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dragonrajafanfiction · 4 years ago

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Caesar and the MC should be Best Friends - Hear me out

This sounds really strange at first to hear. But the game did a terrible job of summarizing the story and showing the characters. The MC should be Best Friends with Caesar, check out why, below the cut.

Act One: The Premise (The MC will be referred to as Female because my character is female and I’m too lazy)

The MC has been trained to fight and use her abilities since she was a child. She’s been competing against others for the privilege of being the best as well. By the time she’s arrived at Cassell, she’s seen horrors that not even the Cassell Trio can boast of seeing.

Caesar in the meantime is planning his wedding. But Nono is AWOL. He’s getting no feedback from her and it leaves him just shooting in the dark for what ‘sounds cool’ For all of Caesar’s big talk, he realizes that he’s not really reaching Nono’s heart and he’s feeling a bit lost.

In the game: You save Nono in the game.

Why you would grow closer to Caesar: This is not easily reconcilable with the novel’s opening scenes, so if we stretch and pretend you arrive before Nono goes on her Walkabout, that would make one HECK of an impression on Caesar. He would have seen immediately that you are a step far above Luminous. Being a self-described ‘maniac’ he would not have been shy about approaching you and telling you you’re 10x what Luminous is.

Caesar is mischaracterized in the game to a great extent. While his misogynstic leanings and need to be ‘tHe LeADer’ is played up probably for laughs, he’s not that over the top. Here’s how he’s portrayed in the Novel.

Anjou put the two of them (Caesar and Chu Zihang) together and actually wanted them to sincerely cooperate? The move was similar to keeping lions and tigers in a cage, with Lu Mingfei stuffed between them like an innocent red panda. But Caesar decided to do his best, because this time he is the team leader. The success or failure of the task related to his honor, and for honor, he can bear anything. Along the way, he repeatedly warned himself to be generous, to have a leadership style, to be a corporal... Take Chu Zihang as a corporal to "victory", Caesar's heart is much more comfortable. This time he is immersed in the pink mood of preparing for the wedding, and he is feeling very charitable, even to Chu Zihang this serial killer looks more appealing.

There’s no way Caesar would ignore you as the MC. You would be of utmost interest to him. Far more interesting than Chu Zihang and Luminous. He takes responsibility for you as part of the team, he owes you one for Nono, and wants to see you succeed, probably more than anyone else there.

Act 2: Your arrival in Japan

The game skips the whole opening sequence introducing you to Chisei and Sakura. In the novel, those fancy Kimonos were given to you by Anjou and yes they all come with umbrellas. The whole scene is supposed to be funny. Chisei is mistaken for a tour guide, Lu Mingfei compliments Chisei’s Chinese in his own broken Japanese and fantasizes about cute maid cafes, Chu Zihang freaks Chisei out with his golden eyes by accident. So I imagine the MC stumbling and falling trying to walk in Geta.

But things get serious when the police show up and you realize that you’ve entered the country illegally and are now about to get arrested. The MC might voice that this make sense “Because I don’t have a passport or any identity. There was no way I’d ever get into the country.”

After Chisei loses the police, you’re taken to your rooms to stay for the night.

I wrote a little piece about this ‘here’

Why the MC and Caesar would grow closer: At the end of this scene, Caesar is completely isolated, drinking in his room and texting a silent Nono. This scene would change with you as the MC there. This would turn into an opportunity for you to bond. Perhaps you would notice him texting, talking about his love of Nono. You could touch on your past with him for the first time, or not, depending. He’d probably say something enthusiastically fiery and confidence building. He wants you to trust him and trust in yourself. For all his flaws, Caesar is very LIKEABLE and easy to understand. You don’t get into positions of power like his without some level of Charisma.

Act 3: The Mission Details

In the Game: This whole scene goes missing.

In the Novel: You take a whirlwind tour of Genji Heavy Industries. It’s an engineering marvel that is practically embedded in the central infrastructure of Tokyo (The building is seriously impossible and amazing but that’s for a nother post.).

You sit down with Masamune for tea. Immediately, something jumps out at Caesar.

“Are you Japanese?” Caesar gave Masamune Tachibana an examining look..

"I'm only half Japanese and the other half Russian." Tachibana said.

Caesar frowned, which made him think of the soviet icebreaker Lenin involuntarily.

"I've been in Japan for many years, and a lot of people don't see that I'm half Russian, Mr. Gattuso.” Tachibana said, inquiringly.

"Accents, your accents have Slavic characteristics, and you'll distinguish between hard and soft consonants, which are typical Russian pronunciations." Caesar said, "You're not just Of Russian Descent, You've Lived In Russia."

This is Lu Mingfei and Chu Zihang have no say in the matter since their two mother tongues are Chinese. But Caesar was aware when he heard the first words of Tachibana Masamune. He grew up as a different kind of man who could speak English, French and Spanish fluently in addition to Italian, and he could tell the language characteristics of every language spoken in Europe.

Even the wind demon villain Lang and yuan child in this seat are showing a surprised expression, it is clear that other owners do not know this matter.

Why this would bring you closer to Caesar: Not only would you pick up on the exact same thing, but he would speak with the same Russian accent as the MC. Languages are regional, Russia is a HUGE FREAKING COUNTRY. It would be no mistake that the Russian accent - Tachibana’s Russian accent - would match the MCs regional one. Depending on how much your MC would have told Caesar, Caesar would have picked up a whole lot. Why you were awakened now, why you were sent on this mission... but that’s not even all!!

Later on, Chisei shows up after Tachibana leaves. He’s given you more information on the Lenin and why its sinking seems suspicious. But then he says this.

"Yes, the Lenin passed through the nameless port of northern Siberia, took a precious dragon embryo, and the port was destroyed in a fire. No one knows where the embryo is going to be shipped, the final destination may be Japan, or it may just pass by, but apparently it failed to reach its destination and the dragon embryo fell into the depths of the trench. Embryos have been hatching slowly over the years, but we haven't been aware of them. ”

Now depending on how much your MC might tell Caesar at this point he may or may not notice more parallels between the story of the Lenin and your story. You’re a hybrid, from Siberia who survived not just a fire but a bombs and getting shot. Heck imagine being the MC listening to this and realizing that this mission is intimately connected with you. In the game this happens way late, but in the novel it’s right at the start!

Why this would bring you closer to Caesar: At this point none of this would have been shared between any of the others. This is something only Caesar and you would know, shared knowlege that would likely mentally bond you two as allies.

The next scene is just more obvious bonding time. They all discuss likes and dislikes, their personal goals, dreams, loves, and ideals. The MC would still have Caesars favor but Caesar would fall more and more for Chisei’s charms. He’s bored and wants to see some ‘real gangster’ stuff. So Chisei obliges and takes Caesar to an operation between two rival gangs fighting over turf.

This would be the first time you’ve seen Caesar actually get serious for once intimidating some gangsters in a comic store. But after that’s all over, he immediately gets interested in the comics. This is very important to note that Caesar is rarely serious about anything. And if he is it doesn’t last long. He tells a long story about wanting a PS2, staying up all night to play Star Ocean when the housekeeper smashed his console. So he purchased 200 consoles, gave the housekeeper an axe and every time he smashed a console he replaced it immediately and kept playing. Finally, they let him play video games 2hours a day after his riding lessons.

This is important. Caesar is pushy and insistent and confident because he HAS to be to be himself and defy his family. This is is something even Chu Zihang can respect and he makes up with Caesar after, realizing that Caesar’s way towards him wasn’t personal, good or bad, he’s always acting out towards his family.

With you, Lu Mingfei and Chu Zihang closer than ever, it’s time to actually go on the Mission. So lets recap: Caesar the Leader has pulled the team together, taken you off on entertainment, on adventures, and now just now, on the way to the mission. cooked for everyone while speedreading the the instruction manual for the Lenin.

Why would this bring the MC closer to Caesar? Uh, maybe because he seems pretty freakin’ competent? Almost effortlessly so? As Chu Zihang so succintly puts it: “Sometimes I admire Caesar. Whenever and wherever there are goals, he’s rarely afraid and never discouraged. In a group of people he will always be the one who inspires fighting spirit. People can choose how they live, Caesar is the kind of man who asks himself to live like a hero." The MC who has never felt so helpless in her life, could have easily been inspired by Caesar. That maybe she CAN get back to the Lenin, figure out who killed her friends and give him exactly what he deserves.

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pinktwingirl · 4 years ago

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I rewrote Endgame (AKA Endgame but with Squirrel Girl and Loki)

Hey everyone, so since I think we can all agree Endgame could have used more Loki (and more Stucky!), I wrote some scenes that I think should have been added in. I included Doreen Green (aka Squirrel Girl) because she’s an amazing character and I would love to see her in the MCU! Also, in the comics, she’s a really good friend of Loki’s (and I think we can all agree MCU Loki could use a friend.) For a bit of context, I have a headcanon that the girls Thor got a picture with in Ragnarok were Doreen and her best friend/roommate Nancy, and Doreen was actually plotting to get close to Loki so her pet squirrel Tippy-Toe could plant a tracking device on him and make sure he didn’t get into any trouble while he was on Earth. Some of the scenes during the final battle are meant to be interspersed throughout the sequence, and aren’t really in any particular order. They’re just events that I thought would be cool if they actually happened. Since Endgame didn’t have a post-credits scene, I also added one for good measure! :)

(Also, I didn’t write a scene for it, but let’s just all agree that Steve and Bucky get married and retire to raise goats in Wakanda!)

INT. AVENGERS COMPOUND - DAY

Natasha, Bruce, Steve, Scott, and Rhodey are in a meeting room. Natasha paces back and forth.

NATASHA

We still have a lot we need to get done before we try anything else. Rhodey, have those robbers on 22nd street been identified?

RHODEY

Yeah, just a couple of cheap scumbags. I'm sure the cops can handle them.

NATASHA

Okay... And the subway hijackers?

STEVE

Nat, calm down. Okoye's got it covered.

NATASHA

Well, there's still that attack on Times Square. I don't know about you guys, but I'm not about to let some asshole terrorists try to blackmail the entire district into giving them money or whatever the hell they want-

Bruce flips on a monitor that projects an image on the wall.

BRUCE

Actually... it looks like someone got there before you.

Everyone turns to look at the screen. Natasha and Steve give each other an impressed and amused look, while Rhodey and Scott look at each other in confusion. On the screen, we see a group of men in black armor knocked unconscious and tied together. Next to them is a sign that reads "We got our butts kicked by the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl!!! :)"

EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS - DAY

We see a pair of boots walking down the street. Behind them trails a gray squirrel with a pink ribbon tied around her neck. The squirrel hops onto the shoulder of her companion, Doreen, who gives her a smile. We cut to her crouching in an abandoned building and typing on a computer screen, which shows surveillance footage of robbers sneaking around. We see the robbers loading their guns and tying up hostages in an alleyway. One of the robbers suddenly notices that his partner is staring at something. He pushes his partner on the shoulder.

ROBBER

Hey, what-

The robbers turn to see what the man is staring at. In the corner are a group of squirrels poised to strike. They slowly turn around and see Squirrel Girl, dressed in full gear and high-tech goggles standing with her arms folded. She smirks.

We then cut to Squirrel Girl attacking the robbers. Despite her small stature, she easily overpowers them. One of the men points a rifle at her, but she grabs it and points it upwards as it fires and kicks him aside. Another man throws a knife at her, but she grabs it with her tail and tosses it away. She then unleashes her knuckle spikes to cut through the mans armor.

We then cut to Doreen untying the victims, with the robbers knocked out beside them. She takes a purse out of one of the robbers' hands and hands it to one of the hostages.

DOREEN

Here ya go!

She walks off with her squirrel army as the hostages look on in awe.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM - DAY

Doreen steps out of a stall, where she has changed into a waitress's outfit. She stuffs her gear and clothing into a bag and tidies herself up a little in the mirror. Just as she's about to leave, she notices her tail is sticking out of her dress a little, so she tucks it in.

INT. SUBWAY STATION - DAY

Doreen is waiting for a train. She looks around solemnly. There is hardly anyone at the station even though it's midday. Sighing, pulls her purse strap tighter on her shoulder.

INT. DINER - DAY

Doreen rushes through the diner kitchen where her boss is waiting for her.

DOREEN

Hey.

BOSS

Hey, right on time. How you doin', kid?

DOREEN

Oh, I'm fine. Still no luck on the roommate search, though.

BOSS

Oh, that's a bummer.

DOREEN

How's the dining room looking? Did we make it to half-capacity this time?

BOSS

Eh, not exactly, but...

(He chuckles as he opens the door to the dining room.)

You've got a hell of a first customer.

Doreen's eyes widen when she sees Steve, wearing a baseball cap, sitting at a table by the window. He gives her a friendly wave.

We cut to Doreen sitting across from Steve at the table.

DOREEN

Can I just say, I... I am such a huge fan! Like, even before you came out of the ice, I literally had posters of you all over my wall!

(Beat)

Oh, wait, that's creepy, isn't it?

Steve shrugs.

STEVE

Kinda.

DOREEN

Anyway, I... I never thought you guys would find me. I-I mean, I hoped you would, 'cause you guys are awesome and all, but I just didn't think it would be this soon and... okay, I'll shut up now.

STEVE

So, how exactly does one get squirrel powers, anyway?

DOREEN

Honestly? I have no idea. I was born like this. My DNA is just... different. The doctors told my parents they have a name for people like me. They call us mutants.

STEVE

Mutants? So there are more people with altered DNA?

DOREEN

Supposedly. I mean, I've never met one before.

STEVE

They could be hiding it. You do.

DOREEN

That's true. My parents always told me I had to keep my mutation hidden. They didn't want people to be afraid of me. I didn't want to feel different but... I was always afraid to get close to people.

STEVE

So no one else knows?

DOREEN

My best friend Nancy did, but she... you know... the snap.

STEVE

How many did you lose?

(Beat)

DOREEN

Everyone. My parents. My family. Nancy. Even Mr. Lieberman...

STEVE

Who's Mr. Lieberman?

DOREEN

My pet squirrel.

STEVE

Oh.

DOREEN

But after Thanos, when things started getting bad... I don't know. I couldn't just sit back and do nothing, you know?

(Beat)

Why did you come looking for me?

Steve takes a deep breath.

STEVE

We think we may have found a way to bring them back.

DOREEN

All of them?

STEVE

There's no guarantees, but... we have to at least give this a shot. There's a lot we'll have to fill you in on, though.

(Beat)

DOREEN

I'm not sure how much help I can be. I mean, I doubt most people would be proud to say they were saved by a giant squirrel.

STEVE

I think, when it comes down to it, most people in trouble would be grateful to have anyone.

Doreen smiles and shrugs.

STEVE

Look, I don't know what your folks told you about your abilities. I'm sure they were just trying to protect you. But what you can do? That's a gift. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. And with this plan we have... well, we're gonna need all the help we can get. So, what do you say? Are you in?

Doreen pauses for a moment, then smiles.

DOREEN

Okay.

Steve grins. Suddenly, the boss enters the dining room again.

BOSS

Hey, Doreen, I'm not paying you to fangirl!

DOREEN

Uh, I... sorry...

(She abruptly stands up and takes out her notepad.)

Um... Can I... get you anything?

STEVE

You know, my buddy and I used to eat at this diner when we were kids. I was surprised it's still open.

DOREEN

Really?

STEVE

Yeah. Do you guys still have the best burgers in New York?

DOREEN

I'll let you be the judge of that.

She gives him a wink and heads into the kitchen.

INT. AVENGERS COMPOUND - DAY

Steve leads Tony into the compound, where Doreen is working on a holographic screen.

STEVE

Tony, meet Ms. Doreen Green. Mutant and computer science student at Empire State University.

DOREEN

Uh, former student, actually. I kind of left after the whole world... went to shit.

(She shakes Tony's hand.)

Hi, it's such an honor to meet you! I hope you don't mind, some of your computers systems were a bit outdated so I took the liberty of fixing them for you. Also, I recalibrated the data retrieval and processing systems, so those should be up to speed now.

TONY

(to Steve)

I thought you said she just talked to squirrels.

INT. AVENGERS COMPOUND - DAY

Doreen is showing the photo of her and Nancy with Thor on her phone to Thor.

THOR

Yes, I... I do remember this photo, Lady Doreen. I'm very sorry about your friend.

DOREEN

Well, that's why we're here, isn't it? I really hope Nancy can meet you again when this is all over. She's a huge fan! She named her cat "Mewnir" after your old hammer and even wrote these fan-fiction comics where you were a cat! It was called "Cat Thor"!

Thor raises an eyebrow and smiles.

SCOTT (O.S.)

Thor, clean up your beer cans! This place reeks!

Thor rolls his eyes and leaves. Doreen catches Tony walking around and rushes up to him.

DOREEN

Hey, Tony, could I ask you something?

TONY

You already did.

Doreen rolls her eyes.

DOREEN

I was thinking of bringing your Binarily Augmented Retro-Framing device with us when we go to 2012 New York.

TONY

You mean BARF?

DOREEN

You seriously need to get a better name for that.

TONY

Eh, it sticks in the head better. Why do you want to bring it?

DOREEN

I was thinking of using it on Loki. I didn't want to bring it up in front of Thor, since I figured it's kind of a sore subject for him, but if his brother knows anything about the infinity stones, it could tell us how to use them-

TONY

Absolutely not.

DOREEN

What? Why? Come on, Loki was sent by Thanos to come here, he must know something that could help us!

TONY

Our job is to get the stones and get out. That's it. We're not taking unnecessary risks by messing with people in the past.

DOREEN

I can handle it! Just give me the device! I'll be in and out like that!

TONY

I'm sorry, kid, my answer is no.

(Beat)

Doreen sighs.

DOREEN

Fine.

(She holds up her pet squirrel, Tippy-Toe.)

But can we at least make a time travel suit for Tippy?

