#the thought of them reuniting after the final battle is emotionally devastating me

[solarisce]

[lazyprinces]

ENDGAME SPOILERS!!!!!!

soo there is so much to process and these are just random thoughts

I was already crying at the initial titles. Just seeing the Marvel Studios Logo broke me. Thinking about all this journey that led to this moment, and how much it has meant for me and all the other people that were with me in that room, watching that movie with me, it killed me. The MCU means so much to me, it has been so important for me and seeing those titles really made me realise how much I’m thankful for all of this.

Tony in space. Facing his worst nightmare. So thin. So sick. So scared. So, so, so human. Which is what makes him my favourite character. Him being just human. The fact that anyone of us could be Tony Stark. Anyone of us could be Iron Man. Because he is just like us. The message to Pepper. That whole scene was heartbreaking. Seeing our favourite hero so miserable, so hopeless.

Carol rescuing Tony was veryyyy predictable but also very amazing. Her strength really amazes me every time.

Tony reunion with Pepper was everything I was waiting for. That little kiss on her cheek made my heart melt. 

Tony’s reaction to Steve questions and to his plans felt so real. Tony was sick, scared and scarred and any other reaction would have been totally unrealistic. It would have felt shallow to see Steve and Tony agreeing like their conflict had never happened. And also considering that Tony was mentally, physically and emotionally devasted that was the only reaction possible.

When we saw Thanos again for the first time I immediately understood what was going to happen. So no big fight to kill Thanos. I wasn’t expecting it but it was the most obvious way in the end. Because the survivors couldn’t have fought against Thanos with his full powers again. So it was inevitable that there would have been something else. Thor saying that he went for the head was 🔝

5 years later. Natasha that manages everything at the Avengers Headquarters. Love her red hair that fade into blonde. She is so strong and so beautiful and I love her so much. And she is so human and so devastated, too. The short scene with Steve was so soft and I wish we had more.

Big no for Thor. Honestly they did him so dirty. He had been my favourite character in Infinity War and he was too humiliated in this movie. Like some things were fun. I admit it. But it was too much. We cannot watch the final epic battle with That Thor. No.

Morgan. There’s nothing more beautiful and perfect of that scene of Tony and his daughter. Him holding her in her arms. Just thinking about it makes me cry all over again. This is so important for Tony’s arch.

I totally loved the scenes when they organise the time travels. Those little domestic scenes that we have always talked about in thousand of headcanons and fanfictions. There’s one scene with Tony, Nat and Bruce laying down on a table talking about the stones that was super cute. I could totally watch a movie with only scene like that.

I loooooooooved the time travel scenes. Especially New York, Asgard and the 70s. Like how fucking epic it is to see again in the cinema the scene of the first team up from the first Avengers. Just great. Seeing it makes me feel so empowered. And I also loved all those scenes after the New York battle. Seeing the other iconic scene with all of the avengers looking at Loki but from the other side was so cool. And then them starting to talk and joke was so fun. Also loved seeing the differences between the characters then and now. Just great. The Steve/Steve fight was epic and reminds us of how unbearable was Steve in the Avengers. (Also can we talk about the fact that to distract himself Steve used Bucky? Like, he totally knows that it is his weak point.)

The 70s with Tony meeting Howard again. Closing a circle. And Steve seeing Peggy. I almost died when I saw her.

Natalie Portman. Nothing to add. I know that many hate Jane for I don’t know why but Natalie is my favourite actress so even seeing her for just a few second was so good.

I appreciated the choice of having Thor meet his mom rather than his father or Loki.

Seeing Peter Quill dancing from outside and looking like a total idiot was epic.

Clint e Natasha. Fucking finally. Honestly the Feels. We have been so blessed. It was everything I was waiting for since 2012. (I’m totally still bitter about everything that happened in age of Ultron but that’s for another time). From the beginning when she his devastated hearing about everything that he has done. When she rescues him and they hold hands. When they understand that one of them has to die. Them holding hands again. Them fighting just like in civil war. Nat dying. It was so heartbreaking. (And also I’m still waiting to know what happened in Budapest).

When they reunite all the stones on Iron Man’s gauntlet. What a fucking powerful symbol. The strength that comes from that shot. Nothing else compares. As soon as I saw it I knew Tony was going to kill Thanos and what was the consequence. (Also this is a big fuck you to everyone that hates Tony Stark and thinks that he is not the protagonist of the mcu) One word: epic.

The 3 seconds in which everything seemed resolved and birds reappear but we know that Thanos is coming and everything is going to hell.

