#they want to strengthen within themselves what the other has naturally

[nururu]

It's so wild how much I relate to sanji....... it's why we have beef. It's like if I was a cat who saw myself in the mirror for the first time and started attacking

[imnotyetfound]

My take on Five/Lila - and why they were endgame

I’ve seen so many people say that Five and Lila didn’t make any sense, and I just disagree. I've tried to really motivate why, and also why I see them as endgame. Feel free to agree or disagree.

First of all, Five and Lila share a common background of being raised plus trained as survivors and weapons. Five was molded by his time in the apocalypse, the Commission and his ruthless upbringing within the Hargreeves family, while Lila was similarly trained and manipulated by the Handler. Both of them were forced into brutal, high-stakes environments from a young age, developing a sense of independence, ruthlessness, and survival instincts that the rest of the family can’t fully relate to. We see this especially in Five and Lila’s difficulties in showing emotional vulnerability and trusting others. This shared experience means they both understand the cost of their traumatic upbringings and can relate to each other’s emotional scars in ways others just won’t be able to. So already by this, they’re somewhat bonded from the start.

In other similarities both Five and Lila possess extraordinary intelligence and tactical thinking. They challenge each other in a way no one else does. This has been an ongoing thing between them, bouncing off each other and sometimes teaming up. It’s also what drew them to work on another mission together in S4, there has always been some kind of pull/push there. Personality-wise both Five and Lila have a dark sense of humor and a cynical outlook on the world. But despite the cynicism, they still manage to eventually relax and find humor in each other’s company. The lighter moments we’ve seen between them at times have been an interesting contrast to their otherwise serious and violent lifestyles. 

I do believe their shared backgrounds and personalities created a bond that was then further strengthened during the years they spent lost in the subway together. Isolated from the rest of the world, they literally only had each other for company. The intimacy and trust that grew between them was inevitable. When you have no one else to rely on, you’re going to develop a relationship stronger than under normal circumstances. So over those years, they must have grown close in ways that no one else could fully understand. Even though we didn't get to see every detail of how it unfolded (because the season was way too short), it’s not difficult to imagine.

I’d also say they naturally grew a bond stronger than with any other character at that time, except for the one between mother and child which is why Lila’s need to be with her children would always make her go home if given the chance. Five knew this and it’s the reason he kept the solution from her for months. 

Now, to my thoughts about their actions in regards to Diego as this is often brought up. The argument that Lila cheated on her husband with Five is understandable from a moral perspective, if we see it as just that without any context. But when you consider the circumstances it is way more nuanced. You have to look at not only the environment they found themselves in, but also the emotional and psychological journey they went through together. Their relationship was ultimately forged over a shared background and then several years of isolation. Then you add to the fact that Diego seems to have treated Lila like crap in the years leading up to the isolation, she said it herself he was always moping around and complaining while she sacrificed her life to stay at home and take care of the kids. She even told him she needed a break to reassess their relationship. I do believe her and Five had somewhat already begun an emotional affair before the isolation, the way they were sneaking off together and clearly wanted to keep their thing separate from Diego and the others. Yet they still didn’t get physical until they settled down, believing they weren’t gonna find a way back.

Also, it’s important to here consider the strength of the bond, as I mentioned earlier, that Five and Lila must have developed over those years. They knew each other better than anyone else by the end. Spending every day together in a survival situation with nothing else around would likely create an unparalleled level of intimacy and emotional closeness. This bond would probably transcend Lila’s previous relationship with Diego, and maybe even Five’s bond with his siblings. It’s been years since he returned to them and they had all grown in separate directions. Lila and Five however had recently experienced something life-changing together, and it is unfair to dismiss the strength of their connection as something unethical or out of character when their reality had shifted so drastically from when the show started.

Another important point here is how the relationship with Lila allowed Five to finally be "human" and emotionally open in a way he hadn’t allowed himself to be before. Five was obviously emotionally detached as a result of both his past trauma and the burden of being a hyper-intelligent man in the body of a boy. With Lila, he had the chance to just feel love and trust without worrying about anything else. So I do think this outweighs his “betrayal” against his brother as people claim.

Now on to how and why Five and Lila were endgame. I’m convinced that Lila did love Five despite her choice to leave their isolation. To me this was cemented as she didn’t deny her feelings when Diego asked her straight out. If she wanted to make Diego feel better she could have easily denied her feelings for Five to reassure him. Yet even when asked twice she couldn’t do it. There was also Lila’s look of relief when Five returned to them at the end. It was Five who Lila allowed to comfort her after she said goodbye to her family, trusting him in her most vulnerable moment instead of blipping back to Diego and the others. These events showed the deep trust and emotional intimacy that still existed between them after returning to “the real world”. Despite her saying it was over. I also want to add here that Lila took Five’s hand as they were dying, the look between them was for me at least silently saying they loved each other. 

So all in all I do believe that the connection and love between Five and Lila was authentic. It also made sense. They’re able to understand each other’s emotional complexities, including their darker tendencies, without needing to change who they are. Still their time together seemed to actually have softened them both when they finally had the chance to settle down, almost as if they were healing from past trauma together. This would forge a relationship that no one else could replicate without going through the same experience. Making Five and Lila a reasonable endgame, which they also were in my eyes considering they died holding hands.

----------------------

Summary:  Five and Lila's shared background of trauma, matched intelligence, and similar personalities means they make sense. They shared a bond that was only further strengthened during their years of isolation. For 7 years they only had each other to rely on. This inevitably created an intimacy and relationship that couldn’t be compared to what they had had with anyone else. Outweighing what they did to Diego when you consider all context. Lila and Five ended up being human and vulnerable with each other on a level they hadn’t been with anyone else. Ultimately Lila’s refusal to deny her feelings for Five, her relief when he returned, him comforting her as she sent her family away and then finally them dying hand-in-hand, showed that they were endgame.

[unmotivated-cosmere-nerd]

After reading some posts (spesifically on the nature of magic by @felonytaxevasion and creature design by @lakesbian) and some other urban fantasy novels I have a bunch of ideas floating around about Pact and Pale that I want to explore via writing something

The core three ideas are:

The Magics meaning within the world

The History of the practice

And the people who wield the practice.

I should start out by saying I disagree with @felonytaxevasion's take that the magic is a metaphor about Family specifically and think its more about the systems we build as a society, although the "traditional family" is definitely one of them.

Although to a certain point I don't even think its a metaphor, the practice as it exists , is literally a man made system build by one guy 3000 years ago in a small corner of the world that has expanded and dominated the rest of the world forcing its rules onto everyone because no one can agree on a better solution. The Practitioner must literally agree to a social contract where they define themselves to the rest of the world that causes the speech and actions to be policed by the world around them.

Which is something I love about the Practice, its not a genetic magic system, but one anyone can sign up for. Aside from the unappealing eugenics of genetic magic systems, where some people are born "better", it also speaks a lot about generational determinism the idea that the next generation will naturally be better and more enlightened and that diversity is a new thing. In contrast in Pact and Pale the Practice has a weight of history behind it (hence the name), its grown from a stopgap measure to an oppressive beast that learns from previous generations and grows to encompass and control everything, much like practitioners themselves, and will continue to do so as long as its members are complacent. The practice will only change if it is actively fought, deliberately fixed and made to accept the Other (the diverse/minority group in this metaphor).

But these ideas are more than just metaphors. This is something I really like in Pale with Zed. Now I am cis, so obviously take this with a grain of salt, but the way the practice responds to a trans person, demanding he conform to the identity presented in his awakening and engaging with the struggle of being trans in a system that wasn't built to accept you, seems like a more sincere engagement with the trans experience than a magic a potion that changes your sex to match your gender, although from what @felonytaxevasion said it might also come down to weather or not you want escapism in your story or not.

But this gets into another part I want to talk about witch is the people of the practice. Being a practitioner, means willing participating in a system of exploitation and abuse, a system you strengthen just by signing up. Its not something you are, its something you do. I want to compare two other books to Pact and Pale to explore some ideas.

The first is "magic for liars" in it mages are something you are born as and when asked why mages didn't stop Hitler they say mage law and never bring it up again. In comparison in Pact and Pale practitioners fought in WW2 with Jude's great grandfather and Aimon Behaim getting injured fighting enemy practitioners. More than that practitioners have philosophy, from whole books on the philosophy of a discipline like Diabolism to the textbooks in Pale that (purposefully) read like they were written by someone who believes in the white mans burden. There s the weight of an ugly history to the Practice that makes it feel more real than other books.

I'm not sure what the thrust of this is but I really like Pact and Pale's magic systems and I love practioners in a strange way, there existence is like heartwarming but bad, a tragedy, but one of the status quo not disaster and i find that really compelling.

[yuurei20]

Translation from Twisted Wonderland the 2nd novel: Leona and the Housewarden Meeting

"‘Remember. What was it like two years ago? Last year? How did it feel to be used as a stepping stone to showcase the power of Lord Malleus Draconia? And you’re fine with letting him quit while he’s ahead? At this rate, we’ll be forever labeled as the herbivores that trembled and fled before Malleus.’

Leona’s words resonate with their hearts, with their minds. That unbearable humiliation resurfaces within the chests of all who hear him.

When Malleus had beat them all, he had faced the television cameras with a tilt of his head but no particular joy, as though to say, ‘Is that all?’

Riddle and the others had watched with bitterness, and a slight sense of fear.

No amount of talent could prevail before him, and he had not allowed even one person the slightest opportunity to show what they could do. How they had been on the ground, helpless before the storm of Malleus’ magical power had been etched into the memories of people worldwide.

It is impossible to count how many times they grit their teeth in response to hearing, yet again, how even students from the prestigious Night Raven College cannot compete against natural-born talent.

This cannot go on.

Of course they all want to prove themselves to the world. But what is there for them to even do against that storm of a man?

Looking at the perplexed faces around him, Leona raises his chin with an exaggerated shrug of his shoulders, spreading his hands out before him. ‘He cannot be beaten through brute force. But what about up here?’ Leona’s voice strengthens. ‘The most important thing in Spelldrive is not strength. It’s smarts. Wring out that intellect of yours and think. Figure out how to bring Malleus down!’

‘Bring down Malleus-senpai?’ Riddle murmurs, and Leona responds with a nod.

‘What’s the point of giving up when there is still a chance? Of course it’s not going to be easy, but that’s exactly why the team that beats that monster will be praised, worldwide.’ Leona’s tone fills with pleasure. ‘Diasomnia has become complacent. Now is our chance. It is risky, but the rewards will be all the sweeter for it.’

His confident voice seems to dispel the doubts of all who hear it. Beating Malleus will be difficult. They all know it. There is no reason why winning against one of the top mages in the world should be easy.

But when Leona speaks, he stirs alive the feeling that they must at least try to beat Malleus. It is as though he is showing them a brighter future.

‘To suffer defeat at the hands of the very humans he has always looked down on—for Malleus, it would be the ultimate humiliation. How about it? Just picturing it in your mind is enough to raise your spirits. The sight of the high and mighty Malleus’ crestfallen face broadcast for all the world to see. And not by someone else—with our own hands!’

The housewardens exchange glances. Then, they nod.

'Even Leona makes a good point now and then. I believe the Headmage’s proposal is pure nonsense,’ agrees Pomefiore’s housewarden with a defiant smile. With such pride in his own beauty, he cannot possibly stand idly by after such a disgrace.

In contrast, Scarabia’s housewarden laughs aloud without a hint of malice. ‘I agree!,’ he declares with vigor, raising his hand into the air. ‘It wouldn’t be good to exclude Malleus. This kind of competition is for everyone to enjoy together, after all!’