INT. 2012 STARK TOWER - DAY

Doreen is snooping around the tower while the Avengers keep an eye on their past selves. She notices Hydra agents disguised as SHIELD agents walking around.

SCOTT (O.S.)

How did you not know those guys were Hydra? I mean, they just look evil!

DOREEN

Wait, those guys are Nazis? Can I punch them?!

TONY (O.S.)

No! Stay focused!

Suddenly, a robotic voice is heard from inside Doreen's utility belt.

VOICE

Binarily augmented retro-framing system activated.

DOREEN

Oh shit.

She frantically reaches in her pocket to try and shut it off.

SCOTT (O.S.)

What was that?

DOREEN

Uh, nothing.

BRUCE (O.S.)

That sounded like your BARF-tech, Tony.

TONY (O.S.)

Uh, I'm sorry, did you steal my BARF-tech?

DOREEN

No, I borrowed it.

STEVE (O.S.)

I'm pretty sure "borrowing" implies that you asked.

DOREEN

I'm gonna give it back!

TONY (O.S.)

You better. You break it, you bought it, fuzzy.

INT. 2012 STARK TOWER - DAY

Loki collapses to the ground from the impact of the Hulk's rampage. Doreen rushes to the scene and freezes when she sees the tesseract lying near him.

DOREEN

Oh no...

She dives on the ground to grab it at the same time as Loki. They look up and face each other, mystified when they realized they are both holding onto the tesseract. With a flash of blue, they disappear together.

EXT. DESERTED PLANET - NIGHT

Doreen slowly opens her eyes, groaning in pain. She lifts herself up and takes in her surroundings. The ground appears to be covered in a deep violet soil and the night sky is pitch black. Aside from a few bare trees in the distance, the place seems empty. Doreen clutches her time device on her wrists and speaks into it.

DOREEN

Hello? Is anyone there? Tony? Steve? Can anyone hear me?

She waits a moment. There is silence on the other end.

DOREEN

Ugh, great.

Suddenly, we see Tippy-Toe in a small time-travel suit rushing towards her and jumping in her arms. Doreen gives her a few gentle strokes on the back.

DOREEN

Hey, buddy.

Tippy-Toe gives a few squeaks.

DOREEN

No, I have no idea where we are.

She stands up and looks around, freezing when she notices what appears to be a crater in the distance. She runs up to it and sees Loki lying in a large hole in the ground, with the tesseract beside him. His body is bleeding and covered in bruises.

DOREEN

Holy shit...

She rushes down the crater to Loki's body and checks him for a pulse.

DOREEN

He's still breathing...

(She takes a bandage out of her utility belt and tosses it to Tippy-Toe.)

Tippy, stop the bleeding while I get the machine set up.

Tippy-Toe squeaks in protest.

DOREEN

Because I said so, now help me out here a little!

Tippy-Toe begrudgingly takes the bandage in her mouth and begins bandaging Loki's head.

DOREEN

Thank you.

(She starts setting up Tony's device.)

Actually... It's a good thing he's unconscious. It'll make this a lot easier.

She turns to look at the tesseract lying on the ground and hesitantly picks it up.

DOREEN

Um... I'll just... take that.

She puts it in a pocket in her utility belt.

We cut to Doreen scrolling through a holographic screen. The device has been set up, with the necessary parts attached to Loki's head.

DOREEN

Here we go...

She presses a button and a flash of blue transforms the area into a spaceship dungeon. Behind her, Doreen hears someone gasping in pain. She turns around to see 2011 Loki being held up by what appears to be an electrical current. His face is pale and sweaty, and his eyes are sunken. Doreen slowly approaches him.

DOREEN

Loki...?

As if momentarily forgetting she is in a simulation, she starts to reach out to touch his face. Suddenly, we hear a door open behind her. Nebula, Gamora, and Thanos enter. Startled, Doreen backs away as they approach Loki.

GAMORA

We found him in the void. He was just floating listlessly.

THANOS

The fallen king of Asgard...

He presses a button on the wall that shuts off the electric current, causing Loki to collapse to the floor. He lets out a weak wail of pain. Thanos and his daughters step closer to him as he slowly lifts up his head to look at them.

LOKI

K-kill me... P-please...

Nebula clicks her knife open, unleashing a large blade.

NEBULA

Shall we oblige him, father?

THANOS

Wait.

(He lifts Loki up.)

Perhaps there is some merit in keeping him alive. He is a boy... Lost... afraid... But I sense ambition in him... A lust for power... He may serve us well if he sees what we can offer him in return.

LOKI

N-no... I... Th-there is nothing... you can offer me... Wh-whatever this is... I want no part of it.

After a pause, Thanos slowly unveils the mind stone scepter with magic in his hand. Wide-eyed, Doreen slowly starts to back away as she looks on.

THANOS

Then again... A little persuasion can't hurt from time to time...

He presses the scepter to Loki's head, causing the mind stone to glow. Loki screams in agony as its power overwhelms him. Doreen gasps and covers her mouth in horror. With a sinister grin, Thanos presses the scepter harder, causing Loki's screams to grow louder. Mortified, Doreen frantically slams the off button on the device, causing the simulation to disappear. As she takes deep breaths, trying to collect herself, we see Loki's body disappear in a flash of green, as the real Loki appears behind her, untouched and unscarred. He was never really injured.

LOKI

I don't know if anyone's ever told you this...

Doreen gasps and whirls around.

LOKI

...but it's quite rude to look into someone else's mind without their permission.

DOREEN

I... I-I'm sorry, I just thought maybe Thanos told you something about the stones-

LOKI

Unfortunately, he did not. Thanos only ever told me what he felt I needed to know.

Doreen slowly backs away as he stalks towards her.

LOKI

I know you have the tesseract in your possession.

Doreen's hand instinctively goes to the pocket in her utility belt.

LOKI

I'm afraid I can't let you leave with that.

As Tippy-Toe jumps on her shoulder, Doreen grabs her time device.

DOREEN

Sorry to disappoint you.

She tries pressing a button on the device to send her back to the present, but nothing happens. As she repeatedly tries pressing the button, she sees a shimmer of green surrounding the device. Suddenly, Loki strikes her from behind. They fight, with Doreen struggling to overpower him. A dagger emerges in Loki's hand and he stabs her shoulder. Doreen screams and grabs his hand before he can strike again. Before Loki's strength can overwhelm her, Doreen unleashes her knuckle spikes and cuts his face, making a gash on his cheek. Loki recoils and raises his hand to the cut in shock. Eyes wide, Doreen backs away and tries to run, but Loki knocks her onto the ground, sending the tesseract flying.

DOREEN

No!

Doreen and Loki continue to fight. At one point, Tippy-Toe jumps onto Loki's face, blocking his vision. As Loki fumbles with the squirrel, Doreen rushes for the tesseract. She dives on the ground, but when she tries to grab it, her hand goes right through it in a green shimmer. Her face falls. It was just another illusion. As she lies on the ground, Loki approaches her, towering over her with a triumphant grin. He has the tesseract in his hand, chuckling darkly.

LOKI

This is who the mighty Avengers sent to stop me? Pathetic.

He kicks Doreen in the face and turns to leave.

DOREEN

If you bring that to Thanos, you're dead. He'll kill you.

Loki pauses and turns around, visibly amused by her comment.

LOKI

Is that so? And pray tell, why would he do that?

DOREEN

Why wouldn't he? You're just a pawn to him. You really think Thanos gives a damn about you? About what you want? He's using you! And you know it!

Loki's smile fades and his jaw tightens.

LOKI

You don't know the first thing about it. It's merely a transaction. I give Thanos the tesseract, he gives me my throne. That's all there is to it.

Doreen picks herself up and tries to approach him, but he blocks her with a green magic shield.

DOREEN

Loki, listen to me, please! The tesseract is one of the infinity stones. If Thanos gets all six, he's going to wipe out half of all life in the universe! Trillions would die, including people on Asgard, and you'd barely even have a kingdom left to rule! Is that what you want?!

Loki freezes in shock.

LOKI

How would you know that?

DOREEN

Because I was there when it happened.

EXT. DESERTED PLANET - NIGHT

Doreen is trying to make a fire with a few bundles of wood she gathered as Loki paces around, visibly troubled.

LOKI

So, Asgard is destroyed... and half the people are dead... Assuming, of course, I am to believe this story of yours.

DOREEN

Oh, I'm sorry, who's the god of lies here?

She gives a little cheer as the wood pile lights up in flames. Loki stops his pacing to look at her.

LOKI

You don't know anything about this planet, do you?

DOREEN

Gee, how could you tell?

LOKI

Well, for one thing, you're burning netmook wood, which emits a toxic fume when set ablaze...

DOREEN

Oh, God!

She frantically kicks dirt onto the fire, extinguishing it.

DOREEN

Why did you even come here, anyway?

LOKI

It's one of the most remote places in the galaxy. It won't stop Thanos' army from finding me... but it'll at least buy me some time.

(He grins.)

And, actually, I was joking about the netmook wood... It's completely harmless.

Doreen scowls at him.

DOREEN

Asshole.

With a wave of Loki's hand, a green fire appears on the wood pile. Doreen sits down to warm her hands. A green shimmer appears on her face, and she touches her cheek, where a cut has disappeared.

DOREEN

Thanks.

Loki sits down beside her.

LOKI

How is Thor?

(Beat)

DOREEN

Miserable. He's changed... a lot.

(Beat)

He really misses you. You were the only family he had left.

Loki looks down solemnly for a moment, then glances at Doreen.

LOKI

You know, I don't recall most mortals having a tail.

Doreen lets out a light laugh.

DOREEN

They don't. I was born different. I've had to hide it my whole life... well, at least until now.

LOKI

I... suppose I understand what that's like. I'm actually not Asgardian. I was born a Frost Giant. But I didn't know until I was much older. Of course, then I knew everyone would fear me for what I was...

(Beat)

DOREEN

I thought that if I could be an Avenger, I could at least make the most out of being different. I looked up to them for years... I thought if I could prove myself to them, maybe I wouldn't have to be afraid anymore. But I was so stupid! I should've known I wasn't cut out for this... I stole Tony's tech for nothing and now I've messed up their entire plan... I couldn't even face you without getting my ass kicked!

Loki clears his throat awkwardly.

LOKI

Well, um... you were quite an impressive fighter... for a mortal, that is. I-I didn't really mean what I said earlier, I was just trying to intimidate you... Of course, your stance could use work, and your techniques are a bit sloppy-

DOREEN

Wait, are you trying to make me feel better?

LOKI

What? Well, I-

DOREEN

Because that's... actually really sweet. I mean, you completely suck at it, but...

Loki rolls his eyes and stands up to leave.

DOREEN

No, no, no, I'm just kidding! Sorry, I... It was just a joke. Thanks, really.

Loki smiles a little and sits back down.

LOKI

In all seriousness, you are stronger than you believe. Having faith in yourself is the most powerful weapon you can possess.

Doreen smiles and nods.

DOREEN

Loki, I... about what Thanos... what he did to you... I had no idea. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

Loki turns away, his expression solemn.

DOREEN

Why didn't you tell anyone?

Loki lets out a bitter laugh.

LOKI

You honestly think anyone would believe me if I had?

Doreen's face falls. Suddenly, Tippy-Toe starts angrily squeaking at him.

DOREEN

Oh, uh, this is Tippy-Toe. Sorry, she kind of hates you 'cause she said your Chitauri army blew up her stash of acorns back in New York...

LOKI

I know. She's expressing her anger with rather foul language.

DOREEN

You speak squirrelese?

LOKI

I have the power of all-speak. It allows me to understand all languages in the universe.

Doreen looks impressed.

LOKI

Does it... feel better to be open with your identity now?

DOREEN

I don't know. It's... weird, definitely, but... I think in a good way. I'm just not used to it. My dad was always so strict about keeping it a secret. I love him and I miss him, but he could be really hard on me sometimes. I guess... he just wanted to keep me safe.

(Beat)

LOKI

My birth father abandoned me and left me to die because he thought I was too small.

(Beat)

DOREEN

Wow. What a dick.

(After a pause, she stands up.)

Loki, I know this is a lot to process, but I really can't leave here without the tesseract.

Loki stands up as well.

LOKI

Doreen, I am sorry, truly I am, but I can't give it to you. I know your future is in peril, but I have my own future to think about. The tesseract is the only bargaining chip I have against Thanos. If he truly is as ruthless as you say, giving it to him might be the only way to convince him to spare my life.

DOREEN

I could bring it back! After we're done with it in the future, I could bring it here to this exact spot in time. It would be like it never left!

Loki scoffs and starts to object, but Doreen interrupts him.

DOREEN

And because I know you think I'm going to double-cross you... Tippy?

Tippy-Toe's ears perk up.

DOREEN

You stay here with Loki until I come back, okay?

Tippy-Toe lets out a few squeaks in protest, but reluctantly hops to Loki's side.

DOREEN

Now I have to keep my promise!

LOKI

Even so, this is beyond risky. What if you don't make it back?

DOREEN

You told me to have faith in myself. Now I'm asking you to have a little faith in me.

Loki looks down and shakes his head.

LOKI

I would be the biggest fool in the nine realms to leave my fate in the hands of a mortal...

Doreen's face falls. After a moment, Loki extends his hand, where the tesseract appears. He places it in Doreen's hands.

LOKI

Then again... I've been a fool for so long now... One more time couldn't hurt.

Doreen looks down at the tesseract in her hands in disbelief. When she meets Loki's eyes again, he gives her a small nod. Ecstatic, she grins and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Shocked, he recoils back slightly.

DOREEN

Oh, Loki, thank you! I won't let you down, I promise!

Suddenly, Loki freezes. He makes a strangled, choking sound as his face contorts in terror.

DOREEN

Loki...?

Loki collapses on the ground and starts convulsing, gasping for air.

DOREEN

Loki?! What's happening?!

She grabs him and turns his face towards hers.

LOKI

(in a strangled voice)

Go!

Horrified, Doreen looks up to see THE OTHER materializing onto the planet.

We cut to The Other stalking toward Loki, clenching his fist, making Loki's choke harder. Doreen is nowhere to be seen. Loki lets out an agonized groan.

THE OTHER

You fool... You really thought you could run from us? I told you there would be no escape.

(He glances at the tesseract, which is lying beside Loki.)

Now, you will give Him what is rightfully His...

The Other reaches to collect the tesseract, only to have it disappear in a green shimmer. It was just an illusion. Furious, The Other looks up to see Loki giving him a weak grin.

THE OTHER

You knave! Where is the tesseract?!

We cut to Doreen and Tippy-Toe running away. Doreen crouches behind a purple rock and starts to set the time-travel device for the present. As she is about to press the button to go home, she glances back at Loki, who is screaming in agony as The Other shocks him with his scepter. She bites her lip in contemplation.

We cut to The Other brutally torturing Loki with his scepter.

THE OTHER

Tell me where it is!

LOKI

(Weakly)

I would rather die.

THE OTHER

As you wish...

The Other strengthens his choke on Loki, watching as the life starts to drain out of his eyes. Suddenly, a surge of blue power blasts The Other out of the way. Gasping for air, Loki rolls over to see what happened. His eyes widen. Doreen is holding the tesseract, her body glowing with a blue haze. She is wielding its power. As The Other moves to attack, she strikes again. Loki and Doreen begin fighting him together, Loki with his magic, and Doreen with her powers and the tesseract. Eventually, Doreen is caught in a standoff with The Other. They are both grasping the tesseract, trying to take it from the other. A few cracks start to form on the cube. Doreen's eyes widen. Suddenly, the cube bursts, sending Doreen and The Other flying. Loki rushes over to Doreen, helping her up.

LOKI

Are you alright?

Doreen looks up, her face falling at what she sees. The Other is lying dead on the ground, with smoke rising from his body. Beside him, the tesseract has shattered into hundreds of pieces.

DOREEN

No, no, no, no...

She desperately tries to scramble up as many pieces as she can, but it is no use. Defeated, she collapses back onto the ground.

LOKI

What were you thinking?! I told you to go!

DOREEN

I couldn't!

LOKI

Why?! Your world was at stake, you should've left when you had the chance-

DOREEN

I wasn't just gonna let you die!

Loki freezes. After a pause, he slowly sinks to kneel beside her as she cries.

DOREEN

What have I done...? This is all my fault... The Avengers... Everything they've done, I've just wasted... I'm a failure...

LOKI

Doreen, look at me.

Doreen glances at him with teary eyes.

LOKI

You are no failure. What you did... I've never seen anyone wield the tesseract like that. You unlocked its power. It chose you.

DOREEN

Why? I... I don't understand...

LOKI

You don't have to.

Doreen sniffles and wipes her eyes.

DOREEN

At least... with the tesseract destroyed... your future is safe. Thanos can never collect all of the stones now.

Loki looks down with guilt.

LOKI

What about your future?

Doreen looks down.

DOREEN

We'll... we'll be okay. I guess... we'll just have to move on.

They both stand.

DOREEN

I... I'd... better go.

(Tippy-Toe hops on her shoulder again.)

What will you do?

LOKI

I suppose I'll have to stay here until the bifrost is rebuilt. After that... well, my father will most likely imprison me for my crimes.

DOREEN

Please tell them the truth about what happened to you. Even if your father doesn't believe you... I'm sure Thor will. Someone has to.

Loki nods slowly.

LOKI

Alright.

Doreen adjusts her time travel device on her wrist and glances at Loki one last time. They exchange a sad look. Suddenly, Doreen hugs him.

DOREEN

Goodbye, Loki.

She and Tippy-Toe disappear. Loki is left looking over the area where they were for a moment. As he starts to walk away, he suddenly notices the tesseract shards beginning to rise...

INT. AVENGERS COMPOUND - DAY

The Avengers all return from their time travel journeys... all except for Natasha. Doreen immediately rushes towards Tony.

DOREEN

(Rapidly)

Tony, I'm so sorry, I couldn't get the tesseract back, I really tried-

TONY

Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down, kid. We got the tesseract.