The big 3 ready to face Thanos. Amazing. Wonderful. Epic. Perfect scene. The 3 of them combining their skills. Steve holding the hammer. Thor saying that he knew it and all of us thinking it with him. Steve left alone against Thanos and falling down once again. And once again standing up ready to say “I could do this all day”. But then we hear Sam’s voice and all the portals start to open. And the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen begins.

All the characters appearing. The Avengers Theme that resounds in our hearts. I was literally jumping on the chair. Tears and a huge smile. Seeing all of them united and knowing that for Thanos it’s over. Steve saying Avengers Assemble. And suddenly they’re all Avengers. And we are all Avengers. And you really feel the strength and power of this story.

All the reunions that happen in the middle of the fight. Peter and Tony hugging. All of them swapping the gauntlet up to Carol. And the amazing scene of all the girls united. (And I just want to say to everyone that thinks that it was just “politically correct”: Fuck you. Because yes it was but it was also fucking important. For me and for all the other girls watching those movies with the same passion and dedication of the guys, that have all the right of feeling represented. Because when I saw all of them united I also saw myself standing with them. And I’m sure that many other girls have felt the same way. So who gives a fuck if it’s “just politically correct”).

Carol was so underused but I understand it. Firstly because she is honestly too powerful compared to the others. Secondly because Endgame was the ending of the original cycle of characters and she is going to be the beginning of the next one.

Little thougths on the final scenes because I’m still shook. Tony taking the gauntlet from Thanos. Him saying that fucking annoying line and Tony answering: “I am Iron Man”. And the circle closes. And I don’t think there’s much too add. Tony is the Marvel Cinematic Universe and without him there wouldn’t be anything else. I’m sorry but no other character has the same value. He is the protagonist and no one can change my mind. And when he says “I am Iron Man” as he snaps his fingers, and we all say it with him, it’s fucking powerful.

Tony dying sorrounded by his loved ones. Pepper’s hand on the reactor. Devastating.

Tony’s message. His voiceover that reminds me of the ending of Iron Man 3. That ends with that same line. I am Iron Man. The beginning and the end. Nothing else to add.

The funeral. Morgan watching the video. Everyone being there for Tony, the kid from Iron Man 3, Nick fury, May. Happy saying to Morgan that her dad loved cheeseburgers too. Proof that Tony Stark has an heart. All of this killed me.

Valkyrie king of New Asgard and Thor with the guardians is perfect. I think that he fits in that group much more than into the new Avengers. Quill looking at a picture of Gamora with the word “searching” hinting at the plot of the next movie.

Steve leaving and saying goodbye to Bucky with the same words of The First Avenger. So beautiful. Steve coming back and passing the shield to Sam. I agree so much with this choice. The fact that the movies ends with the dance between Steve and Peggy that we had been waiting for all this time and them kissing is just perfection.

The amazing end credits. With the signatures of the original Avengers. Ending with RDJ. Because as much as Tony is the MCU, Robert Downey Jr. is. The Marvel logo at the end with the background noise of the hammer as a tribute to the scene where Tony forged the first armour, beginning this amazing journey.

In conclusion I liked this movie much more than Infinity War. Maybe because Infinity War was a transitioning movie, very fast, very dynamics for sure but also simpler. Endgame was so full of stuff. Many things and I loved them all or almost all. The perfect conclusion for the characters and this whole cycle. And for anyone complaining about the contradiction regarding time travels, honestly it’s a movie about aliens and superheroes who cares if something doesn’t add up.

[6ix-dragons]

Fairy Tail Fan Impressions (FTFI): Chapter 538

(Be aware; spoilers for the most recent FT chapters can be found below!)

“OH MY GOD! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S TRUE! HE SUDDENLY DISAPPEARED LIKE THAT!”

Me: I know, right?!

“I feel bad for the others...especially for Lucy and Happy, too!”

Me: Yeah, well...surely, things can’t get any worse than this.

“Ohhh, I’m not prepared for what’s next!”

Me: I mean, it’s not like Acnologia’s gonna come back, and wreck some stuff—

“.....”

Me: (blinks) Uhhh...hello? (looks around) Where’d ya go? (a pause) I swear—you were here, a second ago!

If there was a reaction that I would usually use (from my days watching The Creatures on YT) for this chapter, it would be: “damn, dude”! After the major contentions of the fandom, that were the last two chapters... we finally get treated to a whole new chapter—in which I will say, is quite an interesting one. Well, an emotional one, too.

Let’s get it started, shall we?

So, the chapter picks up from where we last saw Natsu, after he had defeated Zeref. Before we can even get to see our favourite pink-haired dragon-slayer, we see that Lucy is still working on the Book of E.N.D., which is still in her possession. Accompanied with Gray and Happy, she continues to re-write everything there is about him, on that book. In fact, she states that she’s “written down all the experiences he shared together”, with her. By doing so, she’s either: a) saving Natsu, or b) preventing him from transforming into his demon form. And, as I get to that part, later...it was seemingly all for naught.

