#them. but that becomes a key trait of the group as a whole

[shadowtraveled]

i know i’m constantly chewing drywall over shadowgast and it is because there’s so much to drive me insane there and i’m extremely fond of them and their batshit fire/mirror dynamic but if i even Think about essek’s induction to the mighty nein or his feelings toward and friendship with them i will lose my fucking mind

[toallthingscinderellaboy]

Cinderella Boy Character Analysis

Buddy: The psychology of being a scapegoat (1/4)

Y’all. I wrote this character analysis wayyy back in December, days before the season 1 finale aired. Then because of the last line and the excerpt used, I decided to not post it because I was worried about non-fastpassers seeing the line and having the finale spoiled for them. So here we are 6 months later, and I am suddenly remembering that I had this in the notes app and decided to post it LMAO!!!!! I did add some slight changes to some of the wording because we have been knowing Buddy is a key now, but just know that a majority of these points were made before we knew he was a key. 

This is going to be a four part post about the psychology of Buddy, Chase, Buddy/Chase being different sides of the same coin, and then Deacon. 

Now let us begin with by far my most favorite character: Buddy. 

I personally believe Buddy to be a scapegoat. For those who are unfamiliar with scapegoats, it is often an individual, or group of people, within a dysfunctional environment who are unfairly blamed for any wrongdoings wether they are to be truly at fault or not. 

Dysfunctional families will have a scapegoat child in order to deflect any of the internal/external issues at hand and presume that the conflict is due to the scapegoat. Many scapegoated children tend to have many of their physical, emotional, and mental needs neglected due to the blame they are forced to carry. With this comes unique personality characteristics that can be seen in scapegoated children. I am going to go over some of these personality traits with Buddy and share why within the Ex-Libris ranks he is a consistently considered the scapegoat. We can also assume, that this has to do with him being the villain key and that by him being the villain key, it has allowed him to take on a scapegoated role. 

Character Trait #1: Trust issues

Scapegoats tend to have trust issues. Due to everyone around them assuming they are a consistent problem, they feel as if they cannot trust others with their vulnerabilities in fear it will be used against them. 

In episode 32 we see Buddy tell Chase “My life usually depends on not trusting them. So you’re absolutely right.” The reasoning as to why is because he has been unfairly placed in a scapegoated position. He believes that his life quite literally depends on not trusting others, and considering he is a key, then yes, his life very well depend on not trusting others. 

Character Trait #2: Strongly Defensive

Scapegoated children often are the only ones to ‘fend’ for themselves. When everyone points a finger at them, there is no one left to defend the scapegoat but themselves. Because of this Scapegoats are very, very defensive, believing even well intentioned constructive criticism is an attack. 

In episode 31 we see Buddy immediately get defensive with Chase. While they are fighting Buddy states, “You smug brat. As if you didn’t try to weasel your location out of me? You’re just as self serving! You’re not better than me!…You think you’re some kind of hero? You’re only here for one thing: narratonin....Don’t ever say that! You arrogant, self absorbed-childish little brat!” When called out for tricking Chase, Buddy immediately becomes verbally/physically defensive. (He’s also projecting but that is a whole different post.) Even though we all know Buddy was in the wrong, he chose to become defensive rather than calmly listen to what Chase was saying. 

We see this again in episode 53 when Deacon makes a jab at Buddy’s “baby teeth” Buddy immediately starts to say that “my teeth aren’t baby.” Rather than letting the statement go and realizing Deacon is making a half-hearted joke, Buddy starts to say that he would bite Deacon. Buddy can’t let even a small baby joke go without getting defending himself or attempting to prove that ‘no my teeth aren’t baby.’ 

Character Trait #3: Tend to speak the truth/point out lies

@Jthealien already made that the most amazing post about Buddy and his tendency to speak the truth, so please go check it out here 

I will add to this by saying that scapegoats are often scapegoats because they tell the truth. A dysfunctional environment/family can only remain dysfunctional if it remains unlit (aka lies only). Scapegoats often attempt to shed a light on the issues at hand by speaking out, only to be punished for it. This doesn’t mean they stop speaking out though. They continue to shed a light on the lies, manipulation, and cruel treatment. 

Although Buddy does not share a lot of information about himself or may lie through omissions, he never truly outright lies to Chase. 

Character Trait #4: Perfectionist

Scapegoats tend to have a perfectionist mindset. They believe that if they are ‘perfect’ they may finally be able to gain approval from the dysfunctional family. 

We have seen Buddy place emphasis on completing the books ‘perfectly.’ In episode 4 when Chase tells Buddy he found a shortcut to completing the books Buddy yells, “That’s not a shortcut! That’s cheating!” In episode  6 he challenges Chase saying he has to do the book with “No cheats, no bookmarks, no shortcuts. We also see Buddy practicing his lines beforehand in episodes 43 and 52. Placing an emphasis that he wishes to complete the books ‘in the correct way’ or ‘perfectly.’ Buddy most likely has this perfectionist mindset because he believes that if he can complete the books perfectly he will be able to gain someone’s approval, complete the book the ‘correct way’, or because he has been taught doing the book any other way is ‘wrong.’ 

Character Trait #5: Struggle to control emotions

Scapegoats tend to struggle to control their emotions for various reasons. When raised in an environment where emotions are constantly running high, scapegoats tend to struggle handling their emotions and react disproportionately to any given situation. 

In episode 25 when we have a flashback to the first time Buddy and Chase met. As Chase was explaining to Buddy that he found a key, and rather than hearing Chase out, Buddy chooses to grab Chase and verbally belittle him. In episodes 20/21 Buddy goes as far to smudge the dirt Deacon had been writing in and then dropping a rock on Deacon’s head. In both instances he had already insulted Deacon, but took things a step further due to him not knowing how to handle his anger/frustration/jealousy. In episode 31 Buddy begins to verbally/physically attack Chase on the island due to Chase simply calling out Buddy’s crude behavior. 

Final Thoughts

With all of these traits being shared, and with the knowledge that Buddy is a key, it is safe to assume that he has been scapegoated within the ex-libris ranks. We are not yet aware of the specifics, but for him to be placed in this role would greatly affect his self esteem, outworld views, and mindset. We see this throughout season 1. As we know, ex-libris is a shady group of people who value themselves first and foremost, it would make sense that as a result by treating the keys lesser than, it would create a scapegoat out of the keys. And if Buddy was once human, who then turned into a key….well what did he do as a human to allow them to turn him into a key? 

My guess is that Buddy was already a scapegoat within the ex-lirbis ranks. I am willing to bet that he found out how horribly himself/others were being treated, spoke against it, and as a result was punished for it by being turned into a key. The villain key no less. 

“The creation of a villain necessarily implies that of a hero, even if both are purely fictional. Sometimes it is the villain, or villains, who are in need of a greater villain. Especially in a time of crisis, unscrupulous leaders and politicians can cynically exploit the ancient and deep-rooted impulse to scapegoat to deflect and distract from their own inadequacies and evade, or seek to evade their legitimate burden of blame and responsibility.” (Excerpt from The Psychology of Scapegoating by Neel Burton.) 

“No. No, I’m not. I’ve never been the hero in any story. Not even my own. But I think, I’d like to be your hero. Just this once.” (Buddy, Episode 61, Cinderella Boy)

[somekindofsentience]

spiders, or how to fix half of omori's plot with one symbol

i think i can fix omori. well, some of it.

This will be an attempt to prove that a key symbol related to Mari is a spider/bug, and how making this more obvious to the player would have fixed half the narrative.

Mari is closely associated with bugs and spiders in several scenes, but I believe the photos in the real world and Headspace demonstrate this most explicitly.

This photo is one of few direct redraws from the real world in Headspace, and it identifies Mari as a character unafraid, even fascinated, by bugs, which is one of very few character traits she's actually given. This is repeated multiple times as we explore Headspace, where Mari comforts Sunny and Hero about their fear of spiders, takes the group bug-hunting in the real world, and previously put bugs in Hero's desk. It's notable that the reframing of this photo specifically puts a spider in Omori's hand, further linking the girl to bugs in his mind.

Within Headspace, spiders are shown to be far more present than the other two phobias present. We see it in Daddy Long Legs, the ominous nature of Pyrefly forest, the Spider Area, the references to the creatures from Hero, Mari and Basil, and much more - it's clear that the creators wanted this symbol to be present, but overwhelmed it with subtlety, making it impossible to actually understand, and leaving it in the dust in favour of following other threads. The narrative fails to distinguish the Arachnophobia boss, and loses its the relationship between Mari and spiders/bugs.