Doreen freezes.

DOREEN

You did?!

Tony nods and taps his briefcase.

DOREEN

Oh, thank God...

Everyone freezes when they notice Clint standing without Nat.

BRUCE

Clint? Where's Nat?

Clint collapses to his knees.

INT. AVENGERS COMPOUND - DAY

As Tony is working on the gauntlet, a hand suddenly places the BARF-tech device on his desk. Tony raises an eyebrow to see Doreen standing there with her head down. He picks up the device to examine it.

DOREEN

I'm sorry I stole your tech. I was just trying to prove that I could do something useful. I know that's really stupid and immature, and I totally get it if you want me to leave. I can pack my stuff up now-

TONY

Do you know how long it took my guys to program this thing to work on an unconscious brain?

DOREEN

Huh?

TONY

Two months. It took them two months to do what you did in two minutes.

Doreen freezes.

DOREEN

I...

TONY

You know, I took a look at your records from Empire State. You were one impressive student. Top of your class. Why'd you leave?

DOREEN

I... I don't know. I guess... after Thanos, I just didn't really see the point anymore.

Tony thinks for a moment.

TONY

I actually had to put the augmented reality department on hold for a little bit. We had some issues with the guy that was running it a couple years back, and higher-ups were complaining about costs, but since I don't have to worry about that anymore... I want you to hang onto this.

(Beat)

DOREEN

Are you serious?

TONY

Totally serious. Tinker around with it a little, see what you can do. We could use a new face handling the department.

He extends his hand for Doreen to take it.

DOREEN

I... oh my God, I-

He pulls his hand away before she can take it.

TONY

On one condition: Whatever happens today, whether we win or lose, you go back to school. Get your degree. Get your shit together. Because you've got a brilliant mind and I don't want to see that go to waste, you understand me?

Doreen grins.

DOREEN

Okay.

TONY

You sure?

DOREEN

Yeah.

TONY

You promise?

DOREEN

Uh huh.

TONY

Okay.

He hands her the device and heads out.

TONY (O.S.)

And next time you steal one of my gadgets, be sure to return it on time or I'm gonna start charging late fees!

Doreen grins.

INT. UNDERGROUND RUINS - DAY

After the explosion that destroyed the Avengers Compound, Doreen wakes up underground, surrounded by a pile of rubble. She sits up and sees her high-tech goggles have been crushed.

DOREEN

Shit...

She tosses them and tries to stand up, letting out a cry of pain. Her leg has a huge gash in it. Working quickly, she takes out a bandage roll from her utility belt and patches up her leg. Suddenly, she sees something glowing from underneath a pile of rubble. She stands up and cleans the object off. It is Tony's gauntlet.

DOREEN

Oh my God...

She scoops it in her arms, trying to make her way out of the maze of ruins. She suddenly bumps into Clint.

DOREEN

Oof! Oh... hey, are you okay?

Clint dusts himself off.

CLINT

Yeah, I'm fine. What the hell happened?

DOREEN

I think someone followed us from the past.

Clint glances at the gauntlet in Doreen's arms.

CLINT

Well, whoever they are, we need to make sure they don't get their hands on that. Did you see where-

They suddenly hear a low growling sound in the distance. Clint readies his bow, aiming at the sound. Through the dim emergency light of the tunnels, they can see the outlines of Thanos' monsters creeping towards them. Doreen whistles and hands him the gauntlet.

DOREEN

Here. Take this. We'll deal with them.

CLINT

"We"?

DOREEN

Yeah! I called for backup!

Suddenly, a giant group of squirrels squeezes through the cracks in the rubble, ready to fight. Clint takes the gauntlet and flees. Doreen and her army rush towards the monsters and begin fighting.

We cut to another part of the ruins, where Rocket is scrambling to make his way out. Water is pooling into the area, threatening to drown him.

ROCKET

Hey! Can anyone hear me?! I need help! Get me out of here!

We see Scott, in his microscopic form, in another area.

SCOTT

I hear you! Just give me a second!

ROCKET

I don't have a second!

Scott starts running.

SCOTT

I'm trying to get to you, buddy, but I don't know how long it's going to take! I don't think it's safe to expand here...

DOREEN

Ooh! I can help with that! Hey, Monkey Joe, could you give the nice man a lift?

SCOTT

Monkey who?!

He sees a squirrel barreling towards him.

SCOTT

WHAT THE-?!

Monkey Joe tosses Scott onto his back and starts running towards Rocket. Once he reaches him, Scott is able to get them both to safety.

We cut to Doreen and the squirrels fighting the monsters. Tippy-Toe tries to attack one, but it rips it off its face and tosses it aside.

DOREEN

HEY!

She pounces on it and begins beating it with her fists, emphasizing each word with a punch.

DOREEN

NOBODY! TOUCHES! MY! PET! SQUIRREL!

We cut to Rocket holding a grenade.

ROCKET

I got it. This'll blast those creepy suckers outta the sky.

He presses a button, activating the grenade, and drops it down into the ruins.

SCOTT

Isn't Doreen still down there?

(Beat.)

ROCKET

Oops...

We cut to Doreen fighting the monsters. Suddenly, she notices all of the squirrels are disappearing into the cracks.

DOREEN

Huh? Hey, where are you guys all going?

(She freezes when she sees the grenade by her feet.)

Gah!

As the explosion rocks the tunnels, Scott and Rocket wince. They suddenly see Doreen crawling out of the ruins. She is panting and covered in soot.

DOREEN

Would you guys mind giving me a heads-up before you send in the grenade next time?

Rocket and Scott give her a sheepish grin.

EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY

Everyone who was dusted is emerging from the portals. Dr. Strange looks around at all of the people gathered.

STEPHEN

Is that everyone?

WONG

What, you wanted more?

STEPHEN

Wait, hang on.

He forms another portal where present-day Loki falls onto the ground. Loki dusts himself off and scowls at Stephen.

LOKI

Do you have to do that every time?!

Stephen shrugs. Thor freezes when he sees his brother standing before him. Loki's face falls as Thor begins to walk toward him slowly, his expression dark and unreadable. Loki starts to back away.

LOKI

(Quickly)

Look, I realize this is becoming something of a tradition between us, but I swear it was all for the best. If you would just give me a moment to explain, I'm sure you would understand that my death was in Asgard's best interest and I had no other alternative but to-

He freezes when he see's Thor's new physique... or lack thereof.

LOKI

What... the hell... happened to YOOOOUUU-

Thor squeezes him with a bone-crushing hug. When he lets go, there are tears in his eyes.

THOR

It's good to have you back, Loki.

Loki smiles, his own eyes beginning to well up.

LOKI

It's good to see you too, brother.

THOR

How have you come back?

LOKI

Well... I was resting in the afterlife, when I received a visit from my past self. He told me of a very special mortal who saved his life and granted him the tesseract, which allowed him to travel through time. It also gave me the power to restore my body and return my soul to the land of the living.

He winks at Doreen, who blushes and grins.

LOKI

Still... it was a shame to leave. It was wonderful to see mother again. Valhalla is also quite lovely this time of year...

DOREEN

Wait... I thought the tesseract was destroyed!

Loki smirks and conjures up the tesseract in his hand. Doreen's jaw drops.

DOREEN

Wh-?

(She laughs.)

You really are an asshole, you know that?

They hear someone clear their throat behind them. Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Clint look at them with a stern, distrustful glance.

BRUCE

What is he doing here?

LOKI

I've come here to aid you in your fight against Thanos.

TONY

Yeah, last time you were here, you were working for Thanos.

DOREEN

That wasn't his choice. Tony, I saw what happened to him. Thanos tortured him. He forced him into it.

LOKI

I know I am far from blameless for what has happened. But I have a score to settle with Thanos too. And I want to help my people, same as all of you.

STEVE

Why should we trust you now?

(Beat)

LOKI

I've got red in my ledger... I'd like to wipe it out.

Clint's eyes widen. After a moment, a hint of a smile grows on his face.

We cut to Thor lifting Doreen up with a crushing hug.

THOR

Thank you for bringing my brother back, Lady Doreen!

DOREEN

Oof!

(She awkwardly pats him on the back.)

Yep, I love you too, big guy...

An assortment of scenes during the battle (in no particular order)

During the scene where all of the female Avengers team up, Loki starts to join them, but Doreen stops him.

DOREEN

Hey! Um, excuse me? Ladies first!

Loki shifts into LADY LOKI.

LADY LOKI

Is this better?

Doreen smirks.

DOREEN

You're hilarious.

We cut to Loki and Doreen fighting together. A monster sends a rock tumbling towards them and appears to crush them. Suddenly, a hand taps the monster on the shoulder from behind. The monster turns around and a green shimmer reveals the real Loki and Doreen. Doreen punches the monster, sending him flying. Doreen and Loki smirk and share a fist bump.

We cut to Thor and Loki fighting together.

THOR

We should do get help-

LOKI

Don't even think about it.

We cut to Clint, who is fighting off some of the monsters. As they begin to gang up on him, they start to overwhelm him. He collapses to the ground, trying to push them off of him. Just as one is about to slit his throat, it is stabbed from behind. The rest are magicked away. The stabbed monster collapses and we see Loki standing behind it. Clint stares at him in awe.

CLINT

Thanks...

LOKI

Don't mention it.

We cut to Dr. Strange, Wanda, and Loki standing together. The camera pans around the trio as they charge up their magic.

STEPHEN

God, these things are everywhere...

LOKI

What, you've never fought a demonic horde before? Thor and I used to do it every week. It's a been our favorite past time since we were children!

STEPHEN

Good for you. You don't need to brag.

WANDA

Will both of you shut up?

As she flies off, Stephen and Loki raise an eyebrow at each other.

We cut to Wanda as she uses her magic to lift Thanos up, along with several rocks. Doreen jumps onto the rocks to leap onto Thanos’ shoulder, unleashing her knuckle spikes and digging them into his face. Thanos screams, overwhelmed by the two women attacking him. Using the stones, he eventually manages to send Doreen and Wanda flying. As he turns away, we see that Doreen has gouged his eye out. Wanda uses her magic to clear a pile of rocks off of Doreen.

DOREEN

Oof! Thanks

(She extends her hand to Wanda.)

Oh! Hi! I’m Doreen!

Wanda smiles.

After Tony's death, all the Avengers begin to kneel. Loki is standing by Doreen and Thor's side, both of whom are crying. After hesitating, Loki kneels beside them, looking at Tony's body solemnly.

EXT. LAKE HOUSE - DAY

At Tony's funeral, we see Nancy hugging Doreen, who is crying. Later, Doreen approaches Loki, who is standing alone on the porch.

DOREEN

Loki...

He turns around at the sound of her voice.

DOREEN

I... wanted to say thank you.

LOKI

Whatever for?

DOREEN

For believing in me. When I didn't believe in myself.

(Beat)

Well, I guess that wasn't you, you, it was the past you, but... whatever, it still counts.

Loki smiles.

LOKI

No, my dear, it is I who should be thanking you. You showed me unconditional kindness when no one else did.

(He gives a small bow.)

My most sincere gratitude, Lady Doreen. I owe you my life. I don't know how I could ever repay you.

Tippy-Toe crawls on his shoulder and squeaks at him.

DOREEN

You could start by giving Tippy those acorns you owe her. You know... whenever you get the chance.

LOKI

I will... certainly make a note of that.

He gives Tippy-Toe a few awkward pets.

DOREEN

So, now what? Are you gonna try and take over New Asgard?

Loki laughs.

LOKI

I think Asgard has had enough of my rule. No, I believe I'll accompany my brother on whatever ridiculous journeys he has planned. We do have a lot of catching up to do, after all. Also...

(He conjures the tesseract in his hand.)

I believe this will allow me to travel to some... entertaining places in time. I trust you won't tell anyone?

DOREEN

Well, I don't know, that depends. Are you gonna kill anybody?

Loki laughs.

LOKI

I will try to avoid it.

Doreen shrugs.

DOREEN

Eh, good enough for me.

LOKI

What about you? What will you do?

DOREEN

Well, I made a promise to Tony that I'd go back to school, so that's what I'm gonna do. Besides, I couldn't let Nancy finish her senior year of college alone.

They turn to Nancy, who is enthusiastically showing Thor her "Cat Thor" comics in the distance.

NANCY

And this is Cat Thor's mighty hammer, Mewnir, which he uses to defeat the evil Laufur, leader of the bad dogs!

DOREEN

She's a big fan.

Loki chuckles.

DOREEN

How did the past you know to find you in Valhalla?

LOKI

He didn't. He had a little help... with this.

(He tosses the tracking device she placed on him to her.)

A word of advice: Next time you want to track someone, do tell Tippy-Toe to be more subtle about it.

Doreen grins sheepishly.

LOKI

Of course, I expected all of you to enact your little time-travel experiment three days earlier, but better late than never, I suppose...

Doreen freezes.

DOREEN

You knew what was going to happen...

LOKI

But of course! Why do you think I got myself killed by Thanos in the first place? My plan was risky, but at least if I died, Thanos wouldn't be able to stop me.

DOREEN

(Slowly understanding)

Thanos couldn't kill you if you were already dead... But... but how did you know I would get my hands on the tesseract? And use its power and everything? And...

LOKI

My gift of foresight may not be as strong as my mother's, but...

(He winks at her.)

I know a special mortal when I see one.

Doreen blushes.

DOREEN

Oh! I almost forgot!

She hands him a golden locket with an imprint of his helmet.

DOREEN

I made this for you. I wanted to apologize for, you know... stalking you without your permission. This locket lets me see where you are if you're ever in trouble. If you need me at all, I'll be there.

(Beat)

I know it's not much, but... I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me.

LOKI

So... your way of apologizing to me for tracking my location is... tracking my location again?

DOREEN

I can only see it if you want me to!

(She pulls out a matching locket.)

I have one too, see? Just press this button here, and I can see where you are, anywhere in the galaxy.

She presses the button and a holographic screen of their location appears on both of their lockets.

DOREEN

I also put your little horns on it, 'cause I thought it'd be cute!

Loki smiles as she shuts the lockets off.

LOKI

I'll keep it with me. I promise.

DOREEN

Well... I guess I'll see you around. Bye, Loki.

LOKI

Goodbye, Doreen.

She heads off, leaving Loki to admire his new gift. Suddenly, she runs back and hugs him, catching him off-guard. After a moment of confusion, he smiles and returns the hug.

INT. STARK HOUSEHOLD - DAY

Post-Credits Scene

Doreen and Morgan are sitting in Morgan's room, where they are talking to Thor, Loki, and the Guardians of the Galaxy through a holographic screen. Thor is swigging a glass of whiskey as they talk.

DOREEN

See, this is why I'm the best nanny. Like, who else is gonna let you facetime with people thousands of light years away?

DRAX

Enough stalling. We must resume our game.

DOREEN

Right. Whose turn is it?

MANTIS

I believe it is Loki's turn!

DOREEN

Okay, Loki, truth or dare?

LOKI

Hmm... Truth.

THOR

Oh, please, you're incapable of telling the truth.

LOKI

I am not!

DOREEN

Okay... is it true that you did it with a horse?

LOKI

What?

DOREEN

Because I read in a Norse mythology book that you did it with a horse and then gave birth to a horse with eight legs, and... I don't know, that just seems super weird, like even for you.

Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy snicker.

MORGAN

What did he do with a horse?

DOREEN

Uh... I'll tell you when you're older.

Drax turns to Loki.

DRAX

I am impressed, my friend. I did not know that equestrian women were your type.

LOKI

They're not! Those rubbish Midgardian books are full of lies!

THOR

I don't know, brother, you always seemed fond of the horses in the royal stables growing up...

ROCKET

Is that why you did it with a horse?

LOKI

I didn't do anything with a horse!

DOREEN

Okay, okay, guys, let him be. I'm just teasing. Whose turn is it next?

QUILL

I think it's your turn, Doreen. Truth or dare?

DOREEN

Hmm... I'll do a dare. Let's let Morgan decide! Morgan, what should I do?

Morgan whispers in her ear, and Doreen grins devilishly.

DOREEN

Ooh, yes! Okay, hang on a second.

She disappears into the next room. Suddenly, we see a flash of blue from the other room.

EXT. 2011 ASGARD - NIGHT

Doreen time travels to 2011 Asgard, where Thor is confronting Loki at the bifrost.

THOR

Why have you done this?!

LOKI

To prove to father that I am a worthy son! When he wakes, I will have saved his life. I will have destroyed that race of monsters, and I will be true heir to the throne-

Suddenly, they are both hit with Valkyrie's obedience disks, which electrocute them both and cause them to collapse on the ground. Doreen, in her time-travel suit, steps over them.

DOREEN

Hey, uh, sorry to interrupt your little, uh, family drama over here. Do you mind if I borrow that really quick?

She scoops Loki's helmet off his head as he and Thor give her confused, exasperated looks as they convulse on the ground. She fumbles with the helmet, trying to place it on her head.

DOREEN

Oh my God, how do you wear this thing?

She manages to clumsily place it lopsided on her head.

DOREEN

Well, uh, thanks for that. I hope you can both resolve your issues in a peaceful, non-violent manner.

(She looks at Thor.)

Nice look, by the way. Really rocking the, uh, blonde eyebrows. Anyways, I got places to be, so I'll see ya!

(She starts to press her time-travel device on her wrist, but freezes.)

Ooh! I almost forgot!

INT. STARK HOUSEHOLD - DAY

With a flash of blue, Doreen rushes back into Morgan's room wearing Loki's helmet and holding Mjolnir. Everyone stares at her, jaws dropped and eyes widened.

DOREEN

Okay, I did it!

(She swings the hammer around.)

You know, this bad boy actually isn't as heavy as I thought it would be. I do have to return this stuff soon, though. I kind of left 2011 Thor and Loki electrocuted on the ground, and they'll probably be mad about that.

(Beat)

Anyway, whose turn is it next?