As she does, however, she finds herself struggling against the powers of the book that have taken influence over her. Fortunately (and, rather, conveniently), she happens to be situated beside an ice mage, who also happens to have demon-slaying abilities. Gray notices that she’s on the brink of collapse, and manages to catch her from falling to the ground. Sensing a demonic presence affecting her, he finally manages to put his new potential, to some considerable use (if not for Mashima’s quality of writing)—and that’s to free her, from the book’s influence. 

Now, there’s quite a problem with that. If you recall back to when Lucy started to rewrite the contents of the book inside, after being in possession of it, you’ve already known that Natsu’s life is no longer linked to Zeref (who was originally the possessor and writer of said book). His life, instead, is linked to Lucy, through the book. Without any links through the source, which is the book itself, Natsu would have a nigh-probable chance of not living at all. So, when Gray managed to free her from the influence of the book, he also ended up breaking the link between her, and the book! In fact, even Happy himself already knows this, too! And, what do you know? The Book of E.N.D. disappears without a trace!

However, before I can talk about what happens with them, after that...I want to take this part of my post, to talk about how Mashima addresses Jellal and Erza. Yes, while the situation surrounding Natsu and the other three is still going on, we get to see a moment between those two. They’re still with all the other people who had just fought Acnologia moments ago, like Wendy, and the remaining Blue Pegasus members. All of them are still trying to recover from their encounter with the villainous dragon-slayer himself—which ended with Ichiya, Anna, and him, into the Timelapse. 

I actually enjoyed the moment that the both of them shared together, after what they had just gone through. Even though Jellal’s antics of sacrificing himself—in the notion that he must redeem for his past trangressions—are a little too much for me...at least I was satisfied with the way he realizes about them, in this chapter. I think he’s finally going to remember about how he has to keep on living, in order to redeem himself. I mean, Erza already has brought that message to him, heavily-handed, by herself! What more can be asked for him, by this point?

Anyway, back to where Lucy and the other two are. I mentioned above, about the Book of E.N.D. disappeaing, right after the link between it and her was broken. Not before long, we finally get to see Natsu, still battle-scarred from his fight with Zeref. It’s a moment that I just like, when they’re all finally reunited with each other. I mean, it all gets light-hearted from there, like all those moments from earlier in the story. Man, don’t you just love them?

So, they’re all talking to each other about what was going on beforehand, in which Natsu shares the news that Mavis has passed on, for real. Despite this, ‘though, they’re still grateful to have each other making it through. I even liked that Gray wanted to apologize to Juvia, for what went down between them, and the ensuing fallout from that. Also, Happy still remembers about what Natsu and him were going to do, when the war was going to be over. With all this light-hearted talk, amongst the jubilation of all involved, you would’ve thought things would have wrapped-up, in the typical way of (almost) every single story arc, right? I mean, all of them would carry on with their lives, just right after this, am I right?

Well, not really...and, it’s all because that next part happened!

While all of their eyes are turned away from Natsu (I mean, come on—at least one of you should have kept check on him!), Happy brings up the whole thing about what Natsu and him plan to do, which is something I already mentioned above...before he puts it as a question towards his long-time, pink-haired companion. 

And then, that’s where all the angst and tears begin. 

As they all turn their focus back towards Natsu, he suddenly disappears out of plain sight, nowhere to be found! In fact, one of the last times they all saw Natsu, before he disappeared, was when he gave a great big smile to them. I mean, I really felt something about that, from what I was seeing.

From then on...it doesn’t take long, before Lucy, Gray, and Happy become greatly devastated over his sudden disappearance. Lucy, especially, since she was the one who tried to save Natsu herself. She believed that he wouldn’t be up and away like that! 

You know, there have been more than a handful of moments in the entire story that have moved me quite emotionally. It was those moments, such as when Gray’s tragic past was explained. There was another one, this time with Erza’s background. And then some, with Igneel dying right before Natsu’s eyes. But those moments, all of those moments—including the ones aforementioned...they have nothing compared to the moments that mainly involve Natsu and Lucy. 

Lucy calling/crying out his name, in times of desperation and sorrow, just happens to get me, each time it comes up. I could faintly remember that time, when Natsu got caught up in the Tower of Heaven’s destruction, and she was the one who cried out his name. It just feels chilling to hear it, let alone, imagine it. And, to me, it’s rather significant, because those two have cared so much for each other. I mean, both of them have been through quite a lot, ever since they first met. I think that, after what they’ve been through, recently...she needs him more than ever. 

