#there's a hidden violence to even a true utopia

[jojotier]

how do you write a story where the protagonist dies?

not one where the protagonist is fighting you every step of the way- not one where she is begging you to spare her life. I feel like that's easier, because you just set fate in motion, and hey, for the story you want, you can't interfere. it was always going to end like this. like yes I'm mourning you, but the laws of this world I've built dictate that your death is inevitable. Sorry. It will be over soon. Then we can rest.

but what do you do when your protagonist wants to die?

not because of suicidal ideation, because that, too, would be easier to deal with. you show her that life is still worth living. you show her kindness, and love, and even if she still constantly wants to die at least she can see that she might need to work on that, and you can at least promise her that things will be okay. it got better for me, so it's really just common decency to make sure it gets better for you.

but what if your protagonist has lived too long? What if there isn't any getting better because this is better, this is as good as it's going to get, and to live is to repeat a thousand years of illness and stasis?

The win state's long since been reached. She's loved and lost and longs only to go home to the place her mother and her mother's mother and her grandmother's mother has died.

how cruel am I, then, that my first instinct is to deny her?

[merwgue]

The Night Court in A Court of Thorns and Roses is portrayed as a place of freedom and opportunity, especially within the city of Velaris. However, beneath this veneer of liberty lies a dictatorship, one that controls and manipulates its subjects to maintain Rhysand’s hold on power. The stark contrast between Velaris and the rest of the Night Court, particularly Hewn City and the Illyrian camps, highlights how Rhysand’s rule is not as benevolent as it appears. This essay will delve into the ways Rhysand’s leadership functions as a dictatorship, exploring his control over his people, his manipulation of his Inner Circle, and the lack of true freedom within the Night Court.

Control Through Manipulation

Rhysand is often hailed as the epitome of a “good” High Lord because he allows for personal freedoms within Velaris, but his rule over the rest of the Night Court paints a different picture. His dictatorship is most evident in the way he exerts control over his subjects through manipulation and fear, especially in Hewn City and the Illyrian camps.

In Hewn City, the people live in a state of oppression, fear, and isolation. The citizens of Hewn are not allowed to enter Velaris—the so-called “City of Starlight”—because they are deemed unworthy. This segregation is a form of control, ensuring that only those Rhysand deems “good” enough can experience the supposed freedom of Velaris. It's crucial to note that Rhysand does not provide any opportunity for the people of Hewn City to change or rise above their circumstances. Their exclusion from Velaris creates a class divide that mirrors the structures of totalitarian regimes, where one group of people is favored and others are subjugated.

Moreover, the way Hewn City is governed is particularly telling. Rhysand claims to despise the Court of Nightmares, yet he allows it to continue operating under the rule of his father’s cruel and oppressive steward, Keir. By permitting this, Rhysand creates a convenient scapegoat. While he distances himself from the atrocities of Hewn City, he still benefits from the power structure in place, maintaining a balance of fear and control that ensures Keir’s loyalty without directly dirtying his hands. This hands-off approach to brutality is characteristic of dictatorships that allow local tyrants to terrorize the population, creating an environment of fear while the dictator maintains a benevolent façade.

Rhysand’s treatment of the Illyrians further illustrates his dictatorial tendencies. He controls the Illyrian warriors through the threat of violence and punitive measures, such as when he punishes them en masse after they refuse to comply with his orders to stop clipping the wings of female Illyrians. Instead of working with the Illyrians to build trust and create real change, Rhysand chooses to rule through fear. His brutality toward his own people, even if it’s framed as “necessary,” showcases his authoritarian rule. The problem of clipped wings goes beyond physical abuse—it's a systemic issue that requires more than just punishment. However, Rhysand does little to address the root of the problem, instead opting to control the Illyrians through fear of his power.

Segregation of Velaris and False Freedom

Velaris is often presented as a utopia within the series, a place where everyone is free to live their lives in peace and happiness. However, the freedom offered within Velaris is illusory. Only a select few are allowed to enjoy the privileges of this city. By keeping Velaris hidden from the rest of the Night Court and the other courts, Rhysand ensures that this “freedom” remains inaccessible to most of his subjects. The people of Hewn City and the Illyrian camps are barred from entering Velaris, creating a stark divide between those deemed worthy of freedom and those left to suffer under oppressive rule. This is a form of control—if the people of Velaris are the only ones benefiting from Rhysand’s rule, they are more likely to remain loyal, while the others remain oppressed.

Furthermore, even within Velaris, true freedom is limited. Rhysand’s Inner Circle, who serve as his closest advisers, are loyal to him above all else. Their loyalty is so strong that they often suppress their own needs and desires to maintain the status quo. This is particularly evident in Feyre’s interactions with them. Though they are welcoming, their loyalty to Rhysand is unquestionable, which creates an environment where dissent is impossible. Even if someone within the Inner Circle wanted to challenge Rhysand, it’s clear that they would never act against him. This kind of unquestioning loyalty is a hallmark of dictatorial regimes, where those in power surround themselves with individuals who will never challenge them.

Moreover, Rhysand exerts subtle control over Feyre, especially in her early days in the Night Court. When Feyre is first introduced to Velaris, she is isolated from her old life, particularly her friendships with Lucien and Tamlin. Rhysand subtly undermines her relationships with these characters, ensuring that Feyre becomes more and more reliant on him and his Inner Circle for support. While Feyre’s alienation from her past is presented as her growing into her power and finding her place, it’s also a form of control. By isolating Feyre and making her dependent on him, Rhysand ensures her loyalty and obedience, even as he presents himself as offering her freedom.

The Dictatorship of the Inner Circle

The Inner Circle functions as Rhysand’s elite group of enforcers, each of whom plays a role in maintaining his control over the Night Court. This group is fiercely loyal to Rhysand, and while they are portrayed as having close, familial bonds, their relationships with him are more complicated. They are bound to him by duty, power, and past trauma, and while they may not always agree with him, they rarely act against his will.

Take Mor, for instance. Mor is Rhysand’s third-in-command, a powerful female who plays a key role in maintaining order in the Night Court. However, even Mor, who is shown to be incredibly strong and independent, remains deeply tied to Rhysand. Her loyalty to him is unwavering, even when it means sacrificing her own emotional wellbeing, such as in her complicated relationship with Azriel. In this way, Mor is part of a system that prevents any real dissent from occurring within the Night Court. If even someone as strong-willed as Mor won’t act against Rhysand, it creates a chilling effect for anyone else who might challenge his rule.

Similarly, Cassian and Azriel, despite their personal feelings and desires, always put their loyalty to Rhysand above all else. They serve as his military commanders, enforcing his will in Illyria and beyond. Their loyalty is rewarded with power and status, but it also binds them to Rhysand’s rule. This dynamic is reminiscent of dictatorships where military leaders are rewarded for their loyalty, ensuring that they remain loyal to the regime instead of acting as a check on power.

Rhysand’s control over the Inner Circle is particularly evident in his handling of Feyre’s pregnancy in A Court of Silver Flames. Despite the clear danger to Feyre’s life, Rhysand withholds crucial information about her condition from her. His decision to keep this information secret, along with the complicity of the Inner Circle, is a form of manipulation and control. Even though this decision is framed as an act of love, it reveals the extent of Rhysand’s need for control over those closest to him. He makes decisions on behalf of others, even when it involves life and death, without allowing them the agency to make their own choices. This is not freedom—this is control masquerading as care.

A False Democracy

The Night Court is often presented as a more progressive alternative to the other courts in Prythian, but the reality is far different. Rhysand’s regime is not a democracy. It’s a dictatorship, one that hides behind the illusion of freedom and progressivism. Velaris, the shining city, is kept separate from the rest of the Night Court, and only a select few are allowed to enjoy its benefits. The rest of the Night Court is ruled through fear, manipulation, and violence.

In contrast, the Autumn Court, ruled by Beron Vanserra, is at least honest about its autocratic nature. There are no pretenses of freedom or equality in the Autumn Court—it is a place where power is maintained through fear and strength, and everyone knows it. In this way, the Autumn Court is more transparent than the Night Court. While Beron’s rule is cruel and oppressive, it is not hidden behind a façade of benevolence. The Night Court’s claim to be a place of freedom and opportunity is false advertising, a way to maintain Rhysand’s power while silencing any dissent.

Conclusion

The Night Court is not the bastion of freedom it claims to be. Rhysand’s rule is built on manipulation, control, and fear, and his so-called “freedom” only extends to those who are willing to submit to his authority. The people of Hewn City and the Illyrian camps suffer under his rule, while Velaris remains a gated utopia for the chosen few. Rhysand’s Inner Circle, though powerful, is bound to him through loyalty and duty, ensuring that no one ever challenges his decisions. The Night Court is not a democracy—it’s a dictatorship, one that hides behind the illusion of freedom and progressivism while perpetuating inequality and oppression.

I just got back from college so its not all that good but I hope you like it 🥹 @tamlindudley

[peachymilkandcream]

My Prize|Part 4|Viking Levi x Evelyn

WARNINGS: implied noncon/dubcon, big age difference, kidnapping, slavery, violence, power imbalance, implied somnophilia, forced pregnancies, mind breaking, yandere behaviour, yandere themes, forced exhibitionism, sexual coercion, blackmail, etc.

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The man before Erwin matched the description his men had given him. The blond was severely malnourished, he figured if the other had enough sustenance then he could rival Erwin in frame.

"What's your name."

"Reiner, Braun."

"And how did you come to be hidden away in floorboards?"

"That bastard, when we sank, we had a leader but Levi killed them. He left me alive, to torture me. The rest got swift deaths."

"And why would he keep you alive all this time?"

"I don't know, he has this hatred of me. There was once a girl we both liked, and she ended up favoring me over him. I don't think he ever forgave me for that."

"So purely revenge you suspect."

"Yes, the man is psychotic."

"On that we agree, you're not the only one who's suffered at his hands. My betrothed, was taken and violated by him. Now I don't know where she is, and without hope of rescue she might succumb to whatever cruel fate the barbarian has planned for her."

Disgust showed on Reiner's features. "I would say I'm shocked but that sounds like something he would do. I have to confess I think I know what you are talking about. I heard them in my captivity, I don't think I'll ever get those screams out of my ears. He truly is a monster."

"I plan on rescuing her, no one deserves such a fate. You knew him, do you have any idea where he might be headed?"

"If he sailed, he's headed back to the mainland, Marley."

"You forget Braun, we're a sheltered people, never venturing off our shores. We wouldn't know where to start when looking for such a place."

"I know that, which is why I'm prepared to make a pact with you."

Erwin raises a brow. "Is that so?"

"Take me with you to the mainland, I'll point him out exactly and then we'll go our separate ways, I want to go back to my old life."

Erwin considers this a moment, he'd been burned by foreigners before, so his willingness to trust them was scarce at best. But based on how this man was found he was inclined to believe him.

"Very well, we sail as soon as possible."

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Erwin was able to explain the origin of the ship that he had kept hidden away from the people fairly easily. As their strongest warrior and leader he had slain previous invaders and kept their prized vessel as a trophy, a far cry from the truth that he had once sailed from another country like Levi and taken the village over.

In truth, he hadn't missed the sea. It was a fickle mistress and he was through with trying to tame it. A life on land worshipped as little less than a god was what he craved. Something stable and secure, a legacy he could be proud of when he finally passed.

Marley was just as he'd remembered it. Far more advance socially and economically than his own village, which is why only his most loyal men were permitted to come with him. They were the ones he could bend to believe his story of events when it came to explaining how the mainland people were inferior and his own people lived in a utopia. The whole place made him nervous.

True to his word, Reiner pointed out the cottage by the sea where he swore on his life was where Levi lived. He even gave his own lodgings for Erwin to come for him if he was lying, such foolishness was enough for Erwin to trust his word. They said their goodbyes, both parties preferring to get on with their own personal plans.

Unwilling to be seen, Erwin sent his men to stakeout the cottage while he remained on the ship. They would report back if they had found Evelyn without Levi being suspicious. If he did there was a possibility he killed Evelyn, and then all of these personal risks Erwin was taking would be worth nothing. She owed him big time for all of this. Once they returned home he would be sure to pledge himself to her without delay, perhaps a child growing in her womb would be enough to consider her debt to him paid.

He would be repaid for risking everything for one girl.

================================================

Within a day or two they had confirmed Evelyn's location and that she was still alive. They had also had a chance to speak with her and bring her to Erwin to discuss her escape. Apparently she had been compliant to Levi so that he was already beginning to trust her alone in the cottage while he was gone doing who knew what.

A foolish man, leaving his prize when any man could come and take it. Erwin almost felt pity for him, but then he remembered how he defiled his bride to be and it was all worth it.

Upon seeing Evelyn's face again Erwin remembered why he was doing all of this. Others didn't hold a candle to her, his cock ached to undo all of the perverted things Levi had done to her. He would take her now to avoid her spending another minute with that man but revenge had to be more than that, he wanted Levi to know what had become of his plaything.

Evelyn rushed forward and into Erwin's arms, tears of relief dampening his clothes.

"You came for me-"

"Of course, how could I leave my bride in the hands of such a man?"

"But- you let him take me-"

"I was angry, I wasn't thinking, I directed my rage at the wrong person. But I'm here now, can you ever forgive me?"

Erwin had practiced looking humble and penitent, it was how he could smooth over any wrongs he committed. As predicted, her face softened.

"Yes I can. I don't know if I would have done much different had it been me in your position. Please, can we just go home?"

"Not yet. I want that coward to pay for what he did to you. I want the ground soaked with his blood. I wanted you safe first, and here you will remain until he returns, we'll be waiting for him. Trust me, he'll get what's coming to him."

Evelyn's face falls, and he raises a brow.

"Does the idea upset you?"

"No, I understand you want revenge, but please. Don't kill him."

"And why not? Why would you let your captor live?"

"I know it sounds crazy, but I think he just needed someone. Someone to care for him. He's a monster, but a misguided one, not a malicious one. Please Erwin, for me. As a wedding gift."

Erwin considers it, he doesn't want to at all, but she could deny a willing marriage to him if he did kill Levi. A crack in his leadership would be the end for him. Besides, this could show her how merciful he really is, raising his popularity.

"Very well. For you, I will."

"Oh thank you Erwin."

He nods in response, he would hold to his word. He wouldn't kill him, but he didn't promise not to torture him.

[ddarker-dreams]

Paradiso. Yan Giorno x Reader [COMM] AU

a/n: au takes place in the early 1900s. tw for descriptions of cults, religious themes, and descriptions of violence. 

From the moment you read Elle’s first letter, you were skeptical. 

All of this high praise for a hidden community that accepted anyone regardless of their background. She speaks of the people, forgiving and helpful in every conceivable way. That even when she first arrived, not once did she feel like an outsider; everyone welcomed her with open and loving arms. It’s not that you don’t want to believe such a perfect place exists -- you wish it is, for her sake -- but it has to be too good to be true.

If there’s anything you know from firsthand experience, it’s people. Inherently selfish, always in pursuit of their own goals and agenda. There is undoubtedly a catch behind this, you know it in your gut. Elle’s descriptions are too biased, words written blindly behind rose-colored glasses. She isn’t able to see the truth anymore, too far into her own delusions of a flawlessly crafted world. 

For a time, you were able to grin and bear it despite the bitter taste it left in your mouth. Responding with forced enthusiasm over her supposed healing, expressing how happy for her you are. It was the letter from the end of her first month, that you felt unparalleled dread overwhelm your entire person. 

Words such as “blood” and “ritual” stuck out like a sore thumb, nausea overtaking you and concern soon after. The worst part of it all, is how she posed it as a wonderful thing! She spoke of how it brought healing and an abundance of crops, that it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever witnessed in her life. 

No longer could you enable this detrimental behavior. Your dearest friend is in the jaws of a predator, and you’ll do anything to pry her out; even if it requires force. This conviction is what you hold tightly to, fastening yourself against the oncoming horrors. 

“Is this it?” you yell over to your guide, loud purr of the motorboat’s engine deafening your ears. He nods his head in affirmation, attention remaining on steering in the right direction. Looking forward towards this utopia, doubts continue to cloud your mind. It didn’t help that the process to get here is beyond tedious, this fisherman the only one willing to take you out to this remote location.  

No alarm bells are ringing from your initial glance over, but looks can be deceiving. With each passing moment the secluded island grows closer, looming over you with dubious intent. White sandy beaches line it, the only hint of civilization being an old wooden dock. Thick and lush green trees encompass the island, engulfing it in nature. It’s larger than you initially thought it would be from Elle’s complimentary descriptions. 

For privacy, and to keep away suspicious eyes you imagine, the heart of the village is a trek from the beach. Elle justified it by a need to stay hidden, citing how many of the island’s inhabitants are reformed criminals or people who are rejected from society. All you can see in her reasoning are blatant excuses. Nothing good comes from having no accountability from others, it’s a wide open gate for madness and abuse of power.

Splashes of salt water sprinkle against your face, moistening your hair in the process. The peaceful experience does little to soothe you, your mind focused solely on how you’ll go about your investigation undetected. You’re arriving under the pretense of staying permanently, the only possible way to “earn” an invitation. It feels dirty to lie to your good friend, but this is all for the greater good. 

The motor sputters down as the fisherman stops next to the dock, a sign of the unknown journey ahead of you finally starting. He begins the process of tying a rope against the dock to steady it, leaving you to sit on the rocking boat. Bobbing up and down with the waves, you close your eyes to fend off a wave of nausea the ocean brings with it. 

“[First]!” A cheerful, nostalgic voice calls over to you; breaking you from your stupor. Elle waves eagerly from the shore, running against the sand with a wide grin. Once the rope has been tied successfully, you grab your bags and shakily step onto solid land. She’s wearing a simple white dress, that cuts off below her knees, adorned with sandals and a large straw hat. 

Her skin is tanner than when you saw her last, likely from the hours spent in the sun. Light brunette hair secured in her signature high ponytail, and amber eyes shining brightly. You can’t remember the last time you’ve seen her so giddy, the sight bittersweet and conflicting you further. Raking over her figure for any signs of foul play, she doesn’t have a single bruise or scratch on her person.

If anything, you’d say she looks to be in perfect health. No longer does her skin cling tightly to her bones, face full and evident that she’s been eating well. It doesn’t deter you for long, as you’re certain there’s still underlying malice in this supposed community. 

Arms wrap around your waist in a suffocatingly tight hug, her face settles against your neck. Returning her affections to the best of your ability while holding your luggage, she carries on the embrace for a few more seconds. You can’t help but return her enthusiasm with a laugh of your own, recalling how she’s always been affectionate. Elle has an ability to make you melt within her hands. 

“It looks like somebody missed me.” you tease with a short snicker, earning a low hum of affirmation. 

“It just feels so good to finally see you again,” she admits with a dreamy sigh, hands moving down the skin of your arm to the handle of your bags. “I’ve missed you more than you could imagine. Here, hand me your bags. I’m sure you’re tired after all that travelling. But it’ll be well worth it, I promise!” 

Elle sets off towards the intimidating looking woodland, turning back to you inquisitively when you don't follow right after her. You still don’t see any obvious signs of problems, eyes scouring every crevice of the area before you. With a reluctant sigh, you follow after your good friend into the unknown.

She leads you through thickets of trees and shrubbery, skillfully weaving throughout nature with practiced precision. “I have so much to tell you. I don’t want to overwhelm you right away though, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.” 

“Give me just a general overview of how things work around here,” you respond while ducking under an imposing branch. “Is it all this… uninhabited?” 

Waving off your poorly hidden concern, she shakes her head. “Not in the slightest. This is just to keep out anyone who’d do us harm. We’re getting closer to the central area, that’s where you’ll be staying with me. Don’t worry about chores or anything the first few days, I want you to focus on getting used to life here! It can take some adjusting.” 

So inundated by the information you’re currently taking in, you fail to notice a vine rising ever so slightly from the ground. Your foot snags against it, sending you tumbling onto the ground and warm pain radiating from your knees from the impact. Elle whips her head back to you at the sound, immediately coming to your side with potent concern. 

“A-are you okay? I forgot to mention how many things there are to trip on around here, I can’t even begin to recall how many times I’ve fallen…” she trails off, soothingly rubbing a hand against your shoulder while you catch your breath. You look down at your knees, the source of the stinging pain, to see they’re scraped up. Great, just great. 

Letting out a shaky sigh, you grimace through the ebbing ache while standing up. “It’s just a few scratches, nothing serious. I think I’ll live.” 

She inspects the wound further despite your insistence of being alright, you finding the circumstances of tripping like a klutz to be mildly embarrassing. The insignificant injury means little to you, you’ve experienced far worse in the past. It’s only an added nuisance since living here will require a lot of movement. That, and you’ve always wanted Elle to view you in a cool, “knows what she’s doing” type of way. 

“Still, it’d be best if you got it looked at and disinfected to be on the safe side. We have a healer here who will help you out, no questions asked.” 

This catches your attention. The word “healer” being used instead of a doctor or nurse is suspicious to say the least, but it will be a good opportunity to see firsthand what the practices are around here. Although you’re wary of accepting any medicine from these people, there’s no harm in letting this guy look at it.

“Alright, as long as it’s not too much trouble. It really is just a small scratch after all.” you respond nonchalantly while dusting dirt off your shorts. Ignoring the slight sting that reemerges with every step, Elle leads you in a slightly different direction than before. 

Even with your reservations, there’s no denying how beautiful the nature surrounding you is. Wild life scurries about at every corner, trees tall and hanging over to protect from the harsh rays of sunlight. Various plant life of almost every color dot along the ground, flowers you’ve never seen before in full bloom. 

After a few more minutes of walking, a small and wooden college appears before you. The first signs of this area actually being occupied, you note. There’s a large garden of herbs surrounding it, the structure impressively built with a few signs of weathering on the roof. Elle waves you over, knocking on the door.

