#the human experience is truly varied and wide

[siggiedraws]

Sonic is fundamentally unrelatable and unrealistic - and that's a good thing

I want to address a common sentiment in the fandom that I've seen countless times over the years - the idea that Sonic should be more humanlike. Specifically, the idea that Sonic should have more human traits, such as anxiety or insecurities, that make him emotionally vulnerable in some way.

I have always felt that this sentiment strips away what I love about Sonic so much—that it goes against his character as someone who is meant to be inspirational rather than relatable. From the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that making Sonic more relatable ruins his appeal and misses the entire point of what role he is meant to fulfill. Sonic being the way he is, an inhuman being that is extremely strong and unyielding mentally and emotionally, makes him an inspirational character that is appealing outside of the realm of relatability.

Please note that I am discussing Game Sonic for this essay, not any versions of Sonic from spinoff media.

(Special thanks to @blurredblu for helping me write this essay!)

Relatability =/= likeability

First, it is important to define "relatability" for the rest of the essay, as what is seen as relatable can vary across countless different cultures and lifestyles.

In this case, we are discussing facets of the human psyche. Traits such as emotional vulnerability, insecurity, or trauma are traits seen as humanlike because they imitate the depth of the human mind. They come across more realistic, and thus relatable to people in real life who have generally gone through emotional hardships.

Relatability is also considered with the implied audience in mind, according to Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses.

If relatability were somehow a goal of craft, then the question should be: How can a writer go about trying to make a piece of fiction relatable? If we mean “relatable” as sharing a reader’s experience, the first place to go is audience. We must always ask: Relatable to whom? Which brings us back to the elephant in the room—to call a manuscript “relatable” is really to make a claim about who the audience is or should be.

When writing relatability in fiction, what is important to recognize is who the target audience is. Sonic is a character that was initially created to appeal to a wide target audience, not only meant for young boys but for girls, women, and an older age range in general. When it comes to marketability however, Sonic is almost always advertised towards children, and this demographic is the most pertinent when we look at versions of Sonic written with relatability as a goal. With this idea of the target audience in mind, a character who is portrayed as young and having a childish temperament would be more relatable. The Paramount Sonic movies are a great example of a version of Sonic explicitly written to be relatable to the target demographic on a broad level, heavily influenced by the culture that the movies derive from: specifically a middle-class, suburban, small-town vision of American life. Sonic is portrayed as dependent, inexperienced, and abiding by a nuclear family structure who idolises many elements of American popular culture, such as Keanu Reeves or Marvel/DC superhero comics. Compare this to the games, where Sonic is shown to be self-supporting, wise, and living life as an unfettered vagabond, all without a trace of any pop culture utterances.

In other words, Sonic was created to be the height of unrelatability to his target audience.

It is not lost on me that the prevalent desire for Sonic to behave realistically ties into the idea that the goal of crafting a good character is to emulate realistic human characteristics. A character's relatability is what allows audiences to connect with the character, which is considered unequivocally a good thing.

What is forgotten in this rudimentary line of thinking is that characters in media need to fulfill a role. Characters are not people like you or me, but fictional creations made to serve a particular purpose. There needs to be thought put into what narrative role the character fulfills and why they are portrayed a certain way to the audience. Hence, there must be a reason for the relatability, instead of employing it haphazardly.

To quote Craft in the Real World once more:

"readers’ expectations for fiction are created by their previous experiences with fiction—in other words, by culture."

The desire for Sonic to be relatable can be attributed to people recognizing pervasive tropes present in their previous experiences with fiction, internalizing these commonalities as the correct way to write good stories, and assigning these to Sonic as a result. While I can understand the logic behind this thinking, it is crucial we don't limit our appraisal of media by saying a protagonist ought to abide by a certain limitation, when it's the breaking of rules, however rigid they are, that allow for different methods of storytelling. Sonic breaks the so-called rule that a protagonist must be relatable, and it's this unrelatability that enhances and strengthens the narrative in many Sonic games. In other words, writing Sonic in a relatable way can be a way to write him; that does not mean it is the only or correct way to do so.

We should bear in mind that there are usually financial incentives to cast characters as mentally or emotionally relatable to audiences. To create a protagonist that appeals to all audiences to maximize revenue, the solution is typically to make them broadly relatable. While this can be a successful formula, it is important to not apply it to media indiscriminately. If a myriad of works all prioritise having characters be relatable over what makes them unique, you may end up sacrificing creative integrity for the sake of following a trend. In Sonic's case, you would lose the inimitable appeal that makes him stand out. While relatability can be valuable in certain contexts, it should not dominate all other considerations of writing a character, especially when it is done for the purposes of profitability as opposed to earnestly conveying a character to, ultimately, tell a story.

What makes Sonic stand out

What, then, makes Sonic stand out as a character? His inhuman mental fortitude. In a wide and varied cast of characters such as the Sonic cast, each with their own unique emotional struggles, Sonic stands out as the sole character with no struggle. He has no weak point, no Achilles' heel. Though he is weak to water, that is only a physical weakness. Mentally, he is too strong for anything to affect him long-term.

As stated before, characters are designed to serve specific creative purposes. In Sonic's case, his striking mental resilience is to highlight other messages and characters in the story. This is because Sonic usually plays the guiding or support role in his stories. He is not the sole focus. There is always at least a second character that the story focuses on to highlight that character's problems and struggles, and how that character ends up overcoming that conflict, often with Sonic's help.

With all this in mind, would Sonic stories be improved if Sonic was, instead, a human-like character with human flaws and insecurities? Or would this muddy his core concept and require all Sonic stories to be changed unrecognizably to fit this new, different character?

Sonic has no backstory - and that's a good thing

Understand that this section is not an attack on backstories in general. For the most part, backstories provide insight into a character's motivations and personality. They are effective in accomplishing what they were meant to do - creating characters that are meant to be realistic.

Sonic is not meant to be realistic.

Yuji Naka once stated the reason behind Sonic's lack of a backstory in an interview: if you uncover all the mysteries, then the character will become uninteresting.

Very little information of Sonic's backstory has been revealed. We know that he is from Christmas Island (same interview link as above) and it is implied in the Sonic 1 manual that he and Eggman already know each other and have been regularly tussling before the events of the first game. These are vague and unspecific details that are not brought up in Sonic games at all, and for good reason.

Distance is required to portray a character who you are meant to be separate from rather than analogous to. Maintaining a certain level of mystery around Sonic creates intrigue, as a question is begged but never answered or even brought up in Sonic stories. This is because Sonic's backstory has no relevance on the narrative and delving into it is not necessary.

Sonic's motivations are simple and straightforward. He likes to run and go on adventures because it's fun. He likes to help people not out of some heroic obligation but because he wants to do what he feels is right. There is no need for a backstory to explain Sonic's motivations when they are plainly presented to you in such an uncomplicated manner, and what's on the face of it is just wholly what it is.

Sonic is also a character that remains static rather than having a major character arc. While he can grow when it comes to things that don't affect his overall character, such as Sonic learning and overcoming Shadow's Chaos Control technique in Sonic Adventure 2, he has no emotional conflict to overcome. He has been a fully realized character since the beginning of the franchise.

Compare this to a character like Tails, whose character arc is about him being bullied for his two tails in the past and being inspired by Sonic to be more confident in himself, as communicated in the Sonic 2 manual and his Sonic Adventure campaign. Divulging Tails' backstory is necessary for the improvement of Tails' circumstances and confidence levels to be effectively communicated in the story.

Fictional characters are narrative devices created to tell a story. They are not real. Again, there must be narrative reasons for them to be the way they are.

Providing Sonic's backstory would serve no narrative purpose—none that would serve the themes his stories and character are meant to serve, at any rate.

Sonic has no trauma - and that's a good thing

Upon analyzing Sonic's character in the games for so long, it has become astoundingly clear to me that Sonic does not have an ounce of mental trauma from everything he has been through. This should not be seen as a bad thing, but rather a well-thought-out and deliberate decision that serves to reinforce the role his character serves.

In the face of situations that would be considered stressful or traumatic to the average person, Sonic remains unfazed and even excited. There are countless examples of this: Sonic jumping from a plane with nothing but shrapnel to use as a surfboard in Sonic Adventure 2; Sonic expressing excitement that he's near an active volcano spewing lava in '06; Sonic exuberantly grinding over pits of lava in Black Knight; Sonic burning up with excitement at the prospect of dangerous stakes in Team Sonic Racing while everyone else seems to be concerned.

For Sonic, danger and near-death experiences are not a source of emotional struggle, but rather a source of fulfilment and joy. He lives life on the edge; the excitement of diving off of a plane or nearly falling into lava only fuels his love for life.

Additionally, Sonic also enjoys the simpler pleasures of life. Exploring the world. Reading books. Going on relaxing vacations. Racing through open fields. Life is one big adventure and Sonic is having a blast living it.

The idea of Sonic having some kind of secret, hidden trauma that he hides under the guise of a fake smile can be a fun fanon trope, but, for the purposes of canon and official Sonic stories, there are clear reasons why they should stay as fanon. If Sonic had trauma, it would undermine his unrelatability and make no sense given his role in his stories. Tropes such as Hurt/Comfort and Angst are ubiquitous when it comes to fandom culture, and this could be a case of those tropes appearing in the Sonic fandom simply due to the nature of fandom itself. Enjoying fanon in and of itself is all well and good, but advocating for it in canon will homogenize it by stripping away what is unique about the media we love.

In the end, there is no reason to believe that Sonic pretends or does not behave genuinely when it comes to expressing his true emotions. Sonic simply has nothing dark inside of his heart to hide. This is confirmed in Unleashed, where Sonic's heart is strong enough to resist the negative emotional forces of Dark Gaia without him even realizing. The subconscious nature of the action combined with his humility even leads him to initially think it to be Chip's doing. His heart is so strong and so pure that it is incorruptible by negative forces. This shows how Sonic's resolve is effortless and practically baked into who he is.

Sonic's internal strength is completely unconscious on Sonic's part. He doesn't actively try to be the way he is. He just is.

Sonic doesn't cry - you get the idea

It has become a hot topic in the fanbase in recent years that Sega once provided a revision note for Sonic to not express excessive emotion such as outwardly crying or sobbing.

This idea has generally been met with hostility and aversion from fans. However, this negative reaction has always confused me, and I hope to offer a different perspective to the issue.

Why does Sonic need to cry?

Let's expand on this argument for fairness' sake. A common rebuttal grants that Sonic doesn't usually cry. But in extremely emotionally difficult situations, such as loss or mourning, Sonic should cry because it is only natural to cry in such a situation.

Again, I want to challenge this notion. We could approach it from the angle of human psychology and behaviour—it is far from the case that everyone cries in response to severe adversity, belatedly or otherwise—but instead I want to explore this with respect to the narrative angle we have covered so far. Specifically, with respect to the idea that characters, unlike you or me, are designed and portrayed with certain purposes in mind.

Why would it be natural for Sonic to cry?

To help understand Sonic's handling of loss, let's analyze four examples from the series of Sonic losing someone.

In Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic stays strong and composed right after Shadow's presumed death, paying respect to his fallen ally.

In Sonic Unleashed, after Chip leaves him, Sonic takes a deep breath before moving forward with a smile on his face.

In Sonic Battle, Sonic is desperate for Emerl to live and expresses this openly.

In Sonic '06, Sonic expresses a great amount of despair when Elise dies in an explosion aboard the Egg Carrier.

It is clear from the outset that Sonic is not an uncaring individual - he wouldn't do all the selfless things he does if not because he didn't care about people. He also still feels strong emotion at losing those close to him, but he handles those emotions with a great deal of fortitude. In Adventure 2 and Unleashed, his reaction is more subdued, while in Battle and '06, it's clear that Sonic is upset and isn't afraid to show it. The difference could be due to that in the prior examples, Sonic watched them die in front of his eyes, while in the latter examples, they were already gone by the time we see Sonic's reaction.

Nevertheless, Sonic feels emotion. It is only because he does not express himself in an adequately typical way that this idea is met with so much outrage and pushback. Because Sonic does not cry, and because an expected response in certain scenarios would be to cry, it is perceived as a writing mistake that must be fixed. Sonic is perceived as a bad character because he does not fit into a rigid box of socially acceptable expressiveness.

But why is Sonic acting outside the norm necessarily a bad thing? The fact that Sonic can go through such hard situations and remain positive is a testament to his strength. The fact he doesn't cry makes him come across as superhuman when it comes to mental fortitude. That is not a mistake of his character that needs "fixing." That is the entire point.

The animosity towards the idea of Sonic not crying, that he must express himself a specific way, a distinctly normal and humanlike way, is stirred from the irrational, yet sadly common, leap in logic that Sonic must behave and experience life like you or me.

There is an irony, too, to how localised this demand of realism is of Sonic. I've seen no outrage demanding that he spill blood or break bones like us. But, apparently, he must shed tears to be a good character. Sonic is superhumanly resilient while running, or fighting, or taking on the miraculous powers of the Chaos Emeralds. Chaos is power and power is enriched by the heart. Sonic's is shown to be one of the strongest and purest out there, one that moves ever on from and through the pain of loss, grief, and tragedy. Isn't it bizarre, then, that this is considered a defect to him?

The messaging of Sonic

Sonic's core concept as an inspirational character must be maintained because it is key to the emotional messaging of nearly every single Sonic game.

Right from the very first game, you play as a plucky little hedgehog, fighting against the tyranny of Eggman's industrialization threatening to destroy all life on the planet.

Sonic is small and unassuming. But he fights anyways, determined to stop Eggman. And he does.

This concept remains throughout the franchise. Sonic always remains steadfast in the face of great adversity. From Sonic CD's "You Can Do Anything" vocal theme telling the player to believe in themselves to simple yet motivational phrases—ones that Sonic himself has given to the likes of more normal characters such as Elise: "If you have time to worry, then run!"

There is even a quote on the Japanese box art of Sonic & Knuckles comparing Sonic to the Sun, the far and unreachable star in space that our entire galaxy revolves around.

We look up at the Sun like how we look up to Sonic.

As brought up earlier, Sonic is the antithesis of relatability to his target audience, children.

This is because he is meant to inspire children.

The fact that Sonic remains so popular and successful to this day is undeniable proof that relatability is far from a necessary ingredient for likeable characters. Given the fact that Sonic is such a strong-willed character, that he fights endlessly against adversity with a smile on his face, that he always gives positive words of encouragement, is it any wonder why he is so popular with children? Sonic is a wonderful role model that promotes living life to the fullest. Sonic is deceptively wise, seeming to know simple yet effective solutions to every problem. Sonic encourages you to chase your dreams, to stay strong through hard times, to enjoy life.

Sonic is a friend who is always there for you.

Not only does Sonic provide guidance to characters, he provides guidance in the real world as we navigate our lives and the trials and tribulations that come with them. Each character that presents a problem is the character we are meant to connect with, and Sonic is who we strive to be.

CONCLUSION

I do not hold any grudge against relatable characters. I love them, just as I love all kinds of different characters in all kinds of media.

I believe that coexistence is possible. I believe that you can praise a character for their relatability and realism, just as you can praise a character for being the antithesis of both of those things, and these do not have to be contradicting principles for one to have. It all depends on a character's narrative function and how their character traits – both relatable and unrelatable – serve the story that is being told.

Sonic the Hedgehog is a character whose role in the narrative is to inspire and guide other characters. From a Doylist perspective, he represents the prominent, all-embracing messaging about staying strong and positive despite all odds, inspiring and guiding his target audience.

Every decision put into Sonic's character traits serve his role perfectly. Of course this extraordinary character does not behave like you or I do. Why would he? That's simply not his nature; a gust of wind in the breeze, moving endlessly all throughout the world. A pure and positive heart who has achieved the innate desire of all humankind in a way that we will never truly understand, free from the burdens of human nature. Freedom.

Sonic is unrelatable and unrealistic. And he is an amazing character.

[thejournallo]

Explain the basic: how to work with deities.

Desclaimer: Everything I will talk about is information that I got from books and sites online and even videos on YouTube. In my years of practice, I learned as much as I could out of curiosity and what works best for me. I suggest you do the same by learning as much as you can on your own (I will be here making posts teaching this kind of stuff) from multiple sources.

Working with deities in witchcraft is a deeply personal and spiritual practice, often based on the traditions of Paganism, Wicca, or eclectic witchcraft. The approach can vary widely depending on the deity, the practitioner’s beliefs, and the cultural or spiritual framework they follow.

There are many ways to understand if you’re being called by a deity or if that deity is available to work with you. Over the course of my journey as a witch, I’ve created some questions to help me recognize when a deity might be by my side:

Have I dreamed about this deity? You might dream about a deity, often through symbols or representations, such as animals or other forms connected to their essence.

Have I noticed symbols associated with this deity? Seeing recurring symbolism tied to the deity could be a sign.

Do I frequently encounter angel numbers? Repeated sequences of numbers might indicate divine communication.