I have to admit that, with this one scene in this chapter, it kinda got me a little bit teary-eyed, you know? (takes a deep sigh, and sniffles) Yeah...

Oh, and after that scene happened, we get a good look at Wendy. She’s...sullen, from the looks of it. She has a forlorn facial expression, too. It’s all pretty much, because she has seemingly lost her mentor, who got caught up in the Timelapse. But, that’s not all.

As she slowly takes a look at the sky, she could notice that something’s not right about it. I mean, that’s no moon—it’s a tear in the sky! A large, dark ripple opening up, rather. Aaand, then, we end the chapter on that suspenseful note!

Okay, so...here are the Questions of the Chapter: How do you think Natsu might return to the story? And...what do you think that tear in the sky could be about? 

To me, for the first one, I’m not entirely convinced that Natsu is a goner for real. I have a feeling he might return in some form, somehow. I mean, consider what Mashima did, in his previous work. Those of you who had read Rave Master, already knew what happened to Haru, the major protagonist of that story. He was thought to be killed-off at some point, in the story’s conclusion, but he ends up living in the end, anyway. I have a growing suspicion that the same thing could happen to Natsu, in the remaining final chapters of this story. It would be really surprising if he doesn’t come back, for those concluding chapters. 

For the second one, I’ve heard from a lot of folks, who say that Acnologia might be coming back from being in the Timelapse. Then, there are some, who say that Anna and Ichiya may be the only ones to return. And then, there’s a smaller portion who say that all three of them may come back. I’ve also heard from a few people, who say that it might be Ankhseram who may be coming in from there. Finally, there are a few of those who say that, instead of any of the above making an appearance from there...it may as well be some sort of black hole that destroys the entire world!

If I had to choose one that I think is more convincing, it would have to be the first answer. I mean, it’s possible that Acnologia could return from the Timelapse, given how powerful he is (and, I personally doubt that he can ever be stopped EASILY, by a ship that’s nearly about his size!). This, I believe, also sets up the potential for a final fight (the “final boss” battle, if you will) between him, and the surviving Dragon Slayers. Despite the small number of chapters remaining, I think something like this, would still be do-able. I would also hypothesize that Natsu may play a role in this, as well, should it happen. 

It would be rather disappointing if Ichiya and Anna are the only ones to return, but I would be okay, if both did return along with Acnologia. As for Ankhseram, well...I don’t expect him to really make an appearance, if I were to take Mashima’s words for granted. He mentioned somewhere that Ankhseram would not be an actual character in the story, and would not play any more major roles in it. I would be really surprised, however, if this deity seriously appears at this point in the story. Finally, as for that very last answer, I don’t really think that’s going to happen at all. But, with the next chapter being titled “World Collapse” (or “World Destruction”, rather), anything’s possible! 

Alright...what do I think about this chapter, overall? Well, I thought it was a good chapter. Okay, maybe not good enough to overcome the disappointment of the previous two chapters, but certainly enough to make things a bit interesting. We got a Jerza moment—and a hint of Gruvia, too. Lucy crying out his name, after he disappeared without a trace...well...as I mentioned above, that kind of moment truly got me there. And then, there’s that mystery of what beholds in that tear in the sky. That needs to be answered in the next chapter.

Okay, so that is it, for this post. I want to thank all those who have read this, from the top. Click like, if you like this post; follow my blog, if you like it, too; reblog this to all of your friends...and...please come back, Natsu! Everybody in the guild needs you! Gray needs you! Happy needs you! Heck, even Lucy really needs you! Just come back, Natsu—please! This whole story won’t be the same, without your...abilities...that lack the power scaling and limitations!

[jhathaway71]

RobeccaGate Plot Device Offspring Possible Outcomes

Disclaimer: This post is just for fun.

Setting aside the Emmerdale showrunner’s revisionist history for Rebecca White and taking the below statement at face value (at our peril), we can quite safely determine that Rebecca White is pregnant with Robert Sugden’s plot device offspring.

Though, this statement does not guarantee what we have seen on screen as being entirely truthful with many fans speculating she may not even be pregnant. There are also rumours from DS that we find out Robert is not the father in May, but he doesn’t find out until later. I mention these as our trusted source with Metro.uk.co did provide Iain MacLeod’s statement about fan speculation on the did they sleep together or not with Iain replying there is no doubt when questioned.

The pregnancy slant could very well be one of those twists some fans continuing to hold onto for hope. As such, even if Iain MacLeod were to have answered the question during the press event, his response would be embargoed from release by our trusted source at Metro.uk.co or any of the other magazine/sources because the drama has yet to play out.