There are several benefits to making this metaphor more deliberate to the player, by enhancing the relationship through jumpscares, making it important to the Truth/Final Boss segments, or even just distinguishing Arachnophobia from the other bosses. I've decided to organise them into a list since there's so many.

Cohesive narrative interactions between the Phobias and the recital day: I'm always talking about how the juxtaposition between these two events is so subtle that people miss the point. Singling out the importance of Arachnophobia would highlight these two events and bring them to the forefront, making the Final Duet more cohesive.

The Phobia bosses become relevant: If the game is able to properly integrate Arachnophobia into the truth segment, this provides so much more purpose to the Phobia bosses, who often feel like just game mechanics to teach you how fighting against hallucinations functions.

Intriguing moral exploration: I think the idea of the subtlety of conveying Mari as a bug portrays her insignificance - Sunny was able to just kill her, as though she were just a spider to be swatted. It furthers an interesting understanding of morality in the text, talking about the prioritisation of life, leaving more of an impact on the audience. Are humans really as fickle as that?

Hero's character: Connecting Mari to a spider not only allows for more theory and AU creation, but actually mimics Hero's actions in the real world. Only two characters are afraid of spiders - and only those two characters have not visited Mari's grave since it was dug, which mirrors (but fails to highlight) Sunny and Hero's character arcs. In a similar way, Mari and Basil's love for bugs could also mirror some sort of decline.

The relevance of Daddy Long Legs and spider-related Black Space areas: Spiders are regularly referenced in Headspace and Black Space, with a whole room of Black Space surrounding them, but there's never any lucid reason why they're so prominent compared to the other phobias. Making a clear connection to the truth would clear up this confusion.

Basil's Something and Headspace Basil's dialogue: Basil's Something is deliberately abstract, but it is never defined further than its presentation. Not only would it properly link the Spider Area to the reality of the truth, but it would potentially connect Basil's Something to it, too.

Just plain easy to add: Much of Omori's story, characterisation and pacing is very difficult to improve without hours of effort. Being able to cohesively connect elements of the narrative with one symbol is much more realistic.

song i listened to while writing this:

this song is literally the reason i came to this realisation, the themes of environmental preservation were essential dskjhjdsgdjhsgjhkdg shout out to me rediscovering this after years and years

[alsmediadissection]

˗ˏˋ elphaba and glinda's relationship for beginners ´ˎ˗

Gelphie truthers, this is for you.

!! i want to preface this by saying i'm not a professional critic, and this is not a 100% guide to anything either. do not take anything i type online to absolute heart, this is simply my personal interpretation of this piece of media !! (i also want to mention that i did not read the Wicked novel/series by Gregory Maguire)

! CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ACT 2 IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE WHOLE MUSICAL !

Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship in Wicked is one of the most compelling dynamics in the story, offering rich ground for analysis. Their bond evolves from animosity to deep friendship and ultimately to mutual respect, reflecting themes of personal growth, the complexity of human connection, and the challenge of societal expectations.

To begin, their obvious trope is 'Opposites Attract" hence the juxtaposition of personalities. Glinda and Elphaba initially represent polar opposites: Glinda embodies privilege, popularity, and superficiality, while Elphaba is intelligent, principled, and ostracized. Their early antagonism underscores societal divides between the advantaged and the marginalized. Over time, their contrasting traits serve as a catalyst for mutual growth. Glinda learns to look beyond surface-level appearances and question her privilege, while Elphaba becomes more open to trust and connection.

Their relationship with one another is a good reflection of societal tensions as well. Their dynamic reflects broader societal struggles, including prejudice, privilege, and the challenges of overcoming systemic divides. Glinda’s initial condescension toward Elphaba mirrors societal attitudes that uphold hierarchies based on appearance or status. Elphaba’s willingness to challenge Glinda’s shallow worldview forces Glinda to confront her biases, showing how cross-group friendships can challenge prejudices.

Glinda and Elphaba's relationship is extremely important in media as well because it demonstrates the power of female solidarity. Despite their differences, Glinda and Elphaba ultimately unite, forming a bond that transcends societal expectations. Their friendship demonstrates the transformative power of female solidarity, especially in the face of oppressive systems. Their relationship subverts the trope of women being in competition, particularly over male attention. While Fiyero is a point of tension, their bond grows stronger, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mutual support over rivalry.

Even though they are seemingly on opposite sides of society, they nonetheless have shared struggles and empathy towards eachother. While their experiences differ, both Glinda and Elphaba grapple with societal expectations. Glinda struggles with the pressure to conform and maintain her image, while Elphaba battles overt discrimination and rejection. Their ability to empathize with each other’s struggles is a key factor in their relationship. Glinda’s eventual support for Elphaba reflects her growing understanding of what it means to stand against injustice (Glinda wouldn't be the person she is without Elphie!!).

A beautiful thing i find in their relationship is their relationship is shaped by sacrifice, adding tragic elements. The tragedy of their friendship lies in its ultimate separation. While they love and respect one another deeply, their differing paths—Elphaba’s defiance of authority and Glinda’s choice to reform from within—force them apart. Their parting scene, marked by the song “For Good,” is a poignant acknowledgment of the profound impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. It underscores that, despite their separation, their bond remains a defining and transformative force for both.

Glinda is not only Elphaba's friend, but she is also an ally and foil. Glinda’s evolution into an ally is a critical aspect of their relationship. Her eventual support for Elphaba reflects her willingness to use her privilege for good, even as she struggles with her own complicity in the system. As a foil to Elphaba, Glinda’s character highlights Elphaba’s strengths and convictions. Where Glinda hesitates or conforms, Elphaba boldly acts, challenging societal norms. Conversely, Glinda’s charm and diplomacy show a softer, more strategic approach to effecting change, contrasting with Elphaba’s fiery defiance. THEY BALANCE EACHOTHER.

Their relationship is marked by forgiveness and redemption. Glinda’s initial superficiality and complicity in Elphaba’s ostracization are eventually overshadowed by her genuine remorse and efforts to honour Elphaba’s legacy. Elphaba’s willingness to forgive Glinda illustrates her capacity for understanding and her recognition of Glinda’s growth.

And as you all know, their relationship is filled with lot of queer subtext. Many fans interpret their relationship through a queer lens, seeing their bond as emblematic of deep, romantic love. Their intense connection, mutual admiration, and ultimate separation echo many queer narratives of love that cannot fully thrive due to societal pressures. Whether viewed as romantic or platonic, their relationship defies traditional definitions, suggesting that love and connection can take many forms. (this makes me want to write a Glinda sexuality media dissection)

Their relationship also emphasizes the importance of maintaining individuality within a deep bond, individuality within connection. Both characters inspire each other’s growth but remain true to their core values. Glinda chooses to stay in Oz and work for change from within, while Elphaba pursues her revolutionary path. This dynamic highlights the idea that meaningful relationships do not require total agreement but rather mutual respect and understanding.

Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship in Wicked is a masterful exploration of human connection across divides. Their journey from adversaries to allies illustrates the transformative power of empathy, the challenges of societal pressures, and the importance of standing together against oppression. Their bond, though ultimately bittersweet, serves as a testament to the profound ways people can shape and change one another “for good.”

So long story short....lesbians rule.

[citadelofmythoughts]

Being extremely charitable, there is SOME narrative basis for why Yang had the POTENTIAL to be like Adam, because that's the whole point:

Yang is not inherently a person who couldn't have ended up like Adam, because the narrative intentionally frames them as having many similar character traits positive and negative.

The key DIFFERENCE however is that Yang has something that Adam refused to ever be or do: Being compassionate to others and having the self-awareness to realize that her anger isn't an inherently good thing.

She's justified to be angry about a lot of things in her life, like her father's failure to take care of her and Ruby properly, her mothers effectively abandoning her, the ways in which an ancient conspiracy chaired by a manipulative well-meaning liar has torn her family apart, and people basically not treating her right. She can be volatile and angry about seemingly small things like her hair.

But she also does her damndest to not use it as an excuse to lash out and harm people all the time. She controls her anger, keeps her negative qualities in check, and she doesn't make excuses for any mistakes she does make if its done out of her anger or failures.