‘Yes. A wonderful suggestion by Leona-san.’ Azul rests a hand upon his chest, as though deeply moved. But there is a shrewd glint within his eyes, behind his glasses. ‘A broadcast of Malleus's defeat would attract quite a considerable viewership. It would be widespread news, with immeasurable influence.’”

Scene continues here! ↓

[tokiro07]

Ichi the Witch ch.2 thoughts

[Woo-hoo! Witchy...Man...]

(Contents: character analysis - Ichi/Uroro/Desscaras, predictions - narrative progression)

Okay, chapter 2, and once again I feel compelled to talk about it! I'll take that as a good sign for my engagement with the series going forward

Not only is ch. 2 even prettier than ch. 1, but it expands on a few things that I felt were missing last week, helping to strengthen the story in my mind

Where last week felt like it was meant specifically to set up the high concept of the series (boy becomes first male witch) and the basic philosophy (killing with purpose is hunting, killing without is murder), this week gives us a bit more depth into the cast themselves and their greater purpose

Ichi the Healer

Naturally, the most noteworthy exploration of the chapter is certainly Ichi himself, at least to me. I said last week that his philosophy of "death for death" seemed like a thin veil separating him from his base desire to kill, and given the gleam in his eye when he heard the word "hunt" in this chapter I stand by that as a possibility, but his actions this week imply a much greater commitment to his claim of respecting life than I initially gave him credit for

He didn't seem too broken up about it when he was shown the damage he had inadvertently done to the land, but the moment he was told there was a way to fix it, he did so without hesitation. Ichi was likely capable of forgiving himself for something he did completely unintentionally because it was on such a grand scale that he didn't think there was any use dwelling on it, but with the capability of making reparations came the responsibility to do so. The cost of being unconscious for a few days is paltry in comparison to bringing back the lives he inadvertently took, and that speaks to his opinion on life far more than the circumstances that allow him to justify killing

I don't know how or if Nishi intends to develop the dichotomy of Ichi's desire to hunt and his desire not to do unnecessary harm specifically, but I'm glad we got to see both extremes so early

Likewise, I think that there's a bit of a dichotomy in Uroro's character as well, though a bit more subtly

Shoulder Devil

As I predicted, Uroro isn't dead, he's more sealed within Ichi, presumably a familiar pactbound to the one who passed his trial. I don't know if other Magiks behave the same way, but I could go either way on it. If they do, that would give us a Shaman+Guardian Ghost or Weapon+Meister style dynamic, but that could also carry the risk of overloading us with new characters when a Witch has acquired multiple Magiks. I imagine they tend not to since there's no indication that Desscaras has a bunch of familiars hanging out with her, but they might also just not be inclined to come out at the moment

In the meantime, Uroro immediately tries to use his familiar status to manipulate Ichi into putting himself in danger, which would theoretically get him killed and allow Uroro to be released. When he gets called out on it, he notes that he has more motivations beyond trying to regain freedom: he also doesn't want to be forced into serving the Witches

While Uroro looks down on humanity, he doesn't seem to be a heartless monster, as he refuses to turn on his own kind. We'll need to see him interact with other Magiks first to get a clear picture of his opinion on them as individuals, but considering that he cites the depth of their history, we can reasonably assume that he holds the species itself as a whole in high regard

This sets up a strong conflict of interest for Uroro going forward, as he will be forced to face off against other Magiks, and there will most likely come a time when he needs or wants to do so. Like how Ichi won't kill until he's given external justification, what will it take for Uroro to justify turning against one of his own? Will it be because a particular Magik angers him? Will one stand between him and his freedom? Will one have clearly sided with humanity or disrespected Magik culture?

Whatever happens, how will Uroro reconcile that? How will he forgive himself? Will he even need to, or is he a hypocrite who's perfectly willing to fight his kind so long as it's not on behalf of humans?

Of course, this projection is assuming that Uroro is meant to be Ichi's partner who will develop alongside him, rather than the series' main antagonistic force deliberately trying to thwart his development at all times. Obviously, he's going to think he's that for the foreseeable future, but the question is whether that will always be the case or if sooner or later he'll turn around. I always thought Sukuna would have that kind of development, but ultimately that wasn't the case, so I won't make that assumption at face value this time

Now, if Uroro is the Sukuna of this series, then Desscaras is likely the Gojo

The Strongest Teacher

Ichi's situation is a little different from Yuji's, in that if Ichi dies, Uroro goes free, while Yuji's death would weaken or ultimately erase Sukuna. However, to keep these ultimate monsters in check, the ultimate sorcerers of these respective worlds decide to take these vessels under their wings

Unlike Gojo, though, Desscaras immediately loses control of the situation, with Ichi doing his own thing and getting her into trouble with her superior and making her regret her decision to look after him. They're both goofy characters, but Desscaras' power doesn't protect her from getting comeuppance for her self-aggrandizing and transparently nasty personality, which to me makes her a more endearing iteration of the same basic trope

While we don't know what her teachings will look like at this exact moment, this chapter does give us at least a little glimpse into what to expect for the series going forward

On the Hunt

I probably should have seen this coming when the narrator called the Witches "hunters," but of course the Magiks need to be literally hunted. It's what Ichi is best at, so it would be odd to make him learn a new skillset to use in an unrelated context

With hunting solidified as the feedback loop, I think we can expect something akin to Toriko, an adventure where the cast needs to determine the locations, personalities, habits, weaknesses etc. of the various Magiks to facilitate passing their trials. However, since we learned of an academy in the first chapter, it's also possible that it'll be more of a mission-based structure like early Soul Eater, using the school as a hub until a Magik has been located

Personally, I would rather the locating be a big part of the hunt, but I can see how that would slow the pacing, so I won't be too broken up if it isn't part of it. Plus, having the rest of the core cast be students rather than professionals makes it a bit easier to incorporate them into the story, so there would certainly be benefits if it ends up happening. Whichever way the chips fall, I'll talk more in-depth about it when we get there

Whether it's a school or a business, though, I highly doubt that Ichi is just going to accept organizational regulations at face value and go along with "tradition." He's the first and only man ever to become a Witch, and he possesses the King of Magic; even before being introduced to the world proper, he's already a shakeup to the established order, so his methods must not only be outside of the norm, but a necessary addition to reform outdated ways

As Uroro says, Magiks are "an indigenous species" being preyed upon by the Witches, who certainly are trying to further their own power. It's all well and good for Desscaras to say it's for a noble goal like protecting people from rampaging monsters, but it's undeniable that Witches grow in strength after acquiring a Magik. There's simply no way that all of them are trying to make the world better, and based on her personality, I highly doubt that Desscaras is either (though she may surprise me). Even if they are, they definitely don't hold the life or well-being of the Magiks in any regard

This is where I think "death for death" comes in; Ichi will absolutely respect the Magiks. Whatever locations they hide in, however they interact with nature, Ichi will undoubtedly take the time to respect and understand them, even if that understanding leads to him deciding that there's no value in hunting them. The prejudices of the Witches likely equate to "Magik = target," but Uroro suggests that they have their own society and culture, so a fresh perspective like Ichi's will likely be necessary for finding mutual peace between the two races

Or at least, that's what I hope. It could easily turn out that the Magiks are wholly malefic and only introduced spells to the Witches to sew discord among humanity, and they're ultimately no different from the Curses of JJK or the majority of UMAs in Undead Unluck. I would much rather this series, with its themes already reminiscent of the circle of life ideology, find a way to work in an angle of coexistence, but I won't proclaim that the series is bad if it goes a more common direction

Conclusion

I...did not expect this post to go this long, honestly. I figured each segment would be one paragraph and I'd move on, but apparently I'm incapable of being concise. Oops!

But again, the fact that we're two-for-two on this series' chapters making me write reviews on par with those I write for Undead Unluck each week is a great sign for how much I currently like and can expect to like this series in the future. It could end up losing me sooner or later, especially if it gets overly complex in its power system and geopolitical worldbuilding, but for now looking forward to how both of those subjects develop

[altereggs]

(  yandeh sallah.  cis-woman.  she/her.  )  did  you  hear  ?  FATIMA "TIMA" BAH  is  stuck  in  stonehaven  for  the  for  the  foreseeable  future  …  they've  lived  here  for  TWENTY-THREE YEARS  and  are  known  around  town  as  THE  ICE QUEEN,  though  back  in  high  school  they  were  better  known  for  being  voted  MOST LIKELY TO WIN A STARING CONTEST.  if  i'm  not  mistaken,  they’re  a  TWENTY-THREE  year  old  senior  studying  THEATRE ARTS  (  i  really  hope  that  translates  well  into  their  role  as  a/an  DEFENSE  in  the  ‘new  world'  ).  according  to  my  records  they  were  originally  on  the  trip  because  she wanted to genuinely volunteer but also see her older brother—  which  checks  out,  given  they’re  WELL-ROUNDED,  STERN  and  NARROW-MINDED.  if  you’re  ever  trying  to  find  them,  your  best  bet  is  to  start  at  neon cactus saloon  and  listen  for  someone  humming  pacer  by  doechii.  oh,  and  don’t  forget  to  try  calling  out  tima  or  picturing  the principal's office,  a soft yet commanding tone, eco-friendly fur, a daddy's girl, and the battle between girlhood and godhood. for  extra  help.  let's  hope  the  chaos  doesn't  get  to  them  … 

���═✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿════✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿════✿══╡°˖✧

THE BASICS.

FULL NAME ; FATIMA "TIMA" BAH.

NICKNAME ; TIMA.

BIRTHDAY ; AUGUST 31ST. SEXUALITY ; BISEXUAL. ETHNICITY ; BLACK AND GAMBIAN.

FAMILY TREE ; (MOTHER) GISELLE. (FATHER) SAIKOU. (OLDER BROTHER #1) LAMIN. (OLDER BROTHER #2) OMAR.

THE ORIGIN STORY.

Tima was born and raised in Stonehaven by a Black mother and West-African father, along with her two older brothers.

Tima's mother was a prominent figure in the community, her family had a long lineage of being Stonehaven residents and providing for the long time residents and new coming residents as apart of the town hall.

It was obvious when growing up, that Tima’s mother was essentially the bread winner while her father had taken the prominent role of taking all three children outside the house and pushing them and strengthening their relationship within the outdoor nature as well as involving them in physical activities like with Brazilian Jiu-Jistu, for example. All this from a young age.

It wasn’t like she was the only feminine presence in the household, but with her mother always having meetings with the town hall, Tima had to always spend time within the male presence that surrounded her, which essentially made her closer and used to her father’s presence rather than her mother’s.

So Tima was getting down with her brothers, play fighting them— kicking their ass, really.

She would always win petty arguments and have her father on her side, every time while her mother had her brothers.

Her mother wasn’t as affectionate as her father was, which played into the way she grew up with her emotions.

But with the expectations of their parents, it’s usually the older sibling who the youngest sibling has to look up to. But in Tima’s case, she had to be the one to carry her family within her come up in her education and outside of her education.

Tima’s older brothers did not amount to what their parents wanted of them.

Giving up on the two oldest, Tima’s parents seemingly prioritized her and saw her older brothers as lost causes through their actions. They didn’t even see themselves going to college, having a career, at least not an ideal one to them.

TW MENTION OF DRUGS AND MENTAL ILLNESS Her older brother, Lamin moved out of Stonehaven while her other older brother, Omar was making wrong life decisions like the circle he associated himself with. Getting wrapped up into drugs, leading to his homelessness and diagnosis with schizophrenia, all while Tima is at college but unbeknownst to her parents, switching her major from psychology to theatre arts.