Iain MacLeod’s statement defending Rebecca White

‘She met Robert some years ago, before he’d met Aaron, fell in love with him, he got her pregnant, forced her into an abortion, he dumped her and married her sister, then he tricked her to Emmerdale and led her into believing there was hope for them when there wasn’t, got her pregnant again, she tried to move on with her life with Ross and just at the point she was doing that Robert got drunk, rang her up and seduced her again. Objectively speaking Robert’s put her through the mill, badly!’

Iain also addressed the fan speculation that Robert and Rebecca may not have slept together – when asked whether there is any doubt that they did, he replied ‘no’. Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/04/28/emmerdale-boss-defends-rebecca-white-over-robron-chaos-i-feel-sorry-for-her-6602256/#ixzz4frIBYxTQ

So, now is time for a little fun. I’ve listed different ways the Robert’s plot device offspring slant could play out in this new chapter for Robert and Aaron in the tragedy known as Emmerdale.

<If you have any thoughts or other possible scenarios, please respond so I can add other story direction theories to the list.

1.      The baby angle is a twist and Robert was never the father of the plot device offspring. And honestly, I do not care who would be and I’d venture to say the majority of the Robron fandom feel the same as I on this one! (Unless, you’re a Ross shipper also and he’s the father.)

2.      The baby angle is a twist and she was never pregnancy. Rebecca’s positive pregnancy test was not hers.* She just happened to have a positive test of the very same brand/style Victoria handed her in the pub in the off chance she could frame/trap Robert with a plot device offspring. She leaves Emmerdale in shame never to be seen or heard from again when the truth comes out/exposed by Aaron.

3.      Rebecca has the second abortion demanded and forced on her by Robert Sugden to clean up his mistake. This could happen while the lads are in Mauritius as that would be within the one-month time frame since their exit or when they return just to add more drama (possibly how Aaron finds out – overhears the conversation).

4.      The Lachlyn serial killer rumours turn out to be true with him killing her and in the process the plot device offspring. On a side note, Lachlyn being a serial killer intrigues me if only as revenge for his incarceration. (Targets being the entire White clan of Rebecca, Chrissie, and Lawrence. And both Robert and Aaron because they had their role to play in it, but are the only two not to die. Who knows why Emma would be killed…maybe she found out what he was doing and he silenced her.)

5.      Rebecca has a miscarriage or the plot device offspring is stillborn. Robert’s reaction could be relieved to devastated dependent on how Emmerdale Production want to play the drama out.

6.      Rebecca hides her continued pregnancy from everyone telling anyone who already knows she had the abortion (repackaged/recycled Amy is pregnant with Cain’s offspring Kyle circa 2011). After secretly giving birth, any number of scenarios could play out, such as Rebecca leaving the plot device offspring on the Mill doorstep with a note to Robert to take care of it. She leaves Emmerdale only to return months/years later when the lads need new stories for drama/screentime).

7.      Rebecca dies during childbirth leaving the plot device offspring without it’s biological mother leading to custody battles between Chrissie and Robert & Aaron.

8.      Adam and Victoria adopt the plot device offspring with or without Robert’s blessing.

9.      Aaron against Robert’s wishes rents out the second flat at the Mill to Rebecca to support (emotionally, not financially since she’s a White) her and the plot device offspring. Aaron’s motivation could be because Rebecca and he are friends as I outlined in a prior blog post or with Lawrence being killed off, Home Farm goes to another family and Rebecca has nowhere to stay because Chrissie has written her off.

10.  The Sun’s continued stories about Adam Thomas leaving Emmerdale turn out to be true. Rebecca and Robert do not want the plot device offspring and decide to put it up for adoption. Victoria who wants a baby decides to adopt and Aaron believing Robert will want more to do with it (other than just being an uncle) in the future becomes the adoptive father. The plot device child grows up calling Victoria Mum, Aaron Daddy, and Robert Uncle Daddy. Technically, Aaron would also be Uncle Daddy seeing as he is Victoria’s brother-in-law.

11.  Aaron adopts the plot device offspring by himself because it is a part of Robert creating a rift with his husband. They continue to row until Robert finally accepts the baby. (Something melodramatic, Maybe it gets sick and almost dies)

12.  Robert takes custody of the plot device offspring creating a rift with Aaron. They continue to row until Aaron finally accepts the baby. (Something melodramatic, maybe it gets sick and almost dies)

13.  Rhona and Paddy finally reunite after the Pierce/Rhona story wraps up late summer/early fall. They pursue their dream from late 2015 to adopt and choose the plot device offspring. Aaron is made godfather at Paddy’s request.