“Giorno! Giorno, are you there?” she beckons with insistence, knocking increasing in volume from the lack of an immediate response. Before she can call out once more, the door opens to reveal a young man who looks to be around your age. 

You feel an unexplainable draw to him, unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. His skin is very fair, without a single imperfection or blemish present. Golden hair as fine as silk, placed into a unique style consisting of three large curls for bangs and a braid. His eyes are piercing yet not unfriendly, color reminiscent to that of luminous emeralds. There’s no denying his beauty. 

“You must be [First],” he greets with a welcoming smile, attention solely set upon you. “Your friend has spoken highly of you.” 

Your cheeks flush at this, Elle looking similarly flustered. She speaks up for you, much to your internal relief. “[First] hurt her knees a bit on the trek here. Would you mind taking a look at it, if you’re not too busy?” 

Giorno glances down at the aforementioned injury, placing a hand to his chin and narrowing his eyes in inspection. “I would treat it now, but I was about to deliver this medicine Fugo requested earlier.” 

“It’s fine, really, Ellie,” you reassure her with her favorite nickname, throwing your hands up in mock defense. “I’d hate to impose on my first day here, this seems important.” 

“Would you make the delivery for me, Elle? That way I can treat [First] right away.” Giorno proposes, lifting his hand up to reveal a small bag that must contain whatever this Fugo person needs. You snap your attention over to your friend who is thoughtfully considering Giorno’s request. Hoping she can get the hint from your tense body language that you’d rather not be left with a stranger from a weird reclusive village, you all but deflate as she gladly nods her head. 

She’s always been too nice for her own good. And yours. 

“Sure thing, anything to be of help! I’ll run this straight over to Fugo and be back in a jiffy.” Elle grabs the bag from Giorno’s hand, walking off without further thought. She gives you a wink and a wave, before scurrying off into the direction from before. You swallow thickly in her absence, feeling awkward as silence settles in over you and Giorno.

He steps aside from the door frame, waving you in with a single, graceful motion. You take the wordless invitation in stride, walking in and warily eyeing your surroundings. This area must double as Giorno’s living space and workplace, carefully arranged wooden furniture giving a sense of domesticity. Shelves line the walls, covered to the brim in a variety of small glass bottles full of things ranging from liquids to powders. It brings with it a nice, earthy scent. 

An assortment of flora make up for most of the decoration within, different leafy plants and flowers sitting atop every counter. Nothing incriminating so far, but you didn’t think Giorno would display anything potentially off putting that blatantly. It still isn’t enough to lull your thumping heartbeat, wishing that Elle hadn’t left your side. 

“Please, take a seat here.” Giorno nods to an empty chair in the furthest side of the room. You follow through with his request, grateful for the chance to rest your exhausted body. Hand hovering as he examines the bottles in front of him, he eventually gets the contents within. Mixing it together in a bowl with some other unidentified greenery, he walks over to you.

“So… should I be anticipating an amputation in the near future?” you attempt to joke to ease the stifling air, earning a small quirk of the lips. He looks nice when he’s smiling, you note.

“No, nothing like that,” Giorno calmly reassures, kneeling down and inspecting your knees closer. “May I?” 

You can appreciate how polite he is, nodding to offer permission for him to touch you. Giorno wastes no time, skillfully running the unknown combination against your scraped skin. Inhaling sharply in anticipation, you’re for a loop by the immediate dulling of pain. At the very least, you were expecting a sting from the initial application of this homemade remedy. 

Giorno reaches for a gauze from his pocket, wrapping it around the wounded area with perfect efficiency. The entire process was faster than any you’ve experienced, not that you’ve ever been able to afford a nice doctor. Maybe this Giorno character isn’t so bad after all? He has a soothing presence, being well mannered and not speaking more than necessary. 

Your cheeks redden once more, the subsiding of the pain allowing you to realize how close he is to you. Giorno gives your skin a final glance over, but doesn’t stand back up immediately. Clearing your throat, you attempt to initiate a conversation.

“So… Giorno, was it? Have you lived here your entire life?” you question, hoping it seems natural and without a hidden agenda. He doesn’t appear to interpret it in a negative light, going into deep thought at your prompting.

“In a way, yes,” he concludes aloud, standing from his kneeling position and cleaning off his hands. “It’s somewhat difficult to explain.”

At this, you decide to stop yourself from prying further. Having quite the past yourself, you can sympathize with not wanting to put it all on display. Still, there are further questions that refuse to leave your mind. Giorno speaks up before you get the opportunity to ask him anything else.

“You’ll need to reapply this remedy once a day until it shows further signs of healing. I’d give you it to do yourself, but it's less effective the longer it's been exposed to air. It’ll work best if being applied after I make it fresh.”

You have mixed feelings, lips pursing at the extra steps your little tumble gave you. Nodding your head in agreement, you carefully test the waters by extending your leg forward. “Thank you, Giorno. Elle really wasn’t exaggerating when she said everyone here is beyond helpful.” 

“You’re one of us now,” Giorno places the bottles he took down earlier back to their original position, then turns his head to you. “I’ll take care of anything you need. And remember to stop by tomorrow.” 

A nagging feeling pinches at your side, one comparable to guilt. It doesn’t make logical sense why you’d feel bad for deceiving Giorno, who you have just met. Due to his unabashed kindness and trustworthy visage, you find yourself feeling bad for your dishonesty. Looking away from his watchful gaze, you relent.

“Y-yeah, I will.” 

--- 

When you start to doubt yourself, it’s never a good sign.

Whether it’s because of the pride of admitting that you were wrong, or the shame for suspecting Elle’s testimony in the first place. For months you’ve stayed here, living out the simple yet satisfying life you once scrutinized. Nothing of questionable intent has caught your attention. What originally was meant to be a short visit became extended, each day carrying out with welcome familiarity. 

Life has been good. Better than it was before, in some regards. No longer do you have to worry about where your next meal will come from, what you’ll do if you’re unable to make rent by the end of the month. You still pull your weight, of course, but expectations that society bestowed upon you before are now nonexistent. 

“I think I forgot my bag at the beach. Dammit…” you trail off with a sigh, running a hand through your hair. Elle laughs at your misfortune, looking out the window of your shared cabin to see that the sun is long set.

“I’d say to leave it until morning, but who knows if the tides will come wash it away. Want me to walk with you to get it?” she offers with a smile, already standing up to come help. You shake your head, not wanting to trouble her. She’s never been a night person, always one to wake up bright and early. 

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be right back.” 

Even when the path is only lit by moonlight, you’re able to maneuver through the area with ease. You often would find yourself spending time on this section of the shore, joined either by Elle or Giorno. Elle isn’t capable of sitting still for long, normally bringing you a snack before running off to find something new to do. Giorno’s a different story. He’ll sit next to you for hours at a time. The two of you having conversations ranging from light topics about plants, to deep philosophical musings over human nature.

The thought puts an extra spring in your step, beige bag thrown against the sand now being picked up. While walking back to your shared residence, you’re thrown off by a shrieking noise coming from your left.

It’s eerie, unquestionably a human scream. A variety of thoughts flood your mind, but you know you’ll need to investigate it. Before you can call out to see if anyone needs help, you overhear two male voices talking with one another.

“--Need to do something about this traitor now.” 

“Gag him.” 

Narrowing your eyes, you source the noise to one of the fishing cabins on the outskirts. Only a single light shines within, dull and flickering; yet undeniable. No one is out this late under normal conditions, much less a group of people. Holding your breath, you sneak alongside the building to get a better spot to listen.

A bag rustles within, a voice you recognize as Abbachio’s picking up with tangible displeasure. “Bucciarati, get a look at this. He didn’t just steal supplies, he wrote down firsthand accounts too.” 

“We’ll burn them later,” Bucciarati replies without hesitation. “For now, we need to learn if he was alone or working with others.” 

Abbacchio sighs at the extra workload, floorboards creaking as he walks along them. You hear a distinct noise of flesh being hit repeatedly, a body thumping across the floor with muffled screams. “Who do you think you are, making us do all this? What a pain…” 

More kicks. It feels like there’s a vice grip constricting your chest, breathing growing more strained. Adrenaline pumps through your veins, urging you to flee the scene and seek safety elsewhere. The more logical side of you prevents this, feeling a need to come up with a solid plan first. 

With all the sticks and rocks littered across the ground, it’s possible they might be alerted if you make any sudden movements. Creeping alongside the house slowly towards the back, you swallow thickly as your heart pounds violently. Never have you felt so warm, beads of sweat dripping down the sides of your face. 

Cautiously, you’re able to put some distance between yourself and the incriminating scene. It isn’t enough to lull you into a false sense of security, all your senses dialed to the max. You didn’t realize how harshly you’ve been gripping your bag, knuckles white and feeling numb. 

Questions flood your mind that you doubt you’ll ever find the answers to. What was it that this person did to earn such a cruel fate? Abbachio and Bucciarati are revered here, Bucciarati even more so. They spoke of firsthand accounts being written down... he must’ve seen something he shouldn’t have.

It’s too dangerous here. You need to get back to Elle, and you need to go the hell out of here. Creeping along in the night, you feel like something or someone is watching you. Looking around sporadically for any signs of this, you frown at the lack of confirmation. 

‘Is it just my imagination...?’

Your mental state is fragile now, having witnessed a gruesome scene unfolding. Shaking your head, you silently chastise yourself. There’s no time for this jittery, you need to get a hold of yourself to make it out of this alive. Lightly smacking your face in hopes it’ll bring you back to reality, you think of more hurdles that’ll need to be overcome. 

A daring idea pops into your mind. Telling Elle now what you just saw would be a recipe for disaster, she’ll be an anxious mess incapable of the resolve to escape. That leaves incapacitating her in some way, as much as it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. It’s all for the greater good, you remind yourself. Once you’re in safety you’ll explain all the details to her.

She’s never been able to handle alcohol well. 

It might not be enough to keep her asleep. That’s when you realize Giorno will likely have some kind of medicine that makes you tired. The thought of him, and never seeing him again, twists your heart in a strange manner. Perhaps you can say your goodbyes to him, or even ask him to come with you. 

Similar to the way you first met him, you knock on the door to his home. 

‘Please be awake, please be awake...’

Great relief washes over you as he opens the door, eyes widening at the sight of you this late at night. Before he gets the opportunity to question you about it, you walk inside; closing the door and looking around for signs of anyone else. It’s only him, you realize. 

“[First]? Are you alright? You look terribly pale.” His concern is palpable, likely thinking that you’re injured in some way. 

“I-I’m fine. Giorno, do you have any medicine to help with sleeping by chance? Or anything similar?” you inquire frantically, to which he slowly nods his head; still trying to gauge the situation. Letting out a sigh of immense relief, you run your hands through your hair. 

He hands you a bottle full of unrecognizable herbs, not loosening his grip when you go to take it from him. Blinking in confusion at this, you realize he must have a few questions of his own over your disheveled appearance. It’d be rude not to offer some form of explanation, no matter how messy it may be.

“What is this really about? Please remember that you can always tell me anything.” he pries further, voice unwavering and eyes hopeful. His sympathy touches your heart. Licking your lips, you manage to rush out an explanation. 

“Listen, Giorno. It isn’t safe here. I-I saw something, something bad. I can’t stay here, we can’t stay here anymore. I think... they were torturing someone. Someone who saw something they shouldn’t have. I don’t even want to know,” you rush out, finally managing to grasp the bottle from his hands. “Please, for your own good, consider leaving.” 

At this influx of information he doesn’t seem shaken, only more curious. “I think you should sit down. You’re clearly not thinking straight. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping, that could--”

“No! It’s not that,” you cut off in frustration, furrowing your eyebrows and clenching your fists. “You’re not listening to me. Giorno, I know what I saw. I-I need to go. Now.” 

Not waiting for his response, you rush towards the door. Giorno grabs your wrist from behind, your heart sinking in the process. His grasp isn’t as tight as it could be, more for show than anything. He can feel your brisk pulse with his fingers, head lowering.  

“You’ll regret it. Don’t.” 

The words are whispered so lowly, you wonder if you even heard them in the first place. With a lackluster tug, you break free without further dilemma. His chin dips to his chest, letdown evident. It pulls at your heartstrings, still not being enough to deter you further. 

Holding your hands to your chest, you keep an eye on him as you back up towards the door. “I’m sorry.” 

When you feel the handle underneath your hand, no time is wasted rushing back to Elle. Giorno doesn’t stop you as you leave, and you don’t want to look back to see him now.

It doesn’t make any sense why he’d try to stop you, why he didn’t even flinch at the mention of a person being tortured. A cloud of dread hangs over your head, combination of negative emotions stirring within. His eyes, so melancholic and hurt--

No, it does nothing to think about it. All that matters is escape. 

Returning to your house, your shaky hands miraculously manage to pour a touch of herbal concoction into Elle’s drink. You’re grateful that she’s in bed, too preoccupied to see what it is you’re doing. Wiping the sweat from your brows and straightening out your posture, you enter her room with a facade of calm.

“I wanted to celebrate the three month mark of my stay.” you explain while opening the door with your back, then handing her a glass. She looks up from her book, grabbing it without another thought. The liquid within your cup rattles from your jittery hands.  

“Kinda outta nowhere, but it is a good cause to celebrate!” Elle lifts her glass into the air in a mock toast, which you mimic with less enthusiasm. You watch her throat move as she gulps down the liquid, wiping at her mouth. To avoid suspicion, you do the same, but taking in less. 

She stretches in a way that reminds you of a cat, making a loud noise and going to stand by your side sluggishly. With the scent of alcohol on her breath, she lazily brings you into a hug. Is the concoction working this fast? You weren’t able to ask Giorno what to expect, too rushed.

“I felt so lonely without you.” she begins to slur her words, eyelids growing heavier and leaning her weight against you. Your muscles go taut at the sudden declaration, steadying her against your shoulders as she begins to sway. Whatever that stuff is, it’s fast acting. Hopefully you didn’t pour too much. 

Her cheeks have a rosy tint, eyes growing further from this reality. She refuses to let go of you, wanting to be by your side. 

“So... so lonely... mn... don’t leave me alone again... okay?” 

Elle sniffles, burying her face in your neck. “Promise?” 

You press your lips against her forehead gently, her eyes fluttering shut in the process. Tightening your grip around her, you nod your head; though you doubt she’s coherent enough to understand the action. 

“I promise. Everything will be okay soon.” 

A few more moments pass, and she’s entirely slack against you. 

Testing the waters, you call her name calmly. No response. A nudge. Still nothing. Gentle breaths fan out against your flushed skin, Elle lulled into the depths of unassuming slumber. If it weren’t for the dire situation, you’d admire how her eyelashes look so pretty against her skin, how here brunette hair frames her face when it’s let down-- 

Shaking your head at the intrusive thoughts, you grunt while picking her up into your arms. There are some rowboats used for fishing alongside the coast, and that’s where you’ll make the final step of your escape. It isn’t the easiest task to haul her along, despite not being too heavy. 

It doesn’t matter. You’re close, so palpably close. You can hear the seagulls cawing in the air, the sound of the ocean crashing against the sand. Just a few more minutes, and then you’ll be free of this nightmare. Keeping her secured against your chest, you trudge along some tricky vines. 

‘Was this area always like this? It’s feels more like a jungle than a forest.’

Kicking yourself loose, your frustration grows as the vines seemingly begin to wrap around your ankles. Eyes widening at the unbelievable sight, you frantically begin to struggle against the restraints. It wouldn’t be too difficult, if not for the fact you were carrying a person in your arms. 

Your body feels weighed down from exhaustion, but you push down any complaints. Cursing underneath your breath, the vines finally are warded off by another tug. Beyond a few more trees, you’re welcomed by the inviting sight of the moonlit ocean. Its beauty takes your breath away.

The ground underneath your feet now feels soft, dirt replaced by sand. It makes it more tedious to walk. Your ticket to freedom is but a couple feet away, the rowboats bobbing up and down in time with the waves. Not the most ideal escape, yet it’ll still work. 

‘Please, just give me the strength to make it to land.’

Finally at the boat, you feel your shoulders and body growing weaker by the second. Your movement has grown considerably more sluggish since arriving at the beach, the sinking of the sand underneath you all but sapping the remainders of your strength. 

With utmost delicateness, you gingerly lay Elle down inside of the boat. Now all that’s left is untying it from the dock. The rope isn’t in too complicated a knot, a small amount of luck. Hurriedly working at it, you notice the texture of it changing before your very eyes.

It grows scaly instead of rough, color morphing into a dark green; beady eyes now peering at you. Jumping back in surprise, a snake in place of the rope hisses at you, tongue flickering out of its mouth. It slithers against your arm, causing you to yelp and tumble backwards. 

‘This place is fucking cursed!’

“Over here! We found them!” 

Looking back to the trees where you came from, you see a few shrouded figures emerging. It’s unfair, safety just tauntingly within your reach. There’s too many than you could hope to fend off, even if you were at your full strength. The snake coils around your forearm, stopping just short of biting you. 

‘Is there anyway out of this...?’

Elle’s peaceful face is blissfully ignorant to the chaotic events unfolding around her, and you can’t stop the tears that sting the corners of your eyes. Failing her hurt more than any physical pain this world could throw at you. Will this be the last time you’ll see her? 

A hand presses against your shoulder.

“This isn’t how I wanted it to be.” 

Of course. 

That lamenting voice belongs to no one other than Giorno. He must’ve betrayed your trust by seeking you out and alerting the others. So this is what betrayal feels like. You wouldn’t have known until now, having always been too skittish to get close to others. It was Elle who broke your tough shell, inviting herself into your life like a ray of sunshine. 

‘God protect her in my stead.’

Adamantly refusing to give him the time of day, you swat away at the hand he extends towards you, stupid as it is. 

Giorno sighs in a mix of disappointment and minor frustration, pinching the bridge of his nose at your petty actions.

“She had nothing to do with this,” you struggle to get the words out, throat tightening with the threat of crying. “Do whatever you want with me... just don’t hurt her.” 

Giorno walks in front of you, kneeling without any signs of fear towards the snake who remains still against your arm. Placing his hands on it, it returns to its original form of a rope, falling off of you. 

He looks back at your drained, hunched over form. You must look pathetic, mustering up your best attempt at a glare. 

“Please don’t make this difficult. Come back with me willingly and she won’t be touched, you have my word.” 

There’s no reason to trust him, his request leading you to grit your teeth. For her sake, you’ll cease any signs of resistance. No other options present themselves to you, prayers remaining unanswered. Reality is cruel, twisting you at its own discretion. 

Resigning yourself to this fate, you get up and following after him without a word. Abbacchio and a few other men look at you, Giorno placing a hand up to stop them from approaching. Does that mean he’s their leader?

You recognize the path Giorno’s taken on, having gone to his home too many times to count. Tree branches move out of his way, the sight reminding you of a fairy tale. It still remains one of the least shocking events you’ve seen tonight, you humorlessly think to yourself. 

Biting your tongue has never been your forte, awe and dread too staggering to push back any longer. “What is all this? W-what are you? That snake... and these trees, was that you?” 

Giorno waits before entertaining you with a response, voice low and devoid of emotion as if he was speaking about the weather. “It’s my doing, yes.” 

“Is anyone here human?” you ask without further thought, before shutting your mouth. He remains quiet for a painful moment, giving you a response that makes you lightheaded.

“Everyone aside from me.” 

Not a single word in the dictionary could form a decent response to a confession like that. Elle had mentioned to you a divine being that blesses this island, watching over it and offering abundant blessings to those who were deemed worthy of it. This is how their harvests were so abundant, she explained, but you disregarded it as a hoax at first.

There’s no denying it any longer. How could you have been so foolish, to get yourself into this situation? The same tenacity that you arrived here with would’ve protected you, had you only continued to listen to it. 

Giorno comes to an abrupt stop, turning on his heel to get a good look at you. Not wanting to cause more trouble in the face of the supernatural, you stay firmly planted. He saunters towards you, leaves crunching underneath his feet. Raising a hand to your face, his thumb rubs small circles against your cheek. 

He’s close to you, too close for comfort. The skin of his hands are icy cold, eyes softening with unidentifiable flurries of emotion. Tenderness is unwelcome from him, yet you’re far too entranced to pull away. 

Giorno’s mystical eyes are all you can look at. 

“Under normal conditions, you’d be punished harshly,” Giorno presses his forehead against yours, considering you. “Yet I can’t bring myself to do it. I had hoped you’d turn around of your own will.”

Lips trembling and jaw agape, your tongue is incapable of forming words, mouth painfully dry. Whoever -- or whatever -- that’s in front of you has whisked away all forms of rational thought, leaving you a shivering mess. You’re at his mercy, if he has any to offer.

“I only want to be honest with you, now that there’s no reason to hide it any longer. From the moment you first stepped on my island, I finally knew what I wanted, for the first time in centuries.”

“I wanted to be your god. But now, I feel that’s far too impersonal to sate me,” he pauses his movements, eyes shut in deep thought. “What I want... is something far more. Will you give me that, [First]?” 

He poses the question as if it’s a choice for you to make. Patiently, he awaits your answer, already knowing what it’ll be by the gratification in his smile. Giorno’s serene, the battle already having been won.

“I will.” 

[tarajenkins]

Please no more Square, I am at my (character) limit lmao

"The Light will not be denied!" 

I really do still wonder how anyone who played through ShB could reach the conclusion that a child with no Blessing Of Light ever stood a chance against the will of a Lightwarden. And not just any child--a child the Ascians intended to use as a doorstop to prevent the First from being destroyed before the Rejoining could happen, a child whose own trusted parental figure was willing to gaslight and manipulate them for the sake of their own power. A child whose behavior would absolutely need to fit a certain mold to achieve their ends. 