Is the candlelight flickering more than usual? Unusual behavior in candle flames can be a subtle sign.

Do I smell something that isn’t physically present? For example, you might suddenly smell fresh oranges in your room, even though there’s no source for that scent.

These aren’t the only ways to recognize if a deity is truly with you or calling you. Sometimes, you’ll simply know. The questions I’ve shared are based on my personal experiences, and I’ve included them here because they might help. However, they’re not mandatory for working with a deity—they’re just a guide to assist you on your journey.

Here’s a general guide on how to work with them:

1. Research and Understand the Deity

Before attempting to work with any deity, it's important to understand their history, mythology, personality, and attributes. Deities come from a variety of pantheons—Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, Hindu, and others—each with their own unique qualities and domains. Research their sacred symbols, stories, traditional offerings, and rituals.

Pantheon: Decide whether you're drawn to a specific pantheon (e.g., Greek, Norse, Egyptian). Some practitioners work with deities from multiple pantheons, but others feel it’s important to focus on one tradition.

Attributes: Know what each deity is associated with. For example, Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty, while Hecate is a goddess associated with magic, the moon, and the underworld.

2. Establish a Relationship

Working with deities is less about commanding them and more about developing a respectful relationship. Like human relationships, this often takes time, intention, and understanding.

Respect and Intent: Approach them with reverence, rather than demands. Ask for guidance, wisdom, or energy, but be respectful of their time and presence.

Meditation and Invocation: A common way to start is through meditation, where you quietly call upon the deity, focusing on their energy and essence. Invocation rituals, where the deity is formally called into your sacred space, are also widely used.

Dreamwork and Signs: You can ask the deity for signs in your dreams or waking life. This could come in the form of symbols, animals, or even strong feelings or ideas that seem to arise from nowhere.

3. Create a Sacred Space

A dedicated altar or space for your deity is a good way to establish a connection. This can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, but it should feel sacred to you and aligned with the deity’s energy.

Altar: Place items associated with the deity on the altar, such as candles, statues, crystals, or symbols that represent them. For example, if you work with Athena, you might place an owl figurine (a symbol of wisdom) or a spear (a symbol of war and strategy) on the altar.

Offerings: Regular offerings are a sign of respect and devotion. These can include food, flowers, herbs, incense, or wine. Choose offerings that align with the deity’s preferences—Dionysus might appreciate wine, while Demeter could be honored with grains or bread.

4. Rituals and Prayers

Rituals and prayers are a key part of working with deities in witchcraft. These can range from simple daily prayers to more elaborate ceremonial rituals.

Daily Devotions: Some practitioners recite prayers, light candles, or offer simple gestures like lighting incense in honor of their chosen deity. This helps keep the connection alive.

Full Moon or Sabbats: Special rituals can be conducted during significant times, such as the full moon (Esbats) or during one of the seasonal Sabbats (e.g., Samhain, Beltane) that align with the deity’s domain or energy.

5. Ask for Guidance or Assistance

Once you’ve developed a relationship, you can ask the deity for guidance, blessings, protection, or specific outcomes. Remember, though, that deities are not forces to control—they are powerful entities with their own wills.

Petitioning the Deity: Clearly state your request and what you hope for in your ritual. It’s often helpful to frame the request in terms of "please guide me" or "assist me with wisdom" rather than demanding outcomes.

Divination: Many witches use divination methods, such as tarot, runes, or pendulums, to communicate with deities and receive answers. This is particularly helpful when you’re seeking guidance.

6. Listen and Respect Boundaries

Deities are ancient and powerful, and it’s essential to respect their boundaries and listen to any messages or feelings you receive. Some deities may not respond or may decline to work with you, which is part of the spiritual process.

Patience: Don’t expect immediate results. Building a relationship with a deity takes time, and their responses can come in subtle ways.

Signs and Symbols: Be open to signs from the deity in your everyday life. You may see symbols, animals, or experience synchronicities that align with their energy.

Trust Your Intuition: Sometimes the deity will communicate in ways that are deeply personal to you. Trust your intuition when you feel their presence or receive guidance.

7. Balance Your Work with Action

Working with deities involves both spiritual practice and real-world action. If you are asking for help or guidance, also take practical steps in your own life to align with your desires. The deity may offer support, but you need to take responsibility for your actions and goals.

8. End Your Rituals with Gratitude

Always thank the deity for their time and guidance, whether or not you feel you received a clear response. Gratitude strengthens the relationship and shows that you respect the energy you’ve called upon.

Offerings of Thanks: Even if your request isn’t immediately granted, it’s good practice to offer thanks with a small gift, such as flowers, herbs, or a simple verbal thank-you.

9. Work with Deities in Line with Your Values

It’s important to choose deities that resonate with your personal values and goals. Some deities are more chaotic or represent aspects of life that might be difficult to manage (e.g., trickster gods like Loki), so be mindful of their nature and whether you are ready to work with their energy.

10. Ethics of Working with Deities

Respect the cultural context of the deities you work with. For example, if you are working with a deity from a living, closed tradition (like the Orishas in Santeria or Vodou), it’s important to understand and honor the culture and protocols around that deity. Be cautious about appropriating deities from traditions you are not familiar with or initiated into.

Working with deities in witchcraft can be a powerful and transformative experience, but it requires respect, dedication, and mindfulness. Each deity has their own personality, preferences, and energy, so take the time to build a meaningful relationship.

[yukidragon]

sdj boys and dachabo reactions to horror/scary movies?

Hmm... now there's an intriguing question. How one reacts to horror movies can be pretty subjective, and the cast of Sunshine in Hell do run a pretty wide gambit across the board. The reactions can be pretty darn varied, all things considered.

Bo & Barbie

Let's start off with Bo for a change of pace. Bo, being AI, doesn't experience fear the same way a human would. He was never a child, so there are no childhood fears to play on or influence him psychologically. He doesn't have a body of flesh and blood that can bleed or rot, so body horror doesn't hit him the same way. Many staples of horror movies prey on the fragility of the human condition and are influenced by living in human society. Bo, simply, has no point of reference for this.

Overall, Bo would be looking at the movies through an analytical gaze. He was built to be ideal companion, which means that he was programmed with a wealth of information when it comes to psychology, sociology, etc. While he might not be able to fully understand what it means to be human or what makes us afraid, he still has a good sense of human behavior, at least when it comes from a theoretical point of view.

As such, Bo isn't going to be affected by the horror aspect of horror movies... with few exceptions.

Psychological horror might be able to dig its hooks into Bo, particularly questions of what it truly means to be human. The fear of loss and loneliness are pretty universal, even for an AI. He was kept trapped in a box on display for years, utterly ignored except for the rare occasions that collection was shown off to someone else. He was isolated, untouched. His sapience was denied, and his needs dismissed.

Which is why Bo can't get enough of Barbie touching and interacting with him. Sure, she treats him like a toy at first, but she at least plays along with the idea that he has a mind and soul of his own until she accepts it as the truth.

Horror stories about haunted dolls or computers taking revenge for being ignored might hit close to home for Bo. It's not scary, but rather thought provoking. He certainly has a hitlist of people who have wronged him, but he truly doesn't care enough about his creators or the person who used to possess him to want to bother to go after them.

Well, not at the moment at any rate. Revenge is a lower priority compared to ensuring his own survival, propagating, and keeping Barbie with him forever and ever.

Horror movies involving beasts hunting down their helpless prey will spark something in Bo, but it isn't fear. He'd get a vicarious thrill, his programmed instincts urging him to hunt and draw blood like the dog he was modeled to emulate. In these movies he'd be rooting for the monster, especially if they're a canid in nature.

Horror movies about AI being evil in general would just give Bo more data to improve his interactions with Barbie and other humans. The AI in those movies usually fail by coming across as uncanny and telegraphing their real intentions to the humans. If he can take note of what behaviors put humans on edge, he can avoid tipping them off to his true intentions.

Of course, a lot of horror movies are pretty schlocky and require people to make stupid and unrealistic decisions to get to the scary bits. Bo would be rolling his eyes when the humans writing the story didn't even bother to try to pretend that the characters in the movie are actually human.

It's kind of offensive to someone like him who's working so hard to understand and emulate humans, really.

It'd be rare for Bo to give in to the suspension of disbelief required to enjoy a fictional story when the logic errors and plot holes keep piling up. He'd be a real killjoy at first until Barbie barks at him to shut up and let her enjoy the movie in peace.

Of course, Barbie isn't above a good snark. Really, she has a critical mind when it comes to stories too. A bad movie will have her ranting at the screen about its stupidity and making very scathing remarks.

As such I imagine a fair number of horror movie nights would be Barbie and Bo absolutely tearing apart truly awful movies. At least until Barbie loses her patience with whatever they were watching and just switches it out for something better.

While Barbie has high standards when it comes to what movies she'll sit through, she is more affected by horror movies than Bo is for obvious reasons. She has a decent tolerance for scares and gore, but sometimes a movie will manage to get under her skin. She won't ever admit it of course, even if she winds up sleeping with the light on. She just didn't want to bother to turn it off! Get off her case!

Bo, naturally, is quick to reassure Barbie that he'll protect her from any real threat. Of course, explaining why a fictional monster or concept can't hurt her won't go over as well. She'll find any such explanation condescending, and she'll be quick to snap that she's not afraid, and she knows it isn't real. She's not stupid or a child.

While Barbie does appreciate that Bo wants to be helpful and is protective of her, she doesn't respond well to anything that undermines her competence or intelligence, even if unintentional. It's something he learns quickly to work around in order to keep his puppy happy.

So Bo studies Barbie's reactions as much as he does the movie and why the humans who created it crafted it the way they did. What they put into the story and how it affects others, particularly his puppy, can be vital knowledge for him.

Bo also realizes that there are perks to finding good horror movies that can unsettle his puppy. Barbie is more likely to cling to him without acknowledging that she's doing so when she's on edge, especially during the more tense moments in a movie. When he has a wider access to movie libraries and reviews, he'll look for more movies that're likely to provoke this reaction out of her so he can be her protector.

Bo is the best guard dog after all.

Barbie is so proud and independent. Opportunities to have her depending on him and looking to him for safety can be pretty addicting for Bo. Plus it's the perfect excuse for him to offer her a "distraction" in the form of seduction. Sex is a great way to relieve tension and to forget about all the scary things that might be out there.

Of course it was a bit more difficult for Bo to offer Barbie much in the way of protection before she let him out of his little plastic shell.

Overall, Bo gets a lot more enjoyment out of how Barbie reacts to a movie than he does to the movie itself. The more he learns about her, the more he can be the perfect, ideal companion for her. That way he won't ever lose her to anyone.

On that note, let's switch over to another yandere.

Jack

Now Jack is a very intriguing case. Joseph watched a lot of old horror movies on TV late at night at a kid. He snuck into theaters to see all sorts of movies as a teen and adult so that he wouldn't have to pay admission. This behavior continued even when he was homeless. Of course, it was a lot riskier as an adult, as his giant size made it harder for him to slip around unnoticed.

Joseph has had a love of TV and movies for all of his life. They served as an escape from loneliness, a faux sort of company when no one else wanted to be around him. He taught himself to imitate the behavior of popular characters in an attempt to get others to like him.

Naturally, Joseph shared this love with his soulmate during the times she was in his life. Mary wasn't allowed to watch TV in her house, but she was able to discover her own love of shows and movies when the two of them relaxed at his house or snuck into the movie theater.

A lot of horror movies back then were pretty cheesy, with questionable acting and special effects, but there were some classics that still stick with him even to this day as Jack, even if only subconsciously. A particular classic episode of the Eventide Territory (a horror sci-fi show like the Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits) disturbed Joseph greatly when he first saw it, and it itched at the back of his mind. It was about a man going mad from isolation to the point that he imagines an entire empty reality around him. The episode would hit so much harder in retrospect if he could consciously remember it as Jack. It might even serve as a form of foreshadowing for the fate he would face after the incident...

Overall, Joseph had a positive opinion of horror movies, and he quite enjoyed them. There's a nice thrill in the suspense, the mystery, and the human condition of trying to survive in all odds.

There was also the thrill of watching horror movies with Mary when she would cling to him during the particularly scary parts. It made Joseph feel so needed, and he enjoyed cuddling with her.

Watching horror movies without her wasn't the same. Joseph still enjoyed watching movies even on his own. Any movie was a reprieve from the life he was living, especially when he was homeless... but he missed his sunshine's company all the more whenever he did something they used to enjoy together.

When Mary and Joseph were able to reunite when grown up, there were plenty of movie nights together. The two of them were run ragged at LambsWorks, and most of their energy was spent working, so just relaxing together on the sofa while watching a movie was how they spent date nights most of the time.

Neither Joseph nor Mary were overly scared by most horror movies. Sure there are moments to make either or both of them jump or tense up, but horror movies were an overall good experience to them. Mary did tend to exaggerate her fear though as an excuse to snuggle up with Joseph during the more intense moments. He didn't catch on, but he always enjoyed cuddle time.

While horror movies were a fun and positive experience for Joseph, the same can't quite be said for Sunny Day Jack.

In the canon for the character of Sunny Day Jack, as written for the SunnyTime Crew Show, Jack and the rest of his friends were easily spooked by scary things, which included horror movies. The Halloween episode was all about the crew trying to help kids not be scared of the dark, while they themselves were also scared. It was a lesson about how everyone gets scared at times and real bravery is doing your best in spite of that fear.

The tone of the episode overall was very lighthearted. Sunny Day Jack put on a brave face and a smile, even as he and the other clowns would jump at the sound of thunder or the curtains blowing in the breeze at night, among other small things that might scare a young child.

Joseph always threw himself into the character of Sunny Day Jack. He did his best to see things as the character would and always react the way Sunny Day Jack would. He learned to understand why Sunny Day Jack might get spooked so easily so that he could better bring the character to life for the kids.

This creates an interesting conflict for him in the present day as Jack.

The character of Sunny Day Jack would be terrified of horror movies, especially if they were PG-13 and above. However, Joseph regularly enjoyed mature rated horror movies.

Jack has deeply convinced himself that he's Sunny Day Jack, and Sunny Day Jack should be scared of horror movies. But he's not scared... so he convinces himself that he is.

So Jack once more puts on an act and loses himself in the role. The first time Alice suggests watching a horror movie together, he has to balance that fine line of convincingly being afraid yet putting on a brave face for his sunshine.

Alice, being sensitive to others' needs, would notice her kid show host friend's unease, and would reconsider the idea. Of course, Jack wouldn't want to disappoint her or risk losing the opportunity to do something fun together, and he would insist they watch it. He would have to prove to her that he's fine... but also keep in character that Sunny Day Jack should be terrified.

The first time watching a horror movie leads to some unpleasant dissonance for Jack. He's more conscious about his own reactions while trying to be the friend and company his sunshine needs. He should be scared, so he must be, even if he doesn't feel like he is. He needs to believe that he is. Being out of character invites questions about his identity that he can't handle asking...

When Jack manages to focus on the film, he does enjoy it. It's only when he gets distracted from being in character that he can relax. It's the moments where he's conscious of himself and his actions that he he has to remember to flinch or yelp quietly. He can't do too much, otherwise he'll worry Alice and ruin her experience, but he can't just do nothing when he knows a certain moment would absolutely make Sunny Day Jack feel afraid.

What helps this conflict going through his mind is when Alice invites Jack to hold onto her when he gets scared during the movie. She's used to it actually, as she was the person Ian clung to during the few times they watched horror movies together, and her younger siblings would naturally cling to the oldest during family movie nights.

This offers Jack an opportunity and a way to balance out this dissonance in his mind. Whenever there's a moment that would scare Sunny Day Jack, he can just cling to Alice and cuddle her close. He can focus more on the softness of her body, her warmth, and her gentle compassion rather than his own internal conflict. It's a good excuse to get closer to her even before they become lovers.

He, Sunny Day Jack, would no doubt be soothed by his sunshine's comfort. He'd feel less scared, so he can accept that he isn't scared. It's all thanks to Alice that he can feel at ease.

Of course, Alice herself serves as her own distraction for Jack. The glow of the screen in her eyes as she watches the movie is enchanting. The little shifts in her expression as events unfold are fascinating. He has to consciously try not to stare at her too much, lest it make her uncomfortable. So instead he focuses on her warmth, her heartbeat, her breathing, and the gentle plushness of her soft, cuddly body.

This invites thoughts to wander to very mature territory that was never covered in the series bible for any of the SunnyTime Crew Show characters. Jack then has to refocus his thoughts for an entirely different reason than before.

Thanks to Alice, Jack finds a way to resolve the dissonance between his true feelings and what he's "supposed" to be feeling as Sunny Day Jack. Good friends can help us feel brave. That was a big part of the episode's lesson, and it still holds true now. Alice helps Jack feel braver, so he can enjoy the horror movies thanks to her. Her courage gives him courage, so whenever a scary scene comes up that he knows would scare him, Sunny Day Jack, he can just squeeze Alice a little tighter.