14.  Chas changes her mind about Paddy and decides to give their relationship another chance with Aaron’s blessing (Just before the wedding she said they were no Robert and Aaron, but Robert cheated so it’s not like it was all that special to begin with). They adopt the plot device offspring creating problems between them and Aaron down the road.

15.  Aaron and Robert have resolved the cheating drama. Chas learns Rebecca is carrying Robert’s plot device offspring. Since Aaron/Robert are married, she feels this plot device is her grandchild. Along with Cain & Zac, they sit the lads down and explains to Robert and remind Aaron what “family” means when you’re a Dingle. With the Dingle family speech given, the lads change their minds about the plot device.

16.  Finn adopts the plot device offspring for any of the following reasons:

a.      Uses plot device in attempt to come between Robert and Aaron as revenge against Aaron for driving away Kasim thinking the plot device will give him a chance with Vic’s “big, fit brother” Robert if and when he can get him to accept the plot device.

b.      Uses plot device in attempt to come between Robert and Aaron, hoping Aaron being good will become attached to the plot device causing problems with Robert and his desire to have nothing to do with said plot device leading to their eventual breakup. This gives Finn the delusional chance at Aaron thinking his fondness for the plot device will override Aaron’s lack of sexual attraction to Finn because he isn’t type.

c.       Decided he no longer wants to be gay while in Australia since he has been such a failure with relationships and stalked/terrorized the last poor bloke. Pursues a relationship with Rebecca White who gives it a chance since she can’t have Robert and Ross don’t want her. They eventually marry leading to his adopting the plot device.

17.  The plot device offspring is born with Robert being the father. Since he is being portrayed as such a dark character again demanding Rebecca get an abortion and being demonized since the revisionist characterization of Rebecca White, the baby is truly the devil’s spawn with the mark of the beast (666) – no offense intended to any devote religious individuals reading this.

18. As someone pointed and posted a photo on Twitter, the pregnancy test given to Rebecca was expired. This allowed for a false positive and being the head case Rebecca White is, she is either faking the pregnancy after finding out the truth OR she’s having a hysterical pregnancy with continued hopes Robert will come around to “starting the family” with her if she were to get pregnant again, thus keeping his “promise”.

[njawaidofficial]

'Game of Thrones' Recap: Is Jaime Lannister Dead?

http://styleveryday.com/2017/08/07/game-of-thrones-recap-is-jaime-lannister-dead/

'Game of Thrones' Recap: Is Jaime Lannister Dead?

[Warning: this story contains spoilers for the fourth episode of Game of Thrones‘ seventh season, “The Spoils of War.”]

With the fourth hour of its seventh season, Game of Thrones delivered on yet another one of its longest held promises: dragons have returned to Westeros proper, with a vengeance — and it’s potentially very bad news for one character in particular.

The final act of the hour, called “The Spoils of War,” took a hard turn for “Battle of the Bastards” territory in the form of a massive battle between the Lannister and Targaryen forces. In one corner: Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Bronn of the Blackwater (Jerome Flynn), the curiously named Dickon Tarly (Tom Hopper) and his cruel father Randyll (James Faulkner), and countless other soldiers. On the other side of the battlefield: Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) and Drogon, unleashing holy hellfire upon everyone they cross, with a huge Dothraki contingent as well. 

It’s the fulfillment of one of the show’s oldest oaths, stemming as early as the first episode of the series, when Viserys (Harry Lloyd) married Daenerys to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) in an effort to recruit his army and win back Westeros. Both Viserys and Drogo are long gone, but the desired results of the marriage pact have finally played out, and very much in House Targaryen’s favor.

Of course, as has happened frequently this season, the battle wasn’t without at least one win for the Lannisters. In the second episode of season seven, Maester Qyburn (Anton Lesser) unveiled a new secret weapon in the campaign against Dany’s dragons: a huge crossbow, packing heat so powerful it could theoretically kill one of the fire-breathing beasts. The theory was put into practice at the end of this week’s dragon battle, as Bronn pierced Drogon’s shoulder with a well-placed arrow. The ferocious creature, up until then thoroughly ravaging the Lannister forces, howled in pain and virtually crash landed on a somewhat safe corner of the battlefield. It wasn’t enough to kill Drogon, but that’s more a matter of Bronn’s aim than the effectiveness of the weapon. As much as one hates to admit it, the giant crossbow looks likely to take out at least one of Dany’s dragons before the whole show is over.