The Light corruption of a Sin Eater is confirmed by Halric's arc to be a lot like Tempering. Repeatedly Tempering someone, like Loonh Gah's mother in the Amalj'aa questchain, destroys their sanity. Emet-Selch's own dialogue up there confirms that the Warden essences in the WoL would not only drive them to madness, but violence. Vauthry had the essence of a Lightwarden forced into him before he was even born, and he had no higher power to protect him. 

Selch puts it plainly: the corruption of a Lightwarden is absolute in time, even for the WoL. I have yet to hear a good reason why Vauthry’s corruption would have been the sole exception to this rule. The “half Sin Eater” bit is brought up sometimes, but that is just buying into the lies his father told. Vauthry was already an entirely Hume infant. He was never “half” anything. He was already complete. He was corrupted. Tempered, according to Halric’s arc--blaming him for not fighting it is like blaming Thancred for the Waking Sands. It’s not a thing anyone can fight.

There’s also Yoshi-P asking players to ask themselves if Vauthry was really a friend of the Sin Eaters, or was he being controlled by someone.

(On a side note, I could have sworn it was stated the Ascians can't handle Light well, or at all? How did Emet-Selch even do that in the first place? Bad Writing(tm) \o/)

Silence Is Golden:

In a world where everyone rightfully fears Sin Eaters, a world where Eulmorans had fought them and died to them for decades, where those corrupted by fallen Sin Eaters have to be put to death before turning themselves--how would the mayor of Eulmore even explain his son's "gift"? Explain his son having a second, Sin Eater face in his chest? Explain that he allowed his child to be corrupted by a rando in a cloak, with no input from his wife? How did he keep her silent? Besides Square not bothering to give her dialogue, of course.

(Also, there was at least one other Minifilia in Vauthry's lifetime. The Minis all fought for Eulmore, as per Moren's book. How did they miss the Lightwarden now residing in Mr. Mayor's child? Did Hydaelyn know?)

It's such poor writing on Square's part to have left the disturbing Echo of how Emet-Selch “made” Vauthry as a footnote, and even moreso to have Wrenden claim in the hilariously contradictory patch 5.1 that Vauthry's father was the "good old days" of Eulmore. A man that would agree to let that be done to his own wife and child, a man who vocalized such disregard for his own peoples' lives, that was the good old days, really? The mayor who had "unrest" and detractors "stirring up the citizenry"? THAT mayor?

This is how far the writers were willing to go to dehumanize a fat man who had absolutely no consent or control in his “destiny”. And, speaking of dehumanizing--

--Square couldn't be arsed to treat Vauthry's mother like a character and not a convenient and silent womb, so we have no idea what happened to her. (My money is still on the Obscenity theory.) But since Vauthry only mentioned "Father", it sounds like the mayor raised him alone. 

What did Former Mayor do when his son had challenging questions about his father’s plans for him, or when the child balked at the answers given? How did he explain whatever happened to his wife? Just how much did "Father" have to manipulate that child's world to maintain the lies?

It’s strongly implied Former Mayor kept his son in a state of isolation where neither his word nor the Ascians' will could be questioned until the child was thoroughly brainwashed to believe, and there would be no questions then. Whether intended by Square or not, Vauthry does display many signs of an adult who suffered extreme isolation as a child. 

An entire childhood, with his likely only trusted source of knowledge and solace being someone who was grooming him for a power grab--and all the while, he can’t escape the presence of a creature inside him that drives mortals mad.

One of “Father’s” directives stands out in particular between the lines during ShB, though we don’t know how it came about originally:

Don’t tell anyone what you really are.

Even though Vauthry was given a good reason “why he was born as man and sin eater both", it still leaves the impression he was born because Sin Eaters are bad, and Vauthry needed to stop them from doing bad things--plus hush, don’t tell, people would find his existence bad if they knew the truth of it. Kids ask questions. Kids wonder. Feeling like an outsider hurts, let alone an outsider made of the same stuff that everyone fears. If Sin Eaters are monsters, then what was he? 

The fact Vauthry asked his father why was he born that way in the first place indicates the child instinctively felt there was something wrong.

The in-game dialogues appear to back this up. Although Vauthry's "heritage" was supposed to be this amazing thing, the true nature of it was instead lied about and kept hidden his entire life. Seems unusual for a guy supposedly convinced that he is “perfection”, doesn’t it? The fact that Eulmorans never once referred to Vauthry as "half Sin Eater" or a "God" during twenty years of his rule, the fact he only mentioned it himself before the Warden was about to claim him entirely; all well and good his father obviously invented some lie to placate the masses (“born with miraculous and convenient power” was all it took), but how did maintaining that lie, hiding who he really was, read to Vauthry all those years? 

During ShB, he still seemed to keep to the isolation he likely always knew. He never left that room. The citizens came to him when they wanted something, but it was never implied or shown he sought social contact on his own. Nothing was scaled to him, utensils, glasses, plates, etc.--as though he refused to single himself out as different from everyone else.

He called the Lightwarden’s awakening a “trial” to be embraced during Crown Of The Immaculate. Odd that someone supposedly convinced of his godhood would ever think he needed testing--but it makes perfect sense in the context of someone who always felt they needed to prove that they were worthwhile.  

He was proud of his power to protect his people, and proud of the paradise he built for them, but he didn’t want Alphinaud to paint a picture of him, he wanted a painting of the city. There were zero paintings or other monuments to himself in Eulmore. Lot of people in the fanbase speak of him being vain, yet he seemed to not want to be seen unless he had to be--almost as though, even toward the end, even through all the bluster, he still read being “half Sin Eater” as wrong.

With that in mind, there didn’t seem to be much evidence to even tell Vauthry he was born because he was wanted. He was born because his ability was needed. If not for his father’s ambition, however sweetly that may have been disguised, then to defend Eulmore against the monsters he was a part of. His ability was needed, not even him specifically--and the Eulmorans, with all their wishes and dreams to be fulfilled, could easily enforce the belief on the child that who he was didn’t matter, what he may want did not matter, only what he could do for others mattered. And what he did for them wouldn’t matter if they knew the truth of him. What a terrible, conditional ”love”. It could explain why he was so cynical about human nature. (Even though his predictions about human nature in the face of a dying world 110% came to pass in the Black Rose timeline. 6_9 gg G’raha) 

Yet despite all this, Vauthry needed to be convinced he was doing good for the shattered world. He needed to be convinced what he was doing was right, despite having power enough to not care. If Amaurot was Utopia, then Eulmore reminded me very much of Ursula K. LeGuin’s Omelas--a paradise, at the cost of one child’s eternal suffering. 

Food For Thought (and Bad Writing(tm)):

A lot of people have a boner for the cannibalism implications of meol despite the bad math behind it, but fucking meol, how does it work? 

Sin eating historically was to cleanse one who has passed on of their earthly sins that they may find peace in the afterlife--this was done in different ways by different people, but one of the best known methods was ritualistically baking the sins of the dead into bread or cakes and consuming it. Yoshi-P has even said he thought of meol as a sweet bread. Quest text from the Unfulfilled Forager in Gate Town further backs up that meol is not meat-based:

(By the way, nothing was keeping this man from hunting a shit-ton of meat that was literally within walking distance.)

It suggests Vauthry could have been taught that by eating the sins of the world, a.k.a. Sin Eaters, a.k.a. meol (which in the Japanese version, was something he was apparently afraid of doing?) --he was saving someone’s soul. 

“And for thy peace I pawn my own soul. Amen.”

In reality, there would be a point Mr. Mayor would not know how to feed the Warden forced on his child. Humes don't have a natural method of feeding on "living aether", yet the Warden would not reach its full potency without it. Making meol could either involve an instinctive act on the Warden’s part, or it was taught--and that seems very much beyond his father’s area of expertise, OR Vauthry himself, so I’d almost wonder if the Ascians had a part in it.  But like mixing medicine in a favorite food, theoretically, the aether provided by meol would slowly build up. And as the Warden grew in power, it would need more, and more. It would explain that final “powerup” before Mt. Gulg.

Provided Sin Eaters have any living aether left. They never explained that bit. Sin Eaters have no bones, no blood, no meat, nothing but Light. We saw enough of them dissipate into the air, including in cutscenes. Even Tesleen, very recently turned, faded. There is nothing else to them but Light...and there should be nothing left but that “blank perfection”, the Eater would have ate the rest? So where is the “living aether” they require to survive?

Fresh-sliced sneater wing, empty as the plotholes of this arc.

I could buy him turning people into Eaters directly, but then what was the point of the bread?

That’s right folks, meol still doesn't make sense, surprise! Also: so many people in one city allegedly being "disappeared" over twenty years, from a stagnant population, to “feed” everyone every day--yet no panic, not so much as a hushed whisper about it? Eulmore is supposed to be the safest place anywhere -- no idea how it could gain that reputation with that theory. Square wrote Eulmore like it existed in a vacuum, no one knowing no one. The lack of depth is still jarring, three playthroughs later. Only one unreliable narrator of an NPC (Thoarich) even hinted this theory, to boot. 

Side note I thought was strange: you never see any of the normal food in Vauthry’s chamber actually eaten, it’s all untouched. I wonder if the Warden somehow eventually affected his ability to tolerate the food a Hume would normally eat.

That said, his “mind control” of the populace was laughably ineffective, so I wonder what even was the point of feeding them meol. Perhaps it was again the Lightwarden instinct to create more of its own kind. Nothing else seems to fit. “Oh no, this Eulmoran is staggering randomly around, muttering about Vauthry! How can we survive this onslaught?” Yyyyeah no, lol. Alphinaud confirmed the Eulmorans were acting of their own free will until that final showdown, so the mind control seemed to be a panic move--I wonder if it was even took conscious effort at that point, or just another instinctive SOS from the Warden. Given his father’s trouble with the smallfolk, I have to wonder if it was Former Mayor’s idea, if there was a real reason behind it. Not a reason that would make good sense, but nothing in this arc does make good sense, so.

The thing is, meol was an optional dish. No one was forced to eat it. So Vauthry must not have been relying on controlling or turning anyone.

But despite the fact meol defies their own game logic, Square really did seem to relish hinting at the dehumanizing, Austin Powers “haha fat guy eats people” trope anyway, and seriously. They could do better than that--I hoped they’d BE better than that. But here we are, the company that is supposed to go so hard against harassment takes an easy target and encourages a very specific negative response to it. This is the reason I believe Eulmore was such an inconsistent arc--they almost entirely depended on Vauthry’s appearance to carry the weak narrative, explaining very lttle of his actual motivations because that would ruin their weak-ass “gotcha” that he was the Lightwarden of Kholusia. Of course he’d be evil, just look at him! Right guys? Look! He’s fat! 

Just as they used nothing but thicc’qotes in the trailer to try establishing the evils in Eulmore. Thicc’qotes eating fresh fruit whilst having pleasant conversation is the root of it all in Square’s eye; not a noblewoman who tried to have her maidservant murdered, not the nobleman who pushed his bodyguard over the rails, or even that asshole on the balcony laughing about splitting someone’s head like a melon. No, fatness is the real wickedness. Square was full of shit for this one and it shows when looked at with even a little critical thought. I don’t know what I expected of someone who requested a human “Jabba The Hutt” to be the last-minute midboss, someone who looked at a heavier Lakshmi and said “that’s not cute”, or a jackass who told a cosplayer they needed to lose weight onstage at FanFest 2014.

Even more disappointing? All these questions here, all these inconsistencies? For the majority of the playerbase, “he’s fat” was good enough. The Ascians get a million thoughtful theories. One of their victims? The playerbase thinks he manifested from the womb as you see him in game. They don’t stop to think of what it implied, to be born corrupted and groomed as a tool not only for Ascians, but his own father. They avoid the fact the fandom darling directly violated a woman and child’s bodily autonomy even as they insist on Vauthry taking absolute 100% responsibility for everything he was made specifically to do. And there’s just one difference between him and literally every other villain in this game, aside from the fact he had no choice. Yeah. As much as some players hate to hear it, if Vauthry had swapped models with the fandom darling, we wouldn’t be hearing justifications for mass murder/dictatorships/skeevy noncon. We would definitely be hearing how Vauthry was used, though--and how tragic his story is.

Some players bring up Dulia-Chai as though she somehow counters all the bodyshaming bullshit elsewhere. It doesn’t. She was still in place along with all the other thicc’qotes as Square’s fucked-up shorthand for excess and indolence. I had to learn she kept books for the Stoneworks in optional dialogue. Maybe if she didn’t talk about cakes and such so much, but I mean, that’s what fat people do, right? 

So if you’re laughing at fat men, we fat women know you’re actually laughing at us, too. Git gud or stop embarrassing yourselves.

“Tyranny”, aka you keep using that word, I don’t think it means what you think it means:

Whatever the Ascians did to make sure Vauthry’s "Ascension" was a time-release event, the "madness and fury" clearly had taken him when we met him in Shadowbringers. Punishments for those having broken the laws of the city changed from exile into vicious death sentences. Suddenly the God talk, where not even Alphinaud had heard that. It really makes a case that Vauthry was slowly declining into madness the longer he was exposed to the Warden--in fact, Thancred sort of confirms it, during the trailer: “This town certainly has changed, but not at all for the better.” He was only on The First for five years. 

Vauthry likely had no introspective dialogues because much of who he actually had been was already gone, and the player is left with his remaining drive to do “good” and “justify your existence” wrapped around the instincts of a Lightwarden.

Yet a lot of things remain that really contradict the "bones of the poor" narrative the writers were trying to push about the city, and many times I felt a real disconnect between what our party was saying and what Eulmore was actually doing. A lot of it implies that, despite the Warden utterly subverting Vauthry as per the hard rules of Tempering, there was benevolence at work, once. The Minstreling Wanderer said that he could not say whether Vauthry was wicked in his youth, and I take this as a sign he was not. 

First off, let’s just get this out of the way: The Crystarium also expected you to work for the city in some form if you were expecting to stay there.

”Layabouts”: a people who were the main line of defense against the Sin Eaters for all The First for eighty years, until the futility of it, and all the loss, broke their spirits entirely. Just another sample of how Square intended Eulmore be shown as fat=lazy, despite their own lore--until Square was lazy themselves and didn’t finish the thicc’qote models so Eulmore would be exclusively fat bodies as shown in the trailer. 

The narrative often fudged with writer omnipotence regarding the protagonists, pressing to cast Eulmore in a negative light because they’d given up hope, even though loss is so important in excusing the Ascians’ actions. Our party had the WoL, whom they knew not only had a good chance of defeating Lightwardens, but G’raha seemed to know the WoL could contain them. Your average native inhabitant of the First would not be far off the mark feeling hopeless about the world, though, because they didn’t know about these extraordinary circumstances. Most of their oceans were lost in the Flood, and that in itself, realistically, is a death sentence. It’s all well and good G’raha was so perky and hopeful, and all well and good the game contrived a convenient deus ex machina to fix the issue (they never really addressed the issue anyway), but none of the locals could know any of this. I can see why Eulmore would think the Scions were full of shit, because for 80 years after the Flood, Eulmore tried to stop the Sin Eaters and could not. Honestly, I expected more sympathy for the Eulmorans, because they had been the front line for so long and lost so much. But lol fatties amirite?

Now, Square tried to dabble in many other Enlightened Social Commentaries with Eulmore, but immediately contradicted themselves so many times I was constantly asking myself why Alphinaud was being so goddamn extra dramatic. Gate Town/The Derelicts:

Not at Eulmore’s hand, Alphinaud honey, you can’t solo farms or communities. The people who remained behind were borked over by the ones who left. What are you even trying to say here, Square, help me out. Generosity--”largesse”-- is bad? Abandoning what you have, all others  be damned, for something you were never given a promise of receiving....good? Sympathetic? Seriously, what is your point here, Square? How does this equal Eulmore being malicious? How does this not make the bulk of Gate Town hopefuls a bunch of dipshits? Wright is in sight from Gate Town, but no one ever thought going there might be better?

If Square meant for Eulmore to seem a prison for the “poor”, they did a shitty job of that, considering: 1) A big point about Gate Town was that the people staying there left viable homes, farms, and communities for a chance at getting in, a chance that was never guaranteed by anyone, and they refused any alternatives Alphinaud offered them, plus

2) No one was keeping anyone from leaving if they wanted to. No guards, no masked vigilantes, no rando singing Hotel California in your ear.

So ruthless a prison, there were not only invisible guards holding you against your will, there was an Amarokeep waiting in the Derelicts to whisk you away for 70 gil so you can pretend to make a daring escape, straight to the freebie Amaro that will take you to The Crystarium. Tell your friends! Tell Alphinaud! He will literally buy anything this expac.

- “Young Kai-Shirr” getting into Eulmore was never a “matter of life or death”, and I can’t tell if that was Alphinaud being pretentious again or the writing was just that bad. Kai-Shirr was offered work at the Crystarium and he refused it, “it has to be Eulmore”. How is that on anyone but him? (Plus why does no one ever question Kai-Shirr’s complete lack of caring for why Alphinaud wanted in, if that was true? Was Kai-Shirr then not dooming Alph to “death” instead when he robbed him? That’s not very cash money of him.)  

This isn’t “life or death” either.

Neither is this.

Nnnno. 

Considering Stilltide reported they have fish for all, and Wright’s trouble was not enough people, this is not only not “life or death”, but fucking creepy. Hopefully this better illustrates my confusion of what we were being told vs. what we were being shown in Gate Town/The Derelicts.  d( ᐖ )

- The citizens In Gate Town/The Derelicts were not at the mercy of a "contest" to be let in. It was shown to be literally a help wanted board with jesters, and the “contest” was “do you have this certain skill someone is looking to hire”. I guess the Crystarium will hire a fishmonger to do the work of a chirurgeon or something? 

The jongleurs were otherwise just "rule of cool", I guess--although the significant look the Red gave us, followed soon after by Emet-Selch’s lurking outside the Offer, made me wonder if they were not acting as monitors on Vauthry for the Ascians. 

- There was at least one person in the Derelicts from the Crystarium, looking to make a quick gil on the extravagant “refuse” of the city, and several locals were doing the same. I guess those “layabouts” inside the city had their uses after all, Katliss.

- Meol was not the only food given to those outside the city. Produce and such that was not “pretty” enough for the fussy free citizenry was distributed to those camping the outskirts. 

I’d have expected a “tyrant” to let that produce rot. Catty in Stilltide confirmed there was enough fish for everyone living there, and Zia-Bostt above seems to back that up. Game in the field was also aplenty even in terms of map mechanics--this was not some form of forced famine to hold the smallfolk in a state of dependence. Eulmore was still paying the villages for produce. 

So much for the exploitation of big, bad Eulmore! 

Again, Alphinaud himself bemoaned how the people were there of their own choice, and how they refused any and all alternatives he presented them with. The people in Gate Town wanted to wait for Eulmore, they left their own homes and farms freely for Eulmore, screwing over their neighbors in the process--and that is not Vauthry’s fault, that is on them? 

Hurricane Florence left my husband and I homeless a while. You do not fucking pass up sure shelter and work and food to wait instead for a nebulous chance at Hollywood or Las Vegas--and if you do, that’s all your own tomfoolery, that’s not “injustice”, no BONES OF THE POOR required. It’s common sense, Square, goddamn lol 

The Free Citizenry:

- The rich would not be permitted into the city if they did not give up their wealth  for the benefit of all living there. This was a condition for the rich only. There is zero indication those funds were being put into Vauthry's pocket; it ran the city, and both free and bonded enjoyed the results (there seemed far more bonded residents in Eulmore than free, to boot.). There's a policy that would never fly in at least two allied citystates, lol.

It raises the question, if Wrenden and Former Mayor were so damn equitable, how were there even rich to begin with? There’s an old noble in Vauthry’s Eulmore who apparently does not know how to tie his shoes without a servant--a.k.a., the idle rich existed before Vauthry even came into power. The dialogue of Vauthry’s father also made it seem that these were systems in place long before he his son was even born -- except Vauthry’s system did not allow their hoarding of wealth, and distributed it instead to the benefit of everyone in the city. It was also a system that was so satisfactory, both free and bonded citizens became loudly dissatisfied after he was gone. 

- The rich were the only ones guaranteed “Ascension”, and if you want to call that a perk I’m going to assume it’s because the entire system relied on their dosh--technically, they already did their “work” for the city. (”Buying a stairway to Heaven”, as it were.) So much for those "bones of the poor", Alph. Statistically, if bones built Eulmore, it was the bones of the rich.

Until Gaia, Ascension was only mentioned twice, but again, no real context was given. (jfc Square, we shouldn't have to buy an overpriced lorebook for this.) First time was the Weeping Warbler chain. Going by the quest dialogue, it sounded very much like something offered as mercy to terminal illness or otherwise impending death, as the Warbler's creepy patron lamented how he almost wished he could hasten his own to join her (btw, the right answer to that poor girl's fear that she'd be a burden more than a treasure was "YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR VOICE”,  asshole. >:| ). Players at the time were legit “oh that poor old man, she’s like his daughter :CCCCC” Ahahaha oh my sweet summer children

Either way, "Ascension” was definitely implied to be entirely voluntary. It was implied there were even rules and conditions to be granted it. And Vauthry did not seem to push anyone towards the idea, it was just there. (If it was for terminal illness, though, consider the following: Thoarich seemed confident the Warbler would live, but may lose her voice. If you have to be terminal to be Ascended, ironically Vauthry may have refused her patron's request.) The second mention was from Vauthry himself, for his “trial” when the Lightwarden awakened--so he certainly, tragically, believed what he claimed it was.  The Bonded Residents:

- Even at his worst, there is no indication that the free citizens were encouraged by Vauthry to abuse their workers; in fact, the Amiable Maiden and her Ardent Attendant implied heavily that appreciation and respect for one's bonded was the ideal that was pushed by Eulmore, that "love for one's fellow man". 