Adam doesn't even attempt to do that. He was deeply traumatized for very legitimate reasons, but he let his hatred and rage become a justification and excuse to inflict immense harm on everyone around him, including the people who genuinely wanted to help him and see the best in him like Blake.

He abused his power, his privilege as a member of a civil rights group who were willing to help him and twisted it into a shell of its former self. He harmed the people he claimed to stand for for the sake of his ego. And he made excuses after excuses for his actions even when he had lost everything because of it.

THAT is the difference.

Addendum to previous post:

And that's the crux of it:

Adam was given basically everything he ever truly wanted deep down, had a chance to truly make things better...and he blew it because it wasn't enough for him, because he cared more about making other people suffer even if it meant destroying his own cause.

Yang is compassionate and unselfish almost to a fault. She's put her own emotional and physical well-being at risk multiple times for people she cares about. She's someone who could have so easily become bitter and broken and she did come close at the end of V3 but her innate good nature prevented it. Adam is like a funhouse mirror image of Yang.

[kit-knoy]

Jing Yuan + Ekko Mini Comparison Yap

As I have recently watched the new season of Arcane and have slowly been getting back into HSR, I couldn't help but pick out traits/similarities between Jing Yuan and Ekko (besides their white hair lol).

Crazy Ex-friends

Obviously, for Ekko, there's Jinx. As for Jing Yuan, I think it can really switch between Jing Liu and Yingxing. Both have friend(s) who they used to be close with only to drift apart and develop different morals and groups.

Leadership

What more is there to say? Ekko is the leader of the fireflies (been a while, think that's what the group is called?) and managed to build a strong community. Jing Yuan is a general of Xianzhou and has fought many battles to protect his home planet

Doomed Family/Found Family

Doomed family - This could be grouped with the [crazy ex-friends] but I think this is a broader version? Ekko had a whole group he considered family, Benzo, Jinx, Vi, Vander, etc, only for them to be split/killed. Jing Yuan had the same thing with Bai Heng being their sunshine of their group yet is the only one to never had survived out of the five who drifted apart.

BONUS: The downfall of the groups could ironically be from a joint effort from people within their family/group itself [e.g Jinx's bomb which causes the deaths of her friends, Vi's anger with Jinx for said incident -> Dan Feng and Yingxing's attempt to revive Bai Heng which leads to Jing Liu becoming mara-struck due to her having to kill Bai Heng again...]

Found family - Despite this, Ekko and Jing Yuan still have new companions and friends. Ekko, who has a nice mentor like Heimerdinger [who refers to Ekko as "my boy"] and a clear father and son bond between Yanqing and Jing Yuan.

Nostalgia

Ekko and Jing Yuan experience nostalgia. Ekko, who looks at Jinx and thinks of Powder, or when he reunites with Vi and quickly starts bringing stuff from the past like, "I wonder where I learned that from."

Another example could be where Ekko goes to an alternate universe and meets an entire better off universe while still remembering his. He thinks back to Benzo, Jinx, Vander, Milo, etc..

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE MEMORIALS/ART ON THE TREE..

Jing Yuan... Do I even need to talk about Jing Yuan feeling all old and nostalgic...?

Lonely

I'm gonna start rushing because I think this is becoming too long. But, the more I think about it, the more it starts to become clear to me how these two were left alone at dark times. Ekko, who knew Jinx was being guided by Silco, Vi got fricking arrested, Benzo is dead, Vander is dead, friends are dead. From that point, he's a young boy figuring shtick out for himself.

Dude, it is so clear that Jing Yuan is left behind and lives in the past. He thinks back to the days of the High Cloud Quintent. Despite everyone moving on, Dan Heng has the Express, Jing Liu doing her own adventures, and Blade with the Stellaron Hunters... Jing Yuan is still stuck at the Luofo, where it all began. And no one but the four he spent those times with will understand what they had with each other the most.

Sacrificial

To my final comparison, and my favorite, Ekko and Jing Yuan are (imo) sacrificial.

Ekko, who had the choice to stay in a happier universe, goes back to save his original one, which he didn't have to do, but did it anyway.

Jing Yuan, who dreamed of becoming a galaxy ranger, gave up on his dream to continue protecting his home planet, therefore becoming a general.

Even though these two had opportunities that would've made them happier, they chose to give it up in exchange for the safety of their homes.

[Cue 'It's On Again" - Alicia Keys ft. Kendrick Lamar]

HEADCANON: Both of them have survivors guilt

Okay, that's my ramble! Thank you for listening!

- OOMF KIT-KNOY

[cannonbot]

EP-001: The Infinite Earthlike

A6-392: Curious scavengers [PART 1]

(Content key🤖✨️���🐭✨️)

Hello! Infinity Earthers! It’s Yu!🤖 If you’ve come across this travel log then welcome! I leave a written copy on every Earthlike I visit. It will probably come off as fucking lunacy to most of you. To that I say, just go with it.🤣 We’re here in A6-392 and we may stay a while! It’s beautiful here, and I’ve yet to encounter any agent activity which is also a plus! Our search for the Infinity Earth continues, and I sometimes wonder if we’ll ever find it. Something, something, finding friends or something…🤪

Today I’m in a bustling seaport town on the west side. We’ve come to get supplies for our next journey into deep space. The people here are the rough around the edges type, and everyone expects you to haggle. I’m total shit at haggling. Nysa thinks I overpay for everything. Nysa is right, she always is... This post is not about haggling though. I want to highlight a curious little rodent-like creature that has captured my imagination for the past 10 days.

The locals just call em rats, but I’ve never seen rats like these before.🤔 Some find them to be a nuisance. Others seem to live alongside them in fairly harmonious ways. I fucking love them 😭😭😭! Nyssa finds them to be cute in the traditional sense, but she’s hard to impress. I’ve been completely sidetracked by the adventures of these little creatures which I’ll try to describe entertainingly.

The mouse-bear rodents stand at roughly 20 cm and come in various colors. The first pack that I’ve been observing is a blue-ish-grey variety, sometimes with white spots. The main trait that I want to discuss however is their need to accessorize with rubbish and other items they find around town. There is a whole class system based on how ornate each one can adorn themselves over time.✨✨✨

They don’t seem to have a vocal language, but they do communicate through a series of taps and grunts. The drama is so real!🤣🤣🤣 First I’ll introduce you to this one majestic fellow I’m calling King Michael.👑 He’s the top dog here right now. The pack lives in an alleyway under a pub. This dive serves a mead-like beverage which gave me diarrhea for three days. A story for a different never… 😑😑😑

King Michael👑 wears a cloth that looks like a part of a blouse. It’s a dirty lace kind of thing with a hole chewed through the center. The king has poked his head through the tight opening and his fur spills out over the top of it. On his head, he wears a crown of 6 layers! It’s made of various items such as an old board game token, a silver coin, the wrapper box to some kind of candy, etc.

Across the ally under the bookshop lives the second pack. These rats are of a light red and black variety with similar fashion sense. Queen Madonna 👑Is an elegant sight draped in some kind of battery-powered string of LEDs. Her crown consists of a children’s fidget toy and some tattered cloth she wears like a veil.

The two factions had co-existed peacefully for the most part, until one fateful evening! While on their regular patrols for food and bits of flair. Queen Madonna👑 had slipped on a wet rock and fallen onto King Michael himself! This perceived act of aggression had knocked off three layers of the King’s crown causing quite a controversy. Was the queen attempting a power play to become the new top rat of the alley?

The two groups now spend the majority of their days knocking accessories off of each other in passive-aggressive ways, and it’s hilarious. 🤣🤣🤣So far the packs have not become violent, but I’ll be watching carefully over the next few days. Nyssa thinks it’s only a matter of time before they start killing each other. I’d like to think they could still work out their differences…

I guess I won’t hold my breath.

That’s all for today! Hope you don’t kill anyone today you fucking superstars!

-Yu🤖

[beautifulpersonpeach]

I know a lot of people feel in their early days, Jimin was kinda heavy-handed with his attention on Jungkook, but I think Jimin acted that way primarily for Jungkook's benefit. I mean it's clear Jimin has cared for Jungkook deeply since debut but I feel the way he displayed it, so loudly and sometimes almost obnoxiously, acted as a key stabilizing and assuring force for JK in an environment that could've easily overwhelmed him.

