#the entire time i was doing the trial i was just thinking about the tasty sound effects

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

ok i'm not rolling for him but Alhaitham's attack sound effects are SO yummy

[gallierhouse]

asking for opinions about armand on a friday night is crazy because ive been terrorizing the people in my life about him for a month and now?? im being asked to talk about him?? anyway so i couldnt get thru s1 back in 2022 bc it felt like a kind of rehash of hannibal (character dynamics wise) in a different setting and kind of bored me. i really liked louis in the pilot and honestly would just watch a historical drama about a black pimp and his gens de couleur family in 1930s nola and that was cruelly ripped away from me and ill never forgive lestat. BUT THEN s2 arrived and i gave it another go and armand just rose out of this show as a character ive truly never seen before?? his identity-lessness, his role as a bad stage director, that eager black hole growing around 500 years of life, its so fascinating. the Moment for me with him is obviously the donor painting seeing the whitewashed beautiful pleading garish (when compared with the real man) painting just shifted something in my soul. and THEN getting hit with the arun/maitre stuff and them the entirity of ep5 directly after? ive literally memorized the loumand argument from listening to it so many times Television of All Time fr. i love failmarriages that rot and decay and are inescapable and loumands whole thing felt so good and fresh and so so tasty. those bitches do not like each other. they dont even like each other and yet theyve stayed together for 77 yrs in a relationship built on abuse, spite, and 24/7 power exchange bdsm and thats CRAZY ! plus ive never seen toxic yaoi executed so well with two nonwhite, darkskinned characters and as a south asian that lowkey made me happy lol. anyway i love armand so much he sucks so bad but i do feel deeply seen and deeply compelled by his little gremlin ass

I miss Louis’ New Orleans era too. I get why Lestat fell in love with him, though, if I saw this beautiful creature pull a knife on his own brother in the middle of the street I’d stop at nothing to pursue him. It’s alluring. I think that’s the part of Louis Lestat has always loved and loathed most, his fierce independence and survivor’s instinct and capacity for violence. I say loathed because Lestat’s always torn between wanting Louis like that and wanting Louis to be his little housewife. He’s stupid like that.

I thought his stage direction was nice. Were his plays “good”? No. But were his notes well thought out? Yes. His notes for the trial were good. So it’s the playwright’s fault the scripts were bad, actually.

Re: his identity, I really think he’s doing fine. Not everyone needs a laundry list of hobbies and characteristics to “have an identity.” It’s true that Armand molds himself into whatever shape that’s required of him and sometimes he makes erroneous assumptions about it, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have an identity. I think Armand doesn’t perceive himself as having an identity, and it’s obvious that he structures his life around whatever role he’s occupying, and that it’s all very fragmented and difficult for him to see the continuity in it, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have an identity. His priorities and thought process are fairly obvious to the viewer, so that’s his identity. You can see the structure of his mind. That’s him. Right there. We don’t have to wait for the “real” Armand, he’s already here.

I don’t remember when I started loving him, but it was before the painting. Maybe the hunt, or when he starts participating in the interview. The painting did change something for me, though, and so did the bench scene. But I liked him from the start of season two, really, from the moment I found out he’d essentially been stalking Louis the whole time in Paris. I like him most when he’s got a little bit of edge, but then again, I love him when he lies. I actually have a shirt with their argument printed on it. It’s so fucking funny.

Well, I think there was love, at least before Armand strangled it to death. I don’t know if Louis ever loved Armand again, not after the trial, but I think Armand loved Louis, although not in a way that would really be comprehensible as love to anyone else. Maybe only the way you love something you own. But I think he at least enjoyed the performance of it. Besides, all the best relationships are 24/7 BDSM built on abuse and spite. You don’t agree? I think it’s very romantic.

Yeah, it’s the first time I’ve seen something like that too. And it was the greatest thing ever and I’m really glad we got a South Asian lead, even if I’m unsatisfied with AMC’s promotional strategy. One million seasons of Armand and one million posters of his face splashed across all major cities around the world, please. He’s perfect! More people should see him. More people should be subjected to him.

[vespertin-y]

so hey, *sits down politely in Listening Mode™* what do you think about akasaiou? :} (feel free to go off. going off is encouraged!!) /genuine

DEEP INHALE

IMMEDIATELY FORGETS EVERYTHING I'VE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT AKASAIOU DESPITE THEM OCCUPYING ALL MY BRAIN SPACE FOR MULTIPLE YEARS AT THIS POINT

TAKES SEVERAL DAYS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION (SORRY) BECAUSE WORDS HARD EDITING EVEN HARDER

ough. um. well first of all there's LOTS of tasty hand symbolism and i go bananas for that. with saiou it's pretty explicit (i reach out, but he doesn't take my hand and the bandaging scene in the FTEs, he can't lie about the warmth of his hand in salmon mode, to a lesser extent shuuichi's accusatory finger point but ESPECIALLY in the fourth trial) for saimatsu it's a bit more subtle (kaede reaching out to pull shuuichi up when he falls out of the locker, shuuichi taking her hands over the desk to comfort her even though his own are shaking, a lingering shot of their hands desperately reaching out for eachother that they CUT from the execution and i will NEVER NOT BE MAD ABOUT-) and for oumatsu it's almost entirely in my head (them playing tag COUNTS, it DOES-). it's good food basically.

(small side tangent about that last bit - i want to focus mostly on them as a trio here, but i feel like i need to play a bit of defense for oumatsu because GOOD GOD are people nasty about it in a way they aren't about saiouma or saimatsu. no, kaede does not dislike kokichi - she calls him "hard to hate" more than once. no, kokichi is not "too mean" by pointing out her failings in the tunnel (and yes, he's allowed to be snappish when he's exhausted and injured!). kaede and kokichi are a wonderful duo who both give the other much needed pushback on the faults in their personal ideologies, and they do that while knowing when to stop and just goof off together. half the people who say their dynamic is irredeemably unhealthy are stealing that dynamic and plastering it onto kaito/kokichi because they hate ships with women in them. this has been Soapbox Time With Vesper).

i think the main reason i started shipping them - beyond all three of them just having fun/cute/silly dynamics with the other two sdhnjhsf - is that they are, to me, the core of v3. i've talked about it before (1 2) , but kaede's death is EVERYTHING to kokichi and shuuichi's parallel character arcs.

kokichi is bright, extroverted, and has a hand leading the group (challenging kaede in the tunnel, establishing the first breakfast meeting, leading the charge in convincing the others monokuma is dead even when he doesn't truly believe it) but he's never the same after kaede dies; he believes *any* kind of open cooperation will get him targeted by monokuma and killed. he resorts to manipulations on top of schemes on top of plans in a desperate attempt to never end up like her.

shuuichi is withdrawn, suspicious, and really only cooperates with one person (he suspects rantarou to the point of taking kaede aside and warning her not to ask him any more questions about his talent, he makes his own plot to catch the ringleader with no intentions of sharing it with the group) but once kaede passes on her wish he forces himself to socialize and to trust in a way he never would've before, and by ch4 *he's* basically the group's de-facto leader. if v3 had a movie poster kaede would be big and faded from the back and saiou would be back-to-back in the center with everyone else lining the corners. does that make any sense?? idk.

ough what else...i think the flaws/weaknesses in each pair are helped by their third member (kokichi has ZERO tolerance for shuuichi or anyone else putting kaede on a pedestal, shuuichi is a calming presence to balance out the oumatsu shenaniganery, kaede will simply knock the boys' heads together if they attempt Miscommunication™). i think they should all bond postgame (what if we didn't directly kill anybody but we still had blood on our hands...and then we held them!!). i think they should have one of those bunk beds with a twin on top and a queen on bottom, so saimatsu can spoon and kokichi can cackle manically from his nest of pokemon plushies. i think they should go on a boba date and shuuichi should have to pull out all his acting chops to pretend he doesn't hate the texture. i think that i love them a lot :]

[unohanadaydreams]

Since your asks are open, could I request a scenario of Gin teasing a subordinate who has a crush on him? Bonus points if they're trying to hide it.

I don't think Gin has it in him to do anything other than tease people.

Gin Ichimaru x Reader - Gin teasing you:

You don't know how he's so sensitive to your gaze. But he is. He unravels the intention behind your furtive glances and wistful sighs as if he's been watching you right back.

The teasing would be less mortifying if you at least knew what gave you away. When did you look to long or too close or too fondly?

He doesn't tell.

Instead, he toys.

Schooling your external reactions has been a trial. You're not especially skilled at it. Somehow, Gin always knows how to press just so, until you're cracking and spilling.

A bony finger taps under your chin just as you're about to bite into a steamed bun. The fluffy exterior makes you want to clamp down and tear it in satisfying halves--to see the steam and red bean paste reveal themselves.

His touch makes you tear the bun in shocked reflex, entirely uneven. Bean paste slops onto the packed dirt at your feet with a 'plop'.

"How'd ya know I needed lunch? Watchin' me that close?"

You try to hide your beating heart and flickering reiatsu by funneling a visible beam of disappointment at the lost dollop of bean paste.

"Good afternoon, Captain" you say, looking anywhere but his sharp face. "I had no idea you hadn't eaten yet."

A lie. You knew he never ate lunch before afternoon meetings. He always waited until his hunger affected his mood and put everyone on edge. Well, more on edge than usual around him.

"But ya tore it in perfect halves the moment ya saw me," Gin says, crouching so his face blocks the fallen comrade bean paste.

You back away, rattled by the position, and shove the larger half of steamed bun into one of his waiting hands.

"Here, then," you mumble. "Since you haven't eaten."

He takes the smaller half as well, taking a bite before switching to the larger and biting from that as well.

Before you can react and then try to conceal your reaction and then fail at concealing your reaction so you panic and try to act like you were doing something sensible like leave, Gin hands back the smaller portion.

"Ya wanna steal some of mine," he says around a mouthful of bun. "I won't stop ya."

The lie is presented boldly, as always.

You stuff your own mouth before you can do something undignified like squeak or shriek or whisper his name with entirely too much meaning behind it. And you definitely don't reach for the larger half.

"Thank you for sharing this meal, Captain." Your meal. But you can’t manage any anger. Just a prickling fluster spanning your stomach and lower back.

He snatches the smaller half again and takes another bite, his thin lips meeting over the dull orange bun. Autumn squash, you’re beloved.

You take it back when he offers it back with a wave, but hesitate to eat the rest of it, not trusting yourself to open your mouth still.

He taps his lips when he finishes chewing, "thanks for the indirect kiss too. Very tasty."

"C-captain! That's too much," you say in between indignant stuttering, "You and me? K-kiss?"

"Aww, don't get greedy now. Let's do that next time, yeah?"

An overwhelming air of relief and disappointment permeated as he turned and left you to unravel alone.

You squat and joined your fallen bean paste on the ground. It was horrible. But your smile grew fast as you finished the bun, hoping Gin would come tease you again soon.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1042: Another Round, Santa Baby?~ (Sonic X Crash)

10:54 p.m. at the Crocodile's Residence's Living Room........

Vanilla: (Watches the Kids Sleeping Together on the Living Room Sofa With a Bright Smile on her Face) Awww~ Look at how cute our babies are bundled up together, Vector-Kins~

Vector: (Chuckles Lightly With his Arms Crossed Together) I know, right? Our kids are pretty cute as hell if I do say so myself. And look at this.

Vector points at Tails and Coco sleeping woth one another with the later covered up nicely around her fox friend's two, fluffy tails.

Vanilla: (Starts Gushing Some More at the Two Sleeping Duo) My goodness~ Those two look so precious cuddling up with one another~ (Turns to Vector) Do you think they'll make a cute couple one of these days?

Vector: (Shrugs) I think so. Those two kept saying they're only just friends, but give 'em a few more years. (Smirks Teasingly) They'll be all lovey dovey with one another in no time.

Vanilla: (Giggles Softly) Right. But now with that out of the way....(Sticks her Hand Out to Vector) Shall we complete our Christmas shopping for the year, my dear husband?~

Vector: (Place his Hand on Top of his Wife's) Let's.

Few Minutes Later at the Time Square's Grand Market, Hats' Section......

Vector: (Examines a Backless, Burnt Like Hat Resembling That to Jotaro Kujo's) I don't get it. Like, how the heck did that Jotaro guy was able go on his weird, bizarre adventures wearing this messed-up looking thing on his head all day?

Vanilla: (Walks Towards her Husband While Pushing a Buggy With Five Boxes of Candy Inside) Maybe he put something on his hair that helps it stick together?

Vector: Maybe. Cheese been a fan of the guy for longest now, so he might know the real answer better than any of us.

Vanilla: Ooh! Which reminds me. Vector, we need to find a pair fighting gloves for Cheese to wear.

Vector: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) Fighting gloves? Honey, have you seen all the times that Chao beaten all of Eggman's robots at ease? And at approximately fifteen seconds nonetheless!

Vanilla: ('Sigh') Yes, yes, I'm aware of the impressive feats. I just don't want our baby boy to start getting his hands broken. Or....rather his arms. I think?

Vector: (Shrugs) Eh. Fair. Here's hoping we can find his size.

Few Minutes Later at the Electronics Section.......

Vanilla: (Picks a DVD Up From the One of the Shelves with a Little, Cartoonish Looking Bee Grinning on the Cover) So this the Bee Movie Charmy wants for Christmas this year?

Vector: ('Sigh') Yeeup. The boys and I saw on the big screen a long while back and the kid is only one in the entire audience who actually likes it surprise- surprise.

Vanilla: Was it really that bad?

Vector: It was more weird if anything. The bee factory, bee military, the honey trial that happened at one point down the line, there's even this whole subplot of a woman having a romantic relationship with that bee on the cover who, mind you, is hell of a lot smaller than Charmy is in their universe.

Vanilla: I...see. (Smiles Sheepishly) Well, I guess our opinions doesn't really matter all that much iif he still likes the movie himself, right?

Vector: ('Sigh') Yeah, I guess so. Still weird.

Few Minutes Later at the Books Section..........

Vector: (Takes a Look at a Book that Reads "Ninja Powers For Dumbies" on the Front Cover) Huh. They actually made a about ninjas. Doubt any of this is accurate, buuut I'm sure Espio would find some use out of it. (Turns to Vanilla Behind Him) Got any more books to give him, dear?

Vanilla: (Pulls Up One of the Books He Has in her Hand) Just a few cookbooks and ingredients he'll might be interested in.

Vector: (Walks Over and Reads the Title of the Book Vanilla's Holding Up in Particular) "The Essence of Ramen Dishes"?

Vanilla: He's been taking a lot interest in making us ramen lately that I figured I would give him a book on how make different varieties of them.

Vector: His ramens are pretty tasty.....You think he'll might make a restaurant business out of this one of these days?

Vanilla: (Smiles Softly) I can see that as a possible future for him, so long as he's safe and happy.

Vector: Amen to that. (Gently Pulls Vanilla into a One Arm Hug) You're a good mom, you know that?

Vanilla: (Heart Begins to Melt as She Happily Hugs Vector Back) And you're a wonderful daddy~(Gives Vector a Loving Kiss on the Lips Before Raising an Eyebrow at Him) But do you mind telling me how we have bunch of dessert related coombooks in our buggy right now?

Vector: Uhhh...... (Shrugs With a Sheepish Smile Crept Up on his Face) Cause....I love you?

Vanilla: (Giggles Softly Before Hugging her Husband Again) Love you too, you silly crocodile~ Now, how about we wrap this night up by getting our baby girl her best gift yet?

Vector: Yeah, it that cute looking pony bike she's been asking for, right? We can get that for her no problem.

Few Minutes Later at the Bicycle Section......

The crowd of adults begins to fist fight one another for the pony like bike as Vector and Vanilla watches the action unfolds in the mid distance.

Vector: ('Sigh') Never mind. Guess we're gonna have to deal with THIS crap now, unfortunately....

Vanilla: (Frowns Deeply at the Scene) Why couldn't they just talk it out instead of pointlessly hurting each other?

?????: Because that would assume that they would have common sense.

The couple to see the evil scientist, Dr Eggman, standing right next to them.

Eggman: Which they clearly don't. (Takes a Loud Sip of his Drink)

Vector: Eggman, what are you doing here?

Eggman: Christmas shopping obviously. I got almost everything on the list. The only thing I need to do now is to find something that would peek interest to my little girl back home.

Vanilla: (Eyes Widened in Surprise and a Bit of Disbelief) I'm sorry. But....are you implying that you have a-

Vector: (Eyes Widened in Complete Disbelief) DAUGHTER!?

Eggman: (Smiles Brightly) That's right. (Shows the Couple a Photo of His Daughter Smiling Sitting Next to her Father and Robot Brotherings While Wearing a Black Vest) Her name is Sage Ivo Robotnik. A power A.I. I created a while back whom I've now treated as one of my own ever since.

Vanilla: ('Gasps') Oh my gosh, Vector, she looks so cute and squish~

Vector: Yeah. She....actually looks good in this photo, doc. In fact, the entire family portrait as a whole looks nice.