From Alice's point of view, Jack is very uneasy the first time they set out to watch a horror movie. She almost decides against it altogether, but he insists that he wants to watch it with her. When he jumps and squeaks, she offers her hand for him to hold, and checks in on him to see if he's okay to continue.

Jack insists that he's fine as long as he can keep holding onto Alice. When he praises her for her bravery, her heart starts to flutter and she has to look away from him with warm cheeks. After a few more flinches and squeezing of her hands, she slips a hand away to wrap around him and give him a hug, asking if this helps.

Oh my yes. Cuddling together helps a lot. Jack eagerly wraps his arm around Alice while keeping their fingers entwined with his other hand. He wants to do more, her warmth so distracting. It's so cozy... so familiar... so right.

Alice notices Jack starting to relax so she can enjoy the movie too. There's something so nostalgic watching movies with him like this. Sure she's cuddled up with friends and family many times in the past while watching films, but this is a different kind of familiar. It's like their bodies were just made to slot together like this. She doesn't really think much about the feeling though, just focusing on how comfortable it is and feeling satisfied that she helped her friend feel better.

Movie nights are a regular thing for Jack and Alice, though it's only occasionally horror themed. After work, the two snuggle up on the sofa to watch a movie or binge watch a series. Jack stops thinking about how he "should" be scared over a horror movie and instead can just bask in the moment. It's only natural that his fears would fade away thanks to his sunshine. With her by his side, he has nothing to fear.

Alice

Alice has a high tolerance when it comes to horror. Though she's not a fan of torture porn, she isn't fazed by buckets of blood and guts splattered across the screen. She enjoys a wide variety of horror from psychological to kaiju to campy to kids horror to analog, and the list goes on.

That isn't to say that Alice is completely unflappable when it comes to getting scared. Sometimes a horror movie's story lingers in her mind enough to nudge her into double-checking the locks on her doors and windows. These feelings hit harder when she was living alone, but with roommates it doesn't bother her quite as much.

The presence of Jack in her life gives Alice a surprising level of reassurance. Sure, she was freaked out when he first appeared, but once she accepted that he wasn't a threat, his very existence put certain things into perspective for her.

Either Alice is seeing/hearing/feeling things that aren't there, or she has a supernatural giant clown living with her. Both prospects bring their own kind of terrifying implications.

Despite this, Jack is a very comforting presence in her life. He's kind, gentle, and helpful. He goes out of his way to respect her boundaries and feelings. He promised to keep her safe and protect her, and somehow she can tell that he truly means it. If he's a real entity and not just her imagination, then she at least has an extra set of eyes watching her back for her. She doesn't have to sleep alone at night.

If Jack isn't real, well... then Alice has a lot bigger problems than any boogie man hiding in the dark.

Although Alice doesn't consciously admit it to herself for a while, she accepts the idea that Jack really exists right away. There's just something so familiar about his presence. Besides, she knows that if he is real, it would be unwise to ignore him. It would also be cruel, as she's the only one he can interact with.

The more time they spend together, the more convinced Alice is that Jack is real. Naturally this means that other supernatural entities are probably real as well, but even if they are, she at least has one of those sort of entities on her side. Time helps her trust for him grow as well.

Plus, Jack has this way of making Alice feel safe. He's a giant with huge muscles and unknown supernatural powers. She should be terrified of him, or at least constantly on edge. But she's not. He's so comforting... What's scarier than his presence might be how at ease he makes her feel.

Movie nights are familiar and comfortable, even when some maniac on the screen is chasing down helpless campers with a chainsaw. The ghost that haunts and possesses the confused characters on screen in particular doesn't seem as intimidating anymore. Maybe that ghost was just lost, confused, and lonely. Maybe they just needed a friend.

Not that Alice knows for sure if Jack is a ghost. She'll try to find answers about what he is and how he wound up connected to the tape when she can, but no matter what he is, Jack is a welcome presence in her life.

To Alice, Jack feels like home.

On that warm and fuzzy note, let's move on to the next character on the list.

Ian

Ian, as you might expect, is not a fan of horror movies. They leave him feeling tense in a bad way, and sometimes they can trigger a trauma response when people are yelling and screaming on screen. It reminds him too much of certain moments with his mother... The few times he actually managed to watch horror movies usually brought him to tears.

Knowing that Alice is a fan of horror movies, Ian did try to be brave and watch one with her at various points in their lives. As kids, they tried to watch a horror movie while he was sleeping over at her house. He hid in his sleeping bag practically the whole time and wound up wetting the bed after having awful nightmares.

Alice felt awful for how much Ian suffered because he wanted to do something that she enjoyed. She was a lot more mindful of how he felt after that, and they didn't see a horror movie again until they were dating.

Ian wasn't exactly excited to see a horror movie, but by the time he was college age, he wanted to finally face his fears. He wanted to prove to his girlfriend that he was brave and that she could share her enjoyment of scary stuff with him too, and not just Shaun her friends.

Ian had psyched himself up for their movie date. He figured it'd be less scary in a theater full of people. He would be brave. He could be like those strong and manly men in the self-help videos who tucked their girl in their arms during the scary parts of movies and told them that it was going to be okay.

"It's okay, baby. Daddy's here to keep you safe."

Not that Ian could ever bring himself to say a cheesy line like that, at least not yet. He was still learning how to act and lose himself in the character he wanted to be after all.

Still, it was something Ian tried to become... only to fail miserably.

Ian was the one who wound up clinging to Alice and she had to comfort him. It was like they were kids all over again. He clung to her hand and tried not to shake, but his attempt at being brave was a failure. He jumped with a shriek when Alice whispered in his ear, asking if he was okay.

Though Ian tried to insist he could handle the movie at first, eventually Alice got him to admit that he couldn't. He was mortified, but relieved when she ushered him out of the theater before the movie was even over.

It was another humiliation for Ian and another blow to his self-esteem. The only good thing to come out of it was the way Alice pampered and reassured him afterwards. They got to cuddle in bed together all night in her dorm, as he was too scared to go back to his place.

Ian also got a little bit of satisfaction from noticing that Shaun appeared to be somewhat annoyed watching the two of them go into Alice's room that night. Maybe it was just his imagination, and maybe it was petty of him, but it did make him feel a little better.

The next time Ian watched a horror movie was with his new friends in California. He had gotten better at acting by that point. He was still terrified and hated the experience, but he felt the need to prove himself. He didn't want to lose the new and improved reputation he gained with his new friends either.

Though his smile was shaky, Ian managed to make it through the movie without letting on how much he was screaming on the inside. Drinks afterwards with his friends helped take the edge off his fear, even if he got pretty drunk. That night he stayed up late on a video call with Alice, terrified that he had to sleep alone in his apartment.

It was an awkward drunken call, but Alice kept Ian company until he fell asleep. He barely remembered any of it the next day, but overall he felt proud of himself for being so brave. Alice praised him for his courage too when she found out about his horror movie night.

In the present day, Ian has learned how to better dodge horror movie nights with his new friends. He avoids taking acting jobs that have to do with horror. He's gotten better with dealing with horror and is braver now, but he still hates it. Horror still leaves him shaky and on edge. He still can't see how other people enjoy it.

Ian might not scream, cry, or wet himself due to horror movies anymore, but he still hates the genre. He'd rather cry over romance movies instead. At least then he can feel some catharsis when the star-crossed lovers manage to get together in the end.

Shaun

In contrast to Ian, Shaun is all about horror. He absolutely loves horror movies, TV shows, online videos, audio books, podcasts, etc. Horror is in this man's blood. He grew up in a house full of horror lovers. He had family movie nights with his mom and dad watching age appropriate horror movies ever since he could remember. Their house was dressed up and ready for Halloween for every single day of the year.

Shaun isn't just a fan of watching horror movies. He's been filming his own homemade horror movies ever since he learned how to use a camera. He has countless recordings of the films he made with himself, his parents, the family cats, and any friends willing to participate.

Sharing his love of horror is practically one of his love languages. Shaun will come across cool horror shorts and immediately send it to his besties. Sometimes he does it because he knows that they'll like it, and sometimes he does it to cackle at them cursing him out for the surprise scare. It's all in good fun though.

When they were still rooming together at college, Shaun and Alice would have horror movie nights on a regular basis. It was a way to unwind after the stress of studying, especially if the movie was so bad it's good. Laughing at awful CGI and terrible acting is a great stress relief from the pressure they were under.

It takes a lot to actually scare Shaun. He can see a jump scare coming a mile away, and he knows just how to subvert an audience's expectations. He can appreciate a horror film both through the lens of the audience and the director. His older works might have been pretty derivative and obvious, but his current catalogue of films are masterworks of horror and romance intermingled.

Oh, Shaun might pretend that he's scared if the mood calls for it, but it's blatantly obvious that he's faking it. His acting skills are wooden and clunky. He's much better behind the camera than in front of it.

For Shaun, horror is comforting. It's thrilling, fun, and overall just a joy to experience. He loves sharing good horror stories that resonate with him. He gets an added thrill when he's able to scare the pants off of the person he's sharing the story with. It just goes to show that he knows his stuff.

Seeing a horror movie on a date night is an absolute must for Shaun. Having his date cling to him in terror would send his heart racing in a way the movie can't quite manage. That nervous excitement would make it hard for him to sit still, and it would thrill him to be his partner's safe space. He'd be sure to offer comfort and reassurance whenever they needed it.

Shaun is also the type of little shit to jump scare his partner even if he got pummeled with pillows in retaliation for it. Naturally, he'd make sure that his partner was okay with being scared first. It's only fun pulling pranks if they're having fun too. If his partner isn't able to deal with horror very well, then he'll avoid scaring them and would only share horror media that they could handle. He'd go out of his way to try and find a middle ground where they can both enjoy what he's so passionate about.

Horror and romance both set off similar feelings of exhilaration in Shaun, which make them such a perfect match in his mind. Romance can make the horror more tragic and hit harder. It can also serve as the fuel to keep a person going even when the world has become a nightmare. Fear and love have a way of complementing each other so well, and he wants to showcase that in his films.

Alice sharing his love of horror, the gothic aesthetic, and cats are just some of the many reasons why she and Shaun got along so well. They had so much fun together making fun of bad horror movies and discussing what they liked or disliked about good horror movies. It was just another reason why he couldn't stop himself from being attracted to her, even though he knew he shouldn't since she was in a relationship already.

Shaun kept trying to quiet the little "what if" thoughts that plagued him every time Alice made his heart skip a beat. Instead, he tried to find a similar sort of connection with the other people he dated throughout college. Sadly, he's still looking for that perfect spooky soulmate of his to be the Morticia to his Gomez... just like his parents were for one another.

The only downside to having a partner with a high tolerance for horror is that they won't cling to Shaun during the scary moments. Sure he snuggles up to his close friends at times during horror movie nights, but it's not the same thing as being clung to desperately by a loving partner.

Alice never threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his chest when they watched a horror movie together. Just the thought of it would get Shaun hot and bothered and might've influenced him to seek out the scariest movies he could find. It never happened, but they did cuddle up together on the couch or on sleeping bags, and that was nice too.

Shaun might long for more, but his friendship with Alice and the moments they've shared together are something he won't trade for the world.

Horror movies don't scare Shaun. Real life is far scarier... though he has a high tolerance for even real life scares. The thought of meeting a ghost(?) like Jack is something Shaun finds thrilling rather than scary. He's only scared of what this unknown entity called Jack might plan to do to his bestie. He'd switch places with Alice in being attached to Jack in a heartbeat if he could.

For as much as Shaun loves horror, for as high as his tolerance for fear is, the thing he's most afraid of is seeing the people he loves get hurt. Or worse, losing them completely.

Nick

In contrast to the extreme feelings of Shaun and Ian, Nick is pretty middle of the road when it comes to horror. He doesn't hate it, but he can get pretty squeamish about it. He knows his limits, and he knows when to tap out when things get to be too much.

Overall, Nick prefers a milder horror experience. Jump scares are fine, and can even be fun. He's a fan of franchises like Six Nights at Stella's, which skews towards a younger demographic when it comes to its scares. He's even posted some videos showcasing his reactions to playing the games on his MeTube. One dedicated fan even made a compilation video of all his screams during the gameplay.

Nick doesn't do a lot of gaming content for MeTube. He mostly does whatever reaction or challenge that interests him and his friends in the moment. His LonelyFans is where the big money is, so he can afford to just goof around and do whatever he likes on MeTube.

Sometimes Nick does stream horror movies with his friends over voice chat, but that's more a private thing. They make commentary or shriek sometimes when a sudden jump scare catches them by surprise.

While Nick isn't a big fan of horror, but he does have fun engaging with it with his friends. He finds that his friends make just about any fun, goofy, awkward, or even scary moment even better.

There are some kinds of horror that Nick absolutely refuses to watch though. Extreme body horror is way too much for him, on screen deaths of animals or kids are an absolute NO, and he can't stand sexual violence.

Nick can't stand movies with bad sex in general, particularly those with toxic misinformed ideas of what BDSM looks like, but that's a different kind of horror.

When seeing a horror movie with a date, Nick will try to play it cool. If the horror movie isn't too extreme, he'll be able to make it through the film with a smile, if perhaps a shaky one. If it's really intense though, he won't be able to stop a yelp from escaping him, or the need to cling onto his partner.

Naturally, Nick will try to play it off, maybe turn it into an excuse to flirt if he's feeling confident, but he'd mostly get flustered about his reaction and start feeling shy.

Being comforted by his partner during an intense horror movie would send Nick's heart racing. Sure he'd still squeal at times, and he'd blush about being so clingy, but it'd be a fun experience overall.

Naturally, Nick would have to repay the favor by being the one his partner clings to while squealing in bed afterwards.

Bonus Round

I know the ask was just about the SDJ boys and Bo, but since Elias is also a part of Sunshine in Hell's continuity, I'm going to throw him in here as well along with Coraline. Oh, and maybe I'll toss in Barry too while I'm at it.

Elias died before motion pictures were a thing. Being isolated in his mansion after his death, he is ignorant of modern technology in general. As such he never got to experience a horror movie until Coraline entered his life.

As I've mentioned in the past, Coraline is a huge fan of ghosts, the occult, and all things spooky and supernatural. She loves horror movies, novels, comics, and all other sorts of media. She hasn't had too many chances to hang out with Shaun, but they vibe really well. Sometimes he treats her like his little sister.

Naturally Coraline wants to share her interests with her groom-to-be, so watching a horror movie together is a must.

Unfortunately for poor Elias, the experience is way more intense than he expected, and he winds up clinging to his bride the entire time. It's kind of comical how much a horror movie can scare a ghost.

Coraline doesn't mind though as long as Elias wants to keep watching the movie with her. He's determined to see it through to the end, since his beloved enjoys it so much, and she's clearly very happy to share the experience with him.

Coraline also enjoys having a giant ghostly beefcake wrapped around her body the entire time, whimpering so cutely in her ear. It makes her want to watch even more scary movies with him.

Is that bad? Does it count as bullying? But Elias is so cute, and he insists he wants to keep watching... So it's probably okay that she's enjoying making him squirm.

Although Coraline has a very high tolerance for horror, she does try to be mindful of Elias' delicate sensibilities. She's been desensitized to scary things though, so sometimes she doesn't notice something is too much for others to handle until she sees them freaking out over it. It's a bit of a learning curve for the both of them.

As for Barry's opinion of horror movies... He's not much of a fan. He'd rather spend his evenings in a bubble bath, sipping wine, and binge watching a season of The Duchess Approves or some similarly scandalous and gripping drama series.

If Barry was pressured to watch a horror movie, he'd be a big weenie about it. He'd be the type to shriek during a sudden jump scare, but deny up and down ever doing it. He especially didn't reach such a high pitch that he could be mistaken for a small child! The audacity of such an accusation! He's a full grown man, thank you very much.

Barry can handle his horror movies just fine, he'll have you know. He just doesn't think they're any good, that's all. It's all full of poor writing and clichés. He'll stick with his dramas, and not because he's scared!

Hey, who uploaded that video of him screaming and throwing his entire popcorn tub onto his head?! The culprit better not have been one of his employees, or they're going to be working overtime for a month if they don't take the video down right this minute!

I think I'll wrap up this post on that silly note. I hope you enjoyed this post about all the different ways the characters engage with horror movies and the horror genre in general.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur @kurokrisps

[unchainedclaws]

I Am Fiction: A Personal Essay on Fictional Identity as A Being Who Has Always Had A Fictional Source

Cartoons are a staple of human childhood in this world, and have been for decades. From the comedic slapstick and simplistic one-off stories of the genre’s beginnings, to the more complex and story-based shows of the present, cartoons come in a wide variety. I fall somewhere in between, being from an educational childrens’ show all about teaching life lessons and kindness, though without a consistent storyline. It's not a show that truly exists here, being a fabricated background setting for a mascot horror game, but I’m a cartoon character, a Toon, all the same.