This is a fresh take on the whole dynamic. I’ve never thought of it from this perspective or never seen anyone else point it out. Is it a popular thought? I felt that Jimin was only playing the extremely manly flirty character that he was asked to play and it’s the popular theory too. Tho’ it wasn’t sitting well because this is the same guy who gave JHope his fan letters and questioned stereotypes and was ok with wearing a pink dress in AHL etc etc.

***

Yeah… I’m not sure I can call it a theory, not to talk of if it's popular. It’s just how I saw them at the time, and it still feels consistent with how I’ve seen their interactions and relationship progress.

Jimin had his role to play in the group just as they all did. That’s true. But I also think, with what we know of Jungkook’s personality and their environment, their relationship could be easily explained, considering.

I mean, let’s think about it. The idol industry is incredibly fast-paced, hectic beyond what anyone can imagine, Jungkook was still in school when they debuted and had to juggle their activities with his classes. We know that when Jimin was still in school, he’d wake up at 6:30 AM and then after school, practice till around 2:30 AM before going to bed. We know from jikook’s words that Jungkook was often with him for some of this time, sometimes even sleeping with him in the practice room. So, JK was putting in work too, perhaps not to the same levels Jimin did, but Jungkook was also younger than him. All the guys had big responsibilities already, and it’s clear from footage in their early days that all of them were all just trying to stay afloat mentally, physically, and otherwise.

In that sort of environment, at that period of Jungkook’s development, with his age and what I suspect to be possible neurodivergent traits, it would’ve been very easy for him to get swept away, in a sense. To become overwhelmed and 'detach', develop unhealthy coping habits and such. Jungkook is someone who by his own admission, needs a lot of love. All the members made sure to keep an eye on him, but Jimin seemed to take it upon himself to love Jungkook, loudly. To shower him with attention as though to remind him, "I see you", "I'm watching you", "I'm in your corner always and I'm here for you".

Jimin obviously loved and cared for Jungkook back then, and it was mutual, but the way he went about showing it was one of the biggest indications of his emotional intelligence, to me. He was mocked for how he appeared to be all over Jungkook, the members too would make fun of him, but I don't think he was stupidly, blindly 'in love'. At least not quite at that point. I think he showed remarkable awareness of his own emotions, Jungkook's needs, and the environment they were in. And Jimin used all of that to his advantage and to Jungkook's benefit because it served the purpose of emotionally assuring JK, while improving JK's profile within the group (people look more desirable when it seems other people desire them), further building his confidence.

It's remarkable to me that before they debuted when Jungkook got overwhelmed and said he wanted to quit BTS to become a company dancer, the person he went to with that worry was Jimin. Jimin who was the last trainee to join their agency - so, a relatively recent addition to the group. That, to me, shows one way their bond was already quite deep, even back then, a connection that I think Jimin was intentional on developing with Jungkook. When they had their infamous rainy day fight, when all the other members sort of tossed their hands in the air after letting loose on JK, it sticks out to me that the breaking point for Jungkook was Jimin telling him, "You know what, do whatever you like. I won't care for you anymore."

Jimin's presence in Jungkook's life can't be overstated. I think over time, as Jungkook grew up and matured, he recognized how integral Jimin was to him, began to better acknowledge Jimin's needs as well and their relationship became deeper, more reciprocal and balanced. And that's how we ended up with GCF in Tokyo, as an example. I also feel this 'dance' of recognizing each other's needs and loving each other in-line with their personal boundaries, is an ongoing process for them.

[garmgeyr]

WHAT IS GALLAGHER? Theory # ?/?

This is a question that has been plaguing the HSR fandom for nearly a year, and nothing that has been released so far has come close to giving a definitive answer. Part of me hopes that we never get an answer, because this ambiguous writing fits the nature of Enigmata, but the other part of me would love if one of my 5384955 theories winds up being validated ha

I've talked about of handful of my theories here and there, and what they all seem to have in common is how contradictory they are to one another. Most of them can't be true if another theory winds up being true instead, which is why I haven't committed to any of them in my writing within this group. For now, they're just fun ideas to think about.

With that said though, I wanted to dive into one of them that I've never seen brought up within the fandom before. Granted, I don't dive very deep into fandom spaces, but it's certainly not one of the common ones.

Read below only if you're fine with major story spoilers that WILL spoil Penacony's mystery.

THEORY: GALLAGHER IS THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF MIKHAIL'S DENIAL OVER HANUNUE'S DEATH

I'll break my thought process down for this one:

1. The entity that created "Gallagher" is a History Fictionologist

Okay, we're starting off simple. This is common knowledge and outright stated in the game. "Gallagher" is a persona, but when he's speaking to the Trailblazer, he calls himself the History Fictionologist. For the sake of this argument, I'll continue to call him Gallagher instead of "the entity known as Gallagher," but do note that for the rest of this post, Gallagher = the creator, not the persona. Even though we're led to believe that everything out of Gallagher's mouth is a lie, Himeko and others do insist that this part, at least, is true. Gallagher is a History Fictionologist. So why does that matter here?

2. History Fictionologists can be both creator and creation

We don't know a whole lot about History Fictionologists yet. From in-game documents and descriptions, we know that they're dedicated to altering and rewriting history. The Otherworldly Delights readable, which I've written about already (last three paragraphs of this meta), as well as the Jade Feather, suggest that a History Fictionologist can actually be the muse or medium of creation for an artist. These creations work together with someone who does not call themselves a History Fictionologist.

The Illusory Automaton curio also poses the idea that History Fictionologists are themselves works of fiction.

And Firefly's voice line about Gallagher reflects this idea too:

For this theory, I'm choosing to accept the idea that Gallagher the History Fictionologist is also a fabrication.

3. Gallagher is some kind of memetic entity

Memetic entities are physical manifestations of abstract concepts like thoughts and memories. They can be born from subconscious matter in a Memory Zone, or a living person can give up their physical body to become memetic, as is the case with most Memokeepers. This topic is a whole essay in itself, so I just want to focus on a couple of key points that I think provide the strongest evidence to support this idea.

First, Welt, Siobhan, and Acheron suggest that there's something mysterious about Gallagher's comings and goings.

Welt: It's that man again, always in the right place at the right time... though that does save us the trouble of looking for him. Siobhan: I'm not sure. I haven't seen him since our last meeting at the lounge. Come to think of it, he always did come and go quietly. Acheron: Looks like you've also noticed that history fictionologist is nowhere to be found in Penacony, disappearing just as quietly as when he first showed up.

According to Boothill, appearing and reappearing out of nowhere is a memetic trait:

Boothill: [Black Swan's] the same as all memetic organisms — appearing one moment, and gone the next.

Second, Sunday draws a direct connection between Gallagher and Dormancy, which is clearly a memetic entity.

Gallagher: Admirable. But so what? Can this prove that I murdered your sister and that stowaway? Sunday: This proves that you and the Memory Zone Meme "Death" are cut from the same cloth — and that's enough.

The italicized portion above is not the English localization, but a translation of the JP one. This phrase, unlike in English, implies that they're characteristically similar, not simply connected because Gallagher commanded Dormancy to "kill" Robin.

For the sake of this theory, I'm taking this as sufficient evidence that Gallagher is a memetic entity. Now the question is: what kind of meme is he?

Going to pivot topics first though.

4. Hanunue died during the War of Independence

This is established pretty clearly in the Hanu's Adventure book series. While it's unclear what exactly Mikhail was doing during this final expedition, it does, at the very least, imply that Mikhail was rendered helpless and Hanunue was grievously injured while trying to fight back against the IPC when Penacony was still a prison under the IPC's rule. Hanunue wound up behind enemy lines and, with no other way out, decided to sacrifice himself to blow up the IPC's fleet.

5. In Penacony's history, Hanunue is merely sleeping

In the Hanu's Adventure book series linked above, Clockie can't bring himself to admit that Hanu has died, which reflects Mikhail's own grief about his friend's passing. Clockie lies to the townsfolk about his death:

Clockie: "Tick-tock, don't worry! Brother Hanu has just kicked Boss Stone's derriere and is now resting! It won't be long before you see his cool figure in the town once more!"