At no time were the bonded residents “slaves” (a new accusation from Twitter). They were “bonded” to the patrons who hired them by a work contract, and they sought those jobs willingly. No one kept them from leaving Gate Town, only kept them from getting in without a work arrangement--again, a prerequisite the Crystarium also had according to Katliss. The bonded residents were paid, and apparently paid well. 

As the WoL, we were also bonded to the Chais, and were able to come and go later. It was like the writers knew they needed to sit the fence so the free citizens would be redeemable enough to help with the immersion-breaking giant Talos plot later, and so never pushed Eulmore to the evils they talked about but never showed--leaving behind the most disconnected, self-sabotaging arc I’ve ever seen from this MMO.

An evil slaveowner at work.

Alphinaud rewarded for being an agreeable yet melodramatic young boy.

- The bonded we met who fled Eulmore had fled their patrons, not Vauthry himself--even the Warbler thought Vauthry a “great man”. No one in Eulmore feared him.

- Tristol’s “grave sin” to be patronless and penniless was contradicted by Fathana, whose patron had died some time ago, and yet she remained in the city without one to help new workers--because her patron had been so kind to her. The clerk whom you first speak to upon entering Eulmore even says that if you are “fired” or otherwise lose your patronage, you can try to find another patron to remain in the city or work as a general laborer like Fathana until, presumably, you do find another patron. Or maybe you don’t even need a patron, and you are allowed to stay as your own boss at that point, she certainly was.

Since the Chais helped us leave the city, I’m not at all sure why they didn’t do the same for Tristol, especially if Vauthry’s violence was a well-known thing. It’s almost like violence from Vauthry wasn’t expected, and they’d never think that would happen. I mean, some recent time ago, Vauthry only exiled thieves from Eulmore.

(Hell, Square may have even fudged Tristol’s punishment, implying Vauthry had ordered him tossed off the balustrade of The Offer. Vauthry’s balcony appears to be the one directly above The Path To Glory, right above the gates into Eulmore. There doesn’t seem to be ocean nearby at any realistic distance or angle from that balcony. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

- Laws that we saw in effect were for the benefit of patrons and bonded citizens alike. There was nothing to suggest those laws were unreasonable, either. The punishment became fuck no unreasonable (though as I pointed out earlier, the punishments seemed to ramp up in violence the longer the warden was part of him, from exile to a literal pound of flesh, much like Titania went from a benevolent ruler to Jumpscare Prime). But fraud being a crime is sort of expected anywhere, and creeps at the Beehive should not touch dancers unless dancers consent, lest they get the bouncer. ( another strangely thoughtful law for a “tyrant”. )

- The bonded residents inside seemed much happier with their lot than Alphinaud’s dramatic assessment, which was also confusing as hell. 

-  Entire families were allowed to enter if one member was hired. Alphinaud was able to drag us along with a minimum of fuss as his “assistant”. Vauthry’s definition of how one “gives” to Eulmore was not based solely on traditional work.

- Bonded residents were not afraid at all to speak of bending rules for perfect strangers when offering drinks to us, so Vauthry wasn't out prowling for blood 24/7 like an Inquisitor trying to fill their heretic quota. Not only was Dulia-Chai not afraid to go calm him down at the height of his rage, Chai-Nuzz didn't freak out at the idea she'd do it. Nuzz. Wasn’t nervous. Yeah, let that one sink in 9_6

The only time Vauthry acted seemed to be when an issue was brought forward directly to him. Otherwise, it seemed like standard Lightwarden behavior: stasis, until presented with a real and immediate threat to itself, which in Vauthry’s case was a threat to the order of his city, or the ones killing Lightwardens.

For allegedly being aggressive against Kholusia's neighbors, Vauthry seemed to have taken the Crystarium's refusal of his offer to lead them back in the day really well, as in, he did jack shit in retaliation and accepted it. In fact, he was so warlike, Emet-Selch was surprised Vauthry would move that army, even for a very clear threat against fulfilling the false destiny Emet-Selch forced on him. 

While on the subject of aggression, the people in Amity have dialogue indicating they feared Vauthry would send the army after them--which he obviously never did, in all 20 years of his reign.  

- “No one leaves” except hey whoa there hi, Lue-Reeq, who comes and goes as he pleases. Plus that bonded resident who came to Wright looking for ale. Plus us, also bonded residents, because Dulia-Chai once again had nothing to fear from Vauthry.

Also anyone who was exiled previously. For supposedly wanting to keep people inside Eulmore, Vauthry sure was terrible at doing it lmao

GCBTW: I'd really love to see Square and Alphinaud be similarly vocal and insistent with the actual horrors our own Allied city-states commit without the corruption of a Lightwarden in play. The selective outrage/pearl-clutching is really immersion-breaking.

Ishgard: “Highborn” genuinely exploiting the “lowborn” every other sidequest to this day. Genocide of the Au Ra. At least two FATEs, one job quest, one lorebook entry, and one dungeon indicate Ishgard has fucking disgusting levels of rape carried out by figures of authority. Rent is being charged for people from the Brume--the homeless, destitute people in the Brume--to live in the Firmament, but they can arrange payment plans! And this was all talked about while one of them was shivering in the cold nearby. What, can't the highborn be arsed to share what they have? Eulmore is the height of wickedness because they couldn't cram an island full of people into one tower, but Ishgard's our pal even though they can't manage to make space in their mansions for one small area of one city. My God, Vauthry had FOOD in his chamber, shame!--but that's okay, Aymeric, you rock that extravagant dinner spread in the dating sim cutscene. Maybe the Brume can fight over the Ishgardian Muffin crumbs.

(Yes, I know, Vauthry had more food than that in his chamber. He’s also approaching fifteen-plus feet tall. Proportionally, the food in his chamber would be the equivalent of you or me living on cocktail peanuts and thimbles of water. Once more, Square was so fixated on fatphobia they didn’t do the fucking math.)

Doma: “Hey yeah look guys I know child trafficking is bad but let’s just smile and nod at this guy who did it to Yotsuyu and give him a different post, okay? Okay. Remember to be polite. We will never speak of this again.”

“Let me laugh about your beliefs and call them bullshit while I angle you into a war that isn’t even yours, Xaela tribes.” Gridania: Lets people straight up die if the “elements” tell them it’s okay. Exiling a child for stealing a bag of flower seeds is normal and totally not at all fucked up. Open and accepted racism against the Duskwights with no sign of Kan-E-Senna saying fucking stop that shit.

Ul’dah: Human trafficking. Child trafficking. Human lab rats. Using prisoners for blood sports. The Syndicate living it up in finery, giving exactly nothing to people living in the streets. Notoriously corrupt Brass Blades. More implications of fucking disgusting levels of rape. Turning away the Doman refugees when they literally had nowhere else to go and nothing left. We smiled and nodded when Godbert said people mustn’t be given charity, they must work for their own good.

Limsa Lominsa: Fucks over the “beast tribes” at every opportunity, then complains they summon Primals.

But remember, folks, it was Vauthry’s Eulmore that was the real evil we had to desperately move against. Not the newer, capitalist Eulmore that didn’t feed two guys from Wright because they couldn’t afford it, shoosh those “bones of the poor” don’t count. The writers tried to retcon a lot in 5.1, it seemed--suddenly, it was implied people were forced to leave villages, conscripted, etc. Except the people were still there to tell us otherwise in 5.0, and there was still no sign of any Eulmoran forces keeping them in Gate Town. We went from Alphinaud demanding the free citizens take responsibility for what they’d done in Eulmore to posthumously blaming Vauthry’s “bad influence” for everything up to and including a noblewoman’s attempted murder of her maidservant, because the noblewoman’s husband was creeping on the girl. 

Which leads us to another of my biggest peeves--all the while, despite “the truth” being so important when it came to Emet-Selch, the sins of Vauthry’s father and the suffering his wife and child endured because of Emet-Selch’s direct hand are left unspoken. We smile and nod silently to Eulmorans and then offer them up Vauthry and his “bad influence” as an excuse for their own misdeeds. I’ve never felt less a “hero” in this game as I did then. Yet Emet-Selch, who committed this atrocity on a child, was called a HERO because fandom darling, while the child is vilified and thoroughly dehumanized.

It’s really telling how much blind condemnation the fanbase dealt to Vauthry for reasons that were completely inaccurate, while the fandom darling of this expansion was 100% the founder of not one, but two civilizations based on domination, the most recent being a nation whose canon creed is  "No lands must remain beyond our grasp. Go forth. Conquer. Rule.", a nation whose people have a habit of calling all the “lesser races” they conscript “savages”. Fandom Darling was also hype af for Black Rose and called it worthy of his bloodline! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

It’s really telling that the fanbase will randomly accuse Vauthry of being a sexual predator with Sin Eaters based on exactly zero evidence (but a lot of projection on their part), while the fandom darling 100% canonly used the actual Solus zos Galvus’ enthralled body to sire a child with Galvus’ unwitting wife, and going by the dialogue--

--he’s done that before. No wonder consent was no big deal when he made that offer to Former Mayor. But this was played for sympathy because fandom darling and what do you know, the fandom bought it.

Square “both sided” actual authoritarian characters--actual colonizers, actual mass murderers of entire worlds, actual skeevy-ass characters who don’t care about consent because “not really alive”--called it “heroic”, even (the latter was called “moral relativism”, and it’s genuinely unnerving how many players pushed that as absolution or relatable)--but throughout the course of the main expansion and two subsequent patches,Square went all-in that the fat guy who had his agency and sanity stolen from him in utero to be used as a tool of destruction was the real tyrant. We the player were encouraged to buddy up with E-S while we were never once given the option to wonder if something was terribly amiss with Vauthry, if he may need help. They didn’t even spare us a “jfc that poor man, the Eaters got to him” when he blindly twisted his neck 180 to neither see nor hear us. He was still “evil” because reasons, a.k.a., he was fat.

TL;DR, the playerbase: 

I remain unconvinced the Ancients were not clever enough to suspect summoning the “Will Of The Star” may have an effect on their own wills, as their wishes for Zodiark carried an unspoken need for the Elder Primal to be granted control to achieve its end. Emet-Selch stated that Tempering was to be “expected”, even “natural”, though his appearance towards the end of 5.3 seems to contradict Tempering: has there ever been another instance that a Tempered being was able to act directly against the best interests of the primal that holds them in thrall? Elidibus sure couldn’t. 

Disclaimer: I actually have no issue with liking the Ascians, be it shipping, writing, art, porn mods, whatever. But if you come into my yard with nothing but shit talk for Vauthry on reblogs of my art, yet have all the praise for the one who made him, you’re going to hear in my personal space about why you’re a hypocrite. Often. With receipts.

The End.

First off, it’s popular in the fandom to say the Lightwarden was Vauthry’s real body because it’s just so damn inconvenient to the dating sim mentality that the fat guy was the default. Thing is:

That is Innocence’s head and its wings inside Vauthry’s split-open back during the pre-phase two “transformation”. Between that and the second face that appeared to cave in most of Vauthry’s chest (on the heart side, interestingly enough), the face whose eyes opened and glowed upon the Warden’s “awakening”:

It doesn’t look at all like it was a “transformation”.  It looks like the Lightwarden emerged and absorbed what was left of its host’s physical form while still retaining Vauthry’s broken mind.  (Notice the nose, much longer than Vauthry’s actual nose, eye spacing, the bit of smile. That second face was the Warden.)

Before his death, Vauthry did not say "well dang, the Ascians promised I would be all-powerful so I could be evil! Curse them for cheating me!"

He said "Father told me...that I am hope. That I am righteousness. That I am...a god... That is why I was born...as man and sin eater both...I kept the people safe!"

Those lines make no sense if Vauthry interpreted Father’s manipulations as "haha I'm a spoiled evil brat I can do what I want". A spoiled evil brat wouldn't need to be convinced what they were doing was GOOD, would they? Why would that even have been a thing, wouldn't they just not care? He had the power to not give a shit. Instead, he would see his peoples’ “dreams fulfilled, their wishes granted.” EDIT - Canon as of 5.3 appears to support this analysis! \o/ 

Spoken at the end by G’raha Tia on the subject of enduring hope, and additionally supported by the Minstreling Wander, who told us in the Immaculate EX unlock he could not say if Vauthry was wicked in his youth. ”Vindicate his existence”. Vauthry was never in this for the evil selfish lulz. He believed he needed to prove the “half Sin Eater” heritage forced on him did not make him a monster, that it was good, that he was good, and he did it by doing everything he was gaslighted to believe was good by his father--until the Warden finally broke him entirely. To the people who debated so strongly he was just evil because reasons, or refused to hold other characters to the same standards of damnation they set for him because reasons, hope your shoe tastes good. Your reasons were always really clear, btw.

This remains the story of a child who needed a hero that never came, and players choose to discard it, like the free citizens snub produce, because Vauthry isn’t pretty enough for them. A fat character’s stolen life simply isn’t worth the effort of contemplation because the one who made him makes players horny on main.

What happened to this character, with just the little information the game gave us, was straight-up abuse. Yet too many in the fanbase thought no further than juvenile fat jokes (so cool) or unquestioning contempt for a character who was clearly in a state of mental breakdown (unless it was the fandom darling, he’s allowed, even if it destroys worlds) --while Square readily had their characters ace detective enough to detect his weight, but not his unnatural height, his pointed ears, his fogged over eyes, his bendy-straw neck, his second freaking face. Oh, and he can control Sin Eaters. Wait, you mean the Lightwarden was in him the whole time!? Seems legit gais, what an unexpected turn of events! 

ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ

[julibf]

WHY THE END OF GAME OF THRONES IS NOT WORKING FOR ME....

I told in some of my past metas, that I wrote after the show was done, why the ending was so unsatisfying and I am going to try to explain why here in some point. Its not because it was sad and heartbreaking, or some of our theories never really turned out to be true.

I am afraid to say, Its George RRM who is letting me down, not Benioff and Weiss. So lets start with the points that are making my head spin.

BRAN THE BROKEN KING

If accept Bran Stark as the final King of this story, I have to pretend I didnt read the past books A CLASH IF KINGS and a FEAST FOR CROWS, where we had very good contenders fighting for the Throne (Rob Stark, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, etc) Yes, some of those men were not so good from a moral point of view, but they brought strength, militar support, militar and political alliances, legitimate claims to the Throne...

I could go on and on and on. There is absolutely no reason for why would Yara Greyjoy would bend the knee to Brandon Stark and accept him as her leader and ruler; or the Prince of Dorne, or the Lords from the Westerlands. This choice is absolutely absurd and if you read the books you would know that picking a boy king, with no claim to the Throne or no powerful armies makes any sense at all. Whe we add the fact Bran had hardly any experience ruling or leading people during the 7 years of this story, this pic gets even more and more bizarre.Not to mention, I really dislike the idea that humans are incapable to control their own emotions, and because of that we must pick a God like creature with no emotions.

 I understand George wanted a surprising ending and he wanted to go against the expectations, but this choice is an utopia. I cant get behind this choice. I am sorry.

TYRION HAND OF THE KING

Again, do I have to pretend I didnt read the books and actually know that being a Kingslayer is a very terrible sin to carry on Westeros??? Tyrion is not a beloved figure in this story, even before he killed his own father, Tywin Lannister.

Tyrion decision to kill his father, not only started the downfall of House Lannister, it also made the entire region of the Westerlands political weaker and more vulnerable to future attacks.He must be a very despised figure in the entire realm. Yet, he will be the second person in charge of Westeros??

At this point I am at loss of words. I have no idea what George is planning with this.

JON KILLING DAENERYS AS A LOVER IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.

Awful, terrible, horrible idea. Any way you slice, this was a terrible idea to end such amazing novel. Its corny, outdated and down right dangerous, considering we live in a world where females are at risk of being murdered by their male partners all the time.

This is such underwhelming decision, in a sea of underwhelming decisions that I am starting to think George was simply trying to make us all hate this ending.

We could have the realm raising in Rebelion against the Queen of Ashes; we could have second Dance of Dragons; We could have Arya using her underused superpowers as a Faceless men to kill Daenerys. No, we will have Jon Snow, still making excuses for Daenerys terrible behavior, begging her to start acting better???? telling her she will always be his queen while putting a dagger into her heart!!!

Again, this ending is coming from George himself. I cant really blame the D’s for this mess.

JON SNOW AND DAENERYS TARGARYEN ROMANCE WAS ANOTHER TERRIBLE IDEA.

Awful, terrible, horrible idea. Any way you slice, this was a terrible idea to end such amazing novel. If you dont believe Political Jon theory, then Jon Snow is just a completely fool, who fell in love with a tyrant, closed his eyes to all her terrible behavior and in the end was forced to kill the love of his life to save humanity. He is a idiot. and it breaks my heart that this is how Jon Snow will be remembered by audiences.  Some people keep on telling me. “Oh, by, I dont think this is how George will write him, I think its going to be much better” But I have to say, I dont think it will.

I do believe Jon was playing Dany in the beginning of their romance and was manipulating her in order to use her dragons and armies to save the North, but I also believe that once he finds out she is his family too, he became a little torned between his Targ and Stark family. He is a family man in the end of the day and he must feel some sort of guilty for his actions towards D@ny.

I think that George will keep Political Jon hidden between the lines, just like the show did. He may write much better and be more obvious, but I dont think it will ever be revealed explicit to the audience. And this is what kills his character. If he doesnt reveal to the audience that Jon was playing Daenerys, than it seems Jon Snow never really learned anything from his past 10 years and it sucks!!

No matter how you slice it, if George will keep Jon’s actions hidden and make the audience believe he is madly in love with this entitled monster and will keep on defending her until the very end and this is the character assassination of Jon Snow.

If, he is madly in love with Dany and has to be told several times that he must kill her to save the world from her tyranny, he is an IDIOT who never learned a damn thing in his life. If he DOESNT love Dany, but out of duty still is loyal to her, and has to be told several times to kill her in order to save the world, he is an IDIOT who never fucking learns anything. I dont get what George is doing here. He is destroying the character he spend so much time bulding as a hero, but that's exactly what he wants to do it. Maybe there are NO HEROS. (what a shit message).

I wished Jon and Dany had been just allies and later became enemies. This would be a much better ending for both characters.

CHARACTERS ARCS THAT SEEMS POINTLESS BY THE END OF THE STORY....

Jaime can not put Cersei behind him and comes back to die with her in the end;

Jon Snow can never, ever, ever learn with his mistakes and is still struggling after so much pain and misery in his life, over duty and honour.

Jon Snow years and years learning to be a leader and ruler is absolutely pointless and he is sent back to the Wall, where he started???

Sansa, who dreamed about love and family all 5 novels, ends this story completely alone;

Arya, who desperate wanted to go back home since season 1, leaves once again, this time for good??? leaving her younger brother alone in the South (where Stark men dont do well), her sister alone in Winterfell and Jon all alone at the Wall. WHAT THE FUCK?????

Daenerys can never overcome her family tragedy of Fire and Blood, and becomes the monster her father was;

In fact, it seems that its impossible for humans to evolve and become better people than their parents, a God like creature must rule us all, otherwise we are lost. (I can not repeated enough times, what terrible message this ending is, and its no even true!!!!, we live in a world of no magic, and we were able to produce rules who brought us peace, progress and humanity.)

THE COMPLETE LACK OF JOY, LOVE AND HOPE....

What really got me by surprise in the end, it was how sterile and hopeless this entire story felt. George once said that he writes so much violence, deaths and rapes in his novels because it is part of real medieval life and would be a lie to avoid those themes in his books, but you know whats also real part of medieval life?? Marriages? Marriage alliances, happy normal ones, who produce children, heirs, LIFE, FUTURE!!!

Oh we had weddings on ASOIAF, but most of them ended in slaughter, death, rape, misery. I dont think we had one happy birth inthis entire story? Gilly had a child from her father rapist and Edmure was able to produce a child too, but his bride Roselin was actualy in tears when they had sex (because she was aware of the Red Wedding plans) 

What a miserable tale this was. Our heros never really get to experience real joy. They never get to fullfill their childhood dreams. But they do get to be raped and abused, so, maybe thats ALL IT REALLY happened in the medieal times. Oh wait, its not tue, The War of the Roses ended with the marriage of Henry Tutor and Elizabeth of York. They had a very happy marriage and produced several children. 

In our story, we dont get to have laughter, joy, happiness or hope for a future. We do get several pages of Theon being tortured and dismembered in the books; or Sansa being physically and mentally abused; or Jon being consumed by loneliness and grief. But I guess, thats all it happened in the medieval times, so..........

Funny thing is, you see, before the story started, marriages and children were a common occurence in Westeros. Ned and Cat had several children; Cersei and Robbert had 3; Lysa was able to produce a child too; The Tyrells keep on making babies, even God damn Lyanna Stark, who only spent a few months married to Rheagar, was able to had a child. What miracle, its almost like those events were normal facts in those days.

In our story, no House can produce children, even bastards!!! Jon, Theon and Tyrion had quite lots of sex during this story, yet no children was ever produced. Maybe all men in Westeros became sterile, once ASOIAF started it. 

AS YOU SEE....

By the end of the day, I am disappointed in George, not really the TV show, which is even more sadder. I think he wrote a very beautiful story, but his ending is taking away all my joy for those characters and this novel. I know he wanted avoid the expected and subvert the expectations, but he is shooting his own story in their foot. And its braking my heart.

What terrible way to end such fascinating tale...

“[Bran] will be a good ruler bc he’s inhuman - which is a very depressing message. GoT was always about the struggle between human good & human evil w/in each person. Bran being king suggests that the solution to human evil isn’t human good, it’s being not human.”  

ALT SHIFT X described in great words, how I felt about this ending, and you could sense his disappointment in the final message of this story too. It's was an extremely nihlistic ending. Westeros hasn't changed in facts it's worse politically. 