Frozen stock still, everyone continues to stare at her. Thor drops his whiskey glass on the ground.

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aparecium-hq · 4 years ago

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Name: Ivy Blum Birthday (Age): November 23, 2002 (25) Gender (Pronouns): Female (She/Her) Blood Status: Muggleborn Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff Occupation: Teashop owner and Seer Faceclaim: Odeya Rush

Character Teaser

Growing up muggleborn and being able to read the future wasn’t a great combination. Her family called her peculiar, but schoolmates used another word to describe Ivy Blum: a freak. It wasn’t until she was introduced into the world of magic that Ivy realized how special she truly was. Over the years, she’s developed her skills both in school and out in the world, while overcoming any obstacle in her way. She’s even opened a tea shop, where she offers teas and readings of all kinds. You’ll either find her behind the counter or chasing a little girl around the tables.

Feelings on Magical Integration

Ivy is absolutely an integrationist. She wishes she could have a conversation with her mother about the wizarding world and not have to explain every little thing. She wants her daughter to be able to mingle with muggles and wixen alike, as she has roots in both. She has a very long list that goes on for ages, but it’s mainly because she wants her family to be involved and know more about the wizarding world.

Biography

Ivy grew up as the youngest of four, with two older brothers and an older sister; The oldest, Rowan, 32, working as a lawyer in London. He has two daughters and an amazing wife. Ivy and Rowan got along pretty well as kids but didn’t form that strong of a connection, considering Rowan is 7 years older than her. Next is Flora, 28, who doesn’t really work. Her wife is some sort of business CEO in America, so Flora takes care of their three adopted children. Flora and Ivy were very very close as children, and it lasted all the way to adulthood. They talk frequently and Ivy goes to visit at least once a year. Finally, there’s Oliver, Ivy’s twin brother. They were inseparable as children, but when Ivy received a Hogwarts letter and Oliver didn’t, he got jealous. The summer between second and third year, they had a huge fight that ended with both of them swearing to never speak to the other again. They’re both too prideful to apologize, and never stayed in contact after Ivy moved out. She knows he’s working in their father’s shop, and that he met a girl who he’s dating seriously, but that’s all her parents told her.

As for her parents, Daisy and Thomas Blum are the proud owners of ‘Comics & Coffee’, a semi-successful bookstore-cafe franchise in the UK and select locations in America. Thomas started up the company in the late ’90s, while Daisy worked full-time as a nurse, covering expenses that come with starting your own business. Eventually, in 2010, the company started gaining traction after the Avengers movie was announced, and people wanted to get back into comics more than ever all of a sudden. There are seven locations throughout the UK, and three in America. Daisy quit her nursing job in 2011 to help Thomas take care of business, and they’re both happy, despite the busy schedules.

Ivy was a peculiar child, even without the surprise magic. Her mother claims that Ivy rarely cried as a baby and that sometimes she would walk into the nursery in the middle of the night to make sure her daughter was okay, only to find her standing in the crib as if expecting her to walk through the door at that moment. “It’s almost like you could tell the future,” she would joke when she had a few too many glasses of wine and spoke of the incidents, but once Ivy started at Hogwarts and learned what Divination was, she thought maybe she really could tell the future. She dismissed it as coincidental, she was just ‘force sensitive’, as her father would put it.

These occurrences continued throughout her childhood, in very different ways. Sometimes a utensil dropping on the floor would make her suddenly feel the urge to ask when such and such would arrive, even though her parents hadn’t invited anyone over. Sure enough, their grandmother, or some other individual, would show up out of the blue.

Ivy was a very quiet child. She didn’t say her first word until she was 18 months old, whereas Oliver had started talking at a year old. She preferred to sit and color over running around the playground screaming and causing chaos. Her schoolmates would call her a ‘freak’ most of the time, though she didn’t quite understand how rude it was until she got older. When her mother asked her why she was so quiet, Ivy merely shrugged her shoulders and said “I don’t really have anything important to say.”

One thing, however, that did get Ivy talking was comic books. Ivy spent a good part of her childhood between the rows of her father’s shop. You could usually find her in the X-Men section, a pile of comics surrounding her as she essentially devoured the one in her hand. If you even brought up any of the X-Men, you would see her light up like never before. She felt a special connection with the X-Men series specifically because they weren’t just superheroes; there were kids and teenagers like her, who were just trying to figure out why they were different. Up until her 11th birthday, she thought her accidental magic was actually her mutant powers, and that once she got older, Professor X or someone would come to get her. That obviously wasn’t the case.

Because Ivy’s birthday is so late in the year, she had to wait 10 months after receiving her letter to go to Hogwarts. She was also a year older than everyone in her year, which was convenient in 6th year because Ivy turned 17 before most of her classmates and was therefore sent out on Firewhiskey runs for them.

At Hogwarts, she really ‘blum’ed (I had to do it at least once). Despite the initial disappointment that she wouldn’t be heading to the X-Mansion, Hogwarts proved to be almost cooler. She wasn’t much of a hat-staller, but the Sorting Hat did debate for a little bit on whether to put her in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. It eventually decided on Hufflepuff, because her hard-working and loyal nature was more over-powering than her pride. As for classes, she discovered a natural gift for Herbology and quickly developed a love for plants of all kinds. If you couldn’t find her in the common room, your best bet was to search the Greenhouses, where Ivy was usually helping Professor Longbottom with some sort of plant.

Another class she found she excelled in was Divination. Professor Trelawney was well past her prime, but she did offer a starting point for Ivy, so she could slowly develop her Seer abilities as time went on. It was a nice distraction from the sadness of her fight with Oliver. Immersing herself in the world of Divination distracted her from dealing with her feelings. Ivy took the class every year for her remaining years at Hogwarts and found that no matter how hard the tried, she couldn’t get the hang of crystal balls or fortune-telling. She was very good at interpreting dreams, tarot cards, and tea leaves, however, which is why she calls herself ‘force sensitive’; She doesn’t visually see the future, but she can read the messages that the future sends.

After graduating from Hogwarts, she spent a year living abroad, trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. She visited wizarding and muggle villages alike, all across Europe. She made money by reading palms and offering tarot readings to anyone who would ask. She eventually found that she enjoyed doing just that, minus the nomadic lifestyle. She wanted a store, her own business, just like her parents. When she returned home, she told her parents about her plan; open a tea shop for muggles and wixen alike. Muggles can come in and enjoy a cup of tea, or purchase tea if they’d like. Witches and wizards can come in and ask to use the upstairs washroom. This would prompt Ivy to lead them upstairs, where there was no bathroom, and that was where she would hold all of her readings (palmistry, tarot cards, tea leaves, etc). Ivy decided not to offer her readings to muggles because of the Statute of Secrecy; she isn’t 100% positive, but if her gifts are indeed Seer abilities, she could get in serious trouble for using them on muggles. If she was lucky, they wouldn’t find out about her year abroad. Though her parents didn’t quite understand the magic aspect of it, they were happy one of their children wanted to start their own business, and they gave Ivy a loan so she could buy a place in London and get things started.

After a lot of back and forth with the Ministry, Ivy finally opened the doors of ‘Leaves’ in 2023, at the age of 21. Though she received quite a few wixen clients, she didn’t initially receive many muggle clients. People weren’t as interested in sitting and enjoying tea in a shop if they could just do it at home. Her muggle clientele has grown slowly over the years, but her primary customers remain witches and wizards.

She almost gave up her business in 2025, when she became pregnant with her daughter. She’d been seeing someone for a few weeks, nothing extremely serious. Ivy called Flora before she told anybody else. Flora told her to tell the father, which did not end well for Ivy. He did exactly what she thought he would do, which was disappear. After he told her she wanted nothing to do with the baby, Ivy called Flora again, only this time, she was crying harder than she’d ever cried. Flora couldn’t understand any of what Ivy said for the first half-hour of their phone call. Eventually, Ivy calmed down and explained the situation, which prompted Flora to grab her kids and jump on a plane. Ivy spent two weeks holed up in her apartment with Flora, the kids visiting their grandparents, and looking around London. During this time, Flora and Ivy barely spoke; Flora knew Ivy just needed someone there, and that she’d ask for help when she needed it. After two weeks, she finally asked Flora what to do.

They concluded that she couldn’t do this alone. Ivy had to hire a shop assistant, and she wouldn’t be able to offer her readings for a while. Eventually, she chose to hire [TBD], who ended up being a pretty good help. Ivy only showed up every other day to check in on them.

Although it was unexpected and a little inopportune, Ivy was ecstatic to become a mother. She gave birth to her daughter, Olivia Iris Blum, in October of 2025. Though she’ll never admit it, Ivy named her daughter after her twin brother. Even though she’s only two years old, Olivia is as energetic and excitable as Oliver was when he was a kid, which makes Ivy feel like she still has a part of Oliver in her life. Ivy and Olivia live in the loft above the tea shop, and customers often see the young girl playing on the ground behind the counter or under unoccupied tables.

Connections

The Assistant: Someone who’s been working in the shop for a few years now, and who is pretty close with Ivy. Ideally, a character who is hard-working and trustworthy, but I’m open to a sweet employee who is Doing Their Best™.

The Baby Daddy: The father of Olivia, who has recently come back into the picture. Someone a little flaky, but who’s also Doing Their Best™.

The Best Friend: Someone Ivy has been friends with for years. They’ve gone through a lot together, and will always have each other’s backs.

Ivy was played by Reagan.

#ivy blum #inactive original character

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smokeybrandreviews · 5 years ago

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The Tragedy of Rey Palpatine

I really, really, like Rey Skywalker, in concept. I think she could have been an amazing character and the perfect torch-bearer for the mythos going forward. After The Force Awakens, i was all in with this new trio of characters. Say what you will about Abrams, dude knows how to build a character. He knows how to write a story and Rey’s began wonderfully. She had all of the potential to be held in the same esteem as Mara Jade, Leia Organa, and Ahsoka Tano. Hell, Disney even introduced Chelli Aphra in the Vader comics, another brilliant, female character of Asian descent. Each of these characters were fleshed out, nuanced, and felt real. There is a humanity to them and, i imagine that’s where Abrams wanted to take Rey. Then The Last Jedi happened and ruined almost everything. I think it did a great service for Kylo Ren, overall, but everything else got a big fat Rian Johnson/Kathleen Kennedy sh*t all over it.

Abrams set up a ton of intriguing plots to explore going forward. The hints that Finn may be Force sensitive, the mystery of how Mas got a hold of Anakin’s lightsaber after Vader cut Luke’s hand off in Empire, who the f*ck was Snoke; All threads that could have been elaborated upon to embellish the new characters and give an opportunity to pass the torch on with the new characters. More than anything, the enigma of Rey Skywalker could have driven this trilogy of films in a direction for the ages. The seeds were there for greatness. Why did she hear Obi Wan in that flashback? Why was she spared by the Knights of Ren? Why did Ren know exactly what girl that trooper reported about? The only answer we got was that Rey was the spawn of a Palpatine clone and it was stupid.That reveal was the dumbest sh*t in Rise of Skywalker and there was a lot of dumb sh*t in that movie. Rise spent way too much time apologizing for what Last Jedi did to the mythos and had literally no time to fix the characters going forward. That’s how bad Kathleen Kennedy let Rian Johnson f*ck up.

I like the Last Jedi as a space opera. Hell, i even like it as a Star Wars side story in the vein of Solo or Rogue One. If those events happened in between VII and VIII, cool. But to be a mainline entry? Are you kidding? It just gets so much wrong about the overall lore while simultaneously sabotaging all of the character development and good will fostered by it’s predecessor. The level of f*ckery in The Last Jedi is ind of amazing. At it’s core, The Last Jedi s a fanfic, filled with OC characters, trying to “subvert” expectation to be more than it can or has any right to be. Rian Johnson wanted to make his movie, mythos be damned. Trilogy be damned. Kathleen Kennedy was okay with all of that as long as Johnson pushed her agenda and virtue signaled for all the “Girl Bosses” out there, which he did. The end result was a usual cool, collected, Resistance Ace, Poe Dameron, literally committing treason. We got a regression in the character of Finn, a former Stormtrooper turned rebel scum, a traitor to the First Order who literally got into a lightsaber duel with Vader’s grandson to protect his maybe-love interest, try to runaway like a f*cking coward, only to be tasered into a drooling mess by Rian Johnson’s Jar Jar binx. And the sh*t they did to Luke? That mess is criminal and an entire essay for another time. The Last Jedi f*cked everything up, forcing Abrams to course correct for two and half hours. This sh*t killed any momentum the Disney films had, it killed any semblance of a cohesive narrative going forward, and, worst of all, it murdered any semblance of Rey being more than a poorly written Mary-sue.

These new trilogies had every opportunity to be great. If they had someone with a reverence, a respect, for the source material helming Lucasfilm, they would have been. Look what Filoni has done with The Clone Wars and Rebels. Look what Favreau is doing with Mando. This might be a little glib but, considering Disney is bringing him in for a Star Wars trilogy on their own, look what Feige has done with the MCU? Hell, all things Marvel at this point. When you focus on dope stories and compelling characters, the narrative takes care of itself. When you focus on agenda and pushing divisive material, you can’t help but destroy what you hope to build. Kennedy is letting her ego cut her off at the knees when, if she just reined that sh*t in a bit, she could have been standing tall and walking into the future with her OCs intact. Instead, she has people in her own organization apologizing for her f*ck ups as the value of the legacy property you were gifted, tanks at a hilariously exponential rate. So how do we fix Rey and, effectively fix this entire trilogy?

First off, she needs to be a Skywalker. That is an absolute necessity. I would make her Luke’s kid. That would explain away her proficiency with the Force, the fact she pilots like a champ, and has that hole Force Dyad bullsh*t with Ren, like her dad and aunt kind of have. Rey would be an organic growth of the Skywalker legacy while simultaneously bringing a refreshing conclusion to it with Episode IX. I would build the familial relationship between Kylo and Rey, one representing either side of the Force, both fighting to discover something about themselves within, over the course of this trilogy. I would have made Rey Luke’s kid; A proper Skywalker. I would have made her mother Mara Jade, opening up a whole situation that could have been embellished into at least two spin-off tales with a ton of ramifications going forward. I mean, imagine a story where Luke had to fight off the Knights of Ren AND his nephew before Ben donned the mask, as his pregnant wife ran off into space to avoid the overall destruction of the New Jedi Order. That sh*t writes itself.

You get a side story of Mara Jade and a young Rey on the run, being chased by the Knights over the years, until she leaves Rey on Jakku, ultimately meeting her fate in a last stand battle, like her nephew, at the hands of several Knights on some nameless planet. Or Tatooine, i dunno. That’s an entire film. That’s a brand new, female lead you can explore. It’s organic. It homages the lore. It’s respectful of the overall mythos. It’s literally better than anything Disney has done with the mainline titles so far. Hell, you can even explore how Luke met Mara. Maybe she was one of the reformed Knights. Maybe she was one of the surviving Force Sensitives after Order 66. Maybe she used to be an Inquisitor but turned on Paps once Vader saw the light. Personally, i would skew more toward her being a former Inquisitor, seeking out Luke for revenge but, upon finding him, falls in love after several clashes. That gives Mara depth and allows for her to grow over a novel or two. Maybe a stand alone film. Luke would self-exile after losing to Ren but not because of the L, more because he thinks his wife and unborn kid are long dead. He’s heartbroken and knows he isn’t strong enough to fell his own nephew so Luke runs away. He goes into exile, like Yoda and Obi Wan before him, all the way to Ahch-to, searching for some killer app to finish Snoke before he can really get started. Imagine how much emotional resonance the ending of Episode VII could of held, going this route. Luke staring at Rey with such apprehension and regret. He immediately knows this is his daughter. That she's live. That she's here to ask him to do what he can't.

You'd spend the a good chunk of Episode VIII building that relationship. Showing Luke being cold and stand-offish because he knows Rey is his kid and he regrets his choice to run. He knows that Mara survived for years without him, probably dogged by First Order assassins. That the woman he loved, died alone after abandoning her child to strangers on a backwater planet somewhere in the galaxy. He knows this adult woman standing before him, is his and Mara’s living legacy and he doesn’t want her anywhere near the conflict to come. She’s demanding to be trained. He’s dismissive and curt, until the Dyad with Ren kicks in. Just being on the Force rich planet of Ahch-to increases Rey’s sensitivity, allowing Snoke to tether her to her cousin. When she goes straight to the dark, that’s Ren’s influence. When she cracks the rock and wigs Luke out, that’s Ren’s influence. In order to combat that growing corruption, Luke decides to train Rey to combat the dark. We actually show look acting like a master, teaching Rey sh*t instead of just, you know, “go cut that rock”. We show her learning from Luke, growing in confidence with her abilities. This entire sequence can take the place of literally all of the Canto Bight nonsense. No one liked any of that and it kills the momentum of the entire narrative going forward. Replace it with Rey actually being trained and you not only give her an opportunity for much needed character development, but you give Luke so much more of an arc and a means to have him bow out with substantial grace. If you decide to go the “Luke Dies at the end” route. Personally, i would have nixed Leia in VIII considering things and moved forward with Luke as the survivor but that's another story. I'd have to rework all of VIII and I don't feel like doing that right now. Leia’s death would devastate Ren, flooding him with a boost in the Dark Side, enough to slay Snoke and raise him to Supreme Leader without the need of Rey’s help. This would lead into a version of Colin Trevorrow’s version of Episode IX, which i think is a superior narrative overall but we’ll get there when we get there. Maybe.