Eggman: Why, thank you! I cannot tell you how long it took me find a decent photographer take our pictures. (Rolls his Eyes) And don't even get me started on the payment fees.....It was a nightmare to pay! ('Sigh') But I suppose all of that doesn't so long as my little angel is satisfied.

Vanilla: (Clasps her Hands Together While Gushing Over the Doctor's Words) Awww~

Vector: (Almost at a Loss For Words) Wow. You're.....really taking the whole parent role this seriously, aren't you?

Eggman: Of course I'm taking it seriously. I mean, yeah, it's a challenge, a very exhausting one at that.....(Takes a Deep Breath While Speaking) But it's fine. I knew what I was getting myself into the moment I made Sage from scratch and I intend keep moving with this responsibility going forward. Ooh but speaking of which, would it be fine with you two if we set up a play date for the kids in the near future? The last thing I want is for my girl be coped up in a laboratory all day.....

Vanilla: (Turns to Vector For a Brief Second Before Turning Back to the Doctor with a Simple, Happy Nod) It would be an honor, Doctor. We could start the play date on the first week of the new year if you like. There's just one, teensy favor I need from you first.

Eggman: (Smiles Brightly) Spendid! A-And sure! What sort of favor you two need at the moment.

Vanilla: (Places her Hand onto Eggman's Shoulder) Oh it's nothing too grand~ Just wanted to let you know that- (Suddenly Gives Eggman a Dark, Menacing Glare as She Starts Squeezes his Shoulder Tightly With her Nails) If you ever try to kidnap me and/or bring harm to my family again, I'll find and I will beat and burn you and your entire legacy down to the ground in body bags, got it?

Vector: (Crosses his Arms at a Very Terrified Doctor) Better take her words to heart, doc. Saw her got provoked once. (Shakes his Head a Bot Slowly) Not a pretty good sight.

Eggman: (Starts Sweating Bullets as He Begins to Let Out a Gulp) Y-Yes. Dully noted, 100%!

Vanilla: (Immediately Went Back to Smiling at the Doctor) Wonderful!~ (Lets Go of Eggman's Shoulder Before Sweeping the Dust Off of Him With her Hand) I'm so glad we came to an agreement.

Eggman: Yes. (Chuckles Awkwardly and Nervously) Me too. And don't worry about Sage. She's a very kind young lady for the most part, so I'm sure the your offsprings will take a liking to her instantly. (Turns Back to the Brawling Crowd) As for the crowd in front of us.....

Eggman pulls out a highly tech mini blaster from his buggy and freeze the crowd in each of their place. Leaving the bicycle itself unharmed.

Vanilla: (Gasps at What She Just Witnessed)

Eggman: (Whirls the Blaster Up and Back Down to the Buggy With a Satisfied Smile on his Face) There. Problem solved.

Vanilla: (Immediately Turns Back to Eggman With a Glare on her Face) Doctor Robotnik Eggman! You didn't have to freeze them solid like that!!

Eggman: On the contrary, Mrs. Crocodile, I did. They were getting too crowded and noisy for my liking.

Vector: Yeah and besides....(Picks the Bicycle Up and Carries It With Him) At least we don't have to worry about fighting tooth and nail to get our baby carrot's gift.

Vanilla: ('Sighs in Defeat') That's true. And this is the final gift on the list, so....(Reluctantly Shrugs) Mission accomplished I suppose....(Turns to the Frozen Crowd) They won't be frozen forever, will they?

Eggman: (Flail his Arm Down) Oh relax, will you? (Starts Walking Away With the Married Couple Following Pursuit) They won't stay like that forever. Give it a few minutes or so and they'll be unthaw in no time. Probably. I haven't used this blaster for the longest time now, so i don't have slightest clue how long the freezing process will take.

Vector: Ah geez...

Moments Later at the Market's Parking Lot.......

Vector: (Let's Out a Sigh as He Gets Into the Family Van Along with Vanilla) Finally. We're done shopping for the year.

Vanilla: And we didn't have to spend anything too expensive this time around. Thank goodness for that.....

Vector: Tell me about it. (Places his Hand on his Forehead) I still can't get over the fact that Eggman of all people, is being a parent. And a fairly decent one at that......

Vanilla: (Smiles Sheepishly) I'd be lying if I say that didn't took me out of the loop for a second there. But I'm sure there isn't for us to worry about so long as he treats her well.

Vector: ('Sigh') Yeah, you're right about that. I still got my eye on him though.

Vanilla: (Giggles a Little) Of course you do, dear. ('Sigh') But alas, Christmas morning is upon us. And I suppose that means you're going to play the role as Santa again, aren't you?

Vector: Yeah, but.....(Turns to Vanilla With a Smirk on his Face) Not without help.

Vanilla: Not without hel- (Immediately Gasps Loudly by that Statement) Wait. Y-You don't mean-

Vector: I got your costume up and ready for you in my detective office. So with that in mind....(Gently Picks Vanilla's Hand Up in a Propsal like Fashion) Would you do me the honors of being my Mrs. Claus-

Vanilla: YES!~ (Immediately Pulls Vector into a Tight, Loving Hug)

Vector: ( Chuckles Lightly While in her Wife's Embrace) Sheesh, Vanilly!~ I know you wanted to play the role, but I didn't think you be that excited for it.

Vanilla: I couldn't help it~ Her sweet, mother hen characteristics were practically made for me. Granted, I.....am not really sure what her usual lines are...(Quickly Puts On a Determined Look on her Face) But I'll do my very best to do her proud!

Vector: (Smiles Sheepishly) That's good and all, but try not to stress over it too much, alright? You'll do just fine.

The Next Morning......

'Door Opens'

Santa (Vector): (Walks in the Living Room Carrying a Large, Red Sack) HO! HO! HO! HO!

Kids/Cheese: SANTA!/CHAO CHAO!

Cream: (Eyes Begins to Sparkle at the Sight of the Man in Red) You're visiting us again, this year!?~

Santa: Better believe it, Little Cream! And joining me on this fine Christmas Morning is none other thaaaaan.....

Vanilla: (Happily Presents Herself in Front of the Doorway While Wearing a White Wig and Red and White Dress) Mrs. Claus!~

Cream: ('Gasps') Mrs. Claus is here too?~

Mrs. Claus: (Walks Into the Living Room) That's right, my sweet darling. I'm sorry I wasn't able to make it last year. I had to make sure the workshop is in good shape while Santa was away delivering presents.

Cream: There's no need for you to apologize for that, ma'am. (Walk Over and Gives "Mrs. Claus" a Loving Hug) We're just so happy to finally meet you in person.

The rest of the kids soundly agrees as they join in on the hug fest, making the woman in red heart melt and tear up at how precious each of them are.

Mrs. Claus: Oh my sweet little angels.....(Happily Pulls The Gang into a Big Hug) I'm so happy to see you all too!!~

Santa: (Watches the Group in the a Bit of a Short Distance, Standing Next to Espio) ('Sigh') This is sweet. (Snickers a Bit) And ironic that I'm getting my thunder stole by my own wife of all people.

Espio: Considering her absent last year, It's only fair that she takes the limelight of attention for once, Mr. Claus. (Raises an Eyebrow) Or should I say Vector?

Vector: Already figured me out, huh?

Espio: I already knew it was you last year. I just choice not to say it outright.

Vector: (Ruffles the Top of Espio's Head) Appericate you for doing that. Which reminds me.....(Turns to Espio While Pointing at Him) I need a favor from you.

Espio: (Slowly Raises his Eyebrow at Vector Again in a More Suspicious Like Manner) ....What sort of favor exactly?

Vector: Well, I've been thinking, since I've managed to get your mother to play Mrs. Claus, we might be in need of an elf-

Espio: No.

Vector: Oh come on, man! I can't blow my cover by asking one of the kids to do it for us. You're the only person right for the job!

Espio: (Groans While Giving Vector an Unconvinced Look)

Vector: Please? You can be the silent, assassin bodyguard or whatever. You don't even have say or do anything if you don't want to. Promise.

Espio: (Stares at Vector a Few Seconds More Before Letting Out a Sigh of Defeat) I'll see what I can do.

Vector: (Smiles Brightly) Thanks man, you won't regret it. Ooh! And I also got a lot to tell you about Eggman too.

Espio: You do? What about him exactly?

Vector: Well...

Vector Starts whispering the details into the chameleon's ears until eventually.....

Espio: HE WHAT!!!?

@rechicken-and-waffles

@keyenuta

@cyber-wildcat

@caleb13frede

@albion-93

@bestpony666

@26shann

[blazingstaro]

DotS Update: March Edition!

Apologies for the lack of post activity lately! Came down sick with real bad allergies this past week (hay fever? Maybe a head cold? Not sure, can't afford to see a doctor), which followed a migraine that reeaaaally overstayed its welcome. Good news: no more light sensitivity, yay! Bad news: My head is more stuffed than a jalapeño popper, and just as deep-fried

I've had a post on DotS' Dark Meta Knight in drafts for a long while, so I've decided to post it for you all! Give you guys a little tasty something to chew on while I work on some more stuff! Not sure why I hadn't posted it sooner other than possibly just straight up forgetting XD Sorry about that!!

While I've been down from my sinuses going on strike, I continue to work on a lot of changes to my comic! I've been working on simplifying my style to ebb a little closer to how it was in the beginning, but more refined and streamlined. It'll still be real pretty (especially in important panels 👀), just easier for me to whip out. I realize I had burned myself out a year ago because I was putting too much detail into things that really didn't need it, and started falling back into my perfectionist habits.

Like hey, professional comics are stuffed with lazy and quick lines, and it still looks great, so why should I try to conform myself to printing out extremely high quality art every single page? I'm not trying to set a standard or prove anything, I'm just telling a story and sharing it omg

I started this comic for fun, and fun I shall have! It'll still look great for you guys, I won't be terribly lazy with it; I'll just have a more streamlined approach now, and will have predominantly cell shading rather than my signature soft-cell style ouo/

Behind the scenes, I've been playing around with some ideas revolving a certain character, and it's been giving me a lot of practice with comics, since it's been so long. Getting me back in the mind and grind of churning out page after page, sketch-wise, and helping me get back in touch with my root skills.

I'll be sure to share some examples here later, once I've done some full colored trials with this, see what you guys think!

I will probably no longer do colored text from here onward in my comic pages, mainly because it's a hassle to manage (it's pretty time consuming as well). However I'm pretty skilled at directing dialogue, so it should never be a question as to whom is speaking on any page. ouo7

On one final note, a certain official Kirby character has stolen my heart and wormed their way into among my top favorites, nevertheless stole a spot in my story AAAAAA (I understand the appeal now omg)

You guys might be able to guess, but I'll post a confession after this news blurb LOL

I can't stop drawing this funny lil' guy

This has consumed my life entirely and there's no signs of stopping

h e l p

[avocad1s]

Trial By Combat - 6

Requested By: No one. Original Work

CW: manipulation?

Summary: Arlecchino’s got a secret…

Note: You all asked and I will provide! Here’s part six <3 this chapter is a bit slow but I promise it’s leading up to something great!

Part One —>Part Seven

-

Fontaine, for the most part, had finally begun to go back to normal. Although no trials have been held since the Creators trial, many shops have reopened their doors to the public once more. It’s as if Fontainians want to disregard the event entirely, treating it as a work of fiction like the Prophecy. However, this doesn’t stop The Steambird from posting every single update regarding the Creator, nor does it stop every copy from selling out.

Despite the lack of trials, it hasn’t prevented the Chief Justice from sending criminals to the Fortress of Meropide, and only hours from now, Paimon and Aether would be a part of the group sent there. The two were the only customers dining at Cafe Lutece this afternoon, the owner seemed almost eager to provide the gluttonous amount of food the duo had ordered.

“Oh Paimon is feeling a bunch of nerves right now and it’s just making her more hungry.” She whines while rubbing her stomach. “I’m just hoping that the food in the Fortress is actually tasty.”

Aether lets out a soft chuckle, “it’s a prison Paimon. I doubt that the food will be any good”

Paimon pouts crossing her arms. “Hopefully will be rightfully compensated for our due diligence. Oh! Maybe even something from the Creator themselves!”

The traveler gives her a look, “you shouldn’t think like that Paimon, not when they are currently missing right now.”

The travel guide immediately covers her lips, muttering out a small apology.

“Speaking of the Creator,” Paimon says, “do you really think Childe might know something? I mean, we’ve heard how he’s talked about them before.”

It was true, during their time in Liyue when they had met Childe, he had expressed how heavily he revered the Creator. Not just him, all of the harbingers they’ve met have mentioned the Creator in a positive light. Aether even recalls when the Wanderer told him that the only thing all of the harbingers could agree on was their ultimate respect for them.

“Based off our interactions with the Fatui before, they might have some respect for Their Grace. But we still have no idea why they want the Gnosis, maybe it’s connected to the Creator.”

Paimon nods in agreement. “You’re right. If the gnosis are what connect the Archons to Celestia, then maybe the Creator has something similar?”

“Hopefully if the Fatui got their hands on Their Grace, they haven’t left Fontaine yet. We should still be able to rescue them.” Aether adds.

“Paimon hopes so too! Oh I can only imagine the type of horrors they could be putting them through!”

“Are you talking about Their Grace?!”

A familiar girl with a pink bob holding a camera in her head pops out of a bush quickly approaching the table. It was Charlotte, and she had a large smile on her face.

“Do you two have any nuggets of information about Their Grace? Oh please share it with me, I’ll make it worth your while!”

Paimon and Aether share a look before looking back at the journalist.

“We don’t have any new information on The Creator.” Paimon explained, “we didn’t even know they had returned until Monsieur Neuvillette told us.”

Charlotte makes a look of surprise, “wait seriously? It was such big news! I’m sure everyone in Teyvat wrote the piece I had written.”

Charlotte places her camera on the table taking a seat across from them. “I’m just hoping for Their Grace to have a speedy recovery. I would love to interview them if they let me, it just seems like all of the big names in Fontaine never have the time for an interview. Monsieur Neuvillette and the Duke of Meropide have been on the top of my list for ages now!”

“Oh right, you’re a journalist Charlotte! ” Paimon exclaimed, “do you have an information about the Duke?”

Charlotte ponders for a moment, “not really, just the same regurgitated information I get from people who leave the Fortress. Why do you ask?”

“We actually are going to the Fortress later today.” Aether answers.

Charlotte’s eyes get as big as saucers as she’s jumping in her seat. “You two are going to the Fortress?! Will you two please get some information about the Duke for me?

Noticing the restrained looks on their face, Charlotte quickly adds, “I’ll pay for your meal! Yeah…! Let’s make it a deal, you get information on the Duke for me and this meal of yours is on me!”

Paimon grins, “it’s a deal!”

Charlotte shares Paimon’s enthusiasm as she pulls out a small bag of mora ready to pay for the meal. At that moment, the owner returns with multiple plates and bowls filled with various amounts of entrees and desserts wheeling it to the table.

“H—how much did you order…?”

———

Many journalist stood outside of the Palais Mermonia demanding answers from their Archon who had entered the building earlier that morning. Luckily, gardes stood outside preventing anyone from entering.

Inside of the chief justice’s office was him, the God of Justice, and the Champion Duelist whose hair was damp with sea water.

“I checked the surrounding area,” Clorinde says, “there is no traces of Their Grace anywhere. The only logical conclusion is that the Fatui must’ve done something with them.”

Neuvillette nods. “Thank you for looking Clorinde, your help is appreciated.”

Clorinde nods, “it’s no trouble. We all want Their Grace to be found safe and sound.”

Furina had a worried look on her face as she paces back and forth in the office. “W—what are we supposed to do now? We looked all over Fontaine and they aren’t anywhere.”

“Lady Furina.”

Furina stops pacing, turning her gaze over to Neuvillette who looked calm considering the situation. “I think it’s time to meet with the Kanve, wouldn’t you agree?”

“T—that Knave?” Furina stammers, “ha, why would we meet with her? Don’t we have more important things to worry about?”

Neuvillette clears his throat, “until we find Their Grace, we must operate like normal. If the others find out that we lost Their Grace—“

Furina lets out a breath putting on a confident stance, “yes! Right of course!” She interrupts, “I was thinking the same thing… I will prepare for the two of us to discuss relations with her as soon as possible.”

“Who said that I would be joining you?”

Focalors lets out a short gasp as she quickly approaches his desk, her gloved hands balling into fists. “Y—you expect me to attend the meeting alone! No! You must go with me!”

Neuvillette closes his eyes as he shake her head, “I must focus all my attention on the Creator, we must locate them before the rest of Fontaine and Teyvat begin asking questions. As the Archon, this is something you should be able to handle. Correct?”

Furina tenses slightly but lets out a sigh. “But… wouldn’t attending the meeting be the best thing for Their Grace?”

Neuvillette furrows his brows, “What do you mean?”