A SONG OF ICE ANF FIRE VS LORD OF THE RINGS....

Now, lets compare this to LORD OF THE RINGS ending, who also got a bittersweet ending. Remember, George RRM is always comparing those stories and believes he is having a conversation to Tolkien. 

Honest to God, in comparison LOTR looks like a Disney movie. It has a beautiful coronation ceremony, humanity came together to save the world from evil, and THEY TRIUMPHED!!!! There is JOY, LOVE, HOPE. Aragorn is King of the Reunited Kingdom, the people love and admire him (can we say the same about King Bran?) . 

He marries his childhood love, Arwen and produce an heir. This brings hope and a sense of future for the reader. This story is uplifting, its inspiring, its quite frankly, a good story. 

Its impossible not feel good about this story and the ending is one of the reasons this story has touched so many people, from all over the world and has remained a classic. Because, the tale of humanity coming together to defeat the evil is a theme that its always occurring in our life times. This is something that Tolkien experienced personally, having to fight in the WWII.

The nazis were defeated because several countries, put aside their differences and fought for the good of humanity and yes, it is possible. And after WWII we actually managed to achieve a lot of humans rights for several people who were considered less in the early century. 

In GOT there was no joy or celebration, no weddings to form new alliances; to make peace; no births to bring new heirs, to bring a hope for the future. In fact, most wedding in the show were always associated with death and pain. Death and pain, yes, there was a lot of death and pain in ASOAIF. Thats all it has to offer the reader and viewer? Death, pain and misery??

I understand that George wanted to do the different and not give what the reader really wanted. But I have to be honest to you, in my opinion, this was a unfulfilling, uninspiring, unpleasant story. I said a few times, i have no desire to re read those long books. This story brought me no joy. And I understand that, stories are not obliged to bring us joy, but, they are supposed to make sense. And, I just dont think the ending made a lot of sense for those who read the books. Hey, maybe that was our mistake. Hee

What sad story :/

[dominiodei]

Revelations: Dominion

(a transcription of syfy’s official dominion lore)

CHAPTER 8

LIFE IN NEW DELPHI

Throughout the Cradle, New Delphi is rumored to be an egalitarian utopia where 8-balls and humans live side-by-side in peace. While the city is founded upon progressive tenets such as equality and justice for all, Julian, the city’s Dyad leader, harbors a hidden agenda for ultimate power and revenge.

As a Dyad, Julian’s drive for revenge stems from both his human and angel sides. Before Julian (the human) was possessed by the spirit of Lyrae (the Higher Angel), he was an Air Force Captain stripped of his rank when he released an unguided missile, and unintentionally caused hundreds of civilian casualties. As a result of his error, Julian was removed from flight command in Iraq, and transferred to an administrative position at a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) annex outside Jackson, Wyoming. At his core, Julian was a military man defined by his rank. When he was pulled from the front lines and forced into a lowly office job, Julian suffered a harsh demotion akin to that of Lyrae, whose excessive violence caused Archangel Michael to banish him to the outer sphere of disembodied lower angels.

When the Extermination War began, Lyrae possessed Julian’s body and the Dyad emerged to battle for divine vengeance against the upper echelon of angels: Archangels Michael and Gabriel and their higher angel comrades.

Occupying a former NORAD facility, Julian benefited from the remaining defenses and ammunition of the military bunker, but to adequately prepare for war, he needed manpower. A charismatic and natural leader, Julian was able to recruit several lost humans to live with him in the bunker, but in light of mankind’s near-decimation, amassing a large group of soldiers proved a considerable challenge. When Rhais, a Higher Angel, brutally attacked their enclave, a secret cadre of disillusioned 8-balls rescued the Dyad and the humans he led. It was then that Julian realized that the possessed were the true soldiers he needed. He united the surviving angels and humans to form the city of New Delphi: the perfect recruiting base for his army.

From Rhais, the keeper of God’s Wrath, Julian acquired the Amphora of Darkness, an exceptionally powerful weapon and essential tool in forming his army. Because he is part angel, Julian could unlock the Amphora, and forcibly possess humans by drawing lower spirits to this last bastion of God’s power on Earth. Since God’s departure, endless angel spirits were trapped in the ether, and with the Amphora he could pull them down, insert them into human bodies, and create his army.

To draw enough bodies to New Delphi, Julian needed to create an appealing façade to attract humans and 8-balls alike. To the human survivors and disgruntled 8-balls that wandered the wastelands, Julian offered a rare combination of protection and freedom. Instead of ascribing to Vega’s V-system, or the Archangels’ penal system, in New Delphi, the humans and 8-balls could exist as equals in a classless society based on trade, and regulated by the code of “an eye for an eye.”

Julian upholds New Delphi with a seemingly just system based on give and take—but what Julian gives is no match for what he takes. The dark secret of New Delphi is that some of its humans will lose their bodies and souls to possession, and even the 8-balls are destined to serve the Dyad’s passionate need for retribution. While life in New Delphi begins with freedom and equality, it ends in servitude; over time, all of New Delphi’s citizens are doomed to be slaves, fighting Julian’s war.

[thisweekingundamwing]

TWIGW RoundUp (July 21 - 27)

Greetings Everyone! Here’s your roundup of contributions for this week. Check out their stuff and show them some love!😊💖 🌃🌉

~Mod TB

Fanfiction:

aminamenta, Mission Accepted (Part 19)

Rating: General Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: Multi

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Character: Heero Yuy

Additional Tags: Drabble Collection, Drabble

Summary: A Gundam Wing drabble collection based on r/fanfiction's July 2019 Daily Prompts. Missing moments and character explorations from a series I have loved for years. 100 words each. Mission Accepted. 1. Heero Yuy

ateventide, Echoes

Rating: General Audiences

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F, F/M, Gen

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Characters: Relena Peacecraft, Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Zechs Merquise

Summary: One Shots, Drabbles and mostly unfinished works

@bailong05, All the King's Horses (Ch. 6)

Rating: Mature

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: F/M

Fandom: Xiaolin Showdown/Gundam Wing

Relationships: Jack Spicer/Chase Young, Chang Wufei/Original Female Character(s)

Characters: Jack Spicer, Chase Young (Xiaolin Showdown), Chang Wufei

Additional Tags: fem!Jack, mentions of physical abuse, Mentions of Emotional Abuse, Mentions of Sexual Harassment, Panic Attacks, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Mentions of War, Trauma, Psychological Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Healing, Crossover

Summary: In which Chase Royally Fucks Up.

@bobo-is-tha-bomb, Unchain Utopia [COMPLETE - 14 chapters]

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Rating: Mature

No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Zechs Merquise/Reader

Characters: Zechs Merquise, Relena Peacecraft

Additional Tags: Romance, Fluff, Summer of Zechs, Summer of Zechs 2019, Sexual Content, Lime, Drama, Family

Summary: When unexpected political roles are pushed upon you and your husband, you find your life turned upside down. The challenge is far greater than anything you have encountered before, but also leads to new insights. And who knows, you might even find the ultimate happiness there. ZechsxReader

Written for Summer of Zechs 2019 - @seasons-of-gundamwing

The Bodyguard

Rating: Mature

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: F/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationship: Heero Yuy/Reader

Characters: Heero Yuy, Reader, Relena Peacecraft

Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Violence, Mild Sexual Content

Summary: When death threats start to get serious, Preventer sends an Agent to protect you. But this man might be more dangerous to you than any death threat. HeeroxReader.

In the End

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: F/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationship: Chang Wufei/Reader

Characters: Chang Wufei, Duo Maxwell, Reader, OC - Character

Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Violence, Reader Insert

Summary: Five years after the war you still struggle with its horrors. Determined not to let it get to you, you decide to take a course in self defense. If only you knew that your instructor would drive you crazy and that he would get you angry with one look. Oh, and did I mention he is also sexy as sin? WufeixReader

What’s going on Fanfiction wise (4)

Doii, Precogmare (Ch. 6)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Characters: Duo Maxwell, Heero Yuy

Additional Tags: Quatre Raberba Winner/Trowa Barton - Freeform, Chang Wufei/Sally Po - Freeform, Get Together, Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy - Freeform, Mission Gone Wrong

Summary: A mission gone wrong shows Duo the future that awaits them. Could he stop it on time? Can he protect Relena and the other pilots while keeping his secrets hidden? Wrote it ages ago, never published it. A lot of cursing and references to violence, death, blood and suicide. It's a Heero and Duo get together, background 03x04 and 05xS

@duointherain, Beneath (Ch. 12)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M, M/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationships: Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy, Trowa Barton/Quatre Raberba Winner

Summary: Duo discovers real catsup!

Experimental, Chase your dreams away

Rating: Mature

Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Category: M/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationship: Trowa Barton/Quatre Raberba Winner

Characters: Quatre Raberba Winner, Trowa Barton, Heero Yuy, Chang Wufei, Quinze (Gundam Wing)

Additional Tags: Canon Timeline, Dark, Not Really Character Death, Everyone Is Alive, Zero System, Mindfuckery, Guilt, Hurt/Comfort, Sharing a Bed, Romantic Friendship, I Will Go Down With This Ship

Summary: He watches them fall one by one when he closes his eyes. It doesn't matter if it's not real. It's his fault. That's real enough. "Bad dream?" Trowa asks him. The worst.

@janaverse, stickies from heero

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Pairing: 1+2+1, 1x2x1 (Heero x Duo)

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Characters: Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell

Additional Tags: Get Together, Friendship, Eventual Sap, Eventual Implied Sexual Content, Mentions of Trowa/Quatre/Wufei/Relena/Sally - for now

Creator Chose Not to Archive Warnings

Summary: heero and duo are in their mid-20's and are sharing a house. they are both working as preventers, but are not on the same work schedule. duo initiated this unique form of communication and heero has fully embraced it. [ these are images of the actual notes that heero leaves for duo on their refrigerator. ]

@helmistress, The Italian Job [Ch. 2 & 3 is up - now COMPLETE]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: F/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationship: Zechs Merquise/Lucrezia Noin

Characters: Zechs Merquise, Lucrezia Noin

Additional Tags: Summer of Zechs, Photo prompt, Prompt Fic, Zechs and Noin catchin' Cartel heads and Serial Killers in one fell swoop. And then having a nice dinner.

Summary: Zechs and Noin have a have a job to do in Siena but with all the beautiful scenery and unique places to eat, will they be able to focus?

kracken, Black Dog Blues (Ch. 9)

Not Rated

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationship: Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy

Characters: Duo Maxwell, Heero Yuy, Original Heero Yuy, Zechs Merquise, Quatre Raberba Winner, Chang Wufei, Trowa Barton

Additional Tags: gundam wing - Freeform, Yaoi

Summary: Duo is a troubled detective who solves cases with the help of visions of the supernatural. Unfortunately, those visions are driving him slowly insane. Can his new partner Heero Yuy save his soul and his sanity? AU

Lost in the Blue (Ch. 1)

Not Rated

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationships: Duo Maxwell/Heero Yuy, Trowa Barton/Quatre Raberba Winner

Characters: Wing (Gundam Wing), Gundam Wing - Character

Additional Tags: Preventers (Gundam Wing), Duo Maxwell - Freeform, Heero Yuy - Freeform

Summary: After the war everyone is a member of Preventers. Duo proves to be a pain in the ass to work with and Heero Yuy avoids him at all cost... until the day he can't any longer.

luvsanime02, Petty Bullets

Rating: General Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: Gen

Characters: Duo Maxwell, Heero Yuy

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Wild Wild West, Humor, Friendship, Cocktail Friday

Language: English 

Series: Part 78 of the Cocktail Friday Fics series Collections: GW Cockatil Fridays

Summary: Duo’s really not sure how to take his drink coming with an actual bullet encased in the glass.

@ransomedbard, A Good Day

Rating: Teen

Characters: Duo Maxwell

Dialogue cut from a WIP.

Implied violence, mentions of character death

Sheslikethis, The Unforgiven Soldiers

Rating: Mature

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, M/M

Fandom: Gundam Wing

Relationships: 6x5, 1x2 - Relationship, 3x4, 6xN, 1xR, 2xH, 5+S

Characters: Chang Wufei, Duo Maxwell, Heero Yuy, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner, Zechs Merquise, Sally Po, Relena Peacecraft, Hilde Schbeiker, Dorothy Catalonia, Lady Une

Additional Tags: Gay, Gay Character, Male Friendship, Love, Angst, Drama, War Crimes, Crime Fighting, Eventual Relationships, Gay Sex

Summary: How many times can you ask the earth forgiveness and be denied? How long will your love ones restrain you from being loved? How far must you go to find your true calling? A story about 6 six men were war has stolen their coming of age and they have to fight their own personal battles to find manhood. While insurgence groups, terrorist and misguided people all try to find peace.

@wingslanding, Broken (Ch. 12)

Fandom: Gundam Wing 

Rating: Mature 

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings 

Relationships: Relena Peacecraft/Heero Yuy 

Characters: Relena Peacecraft, Heero Yuy

Summary: One of the greatest love stories never told... this way.

Fanart/Manipulations/Graphics:  

@artthingymabob, Relena Peacecraft

@deathscythehell, 2x4x2 and an airplane

@dinmitbang, Desire to monopolize

@duointherain, Duo Maxwell

@hashiome, Chang Wufei

@janaverse, Heero, Trowa and Duo

@meporinbb, Summer Wild Beat

@openbookexam, Gundam Wing 01

Cosplay:

@elpheal, Gundam Wing:: Five 

@manabingu, Zechs's helmet > Zechs Merquise

Photosets/Screenshots/GIFs:

@animarchive, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (Newtype, 02/1997) > After War Gundam X and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (Newtype, 12/1996)

@animethingsandstuff, 3x4x3 (Episode 4) > Includes a discussion/debate w/ @seitou, @cynfinnegan, @gundayo and @terrablaze514.

@bobo-is-tha-bomb, Rough character sketches

@disturbed02girl, Relena Darlian (in “It’s Just Love” closing theme) > 1+R / 2+H > Wing Zero versus Epyon > WMS-03 Maganac > Nataku/Shenlong (GoL) > Treize Khushrenada (GoL) > Trowa Barton (GoL) > Heero Yuy in Epyon (GoL)

@janaverse, Duo Maxwell > Heero Yuy

@wingslanding, My Favorite Fight Scene (Endless Waltz)

Videos/AMVs: 

@myspicyuniverse, →Crash←

Studio aLf, "White Reflection" - Gundam Wing Endless Waltz (cover)

@theopmeats, 12 Favorite Moments in MSA: Gundam Wing > (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

@timelordnomad (featuring @offspringchick29 & @seitou) - Gundam Wing Game Night (1) (2) via Twitch.tv

Moodboards/Aesthetics:

@disturbed02girl, Gundam 40th “BEYOND” (Comic Con 2019)

@horrendousedits, Gundam Wing EW character moodboards

@jellyfishflan, Wild Wing Boys (stickers)

@p3ac3fulfor3st, All the King’s Horses (Ch. 6): Of Pride and Pain (for @bailong05)

Headcanons:

@incorrectgundamwingquotes, @softnocturne, @rinachiba - Cooking Headcanon!

@peachandbetty, Headcanon - Language (1xR)

@robo-rad, Send in your requests! > Different versions of Trowa

@theresareasonforthis, The Incredibles 2 << Mod’s note: This supports my idea of Trowa working on movies.

Memes:

@disturbed02girl, True warriors debate

@incorrectgundamwingquotes, Disaster idiots alignments > Lady Une versus Preventers > Time travel… (featuring @greenekangaroo & @chofitia)

@janaverse, Definition of glomping

Gunpla:

@bobo-is-tha-bomb, Wing 01 > "I will be true..."

@christianmswanson, Tallgeese (progress) > Tallgeese II > Tallgeese (update)

Gonzalo G. B., Gundam "The Fallen" (for a contest)

@waifus-of-hope, Kit arrives > Mission accomplished (Wing Zero) > Asking the Real Questions (video)

Meta/Promos/Fandom Discourse: 

@amyole, Gundam Wing App

@flaminfogelman, YouTube channel update

@invader-vel, The Initials: D. M.

@oneshortdamnfuse, No one versus… Me

Quotes:

@incorrectgundamwingquotes, Trowa shouldn’t put Marie in bed anymore

Submission by @travellemon

Hilde and Relena

Duo versus ZERO system

Relena proposes, but…

Trowa Barton

Trowa, Heero and Wufei

Wufei and Duo

Heero versus Zechs

What's your sexuality?

Dr. J and Heero

Quatre versus ZERO system

At Preventers HQ

Relena and the “cool’ blonde dude from class (Heero taught him manners in fencing class)

Submission by @bobo-is-tha-bomb

Field Medic

2x5x2

Heero and Trowa

Trowa, Heero, Duo and Quatre

Quatre and Heero (the others are avoiding the kitchen)

Trowa and Quatre

1x2x1 (2)

Undercover at a new school

Submission by @timelordnomad

Submission by @janaverse (2)

Quatre and Noin

Duo and Quatre

Trowa, to Catherine

Stranger Things parody

3x4x3 (2)

Aboard Peacemillion

Calendar Events:

@gundam-wing-bingo, Gundam Wingo is a go!

Come sign up for a card here: https://gundam-wing-bingo.tumblr.com/post/186080202031/gundam-wing-bingo

Rules for this event here.

@gundamzine, Interest Check

Hello, everyone! As 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. I thought I would post an interest check for a fanzine in celebration of that milestone. 

You can fill out the survey here, which will close on August 1.

( @fandomzines @zine-scene @zinefeed @zinewatch @zinesubmissions)

@gwcocktailfriday, Cocktail Friday

Post responses on Friday, August 2, between 3 & 5 pm in your own timezone.

Don’t forget to @ us!

@thisweekingundamevents, Gundam Wing Unorthodox Undercover Work Mini Bang

Calling all writers, artists, betas/editors and pinch hitters! Sign-ups are officially open for July! More detailed info here.

Sign up for the Mini Bang: https://forms.gle/XMAxNWiYj1EEaRtW8

GW Mini Bang = August 1 to November 30.

Deadline/Posting week =  December 1 - 7 (on AO3).

Get in contact with @helmistress if you have any questions. Everyone who signs up will be contacted.

Heads up Mini Bangers! (Update)

[ellnaturae]

Children of the revolution

CHARACTERS: Elliott Gilbert, Elard, Elena, Elham, Bob and Lazarus Black.

TIME & LOCATION: September 18th, 2019. Elard’s hidden place.

NOTES: Elliott goes to meet Elard again in hopes that they can get to talk.

Content Warning: Mentions of violence, abuse, slavery, death and murder. Very much Karin self-pandering right at the end.

Elliott knows the place, he has been there before once, when unsuccessfully he tried to start a conversation with Elard about the future of the magical community and what they could do to change it, if they did it together. But Elard had always been very proud, very strong headed, and even if he wouldn’t admit it, Elliott was too. He walks downstairs to a basement, the room is big, there is a table, some chairs, a couch, a tv, and a fridge, it looked like a nice home, a bit shabby, with a feel of improvisation and possibly stolen furniture,though oddly comfortable and warm, but at the same time Elliott felt cold, maybe because he was unwelcomed. It seemed like music plays somewhere, he isn't sure where it comes from, but he notices the tap of a foot to the rhythm.

"Ras Algethi" Elard deep voice calls him as he stands up from a chair and takes a few steps towards him stopping Elliott from entering more in the room, behind him still sitting on the table there is a blonde brawny woman, another shedim, he recognizes her from the last time he talked with Elard.

“My name is Elliott” he simply says in response.

Elena doesn't move but her eyes are fixed on Elliott, and he knows this, but he tries to seem confident. Next to her a new face calls his attention, a very thin man, with curly hair, dark skin, glasses and a tartan three piece suit, he drinks a glass of milk with a straw, as a crow rest on his shoulder. He is another shedim, Elliott can tell but he seems to not care much for the unexpected visit. Over the couch there is someone else lying down, their face is partially covered by their hoodie so he isn't sure if he already knows this person or not, they may be asleep he thinks and tries to step a little closer into the room.

Elard shows a smirk, but he doesn't really seem happy to see him, more like amused.

"Are you here to fight?" he says as if any other motive of his presence wouldn’t be satisfactory.

“I’m here to talk” Elliott answers.

“Ugh…” Elard complains “You always want to talk, but all you talk is none-sense” he directs a disgusted look towards Elliott.

“Caw! None-sense!” the crow speaks as if it was a parrot, and even if this confuses Elliott for a moment he then directs his eyes to Elard.

“You never want to listen, I’m surprised you know what I want to talk about at all...” even if he promised himself to be calm, so things didn’t end in a fight like last time, Elliott can’t avoid showing how upset he is.

“Oh, really? Enlighten me with your peaceful protests and your respectful debates” Elard mocks him “I’m tired of that garbage, and I’m tired of you coming here every time there is a big crisis in the magical community, like trying to convince me I should be on your side” Elard frowns “I’m not on your side, I’m not on those idiots sides either, I’m not going to be controlled by anyone, not by them, not by you, I plan to make my own revolution”

“Your own revolution? By joining forces and ending other people’s lives?” Elliott asks concerned “Didn’t you see what happened with the Fae? How is that going to end well? Who is going to benefit from that?”

The figure on the couch moves and sits up, his hoodie no longer covers his face but Elliott has yet to look at him and realize who that person is.

“Don’t you understand?” Elard speaks loud “We won’t have real freedom until the last one witch who knows the spell is dead and gone”

“We can be better than that” Elliott insists “We can find a way to break the spell, to destroy it, to erase it, there must be a way” even though he knows it has been a long process that someone has to still yet find a solution to “and we can fight together for our rights, for a better future, so this community grows stronger and evolves.”