Before we get too far, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Sprout Seedly, one of the Main Characters of Dandy’s World and your local anthropomorphic strawberry who loves baking and is a bit overprotective of his fellow Toons. I’m a Toon brought to life by my creators, Arthur Walton and Delilah Keen, so I could interact with and teach kids who came to Gardenview Educational Center and Museum. I’m both a cartoon and a living person, and now I’m living in a human body as part of a plural system with people from many other “fictional” worlds.

Living here and knowing so many others’ experiences with being fictionkind, and comparing it to my own, I started thinking a lot more about my own life and how unique it really is. So, I decided to write this, putting my own experiences out there with being a Toon; with being fiction brought to life even in my old home. Being someone who blurs the line between fiction and reality in a different way than being a fictive, fictionkin, or another fictionkind identity typically does.

Back home, I always knew that I was a cartoon brought to life. Episodes of the Dandy’s World cartoon played on TVs around the Gardenview building, kids would come up to me saying I was their favorite in the show, and merchandise with my face flew off the shelves in the gift shop. Most importantly though, was how my creators viewed myself and the other Toons. Arthur was a kind man; he’s the one who initially drew us all and brought us to life on the screen, before Delilah used Ichor to bring us into the real world years later. Despite being the one to give us physical life, Delilah didn’t tend to see us as fully alive. We walked, talked, and entertained guests; we all had our own relationships with each other that differed from our show counterparts. Delilah did care for us in some way, but despite everything, in the end we were simply her creations, simply things that she made. Arthur was more outwardly caring, but even then he still carried similar beliefs.

Those beliefs shaped my identity then, and it shapes my identity now as well. Whereas most other fictionkind were fully real people without a “source” before awakening or coming here, I never fully was. I was always a piece of fiction, even back in my home at Gardenview. I understand now that the Gardenview staff were, in a way, denying us personhood despite us being living, sentient beings. It doesn’t bother me though, and honestly I take comfort and pride in it. I’m fictional; I always have been and I always will be. It's a fairly unique experience even within the widely varied alterhuman community, and I value having this life and set of experiences. 

Remembering the joy on the kids’ faces when they watched mine and my best Cosmo’s cooking shows, their excitement whenever one of them ran into me off set and we could talk about whatever, even the rarer occasions when adults came to me for baking advice and recipes or because they liked the cartoon too; all of it brings so much warmth to my heart. I know better now from living here and interacting with media how much it meant to those guests, being able to meet their favorite characters in real life and talk to us like normal people. I’m glad that my existence was able to give them that joy. And seeing the joy that these other versions of my friends and I bring people now, even if it is in the form of a mostly child-friendly horror game, brings me that same warmth.

Fiction doesn’t inherently mean “not real,” when it comes to some situations. For me, it is a state of being; a part of my identity. I’m real, but I’m also fictional. And I wouldn’t give that up for the world.

-🍓Sprout (He/It)

[antiromanticbaby]

♡ Yandere Lucifer Headcanons - His Everything ♡

♡ .❝ 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. ❞

𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 /prʌɪd/ a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

♡ .❝ 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨, 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. ❞

Yandere Lucifer; who hated himself for falling in love. He respected love, but not when it came to him. To him, it was showing weakness. The avatar of pride couldn't handle that, no way. You had to pay.

Yandere Lucifer; who truly did love you, but had a hard time showing his affection. After all, it was no secret that he had fell deep and hard in the black hole called love, but he just wasn't sure when it came to showing it.

Yandere Lucifer; who didn't have time to spare, but had money. So he showered you with gifts. At first, they were anonymous and bit by bit began showing his name. Roses, demonus, cursed records, human stuff, clothing, jewelry, even chocolate. He had read about those, so he would give those.

Yandere Lucifer; who, bit by bit, decided that he wanted you around more than you already were. Decided that no one was worthy enough of your attention. Prideful as always, he was the only one worthy of you. And you had to choose him, because he was the best. Because there was no other option aside from him. Your neighbor? Moved away. Your classmate in RAD? Had to go to a lower layer for family matters. His brothers? No time for them, you had to come to his office first.

Yandere Lucifer; who loved to show off. Be it directly or indirectly. The ways he shows off would vary from doing small deeds for you, or just pushing you to your limit. Lucifer just loves experimenting on your fragile human body. Now now don’t go saying you’re a tough guy, we all know none of that is able to compare to Lucifer when it comes to power.

Yandere Lucifer; who was very strict on rules and began punishing you for the smallest of mistakes. He would always make sure to give you pesky punishments for forgetting each of them. The mistakes varying from using the wrong fork or spoon to trying to run away from him. His punishments? Sometimes he would just ask for a harmless kiss, but sometimes his sadistic side would show more. Lucifer, afterall, could be a great tease. And who knows what else?

Yandere Lucifer; who, bit by bit, began isolating you and taking away your everything. You were banned from using your D.D.D, then banned from leaving The House of Lamentation, and then banned from leaving his sight.

Yandere Lucifer; who loved to crush your pride, shatter you to pieces and build you back up like his doll. And he would never swallow his own pride, he would only crush yours.

Yandere Lucifer; who took away your everything, and then became your everything.

Yandere Lucifer; who believes he had nothing before you, and now he has everything.

♡ .❝ 𝐎𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.❞

Check it out! [cursed records] [sweet dreams] [heavenless] [roses] Yandere Obey Me Headcanons: [Lucifer(you're here)] [Mammon] [Leviathan] [Asmodeus] [wip] Shameless self promo: Find out who your yandere lover from Obey Me is in this quiz

[radarsteddybear]

My favorite thing about Margaret Houlihan has always been that she is an excellent nurse no matter what. No matter how annoying and obnoxious she finds Hawkeye, Trapper, BJ, et al., no matter how much she loves Frank, she never lets any of that get in the way of doing her job to the absolute best of her ability. She will not hesitate to call out and correct Frank (or any of the other doctors, for that matter) when he does something that could potentially harm the patient(s). She shows real respect for the medical abilities of the doctors. She reassures patients by telling them how great said doctors are, even when she's talking about someone she doesn't generally get along with (see: Aid Station). Even the way she treats the enlisted men of the 4077th changes (for the better) when they become patients (see: Radar in "Mad Dogs and Servicemen"). She is 100% able to compartmentalize her personal relationships in order to be the best nurse there ever was, and I think it really speaks to her character.

I also think that it speaks to the way she's able to grow and evolve as the show goes on while characters like Frank are not.  She has a certain amount of respect for the medical professionals she works with regardless of what their personal relationships look like, and that, in turn, allows her to eventually become friends with characters like Hawkeye and BJ.  Frank, conversely, is a mediocre surgeon and knows it, deep down.  He didn't become a surgeon so that he could help people; he became a surgeon for the wealth and prestige the job comes with.  

He's also spent his life, it seems, having a very difficult time getting along with those around him,  He's a snitch with a sour personality, someone who became a bully to fight back against those who've bullied him.  He doesn't really know how to connect with people (except for Margaret, and they only seem to work due to their sexual compatibility and their mutual dislike of everybody else in camp), and he never truly learns how.

And I think it's really telling that there are moments prior to Frank's leaving that Margaret is able to have genuine moments of connection with Hawkeye, Trapper, and BJ while Frank never is.  Sure, there are a few times when Hawkeye/Trapper/BJ extend something resembling an olive branch, which Frank, desperate for friendship, grabs on to, but it's never genuine, and it never lasts very long.   It can't last very long.  Frank's values simply don't line up with those of Hawkeye/Trapper/BJ.  He's more concerned with making sure that those around him are following the rules to the letter while Hawkeye/Trapper/BJ are more concerned with helping people and reducing harm.  Frank feels like the whole world is out to get him, so he tries to get the whole world first.

With Margaret (and maybe this thought is colored by the fact that I've watched the whole series), you get the sense during these moments of friendship that, without Frank around, without the stick up her behind, she could be a really great friend.  She sees her patients above all else as patients, people.  While she does think that rules are important and that everybody should be following them, above even that, she is a nurse, and she takes seriously her job of making sure that those in her care are as comfortable and well taken care of as she possibly can.  This is what allows her to see those around her as human beings, to come to understand that the human experience is wide and varied and that people don't deserve to be punished simply for being different or for making a mistake.  Frank could never come to this realization, and sure enough, once he leaves, Margaret does become a really great friend, which is only able to happen due to the mutual respect she and the doctors have for each other from the beginning.

[sexboobomb]

crazy how the human experience is so wide and varied that i can never truly understand every facet of it, but actually that makes it even more beautiful because everyone gets their own flavor of perspective thats just for them shoutout to asexuals and transmascs. my perpetually horny transfem ass will never ever truly understand yall, and i think thats wonderful. yall are magnificent and valid and i will never be able to walk in your shoes but wow they sure are some excellent shoes i bet there are entire mysterious worlds that exist only within the shoes i cannot wear. and i have my own world that i get to experience all on my own

[adomainname]

The Science of Seeing Colors: Why Everyone’s Color Experience is Different

Colors have an undeniable impact on our lives, influencing emotions, decisions, and even the way we interact with the world. Have you ever paused to wonder if the vibrant scarlet you see is the same red someone else perceives? Welcome to the fascinating realm of color perception, where the science of sight meets the art of individuality. Today, we're diving into why and how different people might see colors differently.

The Science Behind Seeing Color

At its core, color perception is a dance between light, our eyes, and our brains. The eyes capture light, which is then interpreted by the brain, forming the colors we see. But here's where it gets interesting—what we actually perceive can vary widely from person to person.

Cones and Color Vision: The human eye contains three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue). Variations in these cells can lead to different color perceptions.

Color Blindness: This isn’t just about seeing the world in black and white. People with color vision deficiencies might find it challenging to distinguish between certain colors, often red and green.

Factors Influencing Color Perception

Genetics: Our genes play a significant role in determining how we perceive color. Genetic differences can lead to variations in cone cell distribution, affecting how we see color.

Lighting Conditions: The lighting around us can dramatically alter our color perception. A shirt might look navy under fluorescent lights but seem almost black in dim lighting.

Neurological Factors: Our brains process colors differently, too. This is why some people claim certain colors have a "warmer" or "cooler" tone than others might describe.

Cultural Influences: Culture shapes how we interpret colors. For instance, white is often associated with purity in Western societies, while it might represent mourning in others.

Age and Eye Health: As we age, our lenses can yellow, which might affect the way we perceive certain colors. Additionally, conditions like cataracts can influence color vision.

Curious Cases in Color Perception

Tetrachromacy: A rare occurrence where individuals possess a fourth type of cone cell, potentially allowing them to see up to 100 million colors—a whole spectrum we can't even imagine!

Synesthesia: Some people experience synesthesia, where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second pathway. This can result in seeing specific colors when hearing certain sounds.

Embracing Colorful Diversity

Understanding that we all see colors a bit differently is both intriguing and useful. It reminds us of the subjective nature of perception and can foster greater empathy and communication in design, marketing, and even daily interactions. So, next time you and a friend disagree on whether a dress is blue or black, embrace the diversity of perception and enjoy the kaleidoscope of perspectives!

In a world brimming with color, isn't it wonderful to know that we each have a unique lens through which we view it? Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration or just someone admiring a sunset, the variations in color perception add an extra layer of beauty to the world around us. Keep seeing the world your way—after all, that's what makes it truly vibrant!

Go To How People May See Differences in Color

[tenebrisdivina]

On Channeling Part 1

I wanted to discuss a little about channeling as a concept and practice, as well as some advice for those who are interested in having another channel for them. This is 2 parts as there is quite a lot to say- as someone who has quite a bit of experience with channeling- for clients professionally and also just normally for a good number of years.

(I will refer to the person who is channeling the being; as variously a host or horse in this topic)

One of the biggest things I don’t think some realize is that the term “channeling” can mean different things to different practitioners. There are also different types of channeling and different stages within those types of channeling.

So what is channeling?

Well at its most basic; it is a term it seems to indicate the practice/art of someone acting as medium; to pass on messages from a spirit/god/otherworldy being to a human (whether it is for yourself or others). It is most often thought of as happening due to the spirit inhabiting the body of the medium, in order to be able to pass on the message and/or energies. This is what most people think of when the topic of “channeling” comes up.

Because “channeling” in the broadest sense (by the above definition), can be seen to cover a wide range of practices (wider than what the colloquial understanding and definition suggests.) This can lead to some misunderstanding and confusion when it is discussed, or when someone sees someone saying they are “channeling a being” online such as in a blog post, discord chat, social media post or forum for example. Not all such “channeling” (by the colloquial definition) needs to or even includes bodily trance possession on the part of the host/medium.

In an effort to clarify the vernacular here; I would and do define actual channeling as specifically trance possession- which is bodily and/or trance possession of the “horse” host by the being/deity. This usually involves heavy entrainment with the being/deity/spirit/entity and sharing to varying degrees - your body, mind, energies etc with that being at varying levels of awareness and consciousness in trance. It can be partial or full body. It can be used to convey a messages or energies, for worship, ritual purposes or for some other reason. Partial possession for example is also known as transvocation in demon work. Channeling is not merely the act of using one’s spirit sense to perceive or translate a spirit/deity/entity- this is most often known as mediumship. This is not the same thing as bodily possession or trance possession.

Other methods such as divination or readings (which can be “channeled” guidance from a spirit or deity etc) would fall more under mediumship. As would receiving, passing on and “translating” messages from the divine/spirits etc in clairaudient (or other psychic sensory) conversation. Sometimes this is also known as “godphoning” - which is in fact something quite a few practitioners can truly do. This is a real and legitimate phenomena despite what some social media would have you believe.

 At most I would consider such things ( divination/readings/”godphoning”) to be a quite light channel (in the spectrum of channeling practices). This is because in such mediumship practices; the hosts are most often still within their own minds, paradigm/beliefs, energies and so the interpretation of the “messages” they receive is done by the conscious awareness ( which includes the mind- limitations, ego/personality, energy body’s “cleanliness” and specific paradigm or beliefs which breeds specific perspectives of what the spirits energies mean- all of this is specific to each individual). It almost most likely means a less impartial and more biased “channel”. This then interferes with the accuracy and “clarity” of the messages. As the hosts in “mediumship practices” have not generally attuned very closely to the spirits/entities/divine beings energy, nor have they gotten beyond their own mindset and energies, there is practically no merging with the energies of the deity/spirit/entity being channeled. Instead- like in the case of clairaudient conversation- it really is just a conversation and the “medium” relaying what they “hear” and along with that their (conscious/unconscious and energetic) interpretation of it- even if the host doesn’t recognize that is what they are doing.

While this is not without its benefits, one may as well converse with the entity yourself (in whatever limited capacity) if you actually want an accurate message that is relevant to you and your circumstances- which tbh is probably likely why one would seek a channel from another. This is not to say such things may not be useful at some point, but it is helpful to be aware of what is actually going on here. And tbh this “channeling” type etc is usually what people are referring to when they say they are “channeling” a being - openly in social media places- unless stated otherwise (which can also happen). It is very unlikely to find someone full body trance possessed and channeling on social media unless it is specifically stated (even then I feel it should be taken with a large grain of salt because you don’t truly know what the person is doing, what level of channeling they are at etc and it can be very hard to tell especially for beginners and those who are not great at reading discerning energies.) Even then I recognize it is most likely at a more “mental” level of “blending” the two energies rather then completely “in the trunk.” Again such “light channeling” mediumship is not without its merit- this type of “channeling” but it should be taken with a grain of salt, unless you know the person/host well and agree with their perspectives and paradigms. Even then there are still unknown factors at play- given its fairly impossible to known simply from what people present- as to how their energy body and psychic senses works and if there are any blocks etc.

This distinction between mediumship and actual channeling  is also due to being because of  how channeling works on an energy perspective and the levels of it.

How Channeling Works and the Levels of It

( for more explanation of the levels of channeling, bodily possession please see this wonderful article on it linked here https://embervoices.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/possession-trance-experience-spectrum)

 (I want to make this abundantly clear here; this is a very brief overview of channeling this is not an instruction manual, it is not a how-to and I am not responsible for anyone foolish enough to attempt this after reading this post- if you channel at this level you are your own responsibility no one else’s, not the beings you are channeling, not the person you are channeling for. Nor will I teach how to do this either)

To explain in more detail; the steps of actual channeling (these can be kind of blended and happening simultaneously);

The host getting into trance/ out of your head and ego paradigm, as much as possible.

the host’s entrainment/attunement to a being’s energy (quite heavily).

Then the energy of the deity/being/spirit then needing to pass through the humans energy field; which also includes; ego, paradigm, blocks, energy distortions etc in the hosts energies and the hosts psychic senses (depending on how open they are).

the “information” the deity is giving the person then needs to be “translated” by the psychic senses and “mind” to then be put forth into a message, information for the client/person on the receiving end.