Furina’s confident flair was back just as quickly as it dissipated, “Attending the meeting will give us the chance to indirectly interrogate the harbingers before she even knows that we suspect her.”

Noticing the look on the chief justice’s face, Furina lets out a boastful laugh. “Naturally I, the God of Justice, would be the first one to think of this! Worry not Neuvillette, I believe that after this meeting, the truth shall be revealed!”

Clorinde mutters how she needed a towel and Neuvillette lets out a sigh.

“Very well... I will participate in the meeting.”

In between Fontaine’s Lumidouce Harbor and Chenyu Vale, a large ship was anchored the familiar insignia imprinted in the sail. There was a plethora of Fatui agents stationed on the ship that it was overwhelming, it would be impossible to infiltrate the ship without being spotted.

Many of the agents weren’t even aware why there was such an urgency to return to the homeland. Curious glances and whispers spread throughout the ship like wildfire, wondering what could the Knave possibly be doing in the lower deck that no one else was allowed to enter unless they brought news from Fontaine. All of them knew better than to question their harbinger, but she hadn’t been seen since the night before.

“Your Grace.”

Arlecchino’s soft voice cuts through your thoughts. Fontaine was in danger and you were the only one who could help, at least that’s what she believed. It was only a matter of time before the nation was completely wiped off the map, Lady Furina has done nothing but bury her head in the sand.

You glance at her face, despite her sharp features she still had a soft yet powerful air around her. Maybe that’s why the children from the House of the Hearth trust her so much.

“Are you hungry? I have chefs on board, they can prepare anything you desire.” Her hand rested on top of yours, her long nails rubbing against your knuckles in a comforting way.

You were famished. You knew she was capable of, but she was making you feel so welcomed. It felt as if you could trust her, tell her anything and she would understand.

You nod slowly and she smiles.

“I’ll be right back.”

She stands up from her spot next to you leaving the room. Her luscious black and white hair that was pulled into a low ponytail flowed behind her. Arlecchino returned quickly letting out a soft sigh.

“They are preparing a Snezhnayian specialty, the food is quite delicious. I hope it’s to your liking” She commented placing her hand right back on top of yours.

“We will be heading towards Snezhnaya at sunset.” She says. “Although leaving Fontaine wasn’t originally apart of my plan, but considering the circumstances, changes had to be made.”

You furrow your brows. “The circumstances?”

Arlecchino nods. “Your power…or rather, lack there of.”

“I have a colleague, I do not trust nor like him very much but I cannot deny his intelligence, I believe he may be able to figure out the answer… or even Her Majesty may know.”

So there was a colleague within the Fatui who had extreme intelligence that might be able to help you. Maybe he would even know why you were healing so quickly? Or does that tie into your “godly” abilities too?

“Is that why we are leaving so quickly? Because of my supposed amnesia?” You ask.

The Knave shakes her head, “not necessarily. It’s mainly for your safety, you don’t wish to stay in a nation that tried to kill you, right Your Grace?”

You were forced into a corner with that question. Wanting to stay in a nation that almost killed you was bad, but wanting to go to a nation that had the capability to kidnap you wasn’t any better. Yet you had to pick your poison, and in that moment you decided—

“Right.” You reply. “Leaving Fontaine is the smartest option.”

“I knew that you would see it my way,” she praises, “I only want what’s best for you and all of Teyvat.” She gives your hand a squeeze a small smile spreading on her red lips.

A small knock on the door interrupts the moment, Arlecchino looks at the door her gaze becoming icy. “You may enter.”

The door opens and a young lady whose face is obscured by a mask enters and she immediately kneels.

“Y—your Grace… Lady Harbinger.” Her voice was almost breathless, her gaze transfixed on you. “I have news from Fontaine.”

Arlecchino lets out a sigh crossing her legs. “News? What is it?”

“Focalors has agreed to have a political meeting with you. The chief justice Neuvillette will also be attending.”

The Knave doesn’t even try to hide the smirk that spreads on her face, “Very well then. Was there a time mentioned for this meeting?”

“In the next few hours Lady Harbinger. We’ve already got a boat ready to return back to Fontaine’s harbor.”

Arlecchino stands, her gaze becomes soft once more when she looks back at you. “Your Grace, I will return as soon as I can. If you have any needs anyone on the ship will be more than happy to serve you.”

She exchanges a few whispers with the agent before giving you one last smile leaving the bottom deck. The agent looks at you one last time before stuttering out.

“I—I’ll go get your meal immediately Your Grace!” She rushes out of the door leaving you alone once more.

The Fortress of Meropide was more grand than Aether had anticipated. Surrounded by Fontaine’s sea, there was no escape from this prison besides the path they embarked, which was at the rear of the Opera Epiclese.

After heaving their mugshots taken, Aether and Paimon are escorted onto a ship where they meet their tour guide, who is also just another prisoner within the Fortress. The entire tour he was standoffish and dry only giving the required amount of information. If the two asked for more information about credit coupons, secret rules, or about the Creator, he would say they’d have to pay for that.

The prisoner leads the two down the large hallway of the Fortress when multiple gardemeks came around the corner. The traveler immediately takes a stance ready for a fight when a voice eases his worries coming around the corner with the machinery.

“Welcome to the Fortress of Meropide,” the man greets. He had dark clothing and dark hair with a scar under his eye.

“Y—your Grace!” The tour guide quickly says, his standoffish nature immediately disappears. “Lovely weather we’re having!”

The man glances over at the tour guide, “Hm? Oh yes, I guess the weather is nice. If we could see it.”

The prisoner lets out an awkward laugh as the Duke looks back at Paimon and Aether. “I’m Wriothesley, but you can call me Your Grace.”

“You’re the Duke of Meropide?” Paimon asks in a shocked tone. Wriothesley nods.

“So, how was your tour?” He asks, “was everything up to standard?”

Aether glances as the tour guide for a moment before giving Wriothesley a firm nod. “Yep. No complaints here.”

“Wonderful.” Wriothesley smiles, “I think we should be able to reward you with more credit coupons then?”

“T—thank you Your Grace! Thank you!” The tour guide says. He then looks over at the traveler, “and thank you for such kind words! If you ever need anything! Anything at all! Please come find me!”

Once he rushes off, the Duke turns his attention back onto the newcomers.

“So, is it normal for you to greet all newbies in person like this?” Paimon asks.

Wriothesley lets out a soft laugh. “No it’s not. I just heard that you two were friends with Neuvillette so I figured I finish the tour myself.”

“Wait, how do you know that?” Aether questions.

“The Fortress might look like it’s cut off from the rest of the world but word still travels fast. Just like what happened to Their Eminence.”

Paimon glances at the traveler briefly. Wriothesley continues, “Many people in the Fortress were ready to leave just for a chance at seeing the Creator. But since they are still in the hospital recovering, I managed to keep them under control.”

“What else do you know about the Creator?” Aether asks.

“Nothing really.” He responds, “I haven’t had the time to leave the Fortress and go visit them myself. Unless you’re talking about the basic information, there’s books all around the Fortress that can tell you that.”

Wriothesley continues on with the tour, showing the where the so-called cafeteria was, the Pankration Ring, and where they would report to work everyday. He also mentions Sigewinne, the nurse who looks after anyone who gets hurt or sick.

Lastly, he shows them where they’ll be sleeping. As he explains the procedures for their room, Aether gazes falls onto someone walking nearby. An oddly familiar magician.

Lyney stops walking and looks back at him, but once Wriothesley notices, Lyney lets out a soft laugh doing a dramatic bow.

“Well hello there Your Grace! It’s lovely to see you out of your office!”

Wriothesley crosses his arms, “it’s good to see you too, but shouldn’t you be reporting to work?”

The magician gives him a cheeky smile as he stands back up, “of course! That’s where I was heading right now! But these two must be very important to get a personal tour from the Duke himself.”

Wriothesley says nothing in response but Lyney quickly excuses himself, his gaze falling onto Aether once more before walking out of sight.

“Come on,” Wriothesley says, “there’s one last stop I’d like to make.”

———

The three sit at one of the tables in the cafeteria, the chef bringing over three welfare meals. They remove the lids revealing the delectable meals inside causing Paimons mouth to water.

“Oh is this what the food is like in the Fortress?” She rubes her hands together, “Paimon could get used to this!”

“Actually, I managed to pull a few strings to get this meal, after today, you might not get another meal like this.”

The fairy didn’t seem to be paying attention as she keeps shoving more food into her mouth. The traveler rolls his eyes at his companion, looking back at the Duke.

“So you said there was books in the Fortress about the Creator?” Aether asks, his fork pushing around his meal mindlessly.

Wriothesley nods. “There are groups within the Fortress to make people feel more welcome or comfortable. There’s quite a few revolved around Their Eminence. Prayer groups, wanting a stronger relationship, or just normal worship in general, they’re actually pretty popular.”

Paimon swallows the food in her mouth, “How do you feel about them?”

Wriothesley ponders for a second, “I don’t know anyone who has a negative view on Their Eminence, including myself. I would be honored to go up to the surface soon and share a cup of tea with them.”

Aether didn’t say anything in response, but he had a feeling that Wriothesley knew more about the Creator than he let on. He did say word travels fast from the surface, is it possible he already knows the Creator is missing?

“Anyways,” Wriothesley says, “I have other things to attend to, enjoy your time in the Fortress and try not to cause any trouble.”

The Duke gives one last farewell, leaving the table without another word. Aether and Paimon continue eating their welfare meals preparing themselves to adjust to their new situation and figure what exactly Childe may know about the Creator.

———

“You were right.”

In a dark corner of the Fortress, the twins from the House of the Hearth spoke in quiet whispers.

“Paimon and the Traveler, I just saw them.” Lyney explained.

Lynette’s ear lay flat on her head, her tail swaying slightly. “Monsieur Neuvillette must’ve told them and they’re here to investigate.”

“We have to do what Father told us to do.“ Lyney adds, “although playing ignorant to figure what they know won’t hurt either.”

Lynette lets out a sigh. “…and what about Tartaglia?”

Lyney shrugs, “what about him? He’s not here. We have to focus on the Creator. Without Their Grace, the Fatui won’t be able to—“

“I know.” Lynette interrupts. “Let’s just focus on the traveler for now.

“I must say, the timing of this meeting seems almost convient…” Arlecchino narrows her gaze as she brings her teacup up to her lips.

“I’ll just cut straight to the chase. I’m here about my colleague, Childe and of course, Their Grace.”

The table inside of Neuvillette’s office was covered in sweets from Snezhnaya, something the Kanve brought to ease the tensions within the meeting. Yet, it doesn’t seem to be working.

“Childe was declared innocent by you, the Iudex, yet was still given a guilty verdict by the Oratrice…” Arlecchino explains, “and only days after that, you declare that Their Grace is an imposter and almost kill them.”

Furina shifts uncomfortably in her seat, “Y-yes… we are aware of our… transgressions. The Creator is being well looked after and is healing quite quickly.”

Arlecchino perks up, “Oh? They are? So is it possible for me to see them for myself?”

“That won’t be possible at the moment, I apologize.” Neuvillette quickly adds in.

Arlecchino brings a forkful of cake up to her mouth as she lets out a scoff. “An outright refusal? I must say, I am surprised…”

Neuvillette crosses his arms, “this meeting wasn’t called to talk about Their Grace, but rather Mr. Tartaglia, correct?”

“That is correct. Then am I able to enter the Fortress to check on the wellbeing of my colleague?”

“That also won’t be possible.”

Arlecchino sighs, “so I cannot see Their Grace and I cannot see Childe. What exactly will this meeting accomplish?”

“We already have a course of action for Their Grace.” Focalors adds, “but we cannot share it with you or any other nations for now. This meeting was just a… common courtesy”

“And as for Mr. Tartaglia I am investigating matter.” The chief justice adds.

“A common courtesy?” The Knave questions, “everyone in Teyvat is wondering just what exactly will Fontaine do after committing the biggest sin known to man… and all you can say is that it’s confidential? Not to mention the prophecy you refuse to address.”

Furina shoves another bite of cake into her mouth, scooting her chair closer to Neuvillette.

“As long as Their Grace is in our nation, they are under our jurisdiction.” Neuvillette explains.

Arlecchino clicks her tongue. “A disappointing outcome indeed… but I cannot say I am shocked.”

Arlecchino finished her tea, “the Fatui is willing to extend our help if you need it. You all seem to have a lot on your plate at the moment. Maybe it’s best to pass some of the responsibility onto someone else?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Neuvillette states.

The Knave stands from her seat, brushing her bangs out of the way, revealing her red X eyes. “I think it’s safe to say this meeting is concluded, I have to return back to Snezhnaya immediately.”

Furina raises a brow, “returing so soon? W—why such a rush to leave?”

It falls silent in the room for a few seconds.

“Her Majesty cares very dearly about the Creator, I am expected to report any and all news directly to her.” Arlecchino explains, her back facing the two.

“Snezhnaya as a whole cares deeply about Their Grace, and once they heal completely we will welcome them with open arms… not a trial.”

Focalors looks down at her lap as Arlecchino leaves the office returning to her ship anchored near the border of Fontaine and Liyue. A sinister smile spread on her lips while Neuvillette and Furina sit in the office in silence, a sour taste lingering in their mouth even with the baked goods in front of them.

-

© avocad1s 2024

Note: Good luck to all my Arlecchino wanters! I got her and her sig weapon so I give all my luck to you <3

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I know it’s been a while so if you want to be removed let me know!!

[whoslaurapalmer]

still chewing on the star beast like the world's tastiest little gummy bear ⭐⭐⭐

-oh it was so much fun!!!!!! it was such a delight!!!!!!!! fun and exciting and dten's face doing Things. nice and tasty!!!!!! -rtd still does some of the most '?????????????????' plot resolution of all time but at least with him i go '.........alright sure fine, why the fuck not, i'll take it.' like, his season finales to me are always very 'i mean, i see where you're coming from, but, why........did you do that..........' -i'm glad i'm not the only person going ??? at the 'let it go' thing but. sure!!! okay!!!! -and even with that!!!! it was still a sweet resolution!!!!

-i mean it was pretty obvious there would be some resolution with donna being fine but i did actually feel real stakes there for a moment. real emotion. that was good -oh but the lingering metacrisis energy splitting into rose??? i dig it. i liked that a lot actually. better than the letting it go thing but. sure fine (-hold on. hold on i'm bringing this back. bc i think about this specific note i made about the end of time literally every fucking day the master: i made everyone into me! ten: yeah well i................oh, shit)

-god i have gotttttt to finish watching eleven and the rest!! how much can i power through in the next. week. or maybe i'll wait until after the specials are over...........

-i am so curious what fourteen has been up to.........bc he clearly hasn't JUST regenerated -i'm so excited to see more of fourteen!! if i had any complaints here it was that i thought it moved a little fast and i didn't feel like i got a really good sense of fourteen yet. also i literally saw one (1) episode of thirteen and it was her last one so i am unable to do my regular 'how the previous regeneration influences this one' shenanigans -although i did see an article title recently (i did not read it, my brain wandered away from it after i screenshot it) where rtd said fourteen will "be slightly more human than ten" and i was like, 'more human than ten?????? than my sad wet cat trashfire pile????? than the one who treated regeneration as actual legitimate death????????? the doctor that felt and hurt so deeply that it made eleven go 'the human experience is suffering :)' in his SECOND EPISODE??????? rtd don't tempt me. don't say this unless you mean it. and you follow through on it.' -hold on i should actually just read the damn article -it gave literally no other info about that. well. we'll just have to see, won't we -oh i have seen people say fourteen is kinder than ten and i will say. yes i do see it. and quieter, i think -but god just as silly as the doctor ever is. just WHIPS OUT THAT WIG AND STAGES A TRIAL IN A PARKING GARAGE

-shaun going 'so how do you know donna?' and fourteen going '........nerys' had me CACKLING -nerys!!!!!!!!!!!!! NERYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (shaun: oh, nerys!) (donna: oh n e r y s !!!!!!! 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️) (-godddd and the doctor has lived like. millennia since donna, right?? and never for one moment forgot anything about her!!! or anyone at all, ever!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭)

-donna missing the spaceship to stack the boxes. so fucking classic. i love that they continued that joke. and her just ranting the entire fucking time

-shirley anne is a delight and i want more of her toooooooo -i also love how she said "hey i get a bonus for meeting you :)" -the humor vs i do think unit should properly compensate their employees for the 50/50 fun adventure/RAMPANT DEATH possibility that comes with meeting the doctor

-'i love her. .......do i say that now?' -LITERALLY LOSING MY GODDAMN MIND -what a :) :( :) >:( :D :DDDD sort of moment. goodness. oh everything was such a treat. bunch of fun little callbacks........ -oh but that the doctor HAS grown where they can say that about their friends..................openly admit an emotion and how important someone was to him, without trying to.........talk around it, just legitimately saying the words straight out -ten WAS born out of love and i'll never stop saying it and loved so much and NEVER said it and fourteen is just like 'yep! sure thing :)' aaaa...........