The climax of the Last Jedi could be exactly the same but now it has so much more depth. It has so much more resonance for the trilogy going forward. Luke’s sacrifice would mean something as we watched him slowly come to terms with his daughter being the hope going forward, effectively replacing him in the narrative. Most fans would be okay with this as, even though he never tells Rey he’s her father outright, the audience kind of knows. It’s hinted at. The reveal can come in IX somehow or in his last regards to Leia. He apologizes for Kylo but reassures her that, even if he passes, her niece will carry on the fight. Luke tells Leia of Rey's parontagem she says “I know” like her husband, and promises to continue Rey's training to best of her abilities. Kylo gets his shadows chase. Luke’s last words have so much more impact. We have an emotional investment in Rey because the torch had been properly passed. I, personally, would rework the majority of the plot while i’m at it. I’d fix Poe, continue exploring Finn and his connection to the force, and find a way to make Rose Tico relevant without being trite. I mean, you can have the Canto Bight stuff but draw it back considerably. It doesn’t need to be an entire third of the whole f*cking movie.

I like the character of Amilyn Holdo, too, but her arc was stifled by nonsense politics and shallow development. All of that mediocrity kind of made her an easy target to hate, a lot like Rose. In my story, she’d still take the helm from Leia in Last Jedi but would have had an appearance in Force Awakens. She didn’t need to have a ton of facetime, maybe a shout out at the round table toward the end of VII or getting off the ship at Mas’ bar with Leia. Hell, a f*cking holo transmission would be enough of a mention, Holdo just needed a presence in that movie to be legitimized for the next. Rose was fine as is, she just needs more agency and not that bullsh*t, half-assed, love triangle that was literally dropped like a hot track on Soundcloud in the middle of a chase movie. That sh*t was stupid and it doomed Rose before she had a chance to even get started.

Episode IX would start like Rise, Kylo slaughtering his way toward the wayfinder, but revealing that planet was Mustafar instead of whatever planet he was on originally. Ren has been planetside for weeks, searching for the wayfinder dealy and the planets dark side alignment is taking it's toll on him. The mcguffin is deep in the wreckage of Vader's demolished castle, the deep subdivision and what not. Kylo makes his way to it, fighting dark side shades of his grandfather in Anakin form, goading him about his weakness, feeding into Ren's inadequacies about being weaker than his pap-pap. Kylo finds the mcguffin and takes off toward the Outer reaches in an effort to unlock more power. After the climax to VIII, Rey returns to Ahck-to to find Luke gone and the growing pull to the dark within her as the Dyad is wide open and Ren's spiral is pulling Rey along toward the drain, too. She feels him getting closer to full Sith, all of that pain and rage, multiplied considerably by his anger toward his grandfather's shades. Kylo basically flies to the outer reaches to find a Lost sage of the Darkside. It's not a Jedi or a Sith, but a being that thrives in the Dark, like whatever Maul is, but gigantic and monstrous. He learns from that creature, all the while leaving Hux to command the Last Order in his stead, second by General Pryde. The two of these cats have a battle for power, Pryde suspecting Hux of being a traitor, Hux trying to stave of attempts for his seat at the head, all the while pounding the Rebels as they continue to fight. The Knights of Ren are off, clashing with Finn, Poe, Chewie, and Rose as they search for another means to find a way to Rey, as she has the map and R2 with her on Ahck-to where she is training for the final battle. The majority of the film continues to follow the basic plot of IX, mcguffin chasing and what not, with Finn, finally adept enough in the force, to adequately take Rey’s place in those narrative spots.

We have the whole montage of training on both worlds; Force ghost Luke showing Rey more advanced techniques and Ren taking on a full-on, Vader shade, like Luke, in the Outer Regions or whatever. Eventually, the remaining main characters decide to split up as the pressure of the Last Order continues to deplete their resources. Finn fixes Anakin’s lightsaber and begins to train with it under the tutelage of Mas, who is all in with the Rebels now, as they go after the other mcgiffin on Endor. He still meets the other former stormtroopers or whatever and they still help in the final battle but, instead of Rey and Kylo, it Finn and a few Knights of Ren. Maybe two, I dunno. Anyway, he beats them with Anakin's saber, gets the mcgissin and returns to the Rebel base, stormtrooper backup in hand. Poe and Lando try to drum up support for a final strike on the Last Order’s base and you get that whole shtick with Keri Russell's character. I'd take her helmet off, too. Why the f*ck would you hide Keri's face? Shes adorable! Finn and Lando try their best, but it seems like a no-go so Lando stays to work his magic as he and Chewie return to the Rebel planet. Rose can return to the Rebel planet and take charge of strategy or whatever as Leia secludes herself within the base. I dunno. Rose is kind of hard to place because she has no discernible talents but I imagine anything is better than what they did to her originally. Anyway, Rey is able to develop enough self-control to force the Dyad closed, cutting Ren's influence off from her but, at the same time, her influence off from Ren, completely. That's gonna have big ramifications later.

Around the end of the second act, Ren sees a force projection from his mother pleading with him to turn back to the light but he waves her off. Like her brother, Leia uses the last of her strength in this effort and she dies, pushing Ren over the edge, forcing him into full Sith. Since Rey closed the Dyad, Ren has no semblance of Light to keep the Dark at bay and he just absorbs SO much of it. It multiplies his strength in the Force and Ren is able to slay the Dark Sage, take it's power, and return to his fleet. Sh*t, the sage might be an actual Sith, Like, the people Sith and Ren kills him, effectively exterminated the race. Yeah, I like that. I like that a lot. Anyway, Ren arrives to find Hux is the traitor so he allows Pryde to kill him. Pryde takes command and they raise their newly constructed, massive, fleet along with a brand new flag ship. Mobile, lightspeed ready, and far more deadly than any planet cannon, Ren is ready to begin his march of devastation. Our heroes arrive on the First Order hideaway and the battle ensues. Finn boards the flagship, clashing with the remaining Knights of Ren, his hit squad of former Stormtroopers at his side, as Rose uses her tech skills to drop the shields or whatever they were doing with horses on that spaceship at he end of IX. Rey arrives on the planet, Ren sensing her returns to the surface, to face off with each other. Ren is brimming with the dark, Rey knows he;s too far gone to save and she resolved to do what is necessary to end his tyranny. She ignites Lukes green lightsber, which upsets Ren and then Leia's yellow saber, which sends Ren into a legit rage. Yeah, Rey dual-wields now because it's cool. Poe does his whole lone ranger whatever as he's the last of the vanguard and sh*t. All is lost.

The reinforcements show up in the nick of time and sh*t happens. Big ass sky battle with spaceships and explosions and sh*t, while Finn, Rose, and that black chick accomplish their task on the flagship. Shields dow, sh*t stats blowing up, fun times. Rey gets wrecked by Kylo, who is all the way Dark, no redemption, yellow rage eyes and everything. She’s getting dumped on until she forces the dyad open, allowing Ren to see the Force ghosts of Jedi Masters of old, as they all appear behind Rey, including Leia, Luke, and Mara Jade. They speak that bullsh*t, lay hands on Rei's lightsabers giving her a jump in power, and Rey defeats Ren in a harrowing duel. It has to end in a lightsaber clash. How can it not? Finn wrecks the remaining Knights and the flagship falls as the Rebel fleet overcomes the last of the Last Order. Ren is defeated, dying slowly, lamenting his choices. In his last moments, as the Force ghosts fade, the last few left are his mother, uncle, and grandpa. The last thing Ben sees as he dies is the face of the man he’s chased for so long. Poetic. Tragic. Requisite celebration on a jungle planet ensues while Rey is off, giving Ben a proper Jedi bonfire. Finn approaches, objecting to the respect shown, but she tells him that, in the end, Ren was still a Skywalker. If Vader can be forgiven, so could Ben. The two watch as the flames rise into the night sky. We get a scene of a shadow tracing the insides of Uncle Owen’s joint on Tatooine, generators firing on, mechanics coming to life. Rey is seen, all by her lonesome, igniting her new, personal, lightsabers; Gold, I guess? Is that what color they were supposed to be? A young kid arrives, inquiring about why the old Lars place is lit up for the first time in decades. He asks her name. She hesitates, looking over her shoulder to see the force ghosts of Anakin, Leia, Luke, Mara, and Ben; Her entire family. She gives a knowing smile and answers, “Rey. Rey Skywalker.”

This is just a rough outline of how i would have written this trilogy. I might embellish a little bit, maybe write it up as a proper fan fiction, but i don’t know. There’s a lot to unpack and i don’t really want to spend the time actually fleshing out this narrative but, i believe this is far superior to anything Disney has done. It fixes Rey, sets up Ren as a actual antagonistic force, kills anything resembling a Reylo romance, returns agency to Finn and Poe, fixes Rose, makes Mas a factor, and wraps everything up nicely. You get answers to the questions from before, the Knights of Ren have a presence throughout the entirety of the trilogy, and even divisive characters like Holdo get a shot at relevance outside of agenda. More than anything Rey being a Skywalker feels earned. It feels organic. It feels right. This is the bookend the Skywalker story deserved, not the rushed, politic laden, ego trip we got.

#Star Wars #The Rise of Skywalker #The Last Jedi #The Force Awakens #Rey Palpatine #Rey Skywalker

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smokeybrand · 5 years ago

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The Tragedy of Rey Palpatine

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demonwriterx · 6 years ago

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My Little Pony Comic #77 preview (Discord’s Girlfriend, yes they were official)

Alright, let’s get into the juicy bits! The preview of comic #77 was very telling as it shows another flashback from Discord, telling the “audience” (which I believe is not “us”) how he and Cosmos first met. Also I did not do a review on #76 because it was filler but I will on #77! which will be coming out on May 1!

Now let’s get into it. Let’s have a look at the first panel.

Okay, this is amazing. We see that Cosmos actually made it into Discord’s own pocket dimension, literally tearing a hole in his own space time, and landing in his garden. Also, isn’t it kinda adorable that he is putting tennis balls as flowers and slices of cheese? A-mazing. Also his use of “celestia” being the entity and ponies constantly using her in sentences like “In the name of celestia” or “Oh celestia sake!” great use that Discord also says it.

We also get a good look as to what kinds on animals cosmos is, if I have to guess I will say.

Horns of a goat/ram

Body of a cat (maybe tiger because of the stripes)

Mane of a cobra

Ears of an owl?

Tail of a scorpion

and her legs are giving me trouble, I am not sure what they are suppose to be like a bird? or Camel? but I think her body is made out of very dangerous animals. Its a good contrast against Discord.

2nd page! is very very interesting. Discord was actually the first to fall “in love” with Cosmos. Her or her chaos, maybe both. You can see that in the first panel of the page, his heart is beating out his chest, he has hearts around him in the 2nd panel, he made a private dinner dat and below him he has flowers for her. (I’m pretty sure they are roses.

I really like the lore that the comic series always set up, I really like the Sombra Arc, the Mirrors Arc, and I am really liking this DIscord’s Arc with Cosmos. I really like how Discord was actually interested and romantically involved with another creature that was exactly like him, powers and all. The one thing they had in common is their chaos. I also like how in character he is in the last panel in the dialogue box, how it took him minutes for her to fall for him? Very Nice. Discord, you sly dog.

But who is he talking to? In the beginning, I thought he was breaking the fourth wall by talking to us, the audience, but I don’t think he is, and I will reveal it in the third and final page of the preview.

Third page! this page shows kinda how long they were together since they went dimension hopping. You can see that they went to Wonderland, (which explains why it is so weird lol). They also tried going to Earth 616 (marvel) and abandoned Prime 1 (I believe that is DC) until he introduced her to Equestria. And you kinda see the obsession Cosmos had. She wanted to control worlds with her chaos. She just wants more and more and Discord gave her that. I also liked how he really cannot control her. Which means he tried before only to realize that he doesn’t have the ability because of how unpredictable she was.

In the large panel, take a look at Discord’s dialogue. ‘Minor” chaos. He says it twice, adding emphasis to it, towards his “audience” but the pictures says something way different. He changed houses, wreaked havoc, scared ponies, and slowly he was starting to be concerned. But this is where things get...unreliable.

Discord is the Unreliable narrator.

He is telling his backstory, him and Cosmos, to Fluttershy.

He is purposely making himself look less of a bad guy towards Fluttershy by mixing his words like, “he wasn’t looking for trouble” (um yes you were, Discord) and causing “mild chaos” when it was very much Chaotic, nothing mild about it.

But something is truthful here, and that is being that Discord has no power over Cosmos and what she does. She is unpredictable. Like him, no one controls him. (Except Fluttershy lol) No but really, Fluttershy does not control Discord, he chose to be her friend and he chose to become reformed, dialing his chaos back. But Cosmos is not interested. Her chaos is frightening, close to killing ponies which Discord disagrees on doing, even if it is for Chaos. Discord will not kill, but Cosmos will.

Thats the end of the preview, I am very excited to see what is next!

#discord #fluttershy #cosmos #fluttercord #mlp #'my little pony #season 8 #mlp comics #my little pony comic #season 9 #review #preview

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ty-talks-comics · 5 years ago

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Best of DC: Week of November 27th, 2019

Best of this Week: Batman: Creature of the Night Book Four - Kurt Busiek, John Paul Leon and Todd Klein

Kurt Busiek is amazing at humanizing and retelling the stories of our favorite heroes.

He managed to do so during his tenure on The Avengers and even more so on his breathtaking Superman: Secret Identity. He delves into the mindsets of characters and creates an emotional attachment between them and the reader that draws you into their individual struggles and his work on Creature of the Night is no different. He manages to juxtapose the story of Batman from the perspective of a fan of Batman in the "real world" and despite the long wait, it proves more than worth it.

Batman: Creature of the Night follows the life of Bruce Wainwright, inheritor of the Wainwright family fortune and company after their murder by a home invader. Throughout the series we see him deal with his family's death by doing his best to live up to their ideal, making the City of Boston better through philanthropic pursuits and smart business decisions. Though, he has a dark side to him, believing that he's managed to conjure an actual Batman-like protector for the city and believes it to be his stillborn brother, Tommy.

The last book saw Bruce obsessed with the origin of The Batman, how he was able to solve crime and how his company was succeeding because of the various arrests and takedowns, finding out that "Batman" had been the cause of everything. He had gone after Bruce's business opponents, exposed their wrongdoings and essentially cheated their way to the top. This sends Bruce on an unfortunate Spiral, thinking that all of Boston was corrupt and that maybe the other business people and Bruce's own allies might have had something to do with their deaths.

This issue begins with a splash page of a page from Batman; specifically where Thomas and Martha are killed by Joe Chill. It's also taken extreme damage likely from the Batman entity that Bruce believes to exist. This shows just much Wainwright's own parents deaths has affected him and his mindset. We also get a few shots of Bruce's messy office. John Paul Leon makes sure to draw the readers attention to just how much Bruce's life is beginning to spin out of control. His floor is full of trash, booze and even a bra from who knows and Bruce himself is found by his assistant Robin, passed out among the mess.

In his stupor, he asks her about coffee before flinging himself off of the roof, turning into the Bat entity himself. Robin isn't surprised and we learn that she's known about Bruce's supposed abilities since the first time she and Mr. Jepson, one of Bruce's employees (his Alfred so to speak), saw him transform two years prior. If I remember right, the moment when Bruce was on the roof was when he found out about what Tommy had done and it's implied that Bruce was up there alone the whole time.

Unfortunately, Jepson suffers a heart attack after seeing his boy like that and is admitted to a hospital in and out over the next few months or years. Jepson's failing health leads Bruce to continue winding down, violently stopping crime while knowing that it's not actually doing anything better. At the same time, Robin is tasked with taking care of him by Mr. Jepson as she's been with them both for a very long time, Bruce even played her way through college. When Bruce goes to jail over a bar room brawl that left the other guy hospitalized, Robin bails him out.

These scenes are grim and paint Bruce at almost his lowest, drinking in some decent looking bar and getting angry at even the smallest of slights. A man bumps him and Bruce decides to make a big thing of it, so they take the fight outside and Bruce gets his ass kicked while being watched by a small crowd. As it goes on, the Bat entity, or at least what we perceive as the Bat Entity from Bruce’s perspective, emerges and begins to absolutely wreck the other man. Leon uses minimal, flat colors for the entire issue and these pages are some of the more dynamic of them. Leon makes Bruce look animalistic and his eyes are colored red, signaling the change and after his arrest, he’s unshaven and looks like a mess.

Bruce and Robin’s relationship together serves as the main crux of the book with her watching him as he goes down his dark path and doing her best to get him back on track. Bruce, however, is still caught up in his parents murder and the continued injustices that Boston is home to every night. Both of them are fighting losing battles and growing darker with each passing day. Their relationship reaches a particular low after a still drunk Bruce plants an unwanted kiss on her after she picks him up from jail. This is particularly horrible because of their aforementioned history together. She tells him that he needs to see a therapist or help of some kind.

Initially, he thinks that he might disagree, but says yes and explains what he’s been going through to his doctor. It seems like a very cathartic moment for him, getting everything off of his chest and eventually being prescribed antidepressants. For a while, he returns nearly to his normal self. Jepson and Robin are happy for him, but we learn later on that he feels like the antidepressants make him feel sludgy and confused. He feels like he needs to wean himself off of it for a little while, having had fear that they would break his connection to Tommy or kill him.

Bruce immediately begins to become more paranoid, asking why someone would want to kill Tommy. He starts to believe in some grand conspiracy to ruin him and his family and he decides to go to a private room in his company’s offices. Leon colors this scene with a light cool blue, giving off the feeling of Bruce’s cold “logic”, though the reader can likely also interpret this as Bruce turning inward to himself. He’s lonely and with only Tommy to really talk to, he’s not exactly the most reliable of narrators. He truly believes that everything that’s happened to him, including Jepson’s sickness, has been part of a carefully orchestrated plot to plunge Boston into darkness.

In an amazing reference to when Dick Grayson first discovers the Batcave, Robin opens the door to find Bruce alone in the room. Framed against his immensely large connection board, Bruce kind of looks like a crazy person. He berates her for not respecting his privacy and asks what could possibly be so important for her to find him before she informs him of Jepson’s passing. What was initially small paranoia morphs into FULL conspiracy paranoia with Bruce being absurdly sure that someone is targeting him for getting close to the real culprits behind his parents death. Robin tries to comfort him, but he tells her that she needs to run for a little while and she calls him delusional and pleads with him to get help.