“Don’t be naive, who is going to give us the answer to that? There is no book, no person, who is going to be giving us the information, that knowledge is passed down from one son of a bitch to the next, and man, you know how much they don’t want us to know” Elard expression turns dark, hurt “not even you in your fancy school have the answer, do you?”

Elliott looks down to the floor, partially ashamed that even if he wanted to dedicate all his time to that task, in all these years he hasn’t found anything truly relevant for it. Elard was right in that, whoever, if someone, had the answers to the defeat of that spell they weren’t going to give it away to shedim, and definitely won’t let them have access to anything that would even allude to it.

“I don’t… but that doesn’t mean that-” Elliott tries to rush because he knows Elard will try to interrupt him and he does.

“See, you have nothing, you just have fake hopes, a nice speech and a handsome face, some people may listen to you because of that, but that doesn’t make you right” Elard complains “These are the options, you are with us or you are with them” he says bitterly.

“You know is not that simple, and you know I’m definitely not on their side” Elliott frowns, suddenly even if Elard had always been taller than him he seems even bigger, intimidating, but he stands his ground “If we don’t stand together, we fall apart”

“Are you a pop song? Give me a break” Elard mocks “I’m not going to stand next to you knowing you are going to leave me behind”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Elliott asks annoyed, Elard and him are face to face, standing each a bit closer to each other as if trying to intimate just by standing there “Me? Leaving you behind? That’s rich”

“You were such a fierce warrior!” Elard shouts “I wanted you by my side, when I started making plans you were there, you wanted to join me, we could have made great leaders for the revolution” his tone shows anger but his facial expression shows sadness.

“I never wanted that” Elliott says sorrowfully “I admired you, what you wanted to achieve, the freedom of our people, it was a dream, the hope I needed” he admits, “but then you killed and run, and justified your action as the first step of revolution, and I just couldn’t follow that… that wasn’t what you said we would do, the revolution I imagined would never be built over the bodies of other people... you left me behind”

Elard stays in silence, the whole room does, even the soft music coming from nowhere stops playing. Elliott was looking at Elard the whole time, but when he looks away, he does the same, perhaps, for a moment all those memories are too much to bare. It is then when he notices the man on the couch and recognizes him as the shedim he helped escape from the Erhenthal home. He barely can react when Elena talks.

“We all killed to be free” she says bothered by Elliott’s words “You think you are better than us?” she stands and looks at Elard then at Elliott again “You got it easy, fancy boy” she says with disdain “Whatever way you got out of that place, you got lucky and got a life, and now you are in a witchy school getting pampered, i guess being their pet is better than being their slave” she mocks “while you are assimilated and made to believe life can be good, we are seeing it for what it is, being on the run…. we are never going to be part of your utopia, because you already don’t want us there”

“Is that so?” Elliott asks looking at her then looking at Elham, and finally looking at Elard. The other shedim with the crow, hasn’t spoken a word, in fact hadn’t even looked up, however, he seems to be talking in whispers with the crow from time to time “that’s not true” he says to Elena “you know that’s not true” he then looks at Elard.

Elard shakes his head.

“You are among them, you call them your friends, people who let us suffer, who see us being used and abused and don’t move a finger, people whose families are proud to say they own us” Elard says “You will change your mind… eventually, and maybe we will be okay with you joining us” he chuckles.

Elliott shakes his head, disappointed but partially feeling like for once they could talk and maybe that meant something.

“Or maybe you will change your mind” he says though not very convinced as he walks to the door.

“Or maybe none of you will” the silent shedim finally talks.

“Caw! None of you will” the crow repeats and for a second Elliott feels like he is smiling.

The curly-haired shedim moves to the door and opens it, moving aside as if waiting for Elliott to step out.

“Are you going out? I’m going out” he looks at Elliott very seriously as if nothing that happened had to do anything with him. The crow looks at Elliott too and now it makes him feel uneasy.

“Yeah…” as he leaves feeling now kind of out of place and awkward, he walks slowly upstairs and notices the other man follow. He turns his head around a little, just curious, and notices how the crow slowly flies away from his shoulder and then lands on the stairs, in an instant a figure appears wearing a long black feather coat, with long thick deep black hair, and a prominent nose. Elliott almost trips as he gets distracted by this.

“Caw” they say mockingly and showing a sharp smile.

When they are at the end of the stairs, Elliott starts moving away to look for the perfect place to teleport back to NYADA without being noticed, however as he does he can’t avoid to eavesdrop the others conversation.

“I don’t eat” the shedim says.

“You can order a glass of milk if you want” the trickster complains “Do this one for me, Robert, I really want to try that restaurant”

“Bob” Bob corrects.

“Robert” Lazarus teases.

The small discussion as they leave the abandoned building makes Elliott smile, though it quickly goes away as confusion takes over by the mundane conversation and the calm attitude of the couple, after what was discussed just moments ago in front of them. Maybe they just made up their minds, or maybe just no one will ever take him seriously, he sighs and then teleports back to his room.

[triumphorce]

I hope you enjoy these poems,

Been long enough since I’ve opened, but what’s wrote here is longer,

Sequoia length,

Hyperbolic-time flow in composition,

Bestowin lines of hopeful intervention,

Archs of ideas risen over an extended period, sheddin blood and perspiration,

No menopause, or birthin babies, no days off or on vacation, just endless effort,

An ellipsis stasis, pausing mentally to pay tribute and revisit thoughts degraded,

Or friends neglected,

Pausin like Nintendo, to eat some dinner before it’s cold and tastes of resentment,

Coldest chest bearin my truest intentions, similar to Sloths’ paws in my grip,

Skeptic in the presence of predators, pause to remain calm from all the norm’s digestion

On my South Paw Tekken method, so I stagger to keep them guessin,

In a mega melee between every one of these beings

And their baseless, no basis for patience, faceless and conceited bantering,

So, I’ll get angry if I get angry,

Pressin pause, once again before, just in case, breathing deeply,

Moment of recollection to intellectually understand the present,

And fast forward through every pressure, as I wordplay on endeavors,

All the while trying to buy me time and spare my mind displeasure

From hiding all these lines, wondering if it’s better to attribute pride

And be forever biased toward my dreams, ignorin finding securer ties

Amidst future porch-lit oblivions,

So I chose to approve all I choose with a stronger sense of what to do, Truth in use,

My Love for Truth reaches deepest distances to defining deeper motive behind the chosen,

Chase my dreams or loathe them, stop wasting time on goals or continue on toward them,

Still I end up writing my mind half the time, a bad habit of thinkin it’s lunch time

When it’s crunch time, bursts of ideas, floodin skies, rainin food for thoughtful animals

So now it’s hunt time and I’m roaming cranial parameters, ramblin in Rome-like stadiums,

A Rome of ages, no Brutus betrayal or Germanic invasion,

No collapsing, I make full course, my own track and traction,

Presidential pioneer of passion; a growth in hope from anger,

A ronin-rioteer, slashing throats of loathe and fear, lies and anguish,

Meaning is now the Home and I’m Forrester, on occasion,

Lovely to me to be left alone, to zone and be free from true isolation,

To redefine, no, renovate my limits, halls of castles spreadin from DNA,

To roofs, my being raising from half staff, saluting empires of past and present acceptance,

No predictions or master plans, only assumed direction and adaptive passion, always fittest,

Regardless of destination or where I land, its presence is foremost and always welcomed,

Whether I am or not, but okay, whatev, bet I’m still gone write, yep, bet I’m still gone type, gone but bet I’ll be right

Back, and bet I’m still gone knock, bet I still remain as obsessive as day one, towards an art,

So check the tech of this apex poet’s level in rap, floetry runneth over and I keep it coming like porno,

And…yea, good, that’s a wrap,

Horde of spun gears in wholesome work, cog-nizant abundance here,

An aggressive submissiveness, self competitive modes of progression shown in

An impressive stanza collection, goin all the way back, ’07, low and undetected,

007 impressions all the way to present moments, presenting poems,

Where 117 is now the logo, a present decree of freeing motives,

Steering hope to fearless and it couldn’t but be made more clear, this here

Can’t be on apprentice level s***, not anymore, I’m no where near, I’m better than,

Mirror Anakin, made aware of hidden traits, clearly bred colossal wake

As the inevitable dawn of day, endless skywalkin in either night or day,

On my Goku and Brolly game, got me on my jolly way,

So hold up, I’m bout to blow it up,

Bomberman noggin blogs, pardon the post-ignited fury,

Sparks from muse are used to light the fuse, moving through my spine,

To the keys I strike, to viewable words through screens of yours,

And then boom, my H2O line of sight crosses Alkaline insides,

Fleeting debris of my being sinking six feet in fire’s keep,

Leaving only a smoke flow of unspoken life, rise to flight,

About to air it out, openin insides to fair against the pain,

Another verbal hurricane, reign of Hadouken waved verses

Bringing pages, like a journalist, cursor brain attached to qwerty nerves,

Constant saving, birthing a freeze frame nature to nurture critiqued allure,

From observin to shining light on might of mind on mind excursion,

Lyrics of Merlin, magickal bound occurrence of astounding verbal wizardry,

Showin beauty in comprehension between the likes of those alike

And others who talk against,

So much hate, yet little mercy, despite what they claim to be in the first place,

So next to action, I narrate..

My part,

a poetic curator organizing deep extractions of Art within an Art,

Sorta clean cause of time off, still far from set Par,

Seeing only as far as I’m made able, free of cataracts

and until the rest is made available I place my faith in words,

Come out unscathed and church

Clean, from housing Temple worship,

Sermons of mental journeys, Hobbit-length, traversing Misty Mountain cliffs,

Where Stone Giants wage war, Bid on shoulder’s girth, a foundation never destroyed,

Only converted, only a change in surface, only courage

Made under fire, slay the dragon buried under the least of worries,

Traded violence and bias for brighter means of time spent,

Breaking dawn of storms, over shores of lore,

Growing force from self-remorse, stored distortion,

From getting used to moving forward,

overcoming obstacles, that before had me stuck in floors, all the lags had me glitchin,

Took a minute but I gathered, from the tension, a meta-genomic grasp

On philosophic-bloodlust in retinas of optics searching for oxygen,

yin-yang-third-eye watchin, a mind concaved to problem solvin at the microscopic,

Supplyin a macro-meson metropolis, comprising atomic gardens,

Ever meso-fixed in topless limits, I can’t stop, no need for friends,

Only accomplice to accomplishin, raising the bar again and again within myself,

Machine-like of John Conner, type neurologic, a bionic Laureate, I been on it,

A token-Conan,

A hint of Homer,

From scarlet bowties and formal clothing

To swinging forth the sword of warriors,

Spreadin life with an aura flourished in poetry,

Sort of like Tenseiga but just as sharp as Tessaiga to slay and defend what’s important,

So I Bakuryūha when cornered, no more warnings to get off my Case,

A Sherlock self-entitlist, just decipherin Edgar Poe whims,

With magnifying-focus, John Locked at poems coordinates,

Geologist-range, Rovin problems over with mecha-method,

reignin hectic over perfect tempo,

Mental metronomes, metabolic gyroscopic, hydraulic steps over all the bulls*** people talkin,

Supplyin medic-tomes to audiences, I guess,

Instead of poems, just a chivalric code in ir-realistic flow,

Just another dose of illness, to strengthen defenses

Here we go and, oh yea, that was just the beginnin’, oh snap, no he didn’t

lul.

So here is my written vaccination, a statement of my mission,

Sick of losing my mind and always seeing accepted ignorance,

Lettin go of trust, just to grab hold of hope I choose to trust again,

Desire to love and forgive poses more importance than holding in

Or holding on to thorns of torn rose stems,

Better at maintaining a utopia within, Jesus-morale through crucial friction,

Yieldin malice to oncoming Semi-driven peace,

Even when afflictions make it uneasy,

I make sure love is not only at its peak when toward family,

Because Kin is everybody I co-Exist amongst, an invisible brand in genes,

Givin me infinitely hope that I can defend beliefs of neighborly bred instincts,

Leading actions to condone sequence of repeated interactions,

Like dominos,

Between

people’s

compassion’s

path’s

Crossing

With that of

My own that I’m steady walkin, not really lookin back,

Exponentially increasing from lack of to getting back up,

Ours, as a world, to combine, or back up, and Choose disbelief,

Giving power to the powers To be, whose power to Be is defiling

Our Choice’s portrait of supposedly empty highlights, making ordinary

Unimportant, so thus this becomes the light of truth and leads life to corrupted view,

Either you losing sight of you or me of myself, misconstruing reason to pay it forward,

So I’m usin lucrative lines to lubricate the minds still a little prude to the nude of life,

Faded from strained engagement, makin the choice to die before you’re ever abused again,

To stand unphased in the face of hate and maintain a level stage of patience, that few appreciatin,

Proof that even in the height of uselessness, truth exist in a dimension fixed from vision,

Rooted fixture of a singularity, opposing ideals varying, extend as phloem,

Still can’t elude the speed of photons in a system of life and physics where the right to choose, itself,

Is the life in what lives stand for,

Beyond the physical, a Worth indivisible, formed from what we did and didn’t do,

Warm with smitten, passive light, passin every night and day,

By the hour, orbit revolutions of quintupled Arcturus regions, knowledge empowered brain,

Observin league’s descent uncharted, breeching in darkest hour,

Gravitate my beliefs to massive reason, dimension of must equalin mass of love

To not corrupt where hearts conduct or infest all I possess with lust,

Hope I can maintain the way I touch hearts and pump in months of hardwork,

I keep learning from how I feel to why I feel that way,

Found difference in being indigent and being ignorant,

Intelligence directly reflectin indignant wisdom, transmittin,

Referrals I purpose of personal Shells in ideals, splurging words earnestly

To enter these journals, but if I’m supposed to, what’s the purpose,

Who am I to deserve such a love to words, just an observer

With judicial poetic touch,

And if it’s certain, to whomever, that fate is written, a moral contingent imminent to emptyin,

then what’s the Purpose to existence other than fulfilling an omni-present minister’s wishes of progression,

So I’m administering this obsession to keep anyone who’s missin those “blessings” to please hold on for new direction because I’m tired of seeing depression used as weapons, ammunition from confusion spreadin, duly attentive to fully removin this sickness in sentenced remedies,

Imprison the Nil of pre-destined influences, bring immunity to kill tetanus infections,

Yet still refusing to refute my messages’ meaning even when people misread or dis-link from me

In fear of appearing foolish when light’s free, wool lids over open eyed fools,

Mule witted minds losin focus,

Allusive motive to controlling themselves,

Soo they leave it to forces brail, leaving me to expose

Where the heart is and what it is I was composed to do, go through,

With an ambition prone to fail, I suppose, According to premeditated rulings,

Meaning everyone can’t avail, so only some progress while others are rejected,

Some succeed, some fail, some live, some dwell, well, all alive, but none feel,

Not one well,

And once accepted they remain as frail as I stay mute, but that’s changin soon,

Realizing the truth to stay ahead, never aim to win, life is better played at whim,

Not a favor to anyone to stay blind because you believe you have no play in it,

And claiming peace, while inside, you fake as s***,

So no more resigned use of…

Of life in muses, only new identities I can side by, fuse with,

Away from what therein lies of pre-inscribed mysterious finds, binding will to higher kinds,

Leaving little clarity between actuality and their desire,

Entirety of irrationality blurring passions with pre-happenings,

So I’m writing packet-deep, massive thesis type lyrics,

Not on what life is, more on what it should look like,

Negate effects of strife in what we go through every day

In dreaming and seeking Faith, ending wake of endless waking, like Kenny’s nature,

Mysterion mind deliberating meaning in decisions that supposedly lead us, survival of the fated,

Achievements naked, blank sheet, feat-less wasteland of failures, aka

Someone else’s graceland’s sake,

Astray a world of involuntary reflexes, committed daily,

So what are we without the choices that we make?

And what are reached achievements if choices obsolete,

Our thoughts subjection leaning toward subjective mercy,

Always worrying things will turn for the worse, or should service us,

Circling merit, false in essence, always expectin credit, all these undeserved expectations,

Just another damn reason to instruct and detain, trained to hush,

Contained in corruption, so I break away and lead myself free of it,

Free of following a truth untold, or rushed through,

I slow it down,

Piercing meaning, rupturing relations between changes in Being

And being thankful for living,

Every reason I find, convenes in front of spleens,

Instead of wasting time slaving to understand something always changing

I can easily provide more beauty with “ordinary” in wording, ordaining my own action,

Than any do with reasons still a mystery because they believe in divinity’s selection,

Well I believe everyone, no matter skin, beliefs, see a peace, regardless of objective,

Peace is the seed that exist in you and me, me in you and you in me, nothing sexual,

Just technical, so here’s to findin triumph in effort hulled, fighting for survival of hope in better situations

Distribute it mainstream, with only precedence toward bestowing bravery,

Traversing in shoals of intricate migrations, from skull to throat,

Talkin over people trollin the same thing, about damnation, nuclear devastation, or no hope in humanity,

Betraying speaking peace in pieces, plain to see,

Disarray in creation of fate-sung predicaments

So I remain an algebraic humanist, Ethos patron instinctively,

Regardless of what will be, only means to believe in,

And I choose to believe then,

From the whole of me, giving heed in forms of rhyming reads,

Waiting for the time to reach and grab my chance before it passes me…

My chance to be, to chance is to breathe in depths of stress, under endless seas of probabilities,

Chance is the rise to waves accent to cling to being, where wind swiftly leads a symphony

Of dreams and just when air seems di-minished, chance then Links courage to cappin fear,

Ceasing deceasing of a dwindled breeze, bringing back forgotten memories,

Connected to the past, of where one love met another,

Growth in a happiness conceived bliss, paintings above everyone;

A past’s collage of pensive imagery, collision of Imagination and color,

As wind in the sky blows to soothe the dried, pacifyin,

Past trees, to carry seeds to where they land and breed,

Chance is the treaty between faith and reason,

So tired, so much time to chancing, less to myself, more to finding pride,

Wealth applied to build a health in a life worth more than itself, meant to help,

Enrich those left with doubt, pursued in talents used to salvage faith and shelter,

Compelling thoughts of jealousy and hatred, still a becoming, in the making,

No black and white, I’m in the gray, changin, becomin blanker to a race based on skin,

A lot of work in becoming the change I wish to see replacing all the deceit and greed shit,

To give people something to believe and then proceed to give them reason guaranteeing chance,

Fairing change in paths and enhance the passion made elastic by creating a canvas of emotions gathered

When faced with resistance in liberation from fated actions, I supply my own motivation,

I never tire, never slack, forever writing, sometimes gaming,

I design, repay debt and fines,

I find when lost,

I admire the quaint breeze,

I aspire to aspire,

Seeking others to re-fire fired dreams,

Finally seeing the beauty in dying leaves,

I am only but the comprisee, comprised to further ideas beyond that Comprising…

And at every Dawn of Morn’, perfect timing,

Lightly sun brushed adorned emotions course vibrantly,

Alarm chime got me up like Dug and Russell,

Carl Orff auricular consumption as I rise to shining,

Leaving bunks made comfortable, plying a nine to five,

Adrift corrupted, yet functional systems of injustice,

That people blindly trust in, such a numb to love world,

So I’m livin sure of what I want, but never deserving,

More for serving, because I see a turning in returning,

Learning TM 27, to defend without hesitation, those hurting,

Putting plenty work in, stayin sturdy, steady, stern,

So no more sleep, reenergize my mind with ultraviolet multi-focused drive,

Never tried thriving in just one type of art, renaissance rhymes or charcoal lines,

Bars of ideals primed in furnace fire,

Filled from philosophical mines I, from time to time, step inside to dig further,

Almost a decade, now, dedicated toward a storyline that transformed to novels,

From Lanowen to Cenoria,

From one part to over four, comic-concepts

From porch bottom to views with No horizon,

Just me and Hiz,

From RP to a simple Story, to a Foyer of plots,

Elevating floors high, Glory rises to tell of the dormant tales,

Tales of war, Tales of cheer, Tales Galore, Tales of Fears,

A tale of Fictional artists, just tryin to stay in chime tune with reality,

Eyes open, as trays of a balance-beam,

We only dream To chase them, after, running mentally to catch them,

Dippin off through darkened streets, literally,

And when dusk begins reality slumbers in Dippers over me,

Ephemeral solace into the evening, leaving me in

Pleasant never ending brinks, extinct of larks or peeps,

Sole existence of a solo dolo sidewalk dreamer,

A roamin Caesar, Rome enthusiast

To scenic artistry of stars gleaming in navy-bluest skies,

Light mists of moonlight sonata-like cloaks linger through the night,

A bliss as infinite as the stars are distant, holdin my hopes in suspension,

Ensuing thoughts to compose notes in my dome or on moleskine,

Brim-row view in opera lands, Baritone parlando, harking heartfelt cantos,

Stealing back the hope I robbed myself of, so no more dead silence,

No sounds, just NC headphones and instrumentals to get my mind scheming,

Socratic Luther King in Light and in my sleep,

Still a modern Machiavelli, to stand for what’s right,

Keep what’s on back and neck protected, look like an easy

Target, but I promise that that ain’t promised,

Fingers crossin keyboards like twist ties,

Butter bread lines, sun-beams, from always goin ‘gainst the grain,

In an Adidas skully over curls as I stroll the lunar World,

Lennon-shoes, solar-albedo Chuck Soles Chauffer luster, a sulfer glow of soulful surges from Sol-lit sources, shone off earth’s surface, in all directions, time reversin from my inertia, I surf a universe of Umi-verses, rainin fiercely, floodin nyxheim, floodin tumblr, floodin notebooks, on my flood the world s***, only observable once I give life to words shaped in a matrix muse, wor-ship of my curse or gift, I make that discernment, man what the hell, I been murkin, think it’s time for me to call the curtains, I’m outta here, peace and heart, hope you enjoyed the work,

Fin

[idonthaveanaccent]

English Project

So in my English class, we finally got to do creative writing!