-sylvia is still.......sylvia..........but her running herself in circles to try and protect donna at every single moment was actually. really touching?

-sylvia: isn't it hard (to not misgender your own granddaughter) donna: yeah :) so hard to not go WOW :) LOOK HOW FUCKING LUCKY I GOT :) WITH THIS PERFECT HUMAN BEING I BIRTHED :) ISN'T SHE JUST THE BEST :))))))))) RIGHT, MOM????????? :))))))))))))))))))

-donna noble says fuck, in my heart

-donna telling rose "i will burn down the world for you." 😭💖😭💖💖💖💖💖 -my whole entire goddamn heart!! -donna noble best parent best parent with her best daughter!!!!!!!!

-rose remembering all the villains and making them into plushies was so cute......!! -JUST BUYING A BAG OF EYES!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAA -sigh.......but keeping rose part-time lord would have been so fun........... -i hope we see more of rose!!!!!!!

-donna saying she shouldn't be upset bc she's got her family and what was it, FRANKLY THE BIGGEST SAUSAGE ROLL IN THE UNIVERSE -mmm........sausage...................

-donna: you should have friends this time!!!! fourteen: ...............................maybe me: :3c

-donna: who cares about me????? fourteen: i do!!!!!! me: 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 -aaaaa that donna gets to remember all the times she did beautiful wonderful things and helped people and built her confidence and she gets to be confident in herself and her abilities again!!!!!!! donna you are so important just bc you're YOU -"it seemed like the sort of thing he'd do." re: giving away the lottery money...........and it's the sort of thing YOU'D do, donna!!!

-oh but her shouting about the doctor being in her subconscious and still making her act like him was. oh i will be holding on to that one -i have GOT to stop calling doctor who tasty but it's literally every single time i make notes about doctor who that i start fucking calling things tasty again. it's just so!!!!!!! mmmmmmm. so many things to think

-"it killed me, it killed me, it killed me." how many timesssss can i just say 'my whole fucking heart though' -AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA -i'm just!!!!!!!!!! -the doctor and his best friend in the whole fucking world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-i want to see more of shaun!!! i hope we see more of shaun............ -love a good roll with the punches guy. never gets old.

-what a CHANGE to the tardis interior!!!! (/ten in day of the doctor saying 'i don't like it.' echoes.........) -it's just so BRIGHT............!! -oh but fourteen is so happy :') -just try and tell me that joy is not also dten's at getting to run around in the tardis again!!!!!!!!!!

-i'm gonna cry my eyes out when wilf shows up. i'm gonna cry the whole goddamn hour. i'm looking forward to it.

[thedisneychef]

Where Do Food Bloggers Get Their Recipes

Hey everyone, it's always been a mystery to me: where do food bloggers get their recipes? It seems like they can whip up delicious meals with the snap of their fingers! I decided to take some time and figure out exactly how they do it. In this article, we'll be exploring where food bloggers get their recipes from it's more complicated than you might think! So if you're curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the world of food blogging, keep reading. We'll look at different sources that food bloggers use for inspiration as well as other tips and tricks they have up their sleeves. Get ready to go deep into the realm of recipe-finding! Cookbooks I'm a huge fan of food blogging and often find myself inspired by the delicious recipes I come across. A big part of where these bloggers get their recipes is from cookbooks! Cookbooks provide an invaluable source of tried-and-true meal ideas that have been tested multiple times over to ensure they're both flavorful and reliable. Plus, many cookbooks offer helpful kitchen tips for everything from preparing ingredients to creating interesting flavor combinations. You can also use them for meal planning; there are lots of great books out there with weekly menus or special occasion dinners designed specifically for busy cooks who want to make something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. And if you've never cooked one of the dishes before it's easy to refer back to the book so you can follow along step-by-step until your dish turns out just like it should. With all these features, it's no wonder why cookbooks remain such an important source of recipe inspiration for food bloggers everywhere. Family Recipes I remember my grandparents telling me stories about their favorite recipes and the cultural influences that went into making them. From childhood memories of Sunday dinners to secret family ingredients, it's safe to say that no two families have exactly the same recipe collection. As I grew older, I sought out ways to create new dishes based on these familial traditions but with a modern twist. A great way for food bloggers to find fresh, exciting recipes is by exploring their own heritage or roots - what aspects of their culture come through in their cooking? What flavors can be combined together to make something unique? Looking back at ancestors' culinary secrets can inspire delicious meals and uncover hidden gems from generations past. After all, there are so many different cuisines around the world that offer endless possibilities! From traditional dishes passed down through the generations to global fusion flavors, food bloggers have an incredible opportunity to explore their personal history while creating entirely new dishes. By delving deep into familiar tastes and textures, they can bring a whole new level of enjoyment and experimentation to the table – literally! Professional Chefs I'm curious to learn more about how professional chefs develop and perfect their recipes. What techniques do they use to make sure their recipes turn out just right? I'm sure there's a lot of trial and error involved, but I'm sure there are ways professional chefs can refine their cooking techniques too. I'm sure food bloggers have picked up these tips and tricks too - I'm interested to know where food bloggers get their recipes from! Recipe Development As a professional chef, I know that developing recipes can be an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. Experimenting with techniques to create new dishes is one of the most important aspects of recipe development. From trying out different flavors from across cultures to experimenting with ingredients, chefs are always looking for ways to push culinary boundaries. Cross cultural influences have become increasingly popular in modern cuisine, allowing chefs to bring together classic dishes from around the world. The ability to combine traditional flavors into something entirely new is what makes cooking so exciting! With each new dish comes the potential for an amazing flavor combination – it's no wonder why professional chefs love creating delicious meals every day! At the end of the day, food bloggers may get their inspiration from us professionals but they must put a unique spin on things if they want to truly stand out. Cooking Techniques Cooking techniques are an integral part of developing recipes as a professional chef. With dietary trends changing and global cuisines becoming more popular, it's important for chefs to stay on top of the latest cooking methods. I'm always looking into new ways to prepare food that will give dishes unique textures and flavors. For example, sous vide is a great method for creating tender proteins, while smoking can add incredible complexity to vegetables. Ultimately, my goal as a chef is to create amazing meals with unforgettable tastes - but it all starts with mastering the basics! It takes practice and experience to perfect these techniques, but when done right they can really elevate any dish. Online Resources I'm always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and I know I am not alone. Fortunately, there is no shortage of resources available to food bloggers when it comes to finding delicious meal ideas. From online recipe databases to apps that make grocery shopping easier, there are countless opportunities to discover something new and tantalizing every day. Meal planning has become so much simpler with all the tools at our disposal today. With a few clicks, we can search through hundreds of tried-and-true recipes from around the world – or even right in our own neighborhood! Whether you're looking for an old family favorite or want to branch out into international cuisines, chances are you'll find what you need online. Grocery shopping also gets a lot less stressful when you have access to list makers and store maps. These helpful programs allow us to shop smarter by comparing prices between stores and creating custom lists tailored specifically to our dietary needs. So if you're ever stuck in a rut with your cooking routine, don't worry – just hop onto the internet and let its endless possibilities inspire you! You never know where your next great culinary adventure might take you. Other Food Bloggers I'm sure you're wondering where food bloggers get their recipes from. After all, there are endless options out there for finding the perfect recipe to try! Well, it turns out that many food bloggers find inspiration in a variety of places. From researching current food trends and experimenting with ingredients, to collaborating with other bloggers and sharing recipes online - they've got plenty of ways to come up with delicious meals. Food blogging is more than just a hobby; it's a great way for people to express their creativity and share ideas about cuisine. Bloggers often research what dishes are currently trending and incorporate these into their recipes to create something new or appeal to certain audiences. They also experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques as part of the creative process. In addition, some food bloggers collaborate with one another by exchanging tips and tricks or even swapping original recipes. This can lead to amazing creations like fusion foods which combine traditional elements from various cultures around the world. By connecting with like-minded individuals on social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest, bloggers can form relationships and make connections within the industry while learning from each other’s experiences at the same time. Frequently Asked Questions How Can I Find Recipes For A Specific Dietary Restriction? If you're looking to find recipes that meet a specific dietary restriction, like plant-based diets or gluten free cooking, food bloggers are an excellent resource. Many of them focus specifically on these types of cooking, so they have a variety of delicious and nutritious options to choose from. You can easily search for blogs related to your dietary needs and find plenty of great recipe ideas. Plus, most food bloggers will include helpful tips and information about the ingredients used in their dishes – making it even easier for you to prepare meals at home! Are There Any Tools Or Resources To Help Me Improve My Recipe Development Skills? If you're looking to improve your recipe development skills, there are a few tools and resources at your disposal. You could start by testing out existing recipes - both yours and others' - so that you gain an understanding of the ingredients used and their effects on the final product. There are also websites dedicated to helping you find high-quality ingredients for any type of recipe, making sourcing easier than ever before. Additionally, many food bloggers have written books or ebooks full of tips and tricks they've learned throughout the years which can be invaluable in improving how you develop recipes. How Can I Make Sure My Recipes Are Original And Not Copied From Another Source? If you're a food blogger, coming up with original recipes can be tough. Aside from recipe research and testing, there are a few other things you can do to make sure your recipes aren't copied from another source. You should always credit sources if you use inspiration or ideas from books, websites or other blogs. Additionally, it's important to doublecheck that any unique ingredients listed in the recipe don’t appear elsewhere on the internet exactly as written – this could imply plagiarism. Finally, it never hurts to ask someone else to review your work before publishing it online! How Can I Monetize My Food Blog? If you have a passion for food and writing, monetizing your blog can be an exciting journey! Recipe testing and curation are key components to running a successful food blog. This means you'll need to invest the time in developing recipes that appeal to your target audience. You can then monetize your blog by utilizing affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling products like cookbooks and e-courses. Additionally, don't forget about other revenue streams like advertising, consulting services, and merchandise sales. With dedication and creativity, there's no doubt that you can make money off of your food blog. What Are The Best Ways To Promote My Food Blog? Promoting your food blog doesn't have to be difficult. Utilizing social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram is a great way to get the word out about your blog, while also targeting potential readers. Additionally, optimizing keywords on search engines like Google can help attract organic traffic to your site. With these simple strategies you can quickly reach more people with your creative recipes! Conclusion As a food blogger, I know it can be difficult to come up with creative and original recipes. But if you use the right resources and tools, you can easily find inspiration for your blog content. Additionally, learning how to monetize your blog will help ensure that all of your hard work pays off in the end. With patience and consistency, promoting your blog is also key to success as a food blogger. All these tips should help you get started on the path towards becoming an expert food blogger! Read the full article

[memzhay]

I believe Rhett now has a collection of enchanted items around the castle? And Link keeps stumbling upon them just trying to clean up. He lives in a castle right? He thought it be a good idea to enchant blankie but turned out it wasn't.

Greetings, you magical sweetie!

Hark, ye! There be 1200ish words magically hidden below. Dare ye venture into realms of magic and whimsy featuring @theredquilt? Click below and all shall be revealed.

Drunk Wizard Rhett does indeed live in a castle, though he has been thinking of doing some major renovations. He looked in on a universe recently where there was this delightful little cottage surrounded by flower gardens on the greenest of emerald green hills in the midst of lush farmland. So tranquil! So serene! He was betting Link would absolutely flip out if he came home from grocery shopping and their place was now the cutest most picturesque farm ever.

Conversely, he once saw a movie where someone had a high-tech base of operations inside the caldera of an active volcano. Now that was bad ass! Had panache in spades, but when he thought of the air-conditioning bills, he wasn’t sure it would be worth the hassle. You know home projects. Always so much more involved and expensive than planned, and the logistics of forming an active volcano via magic were… well, ambitious. Ambitious enough that Rhett decided, “You know what’s bad ass? Castles. Castles are bad ass!”

That blanket is actually very interesting. It is the only object in the entire castle that Rhett has no idea where it came from. I mean there are loads of things he doesn’t exactly remember acquiring, things from all kinds of universes, some enchanted some not. But the red quilt is different. It’s not that he doesn’t remember where he picked it up, It has just always been there. Rhett suspects it somehow predates him, but that doesn’t make any kind of sense.

He has considered trying all manner of enchantments on it. However, one must be cautious when bespelling an object that has already been bespelled or has a magic of its own. Especially if you don’t know exactly what that magic is. It’s like putting too many mixers in a Long Island Iced Tea. Next thing you know instead of a tasty beverage engineered to get you sloshed in a hurry, you now have a sloppy frat party accident that tastes like old Halloween candy and regret. He would never do that to his precious blankie!

One afternoon, Link was in the library playing Yahtzee with Tiki and Bav Neva. Well, they started out playing Yahtzee, but now they were really just shaking the dice around in Tiki, turning him upside down on the table, and seeing if Bav Neva could prophesy the results of the roll. She was extremely good at it, of course. One does not become Oracle of the Sacred Grove of Improbability for shits and giggles after all. They rolled again and again, and she never once started shouting about blood and fire. Probably because Tiki kept fawning over her in amazement anytime she guessed the dice correctly.

Rhett came up behind them and quickly bundled Link up in the red quilt, wrapping him up tightly and squeezing him in a ferocious bear hug from behind.

“Empty your mind and tell me what you feel!” Rhett commanded urgently.

Link giggled. “Um startled… Amused… Not gonna lie, a little turned on?” he confessed at the feeling of Rhett’s powerful arms squeezing him from outside his blanket cocoon. “Origins of your blanket bothering you again?”

“It does greatly vex me,” Rhett admitted. “It feels like something from that one universe, you know the one with the great hipster donut place, and that version of me that thinks he is so much more ‘real’ than the rest of us?”

“Oh yeah,” Link agreed. “You’re really funny in that universe.”

“Hmmph,” Rhett harumphed. “He thinks he is,” he muttered under his breath. He released Link and pulled the blanket from his body, slinging it over his shoulder. “In any case, Link, I require your assistance with some most urgent magical business.”

“Of course,” Link readily agreed. “Anything to help.”

“Excellent,” Rhett said pleased. “I have devised a series of magical trials so that we can determine once and for all what is so magical about my favorite blanket.”

“Well, that is certainly some urgent magical business,” Link said with a chuckle.

“Firstly,” Rhett carried on, “We will drape the blanket over the backs of some chairs from the dining hall and crawl underneath it, turning it into a secret magical fort. If the blanket thinks of us as secret confidants, it may reveal it’s mysteries unto us.”

“Next, should that prove unfruitful,” Rhett continued ambling over to the cauldron of enchanted ale, drawing a fresh goblet, and giving it a meditative slurp, “We shall take the blanket out onto the grounds of the castle, lay it upon the earth, and have a picnic on it. Perhaps the combination of the elements, the earth, the air, the sunshine, the merriment of revelry upon it, shall make it let it’s guard down enough that we might discover it’s secrets.”

“Finally, should it become absolutely necessary, we will lay it down flat upon the bed. We will both lay at the foot of the bed and roll ourselves up in the blanket. Rolling over and over each other in a maneuver that shall from now on be known as ‘wizard sushi’. I’ve given it a great deal of thought, and I firmly believe we should be naked for this stage of the trials,” he said seriously. “Except for my velvet slippers because I don’t like my feet to be cold,” he quickly amended.

“It only makes sense,” Link answered seductively. These magical trials were starting to sound like a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

“If the blanket does not become adequately disoriented by the repeated rolling about and reveal itself to us, we might have no choice but to have sexy times while so encased within it. It’s a bit of a Hail Mary at that point, but could work,” Rhett concluded.

“Worth a shot,” Link agreed. “It’s important to be thorough.”

“Then grab some pillows and let us away to the dining hall,” Rhett proclaimed, exiting the library with the red quilt draped majestically over his shoulder.

“Hey Link,” Tiki called. “Before you head off on your magical blanket mission, could you maybe put me and Bav Neva on that shelf in your room next to the window so we can watch the waves for a while? Maybe put down some of those nice cloth napkins so Bavs doesn’t get chilly?”

If it were possible for a prophesying skull chalice to smile demurely, she was managing it very nicely.

“Sure thing, Tiki,” Link agreed with a wink. Not dreaming of standing in the way of some drinkware romance.

[youarejesting]

Wash out.17

Banner: this banner is made by the lovely @purpleskies1999 Pairings: Dolphintrainer!Taehyung x SharkDiver!Jin,  Mer!Jimin x Reader, Scientist!Namjoon x MerKing!Jungkook, Mer!Yoongi x Mer!Hoseok. Words: 2.2k Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, little bit of Action, Slice of life, Enemies2Lovers, Friends2lovers, Social media au, Fake Texts, Fake Subs.

Summary: Taehyung and his best friend Y/N are Dolphin trainers at Wash Out; Marine Wildlife and Theme Park. When the nerdy marine biologist and resident veterinarian Doctor Kim Namjoon goes missing; the two friends form a ragtag team with Taehyung’s rival Seokjin and a…. Fish?