Though, despite the strain relationship her brothers have with the family, she didn’t cut times with them. Omar ends up in a shelter while she still attends college and still supports him, she’s the reason he’s in the shelter and is able to have his mental illness diagnosis.

It’s not a new revelation that Tima does community service, but this particular community service for the school trip involved her brother, and she had to secure her spot, without a doubt. But she has now secured her spot in a new world that differs from her old one, still very much finding herself resorting to ways she would in the past even when it’s not needed, like for her need to be in control.

THE HEAD CANONS.

true crime watcher/ horror girly.

can deal with every other season except for the summer.

a fighter not a lover.

was that one teacher pet who was not down with the games bcz her education was more important.

obviously seems like a debby downer but with the range of talents/hobbies she's got, there's nothing actually boring about her, but she doesn't care to explain herself.

advocate for a lot of things but comes off really scarily strict about it.

despite being an ice queen, yes she smiles, condescendingly...

so her mannerisms isn't heavily blank faces and staying quiet, she has a lot to say, whether anyone likes it or not.

always has to show a visual representation of her ideas if it's not getting through people's head.

majoring in theatre arts for specifically costume design.

night person all the way.

has kinda always got everything she's wanted so her factory settings are accustomed to nothing else, but just that.

musical prodigy.

doesn't like pets, especially the good ones bcz they'll make her soft.

[bunnytalksf1]

GPDA / FIA thoughts

So in (a rather belated, in my opinion) response to the penalty given to Max Verstappen for swearing in a press conference in Singapore, (and kind of also for Leclerc's 10k$ suspended fine in Mexico), the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Alliance) has made an instagram and published an open letter to the FIA asking Sulayem to "treat them like adults".

I've seen a lot of praise for this from fans, but my view on it is that it's just missed the mark, and that the drivers' alliance is in severe need of a proper union representative who isn't a driver, and is ideally a specialist of some kind. The statement is a bit flimsy in general, and doesn't really lay down any kind of demand, nor a concrete threat should the demands not be met.

There's also some (rightful) criticism that this in particular is a weird hill to die on. We saw no collective action after Qatar, where there were serious issues regarding the conditions the drivers were racing in, which caused serious concerns from both teams and from fans. There was no action over racing next to military bases, or over the right to political statements within the sport (which in actuality acts as a ban on left wing statements rather than a ban on politics as a whole: see McLaren this year). There has been no noise at all regarding the very questionable stewarding at the Brazilian GP, which had even fans noticing the flaws in the systems in place regarding delays in VSC calls, yellow flags, and red flags, particularly in cases where rain is involved. Although safety in the sport has come a long way since 2014, and crashes are very, very survivable, it seems weird to want to tempt fate with recovery vehicles on track and low visibility. There's also been no threat of collective action regarding the way the schedule is expanding to become borderline unworkable for the personnel in and out of F1.

So, the swearing ban being the deciding factor in this is a little-- weird, to say the least. But the collective action for most of these issues would probably be the drivers not racing, which isn't something that will likely ever happen because of contracts, and because the teams don't want to miss out on points, prize money, or open up a gap. Ultimately if a driver refuses to race, teams have reserves waiting in the wings, and apart from maybe 2 or 3 drivers on the grid, all would face termination of their contracts. Given that for most of them, this career is a childhood dream, and given that even without the loaded nature of this career path, they would lose their job with little education or other options outside of motorsport.

So, what does the GPDA actually need to do?

For one, it needs to make its role clear. Are we primarily concerned with safety, or with defending the right to self-expression for the drivers? The GPDA CAN do both, but they need to be clear about it. The original statement lumping in jewellery and underwear rules (imposed for safety) with the swearing ban (FIA being overly controlling) isn't great because it muddles their points.

Second, it kind of needs to expand. I would argue it needs to expand to, at the very least, reserve drivers, and ideally into the teams themselves, i.e. Team Principals and other team figures who talk to the media. This is largely to strengthen the effect of any collective action taken by giving the drivers a support system. The teams themselves are also negatively impacted by the FIA's inconsistency, and by loopholes and negligence (Sainz's penalty at the Las Vegas GP in 23 springs to mind, but there are other instances).

The FIA's main issue, as is noted by many others, is their inconsistency as well as the lack of transparency on how they actually operate. An organisation that is simply meant to be there as a non-profit governing body, in the last twelve months alone, has had allegations of race-fixing, incompetent and dangerous stewarding, covering up and allowing a high-profile sexual harassment scandal despite being implored to step in and investigate it, and the President, on top of all that, has implied in interviews that he thinks the FIA should recieve more monetary compensation for doing their jobs. As a non-profit. Whilst not disclosing where the money collected from fines is going.

But ultimately the systems in place from both the teams and the FIA and liberty media mean that refusing to race is not an option, but there has to be some form of collective action threatened or carried through or else the drivers are just shouting into a void. And ultimately, whilst I love George Russell, and think he's a great spokesperson, he's also not educated enough to lead a union, nor should it be his job.

I also think that all twenty drivers and reserves should refuse to speak in FIA conferences, like Verstappen, until the issues are resolved. Takes no revenue from the teams, or from the press, who can still find drivers elsewhere in the paddock. It takes revenue from Liberty Media and the FIA and it will take a maximum of two races for them to give in given the inconvenience it causes.

But the threat and the action actually have to be there, past an instagram infographic or a vaguely worded open letter.

[getyourblisson]

Full Moon - September 18th, 2024

September 18th Full Moon

Each Full Moon has a tendency to bring with it, disruption.  It is a time that is naturally turbulent and can trigger rebellious energy.  People are more prone to pick a fight or to get triggered into reactive and aggressive spaces.

This Full Moon is a time where it is easier to get support from others.  People are naturally more influenced at this time.  That being said, we must be careful of charming people and things that seem too good to be true; because chances are they are.  It is important that we don’t act in urgency with things; and we take some time to think them through beyond the moment.  However, if we are standing in integrity and not manipulating others into what we want them to do; then we are likely to find that people will naturally stand up to support us if we ask for something.  Remember, it is always better to have people give because they want to and through situations of integrity; than to coerce them into things that they don’t really want to do.

Leadership is important at this time; and it is important that we embrace being a positive leader in whatever way that we can.  This can be leading by example or setting a positive example for others.  It can be helping people to increase their freedom and self-sufficiency in the world.  It can be bringing people together and working as a team.  It can be working directly with others to show them how to do something and to create their own successes within doing other things.  There are many ways that we can embrace positive leadership energy; and we should take advantage of the opportunities that allow us to do this.

Stress and tension surface.  Others may create anxiety for us.  This is especially true if we are surrounded by people that cannot be trusted and who do not operate in integrity.  One way that we can ease stress and anxiety is to take a break from things that we are trying to force to happen.  We can do things to help those that struggle to help themselves; or we can stand up for those that are being taken advantage of by others.  As we do this, it will connect us with awakening greater integrity into our own life and help us to move forward.

This is a time where we are called to be in reflection and to really get honest with ourselves about where things may have gotten out of Divine Alignment.  It is a time for us to adjust what we are trying to do, so that it allows us to stand more in the Soul Self.  We are called to strengthen Spiritual Attributes during this time; for we will need to be stronger in them before we can unfold more successes in life.  This is about learning to operate in true Divine Service and working from our heart instead of just the mind.

At this time, we are able to strengthen our connection with those that we have a true partnership or relationship with.  It is a time where people are either supporting us or trying to compete with us.  Competition will not bring anything of value and only nourishes insecurities.  The more we acknowledge the skills and assets of others, while knowing our own worth and value; the more we can breakdown competition and create friendships.  There is nothing that needs to be proven.  We either do or don’t do.  We will always have room for improvement; but in the end, it is always about loving what we do.

This Full Moon is also a Super Moon or in Perigee.  So, it is closer than at other times and this allows it to seem quite big.  In the energy of the Super Moon, we find that friendships, relationships, and partnerships support us in standing in our abundance.  They are helping to add to our success and help us bring things through to completion.  Their love and support may also bring new opportunities our way that help us to be successful with our own ideas.

While we may appreciate others that are in our life, we may be in need of keeping things a bit more “low key”.  The Super Moon energy is likely to find people a bit more tired than normal.  We need to take time to support our health and to process the experiences that we are having in life.  Our choices are very important and can impact all of our existences.  Even if the mind is weary, we will know that the most favorable path will lead us to have greater freedom over our life and supports us in having quality experiences; such as spending time with those that we love and care about.

This is a time where we are learning and teaching others what is and is not acceptable for us.  It is certain that not everyone will be happy about this, especially if they are seeking to have power and control over our life.  We may see stronger attempts to victimize us by working in tyrannical ways that are rooted in causing us suffering.  This only validates that these are situations that we do not want to be a part of.  We must honor what is best for us, whether others like it or not.

It is very important to be practical and responsible at this time.  We need to take care of any responsibilities and obligations that we have, in safe and cautious ways.  It may feel challenging to get through things; but if we embrace what has to be done, it will likely be smoother than normal.  This is a time where we may see more death and accidents than would normally happen.  People are operating in careless ways to prove their superiority over others.  There are stronger attempts to break people down.  This all ends up leading to accidents.  We must have the strength to breakthrough and handle things; even if we are running a bit tired.

In the energy of Perigee, we find that where we meet our responsibilities and obligations with integrity; that we are also certain to see successes.  The key is that we focus on finishing things that we have already started.  We are favored for bringing things to completion.  This is a time for us to recognize the real abundance that we have and that we are not suffering just because we are not living the lifestyle of the rich and famous.  In some ways, it is easier to connect with our heart and to care about those that need true help and assistance.

Rebel energy arises where we feel like others are taking advantage of our kindness and generosity.  It is important that we learn discernment; so that we can see who is trying to take advantage of us and who is encouraging us to do things that are fun and enjoyable for us.  One of the ways that we know this is, that if others have to “sell” us into something they are probably not offering us anything of true value.  If they are inviting us to share in doing something, then it is likely that they are interested in learning more about us.  There is a very big difference between being pushed into something and being invited into something.

We benefit where we help others to harmonize and where we step into being a leader for others.  This is all about recognizing that everyone has skills that are valuable; and that there is no being better or worse than another.  We are called to know where to work with others and where to draw our own limits so that we are not overextending ourselves.  Our bodies are simply not as strong as normal and we need to respect any extra rest and nutrition that is needed at this time.  People naturally want to shift into a life where they have more opportunities to focus on things that are of true value and where they don’t have to work all of the time.

I welcome you to be careful of charming people and things that seem too good to be true.  What if you take time to think things through more, before moving forward with them?

I welcome you to embrace being a positive leader in any way that you can.  What if there are many ways that you can do this and bring positive experiences for others as well as yourself?

I welcome you to stop trying to force things to happen.  What if taking some time to help others, will also open things up for yourself?

I welcome you to make adjustments so that you can stand more in your Soul Self with what you are doing.  What if this is about strengthening your Spiritual Attributes?

I welcome you to know who is supporting you and who is competing with you.  What if the more you acknowledge the skills and assets of others, while knowing your own worth and value; the more you can breakdown competition and create friendships?

I welcome you to realize that the favorable path forward is the one that gives you greater freedom over your life.  What if this will support you in having quality experiences and spending time with those that you love and care about?

I welcome you to know what is and is not acceptable for you and stand strong in that.  What if those that cannot accept what you do and do not want, are seeking to have power and control over you and your life?

I welcome you to finish things that you have already started.  What if meeting your responsibilities and obligations unfolds successes for you?

I welcome you to see the connection between rebel energy and where you are feeling taken advantage of.  What if this is part of learning discernment about who is supporting you and who is taking advantage of you?