So yeah, I decided to share what I had turned in. It isn’t the best thing in the entire world. It had to be dystopian, which I personally hate writing because you have to create a whole new society and rules.

I prefer writing fantasy/sci-fi (as you have gathered).

Anyways, here it is!

Utopia. A world without flaws. It’s without a divide between people. One with freedom and endless possibilities.

The Chairmen promise safety and peace. They promise that all who follow them will be given only the finest of necessities.

The Shadows promise equality amongst every level of man. They promise the freedom to live and breathe as anyone should.

People split into two and occasionally have friendly debates on who is right and who is wrong.

The two leaders, while it is obvious they do not care for one another, refuse to resort to violence.

After all, this is Utopia.

Young children from both sides hear whispers from the outside. They take these fragments and spin them into elaborate tales. They excitedly tell other children, and these fairy tales spread throughout the utopia, bringing along the legend of misery. Their favorite one is of the villain, Thanatos.

His name is derived from an ancient god from a civilization whose name has been erased from modern history. The name means death. They whisper about how everywhere he goes, people die. He’s a terrorist in the outside world, killing off people from any place. The children laugh at these tales, knowing that no such human could exist. Yet, his cautionary tale still spreads throughout the two cities.

Thanatos comes to each city, and murders as many people as he wants. They say that the only way to know if you are going to be murdered is if you see a black dog at the stroke of midnight. Should you see it, you’ll die in two days’ time.

The adults warn the children about spreading these lies in their homes, but on the streets, the children sing about Thanatos and laugh at the possibility of death from another human. After all, this is Utopia.

But even the most unlikely of stories are true.

~ ~ ~

“What do we have here, Captain?”

The Police Captain stood in front of the billboard, eyeing the red letters sprawled over his leader’s face. He sighed. “Has to be some teenager’s prank, no?”

The Officer’s eyes moved across the billboard. “It is a sick prank then.”

“Of course. This could be a nasty fine for them.”

“Where’d they even get red spray-paint?”

“Probably from the underground market. You know how hard it is to smuggle stuff in here. Must’ve paid a hefty price for it. And all for this death note.”

“’The Chairmen are poisoning this world, creating a destructive, aristocratic society. Promising safety, they deliver. Peace, however, is unachievable. They have a criminal underground throughout the streets. And because of this, the Chairmen’s ideology shall be erased from existence, bringing on a brand-new age of peace and serenity’.”

“A Shadows sympathizer?”

“Possibly, but this color- it doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t seem like spray paint.”

The Officer walked forward, pressing his hand against the dried red. He pulled his hand back and sniffed the dried flakes that got on his fingers. “Doesn’t smell strange.” He whispered, disproving his theory.

Suddenly, a loud scream from behind the billboard was heard. The Captain and Officer hurried behind it to see a young female citizen staring at the back of the billboard, her face completely white. The two looked to where she was looking, and immediately the Officer fainted, while the Captain was too shocked to speak.

It was their first time seeing two dead bodies.

~ ~ ~ “A scythe was carved into each of the victims’ chests, showing similarities to a legend known only as Thanatos, a legendary murderer who kills for pleasure. A murder has never once occurred beneath the rule of the Chairmen, and everyone is fearful for the leader’s life.”

Vernon frowned as he looked at the TV. Suddenly, the screen went black.

Vernon looked over to see Lloyd looking quite angry at the screen. “Lloyd, I was watching that.” Vernon said, his voice seemingly void of emotions.

Lloyd rolled his eyes. “We don’t need to see how our boss is being threatened by a fake murderer made up by children and a fake news story. No one ever is killed under the Chairmen’s rule.”

Vernon blinked at him. Lloyd rolled his eyes. “Just help me find file two million, three hundred and seventy-six thousand, two hundred and thirteen X, alright?”

“What’s so important about that file, Lloyd?”

Lloyd gave Vernon a dark glare. “You’re just an intern, don’t as questions.” Vernon sighed as he snuck a glance at his bag. However, Lloyd seemed to notice. “Vernon, what-?”

Before Lloyd could finish, the sound of a woman screaming was heard. Lloyd immediately looked up, his eyes wide. “Beatrix!” He shouted, running towards the scream.

Vernon felt a wash of relief run through him as he grabbed his bag and hurried after him.

Lloyd was sitting inside the Chairmen leader, Beatrix’s, office. Beatrix was huddled in a corner, rocking back in forth. Tears made her face glisten in the little light left in the office. Her makeup streamed down her face, and her lipstick seemed to be smeared everywhere. Lloyd was holding onto her hands, attempting to get her to talk.

“Come on, it’s okay. What happened?”

Beatrix looked up, revealing her red and swollen eyes. “I- I saw it.”

“Saw what?”

“B-black dog.”

Lloyd’s head jerked back, his eyes wide. “You couldn’t have- how? Where did it even go? How’d it get in?”

Beatrix shook her head. “I- I don’t know, Lloyd! B-but I- I saw it! It looked me dead in the eye and- and it ran out- out there! I- I’m gonna die, Lloyd?”

Lloyd shook his head. “I’m not going to let you die, Beatrix. You’re going to live, you hear? This- this is all some elaborate prank, understand? Tell her, Vernon!” Vernon stared down at Beatrix. He looked up at Lloyd, who was staring at him with a hopeful look in his eyes. Vernon sighed.

“Well…”

~ ~ ~ The second threat came to the Shadows.

Sire, the leader of the Shadows, had heard about the treats to the Chairmen and didn’t believe it. However, once he heard about Beatrix being found in her home in a very…gruesome manner, he chose to believe Thanatos was very real, and very dangerous.

Certain files had been found to be missing after her murder. No one revealed what the files were about, as they kept saying they weren’t that important. However, the Shadows found it very odd. Why would someone steal their files? The sound of footsteps was heard outside Sire’s door. He sighed and looked towards the door. As soon as he did, the sound of a fist pounding against a door was heard. “Come in.” He growled out.

The door opened, and standing there was Fox, his second-in-command. He marched in, his log-sized arms crossed over his chest. Fox nodded at his superior. He stood in front of him and handed him a stack of papers.

Sire looked down at the papers. They were all snapshots of a sign in downtown. It was coated in the same red that Beatrix’s warning had been in. Except, this one was now addressed to him.

“’The Shadows are killing this world. They promise equality amongst every level of man and they have achieved it. They promise the freedom to live and breathe as anyone should, but they deny many of those who have done wrong those two things. They are a disease in this ‘utopia’, and need to be killed off to make this a better place’.” Sire read, his hand clenching the paper as time went on.

Fox sighed. “Two bodies were found drained of their blood with a scythe carved into their chests not far from this message. We cleared out the citizens and cleaned up the blood, sir.”

“Good. Anything else, Fox?”

“We have a new recruit, sir.”

“What is his name?”

“Well, it’s- “

Before Fox could finish his sentence, Sire noticed a black shadow in the corner of the room. His eyes widened as he made out the vague shape of a dog. The dog walked out, revealing its sleek black coat. Sire reeled back, his eyes wide. “Sir? What’s wrong, sir?”

Sire whipped out his pistol and pointed it at the creature. “Where the heck did you come from?” He cried, preparing to shoot the dog.

However, the dog jumped out and seemed to run towards Sire. He cried out and Fox even seemed startled. Before either one could fire a shot at the dog, it leapt out the window.

Fox looked up at Sire. “S-sir?”

“Yes, Fox?” Sire said, holding in his nerves.

“Are- are we going to die?”

“No, we are not going to die, Fox. Now, that new recruit you mentioned.”

“R-right. W-well, his name is Vernon…”

~ ~ ~

The news of Sire and Fox’s death spread like wild fire through the two communities. The utopia was slowly starting to fall to ruin.

People wanted to know why the legend of Thanatos had come to kill their leaders. Soon, they got their answer.

One day, while everyone was watching their daily programs as they tried to keep their mind off their leaders’ deaths, every screen went black.

People began to freak out, worried that maybe their whole system was crumbling. However, instead of a just a black screen, a figure in a hood appeared, a large black dog seated next to him.

“Hello, people of Utopia. By now you have a clear idea of who I am. I am Thanatos, the killer of Beatrix of the Chairmen, and Sire and Fox of the Shadows. Many of you are questioning my motives, wondering how killing off the leaders would accomplish anything. I’m going to tell you this now: utopia does not exist.” His voice was distorted and robotic.

The murmurs within the cities turned into cries.

“The Chairmen, while true to their word of keeping many of their followers safe, did not follow through on their second claim. Many of you believe that everything given to you by the government is high quality, yet it is of the outside world. The fabric of your clothes are made from the leftover fabric from other clothing. Not only that, but hidden cameras are easily placed in any appliance. Not only are they lying to you about the quality of tings given to you, they also are using cameras to spy on their followers to make sure they are loyal. How could you possibly believe me, though? Simple. While I was there, I managed to grab a bunch of their secure files. This one, file two million, three hundred and seventy-six thousand, two hundred and thirteen X contains plans for their security cameras. Don’t believe me? Well, I just sent every Chairmen citizen a copy of this official file. There are multiple signatures from higher ups on it.”

The citizens from the Chairmen were shocked to learn that he was telling the truth. The files did include plans for smaller security cameras.

“Now, onto the Shadows. They promise equality amongst every one of their followers, and they do deliver. Many of the inequalities found only in old textbooks in the outside world do not exist in the Shadows ranks. However, what their second promise says is not something they follow. Freedom. While it does allow everyone freedom, there is something they fail to mention. Not everything goes unpunished. Many crimes are punishable by death. The person sentenced to death is often said to have either joined their ranks, or simply left. Many families have lost their loved ones. How do I know this? Well, in the Shadows base, they have a secret room in which they execute the accused. I managed to sneak a security camera in there on a secret visit, and after killing both Sire and Fox, I managed to grab the film from the room and I have edited the video to hide the more gruesome murders. The only murders you will see is the classic ‘shot to the back of the head’. I would recommend people eighteen years and younger not watch this.”

The followers of the Shadows were shocked as they watched the following clip of their leader executing a young teenage boy in the room.

“I’m sorry to have had to show you that clip, but I couldn’t let that injustice slide. I hope that you people of the utopia will be able to work with me and my people, those of the outside, to create a new world in which everything is perfect.”

And with that, the TV went back to the program they had been watching before.

~ ~ ~

Vernon sighed as he stood in the middle of the street, the orange light from the sunrise bathing him in warmth.

They were free. Utopia was gone. Vernon felt a small smile grow on his face. As he stood there, the sound of small clicking was heard, and then panting.

Vernon looked down to see a long black dog walk up to him and gently bump his hand, wanting to be pet.

“Good boy, Cerberus. Now, where shall we go next?”

So yeah, that was that!

Not my best work. She told us it had to be around two pages, and I didn’t want to make it too long (it reached six pages) so I kept it as concise as possible, but then I learned one was twelve pages long and I just didn’t know what to do with my life at that point.

But yeah. I hope you at least enjoyed this poorly written thing.

[no-more-cream]

Survive pt 5

Rated (R) : Violence, Cursing

Sorry guys.. It kind of sucks and I honestly hate it but I wanted to get it out to you guys. Dx 

Sorry in advance.

Jungkook x Reader

Ima edit later and make it better. For now please enjoy.

-Admin K

Not sleeping seemed to be a normal habit for you now and days. You were always on guard, always watching for those flesh craving freaks. You always wondered how the rest of the group slept all the time. How they can even close their eyes even for a second in this decaying world we call home. No one can be trusted… you’ve seen too much death.. Too much violence in your lifetime. Even before the world went to shit.

You don't even see an animal in the world anymore. When was the last time you saw a squirrel run past you up the tree getting ready for the harsh winter to come with its stash of walnut nuts? Oh god how much you missed the chirping of birds in the trees or hell, those annoying bees buzzing in your ears..

When was the last time you felt a little dog’s tongue against the palm of your hand as a way of showing love? Although it's not like you got that much either before the epidemic started anyways. All you did was train and work. Here and there you'll pet one of the military German Shepherds to show appreciation when they helped search for things like hidden mine bombs and what not.

Although your memory fails to work after a year you will always remember that terrible day.. You were with your military dog-which you only had him for a week- searching for anything to be unordinary.  You took the lead this time to test out your new dog’s skills. Apparently he was known to be the best in the whole military. Although you aren't supposed to name the dogs so you don't get attached you did anyways, because this dog was your dog. You wanted him to be more than a military dog. It was the only thing that really kept you company. He was family.

His name was Reggie. You should of listened to Reggie that night, he knew something wasn't right. You should of listened to him when he was trying to pull back and retreat. You didn't listen..

You never listen to anyone..

The sounds of the bombs exploding and hearing Reggie yelp in pain as you both flew away from the explosion winds. Loud ringing in your ear and your men dragging your body away as you see a pool of blood all around you, you remember yourself screaming for Reggie’s name, looking for him. You remember ripping your hands out from your men’s arms trying to look for your precious Reggie, only to be greeted by nothing but darkness and the sounds of shooting and men screaming in pain..

 Shaking the thought from your mind you quickly stand up to check on the rest of the boys. Walking over to the entrance of the house you were temporarily staying in for the night you came across the boys scattered around the house sleeping. You smile to yourself, looking at how peaceful they all look. You wonder if you should wake them up to head on out and continue east but you decide to let them have another hour at most. They were always working so hard the past few days you been with them, they deserve more sleep.

 “Ahh when did I become so soft hearted” you ask yourself as you sigh and walk back outside to keep watch on the balcony.

 A few minutes have passed when you hear footsteps walking through the house, you swiftly crouch down and stay in position, repeating your basics to yourself you watch for any attackers in eye sight before moving forward. Breathing softly you continue forward, taking out your gun.

Seeing a shadow slowly becoming bigger in the distance, you point your gun towards the possible threat in your hideout.

Showing himself from the shadows you sigh in relief and put your gun down on the floor, rubbing your eyes in irritation.

“Y/N you're still awake? Why haven't you slept yet?” Jungkook ask with a husky tired voice.

“I don't sleep anymore.” you say with a yawn, “why are you awake?” you ask Jungkook as he pulls you into his arms giving you a kiss on your head. “ I had a nightmare..” he whispers. You frown to yourself rubbing his back, “what was it this time?” with a sigh he responds, “the usual, you getting attacked and I can't do anything to stop it.. This time though, you actually got bit. And my body just couldn't move to help you.. God even before I found you again I have this dream every night..” Rubbing your face against his chest you kiss it softly. “That will never happen Jungkook. Im stronger than that you know that” with a small chuckle you hear a soft, “even so I always wanted to protect you” looking up at Jungkook you give him a soft smile.

 “Hey you guys ready to go?” You hear Jimin’s voice behind you both. You turn around to see Jimin getting dressed. “Yes sir” Jungkook respond, giving you one last hug before he leaves to get ready.

“You know he really worries about you all the time” Jimin says, as he grabs his white shirt to slide over his torso. “I don't know why. I can take care of myself”

“You were his future wife, obviously he's going to get protective with you”

You look out the broken window seeing leaves blow in the night sky.

“Jimin…” you whisper, “ what if we don't make it to the utopia”

Looking out of the window next to you he doesn't respond.

“I mean.. How far can this utopia be?” you say to yourself making Jimin sigh, “who even knows if there's one out there to be honest. When was the last time we found a living creature”

“Jungkook found me..” you say looking over at Jimin.

With a shrug saying that's true, he pats your back, walking to the other members.

Something catching your eye you look out into the darkness.

“Fuck..” you curse to yourself, quickly running to the group.

“Everyone needs to wake up” you say, shaking Namjoon and Yoongi awake.

“What's wrong?” Jungkook says as he moves closer to you. “There's something moving outside”

Namjoon and the rest gather up the supplies as Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung gets the car ready in the garage.

“Y/N” Hoseok says, ‘Yeah?” you respond, watching over the movement outside making sure its not getting closer. “Did you ever gather food like I asked you to do last night? I can't find it?” cursing to yourself you turn to Hoseok, “I’m sorry I been up all night keeping watch, I completely forgot”

“Seriously? What are we supposed to do now? We have no food or water” he says in agitation, “god you are so useless”

“Hey, leave her the fuck alone” Jungkook says, coming in from the garage. “Who are you to say she's useless? She's up every night watching over all our asses to make sure nothing kills us, god only knows the last time she slept” he angrily says, “That's her fault. She had the opportunity to sleep. She had a duty to keep this group alive as well as everyone else and she didn’t do it”

“What the fuck did you just say?” Jungkook says walking over to Hoseok, “Hey! Stop it. Both of you. We need to go” Seokjin says “stop acting like a bunch of children. You guys are grown men. Hoseok, you don't give orders. Only Jimin. Jungkook you need to get your anger in control. And Y/N thank you for watching out for us but when we choose our locations we are safe. I promise. Jimin and Namjoon know what they're looking for. You just need to get what you need to get done and start sleeping, okay?” he says grabbing the car keys, “now let's get on the fucking road”

Jungkook glares at Hoseok as he grabs your hand walking out to the garage.

“Jungkook I can fight my own battles why did you do that?” you throw your hand from his, “I didn’t like hearing him talk to you like that and-”

“I don't care whether you like it or not. I should've done my duty and I didn't. I deserved the punishment”

“I said I want to protect you. That didn’t mean just physically. I want to protect you from everything that can give you any harm. Whether that's physical pain or not”

Looking up at him you sigh, “worry about yourself for a change” you walk past him and into the car, leaving him behind.

  “You getting in?” Namjoon asked getting Jungkook attention. He slowly jumps in, into the back seat away from everyone else.

 You felt bad saying that to him but you hated getting special treatment too. You can take care of yourself, you didn't need anyone else there holding your hand. Your mission is to find this utopia and finally get out of this hell hole, and maybe, just maybe, you'll have time for someone to protect you then. But right now, you can't, no, you don't want a relationship right now..

  Hours and hours worth of driving have passed by as you watch Jungkook in the rear mirror. You felt your heart lurking to the young boy. All you wanted was to stop the car and comfort him but you just couldnt.. Because what if something happens? What if you get too attached and you die, or worse, he does. You can't love someone right now. Even if you truly did love them already.

 “Watch out!!” you here Namjoon scream throwing you back into reality

Seeing atleast a dozen infected all around the truck you quickly speed up running two over to get passed them as you speed down the old dirt road. Behind you was the rest of the zombies and even more coming from the side of the roads start to chase the truck. “God damn these fuckers are fast”

“Faster!” Hoseok screams. “I’m already going 80, if I go any faster the tires will pop! Then well be screwed”

Jungkook grabs out his gun as he sticks half his body out the window. Pointing his gun at the zombies he knocks down one.

“There's at least 20 zombies on our trail, does anyone have a grenade?” Jungkook ask

“We used our last one a few days ago” Taehyung explains.

“Here's what we need to do, they know were in the truck so let's slow down enough to get them onto the truck, then we speed up as much as we can and then when I say go we jump out of the truck and have them slam into those boulders over there deal?” says Jimin

“But we need this to travel! We can’t travel on foot?” you scream to Jimin

“Any better ideas?” Yoongi ask

You look over at Jungkook already seeing him look at you.

Sighing in defeat you start slowing down.

“Are they all on?” Jimin ask

“Majority of them yeah”

“Should we wait alittle longer?” Tae ask

“No time! Start going faster!”

“1..2..3.. GO”

Everyone but you jumps out of the truck.

“Y/N Jump out!!” everyone screams.

All they could see was the truck crashing and going up in flames as the zombies became engulfed  in fire. The screeching of zombies and the smell of burning flesh filled the air.

Jungkook launches himself towards the burning truck only to be held down by Taehyung and Yoongi.

“Y/N!!!” he screams over and over again

“Y/N!!!”  crying, he screams even more, as he frees himself from the two boys holding him down.

He slowly runs to the truck only to fall to his knees, crying and screaming your name.

 Hours have passed since the explosion. Jungkook still sat there in the same spot. His knees up to his chest with his head covered with a hoodie, he sits there. Waiting for you to suddenly appear.

 “Jungkook, let's go find someplace to stay for tonight” Seokjin says only to be ignored by the grieving boy.

After a few minutes Jungkook stands up, walking towards the burned down truck.

 “Jungkook…” Hoseok says, Yoongi putting his hand on his shoulder in a way to tell him to leave him alone.

 Stepping over the dead bodies surrounding the truck he tears off parts of the truck to get inside it.

Looking for you he finds nothing.

“Y/N?” he questions where you would be.

Jimin walks over to Jungkook to pull him out only to hear, “She's not here”

 “She's not here?” he repeats, “how can she not be here?”

Jungkook walks away leaving Jimin alone to search.

 “She's still alive..” Jungkook says as he looks up to the night sky, “where are you..”

[premimtimes]

From kid-friendly hits like Abominable and Little to the horror of Jordan Peele’s Us, there are plenty of movies to watch online with Showmax.

Showmax is an online streaming service, with all your local faves like Big Brother Naija and Halita, plus the biggest international shows, like Insecure and Little Fires Everywhere, plus loads of movies and even live sport! Sign up for as little as NGN 1450 per month to watch on your phone. Here are some of the best movies on Showmax right now.

Us

Lupita

Trailer: https://youtu.be/opihsI4Jxd8

Lupita Nyong’o stars as Adelaide Wilson, a woman returning to her beachside childhood home with her husband, Gabe, and their two children. But their idyllic summer getaway turns to chaos when their doppelgängers begin to terrorise them. Directed by Jordan Peele. Watch it on Showmax now »

Abominable

Trailer: https://youtu.be/fYAYakGxxis

Three teenagers must help a Yeti return to his family while avoiding a wealthy man and a zoologist who want him for their own ends.