Taehyung thought this was the most stupid and wreckless thing you had ever done and he was an idiot to be apart of this. But that’s what friends are for, right?

Jin was in position in his car one stop away from the amusement park, which meant the two of you had to sneak a five foot seven mermaid out through the crowds. Without exposing his tail and then getting him onto the bus and then into Seokjin’s car. This was like some weird video game but there were no save points or second chances.

It took a few trial runs without Jimin before you came up with your plan. You both had a total of 42 min to cross an entire park, your route had to include ramps as you would be using the lost and found wheelchair. The stakes were high if this went wrong, the two of you and Jimin were going to be in deep trouble.

After Taehyung’s first show with the dolphins he came to the warehouse for ‘lunch’ where the two of you used the sling to get Jimin out of the tank. You were lowering him into the wheelchair while Taehyung guided him into the seat. 

Draping a blanket over his tail, you made sure it was fully covered completely around, not wanting anyone to catch sight of his fishy appendages. “How long till you dry out?” Taehyung asked bluntly pulling a shirt over Jimin’s head and a Hat with the amusement park name on the front. 

“Uh, about ten minutes.” he said,

“Alright let’s go, tell us if you feel uncomfortable at all Jimin.” You nodded at Taehyung who began pushing the wheelchair. 

You moved along the path, watching Jimin look around in a mix of alarm and excitement. He seemed to frown at the heat and brightness from the sun. 

“I’m getting kind of dry,” Jimin muttered shifting in his seat, Taehyung opened a water bottle and poured it down Jimin’s shirt. You were heading down the ramp getting close to one of the rides, the water splashing Jimin slightly. 

Turning the corner you stopped watching the leader of the management team walking towards the warehouse. 

He had a phone to his ear talking to someone in a business tone. Spotting the three of you and recognizing Jimin. “Oh I forgot my paperwork in the office, I will just grab it quickly before heading to the warehouse. I will send you the report on the merman when I see him.”

He nodded his head towards your odd throuple, taking a step back and turning around. He had helped you; he had wanted you to escape. 

Pushing forward you were stopped by a crowd of people, Jimin was getting uncomfortable again. The sun was his enemy. 

Pushing through the crowd you finally got through and we’re racing for the exit. Jimin squirmed again, why did it have to be so hot today?

Taehyung detoured to the left to the touch pools, grabbing Jimin's face and shoulders, dumping it in the water. Pulling him back out he looked shocked but at ease as the water dripped down to his dry tail. 

Looking up, Taehyung saw a horrified staff member. You pulled a starfish off of Jimin's face delicately with wet hands. Rubbing the back of his neck Taehyung laughed awkwardly, they probably thought he was harassing someone who was disabled. He dunked his head in the water as well so as to make it seem less awkward. 

“See you don’t need to go on rides to have fun, come on more to see,” he said. Flicking his wet hair back and wheeling the merman away quickly before they called security. 

You had purchased some more water bottles and dampened the blanket draped over Jimin's tail. The three of you moved out the entrance of the park and to the left towards the bus stops. Luckily the bus had just arrived helping Jimin on and relaxing. You were halfway there and in the cool of the bus out of the sun Jimin too relaxed, somewhat eyeing the world passing by. 

Getting off at the next stop, Taehyung rolled Jimin towards Seokjin’s parked car. Taehyung saw him leaning against his car looking kind of handsome in the afternoon sun. 

He hated to admit it but the two had grown close, somewhere along the way of helping Seokjin grieve Taehyung learnt things about him that opened his eyes. 

Seokjin wasn’t a bad guy, he was confident and funny and a bit of a goofball but he was also a kind and caring guy. Taehyung thought maybe if they met on better terms they might have been friends. 

“Finally,” Seokjin smiled at the three of them, making Taehyung smile back shyly. “Let’s get him home quickly,”

“Help me get him in the back,” Taehyung gestured to the back of the car. You ran around getting in the back, ready to help guide Jimin in when Taehyung and Seokjin lifted him into the vehicle.

Taehyung secured Jimin under the arms, letting Seokjin lift him from the waist, aiming the blanket wrapped tail in through the car door. Jimin was frowning, not exactly appreciating their lifting technique. Taehyung gave him an apologetic smile, “Sorry friend.”

Sliding in the front seat, Taehyung watched Seokjin pack the wheelchair into the boot of the car and take the driver's seat. “Do you mind if we get some drive thru on the way home?” Seokjin said, looking in the rear view mirror. 

“We gotta get him home before he dries up, we can order in,” Taehyung laughed but inside he was concerned with the mermans health.

“Sure, we can order in.” Seokjin sighed, “Jimin, my name is Seokjin. It’s nice to meet you.”

Taehyung was lost in thought watching him drive, he was concentrating on the road and it made him look mature to be so serious. It seemed strange to be in the same car as Seokjin; a month ago he would have threatened to jump out on the freeway, rather than spend even ten minutes in his rival's car.

Pulling into the driveway Jimin winced getting back into the wheelchair and they placed him in Seokjin’s bathtub which was filled with seawater, it had taken a ten litre container and multiple trips to drive enough seawater to fill the tub. The two lifted Jimin, lowering him into the bathtub where he sat relieved to be in water once more.

“Do you need anything?” Seokjin tried to be polite to his guest. Jimin again didn’t reply again, instead his arm stretched out, small hand reaching for Seokjin.

Seokjin held his hand out to shake Jimins but was pulled forward where the two shared a kiss. Taehyung immediately pulled Seokjin back, feeling his blood boiling, “Can you understand me now, Seokjin.” Jimin smiled

The anger which had flared up inside Taehyung died off with the realization that Jimin didn’t speak english and Seokjin wouldn’t understand him without sharing a kiss. Coughing awkwardly, Taehyung looked at the three in the room. “Who is hungry?”

“What do we feed Jimin? We didn't think this through,” You said immediately looking alarmed.

“Does he eat sashimi?” Seokjin asked Jimin

“Maybe I can go into work and sneak out some fish?” Taehyung said

“No, we can’t go back there, we can’t return home, we can’t see our family. We have to hide here with Jimin until we can get him to his home.” You argued walking out the bathroom. Jimin leant over the bathtub side trying to see where you were going. Cute, he must really like her.

Returning with arms full of menus, you sat on the floor beside Jimin and began looking through them, “What does everything want?”

They got fried chicken, bulk tuna and salmon sashimi, Kimchi Jjigae, Jjajangmyeon and tuna mayo rice balls. The selection was quite wide and you brought everything into the bathroom sitting and eating on the floor.

Jimin ate the sashimi but seemed really interested in the other foods, Taehyung offered him a tuna mayo and rice ball. Taking one Jimin sniffed it before he took a bite contemplating the texture and flavour before popping the rest in his mouth. 

“You should offer Jimin some fried chicken to try, as you are closer” Taehyung said with a sly smirk, you rolled your eyes taking a piece of chicken and holding it out to Jimin. He let you hold it while he leant over and took a small bite.

He chewed thinking about the crunch and the flavour before his smile grew he took another bite and another. “This is so tasty.”

“Would you like to try some more dishes?” You asked, smiling at Jimin ready to offer him more food. Taehyung and Seokjin shared a knowing glance but they didn’t say a word. “Okay this one just try a little cause it is a bit spicy which means your mouth will get really warm okay.”

Jimin had some soup and smiled, licking his plump lips a little confused, “My mouth is really warm and tingly.”

“That’s what we call spicy.” Seokjin said, “It is good but don’t have too much. It's your first time eating things that aren’t fish so it could make you sick of all these new foods, you can try some more another time.”

“Oh, I got this really hilarious picture today on our way out of the park,” You shouted brandishing your phone screen to all of them. “You should have seen Tae, he full on dunked Jimin head first in the touch pools and the staff were about to call security.”

That night the boys went for a shower Taehyung stepped out laughing, “Jimin told me this hilarious story about his friend falling off the back of a crab”

Seokjin smiled heading into the bathroom coming out with bright red ears, “I have never had someone sit there and watch me while I shower, but he did tell me about some kind of cool stuff about his home, he said the king wouldn’t hurt Namjoon.”

Taehyung watched you gather your things and walk to the bathroom, he ran up to the door pressing his ear against it, Seokjin beside him doing the same thing. The two stared at one another as they heard you speak. 

“Don’t um turn around, I am going to shower?” You had stuttered, obviously nervous. 

“I don’t understand, but I will do as you say” the two of you talking quietly. 

Tags: @backinblack1967​​  @miriamxsworld​​ @moccahobi​​ @simplymemyself​​ @a-gayish-unicorn​​​

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[lalainajanes]

17 + 43 for the prompts!! so happy to see that you're accepting prompts

Okay, these are from a list I reblogged awhile back thinking writing would be done (but then 2020 decided do continue to be 2020 - aka a series of awful awfulness). I’ve missed writing and I’m getting back into the habit so I decided to finish up a short-ish thing that was already in progress.

#17 was meeting at a party whilst drunk au and #43 was falling in love with their best friend’s partner au. But I didn’t get to drunk and I’m cheating a little bit with the definition of partner – my brain is an angst free zone these days!

That Perfect Stranger

As much as Caroline hates surprises, she does take a certain amount of joy in surprising other people. When she’d gotten an invite to Bonnie Bennett’s 50th birthday party, she’d immediately started investigating flights to New Orleans.

She hadn’t RSVP’d. Rude? Probably. Caroline had rationalized that, based on the invites (champagne cardstock embossed with a shimmer so subtle it had to be stupidly expensive), whoever was throwing the party wouldn’t skimp on food or drink, so an extra person wouldn’t be an issue.

It’s been about ten years since she’d last seen Bonnie, and she’s never visited Bon’s adopted home town.

Weaving her way through the thick crowds on the streets, carried along by the music and the energy, Caroline’s kicking herself for not making the trip sooner. She has a general idea of where she’s going, has the address memorized, but she’s content to take a meandering route.

That might be the slight buzz she already has going – either the drinks from the bars here are really heavy on the booze, or there’s something in them designed to affect vampires. She’s getting a few appreciative leers in her short metallic dress, but given the vast array of attire on display – from ratty jeans, to sparkly costumes, to the tiniest club skirts – she doesn’t feel out of place.

She might have to stay a few extra days and do some exploring.

Caroline’s not entirely sure how her oldest friend had ended up in New Orleans. They’d reconnected long after Bonnie had made the move. Bonnie’s never been one to brag though Caroline’s heard whispers from other acquaintances. Something about evil witches coming back from the dead, mortal danger, a showdown of supernatural species, then Bonnie showing up to kick ass and take names.

At the time, Caroline had still been committed to pretending to be human. She’d fled Mystic Falls when it became clear that far too many people wanted to kill her, had hitchhiked across a few states before her cash had run out in Chicago.

Luckily, she’d mastered compulsion easily. Chicago was home to all sorts of easy marks – business bros who genuinely thought hitting on a seventeen-year-old girl was a thing they should be doing. Typically, such a man’s only redeeming quality, which Caroline had been happy to take advantage of, was the lack of a limit to how much money he could withdraw from the ATM at once. It had taken a little trial and error, but she’d mastered feeding enough to sustain herself without leaving a pile of bodies behind.

She’d built up a nice little nest egg, had even gotten her first college degree. She’d optimistically sent her parent’s an invite to her graduation. Her mother hadn’t shown; her dad had. He’d just been armed with a stake and a jug of vervain.

After that, Caroline had given up on blending in.

She’d been flitting around the globe for about a decade when Bonnie had found Caroline on Instagram and sent a DM. At first, Caroline had been leery about another trap. Bonnie hadn’t been too thrilled to make Caroline a daylight ring, and she’d kept her old email address for years, hadn’t heard a peep from anyone she’d grown up with. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she’d replied.

Stilted text conversations got longer, more fluid. Eventually, they’d progressed to phone calls. Caroline had carefully planned their first meeting, in a city where she had connections and witches were thin on the ground.

They’d had some hard conversations on that trip. Ended up spending way too much time ugly crying indoors, considering they’d been in freaking Porto in June. They’ve made up for it in the years since.

Caroline sidesteps a pack of probable frat boys – cute, she notes idly, probably tasty – twists her head a bit to make eye contact (she’s not hungry now, but who knows how the night will go). She smiles, a little flirty, only to stop abruptly as the noise disappears as if someone had pressed the pause button.

She can still see the street behind her, jam-packed with people and lit up by streetlights and neon bar signs. In front of her, however, it’s quiet. Still. Caroline jumps when a throat clears, her head whipping around to see a man in a white tux who definitely hadn’t been there before. “What the crap?” she squeaks, fangs dropping.

His face remains smooth, not even a hint of shock or fear evident. He’s blandly handsome, nonthreatening, but she’s learned not to trust outer appearances. “Miss Caroline Forbes, correct? You’re here for Miss Bennett’s birthday?”

Warily, Caroline nods.

White tux smiles, friendly now, “Excellent; she’ll be pleased you’ve made it. Can I see you inside?”

His head tips, and Caroline almost jumps when a stone staircase freaking shimmers into view. White Tux pretends he hadn’t noticed her shock, jogging up the steps. He pulls a gleaming door open. It lacks a doorknob, is instead marked with half a shiny M (probably real gold, she decides).

He waits patiently while Caroline makes her way up the steps. She’s careful, given the fact that they’d appeared magically. Between her high heels and her short skirt, even her vampire reflexes won’t save her from humiliation should she take a fall. When she’s at the top, she peers inside curiously.

She hears music again, the clink of glasses. Laughter. “Do you need to see my invite?”

Caroline’s got it in her purse, but the man shakes his head. “Not necessary. You wouldn’t have seen me if you weren’t on the guest list. Welcome to The Abattoir. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”

“Thank you,” Caroline murmurs, biting back her questions about the impressive magic this place obviously holds. No need to seem like a total yokel if she’s wrong, and cloaking gigantic buildings in the middle of a busy city is in every witch’s bag of tricks.

The lights are low, and most flat surfaces are covered in candles, lending a warm glow that bounces off ornate framed paintings and crystal chandeliers. The click of her heels is lost under the sounds of the party, louder now that she’s crossed the threshold. She follows the noise easily, walks through a set of double doors into a packed ballroom.

Caroline lifts on her toes, scanning the room, notes the party spilling out the far side, where several sets of French doors open onto what looks like expansive grounds. “Well,” she mutters, snatching a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, “Bon, you’ve been keeping some secrets.”

“I have not,” Bonnie says, and Caroline whirls, narrowly managing to avoid tipping her glass.

“Bonnie!” she squeals, shifting forward and throwing an arm around Bon’s shoulders. “Great dress.” It’s teal and short, with dramatic sleeves and a deep neckline, just a tiny bit witchy.

“I’m so glad you came!” Bonnie says, returning the hug enthusiastically.

“I am too, actually. Why have I never come to New Orleans before?” She sways a little to the music, drains her champagne, smiling when Bonnie laughs, “Seriously, I had a better time on the walk here than I have in ages.”

“We do like to hear that,” a low voice replies, just behind Caroline. She startles, dropping her glass, though it’s neatly caught by long fingertips, just next to her bare thigh, before it hits the floor.

People have got to quit sneaking up on her.

A hand lands on her hip, nudging her away from a potential collision with a nearby couple, and Caroline whirls, ready to remind Mr. Sneaky Feet that it's rude to interrupt a conversation.

The words don’t come. Caroline hadn’t realized just how close he would be.

Or that he’d be really attractive.

Her eyes dart to the champagne glass clutched in his hand, to a bare wrist, then a crisp white sleeve that’s already rolled up. His tie is askew, and his eyes are downcast, in the middle of giving her person an equally thorough perusal.

She can’t even be mad about it.

His thumb toys with the sequins that cover her dress, flicking one absently back and forth. She opens her mouth, unsure of just what is going to come out. There’s a 50/50 chance it’s either snippy – because hello, personal space – or flirty because she’s got excellent eyesight and fully believes in shooting her shot.

Thankfully, Bonnie interrupts, tugging on Caroline’s arm until she has the personal space that she’d been slow to take back for herself. “Klaus, this is my very good friend Caroline.”

There’s a definite warning in her tone. Caroline glances at Bonnie’s face, finds her expression is pleasant enough, at least to a person unfamiliar with Bon’s moods. Caroline is, however, so she studies Klaus a little more carefully. She shifts, boxing him out, and waits until Bon meets her eyes. A quirk of an eyebrow, then a tilt of her head, and Bonnie gets the message. “No, ew.”

So he’s not an ex, or someone Bonnie’s interested in. Good news, Caroline thinks, because that would be awkward considering how much she hadn’t minded his hands on her.

However, Caroline can’t help but look at Bon like she’s nuts.

Bonnie sighs, “It’s a long story. Klaus and I are…” she trails off, like she’s struggling for words.

“Partners,” Klaus supplies, smoothly shifting so they’re a circle once more. Caroline’s pretty sure he’s unused to being ignored.