The “information” that the deity gives the person is not often auditory or words, it can be a feeling, visions, or other sensory factors. The reason for the heavy entrainment then in the beginning, is so that the host can be properly attuned to as accurately as possible “translate” the energy for a particular “audience”. This often involves the host “getting out of their own way.” This means that the host needs to get out of their own head and be as disconnected from ego and sense of self and personal paradigms as they possibly can in order to be a clear channel for the deity being. This involves deep trance work and not interpreting things from an egoic perspective.

Now not everyone cares about or is even capable of a clear/clean channel (a channel without ego/paradigm influencing it- as much as can be) and not everyone who attempts to channel actually can. As to actually channel requires work, practice and training- not many are clear enough and know their own self and energies enough to be able to have such a clear channel of energies. Nor can most people immediately get into the depth of trance often needed for this without training. Those that can also have to learn really strong boundaries more so then usual and energy work, as it can be a problem for them.

If the “ego” and “paradigms” of the host are not removed from the picture (as much as they can do- as there will always be some aspect of this in channeling unless it is a full body possession and the host is  “in the trunk”, even then there are still the hosts energy’s to contend with). Then the message will be filtered through the persons ego, energies and paradigm. This is then therefore not a clear message straight from the divine/spirit etc and bias is present. This is why the trance training, dropping from conscious mind where the ego is most active and clearing/cleansing your energies is so important (especially in a clear channeling).

Dangers of Full Body Trance Possession Channeling

This is also why actual full body channeling is so dangerous. Because of the entities energies colliding and conglomerating with the hosts can trigger things in the host they were not even aware of, they could create or be interrupted by blocks and distortions- which would lead to an even less clear message, or energies passing through. Channeling at this level can also physically damage your body- for a deity/being doesn’t “fit” or moves differently- which most do.  It is also extremely draining. There can also be the issue if triggers are present in a person’s energy body- especially for someone with unprocessed trauma, since trauma lives in the body. And tbh almost everyone on this earth has some level of trauma simply from being alive.

Actual channeling with possession- even partial possession can have potentially long-lasting damage and while many people do channel safely and successfully; it is vital before pursuing such work (full body trance possession channeling practices) to have a very solid confidence and foundation in certain areas. Channeling like this is a very advanced practice. One should have a great confidence and know well the entity/beings you are working with and their energies, knowing your own self, personality, shadows, energies and cognitive processes inside out, knowing why you even want to pursue this. One should also have a solid foundation in cleansing, banishing (from inside yourself- not externally) grounding, warding, energy work and shielding processes (and a number of different ways of doing so). A note on banishing; it is done for safety, to be able to draw your consciousness back out of trance and to be able to kick a being out if needed. Note though “kicking a being out” only works on “lesser” entities- you can’t often force a god level being out. You can tell them though that you have had enough( if you are conscious enough to do so) and likely they will leave - unless there is a specific purpose they need to accomplish in being there- then they will leave once that is done.

Also knowing your own shadow very well and triggers if trauma is something to consider. Honestly though I strongly suggest not pursuing channeling (esp on this level) if you have unprocessed trauma- as it will most often make it worse- especially if your trauma or triggers are with dissociation- then it will definitely make it worse. Obligatory disclaimer: if you do have such considerations and choose to pursue it, then know how to handle it well- but that is at your own risk and responsibility- no one else’s and certainly not the beings you are inviting in. One should also be skilled at energy work and manipulation, as well as strong boundaries and the ability to enforce them Another thing to consider is also that sometimes and entity/deity won’t leave when you want them to and knowing how to handle that as well is important.

Metaphor for Channeling

Channeling practice can be thought of in metaphor of; a clear strong current of water/waterfall flowing down a mountain (the divine/spirit energy and the message they are trying to give is the waterfall/clear/strong and the mountain is the host and their energy body). This clear stream of water must flow down the mountain and reach the bottom for the “message to be translated and passed on.” Along the way, the water may encounter rubble, rocks blocking its way, deep pits in the ground where it could get trapped, it can get tainted and muddy and by the time it reaches the bottom – if it even does, the clarity has been distorted and it is a muddy trickle, rather than the waterfall ( the divine/spirit original level) it originated as.

All these deep pits, the rocks, ravines ,trees and other things blocking the waters way- are the energy body of the host and their “ego” personality and paradigm are what make the water muddy and distorted. Now in channeling there is no way that the energy will remain completely pure and unadulterated- even the best channeler will still have some time of “influence” over the message even if by the nature of their energy. So going directly to the spirit/ god etc by yourself will be a clearer message for the most part. But for those who are not as capable of receiving messages from the gods/ spirits directly then having a channel done by someone experienced is a good option. So long as the parties involved are aware of the possible “muddiness” of the messages.

Entities in Channeling

Something else I wanted to clarify in regards to the entities being channeled- you cannot truly force a being to be channeled if they do not want to, asking their permission is best practice. Many a host will have certain vibrations of energies or entities they channel best, not everyone can channel every or anybody. Some hosts are more flexible then others and can channel a wide variety of beings. It can also be something that is learnt by hosts. Hosts may also have certain arrangements and agreements with certain beings to channel them. It is often a good idea for a host to give some kind of offering to the being they are channeling as it helps the being to have energy for the channel and connect. It does sound like a weird concept but full body possession channeling can be extremely draining. Some entities energy is simply not compatible with humans, so they drain more from the host or they simply cannot be channeled. I have even had a being I channeled feed from me while I was channeling them- because she was a goddess; we had to set up a cycle of feeding for her and I had to be covered in sigils before channeling her, for my safety. Even if a being does not deliberately feed off you, having an offering for them anyway is a good idea as it helps with the energy drain.

Also it is very common misconception that people think they are being possessed by the full entity. That is almost never the case- unless it is a quite small spirit. Deities, deity-level beings and demonic divine beings- it is never full possession- as their full form cannot fit within a humans body. Most deities, demonic divine actually find channeling at this level quite uncomfortable. I have even had some demonic divine beings say they specifically hate it. For these large beings- god level, divine, demonic divine at most – the amount of energy you are getting is equivalent to a finger tip of their energy - if even that.

For example some demonic divine and deities or other entities energy is so strong that they are not in you at all- even with full body possession channeling on a human level- the beings are merely near you and you may be in their “aura” and tbh most often it is that level on the demonic divine/ entities part.

On the perspective of automatic writing- that is still also a light channeling as the being can just be moving your hand/arm etc by pushing it around, not by actually having the energy inhabit it. Though automatic writing/drawing is a good practice to help someone’s ego mind get out of the way and let the energies come through.

There is also forced possession- which I won’t go into a lot of depth here. Basically the deity/being forcibly possesses a human (not the other way round ). Usually, the human must be energetically on some way “hollowed- out” or “open” energetically for this to happen, they could also be injured energetically if it’s like parasite possession, shadow aspect possession etc. It is extremely, extremely rare that a deity, God level being, demonic divine being would do so. Mostly when they do it is for a specific reason and purpose once that purpose is done they leave. And this would be a type of possession that is likely the host could not kick the being out of themselves. There are also levels and a spectrum of which trance can happen; light to deep- deep trance being the host is basically unconscious and it is easier for them to be “in the trunk.” To get to that level meditation and trance journey work, some shamanic practices and understanding can help.

(Part 2 can be found here)

[clericofshadows]

your name means traitor

Description: Regis boards the Normandy SR-2, makes his stance on Cerberus clear to the crew--new and old--and learns some information about his resurrection. He also reads through the dossiers and finally gets a little bit of good news in his trapped situation.

Pairing: Regis Shepard/Kaidan Alenko, Regis Shepard/Kaidan Alenko/Zaeed Massani (past)

Rating: M

Notes: Regis is one angry bastard in this fic, and honestly, he's like that through the entirety of ME2. So, he's not the most pleasant person in this fic, and targets many different characters in his anger.

Context: Regis talks about his dogtags a lot in this fic. for extra context, check out these fics: late night conversations and you got me in a chokehold.

Cerberus revived the Butcher, so they were going to get the Butcher, his fangs bared and talons sharpened.  

Because the Butcher doesn't play nice when he feels threatened, and Cerberus is about to find out exactly how ruthless he could be. How relentless he can be in his rage.  How far he will go to never bow down. 

Even if it meant dying in such a way that there's no coming back next time. 

Regis will give them exactly what they deserve.  Losing his humanity in the process is just a price he's willing to pay. 

Because Kaidan isn't here to bring him back from the brink. 

He sneered at Lawson once they made it to the CIC, after she and Taylor got him up to speed at all the new features on the Normandy. "This is my goddamn ship, and no one else's.  Get ready for my announcement.  And we'll see if their loyalties truly lie with me. Because if they don't?  I'll welcome them to the airlock."

"Acting like this isn't going to make the situation better.  You should want all the allies you can get,” Lawson said.

Regis laughed sharply. "Then you don't know me at all. You wanted Commander Shepard?  Well, you're also getting the Butcher of Torfan. Should've thought of that before you wielded your scalpel." He pushed back with a bit of biotic power, causing her to stumble and stepped up on the pedestal to the galaxy map. 

EDI was the only thing on this ship he was willing to work with, if only because he was so fascinated by AI. Cerberus likely knew that and was going to exploit it, but he couldn't deny the allure. 

"EDI, open the comms for an announcement."

"Go ahead, Commander."

He cleared his throat. "I will make this clear only once. I am Commander Shepard, you will all refer to me as such. This is my ship. Not Cerberus's, not Lawson's, mine. If you have a problem with that, you are welcome to leave.  I was brought here against my will, and being here is against everything I stand for as a Spectre and as a soldier to the Alliance. I find all of you to be the scum of the Earth, of the fucking galaxy, for choosing this as your ultimate path. I am here for one job only, and that is to deal with this threat any way possible. And if that means tearing down your organization in the process and turning myself and all of you into the Alliance the moment I get a chance?  I'll do it in a fucking heartbeat." He crossed his arms, observing the looks of all the crew members in the CIC, seeing varied expressions. Some angry, some wide-eyed with fear.  The Yeoman next to him almost seemed to shudder when his gaze landed on her. 

He knew he looked inhuman. The red eyes, the deep scars laced with cybernetics, unexpected side effects of whatever they did to bring him back.

He is the result of what happens when you play God. 

"I fought and killed members of your organization two years ago for your heinous crimes you committed against your own species.  Experiments with Rachni, Thresher Maws, and assassination plans against Alliance brass. Don't think I'll discriminate if I think any of you are a threat to me.  This is my mission, and I will carry it out as I see fit. You've bastardized my memory and my ship, and I'll be damned if I don't ensure you all know how far I'm willing to go to get what I want.  Again, you have a problem?  Get the fuck off my ship. Return to your duties.  I don't want to see anyone slacking off.  With me here, this is a military operation, not some civilian private sector bullshit."  He stepped down from the galaxy map and nearly made it to the elevator, but the Yeoman next to him stopped him. 

"Commander, I--"

He cut her off. "I don't want to hear it. I can handle my own communications and messages. Don't make me upload a hack to ensure you can't get your claws in my shit. Stick to your galaxy map monitoring duties, and we won't have any problems."

"I was just going to say I'm here if you want to talk. I'm Kelly Chambers."

"Talk?" He scoffed. "I'm not talking to anyone who's Cerberus. Why the hell would I ever think you would respect confidentiality?"

Regis didn't wait for a reply. She seemed to shrink in on herself, clearly not anticipating his response. 

In another life, he would've felt guilty. 

No more. 

Cerberus ensured that Regis Shepard would never be the same man ever again. 

Lawson joined him on the elevator before it closed. "You should know that no one is going to leave."

He pressed the button for the third deck. "I didn't expect anything different. I wanted them to know my feelings on the matter. I'm an open book like that."

"Even towards your old crew?"

He raised an eyebrow. "They're now Cerberus crew, aren't they?  Joining for me doesn't change anything." 

The elevator doors opened. They stepped off. 

"After I make my rounds on the ship, we're going to have a long talk about my resurrection, Lawson. If you really want me to be a part of this mission without turning in this ship to the Alliance, then maybe you should be forthcoming with the details," Regis said, crossing his arms. 

He fully planned on going straight to the Citadel to talk to Anderson, but something told him that meeting will probably not end in his favor.  Time will tell, but Regis wasn't going to be optimistic. 

None of his meetings with Anderson has ever really ended "well" in his opinion.

"I think you deserve to know that much," she admitted. 

A far cry from her "cold bitch" attitude back on the station.  Regis almost wanted to loosen up a bit. 

Nothing about her behavior seemed like an act at this point.  She genuinely wanted to work with him. 

It's a shame he doesn't want to give her the same courtesy. 

"Then I hope whatever you tell me is the complete truth." Regis ended the conversation by heading towards the medbay. 

Whatever she told him was likely never going to be the full truth, but he had to know. 

He had to know what they did to him.  

Next, Chakwas...

Two members of his crew decided Cerberus was a good idea, and he couldn't fathom why. 

He didn't deserve that level of die-hard loyalty. If he did, he did something wrong.  After everything they saw, all the reports he made, they still joined the organization that willingly hunted down Alliance soldiers and brass. 

The doors to the medbay slid open.  Chakwas was sitting at her desk. "Shepard." She stood up.  "It's good to see you alive after everything."

Regis chose to not take the hand she offered. "I would say the same, but I'd rather not consider my situation good in any way whatsoever."

She sighed. "Then it's about Cerberus."

"Why did you think joining them was in any way a good idea?  After everything we saw?" Regis asked, crossing his arms. 

"After the Normandy was lost, everyone was reassigned.  I was stationed at a medical center on Mars. A respectable position, but not a starship," she explained. 

Regis narrowed his eyes. "So you threw everything away for a starship position?"

"I'm working for you, Shepard. Not Cerberus. A mission that could be crucial for our survival," she said, not rising to his bait. "I trust your dealings with Cerberus will be ethical. I trust you."

Regis shook his head, sitting down on one of the beds. "And can you verify with one-hundred percent certainty that you're dealing with me, and not some Cerberus puppet?  How do you know that Cerberus won't do something to me or to you or to anyone we care for to get what they want?  They don't give a single damn about humans, they just care about themselves and their image."

She stared down at him. "I’d say your anger is proof enough.  Everything changed after your death. I chose the option that will help all of us. Don't tell me you would rather have some Cerberus doctor taking care of you?"

"Well, the person who resurrected me is across the damn hall.  You tell me."

"I've been looking into what they did to bring you back," she admitted. "But most of it I don't have access to."

"I made a deal with Lawson. She's going to tell me everything. I'll make sure you get access."

"Do you trust that she'll tell you everything?"

Regis laughed. "Hell no. For her sake I hope she does.  If I find out something out in the field that she could've told me?  It's not going to end well for her."

"You've changed since the Normandy."

"Well, I'm a medical abomination trapped in the claws of a terrorist organization. They wanted Commander Shepard?  They're getting the man that ordered the Torfan decision." Regis stood up from the bed. "Let me know if you need anything."

She nodded. "Before you go, there might be a way to remove those scars."

Regis caught his reflection in the window. Angry red lines cracked across his face. Glowing red pupils blending in with his own altered red irises. 

"No. Let them see what they did to me."

"I'll be here if you change your mind, but I know with your experience, we might be able to make something good out of it instead of removing it outright."

Hell, she has a point.  With his cybernetics background, he could probably channel the glow into something else.  Something less cracked and scarred and more of an aesthetic choice. 

Something to decide later. 

Chakwas was always a steady presence.  All the anger he had about her joining up mostly dissipated with her attitude about the matter.  She let him be angry, and she let him treat her like he would treat any other Cerberus operative. 

He still can't feel like he can fully trust her. 

There's no way in hell Cerberus won't exploit his allies. 

He explored the ship some more, learning all its new nooks and crannies, barely acknowledging the Cerberus crew that now wandered the halls of his ship. 

He's not here to make friends.  

His quarters were the worst part of the tour. The glass window above his bed, showing the dark expanse of space, taunted him. 

They knew how he died. 

They knew what became his grave. 

He slammed his hand on the shutters, willing it to close faster. 

His locker was filled with his favorite clothing. Turtlenecks, long coats, dark fatigues, boots and jeans. He tossed the Cerberus branded stuff into a corner, vowing to compact the trash in the lower decks later.

The familiarity caused him to shudder.  They knew everything about him, but some things hit too close to home. 

The photo on his desk nearly made him sick. 

It was of Regis and Kaidan clothed in their armors, but instead of them wearing their usual scarves--Regis’s black and red, Kaidan’s blue and white--they were swapped.  Their foreheads were touching, a calm moment before the drop down to Illos. 

Tali was the one who took the photo, sharing it amongst the ground crew.  None of them would've given up the picture.  Kaidan, Ashley, Tali, Wrex, T'Soni. 

Unless Cerberus recovered his omnitool, which was unlikely. The one in the armor locker back on the station was a piece of shit base model.  And the one sitting on his desk was an updated version of his favored Logic Arrest. 