And then there's this exchange between Mikhail and Hanunue at the end:

In his dreams, Clockie finds himself standing in a vast desert, with Brother Hanu positioned at the far end, gazing up at the sky. Clockie: "Tick-tock! Where have you been, Brother Hanu?" Clockie: "Come back to us, Brother Hanu! Dreamville simply can't exist without you!" In silence, Brother Hanu only watches as Clockie runs towards him, then gently removes his hat. Hanunue: "Hmph, it's beautiful here, don't you think?"Mikhail: "Yeah, is that why you don't want to wake up?"Hanunue: "No, the reason I don't want to wake up... is because all of you are sleeping so deeply."Mikhail: "I..."Hanunue: "Then come here and rest, 'Watchmaker.' If you lack the courage to face the nightmares, then seek refuge in sweet dreams for now..." Hanunue: "But remember, as long as this is a dream, you'll have to wake up from it sooner or later."

The Dreamscape Nursery Rhyme, which abstractly describes the events of the War of Independence, the establishment and fall of the Seven Families, and introduction of the Order and the sweet dream, also refers to Hanunue as a sleeping hound.

Altogether, this paints a picture of Mikhail's grief and denial. Hanunue's not dead, he's sleeping, which means Mikhail can still visit him in his dreams any time he wants. How long Mikhail held onto that denial and what it did to him is beyond my purview, however, so I'll leave it at that.

6. Gallagher is Hanunue's Memory

Specifically, a memory born from Mikhail. He is NOT Hanunue himself, but a memetic entity that represents Mikhail's lies about Hanunue's death. We don't know exactly what Gallagher looked like in Mikhail's eyes, and we don't know exactly what Hanunue looked like either (various NPCs and readables repeat that no one really "knows" Hanunue, and that he could have been anything from a rabid wolf to an average man - the trading card illustration is merely an artistic rendition), but we DO know that Gallagher in Mikhail's memory looked different than Gallagher the 4-star Abundance character, because of this illustration from the Watchmaker's memory sequence:

He has a different outfit, hair color, and his hair is parted on the opposite side from the Gallagher we know.

The low hanging fruit evidence is, of course, all the wolf imagery in Gallagher's design, but let's dig a little deeper.

For this point, I want to focus on two NPCs that establish this theory's foundation: Quinn and Lesley Dean.

In their Clockwork quests, both of these NPCs are revealed to be "dead," but continue to live on within the Dreamscape. Quinn was killed by her sister, Alley, and Alley, presumably out of guilt, brought her memory back to life in the dreamscape. This doesn't seem to be a perfect copy of her sister, since Quinn is insistent that it's all "fake." She's full of anger and hatred for her sister, who won't even come see her now, but she's also trapped forever in the dreamscape because Alley won't let the guilt go. The important parts of the conversation below is that Quinn's existence is a "lie" tethered to the dreamscape because Alley can't move on.

Lesley Dean's Clockwork quest is a similar but more optimistic story. He was a movie star killed in a car crash. His fans banded together to pour their memories of him into the dreamscape, recreating their version of Lesley Dean. When he found out that he was just a fake, he decided to help his fans resolve their feelings about the real Lesley Dean. This allowed their creation to be put to rest and disappear.

Following this train of thought, we can say that Gallagher may have been created by Mikhail's strong feelings about Hanunue's death, which continued to live on within the dreamscape. Perhaps he had at first been a perfect replica of Hanunue, but all memetic entities within the dreamscape are subject to Remembrance's forgetting or Enigmata's corrosion, and over time he may have been corroded by Enigmata until he became a new character entirely. Still a close friend of Mikhail's, but no longer Hanunue. Nevertheless, we can say that Gallagher is inextricably connected to Mikhail, and this line seems to support that:

March 7th: But didn't you say the Watchmaker betrayed The Family? And you said you were his companion, so that means you... Gallagher: No, I'm not his "companion," but rather one of his many "children."

Clockie and Misha are also both "children" of the Watchmaker, and are both memetic entities born from parts of his subconscious. Other than the members of the Astral Express, Gallagher is the only other person who can see them. Not even Micah, who has also become a memetic entity by now, although one who was once human, can see Misha.

Born from a lie about history, it seems natural that Gallagher would continue to live on as a History Fictionologist helping Mikhail obscure his own history and that of Penacony. Mikhail and Clockie both are also called liars throughout the game text, and even in the final credits roll, so Gallagher could also just be a manifestation of Mikhail's lies in general - the "muse" for an artist who ultimately fictionologizes their work. However, in March 7th's toast to Gallagher at the end of 2.3, she explicitly calls him the "Slumbering Hound," and all the wolf imagery certainly makes the direct connection to Hanunue hard to shake.

Also it just makes sense that the guy who represents denial of death would command the manifestation of the fear of death.

Gallagher helped rewrite Mikhail's history as the public knows it to create the mysterious and alluring Watchmaker, but at the very end, it seemed like he knew that Mikhail would want to cast off the Watchmaker persona to set things straight for his Nameless successors. Although born from a lie, his final mission was to pass on his friend's truth.

[gigglesandfreckles-hp]

On the lily friend chat, I also think it’s very likely the other girls in her year WERE close to her (esp post-SWM) but that lily never fully let them in. I see her being very good at seeming to be close to people without putting her guard down fully - I think Sirius would also be really good at this (if he wanted to be) - and while others may call her a close friend when she was sad and lonely she’d never think about confiding in them. Not for explicit lack of trust but just from generally not even thinking it’s an option. She could talk to them about class stresses, and boys and general family problems, even the war in small doses, but I just don’t see her opening up beyond that - and when those common interests disappeared after hogwarts, so do the conversations. It’s the same as what you said about popularity ig, many people probably know her and like speaking to her, but she isn’t central to their lives at all.

I also think this is just JKR misogyny too tbh and I love a fic that gives Lily strong female friendships without compromising on her Trust No One Jilted Teen with Trust Issues ™️ persona that I love to read, but that’s a hard balance and one i don’t think many people intend to write

this is an excellent point, and i 10000% agree!!

i think the key to making that "strong female friendships without compromising on her Trust No One Jilted Teen with Trust Issues ™️ persona" actually work comes with making her friends really aggressively pursue her and you're right—i haven't seen a lot of that. i'm honestly most fascinated by portrayals that differ from the usual mary, marlene, dorcas, etc. friend group. making one of them in a different house or year. i think i just see the same font of "generic side character friend" applied to them so often that they have no distinguishing traits (which...is jkr's fault! we know nothing about them!!!!!!!! did they even go to school with lily!!!!!). and i do this exact thing, too. like, i don't think any of my jily fics pass the bechdel test. (if i ever do a long-form canon compliant fic (not likely lololol) this won't be the case...but with a few thousand words and...an Admitted Goal of making Boy and Girl Kiss By The End...fleshing out friends isn't always a priority. which is why using the marauders, who we already know so much about, is de facto.)

(my point: i need to be better myself! but i also need to make myself care about the lacklustre characters (and by that, i mean *names*) that jkr gave us first. i don't want to spend 10k words creating a whole personality for what essentially becomes an oc but is actually just dOrCaS mEaDoWeS)

(also is it just me or is it horrifically ironic that we know how dorcas and marlene die and literally nothing else)

(something something that scene in little women "if the main character's a girl, make sure she's married by the end. or dead”)

[foggyfanfic]

I know this is probably a… lot of writing hahaha, but I honestly find myself interested in 4 and 8 for Leandra, and 1, 9, and 14 for Gabriel

You’re right! It is a lot of writing, but who doesn’t like writing about their OC’s? I put it under the cut for the sake of everyone’s dash. Thanks for the ask! While we’re all chatting about OC’s, you got any you’re tinkering with?

4. What qualities do they look for or value in a partner/friend?

Since Leandra is so charming she gets how empty that can be, so she actually seeks out people that lack the guile she uses to get through the whole Cicero thing. At the same time, after seeing what happened to Rosalie she believes that people that can be easily swayed can’t be trusted, so she values critical thinkers and people that aren’t quick to judge. (Whether or not she realizes it, the fact that Bruno is awkward and weird is what attracts her to him the most. She can’t put into words why she wants to kiss the hell outta him when he starts stuttering, but I can! It makes her feel safe and reminds her that she can trust him).

8. What would break them?

The thing that happened to Rosalie low key did break Leandra, which is why it completely changed the trajectory of her life. She thinks it would break her if the same thing happened to her, but because she has actively surrounded herself by people that would support her it would honestly be less world shattering than watching everybody she trusted turn into victim blaming monsters. Like she still would have been traumatized if Cicero had succeeded, but it wouldn’t lead to her completely reshaping her life and priorities the way she did in the wake of Rosalie’s attack. Furthermore, if the kids hadn’t come along and Leandra had remained the sole tent pole holding up Bruno’s sanity she would have eventually broken under the pressure. If Bruno had been just as isolated as he was in canon other than the fact that he has a wife, that wife would have been in a really crappy position. She would have slowed his spiral into the walls, but not stopped it and Leandra specifically would have become very bitter and resentful of the villagers since she blames them for his depression. Actually, an AU where Bruno and Leandra get married but never had kids would turn into a villain!Leandra AU. As it is, now that she’s a mother, she’d break under the same circumstances most parents break under. Losing her kids.