“Eh, more like coworkers.”

A flutter of Klaus’ fingers and a new tray of champagne appears. He waits for Caroline to select a flute before taking one for himself. Bonnie declines with a shake of her head. “I feel like there’s a story here,” Caroline says, nudging Bonnie not so subtly with her foot to let her know that she’s a little peeved she hadn’t heard it before.

“Klaus is the one who first… invited me to New Orleans.”

Caroline doesn’t miss the hesitance. She narrows her gaze, shifting her weight to widen the distance between her body and Klaus.’ A smirk tugs at his full lips, but he sips his champagne, doesn’t press forward again. “I’m sensing the word invite is doing a lot of work there.”

He grins at that. “Truth be told, it was more of a coercion. A bit of blackmail, a few threats. But it all worked out for the best.”

Dubious, Caroline looks to Bonnie, only to find grudging agreement. “I will never admit Klaus is right about anything. But New Orleans is home now.”

Klaus’s smile turns taunting, and he lifts his glass, tipping it in Bonnie’s direction. “You’re welcome.”

Bonnie’s lips press together and Caroline feels an odd crackle of energy but then two other men, one familiar, one not, are at Bonnie’s side. The man she doesn’t recognize is taller and cups the back of Bonnie’s neck, pulling her into a kiss that’s so not appropriate for company. Enzo’s mouth brushes the side of Bonnie’s neck and Caroline knows she’s gaping at the scene like an idiot. Bonnie melts into Enzo though, her hands tugging the other guy closer. When he pulls back he tosses Caroline a salute, before spinning Bonnie onto the dance floor. She just catches his words before they’re swallowed up by the crowd, “No aneurysms on your birthday; you can torture Klaus at family dinner on Sunday.”

Enzo’s towed along, managing a wink at Caroline, “Hello, Gorgeous. We’ll catch up later, yeah?”

“Enzo, what…”

But he’s gone and Caroline resists the urge to dive in after them and start asking questions. “When did that happen?!” she exclaims, forgetting she has an audience.

Klaus leans closer, “Kol and Bonnie have been off and on for decades. They’ve been consistently on since Enzo arrived… about two years ago now.”

“I cannot believe they didn’t tell me,” Caroline grumbles. Enzo she kind of understands, he’s not the best at texting or emailing, is forever losing his phone. Bonnie should know that getting into a polyamorous relationship is the kind of juicy dirt that needs to be shared, damn it.

Klaus lifts a shoulder, “I’m not entirely sure your friend views it as serious. I expect a blow up once Kol presents her with the gift he bought for her. Possibly why he’s attempting to institute a no aneurysm rule.”

She’s dying to fish for more details, has to bite the inside of her lip to keep from immediately peppering Klaus with questions. He’s watching her expectantly though, his lips curled in amusement, and she knows that’s exactly what he expects.

Caroline would hate to be predictable.

She looks at the people near them, notes that most of them avert their eyes, as if they’ve been attempting to eavesdrop. “Klaus,” Caroline says again, letting the name roll off her tongue slowly.

“Mikaelson,” he supplies, with just a hint of a sigh. She supposes she has to give him a point for not attempting to deflect. “I assume my reputation precedes me?”

“That you’re an evil megalomaniac that’s prone to violent murderous rampages when things don’t go your way? I might have heard a whisper or two.”

He carefully avoids her gaze, sipping his drink calmly. “I’ve mostly cut down on those,” Klaus mutters.

Caroline hums noncommittally. But she doesn’t leave. “Bonnie leads the witches here, that much I know. What is it that you do?”

He moves closer, until she can feel the heat of his arm pressed against hers, skin separated by only his shirt. “I built this city.”

Caroline’s eye roll is automatic, too used to similar bragging from men who are trying to impress her. She reaches out, straightens his tie. “Sure,” she drawls, rubbing the obviously expensive fabric between her fingertips, “you seem like you build things all the time.”

He takes no offense, presses her hand flat against his chest, a laugh rumbling out of him. “You long are you planning on staying in my city, Caroline?”

His touch is light, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. It feels like an invitation, not a threat. Still, one can’t be too sure when playing with dangerous hybrids. “I assume that’s not a ‘be out before dawn if you don’t want your head on a pike’ hint?”

He circles her wrist, lifts her hand to his shoulder. He sets his glass aside, Caroline does the same. “Correct. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”

“Good to know,” Caroline says, letting Klaus lead her onto the dance floor.

She had already been contemplating a few extra days, hadn’t she?

[hannibal-obsessed]

Why Not Spend Your Lock-Down with Dr. Hannibal Lecter?

By Shannon L. Christie

You are cordially invited to spend your lock-down, dining in the company of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Menu

Reception

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is one of thee most iconic fictional literary villains, created in the 20th Century; Hollywood films has cemented his iconic status and his transformation into the 21st Century, via network television, has been carefully crafted under the watchful eye of executive producer, Martha De Laurentiis.

Hannibal Lecter sprang from the mind of novelist Thomas Harris; Lecter has been in our lives for almost 40 years; introduced with the publication of Red Dragon in October 1981; he has never left our consciousness for too long.

So where does one start?

Do you read the 4 novels, watch the 5 movies or the TV Series?

Do I start at the beginning with Harris's novel, Red Dragon?

There are several ways to feast upon Hannibal Lecter: read Harris' novels first: watch the movies and then dine on the TV Series; read the novels, watch the corresponding movies and then the TV Series; watch the TV Series and then go back, watch the movies and read the novels. Whatever way you decide, you will not be disappointed at the end of your feast!

The following menu outline would be my suggestion for how to feast upon the sumptuous offerings of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Amuse-bouche

In this course we are served small bit-sized morsels of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Red Dragon: Thomas Harris, 1981

Will Graham, a former FBI Special Agent with an instinct for profiling, is sucked back into consulting for the FBI on their latest serial murder case; involving the Tooth Fairy. Will's been living a quiet life in Florida with his wife and son, when his former boss, Jack Crawford visits, enticing Graham back into the game. In order to get that old scent back; Graham needs to get into the mindset of a killer, so he visits Dr. Hannibal Lecter at The Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where Lecter is serving 9 consecutive life terms for murder. Graham was the FBI Agent who finally caught Hannibal and it almost cost him his life and sanity.

Interesting Fact: Harris attended portions of Ted Bundy's trial for the Chi Omega Murders in Florida. The Prosecutors in the Bundy trial used bite marks left on one of his victims as evidence. Dolarhyde left bite marks on Mrs. Leeds, which allowed forensics to create dental impressions, creating a sample of Dolarhyde's teeth.

Manhunter: Directed by Michael Mann, 1986

Manhunter was written and directed by Michael Mann; starring William Petersen (Will Graham), Dennis Farina (Jack Crawford), Tom Noonan (Francis Dollarhyde, film spelling/Red Dragon/Tooth Fairy), Joan Allen (Reba McClane) Brian Cox (Hannibal Lecktor, film spelling).

Manhunter is now considered a cult classic; at the time of it's original release it fared poorly at the box office and met with mixed reviews. It's cult status may be partially due to the continuing saga of Hannibal Lecter and William Petersen's success in CSI. The film touches on many of the important elements of the novel and also misses on quite a few. What is Dolarhyde's motive? The movie is dated with a definite 80's Michael Mann vibe; in spite of that it is definitely worth a watch for Noonan's performance.

Interesting Fact: Film Producer Dino De Laurentiis purchased the movie rights to the novel Red Dragon in 1983.

Red Dragon: Directed by Brett Ratner, 2002

This is where I'll skip ahead and talk about Manhunter's remake, Red Dragon. You can either choose to watch Red Dragon here or move it to after Hannibal to watch in order of release – entirely up to you.

Dino De Laurentiis passed on the movie rights to The Silence of the Lamb, due to the poor showing of Manhunter at the box office. So when The Silence of the Lambs was critically acclaimed by the critics; a huge box office success; winning the top 5 categories at the 1992 Oscars; Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay – Dino wanted another serving of Hannibal Lecter.

When Harris released his third Lecter novel, simply titled Hannibal, Dino De Laurentiis picked up the rights and saw this as an opportunity to remake Manhunter, this time using the book title, Red Dragon, especially considering the success of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. In fact, Red Dragon was released in theatres a year after Hannibal.

Lecter's role was beefed up with a few added scenes; Lecter enjoying the symphony with the exception of the violinist; experiencing one of Lecter's sinfully delicious dinner parties of the music council with the violinist as the main course; seeing the tete-a-tete played out between Lecter and Graham (Edward Norton) that nearly cost them both their lives.

Dolarhyde's (Ralph Fiennes) abusive childhood is explored, the motivation for his heinous crimes against families. We see more of the relationship between Dolarhyde and Reba (Emily Watson) and Dolarhyde's struggle to keep the monster at bay. Ted Tally wrote the screenplay (he wrote The Silence of the Lambs screenplay and passed on the Hannibal screenplay); he has a great sense of what is essential to the narration of a well conceived movie, without loosing too much of the original story told by Thomas Harris.

I am partial to Red Dragon over Manhunter for that reason; I love Ralph Feinnes portrayal of Dolarhyde; he's creepy without being overtly creepy like Noonan is in Manhunter. Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter beautifully as he always does. There are a few flaws in this version though, namely Edward Norton's portrayal of Will Graham. I love Norton – I just think he was wrong for the part and the bleached blonde hair drove me mad. I also have issue with Harvey Keitel as Jack Crawford, I just didn't get an FBI Special Agent in charge of the Behavioral Science Unit vibe from him. Keitel is the guy you bring in to rough up your suspect. On the plus side, the crime scenes are more graphic than in Manhunter, which I feel is essential to understanding the severity of the need to capture this fiend, because now he has a taste for it and he will not stop!

Interesting Fact: Dino De Laurentiis had to make a deal with MGM, so the shot of The Baltimore State Hospital building used in The Silence of the Lambs, could be used in Red Dragon, as the building had been demolished.

Dinner

Appetizer

In this course we are treated to petite, rich tasty morsels of Hannibal Lecter,

both of the hot and cold variety.

The Silence of the Lambs: Thomas Harris, 1988

The follow up novel to Red Dragon, Harris' third novel, Lecter was not a character Harris intended to use; he just showed up one day as Harris wrote. The Silence of the Lambs was the story of a young female FBI agent in training; female agents were a relatively new concept at Quantico. J. Edgar Hoover had died in 1972 and the FBI slowly started to drag itself into the modern age and out of the Mafia/Prohibition dark ages that it was founded on. Harris' story of Clarice Starling was an exploration of an agent in training along with a manhunt, headed by Jack Crawford, for a serial killer, only known as “Buffalo Bill”; who abducted girls, held them hostage for a few days; shot them in the heads, dumped their bodies in rivers; having partially skinned them post mortem. The FBI is stumped, they have no motive, no pattern and no connections between the victims. What should they do? Crawford sends Clarice Starling, an agent in training to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

The Silence of the Lambs: Directed by Jonathan Demme, 1991

As I previously mentioned, Dino de Laurentiis passed on acquiring the movie rights for The Silence of the Lambs; the rights ended up in the hands of Demme and Orion Films, without a fee paid to De Laurentiis. The screenplay was written by Ted Tally, who managed to highlight all the important aspects of the novel, creating a balanced story. The movie starred Jodie Foster (Clarice Starling), Glenn Scott (Jack Crawford), Anthony Heald (Dr, Frederick Chilton), Ted Levine (Jame Gumb/Buffalo Bill) and Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter),

Interesting Fact: Anthony Hopkins on screen performance of Hannibal Lecter, consisting of only sixteen minutes earned him an Oscar for Best Actor in 1992.

Entree

This course is a hearty and meaty dish of Hannibal Lecter, served with delicate red sauce.

Hannibal: Thomas Harris, 1999

Would Harris write another Lecter novel? As we eagerly waited to see – making us wait 10 long years, Harris' reward was Hannibal; a story centred around Dr. Hannibal Lecter. I think many people weren't prepared for the monster to be uncaged. It was bloodier and gorier than the previous two films and quite sadistic. Manhunter and The Silence of the Lambs were considered psychological thrillers with a dollop of horror. Hannibal was a full on horror novel with a dollop of psychological thriller. Dr. Hannibal Lecter was free of his cage, just in-time for the new millennium and some readers were not happy.

When the novel, Hannibal, was released, many critics and readers were appalled by the goriness of it (we are talking about a man who kills people and eats them). I guess once the layers of the onion were peeled away; culture, music, art, culinary skills, courteousness – they were horrified by the monster at the centre – that was the point. Serial killers show society a veneer of acceptable personality traits; they keep the monster hidden away, until he breaks through and comes out to play. In that sense, the novel Hannibal, is spot on. He's your neighbour, your friend, your husband, your father, your brother and sometimes your son (The majority of serial killers are male, sorry guys). He wears a symbolic mask in public, to prevent you from guessing how sick and perverted he truly is.

Harris' novel, Hannibal, was the perfect GOTCHA moment! Harris had led us into a false sense of security; either intentionally or unintentionally, with Lecter's intro in Red Dragon; sure he tells Francis Dolarhyde to kill Graham's family – In The Silence of the Lamb; Lecter is so helpful trying to advance Clarice Starling's career; sure he kills several people while escaping from custody; we'll just chalk that up to acceptable carnage.

We start to rationalize that Lecter can't be all bad; he must have some redeeming qualities: he's a man of sophisticated tastes; he's knowledgeable; an incredible chef; a great musician and artist. We don't even mind knowing that he dined on Dr. Chilton, upon his escape; possibly thinking Chilton had it coming.

Harris let us peek briefly behind the curtain in Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs and perhaps Harris was dismayed to learn that upon the popularity of Hopkins portrayal of Hannibal Lecter; he'd become a pop culture icon and somewhat of a hero. Hannibal shattered that illusion.

We find Clarice Starling, 10 years later, working as an FBI Special Agent, in a stagnate career. She can't advance; being blocked by Paul Krendler.

Hannibal has been living in Florence as the curator of the Palazzo Capponi as Dr. Norman Fell (the real Dr. Fell disappeared under mysterious circumstances). Florence, Italy, the ideal spot for Lecter, a true Renaissance man. We discover there has been a string of murders by the fiend, know as Il Mostro.

Meanwhile, Mason Verger, Lecter's 4th victim, is on the hunt for Dr. Lecter, who left Mason disfigured, although technically by Mason's own hand. Verger has offered a $3,000,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Interesting Fact: Thomas Harris attended the trial of The Monster of Florence, Pietro Pacciani, in 1994, incorporating some of the aspects of the crimes into his Hannibal novel and hinting that Hannibal himself was Il Mostro (The Monster of Florence).

Hannibal: Directed by Ridley Scott, 2001

If some readers were unhappy with the novel, there were those unhappy about the production of a movie in the same vain. Ted Tally didn't want to write the screenplay, Foster didn't want to reprise her role as Starling and Demme wasn't interested in directing. The consensus was it was too graphic and gory and they wanted no part of it; a complete turnaround; they initially were chomping at the bit to be involved in the follow-up to The Silence of the Lambs.

Interesting Fact: Dino De Laurentiis was under the impression that given a good story even he could play Clarice Starling.

The extra dinner course you never needed; you were already full.

Hannibal Rising: Thomas Harris, 2006

From all accounts that I've read, Harris was gently coerced into writing Hannibal Rising. Dino De Laurentiis wanted an origin story to turn into a film and he'd do it with or without Harris. Harris eventually caved and produced the fourth Lecter novel, Hannibal Rising.

Harris uses the hardships of WWII as the starting backdrop for the development of young Lecter's transformation into “Hannibal the Cannibal”. This is perhaps a story that never needed to be told. We were given glimpses in the novel Hannibal that never made it into the movie and perhaps that was a mistake; not seeing the humanity in Hannibal before events unfolded to create a monster and he is a monster, however refined his tastes are. It would have made a good contrast to the harshness of Lecter's grotesque and sadistic actions in Hannibal; that's where a good screenplay, might have made a difference. Francis Dolarhyde, Jame Gumb and Hannibal Lecter weren't born evil, they were shaped and moulded by their harsh experiences as young, innocent, impressionable children. Monsters aren't born, they are made – the moral of the stories. The difference being Hannibal always took responsibility for his actions, never placing the blame at someone else’s feet.

Hannibal Rising: Directed by Peter Webber, 2007

This time Harris would be involved, writing the screenplay for the Hannibal Rising movie. While I enjoyed Gaspard Ulliel as a young Hannibal, I felt that the story was unnecessary.

And just when you thought that was all and Hannibal Lecter's story had been narrated from beginning to end; Lecter was resurrected in 2013 for Bryan Fuller's TV Series, titled Hannibal, for three seasons on NBC.

Dessert

A delicate balance of psychiatry, culinary skills, food porn, relationships, sex, beauty, horror

and murder tableaus, like the layers of a sinful Double Chocolate Torte.