In The Northern Hemisphere, we have the Fruit Moon and the Corn Moon.  In the energy of the Fruit Moon, we are being warned to not take any chances and to not take anything for granted.  Death and accident energy are showing up strongly.  This means that we need to use extra caution with everything that we are doing and everything that is happening around us.  This is not a good time for traveling.  It is worth taking extra time at stop lights and staying away from places where there is construction, power tools, and heavy equipment.  It is a wonderful time for focusing on learning things.  We especially are being given opportunities to learn how powerful our Spirit is and to transform things and make breakthroughs.  The biggest key is, that we don’t give up and that we see things through to completion.

In the energy of the Corn Moon, we may feel a bit more stress and anxiety.  This may come the strongest where we are spending time around those that we cannot trust and who do not work in integrity.  There is a sense of having to constantly look over our shoulder and protect ourselves from those that are trying to sabotage us.  We may want to find ways to help others that are being taken advantage of and that could really use some help with things.  Sometimes, as we act in kindness for others, we are able to unfold a greater understanding of our own challenges and to identify what is and is not a real challenge.

I welcome you to use extra caution with everything that you are doing.  What if all negative energy can be transformed by embracing the power of Spirit?

I welcome you to consider how stress and anxiety may be showing you where people are not trustworthy and are working without integrity.  What if you can deflect the challenges others put on you, by helping others with things that challenge them?

In the Southern Hemisphere, we have the Sap Moon.  With this influence, we see that caution and precautions need to be used.  Death and accident energy are present; and it is important that we learn not to push things or take them for granted.  It is important to take the time to make every interaction as complete as possible and to bring love and appreciation into every situation.  This helps us to transform anything that is trying to hold us back and break us down.  It is a time of learning that we have the power to breakthrough anything and should not stop until we get that breakthrough.  If we give up, we will only have to do things under harder circumstances.

I welcome you to make every interaction complete and invite in love and appreciation to every situation.  What if this allows you to transform anything that is trying to break you down?

The Code Journey ~ 2024 Edition

[sword-brainrot]

hello there! might i request oodenta, nikkari, and hasebe interactin with a saniwa who has a lot of trust issues of, not necessarily others, but of themselves? thank you very much!

Oodenta Mitsuyo, Nikkari Aoe, and Heshikiri Hasebe with Saniwa with Self Trust Issues (GN!Reader)

♡ Honestly, they both suffer from that.

♡ Oodenta lives in constant fear and trust issues within himself since he doesn't want to hurt others.

♡ I think he wouldn't realize they also suffer from the same issues since he is so focused on his own actions and words. It's only one day when they say something along the lines of, "I don't think I should make a choice. It will probably be wrong."

♡ He probably wouldn't say much to encourage them. Small phrases. Since emotional vulnerability is hard for him to express.

♡ He would remind them that even if they don't trust themselves, he trusts them. Most likely when they express their doubts with themselves and their abilities, he will speak up and say; "Good Idea."

♡ He would also ask them their thoughts on the matters when in meetings together. Although... with his scary scowl that rests naturally on his face, saniwa may believe that he watching their every move - waiting for them to mess up.

♡ Which in turn... makes me a little more distant with wanting to focus his attention on them but also not wishing to scare them.

♡ It would be a big work in progress between the two. Him, becoming more comfortable with expressing himself more and actually speaking his mind more. Them, with working on trusting themselves more and making a mistakes doesn't make them unqualified to be doing what they love.

♡ Oodenta seeing them work so hard every day on being the version they always wanted to be, he would also try.

♡ Oodenta would try to speak his mind around them more but constantly reminding them to "tell me if I ever say something you do not like" because this man lives in constant fear of the people he cares about hating him.

♡ Even though... He is preparing himself for that fate everyday. Not thinking anyone will stay by his side long. This man was locked in a shed because people were scared of him when he was in his sword form....

♡ He would also try to get closer to animals! Still very wary since he would never want to kill an animal. The citadel can practically see the anxiety surround him when he sees a cute tiny animal approaching him.

♡ In time, as he gets closer to the saniwa, he would ask them if they could go with him to try to get closer to animals.

♡ He would still be very hesitant to hold them but feels calmer with them there next to him.

♡ Oodenta isn't the best with his words but he tries to be encouraging. If they are ever spiraling down in doubt, he will ask short questions to understand why they are thinking they way they are.

♡ "I don't think I'm good enough for this-" "why?" "Because others do it better than I do." "so? You're good enough."

♡ It may seem like he is a little stubborn and looking for a fight. In reality, he is trying to just guide them to seeing that they are fine the way they are.

♡ He is able to do this with others but with himself he still has a hard time not letting his thoughts get the best of him. The big problem with Oodenta is that he keeps it inside and then isolates.

♡ Saniwa asking him about his own thoughts and asking why he is separated from everyone. Normally he would just ignore them and ask if they can leave him alone.

♡ But has their bond strengthened, he tries to speak about it and explain.

♡ It's rough... He isn't used to that. He didn't realize how emotional it was until he tried to speak and he felt his throat tighten on him. Very curt responses and refusing to make eye contact.

♡ If they still sticks by his side and tries their best to listen to everything he has to say, he will slowly be able to explain.

♡ "Better if I am not around, I'm dangerous." "Do you want to be alone?" "....No." "Then I don't think you should be alone. You aren't as dangerous as you think you are. I mean, look at me! I'm happier beside you, Oodenta!"

♡ It's not an easy journey with either of them. The active encouragement goes a long way for their friendship and feeling more comfortable with their own abelites and person. The voice will always be in the back of their heads but it's easier to push away or argue back to realize that they are more capable than they give themselves credit for.

♡ And if either of them ever need someone, they have someone to lean on and understand.

♡ Even if Oodenta never talks too much, subtle touches go a long way. If he ever sees saniwa overthinking and clenching their hands, his hand will gently grasp their hand until they feel them loosen them. Only to pull away after. No words but he sees and cares in his own way.

♡ Nikkari can read people well... Perhaps TOO well. Especially when he can relate to them.

♡ When Nikkari sees his saniwa falter when about to speak, open their mouth only to shut it again, and distant themselves from others - he sees all of it.

♡ Meeting his overlooking gaze will be rewarded with a knowing grin from him. Friendly enough, but also telling of: "I know something about you that others may not".

♡ Would Nikkari ever bring it up first? Perhaps not. He has his own issues with his own trust in himself, he most likely not think he is a well fit to discuss such matters.

♡ That doesn't stop him in the late nights, going around looking like a ghost in the halls, to meet with Ishikirimaru because he would think he could handle it better than Nikkari ever could.

♡ Ishikirimaru is a healing sword. Nikkari killed a ghost child and can never be divine. Of course he would think lowly of himself when facing someone with similar confidence in themselves like he does.

♡ Sadly for him, Ishikirimaru simply gives advice to Nikkari instead of going out of his way to approach you and help. Not what Nikkari would of liked.

♡ "For a spiritual healing sword... You sure know how to torment someone. Is this my divine punishment?"

♡ So he watches. He watches you struggle and see himself in your actions. Biting the inside of his lip because he wants to say something to make it right but he can't even make his own situation "right".

♡ Nikkari would speak up in meetings for you, asking you what you would think.

♡ Clearly you notice. You noticed his stare (which is more frequent from before), his smile when you catch his gaze after not being able to speak, and you notice him speaking up for you - trusting your words.

♡ Although it is nerve-wrecking and puts you in the spotlight, no one dismisses your plans and many agree with your outlook on situations.

♡ Every time, Nikkari will give you a final smile before finally turning away from you. Almost saying, "my work here is done".

♡ If you seek him out to ask his intentions, the smile will resume on his pale lips and a tilt of his head as he gazes at your face: "What ever are you talking about, aruji? I simply asked your thoughts. Has my sinister aura finally corrupted you and you can only think of me?"

♡ Playful, mysterious Nikkari.

♡ Your frown of his answer not going unnoticed.

♡ "If we trust you, you should give yourself a little more credit. Making a mistake does not mean you are not wise."

♡ "I could say the same thing to you. Making a mistake does not mean you are not divine."

♡ His smile falters slightly as it resumes, more artificial than previously. "Others perhaps a differing opinion than your own. Are you sure you wish to put your word on such a statement?"

♡ "I trust you, so you should give yourself more credit. I don't think any of my words have been wrong yet."

♡ For once he is at a loss for words. So he nods and disappears into the darkness of the halls. The journey of self-trust is not an easy one for either of you. However, your words go a long way for Nikkari. Similarly his words to you.

♡ It's easier to trust yourself when others are willing to as well. If they have a reason to believe in you, then surely it is justified. At least, Nikkari believes in you and he is not one to give his trust blindly.

♡ Hasebe trusted once before and got burned. A lasting resentment that even time could never fully heal.

♡ He put his love and devotion to his previous master, Oda Nobunaga, only to be tossed away without another look at his sword. To someone his master wasn't even close to, really.

♡ Where once was affection left a burn wound on Hasebe of bitterness.

♡ When Hasebe first met you, he was distant. Only doing what was commanded of him and not speaking much to you, or anyone really. He was going to be a sword and be thrown away yet again.

♡ But you didn't. You kept putting trust in this poor man who thought he was worthless. A man who loved so brightly before and it crushed him. Could he love and trust again, with you?

♡ He wasn't sure. He was scared. Yet... Somewhere in his heart - He desperately wanted to.

♡ It was slow but he gave you his trust and affections. Asking you of your opinions on even the silliest of things. "Aruji! Yōkan or Agedashi Tōfu for our afternoon snack?" "Aruji! Does purple fit me well?" "What do you think of the tea I made today?"

♡ He cared. He seeked your approval. He wanted to do right by you, even if you thought you couldn't trust yourself to make decisions.

♡ Hasebe isn't great at reading emotions like other swords. He is a emotional guy who shows everything he feels in his words, body, and face. He can't always catch subtle inflexions of tone that means that someone is upset.

♡ But he has been around you long enough that when you space out longer than usual or not smiling as much, he notices.

♡ He pays you compliments and tries to lift your spirits because you are the person he cares about the most. He wants to be of worth to you.

♡ If anyone is going to praise your every move, it will be him. He adores you.

♡ You make a mistake? That is okay. It was such a little thing. You can always try again next time.

♡ There will always be a next time with Hasebe. As long as you allow, he will stay by your side.

♡ If you ever open your heart to him about the issues you face, he will smile and look at you with the most fondness in his heart.

♡ "Aruji, what you are feeling is very normal. You have been put in a position of power that you may not feel like you are capable of having yet. My previous masters were like that too. Always doubting their attack strategies, thinking they are not good enough. They kept a strong face but behind screens... I saw their shoulders sink and the weight hard to bare.

♡ I could do nothing back then. I was a sword at their side. I am a sword at your side, now. However, I can support you in other ways. We all can. I trust you even though I am scared of being thrown away again. You know why? Because we see all the good parts of you that you may overlook and we know that you are a good person to listen to. You can lean on us just like we lean on you. But... It would be best to lean on me the most, I can support you better..."