Harming the dragon wasn’t enough of a victory for the Lannisters, however, as the battle culminated in one very foolish decision: Jaime grabbing a spear and charging straight for the wounded Drogon and the subsequently weakened Daenerys. From a distance, Jaime’s brother Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) watched on, shocked at his older sibling’s foolhardy decision to charge directly at a dragon, no matter how much pain it was in. But Jaime saw an opening to kill Daenerys and end the war in his sister and lover’s favor, and he seized it. Tyrion’s concerns were instantly validated, as Drogon reared his head up in the last few seconds before Jaime could reach Daenerys, and spewed forth a mouthful of fire.

Jaime would certainly be toast, if not for Bronn, who rode in at the eleventh hour and pushed the Lannister army’s leader into the nearby river. Both men narrowly avoided certain death by dragon fire, but for Jaime at least, the danger isn’t over. The episode ends as Jaime, weighed down by his heavy armor, slowly and helplessly sinks toward the bottom of the river. Viewers are left to wonder if the sole surviving son of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) — or at least the only one who counts, as Cersei (Lena Headey) would tell you — is about to meet his father in the great beyond.

Of course, viewers haven’t really seen the last of Jaime Lannister. There’s no way Game of Thrones removes one of its longest-standing characters from the board without one final scene with Tyrion, especially with the estranged brothers in such close proximity on the battlefield. What’s more, would Thrones really kill off Jaime in an episode in which he lacks a single scene with Cersei? (And flipping the question, it doesn’t seem likely that Thrones would kill Cersei without one final scene with Jaime. In fact, many fans believe the two twins will ultimately die together, or one at the other’s hands.)

With that said, this is quite likely a preview of how Jaime will die eventually: foolishly rushing into a dangerous situation with no regard for anything other than his sister’s satisfaction. It’s a testament to the sad state of Jaime Lannister, as Nikolaj Coster-Waldau previously told The Hollywood Reporter before the season began: “He’s addicted to this relationship.” That addiction will very likely get him killed eventually, just not today.

Looking at the events of “The Spoils of War” from another perspective, this battle appears to be a major victory for Daenerys and her forces. Drogon and the Dothraki utterly decimated a huge swath of the Lannister army, even if they sustained some losses of their own, including the failed attempt on Drogon’s life. But in her own way, Daenerys suffered a moral defeat. The battle only came as a result of Dany feeling the heat of constantly losing against the Lannisters, a development that caused her to publicly blame Tyrion for the defeats. Hotheaded and furious, Dany wanted to charge right into Westeros, but first attempted to consult on the matter with Jon Snow (Kit Harington). 

“I never thought dragons would exist again,” says Lord Snow (or is it King Snow?) when Dany asks for his counsel. “No one did. The people who follow you know you made something impossible happen. Maybe that helps them believe you can make other impossible things happen, to build a world that’s different from the shit one they’ve always known. But if you use them to melt castles and burn cities, you’re not different. You’re just more of the same.”

Consider Jon’s advice roundly ignored, as Dany is next seen charging into battle on Drogon. The horrific carnage and haunting images of war make it clear that Dany’s actions, while effective, had terrible consequences. Pair those brutal images with the scene from earlier in the season in which Arya (Maisie Williams) befriends some kind-hearted Lannister loyalists (including Ed Sheeran), and you’re left to wonder just how far the apple has fallen from the tree where Daenerys and the Mad King are concerned. If there’s a silver lining, it’s Dany’s legitimate look of terror and concern for Drogon toward the end of the battle, perhaps a sign that she understands the scope of her devastating actions.

Returning to the subject of Jon and Daenerys, the King in the North and the Mother of Dragons inched closer together during their scenes in “The Spoils of War.” The chemistry between them is palpable when they stand together in a torchlit cave on Dragonstone, staring at the valuable dragonglass, along with ancient illustrations of the Children of the Forest fighting alongside humans against the White Walkers. (In an alternate universe in which Thrones is a comedy, Jon Snow totally mocked up those carvings on the quick and cheap to get Dany on his side.) 

Later in the episode, Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) explicitly calls out Jon’s attraction to the Mother of Dragons. Jon quickly denies it like a school kid who has been rightfully called out on his secret crush, claiming his quest to kill the Night King is the only thing that matters now. The scene is quickly followed by one in which Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) sings Daenerys’ praises, with a sales pitch so effective that even Davos (whose friendly fondness for Missandei is quickly becoming one of the show’s quietest delights) jokes to Jon: “Would you forgive me if I switch sides?”

Clearly, Game of Thrones is building up toward some kind of romantic collision between Jon Snow and Daenerys. It’s not a shock, given the HBO series is based on a series of novels called A Song of Ice and Fire, a title that directly points toward some sort of union between Houses Stark and Targaryen. Then again, at the same time, the show is building up hype toward a reveal the audience already largely knows, even if the characters most directly involved are still in the dark: Jon Snow is secretly the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’ deceased brother who died at the height of Robert’s Rebellion. 