Hannibal TV Series: Developed by Bryan Fuller, 2013-2015

I know what you're going to say; there's no way I'm watching a Hannibal TV show without Hopkins on NBC! Whether your a Cox fan or a Hopkins fan; they both played the part in their own style and both performances are top notch. Hopkins had a little more to sink his teeth into with The Silence of the Lambs; as the screen time was slightly longer than in Manhunter.

I was stubborn too! I didn't watch Hannibal during the originally airing for season one or two. I remember catching a glimpse of an episode as I was on my way out to photograph a band; I was a live music photographer for around three years, so many of my Friday nights were spent in Toronto. It was the episode with the horse and the coffin-birth, which ultimately left an impression. So in January 2015 I binge watched season one and two (26 episodes) in only two days; I couldn't stop watching!

There's been a string of missing girls attributed to one person, known as “The Minnesota Shrike” and the FBI are struggling for leads. Upon the eighth girls disappearance, Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) walks into Will Graham's (Hugh Dancy) classroom to request his help. Graham has the unique ability to empathize with narcissits and sociopaths and as he states, it has less to do with a personality disorder and more to do with an active imagination. Dr. Bloom expresses her concerns to Jack Crawford about using Will Graham for his special gifts and recommends keeping an eye on him; suggesting a colleague of hers, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Bryan Fuller's adaption uses Red Dragon as the main source material, with additional material from Hannibal and Hannibal Rising; expanding characters stories and switching some genders to give it a less male dominated cast. Characters like Margot Verger, who were left out of the Hannibal movie are slotted back in to give the Mason Verger story more substance. Cordell, Verger's valet and cook, is far cheekier in the TV series. Dr. Alan Bloom is transformed into Dr. Alana Bloom and Freddy Lounds, once played by the amazing Philip Seymour Hoffman becomes Freddie Lounds played by Lara Jean Chorostecki, who plays her less sleazy and yet still despicable.

Interesting Fact: Bryan Fuller incorporated some of the forward written by Harris in Red Dragon about his experience writing the novel.

Whipped Fresh Creme & a Cherry On-top!

Hannibal Fan Fiction

Season 3 of Hannibal ends on a cliff hanger and unfortunately NBC cancelled the show without a resolution. Not to worry, there is a buffet of Hannibal Fan Fiction out there for you to sink your teeth into. Hannibal fan fiction spans the spectrum of General Audience to NC-17 to pornographic; there is something to suit everyone's taste. If you don't find anything pleasing; you can always write your own fan fiction!

Interesting Fact: Some of the cast members have read Hannibal fan fiction.

Hannibal Fan Art

The amazing thing about the Hannibal fandom, whether you're old school or new school; there is incredible artwork to explore created by incredibly talented artists.

Interesting Fact: Bryan Fuller and the De Laurentiis Company are not dicks about copyright infringement, when it comes to fan art and fan fiction.

Hannibal Conventions

Red Dragon Con by Starfury: An all Hannibal Con in London, England.

Fannibal Fest: An all Hannibal Con with location tours in Toronto, Canada.

Sofa-Con by Fannibal Fest: Due to the lock-down situation around the world because of Covid-19 all conventions were cancelled in 2020. Fannibal Fest set of some Zoom meetings with guests that starred or worked on Hannibal.

There are several Hannibal fandom groups all over different parts of the world; who meat-up to dine and discuss their favourite topic, Hannibal. I am part of a GTA Fannibal group that centres around Toronto, Canada and we’ve met several times.

So, as we finish our dining experience with Dr. Hannibal Lecter; we'll eagerly anticipate another invitation to Lecter's dinner table, as a guest or if you're unspeakably rude, perhaps you'll be the main course; either way I'll meet or eat you there!

Shannon L. Christie

aka Hannibal_Obsessed

[fakeoldmanfucker]

Five times HIVE really like food Daisy and/or Lincoln gave/made for him and one time he really, really didn't

Anon I don’t know if you’re the same anon from a day or two ago, but if so I give you ALL the props for sending me these wonderful questions!! And if you’re not, I still Very Much love this question. I legitimately gasped aloud in excitement when I read it :) 

1. After Lincoln and Hive get back to Earth post-season 3, and are trying to lie low while looking for Daisy, they have to get used to living in close quarters real quick. In the winters in Cincinnati when he was growing up, Lincoln would always get hot chocolate with his parents; it’s a fond memory, before he and his parents grew apart. Anyway, Lincoln gets the bright idea to have Hive try some hot cocoa, and Hive...doesn’t hate it. He doesn’t really love it, he prefers the Maya way of making hot chocolate, but that’s more a relic of his own childhood. But then something happens that they didn’t really factor in: Lincoln starts having nightmares. Hive has always had nightmares (it turns out when you have hundreds of memories in your head, these bleed into your sleeping hours and tend to take dark twists), but Lincoln’s are relatively new. Hive tries to ignore it, but Lincoln’s screaming isn’t letting him sleep (or at least that’s the excuse he gives himself) and he shuffles into Lincoln’s room with a mug of hot chocolate. Lincoln, half-asleep, accepts the drink with greedy fingers. After that, for some reason, Hive finds himself liking this version of hot chocolate a lot more than he did before. 

 2. Literally anything with spices. There wasn’t much in the way of tasty food on Maveth, so when Daisy makes him some curry on a rare break from the insanity of SHIELD, he resolves to learn the recipe as soon as he can because it is delicious. (Al’s attempts, however, are not. Daisy and Lincoln have many silent conversations about the edibility (or lack of) of Al’s trials. These often include not-quite-contained laughter.) 

 3. Okay okay but can you imagine this guy who hasn’t been on Earth in a thousand years and he comes back and there’s this cold, sweet, creamy dessert that comes in dozens of flavors? I would die. I personally cannot remember trying ice cream for the first time, so I don’t know what my reaction was, but Al? Does Not Shut Up about it for days. The team’s in a briefing and Al walks in just holding a carton of ice cream, and when Coulson pauses cause ya know...wtf is he doing here and why is he eating ice cream??? Al just waves at him to continue, and Coulson looks, very wearily, at Lincoln and, more specifically, Daisy, because he’s very aware that she was the one that introduced Al to ice cream; the two of them share a sweet tooth. 

 4. Look, I know this one is basic. But think about it: the concept of a cheeseburger didn’t even exist around 1000 AD. Wasn’t even a twinkle in anyone’s eye. But nowadays? Sure, he has the memories of people who have experienced these foods. He has the memories of people who have experienced warm water and grassy meadows, but that doesn’t stop him from almost breaking the first time he experiences those things. Knowing something logically is not the same thing as knowing it emotionally. Anyway, I imagine the three of them just going out on the town, so to speak, acting like normal people. (Like sure, technically they might be kinda-sorta fugitives maybe, depending on where this takes place in the timeline, but they’ve all been in situations where they’ve needed to lie low so it’s not too much of an issue) I just have this really strong image of the three of them sitting around like, some table at an outside restaurant. And the traffic from the road is loud and the restaurant’s busy and entirely too crowded and they have to get back to HQ in half an hour cause Coulson doesn’t like Al to be out for too long, (despite Coulson repeating that Al’s a part of the team, Al is very aware he’s on thin ice and he doesn’t want to rock the boat too much, even if it’s only for Daisy and Lincoln) but for now the three of them are together and everything seems...normal, for once, which none of them have ever experienced. 

 5. To me, the ultimate group food is pizza. And this time I’m not just talking about the three of them, I’m talking about the whole team. There’s something ancient and sacred about sharing a meal with people, especially when you’re literally tearing bread (or, in this case, bread covered in tomatoes and cheese at the very least). What usually happens is this: once a week, barring any imminent disaster, the team will gather and break bread, literally. It’s a relic of bygone days really, when doom wasn’t lingering near-constant on the horizon, but it’s a tradition they cling to with fierce resilience. On these nights, Al stays in his room, sensing without ever having to be told that he is Not Welcome (caps included) at these dinners. But one night, Daisy knocks on his door, body stiff as she tries (and fails) to feign being casual, and says that he’s invited to dinner. To say that he’s shocked would be an understatement, but he goes, of course, walking in close step with Daisy. He isn’t nervous, obviously, because he’s been through too much to be unsettled by anything as small as pizza. (He is, however, apprehensive.) But it’s not just pizza, really. It’s about what it represents. Food, in my mind, and especially in literature and film, is never about food. It’s about connection, relationships, why are characters choosing to eat together and what are they eating? 

 +1. Mac n cheese. I mean do I even have to explain this one? It’s squishy and no food should be that color of yellow, Daisy. Why are you laughing, I’m right! It’s not my fault your childhoods were filled with weird shapeless blobs of food!! (This just makes them laugh harder)

Thank you again for the ask! I had a lot of fun answering it

[baddyzarc]

2/7 Ruins: Legend of the Gladiator

1 x 3 4a 4b 5 6 7  

The next Barian ruins I wanna discuss is that of Alito. I was supposed to group Gilag and Alito since my contract says I’m legally not allowed to separate these two. But I went absolutely ham on Alito’s ruins so, uhhh, im splitting them up.

Alito is a fascinating, fantastic character. Not only is he outwardly bisexual and genuinely a non-evil character, he’s one of the most interesting due to how the writers use him to progress the narrative of the Barian Emperors. This could be attributed to his close relationship with Yuma, and thus he’s allowed ample screen time to play his role in the story.

Alito’s ruins are located under an artificial lake in the fictional city of Spartan City located somewhere in Italy. The ruins are revealed when Alito blows up the dam and drains the water away. Judging by the presence of a colosseum and the fact that Alito was a gladiator in his past life, I’m sure this is supposed to be based on Rome’s Colosseum. Not a big shocker, but this sets up the basis for the discussion. 

The Guardian for this Mythyrian Number found in the ruins (Number 54: Rebellious Fighter - Lion Heart) is a gladiator. This Guardian is the hardest one to decipher out of all of the Guardians. You have Mach, Ponta, Abyss, Minotaurus, Jinlon, and then a random gladiator. Each of the Guardians I listed have something to say about the Emperor it corresponds to, and I believe that the gladiator also falls into this category because of this line.

The gladiator recognizes Alito. This confused line is also spoken by Jinlon when he first encounters Mizael, so it can be said that some of the Guardians may not immediately recognize their Emperor, but they do feel their “aura”. 

Like Jinlon, the gladiator takes a moment before realizing its attacker is Alito. After that, Alito breaks through its power and gains him to get control of the Mythyrian Number. 

The most common theory, and the one I personally believe, is that the gladiator is the prince of the legend. 

My evidence is slim, but I think his likeness to the Mythyrian Number "Number 54: Rebellious Fighter - Lion Heart", his usage of a sword during his fight with Alito, and strong familiarity with Alito (”we’re like brothers!”) provides enough evidence. Not the best or decisive, but from what we have, I like this one the most.

Not only that, and I may be reading into this scene a little too deeply, but it looks as though the gladiator recognizes that this angry blob of hate is Alito, and under some choice of its own, it  allows itself to be taken by a Barian. Rather, the Mythyrian Number yields to a Barian. (For reference, only Nasch and Gilag came into direct contact with their Numbers; each has their own situation with Nasch’s being more complex and Gilag’s being similar to Alito). But why would something like a Mythyrian Number give itself to a Barian? I’ll get into that when I talk about the Ruins Duel later on.  

Back onto the ruins itself, when I first started this, I was truly struggling to see how the past and present are the same place. 

Obviously they have to be the same place because that’s how the plot works, but looking at the placement of the mountains, this image of the ruins in modern Spartan City does not match the geography of the past (unless there’s a glacial retreat or something, mountains do not wear away that quickly). I assumed that the animators didn’t consider this until I found a single second that shows that these locations are the same place. The image of Yuma is a poor angle of the ruins. 

And luckily for this shot, it gives me not only a confirmation that the geography is consistent, it also allows me to use this as an accurate frame of reference for the layout of the city.

Hold onto this information for a minute, because it is absolutely tasty.

Now that I confirm that everything is consistent, I can move onto Alito’s legend. His legend is straightforward if you discount the false memories embedded in him. Alito was a popular gladiator who was also friends with the prince. They frequently fought head-to-head and were on equal footing with each other. According to the legend, Alito and the prince were going to have a final showdown to see who comes out on top. However, the prince’s advisors were afraid that the prince would lose and damage the reputation of the country. The advisors framed Alito for murder, and despite the prince’s plead that Alito was innocent, he was executed under charges of murder. But according to Alito’s memories (or the ones altered by Don Thousand), the prince declared him guilty and was the one to call his death. Alito, being a hero adorned by many, was betrayed by his best friend and scorned by the people of the city, and this was what pushed him to Barian World. 

(Side track: But this is one of my favorite scene of his legend. The casket-shaped shadow, the crystalline, Barian-like shape, is a prelude to his fate after being framed for murder through the works of Don Thousand. At this point, no matter what happens, only death waits for him. The bright crimson coloration not only alludes to his bloody demise but also his descension into Barian World.) 

Now, the past lives of the Barians are often mucky because it’s hard to distinguish the truth from the lie, especially since Don Thousand altered the lives of the Emperors in many different ways (memory change, influencing outsiders, personality alterations, ect. It gets disgustingly messy). But in the case of Alito, it appears to be influencing the advisors to frame Alito, and then a memory alteration to where Alito believes that the prince was against him rather than for him. Because of this, I assume the legend recounted by Gauche (aka the advisors framed Alito + the prince was for Alito’s innocence) is the truth. I believe that if Alito knew the prince thought highly of him and trusted him during the entire trial, this would’ve been enough to allow his soul to pass onto Astral World regardless of the truth.

Therefore, Alito’s resentment exists as a product of Don Thousand going into his mind and changing his perception of reality. 

And this statement is what ties his character together during this arc. 

Now, if you know anything about this blog, you oughta know that I do not believe the Barian Emperors are evil. Except Vector. Vector is evil. He is evil because he feels like it and that’s it; it makes him happy hes a freak. The rest of them act like that because they are living-beings and have some self preservation. If they do not retaliate, Astral World will literally erase them from history. Each of the Barians (vector DNI) exemplifies this concept throughout the show. They are not antagonizing Yuma because he’s the hero. They are antagonizing him because he sides with Astral, and thus he supports the side that wants them dead. (and ngl, aside from Vector, they are incredibly inept at being evil villains, just look at their accomplishments if you take Vector away, gilag ate a live racoon whoop-de-doo these guys are going extinct)  

But this isn’t what this essay is about. This is about the legend and ruins of Alito, who is the most prominent in his lack of evilness. At the beginning of Zexal Second, Durbe ordered Gilag, Alito, and Mizael to defeat Yuma and Astral. From here, these characters acted first on orders, and then on self-motivation (or not at all). Mizael followed this order before getting side-tracked with surpassing Kaito. Gilag followed this order before kinda just joining a bunch of random clubs at school and watching *looks at script* Love Live. 

Alito did not followed that order and was immediately infatuated with Kotori. And by chance BY CHANCE did he run into Yuma, before being infatuated with him too. Alito has zero drive to be evil or follow any orders. He doesn’t hate humans nor does he act on anything malicious. Even with Yuma, his drive wasn’t to defeat Astral but to duke it out with Yuma with as much passion as possible. 

This is a stark contrast to what happens to him (and Gilag) when Vector injects their comatosed bodies with Don Thousand juice. This happens Twice. And each time, he loses his passion and becomes a genuinely evil person. He hypnotizes Gauche and makes him use the adverse effects of “Lion Heart”, he puts Kotori in danger, he wants to kill Yuma, he is filled with so much hate and rage that all the characters point out that “this isn’t the same person” they originally met. 

In essence, he became cruel by coming into recontact with Don Thousand. 

But we all know this. Don Thousand is evil while Alito is not.

So how does this prologue connect to the ruins and the Legend of the Gladiator? It has everything to do with Gauche.

Consider the geography of this again.

Even though it doesn’t appear like it, these images reveal some information about Alito and his proxy, Gauche. Compare the geography of the mountains and the placement of ruins, look at the current location of where Gauche and Droite live in the present and Alito’s home in the past. 

It’s the exact same place.

Neat, yes, but also consider that Alito was a hero to the children of his time and Gauche wants to be a hero to the children of his time. (“A Messenger From The Stars For The Kids”) Not only that, these two have an interesting relationship with Yuma. At first, Gauche dismissed Yuma before seeing that his unbreakable spirit makes him a worthy opponent. Same with Alito. They also get possessed by Barian powers in order to fight without their iconic fiery passion. These two characters are thoroughly similar if you can look past the surface level (also they were opponents during the Barian Onslaught arc if that counts for anything). 

From here, we can draw direct parallels between the fate of Gauche and Alito. 