[madamlaydebug]

When one has love and compassion toward another, there is plenty of love and compassion for oneself. How amazing would it be to live in a world where all human beings feel one with each other and love each other equally? We are getting there but there is work to be done. As a light-worker and empath, your mission on earth it to learn to love and nurture yourself in order to do the same for others. You always want the best for others, and in darkness you are the light which uplift others. You carry the burden of others at time because you have a highly sensitive nature and take on the pain of others. For an empath it is however very important to not identify oneself with other people's emotions and thoughts. There will be many times that others project their darkness onto you in desperate need to strengthen their own ego. They also feee off of your energy, which can be super draining. Worst, you become so one with their emotions that you start believing in their own projections of themselves and start doubting yourself. Do not go down that vibrational level, do not let another being's struggle become yours and set healthy boundaries. It is hard to have love and compassion for someone that do not have the same for you, but it is this challenge that teaches us that we can only fight darkness with non-resistance. What we resist, persist and what we focus on grows. Do not focus on the few people in this world that carry darkness and are in need of profound healing, have understanding and love for them as you would for anyone. Understand that their actions are not triggered by you, in fact they are triggered by the deep longing for love and unity. When beings have been sleeping all their life, never woken up from the maya, there will be hopelessness and fear within them. This is their path in this lifetimes just as you are here to spread light in the world. Their existence just makes your light shine brighter and it is in the darkness you find your greatest strengths🌸 #lightworker #lightbeing #iamlove #ahamprema #youaredivinelove #indigo

[chaotic-history]

Voltaire's Lettre de consolation, 1728

"The quadrature of the circle and perpetual motion are easy things to find compared to the secret of suddenly calming a soul agitated by a violent passion. Only magicians claim to stop storms with words. If an injured person, whose deep wound showed parted and bloody flesh said to a surgeon: 'I want for my skin to be fused back together, and hardly a slight scar to remain from my wound,' the surgeon would respond: 'That is something which depends on a greater master than me; time alone can repair what a moment has destroyed. I can cut, excise, and destroy; only time can fix.'

It is likewise with wounds of the soul; men hurt, inflame, torment; others want to console and succeed only in provoking new tears; time heals in the end.

If we therefore put it in our heads that, in the long run, nature smooths over the deepest impressions in us; that we no longer have, after a certain time, neither the same blood flowing in our veins nor the same fibers which agitate our brains, nor consequently the same ideas; in a word, that we are no longer physically the same person we were before; if we seriously reflect on this, it will do us a great help; we will be able to hasten the moments in which we need to heal.

You must say to yourself: I have suffered the death of my parents, of my friends; after having my heart pierced a long time, I was then left in a deep tranquility; I felt after a few years a new soul forming within me; that the soul of twenty-five does not think like that of twenty, nor that of twenty like that of fifteen. Let us then, through the strength of our spirit, put ourselves as much as we are able in the place we’ll one day be; let us anticipate in our thoughts the course of the years.

This idea supposes that we are free. The person who asks for help undoubtedly believes themselves free: for there is a contradiction in asking advice that we believe ourselves unable to follow. We act, in all our daily affairs, as if we were well convinced of our freedom: let us carry ourselves the same way in our passions, which are our most important affairs. Nature did not want our wounds to be healed in one single moment, for us to pass in an instant from sickness to health, but wise remedies certainly hasten the process of healing.

I know no stronger remedy for sicknesses of the soul than the strong and serious application of the mind to other things.

This application diverts our animal spirits: it often renders us insensible to bodily pain. A person who is applied, who exercises themselves in playing beautiful music, who is penetrated by the reading of a good book which speaks to the imagination and the soul, feels a quick softening of the torments of an illness; they feel also that the sorrows of their heart lose little by little their bitterness. We must think of anything but what we want to forget; we must think often, and almost always, of what we want to preserve. Our strongest chains are, in the long run, those of habit. It depends on us to disassemble the chains that bind us to unhappy passions, and to strengthen the binds that chain us to more agreeable things.

This isn’t to say that we are the absolute masters of our ideas: far from it; but we are not absolutely slaves, and I believe that the Supreme Being has given us a small portion of his freedom, as he has given us a modest drop of his faculty of thought.

Let us then put the little strength we have to use. It is certain that in reading and reflecting we increase our faculty of thought; why should we not likewise increase this faculty which we call freedom? There is none of our senses, none of our abilities, to which we have not built an aid. Would freedom be the only human attribute that humans cannot increase?

I imagine we are among trees laden with delicious yet poisonous fruits, which a growling hunger leads us to pick: if we feel too weak to see these fruits without touching them, let us find, and this depends on us, terrains where these beautiful fruits do not grow.

Here is some advice which, like so much other advice, is perhaps easier to give than follow; but also, it is a great illness, and the one who is languishing can alone be their own doctor."

[isolatedcorner]

“The Survey Corps forgave Annie a bit too quickly” Okay I’m gonna try to explain why I think the SC’s acceptance of Annie isn’t irrational. Firstly, when does it show that the SC completely “forgave” Annie? In the scene where they talk around the campfire Jean clearly gets very emotional at Reiner and Annie’s admittance of guilt, YEARS after it’s been known that they were “traitors”. I see people being more confused about Connie and Armin’s treatment of Annie though, but I disagree.

In Connie’s case: The SC had 3 years to digest the truth about Marley and Eldia. Between those 3 years they’ve matured and understood that their view of the “enemy” was one-sided, and ConnieSashaJean in particular were friends with Nicolo, a Marleyan! It’s not strange to assume that they talked about the whole Warrior programme at some point. Reminder that not everyone had the same mentality as Eren, in fact he was the only one who didn’t accept peace as a solution within the 104th. Connie didn’t forgive Annie, but in that moment he saw an old comrade stuff her mouth with food (just like Sasha would 🥲), and in a time of war and desperation he simply… found it funny. The 104th spent 3 formative years of their lives together, they were very close and the constant life and death situations they were in only strengthened that bond. So it’s not OOC for Connie to instinctively search for that version of Annie he was close to when they were trainees — it’s clear that the 104th never truly accepted the Warriors’ betrayal after all.

In Armin’s case: Armin has always been an extremely empathetic person. He noticed Annie’s kindness behind her cold exterior way before she was revealed to be a Titan, and it was this same understanding of her human nature that allowed him to help the SC defeat her in S1. I’m not an AruAni shipper (I thought all the canon romances in AoT were rushed), but if there was anyone who could put themselves in the Warriors’ shoes, it would be Armin. Not to mention he had Bertolt’s memories and could EXPERIENCE what they were going through! Armin is also a strategist and a leader, he wouldn’t see the point in antagonising the people whom he was supposed to work with.

I’d also like to mention Levi as he was closest to the squad that Annie killed. Levi did not forgive Annie. I don’t think he ever will. His interactions with her were close to 0 in the final chapters, and he probably distanced himself from Reiner and Annie as much as possible. But Levi is also one of the most empathetic characters in AoT considering how he treats his men, and he was one of the driving forces behind Armin and Hange’s plans to make peace with Marley. People want to see Levi avenge his squad so bad that they forget he was friends with Onyankopon and worked with the other volunteers. If Levi could understand Gabi and Falco to the point where he took them under his wing - why wouldn’t he understand Reiner and Annie, whom he also saw as kids?

People like to talk about how Annie “enjoyed” killing the SC. Look, I also don’t think that Annie was suffering in guilt the entire time. The Warrior trio were Marleyans first and Eldians second, they ultimately saw people on Paradis as descendants of the devil owing to years of brainwashing. As soldiers, Levi and the SC know firsthand what it’s like to feel bloodlust on the battlefield. Dehumanisation is the first step in being able to fight the enemy without restraint in times of war. If the SC could muster the bloodlust to kill titans even after they were revealed to be humans first, then they could certainly understand how Annie could discard her humanity when killing Levi’s squad. A big part of Levi’s character is that he completes his missions without regrets, regardless of the sacrifice. This mentality was just copied and pasted onto Annie and co. Again, this doesn’t mean Levi forgave the Marleyans — he just understood them enough to put his hatred aside when working with them to save the world!

Anyways, dudebros give the SC too much slack for having basic rationality and not being carbon copies of Eren. Erwin would also not support the rumbling, hope this helps!

[leagueofgardens]

Boosted Lilies

"I'm a Boosted Lily. GEHENA messed around with my body." (Tazusa) "What's a Boosted Lily?" (Yujia) "An attempt to artificially enhance a Lily's abilities." (Fumi) "I finally made it out when Yurigaoka took me in. I hate GEHENA. We can't trust them." (Tazusa) —Assault Lily: Bouquet episode 9

Beyond the universals of the setting—Lilies themselves, CHARMs, the Huge, and so forth—if you asked me what the most important plot element in Assault Lily is, I'm pretty sure I would immediately answer "Boosted Lilies." They play a key role in many AL stories, even the majority of them. But one story in which they were barely mentioned was the anime, Assault Lily: Bouquet. All there was is the one short and relatively unimportant conversation I quoted above.

If you've read the Assault Lily: League of Gardens -full bloom- manga, you know a bit more about them and about Tazusa, but not everything.

So let's talk about Boosted Lilies.

Content/trigger warnings: One image in this post depicts blood. The text of this post mentions child abuse, medical horror and forced medical procedures (all fictional.)

GEHENA

The logo of GEHENA

It all starts with GEHENA. They originated as a group of civilian researchers, and have been active since at least fifteen years ago, before any of the Lilies currently in their first year of high school were born. In the present day, they operate worldwide, with a confirmed presence in both Japan and America. Their branches (those that we know of) are called "labs" and are usually embedded within those Gardens who cooperate with them, though one defunct one is known to have been aboard a large ship.

GEHENA conducts research on a variety of subjects. One of their less controversial discoveries was "Cave particles," invisible particles that appear in an area when a Cave is forming (the anime never talked about Caves either, but basically they're wormholes the Huge can travel through and normally use to invade areas.) This discovery let people predict, sometimes, when and where Caves will form. They've also developed a few prototype CHARMs.

Mainly, though, GEHENA focuses on the Huge—and what power can be gained from them for the benefit of humankind.

GEHENA is not a monolithic organization, and each lab seems to have a considerable amount of discretion in how they operate. Some GEHENA labs are considered "moderate" and hold themselves to high ethical standards, only engaging in research and other activities that do no harm. Others are "radical". To these radical GEHENA labs, medical consent is a quaint and stifling notion, and even purposefully manipulating the Huge to attack Lilies and civilians for the purpose of scientific discovery is fair game.

And that's what lead to them creating Boosted Lilies.

Boosted Lilies

To put it simply, Boosted Lilies are Lilies that have had cells from the Huge implanted into them by GEHENA.

When the procedure to do this goes well, these cells strengthen the Lily considerably. They increase her magie capacity, which then also diminishes more slowly as the Lily ages. They can also give the Lily powerful abilities called "Boosted Skills" that no Lily naturally has.

But it's a viciously double-edged sword. To begin with, a Lily's body may simply reject the Huge cells, which will kill her if they aren't promptly removed. She may also be unable to mentally withstand the process. If this happens, she'll enter a state called "lunacy" and start indiscriminately attacking anyone nearby, in essence undergoing a mental transformation into one of the Huge herself. The likelihood of this happening increases with each procedure she undergoes, and it's almost unheard of for a Lily to be boosted more than three times with her sanity remaining intact.

While it's not clear whether being boosted is always an awful experience, Ando Tazusa's experiences as a prisoner in a GEHENA lab were described as "close to torture." Another Boosted Lily's been quoted as saying "I don't want anyone else to become like me."

A Boosted Lily's not in the clear after she's stable, either. Ando Tazusa suffers from agonizing headaches, nausea and paranoia to this day, and many Boosted Lilies have been mentioned as experiencing physical and mental side effects of their own.

Medical Consent? What's That?