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Little

Little

Trailer: https://youtu.be/UtdhMbH81FY

At a point in her life when the pressures of adulthood become too much to bear, a high-powered businesswoman is transformed into her younger self. This throws her headlong into a whole other set of challenges and leaves her underappreciated assistant having to cover for her at the office. Starring Marsai Martin (Diane in Black-ish) as the little Jordan Sanders, Regina Hall, Issa Rae (Insecure) and Justin Hartley (Kevin in This Is Us). Watch it now »

Skin

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Trailer: https://youtu.be/32wrMGeluOY

Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) stars as a destitute young man, raised by racist skinheads and notorious among white supremacists. He turns his back on hatred and violence to transform his life, with the help of a black activist and the woman he loves. Director Guy Nattiv won the Oscar in 2019 for his short film of the same name. Watch it now »

Fighting with my Family

fighting_with_my_family_showmax [Photo Credit: Showmax]

Based on a true story, Fighting With My Family follows reformed gangster Ricky, wife Julia, daughter Paige and son Zak as they make a living wrestling together in tiny venues. Also starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Vince Vaughn. Watch it now »

BlackKklansman

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Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GI-meMwsjQ

BlacKkKlansman tells the bizarre true story of Ron Stallworth, Colorado Springs’ first African-American detective, who attempts to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s… with the help of a Jewish stand-in. The film won auteur-director Spike Lee a long-overdue Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, making it his first competitive Academy Award in his 34-year career. Watch it now »

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

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Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeU0_VeWtEU

Inseparable besties Hiccup and Toothless, the big screen’s most adorable dragon ever, are back for their final adventure in the beloved Dreamworks threequel inspired by Cressida Cowell’s best-selling book series. Hiccup and Astrid have created a utopia for dragons and Vikings alike, but now a new danger threatens everything they love, just as Toothless finds a potential girlfriend. Watch it now »

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Trailer: https://youtu.be/rMtPJ7llCEE

With a new baby in the house, our favourite Jack Russel, Max, lands himself in pet therapy for stress and finds a mentor in the form of a Welsh Sheepdog, Rooster. Patton Oswalt replaces Louis C.K. as the voice of our hero Max; Harrison Ford voices Rooster, and Kevin Hart returns as Snowball. Watch it now »

Yesterday

yesterday_[Photo Credit: showmax]

Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is a small-time singer-songwriter in an English coastal town who’s rapidly facing the reality that his dream probably isn’t going anywhere, in spite of the fanatical support of his best friend, manager and biggest fan, Ellie (Lily James). Then there’s a mysterious global blackout, Jack gets hit by a bus, and wakes up to find that The Beatles never existed. Yesterday has a gorgeous, feel-good soundtrack that Beatles fans will adore. Watch it now »

Time Freak

time_freak [Photo credit: showmax]

You know that time you messed up in a relationship and had your heartbroken, maybe let the one that could have been The One slip through your fingers? Well, what if you could go back and fix it? What if, like teen genius Stillman, you had a time machine that would give you all the do-overs you needed to get it right? Starring Asa Butterfield (Otis from Sex Education) opposite Emmy nominee Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones). Watch it now »

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Go to www.showmax.com.

2. Sign up with your email and create a password.

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Watch Showmax from as little as NGN 1450 a month. Sign up today.

The 10 biggest movies on Showmax right now From kid-friendly hits like Abominable and Little to the horror of Jordan Peele’s Us, there are plenty of movies to watch online with Showmax.

[fdabp]

David George: Hackney by Night

George’s book Hackney by night is a photobook of urban landscapes the “back streets, wastelands, canal tow paths, high rise flats, parks and underpasses (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015) that provide stillness and beauty where you generally wouldn’t think you’ll find much, but George has found a way to show this while the people around him are asleep. He has done this by continuously walking the streets of Hackney also “he buys maps from Stanford’s and views Hackney on Google earth” (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015) proving just how through his investigation has been for this book.

George has acquired a special knowledge for the borough of Hackney being able to understand not only the “architecture and urban landscape, but for all of the ways of accessing places that are especially difficult to reach” (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015), I can’t help but think this has been especially helped but the research he does with maps.

George’s early work shadows of doubt has been said “ to impart such a strong disquiet through still images” (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015) this was done by his use of colour and bold composition and I can see all of these again within Hackney by Night and it helps to create a strong and bold narrative which I will touch more upon later in this analysis.

Hackney by Night is a small A5 book printed by Hoxton Mini Press The spine of the book is covered by a dark grey cloth, but this cloth doesn’t extend more than a tenth in to the cove which is a photo of an eerily quiet river with branches of a tree bent across with its leaves dabbing into the water. The image seems to be sepia toned although I feel that natural lighting has caused this brown effect across the image that gives the book certain warmth that draws you in, making you want to have a look.

But in my own opinion the real hook in my opinion is the title, written in write and placed just above the centre this title hooks you with its words this is because from distance you can see this amazing warm even beautiful image with this wonderful cloth spine cover that makes the image fell even more homely but then you read the title and I fell that just reading that this image was taking Hackney makes me all the more curious to what’s inside as I personally don’t think of Hackney as a beautiful place but George has made me think it is just from the front cover.

George’s photo’s easily capture the eye because of the colour within them the brown tones create a warmth that drags viewers in and want to stay and look and find out what makes Hackney at night worth documenting. George’s Hackney by night was a project designed to provide a “cultural response to accelerating industrialisation of technological advances” (George, 2015) that in the last half a century impacted our landscapes in England. George also refers to music being an art form that has inspired him, He explains on his website that music “throughout this period frequently refer to a longing for a return to a bygone era, one often associated with the countryside” (George, 2015)  and would tend to acknowledge how this would be impossible and the return to the idyll of an era which now seems long ago because of the destruction we as humans has caused on the landscape has done so much harm that we cant go back to how things were because of “the advance of modernity” (George, 2015.

For a book to be able to say all of this with in its images is a lot to ask for and this is why George made a series of projects called the ‘Broken Pastoral’ to represent his views, although he has a whole series to represent this I believe that Hackney by Night does it very well accompanied by Karen Falconers short story.

The photography for this project/book is perfect for representing something that your want to return to, I say this because In almost every image you can see something that is missing, I example for this would be on the image on the front cover you I can easily see a couple rowing down the river in a boat in a perfect world, but as I fell George is trying to say this is far from a perfect world or a utopia. This is shown by dying trees branches drooping in to the river and in a perfect world the tree would be full of life I also fell that shooting at night and the brown tones although giving a warm feeling at first give a apocalyptic sense after reading the idea behind the book.

But if you read the introduction of the book they right of a narrative emerging that says everything is possibly not as bad has it seems, now this would contradict the wider project ‘Broken Pastoral’ but then when I think about this, if George is to place Hackney by Night at the end it could provide a perfect ending to the project. Hackney by Night is now beginning to show what promise is left within Hackney as it allows the viewer to understand the nature within Hackney that beneath its dark twisted past which featured “The Krays and their underworld of violence, extortion and murder” (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015) Hackney does have a beautiful side shown by the bright lights from the “street lamps, the neon signs, the far off windows” (George, Falconer and Cheatle, 2015) which help to bring a cinematic feeling to George’s work which as I read into makes me feel that it’s a bit like a Hollywood movie in that it can begin with a dark view but as it goes on you see the good in the place the beauty.

George uses a large format camera for his images and from a video for the book by Umut Gunduz I would say this it is digital from the medium format style design and the quick glance of a remote shutter release (Gunduz, 2017). Using a large format camera would and has given George an extreme amount of detail you would not get from a 35mm, DSLR or medium format camera. This works for George’s book as it gives straightness which other formats cannot provide while also providing aesthetically as a digital large format camera is expensive and provides another hidden glamour.

Most of the two-page spreads in the book contains an image on one of the sides and part of Falconer’s story on the other, there a number of exceptions to this but I feel this is the main layout design. Although in parts you may not see an image for a page or two there is always something to keep your attention.

With the book the images have rather clean framing and are all the same size and in a square format which I think works well as the couple of lines on the other side of the page fit would also fit perfectly within the image’s boundaries. The design for me is like several books made more recently as them have gone with square format images as well while older books I have seen prefer to for a rectangle format giving me the feeling that the style of this book is particularly modern.

The font within the book is particularly small and coloured grey but I feel this suits the book perfectly as its not overwhelming nor under its calming and suits how the book narrative of the book is run as George never tries to overwhelm you, he wants to grab your attention but then let you sit back and relax.

Apart from a small amount of cropping I believe that the only editing is a small amount of manipulation with the levels and curves and possibly a little saturation and I really like this lack of editing as George is staying as close to the true Hackney as possible. George follows his edit with what I think is a masterpiece of a sequence which has been made easier as he has had a story to work with and as you go through the book looking through the photos and reading the story every image perfectly matches the assigned part of the story yet what I would say is my favourite thing about George’s selection is his first image, the front cover, is the exact same as his last creating a sense the viewer has gone full circle allowing the viewer a sense of completion from George’s book.

After reading and looking through this photobook I feel like it is a book I could happily come back through and look through again and again as the story is captivating and the photos give off a sense of warmth from the tones of colour and I feel the colours and the still eeriness is what makes we want to come back to this book as it is comforting I well this is helped by the A5 size of the book as it feels like an ordinary reading book which makes feel like it’s not in your face and allowing you to relax.

To me most of the book doesn’t have very many faults but I feel that it does have a few features that I do not like. The main issue I have with the book is how the text does not stick to one side to one side of the book as it switches from one side to another. Another problem I have is the cropping of the image on the front cover you can tell his has ben cropped as it is shown in full at the end of the book, but with the book being in a portrait format I can understand there will be some cropping as his images are in square format.

In conclusion George’s book has a strong cover image that seems warm and inviting even though its of what seems to be a dark and lonely place which has shown me that the impact of the front cover is just as important as the images within the book if not more show as this is what draws your viewers in.

My strongest inspiration from this book is its extremely strong narrative has a strong collection of images that when shown alone could tell a number of stories as there are deep hidden meanings within Hackney by Night but when George’s work is paired Falconer’s writing you get this incredible photo/story book which you could really place anywhere in a house or even a café and it wouldn’t be out of place. I would like my project I have a really strong narrative that can captivate its viewer as I feel this should be the ideal of any photobook.

[pastorcowboy]

The making of a christian

Matthew 11: what we see in Christ

In some ways, I feel that Matthew 11:7 is Christianity in a nutshell. “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind”? I feel it’s ironic and intentional that wilderness is mentioned. Moses found God in the wilderness. Israel was born in the wilderness. John preached in the wilderness, and the crowds came to him in that deserted place. When we read the Bible, what are we looking for: redemption, answers, salvation or something else. Matthew seems to be planned out like a book or movie. Did Matthew have this all organized and laid out before he recorded it? Or, as he wrote, did he see the ministry life of Jesus playing itself out in those three years. Did Moses, the Prophets, and Jesus ministry suddenly come crashing together in a violent revelation: who are we looking for in religion? What are you seeking in religion?

Matthew 11:2 “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Exodus 3:13 “Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"

At the end of verse 19 Jesus says “yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” I find this astounding. I looked up all the wisdom mentions in the Old Testament (there are a ton). It’s not surprising to me that Jesus made a quote like this. Wisdom played a huge role in historical teaching and in the landscape of modern Rome. Greek philosophy was as big as political correctness is big in this era. Some manuscripts have deeds replaced with children. I think children is even more astounding. If God would have a child, would that child vindicate God and his character? Matthew 21 has a parable that says “Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said”. Matthew is written very smartly. The question remains “who are we looking for”? There is another concept in the Bible called the refiners fire. The point was to see perfection when the impurities are smelted out. Does God see Jesus in you?

Matthew 11:11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Exodus 3:12 “God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.”

The question has been for over 2000 years “Is Jesus the son of God.” In a manner of speaking John, the Baptist was asking the same thing. John was expecting a ruler that would crush the Romans, they all were. They heard the teachings and they had witnessed the miracles, but they wanted to get to the good stuff. They wanted the Christ to take over. Jesus reply to John is a reply to us as well. Who are you looking for. Is what you hear and see good enough or do you want more. Maybe Matthew is asking us to reevaluate how we look at the kingdom of God. Verse 12 is the lynch pin “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” The kingdom has received violence but it does not act by violence to achieve its goal. Far too often we expect God to act in ungodly ways to achieve our hearts desires.

Matthew 11:25 “At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.”

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Read Matthew 11 and John 14 this week.

1.       Matthew 11:1-15 is a stern warning to those who say they believe. Why are you here? I read a book called The Time Machine by H.G Wells. He built the machine to prove a point that humans will eventually find peace. He called it utopia. He traveled far into the future to see humans in their glory. What he found was the same old same old. Are you seeking peace? Is Jesus the answer as long as he provides? There are two things I want to point out. One is that Jesus did amazing things. Miracles don’t grow on trees. Yet, we seem blind because we are looking for something different. Did you know that the kingdom of God should imprint on you and not the other way around? Secondly, Jesus makes a point of saying we might be following soft robes in royal palaces. Are we impressed by glitz and glamour? The fake leaders will give you plenty. The kingdom will give you none of that on earth. The treasure and majesty are in heaven.

 Matthew 11:15 “let anyone with ears listen.”

Job 19:6 “then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me.”

 2.       Matthew 11:16-24 is scary stuff. The kiss principle is so prevalent in the kingdom of God. Keep it simple stupid. Jesus says this generation is like “children saying.” I feel that is a shot at people. We hear the simple stuff but never react. We should dance, morn, or laugh, but we always have our intentions and minds on other things. J Vernon McGee says we need the board of education applied to the seat of knowledge. Sometimes we need a swift kick because we are in our own world. I think Jesus uses Sodom and Gomorrah because they were the worst. I also believe he used it because they were consumed with themselves. Has the kingdom been playing a song and a role in your life all along and you have ignored the whole tune?

 Matthew 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

Judges 16:20 “Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.”

3.       Matthew 11:25-27 again begins with the use or the word infants. Adults think far too much. I was astounded at university that the more I learned the more I realized how stupid I was. There is always more to know. Jesus says wisdom is hidden from the wise and revealed to the infants. The wise are so because they think they are. Saying you have arrived is a very dangerous thing. A true Christian will always be seeking, learning, and growing. Why is there eternity? I believe it’s because the depths of God would take more than a lifetime to discover. It seems I’m pounding the same drum but this chapter is screaming it. Why are you a here as a Christian?

As a side note, we have verses 26-27. They are so important to Christian theology. Did we create theology? How do we know that Jesus is the son of God? I suppose it could be the miracles or his resurrection. Yet, the word of God tells us plainly. Jesus says he is in the father and the father is in him. Our definition of the trinity is formed through verses like these. In John 14 Jesus repeats much of what he said in Matthew 11. However, Jesus adds that God and Jesus will send the Spirit to be within us. We don’t get the word trilogy in the Bible but Jesus teaches trilogy of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Matthew 11:27 “All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

John 14:15-17 ““If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.”

4.       The last part of this chapter is really good. To hear about the kingdom is tough listening. The talk of Jesus dying and sin is a heavy topic. To have people persecute you because you say you are Christian is a tough place. Yes, we claim to love God, but down here on earth is hell at times. The world is awful. It’s really hard to live Holy in an unholy world. I find it also really hard to believe that some claim to be pure down here. I’m not so sure it is possible. Yet, Jesus said the best man John was accused of being impure. He shows us that good guys like Peter will fall. Even Jesus was accused of acting unholy several times. What we see in Christ is perfection. Jesus tried to tell the people it was not about showing holiness or perfection. It was about earnestly coming to the Lord as children eager to learn. To living simple lives that are devoted to helping this world rather than hindering it. The expectations of people are far too high. That goes for our expectations too.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

What it all means?

               There are several religions. There are several denominations within these religions. How can different Muslim, Jewish, and Christian denominations be the right one? I feel each one is voices. One says my view is the most important. Another retorts that their way is correct. They all say one God, but all interpret that God differently. It’s a confusing mess. Matthew 11 is asking us to remember why we’re here. Interpretation is best left to God alone. The reason we go down denominational rabbit trails is our pride. We have to be valuable and right.

               Matthew 11 points to the simple answers. The children receive simple instructions and treat them at face value. Adults want to dissect, analyze, and interpret. How can I say this plainly? The kingdom of God is not about us. It is for us but not about us. It’s Gods heaven not our utopia. It’s Gods instructions and word. His meaning not ours. Far too often we say “come to our church.” People boast this version of the Bible is right. This denomination is the true church. We have made Christian living about us.

               What it all means is children. That has always been the key. Children grow. They learn. They are disciplined. Children want to be wowed. They want to be taken care of. Adults think they know and they think they can take care of themselves. Matthew 11 is trying to slowly move us forward. Now you know. Now you have heard. What will we do with what has been given? Will we box it, sell, it, market it? Luke 19 has a parable of the gold coin. What you do with what is given is important. I think most of the time we forget that the most important part is that the coin was given. It’s not about us.

Matthew 11:25 “At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.”

Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”

[aalison123]

All through history, there have been startling accounts of people foreseeing the future, accounts that unnervingly hit or miss the mark. From Nostradamus predicting the Great Fire of London in 1666 (totally happened, according to some) to the Mayans prophesizing the Earth’s end in 2012 (er, not so much), history isn’t exactly lacking in the premonition department.These premonitions are actually more common than you might think. And it’s not just doom-filled calendars and ancient textbooks from the middle ages; there are plenty of contemporary premonitions that have been published, funnily enough, in works of fiction. Most literary forecasts that pop up in books are often brushed off as purely coincidental or chalked up to being educated guesses, but some of them are almost too unsettling for words. Let’s take a look.

Super Sad True Love Story By Gary Shteyngart

The novel Super Sad True Love Story, published in 2010, follows the romantic entanglement of Lenny Abramov and Eunice Park in a near-future dystopian New York, where life is dominated by technology and bad debt. Credit rating is broadcasted to the world through “apparats,” which bear a striking resemblance to the iPhone 4.In the novel, economic chaos reigns. The US is hopelessly in debt to China, the dollar is devalued, America has defaulted on its debt, and China scolds the country publicly. This exact event was mirrored in real life across international news channels when China stated that Washington must “cure its addiction to debt” less than a year later.[1]Shteyngart also managed to predict the Occupy Wall Street Movement in 2011. And though his predictions are parodic for sure, most of them have come true, proving, perhaps, that we live in a world where reality takes its cues from fiction.

2001: A Space Odyssey By Arthur C. Clarke

Although many consider 2001: A Space Odyssey a film and solely that, there was, in fact, a book that was written concurrently alongside the screenplay by Arthur C. Clarke, based on his short story, “The Sentinel.” It roughly follows a similar plotline but is based more on the revised version of the script and not the deviation the film eventually took. However, in both versions, we get a glimpse of the “newspad,” a device that features instant access to periodicals and other information all across the world. It looks like an iPad and works like one. The book was published in 1968, and the iPad was introduced in 2010, 42 years after the film and movie came out, so it’s no wonder that Kubrick is regarded as the sci-fi seer of his time.[2]Then again, perhaps it wasn’t Kubrick who saw the future but Steve Jobs who copied Kubrick?

Gulliver’s Travels By Jonathan Swift

In the world-famous Gulliver’s Travels, Swift takes us on several fantastical adventures across the hidden corners of the globe, where Lemuel Gulliver meets the Lilliputians in a far-off country, encounters the giants in Brobdingnag, and then goes on to visit the flying land of Laputa, where Swift’s premonitions rapidly come into play.It turns out that Laputa’s astronomers have discovered that Mars has two moons, 150 years before they were observed by Asaph Hall in 1877. The fact that his prediction was based on mere conjecture is far more impressive than someone who makes an educated and informed guess, as even their proximity and orbit are fairly accurate.[3]Hall named the moons Phobos and Deimos. In a nod to Gulliver’s Travels, a crater on Deimos was named Swift after the writer himself, a tribute as remarkable as the premonition that inspired it.

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Looking Backward: 2000–1887 By Edward Bellamy

Living in a time of social and economic turmoil in the late 19th century, Edward Bellamy grew embittered by the slow creation of labor unions, the violence surrounding the working-class majority, and hostility toward the privileged minority. The American writer therefore outlined his opinions and advice for the future in his novel, Looking Backward: 2000–1887. In it, protagonist Julian West falls into a hypnotized deep sleep and wakes up a century later, in the year 2000. The world has become a socialist utopia, where all of America’s goods are distributed equally to its citizens. It was Bellamy who first introduced the concept of credit cards to the world before they were ever invented, when his character is taken to a store and given one that works like a debit card.[4]They acquire all the products and services necessary to lead a comfortable life, depending on the buyer’s situation. Although not exactly the same as the present day, it’s still with remarkable foresight that Bellamy created this concept—now adopted by banks all over the world. And to think that far ahead in the late 1880s was something only a very forward-thinking individual could conceive. That, or a time traveler.

Stand On Zanzibar By John Brunner

Predicting the presidency of specific people is no easy feat. Yet John Brunner, in his novel Stand on Zanzibar, did just that. The book was science fiction, a novel set years in the future which follows two roommates: One is an executive at a powerful global company, and the other is a spy. Brunner also predicted outbreaks of violence in schools and acts of terrorism becoming a massive threat to the United States. Although he wrote his book in the 1960s, Brunner successfully predicts young adults’ hookup culture, drugs to improve sexual performance, electric cars, inflation prices, and even how homosexual relationships go mainstream.[5]It’s a future that’s not far off from our current reality, and the truly bizarre coincidence comes in the shape of a major world leader, a man called President Obomi, a mirror version of Obama. And it’s not just the weirdly similar names and the fact that he’s the US president; he even looks like Obama.Never mind our floozy hookup culture; that’s just plain remarkable, given that it was published in 1968 and set in 2010, not long after Obama’s actual election.  Mcafee Support Number