Unable to handle the truth, Bruce flies away and later has a hallucination of Batman’s greatest villains surrounding him, telling him to take the pills. Joker, Catwoman, Two Face, Penguin and Riddler surround and taunt him. Leon makes sure to draw them as normal, potentially actually being there, but as Bruce’s mental state continues to unravel, they begin to deform and swirl into a mass of laughter and color/ As they begin to overwhelm his senses, Bruce tosses his antidepressants off the roof of the building as the background is colored a bright white - a clearing of the head in a way.

Bruce returns to his board and begins to connect the dots, trying to find out who benefits the most from the deaths of his parents. He notes local politicians and other people he couldn’t hurt as Batman and then has an epiphany. He goes to confront Detective Gordon Hoover, the man who had been in charge of Bruce’s and various other related cases before his retirement. He destroys one of Gordon’s walls when confronting him and soon after, Robin arrives and checks on the detective. He tells her that Bruce has gone insane and that all of this was coincidence at best before telling her where he went.

Concerned with his continuingly deteriorating state of mind, Robin ventures to Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo, a place very near and dear to Bruce as his family had a huge stake in it when Bruce was a child. He’s absolutely destroyed the entrance way and is in the Bat exhibit when Robin finds him having a complete mental breakdown. Leon absolutely smashes the art in this sequence, portraying Batman as fighting back against his enemies. They swirl around him in the same mass as earlier (with Ra’s al Ghul thrown into the mix for whatever reason) and Bruce says that he has to tear Boston down to make it better.

Robin, having had enough and sensing that Bruce might do something he’ll regret, asks him if that’s something that Batman from the comics would do. This manages to snap Bruce out long enough for Robin to reach him. She asks him who he’s talking to, who he’s fighting against and Bruce struggles to answer, seeing Batman’s Rogues gallery slowly swept away by the mass of bats around them before disappearing himself. Much later, we pick back up with Bruce who’s dating the girl he met in college way back in Book Two. He’s back on his medication with a modified dosage and Robin is doing well too. He realizes that there was no conspiracy and that he’d been holding on to his pain, causing him to almost have a psychotic break… though he still maintains one really important familial relationship.

Though the gap between Books Three and Four were absurdly long, the quality of the story was well worth the wait. Kurt Busiek doesn’t write as much as he used to, but with this book, he shows that he hasn’t lost a single step along the way. This was an amazingly character driven story that kept me interested throughout. John Paul Leon’s art was a big part of that as well with just how beautiful it was. Together, they managed to craft an underrated masterpiece. I loved the story of obsession and inspiration and how Batman can influence just about anyone. Bruce Wainwright turned out to be a really interesting character, both because he was very much inspired by Batman so much so that he modeled his life after him and because of his mental illness.

I can only hope that this book succeeded well enough that Busiek and Leon come back for another book together or Busiek does a third of these with Wonder Woman as the hero inspiration. Overall, high recommend.

#dc comics #dc #batman #creature of the night #bruce wainwright #kurt busiek #john paul leon #comics

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natsthinkitythinkthinkthonk · 6 years ago

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SSSS.GRIDMAN - Thoughts

I finished that whirlwind of an anime! On my quest to finish a lot of anime I missed in 2018, Gridman was at the top of my list! My brother recommended it after finishing it, and I can say that *ahem* I actually enjoyed it. I usually do not like mecha, and even though this show is far from original (it’s a parody of the original Ultraman) I found myself admiring the world they built.

I can say that if you don’t like fanservice, this is not the anime for you. I’m not a fan of fanservice, but I am not deterred so easily. Let me put it this way, the director (forget the exact position) requested thicc ass and thighs and boobs just go without saying at this point. It wasn’t disgusting like some ecchi out there, but they will make their presence known. I found that it got in the way sometimes though. If it means anything, the female characters have a lot of good moments together, and this anime (in its entirety) does pass the Bechdel test.

Bechdel Test:

The work has to have at least two women in it,

who talk to each other,

about something besides a man.

Story and Characters

Yuuta Hibiki is a first-year student in high school living in Tsutsujidai who wakes up without his memories. Yuuta later meets Hyper Agent GRIDMAN who is inside an old computer. Yuuta's quest to fight Kaiju and to discover the meaning behind these events along with finding his memories begins.

The synopsis I made was a bit vague, but that’s what it’s about essentially. In terms of the story, it seems quite light and not that deep, but it doesn’t stay that way for too long. The fights aren’t meaningless, and it’s not a “my power is greater than yours” type of thing. It slowly builds up until a few episodes from the end. While I think the plot twists they pulled were cliche, I still found it exciting. I think I’m going to stop treading around spoilers and just say the plot twists very vaguely. It has to do with creation itself, the meaning of existence, and what is humanity, what is the world, and who are these characters exactly? It will have you questioning everything at times because they don’t answer all the questions they set up (leaving viewers to theorize for themselves). I will include my personal two cents below. But hopefully, that explains enough without spoiling everything. And if you don’t like plot, there are giant robots and fanservice (I say this sarcastically, but I know there are people out there).

In terms of characters, we have a likeable cast for the most part. I think I wanted the female characters NOT to be overshadowed by the fanservice, but *shrugs* it was inevitable. They both contributed a lot to the show besides the camera angles and sexualized shots. It’s a shame that the focus was taken off that. Besides that, the cast is nice, and I didn’t have any character that I hated enough to say, “TAKE THEM OUT”. In fact, the character I didn’t like still ended up playing a large role and was still cool overall.

I feel like they could’ve done more with best girl Rikka, but that’s just my opinion.

Art

Studio Trigger is known for its fluid animation, awesome fight scenes, and fanservice. With its main series being Kill La Kill and the notorious Darling in the FranXX (seriously, their robot design is whack), this isn’t too surprising that they took this on. Both are essentially known for fanservice everywhere, and DITF is known for its *ahem* big robots. But this studio is also known for Little Witch Academia, Inferno Cop, and Kiznaiver which aren’t as sexualized from what I hear. Although it's not that old, Trigger has made their presence known.

The animation in this was pretty darn good. It did everything I wanted (I AM NOT REFERRING TO THE DARN FANSERVICE. I AM TALKING ABOUT FIGHT SCENES). The robots were awesome-looking, and the fights were over-the-top explosive and fun to watch. I’m not a fan of mecha but watching these detailed human-like machines fight and battle each other was exciting!

[”GET ‘EM!!!” - me in the background]

But yeah, the fanservice is heavy to the point where it overshadows the female characters’ actions and sometimes what they’re saying even if it’s important to plot. I don’t mind giving the characters idealic bodies. I just mind the extent of the animators going, “Hey! Did we mention this character has great [insert body part]? Let’s do a pan(ty) shot! How about some yuri baiting?” Ships are built on the actions and what people say and the relationship, not by bait. Most of the gifs that pop up when I search “ssss.gridman” has to do with these shots. There’s even a thing up that’s promoting the body pillow covers with these characters-- I’ll leave it at that. Just a reminder that these are first-year high schoolers. Let’s enjoy some non-sexualized gifs that respect these girls but also pay respect to their design (look at those eyes).

Gridman himself says that he wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. She provides good reasoning and insight. She isn’t afraid to speak up and has more connections than the two other characters. She’s also quite capable and smart just like the other characters. She’s the most normal and down-to-earth. In that way, she reminds me of Hiyori from Noragami.

She is one of the main characters too! She’s mysterious and works her magic behind the scenes. She’s crafty, witty, idealistic, and she’s really creative. She has unique interests that truly drive the series.

Sound

THE OP AND THE ED ARE BOTH AMAZING! I REALLY LIKE OP AND ED. I DOWNLOADED BOTH.

youtube

The score provides a lot too! I can’t say it’s the type where I say, “I’m downloading the OST” but for twelve episodes, I sure got hyped when the OST took flight.

I really liked the voice acting for this. Both Yuuya Hirose and Yume Miyamoto are new to voice acting, but Yume has been acting for a long time since she’s in the large famous group called the Himawari Theatre Group which seems to farm talented youth like Kouki Uchiyama, Miyu Irino, Mamoru Miyano, Ryohei Kimura, Yuuto Uemura, and Sumire Morohoshi just to name some off the top of my head. Yume has range, but I really liked the voice she used for Rikka. I really want to hear her take on more roles. Hikaru Midorikawa playing Gridman was also great because it was like a senior leading the youth. Soma Saito was in the main cast too! He was in a few anime that season. He was good comic relief, and he fits the character so well. Reina Ueda has impressed me with her performances in supporting roles in anime like ReLife and Net-juu no Susume, but this was even better. I really look forward to seeing her in more roles soon. The rest of the cast was filled with people I’ve heard before with exception to Ryousuke Takahashi as Calibur. Everything else worked out great, but as much as I like Kenichi Suzumura... I think a newbie would’ve fit the role a lot better. That was a bit of a slip-up.

Spoiler Zone

But what do I think happened at the end? Besides leaving us hanging with no reasoning or any sign of a sequel, here’s my hot take:

I think Akane comes from the real world, goes to this world because she's tired of real life and wants to control a setting. She takes this alternative universe and wreaks havoc with the help of the main bad guy. She alters things to the point of no return, but after the disorder has reached its peak, Gridman is called in. She is sent back to her own world with only a select few keeping the memories of this ever happening. She isn't a god, but she was a human given the abilities of one by the villain who represents disorder and corruption himself. Gridman is a being who restores order.

But what about the ships?

As much as there is a ton of material for both Akane x Rikka and Yuuta x Rikka respectively, I think the fact that Akane no longer being around ultimately makes me prefer the other one. Hey, Rikka can be bisexual and still choose Yuuta. They’re good together too.

It’s implied in the end that Gridman chose Yuuta because he sat beside Akane and also because he likes Rikka, and Gridman is also wingman. He worked so hard to get them together. He even said to her in the end that Yuuta will remember his feelings for her (not said whether it’s romantic).

In the video below, you can see why I ship it because he says he likes her, her main love interest is gone anyway (Akane is no longer in that universe), and I was good with either with me leaning more towards this one anyway because the other ship was a little too allusive, not as straight-forward, and just look at the look on Yuuta’s face. Do you want to break him? Do you want to break his soul? My heart goes out to the poor guy.

The last scene cuts out before you see the true heartbreak on his face. He invites her out for dinner, and she’s like, “Sure!” He does a small “yatta!” then she says, “But fitting all of us would be difficult.”

Me: I’m sorry for your loss. (+f = I have paid my respects)

For these scenes, I don’t think Yuuta was fully asleep or Gridman was really that determined to play wingman.

youtube

Edit: @italiantea commented this link which explains a lot of the leftover things! It’s a bit long, but if you’re confused about the ending, you might find this a good read!

https://mobile.twitter.com/i/moments/1076999602388299776

#ssss.gridman #ssss gridman #rikka takadara #yuuta hibiki #anime review #anime thoughts

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redfoxwritesstuff · 6 years ago

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Clueless: Conventions

Hey Lovies. Just one more chapter after this one. Are you excited?

Chapters: Coffee, preparations, Hiking, Conventions , Whiskey

Want to check out another story? Masterlist

Tom didn't want to wake in the morning. Yet even as he successfully ignored his alarms, Luke was pounding at his hotel door. It wasn't fair. He rolled over with a groan and damned if his back hurt. It wasn't just his back that hurt but his legs screamed at him as he pulled himself out of the bed, looking at his phone, checking the time. He slept through his morning run, figures. With how much pain he was in a run sounded like a terrible idea anyway.

“Bloody hell.” He grumbled to himself.

Tom opened the door and slowly dragged himself back to the bed, collapsing face first onto the plush mattress, not offering the man in the hall more than a harsh glance. Would it be considered improper to skip the convention and never get off the bed again? True, eventually he would starve to death but would that be so bad if he didn't have to get up?

“A mighty fine 'Good Morning' that was.” Luke grumbled, closing the door behind him. “What is wrong with you, Mate?”

“I bloody hurt. Everywhere.” Tom moaned into the pillow.

“You said you didn't even go far?” Luke questioned in a mocking tone while pulling a suit out of the closet for his friend and client who clearly wasn't going to be doing any adult tasks such as getting ready at the moment.

“I know. Yet somehow, I bloody hurt everywhere.” Tom's moaning and pathetic complaining was interrupted by the chirping of his phone.

Luke watched in amusement as the man who was just acting like he was on death's door sat up, grabbed his phone and perked right up. Three cups of coffee wouldn’t have perked him up that fast. He sat, thumbs working over the digital keyboard on the device as Luke brought over what few things he needed.

“Shower, now. Then dress and go. I'll get coffee while you wash but if you dally at all, I'm drinking it and we'll be late.” Luke paused to look at the screen. “That her?”

“Yeah.” Tom smiled down at his phone, showing his friend the background for a moment before facing reality and standing.

“She really has no idea who you are?”

“None it seems. I told her I work in theater.” Tom shrugged, slipping out of the t-shirt he had slept in.

“So you lied to her?”

“It wasn't a lie. I just didn't specify.” Pants were discarded by the bathroom door.

“So, what about when she finds out?” Luke was unfazed by the stripping. Such antics were to be expected with Tom.

“I'll tell her Monday. Maybe Sunday night.” The shower turned on as Tom slipped into the warm water.

“She's pretty cute. I can see why you like her but really, things are doomed Tom.”

“Luke, I'll find a way. I'm going to do my best.” Tom shouted over the water.

“You always do your damned best. You're acting like she hung the moon. You've only known her for a few days. I get it, you're smitten but really Tom? You need to be focused on the press tour and the play.”

“I love her already.” Tom confessed, rinsing the conditioner from his hair.

“You're insane, you know that right?” Luke pinched the bridge of his nose knowing full well that his long time friend and client would be the death of him. “Suit today, you have a talk and a Q&A. I'm going for your damn coffee. Be ready when I get back and so help me don't you dare breath a word of this today.”

Tom couldn't help but smile to himself as he prepped for the day. Sure, his friend had some points and some logic but it didn't change how he felt. Still, she was so timid, felt so lowly of herself that part of him was scared to tell her about his life, who he was. How do you even begin to say: “people line up to take a picture with me after spending hundreds of dollars for the privilege because I happen to be good at pretend” without sounding like an arrogant ass?

Yet, he needed to tell her soon. She had a right to know what she was signing up for if she even wanted to still see him at all once she knew. Together they had to decide how to tackle things like media and what the public should know about their relationship and when. It wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to having. In his heart he wanted to keep her to himself, keep her separate and forever be just a man, just Tom in her eyes.

Sofya actually screamed when she got out of the shower and walked into her bedroom to see Sara going through her closet. No warning, no asking permission, no 'hey, I'm coming over!'. Sofya wasn't even sure how her friend managed to get into the apartment, the lock had been changed a few weeks prior when her key broke in it and Sara hadn't been given a new key yet.

“Calm down. I came in through the window.” Sara didn't even turn around as she pulled out a pair of dark blue jeans and tossed them on the bed.

“The window?” Sofya had a habit of sleeping with the window cracked open and often forgot to close it. Apparently, that was one of the many things in her life that needed changing. “How? Why?”

“You didn't give me a key. And I climbed the tree.” Sara had the amazing ability to say these things as if they were normal. “Drop the towel, put the underwear and jeans on.”

“You what?” Why was her life like this? Sofya dutifully dropped her towel and slipped on a brand new lacy thong she knew she didn't buy before pulling on the boot cut blue jeans as ordered. It was better to just do as she was told, Sara was a nightmare to argue with.

“Don't judge me. New bra in the bag. Put it on. It will make your tits look amazing.” Sofya sighed. “Don't look at me like that.”

“When exactly did you go into the city to buy me new underwear and why?” Sofya couldn't deny that the bra made her breasts look good, perked perfectly.

“This top.” A green blouse with gold buttons was tossed at her face. “Last night, after I left here and believe me, you will thank me later.”

Well now. Today was off to an odd start. Sofya managed to get Sara to at least allow her to do her own hair and makeup, that much was amazing on its own. They slipped on their shoes and before Sofya could even finish her third cup of coffee, Sara was pushing her through the door and down to the car. Sara drove a plain little Toyota Yaris, dark blue and so perfectly her that Sofya smiled every time she saw it.

Living in such a small town, they rarely took their vehicles out unless they were going into the city so driving was an odd treat. Sofya always liked driving or even just riding while others drove. The passing scenery, the changing of the landscapes all captivated her. Someday, when she had time, money and ambition she would travel. Someday she would see the world and maybe then she wouldn't be so plain. Maybe if she traveled and experienced things she wouldn't be so average.

Sofya and Sara had breakfast at a diner before going to look at coats. Apparently it was terribly important that Sara needed a new coat and it needed to be a classy trench with a tail gathered in the pack. It was nice and Sofya liked it just fine. Next on the agenda was new boots. All the while, Sara kept checking the time on her phone, carefully minding it for some unknown event in the near future that she wouldn't elaborate on that required these updates to her wardrobe.

Soon, she was dragged to a large convention center covered in comic book characters and people walking around in costumes. Sofya had a magazine shoved in front of her face, told to try and find information on some antique bookstore that Sara wanted to take her too.

While she was busy, Sara ran off and obtained passes into whatever event this was she was so excited for. Sofya didn't bother looking around, none of it would matter much to her anyway. She never was one for movies or keeping track of actors. That was more Sara's thing.

“Any luck finding the bookstore?” Sara asked while she slipped a lanyard over her friend's head.

“Are you sure it's in here?”

“Yeah, keep looking and follow me. We'll go as soon as you find it. I know how you hate this sort of thing so we'll just be in and out.”

Sara was grinning like a kid on Christmas day. Somehow she managed to navigate Sofya through the crowds without her noticing any of the large banners with Tom's face on it. It was amazing how dense her friend could be. Sofya was looking through the magazine diligently for a bookstore that didn't exist. The plan was working perfectly. It was too good to be true. Now all she had to do was keep Sofya clueless while they sat and waited.