Shiba Tomoshibi shortly after her escape from the lab

Being a Boosted Lily sucks, but the biggest problem with them is that radical GEHENA labs rarely ask you beforehand whether you even want to be one.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the ways in which people are known to have ended up as Boosted Lilies:

Kidnapped by GEHENA (Ando Tazusa, Saijo Kurena)

Got sold by their parents to GEHENA (Hidai Miyazu, Kitagawara Inori)

Nearly died in a Huge attack and got boosted as a "life-saving procedure" (name omitted as a spoiler)

Got boosted while still in their mothers' wombs (names omitted as spoilers)

Specific circumstances unknown, but they were rescued from GEHENA labs, suggesting they weren't there by choice (Diana Koolhaas, Maruyama Amane, Mori Tatsuki)

Specific circumstances unknown, but she broke out of a GEHENA lab herself, suggesting she wasn't there by choice (Shiba Tomoshibi)

Volunteered to become one (name omitted as a spoiler)

Volunteering to become a Boosted Lily is more common in western Japan, where at many Gardens it increases your social status. In Tokyo, Madecs (girls who don't have sufficient magie capacity to be Lilies) sometimes volunteer to be boosted. But as you can see from the list above, the radical labs in the greater Tokyo area very often do it to people who didn't consent, or were unable to.

Because of this fact, many Gardens are hostile to GEHENA, and a few even operate specially trained legions that break into GEHENA labs and rescue Lilies being held prisoner in them. Yurigaoka is one of these Gardens, and their special legion is Legion Rossweisse, which is entirely composed of Boosted Lilies and is permitted to fight and kill people who stand in their way. Legion Rossweisse were the ones which rescued Ando Tazusa from the GEHENA lab she was in.

Boosted Skills

Ando Tazusa using Alchemy Trace

Boosted Lilies are naturally stronger than other Lilies, but the true source of their power is Boosted Skills, special powers similar to Rare Skills that appear only in Boosted Lilies. Unlike Rare Skills, each Lily can have multiple Boosted Skills, though you'll almost never find one with more than three (due to the "lunacy" issue mentioned above.)

It's implied in some sources that GEHENA has control over which Boosted Skill a Lily receives, though this is not a certain thing. Some Boosted Skills are far more common than others.

Boosted Skills that we've seen in action are:

Regenerator, which lets Lilies rapidly recover from injuries that would be permanent or even lethal for other people. Old sources state that this Boosted Skill is able to regrow lost limbs, and some Lilies who have it fight recklessly because of this. However, it doesn't completely negate the pain of those injuries. This is the most common Boosted Skill that we know of among named Lilies. Ando Tazusa has this skill.

Alchemy Trace, which lets a Lily create a replacement CHARM from her own spilled blood, or enhance an existing CHARM using her blood. Ando Tazusa has this skill.

Enhancement, which lets a Lily briefly use a subskill (a weaker version of a Rare Skill that Lilies can have more than one of, and that many possess naturally) with the same potency as its Rare Skill version. There's a Lily in Assault Lily: Bouquet that has this, and despite never being mentioned in the anime's dialogue, it's actually quite important to the plot. But saying anything more about that would spoil one of the stage plays.

Magi-Reflector, which lets a Lily reflect attacks, even ones as powerful as a Neunwelt Tactic magiesphere. It's actually more common for special-type Huge to have this skill than Lilies.

Nosferatu, which causes a Lily to stop visibly aging and halts the decline of her magie capacity as well. Only one Lily has ever been given this Boosted Skill successfully. I'll talk about her in a future blog post.

There are a bunch of other Boosted Skills, but no Lilies featured in Assault Lily stories have been shown using them, and in some cases we don't even know what they do or have only a very brief description of them. So I won't list them all.

Magical Inscriptions

When you see it…

In the pamphlet that came with her version 1.5 doll released in early 2021, Ando Tazusa is described as having a magical inscription somewhere on her body, which absorbs ambient magie that she needs to use her Boosted Skills. After she's done fighting, the remaining magie needs to be drained out of the inscription, which was why she couldn't just escape from GEHENA whenever she wanted.

This has not been mentioned since, and we don't know whether Tazusa still has that inscription in the current Assault Lily canon; a lot of the doll pamphlet info has been contradicted by more recent lore. (Yes, even only 2.5 years later. AL is pretty chaotic that way.)

However, two playable characters in Assault Lily: Last Bullet appear to have inscriptions of their own. Mori Tatsuki (pictured above) has one on her upper arm, and Kagawa Makina has one on her thigh. We have no idea where Tazusa's was, or is, located.

No Rest for the Dead

GEHENA's tried boosting Lilies who are already dead. It technically works, but the Lilies don't come back to life with their sanity intact.

There's one exception, but it's a spoiler.

Final Notes and Trivia

Tazusa's father (a famous soldier who died fighting the Huge several years prior to Bouquet) was publicly and vocally opposed to GEHENA, which is perhaps why they were as cruel to her as they were during the time they held her captive.

Yujia's father once worked for GEHENA as a magie researcher, but quit when he found out about their unethical activities. He now does research on behalf of various CHARM manufacturers.

In older Assault Lily stories and info, Boosted Lilies are sometimes called 強化リリィ (literally "Enhanced Lilies") and sometimes 強化人間 ("Enhanced Humans"; in what perhaps isn't a coincidence, this is the same Japanese term which in Gundam is usually translated as "Cyber Newtypes.") Since Bouquet, though, they've been Boosted Lilies most of the time.

[butterflysociety]

 𓂅 ⸙ pick a pile ; past life edition ❀

Cards ; Fairy Oracle illustrated by Arthur Rackham and written by Jaymi Elford, Dungeons & Dragons Tarot Deck, Prisma Vision Tarot, Wild Unknown Tarot

Note ; Reincarnation can extend past than just one (1) reality, whatever you got from your pile chosen may contradict your current world's history due to xyz logic listed. Anyone can have past lives that can't be perceived easily from current lifetime's lens.

Ꮺ pile 1 ; Oracle Cards ; 11(Secrets), 36(Rejoice), 23(The Collector) Tarot Cards ; 7 of Cups(Upright), 9 of Pentacles(Reversed), Temperance(Reversed), 10 of Wands(Upright), 2 of Pentacles(Reversed), Knight of Cups(Upright), 10 of Swords(Upright), 3 of Cups(Reversed) Additional Cards ; The Fool(Upright), King of Wands(Reversed), Illumination(Upright), The Star(Upright), Page of Chalices(Upright) Back of Deck: Knight of Chalices(Reversed) Astrodice ; 10H Pisces Neptune, 9H Scorpio Mars, 4H Taurus Jupiter

Once we lived an illusion we soon realised we could not live up to.

Pile 1's were definitely incredibly charming and deceitful people in their past life. Able to wrap people around their finger, yet still reliant on other's validation and with a terrible sense of self. Possibility of Pile 1's working in the service industry, or something more mundane such as an office job where they overcommitted to their job. In a sense, this persona they put on is a heavy illusion that even managed to delude themselves into thinking this was reality. It seemed as though Pile 1's had a relatively easy early life, comfortable and simple. However, in a strange sense, even that is an illusion for what was about to come.

Pile 1's are dedicated individuals, likely interested in religion and passionate about learning. Due to their relatively easy early life, they were quite naïve. Pile 1's in their past lives were also an easily obsessive person. When they loved, they loved deep and were easily obsessed and engrossed in whatever they were currently passionate about. They feel incredibly deeply. Pile 1's seem very childish in maturity.

Somewhere around your later years, 25 onward a betrayal happened. This could be a romantic betrayal via a spouse, or a workplace betrayal via gossipy coworkers due to Pile 1's commitment to their job. Because of Pile 1's easy early life and naivete, this betrayal wounded them deeply to a point they lost sight of who they truly were, falling deep into addiction and a desire for salvation, to find a sense of paradise and peace, which led to them starting a cult. This cult, detached from society became Pile 1's safe haven, a false reality of paradise purged of the evil. As Pile 1's natural charm is quite strong, they easily collected people into their cult and their secrets too due to their trustworthy appearance. Pile 1's may not have had any malicious intentions while creating this cult, but the cult brought more harm than good.

Pile 1 may know about magic in the process of creating this cult as well, which is how the cult prospered for so long enough with improvised rules and ideals set altogether. This has strengthened their ambitious goal to create the safe haven for anyone who felt the same way, as they get drowned into this insecurity wanting more to chase after the perfect vision emerged from the "beautiful destruction". Loneliness after they lost the grounding support of their family passing away (extended branch on the other hand? Pile 1 couldn't bring themselves to reach out to them or they don't know their locations), and then the betrayal? Pile 1 rather set this strict compass to find their people instead, closing off their heart with bittersweet illusions. Their cult is their beloved family they looked after, nobody can steal that away from them– not even the traitors within who are similar to the past backstabber could stop their control.

Alas, there comes the demise at their early age. Pile 1's eternal passionate obsession in experimenting a plan to reinforce this cult and demolish any enemies standing in the way led them to dying in overconsuming magic. There's a stage for the usual meeting interrupted by the enemies, the dramatic fire emerging from Pile 1 which soon made them realise that everything they worked so hard for creating this cult is a complex illusion stemmed from their endless hurt from a wound that never healed. The split second before death is pure regret, and they spent their last moments wishing for a better chance in the next life where they could've been more mature and sharp than their past self when hurt by the backstabber. There's nothing genuinely deep from the cult members' bond, only mutual cycle of worsening each other.

Reasons for reincarnating in this lifetime of this world; Pile 1 wanted a better chance to redo their lifetime by seeking genuine connections in this world. Despite their habit to control everything, they tried to get another perspective from the different, current experiences that they felt hurt from which led them to clarity and wisdom. There may be more karmic connections they have to go through here, nevertheless it didn't deter them from taking the choice in meeting others who inspired the change. You might've regretted alot of actions you made in this current past, but that doesn't make you a bad person. As long as you take responsibility of your own actions, you improve yourself.

trinkets ; Aponia (Honkai Impact 3rd), weeping angels, battle flames, war, fire engulfing paintings, renaissance paintings, three of cups image, 2222, disharmony, imbalance, deep blue, sword, alcohol, quiche, silver cutlery, meeting many people as a leader, outdoors, glass, white veils

─── ･ ｡ﾟ❁ : .☽ .* :۰🌷 . ───

Ꮺ pile 2 ; Oracle Cards ; 33(Community Celebration), 30(Distraction), 25(Revaluation) Tarot Cards ; 5 of Swords(Reversed), 6 of Wands(Upright), Ace of Swords(Upright), 6 of Swords(Upright), 2 of Swords(Upright), The Hanged Man(Reversed), 7 of Pentacles(Upright), Justice(Upright) Astrodice ; 11H Leo Saturn, 11H Libra Saturn, 8H Aries North Node

We wish silently without ever bypassing the boundaries of here and there.

Pile 2 is born into family debt. Some form of injustice occurred in their childhood that led them to be born into a struggling family. There are two younger siblings or well family figures who ended up leading very different lives, who Pile 2 has had to provide for during their high school years. Pile 2 is an outgoing, popular person. Pile 2 is also known in their school for being a very pretty and kind person. It seemed in High School, people had crushes on Pile 2, and Pile 2 is a serviceable soul. Pile 2 lives to help others, striving to be around people and social connections constantly. Pile 2 is easily influenced as a person. Due to peer pressure, Pile 2 lost themselves in partying all night and day in their High School years, and because of this felt an awful guilt because they wanted to do well in school to be able to provide for their family. It seems there was also a love triangle between two love interests during High School, or two choices Pile 2 had to choose between. Sometime, Pile 2 is given the opportunity to travel for an internship program abroad, where they are alone by themselves and start to rediscover who they are. There's an abundance of opportunity in this internship program, and they begin to study harder again and step back from needing to please everyone.

Pile 2 went to a relatively local university, before landing a job as a government official of sorts, Pile 2 works in the field of law or the government, something along those lines. They married rich and into authority, and had possibly two children. In terms of their siblings, one most likely became addicted to drugs and died of overdose at 28, whereas the other one lived a simple life as an office worker with a wife and three kids. Illness struck a family member, and Pile 2 lost someone (A parental figure) due to illness. Pile 2 has always tried to provide for their family especially after marriage, but restrictions from the spouse had prevented them from helping their family as much as they'd like.