Is the show truly voyaging into territory where an aunt and her nephew are about to become the new “it” couple? There’s an awkwardly proud tradition of incest within the Targaryen family, so Jon and Dany coming together wouldn’t be out of line with their ancestors’ actions. Still, as the show positions these two as a potential romantic pair, it should come with some measure of squeamishness. 

Between Jon and Dany’s growing closeness and Tyrion’s proximity to Jaime on the battlefield, “The Spoils of War” was already rich with familial interactions. But the most explicit and satisfying family reunion occurred much further north, as Arya finally returned to Winterfell. After a scene that mirrors a moment from season one in which she tried to convince two King’s Landing guards of her identity, Arya finally infiltrates Winterfell and reunites with Sansa in the crypts of Winterfell. The two share a tender moment in which they reflect on how the statue of their late father Ned (Sean Bean) doesn’t look like him at all.

“Everybody who knew his face is dead,” Arya quietly mourns.

“We’re not,” Sansa reminds her younger sister.

The joyful reunion takes on a more somber tone as Sansa takes Arya to Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), who remains emotionally detached due to his status as the Three-Eyed Raven. Indeed, the episode’s most non-violently devastating moment comes when Bran completely dismisses Meera (Ellie Kendrick) as she leaves Winterfell to return home to her family. In that scene, Bran tells Meera that he’s not even really Bran anymore: “I remember what it felt like to be Brandon Stark, but I remember so much else now.” The tearful Meera responds: “You died in that cave.” It’s yet another sign that the all-powerful Bran is becoming more tree than man by the day, and hopefully the start of Meera finally bringing her legendary father Howland Reed (one of the most widely anticipated, if never seen, characters from the books) into the story — though sadly, we’re not counting on it.

Speaking of trees, Bran finally meets up with Arya again beside the heart tree in the godswood of Winterfell. He proves his irrefutable power when he brings up Arya Stark’s list of enemies without her provocation. Bran offers another gift: the Valyrian dagger that was once used in an attempt on his life. Earlier in the episode, Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) presents the weapon to Bran as a sign of his loyalty to House Stark. But the mischievous manipulator is taken aback when Bran replies not with gratitude, but eerie insight into Lord Baelish’s past words: “Chaos is a ladder.” 

It’s the first meeting between two people who purportedly see everything all at once, albeit literally in the case of the young Three-Eyed Raven. Even with his extensive planning, it’s not likely Littlefinger ever imagined having to contend with someone who can actually see everything all at once, thanks to his ability to access the truth through magic. Indeed, as Littlefinger watches Arya use the Valyrian dagger in a wonderfully choreographed sparring match against Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), you get the sense that the Lord of the Vale has bitten off more than he can chew with Sansa’s siblings. Arya’s own suspicion of Littlefinger is noticeable as well, leading one to wonder if it’s just a matter of time before the Valyrian dagger finds its way back to Littlefinger, one bloody way or another.

Two final notes:

• Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) has returned to Dragonstone. The only reason he’s alive, according to Jon Snow, is that he saved Sansa from the Boltons. Otherwise, there’s no love lost between these two, who both grew up as black sheep within House Stark. Could that shared history, plus Theon redeeming himself further by saving Yara (Gemma Whelan) or serving the Starks in some other capacity, bring them closer together? In a happily ever after version of Game of Thrones, Theon and Jon would forge the same brotherly bond with one another they both had with the late Robb Stark (Richard Madden). Then again, Game of Thrones rarely if ever trades in happily ever after. Theon’s future remains one of the murkiest prospects on the board, then.

• In her scenes with Tycho Nestoris (Mark Gattis) of the Iron Bank, Cersei Lannister reveals her intention to hire an infamous group of sellswords known as the Golden Company. This should set off alarms for fans of the books: the Golden Company, founded long ago by a Targaryen bastard named Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers, head to Westeros in George R.R. Martin’s “A Dance with Dragons,” serving a man who claims to be Aegon Targaryen, the murdered infant son of the late Rhaegar; according to his tale, the butchered baby was a double, while the real Aegon was raised in exile, as part of an eventual Targaryen resurgence. Almost nobody who reads the books actually believes this to be the real Aegon, and the show has shied away from the storyline altogether. Even if “FAegon” is unlikely to suddenly appear with only nine episodes remaining in the series, it’s starting to look likely that we’re going to see his vicious soldiers, the Golden Company, on the show, albeit working on Cersei’s behalf. It’s just the latest bit of bad news for anyone rooting against House Lannister.

Watch the video below for the Game of Thrones cast’s preview of season seven’s battles.

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