That wasn't hard to do. Sofya was happy to get a chance to sit in the small auditorium, away from the crowds. A banner above the stage proclaimed it to be some talk on something or another. She didn't care enough to read it as the room quickly filled. They were sat near the front, some VIP area it seemed.

“Sara, I can't find anything on a bookstore in here.”

“Maybe I was wrong?” With a shrug, Sara out the question off as if it was nothing.

“What is going on?”

“Just sit. It will be fun, I promise. Now shut up, they are dimming some lights. It's starting soon.”

A man came out on the stage, holding a microphone and welcoming the crowd. He asked if they were excited and received cheers in return as he sat down and introduced himself, talking for a few moments about what sounded like a superhero movie that left most everyone in the room emotionally traumatized. Sofya couldn’t understand getting invested in a superhero movie.

Sofya was honestly not paying much attention at first while Mark sat and addressed the crowd. He stood and she didn't think anything of it when he held out his arm to the side of the stage in welcoming and people began to cheer. The soft sound of boot steeps could just be heard as a person walked across the stage.

“I have Tom Hiddleston joining me today!” Sofya didn't even glance up from the game she was playing on her phone. Tom was a common enough name, she knew many Toms. Yet his last name was ringing bells as she tried to remember where she had heard it before.

“It's a true pleasure to be here, Mark.”

That voice however made her head snap up so fast her neck actually popped with the action. The loud pop or maybe the sudden movement drew Sara’s eyes from the stage to her. On the stage, taking a seat in an overstuffed chair with a microphone in hand was Tom. Long legs crossed and hand running through his hair, he looked just the same. The suit he wore was even similar to the one she had dumped coffee on what felt like a lifetime ago. The stage itself couldn't even begin to contain the warmth that seemed to radiate off of him.

They talked about some movie and Sofya couldn't follow it. She couldn't think. Thoughts would not form. At least none that were coherent. The sound of his voice, his laugh filled her ears and she didn't understand. All these people, this whole room was grouped together to see him? It didn't make sense, this was the same man she was hiking with the day before, the very same man that she had kissed.

Tom laughed and shifted when Mark asked how he had been enjoying his visit to Arizona. Pink looked to tinge his cheeks but surely that was just the lights. It must have been warm up on that stage and he was wearing such a well tailored gray suit. The warmth would tint his cheeks, surely. He couldn’t blush over such a question, would he?

“It's been nice, very nice.” Dumbly Sofya watched as he fidgeted with his glasses, pulling them off his face and cleaning them before placing them back, only to adjust them repeatedly.

“Do anything fun? Other than hanging with me, of course!” They both laughed and Sara watched as Sofya was completely captivated watching him.

“So?” Sara whispered but didn't get any answer.

“I uh- went hiking yesterday.” A smile warmed his face, touching his eyes and Sofya knew that smile, she had seen it up close.

“Oh, how far?” Mark leaned forward.

“I'm not sure. Not far, not far at all but I'm feeling it just the same.”

“Kicked your ass, did it?” Mark laughed

“Oh it did! But I managed to get some nice pictures out of it. It was great, really. I had a blast.” Tom smiled across the small way to the man. Doing these interviews was something he always enjoyed.

“So Tom, I've got a bet here from Little Tommy that you won't play the text game. Come on how, we all want you to play.” Tom laughed, it seemed innocent enough. He hardly texted and all his contacts were entered into his phone. He hardly used his phone for anything top secret or that would cause scandal.

“What? I've got nothing to hide. I can play, I'll play.” Leaning to the side, Tom slipped his phone out of his back pocket, unlocking it with his fingerprint and handing the device over without thinking twice. What harm could a simple game cause, really? He was honestly such a boring man, enjoying his books, music and work.

“Cute picture you got there.” Mark commented, reminding Tom right then about the impulsive and childish move he had made the night before and how big of a mistake he may have just made. “Taken while hiking?”

“Yeah, thank you.” Tom fidgeted in the seat, running his hands over his beard, through his hair and fiddling with is glasses again. He had miscalculated but at least she wasn't there. There was still time to be the one to tell her. He could still explain himself and who he was before she found out from someone else.

“Okay, you're most recent received text message...” Mark paused, clicking through. “From Sofie: Good morning to you too.”

“Well, that's boring. Nothing juicy at all.” Mark lamented as he handed the phone back. “Sofie though. Was that her?”

“I like to keep my personal life private.” Tom tried to sidestep the question, knowing full well he wouldn't get away with it.

“Everyone wants to know, is there someone?”

“I-ah.” Tom cleared his throat, scratching at his neck and shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “I once said if there was anyone special to me, I'd be the one to say it. Things are very early on but I will say I've found someone I care for a great deal. I'd like to see what happens, it's too early to say and I hope everyone respects that and gives her, gives us space the space to explore it.”

“You knew?” Sofya sat dumbfounded. “That's why you asked last night.”

“Yeah, I knew him the moment I saw him.” Sara admitted as the men on the stage shifted the topic of conversation away from romance and to impersonations.

“He's,” She swallowed the panic that kept trying to bubble up in her throat. “He's a big deal?”

“Kind of, yeah.” Sara nudged her friend. “I mean, he has a pretty big fan base as you can see but he's not like superstar big otherwise he couldn't walk around Grant without a bodyguard and all that. Are you okay?”

“Why?” Her voice squeaked. “Why me?”

“You'd have to ask him.”

“We'll be opening up for audience questions.” Mark announced and Tom inwardly cringed.

This was it. If he was going to have to suffer for his simple miscalculation, now would be the time. Some fan who was possessive or maybe simply slightly crazy would say something about Sofya. They wouldn't like that she wasn't famous. They wouldn't like that they didn't know who she was. Her anonymity would mean they couldn't pick her apart and that would irritate them. He loved his fans, he truly did but he was far from blind to the toxic nature of a small dedicated group of them. It was why he didn't participate in social media much of the time. It was also why he shied away from dating since his last less than stellar attempt.

Sara stood from her seat, dragging Sofya with her. She couldn't argue, too lost in her own mind to fully think. Why hadn't he told her himself? Why did he want her? What did any of this mean? To him? For her? She didn't pay any attention as Sara dragged her into a line. Sofya just watched and listened.

“Is miss Sofya someone you worked with?” The first question, he couldn't catch a break.

“No, I don't work with her at all and I'd rather keep details about her private.” Tom tried to appear relaxed as he answered even as he feared the whole Q&A session would be about someone who didn't even agree to be talked about.

“I hope she's not taking advantage of you being a star.” The woman grumbled as the microphone was pulled away.

“Hardly. She sees me as none of you do, a man.” He told himself to let it slide. Don't answer. Don't fuel them but the slightly sharp response was past his lips before he could stop himself.

“Next question.” Mark waved the person away, looking apologetically to Tom.

“For a Brit, you're a good tipper.” That voice snapped his attention to the crowd.

When asking a question, the fan was brought into a light so he could see them clearly. Standing in the light was Sara. Just behind her, out of his view was another person. Good god did he hope it wasn't her.

“Do you have a question too?” Mark asked laughing.

“Sara?” Tom choked on her name.

“When were you planning on telling her?” Sara grinned at him.

“I ah-”

“Don't worry, I helped you out. Only fair since you tip so well, consider it part of the cafe service.”

To his absolute horror, Sara reached behind her and pulled the person forward by the arm. The one person he had been missing all day was here. The one person he would have given anything to see was here. He choked on air, making what had to have been a highly undignified sound that was caught by the microphone.

“Tom, are you alright?” Mark asked, looking at his pale face.

“Sofya.” The crowd murmured as he choked on her name.

“Tom?” The microphone didn't pick up her voice well, it was still mostly in front of Sara but it did a well enough job.

“Bloody hell. Sara, what are you thinking?!” Tom stood, raking his fingers through his hair and paced for a moment before jumping off the stage. “I was going to tell her. I was going to explain everything to her. I just- I just needed time.”

Long legs took him down the small path between the crowds as he rambled. All eyes were on him. He could hear the questions they spoke. He could hear Mark and the event coordinators behind him.

“You just- you tossed her to the fire. I was going to tell her. I was but I just wanted time.” His attention shifted between Sara and Sofya. “I swear I was going to tell you. Let me explain before you run from me, from this madness that is my life.”

“Why?” Sofya choked out, stepping toward him.

“Why?” Tom parroted back.

“Why didn't you...” She weakly motioned toward everyone around them. “I'm not- In no way am I good enough for this...”

“Sofya. Bloody Hell Sofya. I didn't tell you because you didn't know me for this. All of this? You didn't see me and see Actor Tom. You just saw some bloody British bloke who spilled his coffee on you.”

“I spilled mine on you.” She countered softly as he kept speaking over her, well on a roll.

“You just saw me. You smiled at me and laughed at me. It took hiking up a fucking mountain-”

“It was a large hill.” The crowd around them laughed softly. For the most part, their spectators stood silent allowing them to be as alone as they could in the packed room.

“Fine. A bloody very large hill for me to convince you to give me a chance, that I saw you as good enough for me. And the damned truth is that it is me that isn't nearly good enough for you. Yet, I want to try for as long as you let me. Try to live up to the man you think I am, to always be better. Bloody hell, why haven't you run yet? I’m rambling.”

“Kiss her!” Someone from the crowd yelled suddenly.

“You can run, if you'd like. It would kill me but I won't stop you.” Tom whispered, suddenly aware of his voice filling the room just the same.

“What if I don't?” Sofya's voice was picked up by his microphone and the microphone Sara had taken hold of at some point.

“Then somehow, we give things a try?” Tom watched as Sofya bit her lip, blush dark on her face.

“Why me?” Softly, she inquired again.

“Do you believe in 'love at first sight'?” He stepped closer.

“I think I do now.” Reaching out, Sofya took his suit between her fingers, running her hand down the smooth fabric.

“It's terribly soon and we are doing this in front of the world. Is that alright?” Another step took him closer to her still as he took her hand in his.

“I'm scared,” She admitted. “But I don't want to hide.”

Tom's lips met hers in a sweet kiss. The microphone bumped into her face and the sound of their breathing filled the room. The kiss was over before it could begin as Tom pulled away.

“I should probably get back up there.” Glancing back at the stage, event organizers standing awkwardly around.

“Okay.” Fingers tangled with his for a moment.

“Wait for me after?” Tom asked as she nodded.

Pointing at Sara, Tom spoke before jogging to the stage. ��I'm never trusting you again. Or tipping you for that matter.”

All the while, as he made his way to the stage Sofya stood stock still with her fingers resting on her lips. The crowd, people around her cheered and hooted. Some strangers congratulated her as if she had gotten engaged or something.

“She's even prettier in person.” Mark commented as Tom bounded up onto the stage, laughing and looking all the lighter.

“She is a vision indeed. Sorry for the interruption.” Tom apologized as he took his seat again, waving his fingers at Sofya one last time.”

“Not problem at all. None. Poor girl looks shell shocked and I think you owe us all a story now.”

Tom and Mark laughed and joked as Sofya and Sara took their seats again. As she watched on, blush high on her face Tom told the story of how they met, of the hike and sweet pictures. Tom found it nice, being open from the start. It brought him great pleasure to sing her praises for all to hear, to tell the world how much she already meant to him.

Tag list: @bambamwolf87, @0-0-0-0-0-0-0-7 (I noticed you changed your user name- is that creepy?), @theoneanna, @alexakeyloveloki, @dangertoozmanykids101, @michelegurl

#tom hiddleston x oc #tom hiddleston x ofc #Tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston fanfic

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comicteaparty · 6 years ago

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January 14th-January 20th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from January 13th, 2019 to January 20th, 2019. The chat focused on Sunstrike and Bluemist: An Origin Story by ShaRose49.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Week Long Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Sunstrike and Bluemist: An Origin Story by ShaRose49~! (http://sunstrikeandbluemist.thecomicseries.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Remember, though, that while we allow constructive criticism, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic. Below you will find four questions to get you started on the discussion. However, a new question will be posted and pinned everyday (between 12:01AM and 6AM PST), so keep checking back for more! You have until January 20th to tell us all your wonderful thoughts! With that established, let’s get going on the reading and the chatting!

QUESTION 1. What has been your favorite scene in the comic so far? What specifically did you like about it?

QUESTION 2. At the moment, who is your favorite character? What about that character earns them this favor?

QUESTION 3. Who do you think Kairo being a double agent for and for what reason? What are the organization’s goals? How does Kat and Evan’s training factor into the organization’s goals to the point it’s an advantage?

QUESTION 4. Do you feel the secret police are a force for good or a force for evil? How might Kat’s dad’s return to investigations play a role in the story, especially considering he’s investigating super-human traffickers?

DeNay

Kat is definitely my favourite character. Hey what's not to love? She's fiery, driven, sweet, and wild. And she has green hair... I love that she doesn't let anything stop her. Not the prosthetic leg, not the challenges of being a mutant, not anyone else's fears. She courageously stands up for what she believes is right.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 5. Why do you think Evan wants to keep his true self hidden, even from Kat? Do you think Evan will open up more as time goes on? How might his work for the secret police help or hurt him where this is concerned?

ShaRose49

I’m encouraged that some people really like Kat. She’s a real outlet for me

These are really interesting questions, some of them I haven’t really thought of

Idk if I’m allowed to answer a question since I’m the author, but I think my favourite scene so far is the scene in the bedroom

DeNay

I think Evan has a lot of pain and scars and he's afraid to open up and create attachments because he might lose them. To me he seems equally scared of getting hurt and hurting others. That's a theory anyhow.

And I think he will open up more, especially with someone like Kat around.

As for secret police..I think it will force him out of his comfort zone, and that's probably in and of itself going to be very good for him...can't wait to see where it all goes.(edited)

snuffysam

Favorite scene was the fight with the mugger. It was a great showcase of the two's powers, and also the mugger was kind of funny.

my favorite is dad. he's not perfect, but he tries his hardest, and i love him for it

ShaRose49

Awwwwww! That is so cool @snuffysam!

Usually people like the teens best so it’s refreshing to hear a different perspective but you’re totally right

@DeNay well you’re not wrong, but hiding your true self is probably more fear of what others will think if they knew his true self

@DeNay And yeah, his comfort zone is like a cage

RebelVampire

QUESTION 6. Do you think working for the secret police will be everything Kat dreamed of? What unfortunate obstacles do you think might interrupt Kat’s dreams of living openly as herself?

RebelVampire

1) my favorite scene is probably the bedroom scenes. if only cause shallow-ly, i really loved evan just walking through the damn wall. hes so dang casual about it that i can help but admire how normalized the powers are to them in comparison to other ppls reactions. 2) the dad because he walks that fine line between looking out for the kids' safety and acknowledging that they are ppl who need room to grow and become their own ppl. that honestly a really rare depiction that i feel we dont get to see enough of in comics. 3) i want to assume its for an agency that is trying to disstablize the use of things like secret police. and the advantage comes in that if they can show the secret police are dangerous and have super powered ppl working for them, they can convince others to shut it down. 4) i have mixed feelings on the secret police. i assume its a bit of both. the little guys just want to do good things for the world. but the larger entity has probably slowly corrupted or something. become riddled with office politics. something like that. i feel the dad returning to investigations is significant to the story since hes probably gonna find leads the kiddos are gonna follow. 5) i think evan wants to keep his true self hidden cause he doesnt trust anyone and kind of hates everyone secretly cause he hates himself. i actually think working for the secret police is gonna hurt with him opening up. cause i feel hes always gonna get into trouble doing with kat wants instead of developing as his own person and its gonna get overwhelming. 6) i dont think the secret police will be everything kat dreamed of XD cause i think kat is gonna find when an organization doesnt have huge oversight, bad things tend to happen. not to mention, i feel like she has this delusion shell suddenly be accepted with open arms by the world when more likely theres gonna be some levels of discrimination.

ShaRose49

I love how in thought out these answers are

Thought out I meant

snuffysam

yeah i think the secret police aren't going to be as rosy as kat expects. there's levels of bureaucracy, or she isn't allowed to be open the way she wants, or something...

ShaRose49

Well I guess we’ll see. I do think @RebelVampire is the most accurate when describing Evan’s internal struggle so far. And I love how many people favour the dad, Derek. And it sounds kind of like you guys think the Secret Police is like S.H.I.E.L.D. or something lol

And yes, while Kat is a beautiful gem she is too accepting to the point where she is naive and even clueless. But what else would you expect from someone who’s grown up kind of in hiding with no or few friends? It’s actually amazing that Evan is more cautious and less trusting, but to be fair he’s had some traumatic experiences with people, much more so than Kat, but I won’t spoil it

I didn’t expect people to think so highly of Derek I thought I was better at writing younger characters so thanks you guys🥳

RebelVampire

QUESTION 7. In general, what tasks do you think Kat and Evan will be doing for the secret police? Do you think Kat and Evan will run into other people with abilities? Do you believe the two will be able to handle it, or will they be outmatched?

DeNay

Hmm that's an interesting question...

I'm not really sure what they'll all be up to, but I'm definitely curious to see. I'm guessing they will run into some other mutants down the road...although I can't really see them fighting one of their "kind."

ShaRose49

Oh reaaaally?

You can’t imagine the, fighting, say, a mutant SUPERVILLAIN??

I’m not saying that’s gonna happen this episode, but keep in mind this story has superhero themes

As for other mutants showing up this episode...let’s just say there may be a cameo

DeNay

Well, maybe I could imagine that... Sounds pretty awesome.

snuffysam

I'm not sure what the secret police will be willing to let Kat & Evan do at first. Because even though they are supermutants, they're also children. Maybe they'll be sent to deal with parking violations at first?

Delphina

Whoo, finally caught up with work, so I can read comics again! I'm really enjoying the family dynamic in this one and probably like Kat the most. She's very earnest and energetic about her goals, and I'm looking forward to seeing if the secret police will encourage that or just add layers of moral grey.