Pile 2's relationship with their spouse (Most likely a dominant male figure who has placed too many restrictions on Pile 2's lifestyle) seems to be a little bit rocky, but not exactly hard to live with. There are disagreements and feelings of restriction within the relationship(on Pile 2's end), but both have the best interests for their children and put their differences aside when needed. The relationship seemed to have started as a Mentor and a Trainee. The marriage between the spouse and Pile 2 seemed to be one of convenience, where the spouse saw a pretty person and Pile 2 saw money. There doesn't seem to be romantic feelings between the two that go beyond lust or financial reasons. Pile 2 seems to have building up feelings of resentment due to the restrictive feeling of their lifestyle, feeling unfulfilled. There is an innate desire to travel left unaccomplished, burdened with the lifestyle of parenthood and their job.

Pile 2 died peacefully of old age, and their desire for reincarnation is simply a chance of a less restrictive lifestyle ready to travel and see the world. Overall, Pile 2 lived a relatively and painfully normal lifestyle, where they never truly discovered who they were or what they wanted. Due to the feeling of accomplishment from their past life, they desire to figure out their life purpose and a desire for freedom. There's a strong urge to see the world in this life and a strong urge to break past society's restrictions and an even stronger urge to truly discover who they are. I can see that Pile 2's are quite into astrology and tarot, more spiritually inclined people.

If you picked this pile, you seem to also be quite an impulsive soul in this life, and seemingly are quite self assured. You desire to live for yourself, not anyone else due to this past life.

It is also a reminder that in this life, to be careful of being too impulsive and to not jump into things without thinking. Freedom comes with responsibility, and while in your past life you were burdened with too much, this life is about finding balance, not the other end of the spectrum.

trinkets ; aries rising, straight brown hair with a braid, olive skin, round brown eyes, flatter face, high school uniform, government spy, rocky river, hippie culture, impulsivity, 333, 444, enfj (past life), esfp, 7w6, creative arts, manic pixie dream girl, skateboarding, running around in the city with friends, SpyxFamily (vibes), gemini moon, 222, february

─── ･ ｡ﾟ❁ : .☽ .* :۰🌷 . ───

Ꮺ pile 3 ; Oracle Cards ; 31(Gossip), 20(Demise), 5(Tribe) Tarot Cards ; 4 of Cups(Upright), 7 of Swords(Reversed), The Hierophant(Reversed), The Chariot(Upright), Knight of Pentacles(Upright), 6 of Pentacles(Upright), 5 of Wands(Reversed), Page of Cups(Upright) Additional Cards ; The Fool(Upright), 6 of Swords(Reversed), 4 of Wands(Upright), the Magician(Reversed), King of Wands(Upright) Back of the deck ; The World(Upright) and Queen of Pentacles(Upright) Astrodice ; 9H Cancer Sun, 7H Aquarius South Node, 10H Taurus Pluto

Those who accepted the darkness as part of themselves, are the ones who finds empowerment.

Pile 3 is your true villain who's above mindless slaughtering, outward power and forced influence. I can see that this is set in medieval era, the story starts when Pile 3 gets betrayed by their tribe/community who's supposed to hold them up as they should (especially their parents, but they're relatively toxic). They're accused for something they didn't do, making them an outlaw on the run as the government officials believed in the accusation. There's tearful bitterness towards this situation, yet Pile 3 quickly took up the phrase from the tribe, "If you wanted me to be the bad guy so badly, then I'll be the bad guy!".

For the sake of surviving, Pile 3 is forced to learn how the cruelties of the world works, right after they experienced the wonders back when they're a child. From manipulation to necessary crimes committed, each tool adding up to their belt that they became feared as the villain by the name even if the public doesn't know entirely of their actions. The evasive wit to cover their presence all the time is what Pile 3 is capable of doing, like they said before you're doing it wrong if your crime is public known when you're supposed to do it discreetly.

Despite this route they chosen, there was a thrill everytime they efficiently executed the plan that crumbles all of the domino blocks. The freeing feeling when they could travel to anywhere else they wanted to see sights they never seen before, all the while doing their own thing at their own pace. There's also helping those worthy of their attention, for example stealing the rich to give the poor they needed of, which also led them to somehow recruiting group members that will follow them loyally. These said members accepted their offer to resolve their long-term problem plaguing their life (ranging from financial situation to life purpose).

Both Pile 3 and the gang are inseparable as a team even if their connections are strictly mastermind-minions. Normally Pile 3 wouldn't get attached as they closed off their heart after the betrayal, but overtime they get really attached to their group they recruited who does the same to their leader as well. Honestly I would say I almost cried from this wholesomeness of chaotic dysfunctional found family–

Unfortunately, Pile 3's story comes to an end when they protected one of their members from danger of a situation that's unlike anything they faced. Pile 3 overexerted themselves to reach this far, which caused them to unable to sustain themselves much enough. The public and Pile 3's gang sees them as this untouchable force who's strong, very powerful and clever– it's a huge shock that they would see this true villain fall to their death by sacrificing themselves selflessly. Especially their found family who were in grief rage that their beloved leader who they see as their pseudo-parent, completely destroyed the battlefield and cried for Pile 3 to come back again. Pile 3 could only smile at the times they spent together, a wish that they live normally without the burdens of villainy.

That wish is what got Pile 3 to reincarnate here, to see their found family again and experience a second chance where they're only civilians living a fulfilling life full of experiences. Also, I'm getting the feeling that the found family has turned into your soul family who followed by your side to this same lifetime. You may or may not have met everyone else together here, the feeling that something clicked just by conversing alone. This lifetime is a chance to heal from your past life that pushed you to be the villain, to reclaim back your inner power and redefine how you view this reality, to live a life.

trinkets ; Lilith (the goddess), 4444, 9999, 000, entj, intj, infp, 8w9, 3w4, black cloak, silver hair, glowing eyes, a group behind the leader (you), bundle of apples, thorny throne, huge castle, burning fields, tears on cheeks, fantasy, warmth from the hugs, blankets, the word "empowerment", books, "We're family, right?", "I missed you so much", "Come back to us, please.."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ❁ : .☽ .* :۰🌷 . ───

Ꮺ pile 4 ; Oracle Cards ; 35(Take Flight), 18(Rejection), 1(Connection) Tarot Cards ; Page of Wands(Upright), 8 of Pentacles(Upright), 4 of Swords(Upright), Ace of Cups(Upright), The Tower(Upright), The Lovers(Upright), 3 of Pentacles(Reversed), 6 of Cups(Reversed)

Additional Cards ; The Towers (Reversed), 10 of Pentacles (Upright), 3 of Wands (Upright), 4 of Wands (Upright), The Sun (Upright)

Back of the deck ; Page of Chalices (Reversed) Astrodice ; 1H Capricorn Sun, 6H Gemini Pluto, 5H Libra Neptune

Dedication with fixation births the wildest creations.

Pile 4 is either the mad scientist or a genius inventor, also a huge mood throughout this previous lifetime. A gifted student who might be neurodivergent (this may resonate to some taking this pile). Emotionally constipated due to their childhood when the adults present undermines their dreams after they presented it. These ideas coming up from their mind completely contradicts the norms which they looked impossible to be made into reality, which is why they're put down to choose other ambitions instead. But of course, they don't listen to those people as they eventually take studies to support their path. I can definitely see them having multiple degrees at high levels, because with this way they can gain valuable tools for their own personal goals.

Into their near adult stage, their hardworking nature dedicated to communicate and finalise their creations landed them to be popular amongst other geniuses acknowledging their originality. This presence spreaded throughout the world the moment one of their inventions managed to cause an evolution to the era they lived in, by the way completely proving the past people who put them down wrong. Pile 4 is such a girlboss honestly, because they don't really care much of their reputation other than whether they have access to their resources to make things or not that enriches their life with constant intellectual simulation. They're really knowledgeable in their field too, taking their research and studies seriously at their own league.

Pile 4 has connections with those who took interest and know the importance in their inventions, has alot of acquaintances and very few friends. I'm seeing that they have at least an assistant who helped out in their workshop, mostly to have an alike mind that bounces off ideas at each other despite the obvious gap in the fields. There were many opportunities taken such as travelling abroad to personally make something commissioned by the clients, experimenting with coworkers and collabing for a big invention (again to change the world).

For their personal life, despite the Lovers card there's no interest in romance. I'm getting the feeling that Pile 4's appalled "No, wtf??" when they're asked too many times about their "dating life", they really genuinely only focused on finding the truth in new things they seek to obtain. They were given many options to pursue sure, however they chose to stick by their path to creation. This entire lifetime is solely about reconstructing from their childhood to just simply express their creativity through something they're passionate of and show it to the world when they want to.

Pile 4 died in old age out of sheer will (and spite those who doubted they can create as many inventions as they want), with their last words that still projected their sarcastic humor that says something like "If you want to take inspo just at least credit me, otherwise I'll sue you from afterlife you would get your inventions destroyed in thin air!!!" plastered on their grave by their demand to. In the midst of seeing their friends' tears, they really have to make the last impression to them so it will remain in their memories forever that way and not miss them too much, otherwise that would be too sad (I can't with interpreting this pile right now, even my wording is getting affected 😭 ~Infi).

Out of all of the piles channelled here, Pile 4 you really reincarnated out of slight boredom and came here to gain a new skillset. Why? Because you simply wanted to. Not to mention that this is a pick a pile that uses spiritual tools to get answers from spirituality and intuition, it's safe to assume that you're really curious of learning spirituality by coming into this current lifetime to do so. Since you simulated enough of your brain with inventions from the past, you decided to dip your toes into something completely new. You may or may not have the urge to share what you discovered to a like-minded community (if you're a private person, you share it to your group instead). Even when you're not known with what you shared, the most obvious trait is that you don't really use the methods from the community and instead stick by what it feels right to you in terms of handling your life (and/or Tarot reading too).

trinkets ; Mobius and Vill-V (Honkai Impact 3rd), 1111, 111, 777, 498, 345, entp, istp, 5w4, 5w6, beakers, science experiment set, dim ceiling lights, neon lights, notebooks stacked on top of each other, lightbulb, steampunk aesthetic, gears, machinery, oil smell, air conditioner, chairs, clocks, smirk, feline eyes, tied ponytail, cup noodles

[epicyatrablog]

Chardham Yatra Packages for Families Explained

Explain the Chardham Yatra Packages for Families

The Chardham Yatra is a sacred journey undertaken to the four most hallowed Hindu shrines ensconced in the grandeur of the Himalayas, something that is not just the path to spiritual enlightenment but even an experience for families and a deeply transformative one at that. It has been at the heart of Indian spiritual traditions because it embodies unity, faith, and cultural heritage. And because comprehensive Chardham Yatra Packages for Families are now available, this iconic journey has become less complicated and accessible.

Chardham Yatra Family Package are designed so as to cater to all possible needs of families, ensuring to be safe, comforting, and spiritually fulfilling for all generations in one pilgrimage. From children to old age, someone somewhere can find a niche with this pilgrimage that moves something within them.

What is unique about the Chardham Yatra?

Chardham Yatra covers four major shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. So, all these holy shrines have their importance within themselves.

Yamunotri: It is the base of the Yamuna Yatra. The spiritual experiences there are supplemented by the Janki Chatti thermal springs and the sacred Yamuna River.

Gangotri: This shrine is the seat of Goddess Ganga, which celebrates the sanctity of the River Ganges, considered the lifeline of Indian civilization.