1. What good/bad traits do they bring out in others?

Ironically, Gabriel makes his sisters and younger cousins more inclined to be reckless because they’re annoyed by him constantly trying to wrap them in bubble wrap. This can be both good and bad, since fools rush in but fortune favors the bold. He’s not loud, but he’s also not particularly shy about his opinions, so the whole village knows how he feels women should be treated. Out here the bar might be in hell but in Encanto young men have to compete with gentlemen like Félix and Agustín, then later Camilo and Antonio, and in this AU Gabriel and Julio. He low key brings out the best in the boys in his age group because no girl will look twice at a handsy creep when Gabriel is wandering around with his gentle eyes, tragic back story, and borderline pathological respect for women. On the flip side, women can be sexual harassers too and all the women in the Encanto inclined to that sort of behavior want to be Madrigals, so through no fault of his own he’s a magnet for just like… the absolute worst gals you’ve ever met. I figure Camilo gets some of it too and I have some head canons of what that’s like for him, but this ain’t about him lol.

9. What would push them to physical altercation or violence during an argument?

You’ll see :)

14. In what scenario would they feel most comfortable?

Gabriel is like those cheetahs in the zoo that need their own service dogs, generally pretty anxious but give him a cheerful labrador type person and he’s fine. He would prefer this person be his Má, Mirabel, or Octavia, but it often ends up being Camilo who deeply enjoys annoying Gabriel so much he forgets to be anxious. He’s the most content and comfortable when he’s in Bruno’s story telling tent and it’s just him and his familia, especially if they got a record on the record player.

[realinspirations]

Resilience as a Life Skill: Thriving in an Unpredictable World

 Importance Of Resilience 

Resilience is regularly described as the capacity to get better from adversity, adapt to challenges, and persevere regardless of setbacks. It is an intellectual and emotional ability that lets individuals to deal with strain, trauma, or substantial difficulties and emerge stronger and wiser. While many partner resilience with surviving hard instances, it's far tons more than truly enduring hardship—it's miles the capacity to thrive and grow via adversity. In these days’s rapid-paced and often unpredictable international, resilience is turning into an increasing number of important traits, one that could shape the direction of personal lives, groups, agencies, or even whole societies.

The Foundation of Mental Health

At its center, resilience is vital to intellectual fitness and well-being. Life is full of stressors: from ordinary pressures together with painting time limits and own family responsibilities, to more considerable challenges like infection, loss, or financial complications. Resilience allows people to control these stressors effectively, decreasing their terrible effect on mental fitness.

Resilient individuals tend to have an extra optimistic outlook, which helps them hold perspective throughout difficult times. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by demanding situations, they view setbacks as possibilities for increasing or gaining knowledge. This attitude shifts the focal point from what is inaccurate to what may be achieved, which is crucial for maintaining emotional stability and avoiding emotions of helplessness or despair.

Moreover, resilience fosters the development of coping strategies. Rather than resorting to unhealthy mechanisms like substance abuse, denial, or withdrawal, resilient people are much more likely to turn to healthful solutions, along with seeking aid, practicing self-care, or carrying out trouble-fixing. The emotional regulation that incorporates resilience now not handiest helps individuals endure adversity but additionally strengthens their overall intellectual and emotional fitness.

Adaptability in an Ever-Changing World

The global we live in is continuously converting—whether or not via technological improvements, economic shifts, or worldwide crises like pandemics and herbal failures. These fast modifications may be overwhelming, especially for individuals who lack the potential to conform. Resilience plays an important role in helping humans stay flexible and resourceful in the face of uncertainty.

Take, as an example, the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of humans faced disruptions of their non-public and professional lives, from job losses to social isolation. Resilience didn’t simply mean surviving the crisis but locating methods to evolve—whether through gaining knowledge of new competencies, pivoting careers, or adjusting expectations and goals. Resilient people have been able to see opportunities within the midst of the upheaval, inclusive of embracing faraway work or pursuing passions they'd formerly left out.

Adaptability, a key factor of resilience, is particularly crucial in our interconnected, globalized global. The upward thrust of the latest technologies—like synthetic intelligence, automation, and biotechnology—way that industries and careers are evolving at an exceptional pace. Those who are resilient are better prepared to navigate those changes by embracing new challenges as opposed to resisting them. Instead of fearing the unknown, they are cognizant of what can be found out from it.

Building Stronger Communities and Relationships

Resilience isn't just a character trait; it could also be a collective electricity that unites groups and strengthens relationships. In instances of disaster or adversity, resilient individuals regularly act as pillars of help for others. They share their strength and coping mechanisms, fostering harmony and mutual help within families, offices, and communities.

Take the example of herbal disasters, together with hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. These catastrophic activities often go away complete groups reeling. However, it's miles the resilience of people—alongside their capacity to return collectively, assist one another, and rebuild—that enables these groups to get better. People rally around every different, sharing assets, providing emotional support, and running together to restore what was misplaced. Through this procedure, people develop nearer, and the bonds of community are reinforced.

Furthermore, resilience contributes to the fitness of interpersonal relationships. In romantic partnerships, friendships, and family dynamics, demanding situations are inevitable. Resilient people tend to approach conflicts with open thoughts and a willingness to paint thru problems as opposed to giving up. They recognize that problems are a part of life and that the technique of running through them together often strengthens the relationship. Resilience in relationships is built on belief, conversation, and a shared dedication to conquering demanding situations, as opposed to permitting barriers to create division.

Resilience inside the Workplace: A Key to Professional Success

In the professional world, resilience is one of the most treasured features a worker can possess. The administrative center is full of stressors—tight closing dates, stressful bosses, tough customers, and professional setbacks. Those who lack resilience might also emerge as effortlessly beaten or discouraged via such challenges, which can hinder their professional progression.

Resilient people, on the other hand, are more likely to thrive in the face of adversity. They are able to maintain their awareness, maintain a high-quality outlook, and adapt to converting occasions. They recognize that failure or mistakes are a part of the learning process and aren't indicative of their ultimate talents or worth. This mindset allows them to keep going, even after facing setbacks, and to continue pursuing their professional desires with dedication.

Moreover, resilience enhances problem-fixing competencies. When confronted with challenges at painting, resilient employees are much more likely to seek creative solutions in preference to give up or emerging as paralyzed through fear. They take proactive steps to deal with troubles, participating with colleagues or in search of advice from mentors while important. Their potential to cope with pressure and continue to be efficient beneath strain is quite valued by employers, making resilience a key thing in career fulfillment and job pleasure.

Physical Health and Resilience: The Mind-Body Connection

While resilience is often discussed in emotional and psychological phrases, it also has a great effect on physical fitness. Chronic stress can take a toll on the body, leading to quite a few health troubles, including coronary heart ailment, excessive blood pressure, and weakened immune function. However, resilient individuals generally tend to manage pressure more correctly, which allows to mitigate its harmful results at the body.

In addition, resilience promotes a healthful way of life alternatives. Resilient humans are much more likely to interact in normal exercising, maintain a balanced eating regimen, and prioritize sleep, all of which contribute to higher bodily fitness. They are also more likely to seek scientific assistance whilst needed and comply with treatment plans, in preference to heading off or neglecting their health.

One can even take a look at the fact that resilience can beautify restoration from contamination or injury. People with better levels of resilience tend to get better and more speedy from bodily setbacks because they hold a positive mindset, live stimulated, and adhere to their rehabilitation plans. This mind-body connection is a powerful example of how resilience can make a contribution now not only to emotional well-being but also to bodily energy.

 Fostering Resilience: Developing the Skill

While a few individuals might also be more resilient than others, resilience is a talent that may evolve with exercise and goals. One way to domesticate resilience is by building a sturdy guide device. Having a community of buddies, family, mentors, or colleagues who can provide emotional support and guidance can provide the energy needed to deal with difficult instances.

