control Options: Choosing What's Right for You?

When it comes to birth control, there are many options available. From condoms and IUDs to the pill and more, choosing the right option for you can be overwhelming. It's important to understand your body and lifestyle before committing to a method of contraception so that you don't end up with an unwanted pregnancy or health issues down the road. To help make this process easier, as the best gynaecologist in Indore, we've put together some key information about different types of birth control so that you can decide which one is best for you.

The Pill: The most common form of hormonal contraception is “the pill” – a combination oral contraceptive containing both estrogen and progesterone hormones (and just progestin in some cases). The pill works by preventing ovulation each month; when taken correctly every day at roughly the same time it’s over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy! However if not taken as directed (missing doses or taking them late) its effectiveness decreases significantly making it less reliable than other methods such as long-acting reversible contraceptives like intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Condoms: Condoms are another popular form of contraceptive used around the world - They work by forming a physical barrier between sperm cells from entering into contact with eggs during sexual intercourse thus reducing the chances of conception occurring naturally without any additional hormones being introduced into your body system! They're also great at protecting against sexually transmitted infections which makes them an even more desirable choice among couples looking for extra protection while still enjoying intimacy together safely without worrying about unintended pregnancies happening due to their lack of knowledge on how to use these products properly.

Intrauterine Devices(IUD): An IUD is an incredibly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive device inserted directly inside the uterus via a gynecologist in Indore whereupon releases small amounts of hormone over the course of several years depending type chosen - copper T380A has no hormones but instead relies upon copper ions killing off sperm cells before they reach egg whereas Mirena releases levonorgestrel continuously throughout duration insertion period providing double layer protection against unintended pregnancies occurring. This method is extremely convenient since once implanted patient does not need to think about taking medication daily basis unlike pills plus removal relatively easy procedure should an individual wish to discontinue using their device future date time frame specified doctor prescribing initial insertion appointment.

Also Read: Best IVF Centres in Indore

Injectable Contraceptives: Injectable contraceptives provide women with three months' worth of coverage after a single injection given to either the arm or buttocks area depending preference patient practitioner administering the treatment session – This type highly suitable for those who find difficulty.

[pyrosomatic-metamorphosis]

I havent written him yet so i dont know the specific formula for good dappering, but ive been a bbh main for a minute so maybe i can help. stand by for info dump. -dapper uses any pronouns! most people in game refer to him with he/him but it's correct to use she/her, they/them, all neos etc. (he is one of five trans eggs, which are: dapper, juanaflippa, tilin, leo, and richas (<- had his gender decided via democratic vote))

-dapper has a dry, sarcastic sense of humour that he uses constantly. hilarious egg. has told cellbit and roier that they're allowed to call him tupperware because, like tupperware, he is their "mom's favourite thing." He throws "pocket sand" at bad and likes to hit him with hammers. The reigning bit right now is bad's "dementia," where every time Bad gets silly about his skeppy obsession dapper will say "DAD TAKE YOUR MEDICINE" and throw splash potions of health at him. If there's a "everyone's thinking it but no one is saying it" moment, then dapper will probably be say it to make people gasp and laugh. -He's the least human out of any of the eggs. a grim reaper in training, and a silly guy who likes to play up the egginess. When richas asked "wait, brother, you don't brush your teeth?" dapper's response was "we have teeth?" Bad lied to both of them about dentists and braces. dapper doesn't know about a lot of real-life concepts unless bad tells him (bad is currently trying to convince dapper christmas = arson).

-he's very smart. he loves the create mod- he's made all of the machines in bad's bases. he's trying to collect every animal and has an entire zoo in his inventory it's incredible. sometimes he dabbles in the occult (his dad IS a grim reaper, after all). he's very nonchalant about all of this but likes to show whatever New Thing he has. he's writing guides to leave to bad so that his dad knows how to work all the machines when dapper dies.

-dapper is. shocked that he's still alive. he did NOT expect to be around this long. a lot of people call bad paranoid but like. dapper was hunted by the code 9 times (and successfully killed 1 time). dapper was hunted by several players in the early days. dapper has seen the danger that bad protects him from, so he'll stop playing and get serious when the danger gets real. bad and dapper take care of each other more equally than any of the other egg-parent groups. -after he died he baked bad apology brownies and apologized. he wants bad to know that it wasn't bad's fault. he's not scared of dying. he's worried about his dad being sad when he's gone.

-dapper and pomme are super close <3 pomme "knows him better than anyone" and she's promised to protect him. When they're safe they like to take their armour off and spin slowly to music. sibling behaviour. when they're scared they'll huddle together. she calls him "dappy" and he'll call her "pomdrapi"

-dapper takes after his dad when it comes to showing emotions- he shows them primarily through actions. yesterday (pomme's birthday, the anniversary of his death) he didn't go to their party, but he left presents at the satellite (place he died) and some signs for bad. Note how he was honest about his feelings, but tried to figure out jokes to "ease the mood" of sharing them, and that he's emotionally aware enough to purposefully do that. here are all the signs- > https://www.tumblr.com/bigboobyhalo/725857491799457793/i-cant-stand-it-here-it-hurts-me?source=share -if he's not feeling social, he won't be social. he'll go hang out with his ants (in a large terrarium in their base) or work on some machines.

-he liked to talk about killing elquackity, but hasn't mentioned it since he was kidnapped :C when bad and maximus killed elq for the second time, dapper was worried. he and pomme discussed safety logistics to protect against elq while the adults talked (make a base 200k blocks out; the dungeon base should be safe, etc).