Kedarnath: It's a place of high spiritual vibrancy known for an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva amidst snowcapped mountains.

Badrinath: It is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu but is the last of shrines on the Yatra and denotes divine harmony with salvation.With the Chardham Yatra Packages for Families 2025, families can potentially experience this spiritual journey without having to face all the complexities of the same.

Why Choose Chardham Yatra Packages for Families?

Convenience and Accessibility

The Chardham Yatra Package From Chennai 2025, among others, has arranged the entire journey from travel arrangements to tickets by train or flight, road transport, accommodation, and meals. So families can concentrate purely on their spiritual journey.

Customized experience

For example, the Chardham Yatra Package From Kolkata 2025 has been so designed with the local taste so that the traveler feels absolutely at ease during the entire trip. That includes food as per dietary habits and guides who can communicate effectively.

Safety and Comfort

The package will provide for the security and comfort of pilgrims, especially with the older people and children. Professional workers provide first aid services and all medical assistance on board the tour.

Strengthen Family Bonds

A pilgrimage like this not only strengthens family bonds but creates moments of shared faith in wonderful natural beauty. Parents could introduce younger generations to cultural heritage; grandparents would be reveling in fulfilling long-held dreams of spiritual fulfillment.

Types of Chardham Yatra Packages

Budget Family Packages

Affordable yet all-encompassing, these packages can be ideal for families who want to experience Yatra within a limited budget. They usually consist of road transport, basic accommodations, and vegetarian meals.

Luxury Chardham Yatra Package by Helicopter 2025

For a luxurious experience, the following are available:

Helicopter rides for quick and scenic travel.

Newest facilities in deluxe rooms.

Free VIP passes for Darshan, avoiding a long queue standing.

City-Specific Packages

Packages like the Chardham Yatra Package From Ahmedabad 2025 and the Chardham Yatra Package From Mumbai 2025 have plans for tourists from there. Whether it is an overnight train journey or flight connection, these packages make long-distance travel easy.

Chardham Yatra: A day-to-day plan for family

A detailed itinerary helps families plan and visualize their journey. Below is a sample itinerary offered in many packages:

Day 1: Arrival at Haridwar. In the evening, visit local attractions at Har Ki Pauri.

Day 2: Drive to Barkot (base camp for Yamunotri). Pretty scenic mountain view enroute.

Day 3: Trek or pony ride to Yamunotri temple. Visit Surya Kund and Divya Shila. Return to Barkot.

Day 4: Travel to Uttarkashi; base for Gangotri and visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple.

Day 5: Drive to Gangotri, the most beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. Then, attend Ganga Aarti and back to Uttarkashi.

Day 6: Guptkashi—Base for Kedarnath. Do local sightseeing around religious places nearby, such as Ardhnarishwar Temple.

Day 7: Visit Kedarnath. One can trek or helicopter to Kedarnath. It is the site of sacred and beautiful beauty, divine energy.

Day 8: Drive to Badrinath. Enroute, visit Joshimath. On the way to Badrinath, one will pass along the beautiful Alaknanda River.

Day 9: Explore Badrinath temple and the surroundings, which also include Tapt Kund and Narad Kund. It is a part of Chardham Yatra.

Day 10: Return back to Haridwar or Dehra Dun; end.

Special Features of City-Based Packages

Chardham Yatra Packages From Chennai 2025.

Designed for South Indian families, this package includes tickets from Chennai to the starting point by flight or train. South Indian vegetarian dishes. English or Tamil-speaking guides.

Chardham Yatra Package From Kolkata 2025:

This package includes The travel from Kolkata is convenient.

Specialized guides who know Bengali culture and traditions.

Custom-made food and beverages for accommodations.

Chardham Yatra Package From Mumbai 2025 Highlights include:

Direct flight or premium train services.

Easy ways to travel to Uttarakhand.

Engage in family-friendly activities.

Chardham Yatra Package from Ahmedabad 2025 Gujarati families may expect:

Local ingredients: local vegetarian food.

Specialized facilities for bigger family units.

Temple visits and cultural activities.

This offers numerous spiritual Yatra packages from top cities, including the Chardham Yatra Package from Chennai 2025 and the Chardham Yatra Package from Mumbai 2025.

Traveling Tips for Families

Health and Fitness

Acclimatize to high altitude

Begin with easy exercises or walk before beginning.

Let's go visit a doctor and get the altitude sickness pills.

Hydrate often and avoid heavy foods during travels.

Packing List

Warm clothing, even in summer.

Comfortable hiking shoes.

Sun cream, a first aid kit, and power banks.

Cultural Etiquettes

Dress modestly and respect the local customs, especially in the temple. Do not litter, but embrace the environment-friendly culture.

FAQs

1. What is included in the Best Chardham Yatra Package?

In general, this will include transport, stay, food, VIP darshan passes, and guides.

2. How does the Luxury Chardham Yatra Package by Helicopter 2025 work?

Travel between shrines is made in such packages by helicopters, which highly reduce travel time and physical exertion.

3. Can one do Chardham Yatra with young children?

The packages come with travel options and meals that are most suitable for kids.

4. Which is the most ordered city-specific package?

The Chardham Yatra Package From Mumbai 2025, along with the Chardham Yatra Package From Ahmedabad 2025, is in very great demand for its tailored experience.

5. Is the Chardham Yatra also for senior members?

Absolutely. The luxury packs, including helicopter services, are highly advisable, especially to aging travelers.

6. When is the best time for the Chardham Yatra?

The best time to visit is during May and June or September and October, avoiding the monsoon season.

Conclusion:

It therefore forms a spiritual and natural journey, which forms a bonding within families because of travel. A Chardham Yatra Package from Chennai 2025 or one among the various luxury Chardham Yatra Packages by Helicopter 2025 tailored to ensure proper planning and choice of operator so that this very journey will emerge as a passage of experience forever etched on the annals of life for coming generations.

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Maximizing Success: How Business Consultation Drives Growth and Efficiency

In the rapidly changing business environment of today, concern about sustainable growth and efficient operations has emerged as the most important objective for all businesses, whether big or small. Business consultancy has been acknowledged in the present scenario to be a critical tool for companies that want to modernize and modify their methodologies, simplify operations, and respond more effectively to the turbulent nature of a customer market. Whether strategic planning or financial optimization is needed, consultants provide businesses with the expertise and insights necessary for success despite challenges.

What is Business Consultation?

Business consulting is getting expert advice. Experts are veterans who provide strategic guidance on matters that concern operations, finance, marketing, and management. Such experts help businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and develop practices that bring about growth and efficiency.

Business consultants are no longer just advisors-they are problem solvers who come to immerse themselves in the organization’s inner workings so that they can bring back actionable insights. They come with a perspective from the outside that the businesses, being too entrenched within their processes, cannot know where the sources of inefficiency or potential for improvement exist.

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Growth

Strategic planning is one kind of key service rendered by consultants. Strategic planning makes long-term goals, creates an actionable plan, and makes resources aligned with the business objectives. Consultants do a deep analysis of market conditions, customer behaviors, and competitor strategies to help businesses make the best decision.

Consultants help businesses reach their maximum potential for growth. This can either be achieved by enhancing market or product turnover or by attaining new markets of customers. This can be achieved through data-driven information and a clear roadmap strategy. Strategic planning is essential for any business that wishes to grow sustainably, rather than relying on the phenomenal short-term gains that can easily snap under the instability of the competitiveness.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlining for Success

Operational efficiency is usually high on a business’s agenda. Redundancy in business processes and a lack of coordination between departments can greatly affect a company’s bottom line. It is in this area that consultants to the business evaluate the framework of operations, find areas of inefficiency, and thus come up with process improvements.

For example, an automation for the manual workflows introduced, or new software solutions that the consultant recommends may improve the handling of their supply chains. Then, cost reduction and improvement in productivity and other wastes in the allocation of resources may become possible to be attained.

Financial Optimization: Strengthening the Foundation

A good financial management system helps a company to stay alive and grow. Financial optimization services provide budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning; they are advisory services offered by consultants. Consultants make analyses of financial statements, cash flow, and expenditures in finding areas to improve the business; thus, there is reduced wastage or waste-productivity to higher profitability.

Consultants can give expansionist enterprises advice on which is best for them to finance their company as well as how to scale without overextending financial resources. Optimizing finances means that, at each dollar spent, there is a return in the sense that there will be both short-term success and long-term sustainability

Market Analysis: Understanding the Playing Field

Understanding the dynamics of the market is very fundamental to taking the competitive edge. Consultants analyze the current industry landscape, such as emerging trends, customer preferences, and competitive positioning, through market analysis. This implies that businesses are ahead of change because businesses will know of changes in advance to be able to react promptly to new opportunities that come with change.

Market analysis will guide business decisions concerning product development, marketing strategies, and pricing models. For instance, a company that wants to penetrate new geographic regions may hire consultants to assess market demand and challenges that might be experienced, hence reducing the risk of an investment flop in the unfamiliar market.

Change Management: Navigating Transitions Smoothly

Change is always inevitable in a business environment that is constantly changing. Changes can range from adoption of new technologies to reorganizing teams and even venturing into new markets; failure to manage such changes effectively can obviously be very disruptive. Change management is one of those areas where the true expertise of the business consultants comes into play.

Consultants work closely with the leadership teams to ensure that the change takes place without causing major disruptions in their daily operations. They are there to help control the cultural and emotional parts of change to ensure that the employees are on board and working with the new processes. There must be success in change management to retain business continuity and realize objectives in growth.

The Role of Technology in Business Consultation

With the current digital revolution, technology becomes crucial to the delivery of consultancy services. The consultants of today use such advanced tools as data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in the consideration of business performance, the prediction of future trends, and the recommendation of data-driven strategies. Consultants can deliver more accurate insights and quicker solutions; therefore, growth in a more efficient and effective manner is achieved through the use of technology.

For example, AI technologies can help companies in automating customer services, inventory management, or even predicting the trend of sales. In this regard, consultants offer such innovative technologies to the company and keep the businesses ahead of the competition curve of the current technological era.

Real-World Case Studies: The Power of Consultation

Transformational impact of business consultancy can be well portrayed by using an example of mid-sized retail company. It was operationally inefficient and, hence it sought help from the consulting firm. This company reduced the operational cost of 30% after optimizing, automating, and improving the supply chain management within its company, but productivity grew by 20%.

Similarly, a technology startup hired market analysis experts when it wanted to expand its product line. Equipped with data-driven insights, the company launched its new product in a very competitive market, acquiring 15% of market share in the first year.

Why Business Consultation is a Smart Investment

Business consultancy is an investment from which long-term benefits flow. Businesses team up with consultants to tap the expertise that a consultant can bring to the table and to formulate strategies that will work in their favour-putting in place the processes and tools to succeed in a challenging environment. Whether it is expansion, further improvements, or responding to changes in market dynamics, consultancy brings experience and expertise to the corporation’s door.

Consultation for business: road map to growth and efficiency. To thrive in a constantly changing environment and against seriously increasing competition, business consultation will give an organization the strategy, tools, and support needed to navigate challenges and take advantage of opportunities for further growth.

Conclusion

Business consultation offers any business the chance to make use of immense resources in the realization of the highest possible potential. From strategic planning and operational efficiency to financial optimization and market analysis, the insights that consultants provide allow businesses to make decisions that are growth-catalyzing and successful. A consultation service can be all the difference between stagnation and the state of long-term success in today’s dynamic business environment.

Whether it’s a small startup or an established enterprise, by partnering with a professional consultant, you can develop new paths of growth, make your business more efficient, and ensure that your business will always stay competitive.