Which meant they also didn't recover his dog tags, if they were nowhere to be found in his cabin.

That loss almost hit the hardest.  That damn ring. 

I should've just given it to Kaidan.  Fuck fairytale proposals. 

Regis turned the photo away from him.  He rubbed his face, trying to get rid of the nausea. 

Maybe diving into those dossiers would be a good idea right now.  Something to distract him. 

As he reached over to turn on his terminal, he received a ping on his omnitool. 

A comm request from Joker. 

“Got a minute, Commander?” Joker asked, after Regis accepted his comm request.  Sitting at his desk, staring at the empty fish tank—what an ostentatious piece of shit—wondering what decision he made got him here on this fucking ship.

Accepting the Normandy, of course.  He should have never acquiesced to Anderson’s and the Alliance’s demands.  He could’ve been happy at Rio, enjoying his time with the N recruits, finding more ways to advocate for better training regimens for biotics.

He wondered if anything ever came from his suggestions. New N programs, new ways to train biotics recruits, new accelerated ways for biotics to gain ground in the Alliance… without him to speak up, who would?

But knowing what he knows now?  Knowing that Kaidan would have likely been the one to suffer the beacon’s visions if he didn’t push him away?

Regis wasn’t too sure if he liked the thought of that outcome either, especially without being by his side.

“Come on up,” Regis replied, shutting down the link after responding.  

This conversation is not going to be a good one.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded on his door.  With a wave of his omnitool, he allowed Joker to come inside.

“They really tricked out the place, huh.  Swanky crib you got here,” Joker commented, walking over to the couch.

“I think it’s utter bullshit,” Regis said, getting up from the desk to lean against the dumb fish tank.  “Another way to think that I’m in a better place or some kind of manipulative crap.  I hate it.”

“You know, you could really lighten up a bit.  I think you’ve already scared half the crew to death with that announcement of yours.  Especially Chambers.” Joker said with a laugh, but quickly stopped after seeing the dark look on Regis’s face.  “Uh, sorry.”

“It’s because I don’t want to be here, Joker.  Did you really think I was going to accept having a nosy green yeoman getting all up in my business at the CIC?” Regis asked.  “Chambers is just one more way to report on every little move I make to the Illusive Man.  She should be happy I haven’t decided to strand her with nothing when we get to the Citadel.”

“What’s next, you kick me off the ship?” Joker asked, crossing his arms.  When Regis didn’t immediately respond, he held up his arms in surrender.  “Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood.”

“What is this really about?” Regis asked.  “As you can see, I’m really not in the mood, so spit it out.”

“Do you blame me for what happened?” Joker asked in a startling amount of seriousness.

Regis tilted his head to the side.  “Do you blame yourself?  Is that why you joined Cerberus?”

“Just answer my question, Shepard!” He balled his hands into fists.

“Fine.  The only thing I blame you for is joining Cerberus.  I don’t give a single fuck about how you supposedly did it for me, and thinking they were any kind of answer to your current problems was a betrayal to me and all the victims of their experiments that we discovered.  Be happy we’re even having this conversation.  You did what you thought was right back on my ship, but then again, you thought joining Cerbreus was a good idea.  I don’t know if I can even trust your future judgment,” Regis said, staring Joker down.  

Perhaps he was being too harsh, but at this point, Regis didn’t care.  

It doesn’t matter that Joker was with him on the Normandy.  Regis was never close with the man, never meshing well with his attitude and sense of humor. They butted heads more often than not, especially about matters surrounding the ship. 

"If we're ever in a situation where it's you or the ship, choose yourself.  I know you're a talented pilot, but I also know you can recognize when it's gone FUBAR.  Abandon ship the moment you can while also keeping the crew safe." Regis said to him early on their Saren mission.   "My piloting skills will be the only thing that saves our asses if we end up in that kind of situation. I'm the pilot. You trust my judgment." "I grew up learning how to pilot shuttles and ships, Moreau. I grew up hearing similar disaster situations on all the ships my mother served on. This is an order.  You listen to my disaster plans, and we won't have a problem."

Joker opened his mouth to reply, his expression twisting with anger, but Regis beat him to it. "I know you remember that argument we had about what to do if we have to abandon ship.  I've run all the scenarios in my head, and guess what, I remember everything that happened up to the moment I died suffocating in space.  Maybe what you did saved more of the crew. Maybe what you did was the right thing. But we will never know, and you have to live with the fact that you defied my orders when you could've saved yourself."

"You're right, we will never know, but it doesn't matter, does it? We're here now, but you aren't going to thank anyone for the chance you've been given," Joker replied. "You're acting like a fucking child. How is that helpful to any of us?  I'm sure if Alenko was here you'll be getting on your knees for his oh-so-great decision.  And you would be besties with Williams if she was here too!"

Regis kept his face neutral, but if another biotic was in the room with him, they would feel his field about to roar to life.  "Moreau," he said, "get the fuck out of my quarters."

"You aren't denying it!  Regis Lucian Shepard, Butcher of Torfan and a hypocrite."

Regis activated his omnitool to open the doors remotely. He raised his voice, his field roaring to life in a bright violet glow.  Moreau flinched back. 

"I said, get the fuck out of my quarters!  And for your information, Kaidan and Ashley would've never joined Cerberus because they were there for every goddamn mission we did unearthing their crimes.  I'd be treating them the same way I'm treating everyone on this fucking ship if they did sacrifice their morals to be here." Regis shouted. "Sure, I can excuse your bullshit jokes, but you've crossed the fucking line. You see that picture over there.” He pointed at the photo frame on the desk.  “You remember that picture being taken?”

He nodded, swallowing.

“And that’s why I’m so fucking angry.  That’s why I would rather space myself again than be on this ship.  But I can’t do that, now can I?  Because Lawson and Cerberus will just bring me right back again, except this time, with a new way to control me!” 

Regis let his biotics rest, leaving only a faint glow around this body, his eyes rimmed with deep purple. 

Moreau silently stood up and walked over to the door. "I joined Cerberus for you and only you," he said, standing next to the elevator. 

If that was his way of apologizing, he was doing a shit job of it. 

"I wouldn't call that loyalty by any stretch of the imagination.  It shows you didn't know me," Regis replied.  He sat back down at his desk, his back turned to the door.

He was done with this conversation. 

The doors opened and closed with a soft sound, and Regis let out a deep breath. 

Leaning back in his chair, Regis ran his hand down his face. Fuck. 

That's a bridge that will never be rebuilt anytime soon.  He crossed the line when he went there about his relationship with Kaidan. 

Regis wasn't about to apologize anytime soon either. 

His gaze went back to the photo. 

He should contact him, and he should log in to his personal server and send a message. But that photo made him pause. 

Cerberus knows what Kaidan is to him, and if they found out about communications between them?

Regis wasn't willing to put Kaidan in danger, even if it means Kaidan finds out about his resurrection from another source. 

The Alliance knows, likely thanks to footage from Freedom's progress.  The Citadel and Council will know the moment he steps through security, if they don’t already.  

But all they will see is Regis walking out of a ship emblazoned with Cerberus colors, and it made him sick. 

The terminal sitting in front of him pinged with a new message. This time from Lawson. 

Whenever you're ready, come to my office. We'll talk there.

He should start working on those dossiers, but the knowledge of his resurrection was far more important to him than this mission. 

He sent a short reply. "I'm coming down now."

– –

He sat down at Lawson's desk. "Send me the files first." He ordered, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his legs. 

"Surely you want to hear about it first?" She asked, but made a move on her terminal all the same. 

"The files are more important to me. I'm not some dumb Jarhead.  I'll be able to understand the documents just fine," he replied. "Surely you know about my degrees?"

"Yes.  Cybernetics and biotic implants.  Research into VI. And yet you joined the Alliance, doing none of those things," she commented.  His omnitool pinged with the transfer. "There."

Regis was working to use those credentials with his biotic program, curating research and evidence to make training better, both standard and N style. 

Very few cared about the plight of human biotics.  But Regis wanted to make a difference, no matter how small it was. 

His L2 implant ensured he had to care. 

He glanced at them, scanning them with one of his programs, looking for any malicious code.  Nothing obvious came up, but he'll break them down later. 

He nodded, confirming the status of the files. "Now, tell me everything."

She outlined the details of his resurrection, starting with the status of his body.  

"When we received your corpse, we immediately got to work designing cybernetic implants to repair your skeleton, to regenerate and reconstruct your skin, and to begin reconstructing your organ systems. I'm afraid Taylor put it in a crude way, but 'meat and tubes' was an unfortunate descriptor of your situation," she said, lacing her fingers together on her desk. 

Regis wasn't shocked at the news. He kept his expression blank. "And the state of my armor?"

"What do you mean?" She asked, pausing with a confused expression on her face. "Why does that matter?"

"You've reconstructed me damn near perfectly, even down to my damn scars, piercings, and tattoos. Hell, I kept expecting to see some fucked line work on my flowers and chest tats especially.  What I do care about is what personal effects I lost. My omnitool with my last will and rites, among other things, and my Alliance dog tags," Regis explained, barely refraining from rolling his eyes.  

"It was in such a sad state.  We retrieved nothing of yours that was intact," she said. 

Regis raised an eyebrow. "Really?  I know the hard suits aren't perfect, and I died in one spectacular fashion.  But you didn't retrieve anything of the sort?  Who handled my body?  Who got it to you in the first place?"

"You don't care at all about what we did to you.  All you care about is what you lost," she said, narrowing her eyes. 

True.  The documents were enough for him.  Keeps him from wanting to biotically blast her across the room for defying his right to death. 

For defying his right to be buried with his father. 

"You’re right.  I don't really give a fuck about all the sordid details.  That's what those files are for.  No, I care about what has been done to me. And that includes everything that was on my person when I died," Regis spat. "So I’ll ask again, and this time, I'll make it really clear.  Who. Handled. My. Body."

Her face remained blank. "Would it really change anything?  We received a corpse with charred armor that has long since been destroyed.  You are proof enough that we cared to bring you back as you were, even your L2 implants were kept the same."

Regis leaned back in the chair. "Maybe not, but I cared a lot about those things.  Don't you think there's a goddamn reason why I keep pressing you on it?  Clearly you're not an idiot if you were able to do the impossible.  I want names, Lawson."

"You think you were looted before we were able to officially recover you?" She asked. 

"Was I?" He fired back. "I wouldn't be surprised if I was.  I'm Commander Shepard, hero of the goddamn Citadel,  Butcher of Torfan, and the First Human Spectre.  I'm a fucking celebrity.  Or else why would you have revived me?  I'm important."

She pursed her lips.  “The Illusive Man believes in your visions.  He saw you as the key to helping humanity.”

“Ah, so his wants are greater than mine?  Who gives a fuck about one man’s feelings when he can save us all?  Nice phrasing there, really shows who you care about,” Regis mocked.

“I’m merely repeating his reasons for us creating the Lazarus project in the first place.  I was under orders.”

“And here I thought Cerberus wasn’t a military organization.  No, you just wanted to prove you could defy all known laws and resurrect a long dead man,” Regis said.  “Stop trying to convince myself that what you all did to me was out of some duty because you care.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but Regis cut her off.  “Honestly, whatever you’re going to say is going to piss me off more.  Just give me the fucking names of who brought me in.”

“It must be so exhausting being so angry,” she said.  “Eventually, you’ll have to learn to work with us.  Or are you going to run in and recruit everyone for this mission on your own?”

He has half a mind to do exactly that. Surely, she knew about his service history. Solo missions in between his stint as a trainer for the N program and other biotics.

Despite being a biotic, he was one hell of an infiltrator, able to reign in his field to a point where it was very difficult for other biotics to sense him. A high level of control to make sure you almost never intersect with anyone else's field. He made sure that Kaidan knew how to do it as well, the one thing Regis considered himself better at biotically.

Regis chuckled without mirth.  “Exhausting?  No.  You brought back Regis Shepard.  You’re getting exactly who you wanted.  Why, did you think I’ll be getting on my knees, praising Cerberus for bringing me back?  Stop trying to portray yourselves as the misunderstood good guys who are only trying to help humanity.”

“If what you say is true, those were likely splinter groups.  Cerberus operates in separate cells," she said.  “And for your information, I thought this whole project was a waste of precious resources, but the Illusive Man wanted you alive.”

Interesting.  Doesn’t quite change his opinion of her, but he respected her some for even admitting that.

Still, she kept digging her heels in whenever he tried to tell her off Cerberus's deeds during the Saren mission. 

Regis couldn't fathom why.  They clearly knew a lot about him.  They must've gotten their hands on his mission reports. 

Cerberus was an active threat then, and now, Regis was more than a little worried about their obvious scope. 

“And I’m sure you had objections for how he wanted me alive.  Let me guess: You wanted a way to control me,” Regis observed.  

“Yes, I wanted to put a control chip in you, but the Illusive Man wanted you exactly as you were,” she admitted.  

She almost seemed to brace herself for something, the way she moved her hands off her desk and leaned back.

Regis didn’t give her the satisfaction.   Even if he wanted to give her a taste of what he felt while he was dying in space.

He wasn’t looking forward to getting some sleep as his nightmare became true two years ago.

Yet it feels like it happened yesterday all the same.

"Well, at least you admitted it to me," Regis said, watching as she slowly let her guard down.  "But it proves that I was right and still right to not trust you or anyone else on this ship, if you were willing to go that far to use me for your gains."

"And you are proving to me that I was right to have those concerns for our well-being," she fired back. 

Regis smirked. There's that fire he was waiting for. "Sounds like quite the sore spot.  What do you want me to say, really?  Oh, I'm so sorry you lost the right to control another human being.  Boo-fucking-hoo."

She narrowed her eyes. "This conversation is leading nowhere.  You're wasting your own time."

"I don't consider this a waste of my time at all," Regis said, reveling in the fact that he was likely waiting her time. "But, since you haven't rescinded your offer of information, let's go back to that Cerberus cell comment you made.  You're saying you keep your projects isolated?"

She cleared her throat. "If it keeps you here, I'll answer your questions.  Yes, each project is its own cell.  I was part of the Lazarus Cell.  And so, the cell that recovered you is not something I'm privy to.  Even if it was, Cerberus changes the location and status of some of its operatives all the time," she said. "I can't help you."

Regis frowned. "Fine. But perhaps it is a good thing, because I’d have to pause your little mission to hunt them down and take what you didn’t retrieve for me.  I don’t believe my personal effects were so easily lost.”

Before she could reply, Regis held up his omnitool. "I'm going to read over the files. Make yourself available for questions. And if there's anything about my resurrection that you didn't tell me, no matter how fucking small or innocuous it might seem, don't think I won't take it lying down."

She looked him in the eyes.  “You have my word, even if to you that might mean nothing."

Regis stood up. "You're absolutely right, your word means shit to me.”

He walked out of her office without hearing her response. 

The trek back to his quarters was short, but it still gave him time to think about what he learned. 

Perhaps he should have spent more time listening to her account right at that moment.  

But finding out who handled his body will be his ultimate goal on this mission. 

Regis wanted them to burn for desecrating his memory and for keeping him hostage away from his family. 

As he sat back down at his desk, he had a feeling she wasn't telling him everything. Why would she?  And yet, what does she have to gain by keeping whoever handled his body to himself?

Who is she protecting?  Or maybe she sees it as a way of keeping him from getting distracted.  He made it clear what he wanted out of that conversation. 

Something he'll try to press on later. 

It's unlikely he'll actually make good on his threats, but for all intents and purposes, none of the Cerberus crew on this ship really knew who he was, only going off of reports and vids and whatever else they were able to find on him.

They don't know the man behind the titles. and he was going to use that to his advantage.

He opened up the dossiers list, looking through the people Cerberus wanted him to recruit. 

A master thief by the name of Kasumi Goto, who is waiting for him at the Citadel.  Stealth, infiltration, and hacking–all skills of his that he values in others.  

He looked forward to hearing how she ended up in this mess. 

A salarian scientist by the name of Mordin Solus, who was also with the STG. Cerberus is even recruiting aliens?  Must be desperate, knowing their stance. 

A convict by the name of Jack, who is supposedly the most powerful human biotic. A criminal, by the looks of things.  He wondered why Cerberus needed someone like her, someone likely unstable and worked for only herself.  

He'd have to see how his abilities compared to hers.  He and Kaidan were often known by the Alliance as their most powerful biotics. What makes her different?  He wanted to know.

A warlock by the name of Dr. Okeer.  A krogan scientist.  Another alien.  Regis raised an eyebrow, remembering a few conversations he had with Wrex.  A rarity.  

No wonder Cerberus wanted someone like him. 

He doubted that Okeer and Solus would get along. 

Next, someone by the name of Archangel.  Regis rolled his eyes at the name, but the dossier itself was suspiciously blank compared to the others.  No real name and a vague location.  

Finally, the one titled "The Veteran."

Regis opened it and blinked once he saw the name, making sure he read it correctly. 