Another important practice is mindfulness. Mindfulness involves taking note of the prevailing moment without judgment, which can assist individuals in manipulating strain and feelings more efficaciously. It promotes an experience of calm and readability, allowing people to respond to demanding situations with more emotional stability.

Finally, developing a growth mindset—the perception that abilities and intelligence can be advanced through effort—can help foster resilience. When individuals see challenges as opportunities to learn and develop, they are more likely to persevere in the face of adversity and less likely to be defeated by failure.

[octahedral-chaos]

Okay, your concept with Sonnet and Sakari is low-key very cool! Love the amount of detail you put into this stuff.

Anyways, I have a couple of things:

Kinda intrested to hear about the setting-

Also want to know a little more about Sonnet. Like, you said she was trapped in her own weapon for doing something terrible. I think you said something about killing another Light Starfolk. And if so, for what reason? Or was it accidental?

And... um... How is the public/ government going to react to a half-human, half-eldritch Sakari running around their community? I wonder if she'll become an urban legend-

Glad you love them! I'll be (hopefully) doodling their offical designs this evening!

Basically, I'm thinking of an urban-fantasy setting? Like It's the modern day, but there's monsters and stuff as well. Also magic... but it can only be used by specific sapient beings and humans aren't one of those (Unless they have an artifact of sorts).

Sakari's apartment is located near the Capital city of her country, which is also in the tropics! So she don't experience winter and stuff (Sonnet would be fascinated by the seasons, though).

Also for Sonnet, their story is a bit... sad, so to speak. They're a relatively young and inexperienced hunteress, who much rather explore than fight. In fact, while fighting their counterpart, there was another hunteress with them, trying to help. But... tragedy struck: their scythe slashed at their counterpart... and their fellow hunteress. This resulted in the death of both the hunter and the hunteress.

Due to this, they were banished by their kin for a simple mistake, and They weren't happy. In a fit of rage aimed at Sonnet, They sealed the little hunteress in their own scythe, cursing them for all of time. However, there is a way to free them... but unfortunately only They know... except LUCA just so happened to be eavesdropping on TOFA's plans.

I think Sakari would try to hide her starfolk traits to the best of her abilities. She usually wears a pretty long cloak currently, but as it progresses, she might have to hide from people entirely.

But all hope is not lost, as Sakari accidentally ends up with a random travelling party of adventurers while trying to find a way to break Sonnet's curse... and she would ask someone from said group to get her stuff from her old apartment, as she's going to be a similar type of starfolk to Angel, and she's also most likely would be 9 feet tall as a full-blown starfolk...

Plus, she did mention the whole ordeal with her and "her" scythe, which just also happened to have a trapped eldritch being in it, to said party, so she's not going to be pretty lonely. Other people, however.... let's just say that they'll be a bit freaked out-

So Sakari unintentionally becoming a sort of local legend is a thing that could happen...

[featheryfoxes]

Welcome to my rambling about this Polyship au and a series continuation it's a big post so its under a read more

The group met little by little before the beach, they met in Tag as per canon, though Kuina and Chishiya are the ones who find Arisu and they pick up Usagi at the Distance game. 

Usagi and Arisu still have to find the beach alone though. 

The beach has less cards in this than in canon. Niragi is still an angry little shit and has next to no social skills but he isn't assaulting anyone in this. He might even stop an assault on someone (maybe Hatter attacking Arisu or a militant attacking Tatta (the fic Cat's Eye had me shipping them) ) 

The group play games together and grow closer both as pairs and as a whole and start getting at the least romantic with each other as they make their way through the cards. Chishiya still has his plan but due to my own interpretation of the man as someone who isn't inherently a cruel person (we all saw how sweet he was with that kid. Plus liking to mess with people isn't the same level as setting up Arisu like that. I do think that he learned very quickly to amplify his more scheming traits and allow himself to act cruelly) but because he has more people on his side that are oh so slowly reminding him that oh right emotions and emotional ties are a thing™ he lets Arisu in on said plan. And to his surprise it still goes well. They still have to rescue Arisu but it's quicker due to the new alliances formed in the au. Arisu is still one of the last people to register. 

The witch game plays out much the same except Niragi doesn't get flambeed. 

The face games follow pretty close to canon with a few exceptions An and Chishiya are in the Jack of Hearts game because the two of them basically making a diamond game out of a hearts game would be beautiful, Tatta doesn't die my bby, Kuina joins the Checkmate Game since Tatta doesn't die And An is known to be with Chishiya. Chishiya schemes/convenes An to find the others so he can do the King of Diamonds alone. 

It's much the same for King of Spades and Usagi + Chishiya uses the polypocket and the power of love to help Arisu break out from the queen. 

They all wake up and slowly regain their memories before being released from the hospital. 

So years go by our polycule deals with the ups and downs of life, getting new jobs dealing with shit parents. Having two baby girls and raising them.

A larger mass disaster happens and all our favs return to the borderlands along with new characters including

Chishiya Fuyu: biologically speaking she is the daughter of Usagi and Chishiya though like her sister the polycule is her parents. She is the Ace of Spades when the polycule gets to Borderlands. She is well versed in varied physical sports but excels at parkour. She is the younger sister by a year at 15.

Arisu Meiko: Biologically speaking she is An and Arisu's daughter. She loves her large family and definitely got Arisu's big heart. She becomes the Ace of Hearts, she is normally non combative and tries to save as many people as she can even in a place like the Borderlands. Currently 16 at the time she entered the borderlands.

There are two more Aces which is a new mechanic of the Borderlands new game.

The game has more phases since it's a far larger incident, and just like last time people 'enter' the borderlands at different times. As not enough people chose to become citizens after the last cycle a small set of games where held with the first group that arrived.

The four individuals with the most of each suit after all the pip cards were collected became the Ace (ie Aces high) the rest of the survivors with large amounts of cards took face card positions.

The Ace locations are unique as they function as 1 in the sense of they aren't playable games, but areas of resources and rest. A player has the chance to gain a Ace card (it's a key card that allows one into the area) after playing any of the pip games. Upon entering the area one day is added to ones visa, the Major suits Spade and Hearts can only appear from a game 5 or higher while the minor suits Diamond or Club can be gained from a game 5 or under.

Aces will be rendered useless once the face card portion begins.

There are far more repeat cards this time as well.

All the Ace area's are locals that Face games were held but the areas luckily aren't all bloody, since ya know purgatory.

Meiko and the Ace of Hearts is located in the prison from the Jack of Hearts game. As a major card her area has more resources including the medical wing of the prison and as she was mentored by Chishiya since she wants to be an EMT/paramedic when she leaves school she can perform a decent amount of triage for her guests, though not She also tends to play diamond or club games when she has to extend her own visa.

The Ace of Diamonds is in the supreme court, as a minor suits it's more like a depot than a full on center. But if one has a player with medical knowledge they would find supplies there, in fact most supplies can be found here. unique to the Diamond area common cipher keys if you so think that the books and or texts are worth carrying.

The Ace of Clubs is at the shipping yard as another minor Suits it's mostly supplies but it's unique supply are things for vehicles: gas, parts and even tools. Things also come in pre made packs ranging for one for two people to ones for five. Keeping with the idea of teamwork for clubs.

Chishiya Fuyu has her Ace of Spades at the Granship center where the jack of spades game was held. As a major suit her area offers a bit more to players including the geyser caused (ie like the stadium from season 2 but smaller) hot spring that overtook the room where the Jack of clubs game had been. Her area is also one of the few places to get actual fresh cooked food as it's her passion and she used Usagi's teachings about hunting to keep her and Meiko alive in the wilderness of the Borderlands. It's one of the things a player can stumble across her doing. She tends to play club and spade games when her visa needs renewal.

[frostyjotuns]

I transcribed up Xavier’s monologue from Immortal X-Men #10 bc I’ve been obsessed for months 

Are you suspicious of me? I hope so.

After all, I have done much to be suspicious of. It is one of my ways of protecting everyone. People should be suspicious of me. Let me explain.

I am an idealist who experience has taught to be practical. It’s hard to hold onto an ideal when I know what they really think about us. About me.

We talk about “Xavier’s Dream.” Note the phrasing. It’s not “Xavier’s sensible and achievable policy.” It is not even “Xavier’s Five Year Plan.”

It’s a dream-- intangible, may as well be nothing. Dreams can be forgotten in the morning so easily. I did not form the X-Men to fulfill the dream. I created them to ensure there was a world where the dream-- any dream-- could come true.