On a historical note, I assume that Alito is not from Spartan City. Most gladiators in real life consisted of slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals, and if you consider the “Alito’s Theme” soundtrack and his “Farewell, My Friend” soundtrack (which I believe only plays after he frees Gilag from Don’s curse, but correct me if I’m wrong, also these are two of my favorite soundtracks), it sounds like it has vaguely Spanish origins to it. (again, correct me if im wrong, im not good at cultural interpretation of music)

The theory I accept is that Alito was a prisoner of war for some other country, say modern-day Spain. Gladiators in real life, if popular enough, can win back their freedom, and I assume Alito’s charisma, passion, and strength won him the favor of the public and the prince along with his freedom. He still fought, of course, but this may be due to his drive to keep fighting. 

Unlike Alito, Gauche is a native to Spartan City, but he started in the similar wrungs as Alito, although not like, slavery. He was an orphan living in the streets with Droite, and he also used his charisma, passion, and strength to rise as the Dueling Champion of Spartan City. 

Both of these characters are champions of their respective times, but Alito got decapitated while Gauche did not (so far). If Don did not interfere, Alito might’ve received a happy ending like Gauche.

This connection doesn’t go much further until we get into the Ruins Duel with Alito/Gauche vs. Yuma/Droite. And this duel is what I think storytelling through duels should be like.

Earlier, I talked about how the Guardian allows Alito to gain control of the Number. I do not think this is a fluke on the Numbers part. Mythyrian Numbers are the antithesis to Over-Hundred Numbers, and the only way to break the spell of Don Thousand is to use a Mythyrian Number. I believe that the Guardian saw that Alito was under Donny’s influence, and thus gave him the Mythyrian Number in hopes of snapping him out of it. 

This happens with Gilag too, where Ponta hands him the Mythyrian Number before swapping into his body (as well as Ryouga but this was before he was declared an Emperor, and i will get to this when i cover him). The only other Emperor who got close to his Mythyrian card but didn’t touch it was Vector, who made Black Mist deal with it; that said, I wonder what would’ve happened if Vector reconnected with his Mythyrian? 

Back to duel, will you believe me when I say that the actions of this duel tells the story of the Barian Emperors? Maybe, maybe not.

But I do not think it’s a coincidence that Alito is the only Barian that participates in the Mythyrian Numbers duels (mr. Ryouga and ms. Rio do not count for obvious reasons) nor is it that he fights under the full influence of Don Thousand. 

There is a lot that happens in the duel under the text, but the overall message of the duel is the rekindling of the original self. This is in opposition to Gauche and Alito, who lost their true spirits after being possessed. In contrast, Yuma and Droite duel with as much, if not more, passion than ever before. 

The duel, although not spectacular in terms on the plays made, has a lot of interesting imaginary that I appreciate so much. 

I think this scene is the most lovely of this entire duel: a fearsome lion and a tender butterfly facing off against one another. The butterfly is able to move the heart of the lion, and Gache returns to his original soul with Droite’s unyielding passion alone. He isn’t freed, but this action opens the door to his heart. 

Droite’s actions mimics the flow of Yuma returning Alito to his original soul. Instead of responding to his hate-filled dueling with a similar stance, Yuma duels with relentless passion, summoning out “Heroic Champion - Excalibur” and letting in face off against “Number 54: Rebellious Fighter - Lion Heart”. This is enough to save Alito from Don Thousand’s spell.

Furthermore, I feel as though this entire duel is closure for Alito’s past life whether he realizes it or not. As you know, Alito and the prince never had their final match due to Don Thousand’s interference. This duel concludes their fight and put the souls of both parties to rest (figuratively speaking). 

As the duel picks up, the stadium comes to life with the spirits of the spectators. They cheer for the duelists as the fight gets more and more intense. It’s as though the characters are thrown into the past.

The final move of the duel is what gives this “Legend of the Gladiator” the closure it deserves while presenting an amazing end to the narrative of Alito and Gauche. 

As Gauche and Yuma duke it out with “Lion Heart” and “Excalibur”, two monsters that are passionately battling one another, Alito interferes with “Cheat Commissioner”. This is no different than when the advisors cheated in order to murder Alito, thus preventing the final match from commencing. The strength of “Number 54: Rebellious Fighter - Lion Heart” and “Heroic Champion - Excalibur” was able to overcome “Cheat Commissioner” and as a result, Alito is instantly knocked out rather than Yuma or Gauche. 

Alito’s Mythyrian Number and Gauche’s former ace—their passionate souls working together to defeat a common foe, freeing their masters and returning them to their original self.

The presence of “Lion Heart” and the knockout of Alito’s “Cheat Commissioner” (or Don Thousand’s interference with Alito and the prince in the past) was enough for Alito to shake off Don Thousand’s control and revert back to his original personality. He’s confused and baffled as his memories as a human flood into him, but he quickly retreats back to Barian World. 

A similar outcome happened when Yuma faced off against the gladiator version of Michael, who is a character who shares many similar traits with Alito. I talked about this before and I rather post this here than rewrite a decent explanation of my thoughts. 

Yuma was able to free Michael of his hateful and rage-filled state like how he did it during this duel with Alito and their final encounter. 

But from the contents of this duel alone, it is revealed that Don Thousand has the ability to alter the Emperors’ minds; he can also influence even the kindest Barian to act cruel and sadistic. It demonstrates that enough passion and force from their Mythyrian Number is enough for them to shake off the control—if only a little bit—and return them to their true nature. It also cements that the true memories of the Barian Emperors are suppressed and hidden from them, and they are the heroes we suspect they are, but unknown (but probably Don Thousand-based) circumstances sent them to Barian World without their consent.

You can take all of this was a grain of salt or say im looking too deep into it but,

This is what I mean when I said “story-telling through duels” should be something like this. There shouldn’t be a character in the background recounting what’s happening below the subsurface. Seeing a battle between a lion and butterfly, or the knockout of “Cheat Commissioner” through Alito’s Mythyrian Monster and Gauche’s original ace monster, or the awakening of the spectators to cheer for Alito—this should be left for the audience to dissect. I’m not gonna say this is my favorite duel or the plays are amazing, but I truly appreciate the story it shows without the characters looking at the camera and expositioning what this means. 

This analysis is long enough as it is, but I want to end it by talking about “Number 54: Rebellious Fighter - Lion Heart” and and “Number 105: Burning Knuckler - Cestus the Meteor”. They’re both based on fighting, which fits Alito’s personality. These monsters (as well as Vector’s) are unique in that they are the only ones that swap attributes between the Mythyrian and Over-Hundred Numbers. “Lion Heart'' is an Earth Monster while Cestus is a Fire Monster. I’m actually quite stumped on this decision. Lion Heart looks like it should be a Fire Monster based on the colors of its design, the fiery background, and fiery spirit it uses to keep fighting even after death.

However, despite this, I think it’s a cool idea that the Over-Hundred is a Fire Monster. According to the legend, the gladiator is said to “still wander the ruins of the Colosseum” because he “... regrets… not being able to finish his fight with his rival”. 

To “seal the wandering spirit of the unappeased gladiator” the Colosseum was submerged underwater. 

Water suppresses the flames that Don Thousand forced into Alito, and as the water drains away, revealing the earth beneath it, after a thousand years, the lost gladiator wanders through the ancient ruins of the Colosseum once more. And through the cheers and hollers of the spirits that transcends time, the champion and lion partake in their final showdown. With the conclusion of the intense battle, the bantering of the spirits fade away in the glow of rising sun, and gladiator of the legend is liberated.

[grimweaver]

Druin and The Remnants of Oblivion: Part XVIII

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16969119/chapters/64492294           

                                                           ~*~

           While the musicians were warming up and practicing in our suite, the rest of us returned to our designated seating arrangement at the court hall to partake in The Grand Celebration Feast. It was largely uneventful, at least compared to the trial LaChance had just been put through. Although the danger of it was well behind us, it was just one of at least three hurdles that had to be cleared. So, while we kept a watchful eye on the Arch-Mage, whom had returned to her seat upon the higher platform at the end of the room, a dense cloud of tension continued to loom over us—except Dorandil, that is. It seemed nothing could ever dampen his spirits or shut him up (at least, not for very long), which is why I did not allow him to come with us to the menagerie. He wouldn’t stop prodding us for more details of the viper story, even turning to other witnesses nearby for their accounts when Lucien refused to talk about it.

           I think the only thing that kept me sane throughout the hour of listening to the tortuously dull prating of the high-class was the continuous inflow of divine food, in addition to the cloud of incense that even a steady breeze had not dispersed, which had again persuaded me to think less about our mission and more about the one tasty-looking item that I hungered for above everything else offered.

           I leaned towards LaChance and said to him, “I could really go for that… hmm... Midnight Velvet right about now.”

           LaChance gave this remark a soft and controlled reaction; a slight and smooth tilt of his head in my direction and one corner of his mouth curling up. “I understand that the current environment has made it difficult for you to take your mind off of your ‘thirst’. I too find myself struggling with the desire for… hmm...  an equally tantalizing dish. But we must not lose focus on what should be in the forefront of our thoughts. We need to use this time to meditate upon the soon approaching… ‘performance’.”

           “Yes… I know,” I sighed.

           Just then, I was startled out of the dense euphoric fog when my shoulder was given a couple quick and hard pokes.

           “AAAAH- WHAT?? ” I blasted, as I whirled around and glared up at the one the hand belonged to. It was Farwil.

           There was a look of embarrassment on his face, and his eyes darted from one side of the room to the other. My outburst had momentarily drawn too much attention from the entire assembly. My whole body was flushed with embarrassment of my own, and I tried to recover, “Y… you’ve never once in your whole life had baklava?? That’s just not right! Go on and have some, dear!” I said, giving one of the honey-soaked, walnut-filled pastry squares to Farwil.

           “Thank you, M’Lady,” Farwil said, taking a small bite. “Sorry I scared you.”

           “And I’m sorry I yelled in your face,” I replied. “Just... quit poking me. If you have something to say just say it.”

           “I just wanted to let you both know about the dogs over there,” he said, nodding towards the twelve patrol guards walking in, each with what appeared to be a mere dune-hound on a leash. “They did bring them after all.”

           The message that Farwil was trying to give us was that the remnants had gone as far as summoning hell hounds to make sure Zalkir and the orb were protected, and they were also magically concealed. It has been said, by the few who have seen them and lived to describe them, that their sense of smell rivals that of sharks, and there was little doubt that they would be able to pick up our scent in the vents and alert their masters to it.

           Lucien turned his attention to the dogs and studied them while he took in a deep breath, as if to sample the air for its betrayal of their true identities. “So they have,” he said, clearing his throat a little.

           “The collars that the hounds are wearing—just like the necklaces around the necks of their masters—they really add a nice aesthetic touch, do they not?” Farwil asked.

           Lucien nodded, understanding that Farwil was informing us that illusions were generated by these adornments.

           “Dear gods,” Farwil gasped, trying to control the volume of his voice. “ They’re coming this way.”

           “Calm yourself, Sreth,” Teinaava hissed. “We’re all aware that you have allergies , but there’s nothing we can do about it. You’ll just have to put up with it.”

           The hounds seemed to gravitate heavily towards LaChance, whining and practically clawing the floor as they pulled their masters over to our table.

           “What the hell is wrong with you all?” one of the remnants growled. He then examined us, wondering what it was about this area that had interested the hounds. There was some initial dread, expecting them to howl angrily and spit fireballs at us at any second…

           ... but no such thing happened.

           “Perhaps I still smell like the viper,” Lucien chuckled, sitting perfectly still as he smiled at the one hound that inched closer and excitedly sniffed the back of his hand, which was resting on his knee. Much to everyone’s surprise, not only were they passive, they each licked the back of his hand. “Haha! Or perhaps it’s the roast beef on my hands!”

           “But there’s food everywhere,” the remnant replied, giving their chains a firm tug, narrowing his eyes. “It must be something else. ”

           Bremman cracked under pressure and spouted out an explanation that was not entirely aligned with any of the responses he was trained to give,“He’s got some kind of aura or something that animals are drawn to. That’s why he’s got so many strays at home. They keep showing up in his front yard!  It’s very weird! It has never been explained, but we think maybe his father was a Ward—”

           “That’s quite enough, Saxtus ,” Lucien rumbled low, then said to the hounds, “Go on now and don’t be trouble for your masters.”

           Right at that instant, the hounds withdrew their attention and the remnant patrol no longer struggled to control them. There was astonished confusion on the faces of the remnants, and it looked as though one of them wanted to question Lucien about it, but they shrugged it off and continued marching on to their destination: Zalkir’s private quarters.

           “Well… that was close,” Farwil sighed. “I uh… thought I’d start sneezing up a storm. That would’ve been embarrassing.” He then asked LaChance, “That thing you did in the viper pit… did you just do it again?”

           Lucien simply grinned and finished his piece of baklava.

           “Excuse me, Master Atterius... Lady Nelvani,” the voice of Ms. Ale’Ruje said, as she approached from our right, “but the time of your performance draws near—it is currently five minutes till. The musicians are already waiting for you at the Grand Pavilion.”

           “Thank you, Ms. Ale’Ruje,” Lucien replied, then gracefully rose to his feet and said as he looked down at me, “We should get a move on, M’Lady.”

           I nodded and stood up, with a bit of rigidness in my movements despite my trying to keep it as smooth and graceful as his, and asked Farwil, “would you kindly escort me this time, dear Rellintilys?”

           Farwil’s face was lit with joy. “Yes,” he said, “It would be a most appreciated honor, Lady Nelvani.”

           I hooked my left into Farwil’s right arm, while Lucien took Ocheeva’s left arm in the same manner. With the rest of the group following close behind us, we left the great hall and out into the massive courtyard. Off to our right, past several of the small pavilions we had walked by when we had entered the property, was a wide stone platform that was reserved for the show.

           “Pfft! Wooden swords?? You cannot be serious!” Zalkir scoffed, as Ms. Ale’Ruje handed them to us.

           “We would’ve used real ones, but we understand that weapons are not permitted on the premises,” Lucien replied.

           “Oh! Haha! Right!” Zalkir turned to the two remnant guards at his side. “Give them your swords,” he ordered them.

           The remnants hesitated and questioned this order with eyes filled with distrust darting back and forth, from him to us.

           “Master... I don’t think that’s wise,” one of them warned.

           “With all due respect, Zalkir, I will have to agree with him,” Surraiah said to Zalkir. “Consider the safety of the audience. Should someone get hit by a wooden sword that was accidentally launched from the stage, there may be a chance of them surviving it… but a metal greatsword—”

           “Will do nothing but make the show more interesting!” Zalkir argued. “Come on, Arch-Mage!”

           Surraiah really had no choice but to surrender to his will. She sank back into her seat, weighed down by the aggravation over his power over her and the inability to overcome it—she had only the power to fight the angry tears that threatened to surface again. She said nothing more, only gave a weak nod as she forced a regal smile. “Very well,” she sighed.

           “That’s the spirit!” Zalkir laughed, taking the greatswords from the remnants and handing them over to us.

           Lucien and I looked at each other. Though he gave no outward indication of it, I sensed that he shared my suspicions that Zalkir was not thoroughly convinced after all.

           “To our starting positions, then,” he said to me in a low voice.

           “Finally… the moment I’ve been looking forward to all evening,” I whispered back.

           A wide grin emerged on Lucien’s face as we both, simultaneously, turned towards the steps and made our way up to the platform; around its horizontal center, we turned in opposite directions and walked several more paces before pivoting on on heels and assuming a ready stance.

           Along with the arising thrill of entering this moment of action and artistry, I suppressed the acidic burn of anxiety by reflecting on what Lucien had sad to me at the very beginning of the first drill:

         “You don’t just move to the music. You move as though you are the one making it. In doing so, you breathe life into the story that you are trying to tell the audience. We’re not actually dueling. It is a performance. Steady flow, fluid and harmonious movements with the rhythm must be applied.”

         “And you think we’ll have this all down by Loredas??” I had asked him.

         “I know we will, so long as you do not forfeit confidence in yourself.”  

           He was right. Confidence is all it really took. The body was able to move in almost every way that is possible for a humanoid, the mind was capable of learning at a fast rate, the spirit just needed to be convinced that the only thing that could hold me back from achieving what we set out to accomplish was self-doubt. Considering also the rate of my greatsword retraining, I constantly reminded myself that it took only eight weeks to achieve the desired level of athletic ability, knowledge, and skill of an imperial soldier. If that is possible for me, then I could master within four days a roughly five-minute ‘pretend’ sword fight, as well as learn every detail about the person that I was pretending to be.

           I took in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds as I tried to clear my mind of all doubt. I released the air—a long, hard whistle through my teeth— and focused on steadying my breathing and shutting out all that threatened to shatter the sphere of focus. I fixed my eyes on Lucien, standing at the other end of the stage.

           Don’t overthink this, I thought to myself. Get your mind off of all the eyes upon us… out of the fear of failure. Just breathe… and think about nothing but what you have to do.

           The edges of my vision began to blacken as I forced myself to narrow my awareness to just LaChance and the music. The fear of failure was washed away by a cool wave of self-assurance, and I found myself energized all over by positive anticipation.

((CONTINUED...))