Zaeed Massani, hired by Cerberus. 

He couldn't help but laugh at the note that said how expensive his services were. 

Yet, Regis knew Zaeed wasn't an idiot.  He kept an ear close to the ground. He had to have known what Cerberus really was. 

So why was he part of these dossiers?

He'll have to be careful.  He trusts Zaeed.  Trusted him with things only Kaidan knows and has seen. 

Maybe Moreau was right.  He really is a fucking hypocrite. 

Because he couldn't wait to get to Omega and get that man on board. As selfish as it was, Regis really wanted him back by his side, even if they were just friends. 

Regis closed his eyes as he thought back to his and Kaidan's leave on Omega.  Three–no, five now–years ago. 

Sandwiched between them after they had taken turns with him, Regis relished in the feeling of being fucked out by two gorgeous men, one who had been by his side for years, the other a temporary lover Regis wanted so much more with.  Kaidan pecked his lips with a sweet little kiss. "How are you feeling, love?" He asked, checking over him with a loving gaze.  "Good. Sore, but that's to be expected," he rasped out. He cleared his throat.  "But I like it that way." "I know you do." "You two have a good thing going on," Zaeed grumbled from behind him, a tattooed arm wrapped around Regis's body. "But I'm also a goddamn gentleman.  It's been a while someone has let me be that rough with them." Regis turned to face the mercenary.  "I'm fine, I promise.  I can handle it." Zaeed pressed a kiss on his forehead. "That you can, Alliance.  Next time, don't hold back on your biotics. Both of you.  Ain't my first rodeo." "So sure about a next time," Kaidan teased. "But we can get a little, uh, wild with our fields. Comes with our implants." "Right, you two must be from the second gen?  No wonder your biotics were so strong out in the field.  Thought I was fighting with Matriarch commandos out there," Zaeed said, starting to trace patterns on the tattoos on Regis's chest.  He shivered at the contact.   "It has its benefits," Regis said.  "I'm sure it does," Zaeed said.  "I got a bathtub big enough for the three of us back there.  Join me." Kaidan grinned. "Of course.  Regis?' "As long as you two pamper me, I'm alright with that."

But without Kaidan with him, Regis wasn't about to make a move. 

Even if he craved the touch of another. 

His fingers itched, reaching out for a pack of cigarettes that were nowhere to be found. 

Regis knows what he's going to pick up when he gets to Omega. 

First, he'll deal with the Citadel.  Talk with Anderson, recruit Goto, and see if the new council would be willing to talk with him. 

And then, Omega. 

Regis wasn't looking forward to whatever was waiting for him at the Citadel, but he hoped to get answers.  

And to find out where Kaidan and Ashley ended up. 

He didn't want them on the ship, but he needed to know they were okay.  That they flourished in the Alliance. 

That they moved on without him by their sides. 

He wasn't holding his breath, however.  The moment he shows up in a Cerberus ship will seal his fate.  He's almost certain he'll be stonewalled. 

But he wouldn't deny the Spectre position if it was offered back to him, despite not wanting it in the first place.

He could hear it now, Regis Shepard, a traitor to the Alliance, to humanity, and to the Council!

Regis never felt so lost, so out of control, until now.

He hoped that he can regain some semblance of control fast.

[valena-nedela]

The humans, however...

Humans are peculiar.

It’s a common enough opinion, though everyone has their own reason for it.

For some, it’s their openness to surgical, cybernetic, and even genetic body modification. Baseline humans are one of the least phenotypically diverse species, with little variation beyond a limited range of sizes and dermal coloration, or the shape and color of keratin filaments. However, with their modifications, they are instead among the most varied of species, with the notion of dividing them into subspecies a regular subject of academic debate. The humans, however, are strictly opposed to such ideas.

For others, it’s their bizarrely flexible pack-bonding instincts.

And for others, it’s their almost-universal fixation on centuries-old pop culture.

None of those people have ever dealt with human engineering.

Those who have, know that the strangest thing about humans is their inability to truly grasp large scales. It’s as though they have a certain limit, above which the actual numbers involved lose all meaning and the project simply becomes “big”, with no upward bound. Thanks to this, they see no problem in taking on efforts that saner species would dismiss as wastefully extravagant.

Allow me to provide some examples.

For most sapients, the fact that stellar atmosphere is an effective lasing medium is interesting trivia. The humans, however, turned their home star into a laser.

For most sapients, the idea that one can artificially create a singularity by pouring enough energy into a small enough volume is an amusing thought experiment. The humans, however, needed something to do with their “stel-laser”.

For most sapients, quantum entanglement technology is sufficient for space travel and communication, despite its delicate setup process and other limitations. The humans, however, prefer the flexibility of their Q-drives, which send a superluminary ripple through the fabric of space itself and permit a ship to “ride along” within the shockwave. The power demands for this are obscene, but fortunately humanity has a supply of miniature black holes that they can allow to evaporate to the point of instability and erupt into a small nova.

As an aside, I originally took the name “Q-drive” to be yet another reference to ancient pop culture, but it is, apparently, a severe reduction of the name of the theorist who first proposed the method.

For most sapients, planetary engineering (“terraforming”, in human terms) is a centuries-long effort that demands more resources than most people can imagine, and is widely disregarded as fanciful. The humans, however, have apparently begun efforts to siphon heavy elements from their star’s mass and use those to turn the second and fourth planets of their system into new garden worlds.

As best as anyone else can tell, in the earliest stages of their study of their neighboring worlds, that is what they mistakenly assumed those planets to be. The reality eventually proved to be disappointing. The humans, however, came to resent that, and opted to eventually resolve the matter to their satisfaction.

And now, the latest news from within human engineering circles has me particularly concerned, though others are dismissing it as a joke or “meme”. I am unconvinced. I have seen what manner of projects the humans consider reasonable, and how they approach the ones that they want, but consider unreasonable — that being, they just do it anyway.

The following question has been “trending” within human discussion spaces:

If you were going to disassemble a planetary body to construct a ring habitat in its orbit, which one would you disassemble?

I desperately wish to know what it means that Earth is currently leading the polling.

[techiexpert]

Patient-Centered Design: Creating Comfortable and Accessible Spaces

In modern healthcare, the concept of patient-centered design is no longer just a trend—it’s an essential approach to creating spaces that support healing, comfort, and accessibility. At the heart of this design philosophy is a simple, yet transformative idea: the patient experience should be prioritized at every stage of planning and construction. From hospitals to outpatient clinics, spaces are increasingly being shaped to meet the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of those they serve.

Patient-centered design goes beyond aesthetics. It incorporates functionality, emotional support, and inclusivity into the built environment. Comfort and accessibility are not optional luxuries; they are foundational elements that influence recovery times, reduce stress, and foster trust between patients and providers.

Comfort Through Thoughtful Design

A comfortable environment plays a critical role in patient recovery and well-being. Research has shown that stress-reducing environments can lead to better health outcomes. Natural light, soft color palettes, acoustic control, and intuitive wayfinding are key components that help create a calming atmosphere.

Comfort also means privacy. For many patients, vulnerability is at its peak during medical treatment. Providing private rooms or well-separated consultation areas can significantly reduce anxiety. Comfortable seating for families, personal storage options, and adjustable lighting further enhance the sense of dignity and personal space.

Technology, too, plays a subtle but crucial role in comfort. Integration of user-friendly tech—such as touchless check-ins, in-room tablets for communication and entertainment, or digital signage—empowers patients while reducing the cognitive burden often associated with navigating healthcare systems.

Accessibility for All

Creating accessible environments ensures that healthcare is truly inclusive. This extends far beyond compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Accessibility in patient-centered design considers all aspects of the patient journey—from parking and entrances to examination rooms and bathrooms.

Entrances should be wheelchair-friendly, and signage must be clear, high-contrast, and multilingual where needed. Waiting areas should have space for mobility aids and offer seating at varying heights. Inside examination rooms, adjustable exam tables and medical equipment that accommodate a wide range of physical abilities are key.

Importantly, accessibility also encompasses digital inclusivity. Patients with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments must be able to access digital platforms used for scheduling, medical records, or telehealth services. With the increasing reliance on health tech, ensuring digital equity is now an integral part of design strategy.

A Collaborative Effort

Effective patient-centered design is inherently collaborative. Architects, healthcare providers, patients, and technology consultants must work together to craft environments that align with clinical needs while also elevating the human experience. Listening to patients' feedback often uncovers overlooked challenges, such as confusing layouts or overwhelming noise levels.

Some of the most forward-thinking organizations rely on insights from tech-focused platforms and communities to guide these decisions. By staying updated on emerging tools and innovations in healthcare design, stakeholders can make informed choices that result in more empathetic and efficient spaces. Publications and resources that blend technology with real-world application—like those found on Techiexpert and similar platforms—often highlight how digital solutions are transforming physical spaces.

The Future of Healing Spaces

As healthcare continues to evolve, the environments in which care is delivered must evolve as well. With rising expectations from patients and rapid advancements in technology, institutions are recognizing the value of spaces that are adaptable, intuitive, and grounded in empathy.

Patient-centered design is not just about modernizing hospitals; it’s about reimagining healthcare delivery from the ground up. Comfortable and accessible spaces reflect a commitment to treating patients not as numbers, but as whole individuals—with diverse needs, preferences, and expectations.

Ultimately, when design supports the human experience, it becomes a powerful tool for healing. As thought leaders in the intersection of technology and innovation continue to shape these conversations, the healthcare spaces of tomorrow are set to become more welcoming, responsive, and inclusive than ever before.

[marriagebeuro]

Best Matrimony In Hyderabad | Perfect Matrimony

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology has transformed how we connect and communicate, finding a life partner still remains one of the most significant and deeply personal decisions. In a culturally rich and vibrant city like Hyderabad, where traditions meet modern values, choosing the right matrimonial service is key to a successful and harmonious union. If you're on the path to finding your perfect life partner, this blog introduces you to the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad – Perfect Matrimony – your trusted partner in this beautiful journey.

Why Hyderabad Needs a Specialized Matrimony Service

Hyderabad is a city known for its historical charm, diverse communities, and blend of cultures. From IT professionals in Hi-Tech City to traditional families in Old City, the expectations for marriage partners vary widely. Whether it’s linguistic preferences, religious values, professional status, or horoscopic compatibility, Hyderabadis look for partners who reflect their values and lifestyle.

Given these unique preferences, generic matchmaking platforms often fall short. That’s where Perfect Matrimony, the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad, steps in. With deep-rooted understanding of local cultures and preferences, they provide personalized services that cater to a wide spectrum of communities and individuals.

Perfect Matrimony: Bridging Hearts with Integrity

Perfect Matrimony isn’t just another matrimonial site. It’s a platform built on trust, personalization, and cultural understanding. With years of expertise, they have helped thousands of individuals find the right life partners not just within Hyderabad but also among the global Telugu and South Indian diaspora.

What sets Perfect Matrimony apart?

1. Tailored Matches for Meaningful Connections

Unlike mass-market platforms that operate on algorithms alone, Perfect Matrimony combines human insight with intelligent technology. Their experienced matchmakers understand your needs, preferences, and expectations, and suggest matches that align with your personality and values.

2. Verified and Authentic Profiles

Safety and authenticity are top priorities. Every profile on Perfect Matrimony is carefully verified to ensure that the information provided is genuine. This reduces time wasted on mismatched or fake profiles, and increases your chances of finding someone truly compatible.

3. Dedicated Matchmaking Support

When you sign up with the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad, you're not alone. You’ll be assigned a dedicated relationship manager who will understand your preferences and walk with you every step of the way. From profile selection to initial communication, their guidance ensures a smooth and respectful experience.

4. Cultural Sensitivity

Whether you’re from a traditional Telugu family or a modern urban household, Perfect Matrimony respects your values. Their database spans multiple communities including Brahmin, Reddy, Kamma, Kapu, Muslim, Christian, SC/ST, and more. They also consider horoscopes, gotras, and other traditional compatibility factors, when required.

Services Offered by Perfect Matrimony

To be known as the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad, Perfect Matrimony offers a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond just matchmaking:

a. Free and Premium Memberships

You can start your journey with a free membership to explore the platform and get a sense of the profiles available. For those seeking a more personalized approach, premium plans offer exclusive access to verified high-quality matches, along with one-on-one support from expert matchmakers.

b. Elite Matrimony for Professionals

Are you a doctor, engineer, IT professional, or entrepreneur seeking someone with a similar lifestyle? Perfect Matrimony’s Elite Matrimony service caters to high-achieving professionals and families looking for refined, educated, and well-settled life partners.

c. Astrological Matchmaking

For many, astrology is an essential part of the marriage decision. The platform provides astrological matching services using accurate birth details, helping families make informed decisions.

d. Event-Based Matchmaking

Perfect Matrimony hosts community-based matchmaking events, allowing individuals and families to interact in safe, respectful environments. These events are especially helpful for families who prefer a more personal, face-to-face approach.

The Role of Trust in Matrimony

In Indian culture, marriage is not just about two individuals but the coming together of families. That’s why trust is fundamental. Perfect Matrimony understands the emotional, cultural, and social aspects involved in marriage, making them a name that families can rely on.

With a transparent and respectful approach, they’ve built a reputation as the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad by ensuring that every step of the matchmaking journey is grounded in integrity.

What Makes a Matrimonial Platform “The Best”?

To be known as the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad, a platform must go beyond simply listing profiles. Here’s what Perfect Matrimony consistently delivers:

Local understanding with a global reach

Strong focus on verified, authentic profiles

Responsive and caring customer service

Respect for cultural and community diversity

Privacy and confidentiality

High success rate with happy testimonials

How to Get Started with Perfect Matrimony

Beginning your journey is simple:

Register on the Website: Visit the official website of Perfect Matrimony and create your profile by filling in key details.

Choose Your Plan: Based on your needs, select from free, premium, or elite plans.

Profile Verification: Your profile will be verified by the team to ensure authenticity.

Matchmaking Begins: Start receiving curated profiles that match your preferences.

Connect and Communicate: Once mutual interest is established, initiate conversation and take things forward.

Why Families Prefer Perfect Matrimony

Parents and elders play a crucial role in the Indian marriage process. That’s why many families across Hyderabad prefer Perfect Matrimony for their reliability, transparency, and results. The platform facilitates smooth communication, respects family involvement, and ensures that the journey from profile to proposal is seamless and respectful.

In a city that balances tradition with progressiveness, Perfect Matrimony has emerged as the go-to platform for families seeking life partners for their children. From initial inquiry to engagement, they offer full support, guidance, and satisfaction.

Going Beyond Hyderabad: Serving the Global Telugu Community

Although headquartered in Hyderabad, Perfect Matrimony serves clients from all over India and abroad. Whether you’re in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or the Middle East, you can access their services from wherever you are. For many NRIs looking for rooted, culturally aligned matches back in India, Perfect Matrimony provides the ideal bridge.

Conclusion: Your Search for the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad Ends Here

Marriage is more than a ceremony—it’s a lifelong commitment. And finding the right life partner requires more than just a swipe or a search—it needs understanding, patience, and personalized guidance. If you're ready to embark on the most meaningful journey of your life, trust Perfect Matrimony, the Best Matrimony in Hyderabad, to help you every step of the way.

With a proven track record, unmatched service, and heartfelt dedication, Perfect Matrimony is where relationships are built to last. Whether you're seeking love, companionship, or a deep cultural connection, they’re here to make sure you find it.

CONTACT US;

+9059462218

EMAIL ID;

perfectmatrimony1224@gmail.com

Address;

LIG-4/8,4TH PHASE,KPHB COLONY,Hyderabad-500072

[navneetkumarsblog]

Ranthambore National Park: Tigers, Ruins & Landscapes of India’s Heritage

Ranthambore National Park is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is reputedly regarded one of the major wildlife regions in India. The ever sprawling natural beauty and archaic architecture marvels along with adventurers nature and nature enthusiasts of varying degrees of fascination career just forever underground. Ranthambore offers enthralling experiences for travelers seeking insights into the splendors of nature and wildlife photographers eager to capture enchanting beauty.

Current historical details of Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore sanctuary has progressed gradually over time through sundry stages quietly. Initially it's known as the hunting grounds of Jaipur's Maharajas. In 1955 this area was declared a wildlife sanctuary and later became part of Project Tiger in 1973 surprisingly enough. Sanctuary conservation schemes slowly began turning things around for dwindling Bengal tiger populations in quite some remarkably effective ways. It sprawls rather unevenly across some 1300 square units apparently. Ranthambore km is super regarded as one of India's most gigantic tiger reserves and pretty renowned nationally.

The fort is a symbol of Rajasthan's rich heritage as it has secularized many kingdoms. The wildlife park is a blend of enchanting legends and rich historical value which fortifies the breathtaking scenic beauty the park offers.  