Yes, “sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them.” But… protect it from who?

I am a father to many. In turn, I had many fathers. They were each, in their own way, terrible. Even the monster who killed me had a hand in my upbringing, in a failed, foolish attempt to buy himself immortality. Scott and I share Sinister as a meddling Foster Parent. We never talked about it, which is so like us both.

So many terrible fathers. I wished not to become any of them. I succeeded. I became a terrible father in my own way.

I try to dream a world where terrible fathers are gone. But it is, of course, a dream, and we have already talked of the nature of dreams.

“To me, my X-Men.” See what that implies? They are mine. I called them to me. So I choose who to call.

Between my gifts and Cerebro, I knew who was out there. I could have called anyone. The Morlocks, I left them in the tunnels. I ignored so many others who needed help but who I couldn’t save. Not yet. Instead?

Bobby: an ocean of talent, barely touched. Beast: a mutant gift chained to a genius that exceeded mine. Warren: a mutant gift married to wealth that exceeded my own. Jean: a prodigy beyond imagining.

And Scott… a mutant who had already been carved into what a team so badly needs… Then later, when I expanded the ranks?

A goddess with the honed skills of a thief. A trained circus acrobat. An ex-interpol agent… and, of course, let us not forget the black-ops killer. Even little kitty wasn’t a girl next door-- unless you lived next door to a precocious hacker of ludacris talent.

There were so many mutants out there… but I didn’t pick them. I gathered people who could do a job. To protect a world that hates and fears us. In what way do we primarily do that?

Many have noted that we spend most of our time fighting other mutants, confusing-- in the language of programmers-- feature for bug. This is why we exist.

I had a boy and he nearly destroyed the world with runaway thoughts. Moira’s child was a serial killer who could carve reality with his mind. When Jean Grey lost control, a planet burned. And these are weaknesses of character and fortune, not active planned malice.

I have looked at Sinister across the Quiet Council, and shuddered, thinking what he would choose to do if given complete freedom… and how I wish we hadn’t needed him to make our would-be paradise.

You’re starting to understand now. This is the awful truth.

When a child comes out to bigoted parents, it destroys lives. When Magneto came out as a mutant, he killed a whole town in his grief. Being a mutant shares traits with other persecuted groups, but it is unlike it in one key way.

We are dangerous.

They are right to be frightened. Imagine asking those Erik tore apart in his grief for little Anya whether or not we should be feared. I dare say there were mutant corpses in that town, too. We hurt our own. We hurt everyone. If there isn’t someone to stop that.

Look at the X-Men and understand they are born of fear for our worst potential and were my first line of defense in ensuring we do not kill ourselves. It has worked. The Earth beneath our feet is proof. But there is one key question you should ask…

Why do you think I was so worried about the potential of mutants with grandiose power? I have a mirror. I looked in it.

I have often thought how lucky it is that I was given my talents and Erik was given his. Know this with absolute certainty … If our places were switched and Erik had my gifts when he was at his absolute worst, there would be no humans left alive today.

Cerebro lets me find all mutants. In other words’ words, it lets me find all humans.

If I wanted, I could work through them all, placing a psychic trigger in each. A decade's work, perhaps? Most minds aren't difficult. One day, I’d be done.

And on that day, the entire human race would have woken up, walked over to the nearest sharp object and opened up their throats. Humanity would have bled out one bloody morning. And that's if I saw the world as Erik did then. Imagine if I were simply corrupt.

Emma thinks I manipulate this council, and she's right. But she also knows that if I chose, I could have done so in a far more brutal, direct and immoral way. As could she. The entire world could follow our whims and sometimes I wonder if I'm wrong not to do it.

Every time they act with some foolish, hateful policy, I know that I could have stopped it. I am complicit.

I have a secret. There will never be a nuclear war. If the Doomsday Clock ever hit midnight, all those warmongers' hands would hover over the red button… and find themselves incapable of pressing it. If one tried to bypass that, those who are trained to fire the missile would similarly halt in their tracks. There is a Psychic Block in place. I put it there to save the world from ourselves. Like I placed the x-men.

I did it with a thought. Are you petrified? Good. You see things as I do.

I am afraid of my own capabilities, because if you are not afraid of my capabilities, you are simply not thinking hard enough.

That's the thing to understand: Mutants have been victims, but I am not. I am never a victim. I choose to let them persecute me, because the alternative would be the death of us all. I am a martyr.

so I make people suspicious of me, so they are watching me, in case I turn to even shadowier paths, I hope I have succeeded. I am far from a perfect person… but we should all wake up every morning and be grateful that my power and skill is not in the hands of one who is even slightly worse than I am.

It would be a disaster neither species could survive.

[egoioist]

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒 get to know unime, rim hae won ( 림해원 )

── ⟢ main masterlist ⭑.ᐟ ⟢ unime's masterlist ꪆৎ

┃BASIC INFO

★﹐STAGE NAME : Haewon ( 해원 ) ★﹐BIRTH NAME : Rim Hae Won ( 림해원 ) ★﹐NICKNAMES : wonie, visual queen ★﹐BIRTHDAY : August 31, 1995 ★﹐AGE : 29 ( int age ) , 30 ( kor age ) ★﹐ZODIAC SIGN : Virgo ★﹐CHINESE ZODIAC : Pig ★﹐REPRESENTATIVE EMOTICON : 🐱 ★﹐HEIGHT : 168 cm (5'6") ★﹐BLOOD TYPE : AB ★﹐BIRTHPLACE : Seoul, Gangdong-gu, South Korea ★﹐NATIONALITY : Korean ★﹐LANGUAGES : korean (100%), japanese (90%), english (80%), mandarin (36%) ★﹐GENDER : female ★﹐PRONOUNS : she/her ★﹐SEXUALITY : pansexual ★﹐RELATIONSHIP STATUS : single ★﹐FAMILY MEMBERS : Rim Eun-ji ( mother ) , Rim Dae-yong ( father )

★﹐PERSONALITY TYPE : ENTP ( the debater )          ★﹐DESCRIPTION : a debater ( entp ) is a person with the extraverted, intuitive, thinking, and prospecting personality traits. they tend to be bold and creative, deconstructing and rebuilding ideas with great mental agility. they pursue their goals vigorously despite any resistance they might encounter. ★﹐HABITS : singing at random moments, organizing things, biting her bottom lip ★﹐HOBBIES/SKILLS : soccer, acrobatics, hockey, reading, skiing ★﹐LIKES : watching horror movies, shopping, hia, dogs, comfy clothes ★﹐DISLIKES : dark rooms, clowns, hot weather, lip-syncing (on stage), short hair, stalker fans, practicing past midnight ★﹐FAVORITE FOODS : cheesecake, gimbap, potato chips, deviled eggs ★﹐CLOSE FRIENDS : johnny ( nct 127 ) , jisoo ( blackpink ) , kei ( ex-lovelyz ) , nayeon & dahyun ( twice ) , oneus , yujin ( ex-clc, kep1er ) , jeon somi ( ex-i.o.i, soloist )

┃CAREER

★﹐YG ENTERTAINMENT : 2015 - 2017 ★﹐MÉLOMANIE ENTERTAINMENT : 2018 - present ★﹐TOTAL TRAINEE PERIOD : 4 years ★﹐GROUP : UNIMe ★﹐POSITIONS : Main Dancer, Sub-Vocalist ★﹐DEBUT DATE : August 28, 2019 ★﹐DEBUT AGE : 23 ( int age ), 25 ( kor age ) ★﹐YEARS ACTIVE : 5 years ★﹐ASSOCIATED ACTS : Billlie ★﹐KNOWN FOR : her variety show moments, her charisma, her dancing abilities, her instagram lives, "i'm the trend".

┃TRIVIA

she was originally in the lineup for blackpink but never ended up debuting.

she wanted to become a rapper when she was a trainee but switched to a dancer because she was told that was her specialty.

she was casted by sm entertainment, jyp entertainment, and dsp media but declined all three.

out of the whole group she is the best at dancing to boy group choreographies.

as a trainee she often helped stray dogs and cats by giving them food and water.

┃ETC.

★﹐FACE CLAIM : Jueun ( ex-DIA ) ★﹐VOICE CLAIM : Jueun ( ex-DIA ) ★﹐RAP CLAIM : Jueun ( ex-DIA ) ★﹐DANCE CLAIM : Jueun ( ex-DIA )

©️egoioist