-stood there quietly with pomme when bad said (paraphrased) "if i have to give up my eggs to protect them, i'll do it." his dad suggested giving him up to keep him safe, and other eggs may have made a big deal of it but dapper didn't, because he understood.

-scared of elquackity now. has developed claustrophobia from the kidnapping. he's rarely helpless because of just how Kitted Out he and bad are, but all of his items were taken from him. i wouldn't be surprised if he would be twitchy about being made helpless.

-he likes to hang out with ramon! they're triplets (leo is the third) and when left alone for an entire second ramon and dapper will just start beating the shit out of each other with hammers. he's got that sweet sibling relationship with pomme, and he's got the cain instinct with ramon

-will drown himself or stand in lava if bad upsets him too bad. will not come out until bad apologizes sufficiently. caves relatively quickly when bad sings you are my sunshine.

-he accepts skeppy as his other dad! he got to talk to skeppy once. skeppy is stuck in a gas station and cant come to the island. dapper once put bad in a cage and tried to get him to admit his skeppy addiction and when bad shot back "dont you miss your other dad too" dapper let him out of the cage.

-after bad lost his scythe, pomme and dapper gave bad a new scythe with full enchantments that they named "sunshine protector"

-i didn't think i knew this much about this egg i will not lie

-baghera is dapper's mom! when bad went away for a while he was going to leave dapper with fit and forever, but dapper wanted to hang out with the french so bad changed the plan :3 dapper asked baghera to be his mom. etoiles might be his adopted dad, too? but i wasn't paying attention idk

-etoiles thinks dapper is SO COOL and dapper will happily share cool shit and facts with him. etoiles also thinks bad is cool and joins me in the "bad should go batshit and kill things" club.

-you know that thing where when streamers are afk the eggs will stand in front of them and talk to chat? dapper pioneered that with Dapper Time. there's a whole little area set up in bad's base for it it's very cute. bad's chat is called "ghosties" and bad keeps us all locked up in a bell. sometimes he'll 'let us out' and act like the resulting blue area effect animation is chat given form in-game.

-dapper is just generally p casual, day-to-day. casual guy who wears a top hat all the time. again, very sarcastic, dry humour. witty. silly. aware that danger is out there and prepared to deal with it. won't panic dramatically, but still obviously affected by his fears. he spends the most time with bad and pomme (and richas, who will come hang out with them a lot).

-help me i wanted to share some pomme facts too but i know Too Fucking Much about dapper. here's an example of pomme and dapper's relationship at its most vulnerable. https://www.tumblr.com/kadextra/725859725091192832/dapper-left-gifts-at-the-satellite-dish-where-he?source=share

-and some generally Fantastic pomme thoughts. https://www.tumblr.com/odusseus-xvi/725196517022072832/pommes-parano%C3%AFa?source=share

here the same person points out really fantastically the ways pomme can be mischaracterized, and what she's actually like https://www.tumblr.com/odusseus-xvi/724634251456331776/pomme-the-french-egg

Does anyone have any tips on how to characterise the eggs? I've been wanting to write a fic with the eggs as main characters but the only thing holding me back is that I don't know some of the eggs that well. Specifically, Dapper and Leo as I don't really watch much BBH or Foolish and Richas and Pomme because of the language barrier.

[daylighteclipsed]

Thinking again about the end of CoM as a metaphor for repressing trauma vs facing it to heal and grow as a person and I really just

It really does feel intentional that what Sora goes through in CoM — losing his memories and almost losing himself — is a lot like what Sora describes being a heartless was like: “I was lost in the darkness. I couldn’t find my way. As I stumbled through the dark, I started forgetting things — my friends, who I was… The darkness almost swallowed me.”

Both halves of CoM are visual representations of what Sora and Riku each went through when they fell/almost fell to darkness in KH1. Riku’s memories are devoid of people because he cast them from his heart. Sora’s memories are full of people he forgets because he sacrificed his heart. And if we are supposed to see CoM as a near-death journey/an exploration of the unconscious, it is pretty on point for Marluxia to have a grim reaper aesthetic. Sora’s battling death.

Anyway, that’s why Data Sora’s decision to accept the loss of the memories of his friends and face that pain in Coded, live with it, is so significant.

Because that’s what the real Sora failed to do in the real Castle Oblivion. He never should’ve forgotten what happened there. He should’ve accepted those losses — and the pain attached to them — knowing that even if he can’t remember his friends, they remember him. Even if he doesn’t know them, he remembers caring about them. And even if he can’t recall specific memories, they’re not gone. He’ll remember them, some day. And in the meantime, the people he loves will help him shoulder the burden.

In a figurative sense, Sora has never left Castle Oblivion because he’s never accepted this pain. He has never moved on past this point, unlike Riku who decides to face Ansem, the representation of his trauma, and leave the castle, leave the darkness, to begin walking the road to dawn — the road to recovery. Sora’s still there, still under that dark night sky.

And now, after sacrificing himself again, there’s a very real chance he’s forgetting things and losing himself again, and surprise, surprise — look where he is.

Tied to a new character whose name means “night sky” to boot… Trauma has a way of biting us in the butt when we don’t deal with it properly. The past has a way of chaining us when we don’t move forward… Sora’s gonna have to do it right this time. He’s gonna have to face his pain and accept it if he wants to step forward into the light and exist again.