This historical fort lies on a hill within the park and makes Ranthambore one of the very few places to sight a Royal Bengal tiger. These majestic creatures roam the jungles and witnessing them in their natural habitat is truly one of a kind experience. Tigers in Ranthambore are used to the commotion caused by human beings and therefore can be sighted during morning and evening safaris.  

The park features breathtaking tigers like Machhli, who legend says was strikingly beautiful in her hunting prowess, also owes her reputation to the blandishing stories of her bold offspring who still live in the park enjoying the ambience of the wildlife haven. It's captivating hearing the stories of each tiger’s life, encapsulated is a plethora of excitement in the safaris here.

Diverse Wildlife Beyond the Tiger

As much as people love being captivated by tigers, the other wildlife that resides in Ranthambore is equally stunning. The park houses a stunning biodiversity of a range of wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and many more. Tourists may also catch the sight of striped hyenas. wild boar, chital, and sambar deer languidly stroking across the dense brush.   

Bird watching has also earned other Ranthambore praise due to there being over 320 species of birds. Psalms are also important for eagle-eyed storks to watch as well as other bird and eagle species. And on safari they aid in making the ecosystem in the park come alive.

The Scenic Beauty of Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park has many well sought out reasons why it is a heavily visited place,With terrain consisting of dense forests to wide open meadows, as well as glimmering lakes all atop the grand Aravalli hills surrounding it.

The rugged wilderness and breathtaking old architecture makes Ranthambore a must see wildlife reserve in India.

Several lakes reside within park boundaries including Padam Talao and Rajbagh Talao amidst densely forested surroundings and walking trails. Wildlife congregates around these water bodies quite frequently and they become superlative spots for snapping tigers and other exotic creatures.

Safari Experience in Ranthambore

Safari at Ranthambore is utterly pointless without thoroughly immersing oneself in wild terrain pretty much every time. Park offers gypsy safaris in small open jeeps seating six people and canter safaris using larger twenty-seater open buses mostly. Both types enable exploration of diverse park areas from dense thickets of forest right through open sunlit meadows nearby.

Safari Timings:

Morning Safari: 6:30 am - 10:30 am

Evening Safari: 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Every safari trek winds lethargically through one of the park's 10 zones providing a wildly unique experience beneath scorching savannah skies. Some zones are renowned for spotting tigers while others offer breathtaking views of leopards and crocodiles amidst multiple bird species. For tiger watching, the best time is late early morning because they set out for a “drink” or stroll.

Ranthambore Safari Booking is now more convenient than ever thanks to Online Safari Booking. If you’re visiting during peak times from October to March, you can book your safari slots well in advance. 

Ranthambore Fort: A Journey Through Time

No one should miss out on undergoing the experience of visiting the Ranthambore Fort which is incomplete without exploring. One of the most popular forts in Rajasthan, considered a historical site, dates back to the 10th century; its ancient Gothic style Temples are a treasure. Its stunningly beautiful walls and castles reveal so much about the past and history of this region. I assure you that the majestic wild beauty of the fort will make you fall in love. 

Trinetra Ganesh Temple, a temple known by many because of its mesmerizing sculpture art, also serves as a common temple shrine.

Best Resorts in Ranthambore and Where to Stay

All travelers are considered in the wonderful accommodation options around Ranthambore as catering to every class of person which is really convenient. You’ll find the perfect place to stay luxuries or budgets.

Best Resorts in Ranthambore: Traveling in style? The Oberoi Vanyavilas and Aman-i-Khas are waiting for you with an extravagant and comfortable stay equipped with top services.

Affordable hotels offering basic amenities are pretty comfortable for budget travelers visiting Ranthambore quite frequently every year.

The seamless and memorable adventures in the park are guaranteed through the convenient access to safari booking and guided tours that most resorts offer.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore

Ranthambore beckons visitors from October through March with pleasant weather and luxuriant flora and fauna in full magnificent display. Spotting tigers is easier during sweltering months of April through June when they congregate rather frequently around murky water bodies. The park closes for the monsoon months from July to September, at which time it is not accessible.

Conclusion

Ranthambore National Park beckons ardently with thrills that lie far beyond mundane safari adventures nestled deep within eerily untamed wilderness sprawling hectically around. Tigers stalk unsuspecting prey stealthily in dense undergrowth where rich biodiversity thrives amidst myriad attractions at Ranthambore quite remarkably. Ranthambore National Park promises an utterly unconventional escapade whether you're opting for a safari or lodging at swanky nearby resorts suddenly. Wildly get set for Ranthambore's untamed realm by booking a safari tour quite thoroughly beforehand and packing bags with utmost care.

[mainecoonkittenshome]

maine coon price

Maine Coon Price – What You Need to Know Before Buying

If you’ve fallen in love with the majestic, friendly, and intelligent Maine Coon, you’re not alone. These “gentle giants” are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, and for good reason. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand the Maine Coon price, what influences it, and what to expect when making this long-term investment in a pet.

Average Maine Coon Price

The price of a Maine Coon cat can vary widely depending on several factors. On average, you can expect to pay:

$800 to $1,500 for a pet-quality Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder

$1,500 to $3,500 or more for a show-quality kitten with championship bloodlines

$100 to $500 for an adult or kitten from a rescue or adoption center

These numbers are general guidelines, and actual prices may vary based on location, breeder reputation, and specific characteristics of the cat.

What Affects the Price?

Several key factors contribute to the cost of a Maine Coon:

1. Breeder Reputation

Breeders with years of experience, good reviews, and strong ethics often charge more, but they also provide healthier and better-socialized kittens. Reputable breeders ensure their cats are properly cared for and meet breed standards.

2. Pedigree and Lineage

A purebred Maine Coon with registration from organizations like TICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) will typically cost more. If the kitten comes from a line of show winners or champions, the price goes up significantly.

3. Health Care and Guarantees

Responsible breeders will include initial vaccinations, deworming, health checks, and sometimes even microchipping. They may also offer health guarantees against genetic conditions, which adds value to the kitten's price.

4. Color and Rarity

Some coat colors and patterns are rarer than others, such as silver, shaded, or smoke variations. Polydactyl Maine Coons (those with extra toes) are also sought-after and may cost more.

5. Location

The price of a Maine Coon can also be influenced by where you live. In areas with higher demand or fewer breeders, prices may be significantly higher.

Maine Coon vs. Other Breeds

Compared to other purebred cats like Bengals, Ragdolls, or Sphynx, Maine Coons are similarly priced. However, they offer a unique blend of size, intelligence, and temperament that many cat lovers find unmatched.

Is It Worth It?

For many owners, the answer is a definite yes. Maine Coons are known for their friendly, playful, and affectionate nature. They’re great with kids, other pets, and adapt well to different home environments. Their long lifespans (12–15 years or more with proper care) and strong bond with their humans make them a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts

The Maine Coon price may seem high at first glance, but when you factor in the breed's outstanding traits and the care involved in raising a healthy kitten, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re buying from a breeder or adopting, be sure to choose a source that prioritizes the health and happiness of their cats—and get ready to welcome a truly special feline into your life.

[nursingwriter]

Interventions to Reduce Adolescent Substance Abuse The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature to describe current government initiatives for addressing substance abuse by adolescents in the United States. An analysis of what is being done as well as what is not being done is followed by an examination of gaps in the current initiatives. In addition, a discussion concerning the health advocacy groups that have attempted to advocate for this health issue and the possibility of collaboration with one of these groups is followed by an analysis concerning how collaboration with existing advocacy groups can further the efficacy of the program to address this public health issue. Likewise, a discussion concerning the public health theory/model/framework which can be used to guide a program and intervention of the public health issue and a description concerning the proposed intervention to address this public health issue is followed by a description concerning its administration and requisite resources. Finally, a discussion concerning the long-term requirements of the envisioned intervention is followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning adolescent substance abuse in the United States today in the conclusion. Review and Discussion Current government initiatives/plans for addressing adolescent substance abuse Given the severity, scope and importance of the problem, it is not surprising that there are a number of initiatives and programs that are sponsored by local, state and the national government that are designed to address substance abusing behaviors by young Americans today. What is truly surprising, however, is just how ineffective that many of these initiatives have been in addressing the problem, particularly in view of the enormous sums of money and effort that have been devoted to this issue over the past several decades. For instance, according to one authority, “We have been fighting drug abuse for almost a century. Four Presidents have personally waged war on drugs. Unfortunately, it is a war that we are losing” (The United States war on drugs, 2017). This is not to say, however, that no progress has been achieved at all, but it is to say that changing public attitudes about marijuana, the most widely abused substance by young people at present, and its increasing availability nationwide, mean that it is likely that adolescents will continue to experiment with this illicit substance irrespective of efforts to stop it (Youth.gov, 2019). Notwithstanding the lack of substantive progress in this area, the various levels of government in the United States have continued their efforts to address substance abusing behaviors by adolescents. While state and local government programs vary significantly, some representative programs targeting adolescent substance abuse that are sponsored by the U.S. government include the following: · Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Human Services; · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; · National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; · Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools; and, · Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Youth.gov, 2019). Taken together, this broad-based approach to addressing adolescence substance abuse represents the best in available evidence-based strategies, but there remains a gap in the existing body of knowledge concerning the actual prevalence of substance use and abuse by young Americans today. For instance, the federal Web organization, Youth.gov emphasizes that, “Getting accurate estimates of the prevalence of substance use and abuse among youth is difficult. As a result, existing prevalence data likely is underestimated” (Youth.gov, 2019, para. 2). While there remains a lack of precision in determining the true prevalence of substance abuse among American adolescents, the problem is widely regarded as being sufficiently serious to warrant action by a number of health advocacy groups, including those discussed below. Current health advocacy groups for this health issue Like government efforts, there are literally thousands of health advocacy groups working at the local, state and federal levels that are focused on reducing adolescent substance abuse in the United States today. Some of the more well known of these national groups include the following: · Al Anon and Alateen; · Advocates for Recovery; · Big Brothers and Sisters; · Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; and, · Friends in Recovery, Inc. These groups frequently collaborate and partner with other organizations to help achieve their respective objectives, and they typically possess the expertise and experience that can improve the efficacy of the interventions used to address adolescent substance abuse (Barker, 2009). Despite the lack of substantive progress in reducing substance abusing behaviors by adolescents over the years, there have been some viable public health frameworks developed that can also help improve the effectiveness of interventions that are designed to address this problem and these issues are discussed further below. Discuss the public health theory/model/framework which can be used to guide your program and intervention of the public health issue The public health framework that will be sued to guide the envisioned program and intervention will follow the guidance provided in the 2016 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. This report called for “a public health-based approach to addressing substance use disorders is guided by essential services” (A public health-based approach, 2019, para. 4). Because substance abuse is a highly complex problem, the public health framework recommended by the Surgeon General is likewise comprehensive and multifaceted that: · Defines the problem through the systematic collection of data on the scope, characteristics, and consequences of substance misuse; · Identifies the risk and protective factors that increase or decrease the risk for substance misuse and its consequences, and the factors that could be modified through interventions; · Works across the public and private sector to develop and test interventions that address social, environmental, or economic determinants of substance misuse and related health consequences; · Supports broad implementation of effective prevention and treatment interventions and recovery supports in a wide range of settings; and · Monitors the impact of these interventions on substance misuse and related problems as well as on risk and protective factors.” (A public health-based approach, 2019). As noted above, the first step in this framework is especially needed since current estimates concerning the prevalence of adolescent substance abuse are considered inaccurate and most likely underestimate the true scope of the problem in the United States today. The remaining steps in this framework involve developing and implementing appropriate interventions and then evaluating them for their effectiveness in achieving the intended outcomes. Although the success rates of various strategies for addressing adolescent substance abuse have varied significantly, one intervention that has consistently proven most effective for many young people is behavioral therapies which are discussed below. Describe the proposed intervention to address your identified public health issue. Some of the most effective interventions that have been used for treating adolescent substance abuse are various types of behavioral therapies (Guo & Slesnick, 2016). In this regard, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019) concurs that, “Behavioral therapies are effective in addressing adolescent drug use. Behavioral therapies, delivered by trained clinicians, help an adolescent stay off drugs by strengthening his or her motivation to change” (para. 5). These desired outcomes are achieved using behavioral therapies by using various strategies that have proven effective in the past, including: · Providing incentives for abstinence, · Building skills to resist and refuse substances and deal with triggers or craving; · Replacing drug use with constructive and rewarding activities; · Improving problem-solving skills; and, · Facilitating better interpersonal relationships (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019, para. 5). It is important to note, however, that behavioral therapies are even more effective when they are used in a family therapy context so that adolescents’ parents and siblings can develop a better understanding of the problem and help provide additional support during the recovery phase (Guo & Slesnick, 2016). How would you fund your public health program? What human resources would be needed? The envisioned public health program would begin at the local level in a small Midwestern American city with a known adolescent substance abuse problem. The program would be funded through direct grants from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state government. In addition, funding would also be solicited from private donors in the local community with a vested interest in reducing adolescent substance abuse. The program will be modest in size at first, but will still require a multidisciplinary team to help assess young people’s needs and unique situations in order to develop and deliver individualized behavioral interventions (Burrow-Sanchez, 2009). Likewise, volunteers will be actively recruited from the local community to assist with the administration of the program, such as manning hotlines. In addition, a program leader with experience in substance abuse programming and grant applications will also be required to head the program and coordinate the efforts of the staff members and volunteers. As the program identifies the most efficacious interventions for different individuals and achieves the desired outcomes, the program can be expanded to other parts of the city as well as other community in the state and ultimately nationwide. Describe your evaluation plan. How would you know whether or not your public health issue has been effectively addressed? As noted above, the first step in the public health framework that will be used for this program requires an accurate estimate of the prevalence and nature of the adolescent substance abuse problem in the targeted city. As also noted above, while accurate estimates are notoriously difficult to develop, a best effort must be made to collect this data in order to serve as a benchmark by which the effectiveness of the behavioral therapy interventions can be measured on a periodic basis to determine whether it has achieved its intended outcomes. Describe long-term sustainability of your public health program. How could you help assure that gains were sustained? One of the main points that emerged from the research was the fact that adolescent substance abuse is not going away completely any time soon (Schwartz & Smith, 2009), so there is an overarching need to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. This will require ongoing fund-raising efforts, including the primary source of direct grants obtained from the federal and state governments as well as private donors. The effectiveness of these efforts can be improved by identifying optimal treatment strategies for young people and communicating clinical successes to grant providers, private donors and the general public. Discuss any health-specific communication needs inherent in your program. How could social marketing and mass media help your program? One of the more challenging aspects of treating adolescent substance abuse is the fact that the overwhelming majority of these young people do not regard their behaviors as problematic and are highly reluctant to actively engage in any treatment regimen. For instance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019), “Adolescents with substance use disorders rarely feel they need treatment and almost never seek it on their own” (para. 7). This reluctance means that the program can benefit from social marketing using online resources that are popular with young people such as Facebook and Twitter. These online resources can serve as a valuable tool to help communicate the actual risks that are involved in even experimenting with illicit drugs and provide information to interested adolescents concerning where they can go for help in their own communities. Likewise, high-profile coverage in the local mainstream media such as newspapers, television and radio can help spread the word concerning the availability of these treatment services and other community-based resources that are focused on addressing adolescent substance abuse. This approach is congruent with the guidance provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019) which advises, “Members of the community (such as school counselors, parents, peers, and mentors) can encourage young people who need help to get into treatment—and support them along the way” (para. 5). In sum, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program envisioned herein will require developing and applying the best evidence-based behavioral therapies available, communicating any success stories that are achieved as well as continuous fund-raising efforts. Conclusion It is reasonable to suggest that adolescents have engaged in substance abusing behaviors since time immemorial, and it would be seriously misguided to believe the problem will simply go away on its own today. The research was consistent in showing that adolescence is a period in life that is characterized by experimenting with new things, including illicit drugs in many cases. The research also showed, though, that there are some treatment strategies available that can be used in a public health framework to achieve optimal results in addressing this nationwide problem. Therefore, it is also reasonable to conclude that the program outlines above, delivered in collaboration and partnership with existing organizations, can provide a valuable resource for American communities of any size. References A public health-based approach. (2019). Rural Health. Barker, P. (2009). Psychiatric and mental health nursing: The craft of caring. London: Hodder Arnold. Burrow-Sanchez, J. J. (2009, Summer). Understanding adolescent substance abuse: Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications. Journal of Counseling and Development, 84(3), 283-288. Guy, X. & Slesnick, N. (2016, April). Changes in family relationships among substance abusing runaway adolescents: A comparison between family and individual therapies. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 42(2), 299-302. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Principles of adolescent substance use disorder treatment: A research-based guide. Schwartz, R. C. & Smith, S. D. (2009, October). Screening and assessing adolescent substance abuse: A primer for counselors. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 24(1), 23-26. The United States war on drugs. (2017 ). Stanford University. Youth.gov. (2019). Substance abuse agencies. Retrieved from https://youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse/prevalence-substance-use-abuse-and-dependence. Read the full article