I'm assuming Evan's parents died in a tragic mutant-power-related accident that he blames himself for and he was trying to attempt suicide back there before Kat called out to help with her prosthetic leg. I would hope he learns how to overcome his feelings of guilt and shame, but that seems like a long road and I could also see him giving in to those dark feelings and becoming an antagonist. Too early in the story to really tell!

(The banner at the top with Kairo and Kat in the foreground and Evan's eyes menacingly in the background indicates the latter from a design choice standpoint though. )(edited)

ShaRose49

@snuffysam Parking violations XD I’m dying

@Delphina wow you are perceptive. Not 100% right but you’ve noticed a lot of subtle details

You’re really good at examining Evan

@Delphina and yeah, work’s been a little nuts for me too recently

RebelVampire

lol parking violations. XD somehow i dont think being children will make them go easy on them. cause they already didnt care about the children fact when they hired them. and if them being kids bugged them all that much thats probably when they wouldve decided it wasnt a good idea.

ShaRose49

I think you’re sorta right

ShaRose49

But technically they’re not hired yet they’re just in training

RebelVampire

QUESTION 8. How exactly do you believe Kairo ends up working with Kat and Evan, and what is the mess he supposedly gets them into? Do you believe they’ll manage to get out of it?

(the archive for the chat on MoonSlayer is now available~! https://comicteaparty.com/post/182104413735/january-7th-january-13th-2019-ctp-archive)

RebelVampire

7) i assume theyre going to be handling super powered ppl and perhaps other situations where the situation is easily solved with their powers. like evan's walk through wall ability could come in really handy for doing the sneaky sneaks. but i assume super villains cause this is why you get ppl with superpowers, to fight the super villains that regular civilians cant. as for their ability to handle it, they are 1000% going to be outmatched i think for a while. mostly because youth breeds arrogance and cavalier attitudes while their inexperience breeds clumsiness for lack of a better word. not the best combo. 8) i assume kairo specifically requested it, and im going to guess that the situation is them having to fight a super powered bad guy or something. cause for kids just starting out in the secret police, thats not a situation youd want to be involved in right off the bat. i assume theyll manage to get out of it though. just cause if they dont the comic ends cause everybody be dead.

ShaRose49

Yeah everyone dies XD

People who weren’t familiar with anime kept asking me why Kairo had no eyes on that one panel. It was a little hard to explain lol

RebelVampire

QUESTION 9. Overall, how do you think being “superheroes” will change Kat and Evan, both in regards to their own personalities and their views of the world?

Delphina

Kat's been strong-willed and taking risks and doing things she's not supposed to because she feels it's right, so I expect that'll get her into a fair bit of trouble when going after bad guys is her job. Evan is less risk-averse, but also prone to being pulled into trouble by Kat. I expect their problems are going to get a little more complex working with double agents and sides may become more difficult to choose, but I'm curious where becoming less sheltered and open to the world about their powers will take them, since we haven't seen many other examples of how people with powers are treated in society. Is it an X-Men "everyone knows they're around and hates them" thing or a Superman "superpowers are rare and letting people know my secret will be a huge hassle for me"?

ShaRose49

It’s probably more like X-Men

And yeah, Kay and Evan have a lot to learn, but I think they really balance each other out, or they will eventually

Kat stupid autocorrect

snuffysam

i think both good things and bad things will happen to kat & evan due to be more open with their powers. but it'll end up with kat seeing the good side of people being helped by them, and evan will focus on all the people who look at them funny.

ShaRose49

Haha!! That’s so sweet

@Delphina Were you the one who came up with the Evan turning evil theory? I spent a few seconds scribbling doodles based on this. I think I scared myself

ShaRose49

I think it’s the last day, so I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to read this comic and for chatting about it (and listening to me geek out). I also wanna thank Comic Tea Party for hosting this!

snuffysam

'bout 26 hours left, yeah. Thanks for offering your comic up! Discussing stuff has been really fun so far!

ShaRose49

@snuffysam Aw, thanks!! Yeah I’ve had so much fun too

Also, as for whether or not Evan turns evil...that depends on what you define as evil

khkddn

welp i showed up to this discussion late but nevertheless i have things to say that are pretty similar to what others have said

first off my favorite character is kat. i decided this when she was like "by the way, you disgust me :)" to that criminal in the beginning of the story. great moment! i also like her design a lot, and the comic's use of bright colors in general

kat and evan view their role in the world v differently and i don't think they'll change easily. maybe evan will come around to accepting that it's okay to be in the spotlight, but i think it's more likely he'll keep wanting to hide away and that'll interfere with their work. even if he doesn't become a full on villain i think he'll at least want to do his own thing

as for kat, i'm worried for her, because i always worry about upbeat characters lol. what if being a Hero isn't what she expected huh, what if it sucks at first? i think evan would handle a reality shock better than kat since he isn't that enthusiastic about it to begin with. but kat might end up being really disappointed until she can adjust.

i really hope evan doesn't turn evil (or, like... evil adjacent?). then turn into a sibling vs sibling fight and ahhh oh no ;_;

Beef Liver

I hope being super heroes won't change Kat and Evan TO much... I really love who they are!

@ShaRose49 Thanks for writing the comic so we could discuss it!

RebelVampire

QUESTION 10. What are you most looking forward to in the comic? Also, do you have any final thoughts to share overall?

RebelVampire

9) i think for kat she's going to learn that doing the right thing is less black & white than she wants to believe. and that sometimes ppl do bad things with good intentions. so playing superhero is complicated and not just this 100% awesome thing. and i think shes really going to have to come to terms with the fact powers dont make her invincible and that ppl can get hurt as bystanders. as for her personality, i think overall itll mature her and make her more conscious of how her actions affect others at the end of the day. as for evan, i think hes gonna have an internal conflict about his personal feelings on his powers vs. the world showing him he can make a positive impact. and so while not evil, i think its gonna make him super angst for a while until eventually he chills out and learns to care about himself. i also think hell learn some independence and that he doesnt just have to follow kat everywhere. 10) im actually most looking forward to more world-building. seeing things like how the secret police are generally regarded, how powers are regarded, who kairo might be working for, etc. i think these are some elements thatll really set the stage for the future for kat and evan.

ShaRose49

@Beef Liver My pleasure!

@khkddn I’m so glad you like the bright colours!:

@RebelVampire You’ll See more world building soon! Kim looking forward to it as well. And as for Kat and Evan changing, @Beef Liver don’t worry, they won’t change drastically right away. However I think they both need to change, perhaps especially Evan. We’ll see why later on

EhNeli

Evan is my favorite. I'm sorry I'm not very good at elaborating (I did terrible in high school english class xl )

snuffysam

One thing I'm really looking forward to is Kat & Evan's first day at the secret police. Just seeing how various people there react to their powers and stuff.

ShaRose49

@EhNeli no worries mate.

I guess I’m looking forward to drawing more of the awesome sibling relationship and going into depth with Kairo. If he doesn’t seem like an important character yet get ready...

@snuffysam I’m really looking forward to that too. I don’t think it will be too long from now (I less it takes me ages to draw cause of work or something)

*unless

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Sunstrike and Bluemist: An Origin Story this week! Please also give a special thank you to ShaRose49 for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Sunstrike and Bluemist: An Origin Story, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: http://sunstrikeandbluemist.thecomicseries.com/

ShaRose49’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/KadachSharon

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #book club #bookclub #webcomic bookclub #webcomic book club #comic tea party #ctp #sunstrike and bluemist #sunstrike and bluemist an origin story #sharose49 #sharon kadach

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vickyelizabethgalan · 7 years ago

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Re-Viewing Suicide Squad: Still Just as bad as Before

Hey everyone!

If you read the title of this post, you probably clicked to question my sanity. I, like many, went to watch Suicide Squad when it first came out and I, like many, thought it was insanely terrible. HOWEVER, I also realized it was a fun movie with a great soundtrack and half-way decent acting. Recently, I re-watched the movie because I was running on the treadmill and, in my boredom, decided to watch it free on-demand. What followed was 2 hours and 17 minutes of Will Smith, Viola Davis and Cara Dela-whatever horror movie. I mean, B-movie horror (and that’s insulting movies like “Attack of the 50ft woman”). I’ve decided to write a mini-review about the movie, focusing mostly on the actors and their portrayal of the characters. In an attempt to keep the length of the post shorter, I’m just reviewing the top-billed actors and characters I felt were the most egregious. Without further ado…here’s Suicide Squad:

Jared Leto: We begin with the Clown Prince and least needed character in the movie. The feelings I have for Jared Leto’s Joker can be summarized with: Does he even count as a joker? With alumni such as Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill and even the late Heath Ledger, The Joker may be considered one of the most famous comic book villains of all time. However, something that has always been consistent is the Joker’s psychological, however humorous, HUMOR. The Joker is sick and sadistic but there is always, in his mind, a punchline. That is one of the reason’s Leto’s Joker fails. The marketing of the movie focused on how cute it was that he played weird pranks on his co-stars in an attempt to show the world he was “in character”. Sorry to break it to you, but even the Joker would never send Batman a rat or dead pig. He might, however, kidnap your loved one and turn him into a sadistic version of himself

Ok, fine, this movie didn’t exactly focus on him or his relationship with the Bat, I agree. It did focus (and completely manipulate and romanticize) on his relationship with Quinn, and that might just be the most disturbing part of the film. I, personally, love Harley Quinn. Her craziness and mad love for the Joker is addicting to watch and as Harley’s comic book story-line progresses, it’s even nicer to watch her realize the wrong that is her “mad love” for the Clown Prince. It’s better to watch that Harley realizes how abused she is and attempt to leave (in her own Harley way). Finally, it’s better to watch Harley actually almost succeed in killing the Joker for everything he’s done to her.

The movie forget something though. Throughout everything, Harley’s love is very rarely reciprocated by Joker and it’s even doubted that Joker could ever feel the same way for Harley. The movie distorts the relationship to make it look like the Joker is willing to “sacrifice” and “care” for Harley and that is seriously out of character for him. The movie is so desperate to re-brand the “mad love”, that there is even a line saying “She was his queen, and god help anyone who dared to disrespect his queen”. The movie greatly misunderstands and misrepresents what Harley is to Joker, a pawn. Don’t believe me? Hollywood Reporter seems to agree and voice my exact worries:

If there was one constant in the portrayal of the relationship between the two characters in both comic books and animation, it was that Harley loved the Joker more than he did her. Actually, it could be argued that the Joker didn’t love Harley at all — that his occasional sweetness and attempts to woo her were merely manipulative attempts to keep her from being too much of a nuisance. Certainly, there would be countless appearances by the Joker without Harley in which she wouldn’t be mentioned at all, and when the two did share scenes, it was as common for him to be cruel as to be affectionate.

In recent years, this has been addressed in the comics themselves. As Harley has slowly transitioned from supporting player to solo star — the Harley Quinn comic book being a surprise hit for DC Entertainment, leading to multiple spinoff titles in the last few years — her relationship with the Joker has gone from awkward, uncomfortable comic relief to a problem that needed to be solved.

-When Harley Met Joker: A History of the Twisted ‘Suicide Squad’ Love Story

So this is my biggest problem with the entire movie: The Joker is reduced to a Hot Topic shopping, emo tattooed boy who cares and waddles around in a circle of machine guns. The portrayal is a lack of respect to the character who has so much more sophistication than what was portrayed. I’d love to know what Leto was studying so hard while he was mailing condoms and rats, which is just gross, that made him think any of this was ok. Needless to say, I’m not looking forward to seeing him in future installations.

Margot Robbie: I basically said everything i needed to say about Harley in the Joker section but in general, I’d just love to point out that Robbie is beautiful and does a great job as a beautifully insane diphead. She talks crap for most of the movie and my favorite moment would just be when she blurts out “What was that? I should kill everyone and escape? Sorry, it’s the voices. I’m kidding! That’s not what they really said.” That quote does a really good job of setting the scene for the kind of character Robbie’s Harley Quinn will be. She is fast talking, crazy and eye candy. This, however, is terrible considering in her history, Harley has been all of this and way more. Harley is smart, agile in combat and over-all powerful. So it makes me wonder why we need to pair her with the Joker so much, she really doesn’t need him. Joker was completely unnecessary in this movie but Harley is needed because, along with Deadshot, she basically IS the Suicide Squad.

Cara Delavigne: Why does this woman think she can act? She really has little to no acting ability and this movie shows it. She is either the least enjoyable part of the movie from how bad her acting is or the opposite, because I was laughing every time she was on screen. I couldn’t help but compare her to Shakira and her “Hip’s Don’t Lie” music video. Enchantress is a character I was unfamiliar with before the movie but I felt like I knew her even less when I saw her character, an archeologist, break a rare artifact upon finding it. I never understood where she came from or what her motive really was. She felt a lot like Apocalypse from X-Men, just some all mighty mutant who wanted to rule the world, original. The part that bothers me the most about her character is that she is brought into the Squad to become the movie’s villain. If it wasn’t for Waller, Enchantress wouldn’t have been a threat.

Viola Davis: We’re almost done, but no Suicide Squad review would be complete without talking about the Queen, Amanda Waller. This is a woman that is so strong-willed, even Batman follows her order. Viola does an amazing job, as she normally does, BUT, it’s not the best work we’ve seen her do. She seems very disinterested for most of the movie and the audience writes this off as a character trait when really, it’s just the actor who couldn’t care less about the role she’s portraying. Great job but it’s only great because everyone else is so bad.

Will Smith: Now I end this review with the character I consider the redeeming factor of the movie: Deadshot. Before this film, I knew very little about him and now all I know is that he never misses and his daughter is his greatest weakness. Will Smith is an amazing actor and, honestly, if I knew more about Deadshot, maybe I would be able to critique his performance more. For now, he basically gives the movie the motivation it needs to continue and he gives it the character emotion and humanity. He seems to be one of the more fleshed out characters of the film and one of the better characters.

And this, ladies and gents, is my review of Suicide Squad based on the portrayal of the characters. This is also the first modern movie I have taken to review so please let me know any other movies I should be reviewing. Thanks for reading!

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benevolenterrancy · 8 years ago

Note

GENYATTA EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE ROBOTS ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

THEROBOTS NEED LOVE OKAY ;-; THIS IS A GOOD AND PURE PROMPT THANK YOU

who hogs the duvet

Theyare both a grade-A fucking mess trying to sleep. It's been literalyears since Genji has shareda bed with anyone, and Zenyatta being, as previously state, arobot normally sleeps upright,hovering while recharging. So once they start sharing a bed it's onebig mess of how??? exactly do we do this??? But hey, as far asGenji's concerned Zenyatta has helped him learn so much and he ismore than happy toteach Zenyatta how to sleep together.

Thatbeing said Genji is a terrible teacher because he is 100% the one whohogs the duvet – don't do what Genji does kids you'll get kickedout of any bed you're sharing. He always has, ever since he was ayoung; Hanzo would never share a bed with him when they were kidsbecause Genji would always end up with all the covers by the end ofthe night. He'll start out sleeping normally, but by the morninghe's curled up in a ball, ever limb locked like a vice around theblankets so there is zero chance of ever getting them back. Fortunately Zenyatta doesn't need them except for the mentality ofcoziness, so this works out surprisingly well.

who texts/rings to check how their day is going

Genji,definitely. He's the sort to daydream during mission debriefsbecause he's thinking about how absolutely amazing his boyfriend isand then call him at random because he just really!! missed talkingto Zenyatta!!! He'll call for any little reason. What does Zenyattathink Genji should bring home for dinner? It was really hot today,is Zenyatta okay? He hasn't been overheating? Genji saw an adorabledog and he took pictures, look, Zen, I'll message them to you. Babe I know I just left twenty minutes ago but I miss you tell meabout what you've been doing. Genji just really really reallyloves his boyfriend and is very clingy about it. (Zenyatta does notmind at all)

who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts

They make a good team when it comes togift-giving. Zenyatta is like... unnervingly good when it comes tothinking up really meaningful gifts, little things that will havesome greater significance for the recipient and that will almostcertainly result in hugs and/or tears.

...That being said, Genji is arguablythe more “creative” one though. He is a white elephant champion. He comes up with the most ridiculous gifts and loves an opportunityto get silly, fun things for his friends.

who gets up first in the morning

Zenyatta for sure. Despite the world'sbest efforts to instill that sort of virtue in Genji it has neverstuck. His parents, instructors, Hanzo... all wanted him to be anearly riser for training as a child, but despite it he was still thatperson who was usually stumbling into class late more often than hewasn't. He would wake up for early Overwatch missions, but only withplenty of alarms, caffeine, and grumbling. He half-heartedly triedto break himself of the habit while he was in Nepal, trying to wakeup and meditate with the monks in the early mornings but that wasjust never going to happen and he graciously gave that up. SoZenyatta wakes up first (he literally has an internal alarm) and hascoffee ready for Genji when he finally stumbles out of bed.

who suggests new things in bed

To be perfectly honest, I cheerfullyheadcanon Zenyatta as asexual and I've never quite gone down therobo-dick path that some people enjoy so I personally don't headcanonthem doing any “things” in bed at all. (Though Genji does teachZenyatta the glory of cuddling under warm covers and watching moviesfor hours on end, so in that case... Genji does!)

who cries at movies

Neither of them are really big criersduring movies, least of all because Zenyatta literally cannot. ButZenyatta does Feel Lots OfThings during movies. Out of the two, he definitely emphasizes themost with the poor, hapless movie characters (and like, not justprotagonists, he's the sort to get distressed because the villaincould so easily be guided to a better path by the right hand but isinstead slaughtered for Plot Reasons, or is moved by some littleinjustice suffered by a side character). Genji's much more likely tolaugh at sad movies than cry (though he does have his small handfulof films that make him cry every time– not that he'll admit it, he's wearing a mask, no one can proveanything).

who gives unprompted massages

Zenyatta (I mean... it'd be tricky totry to massage an omnic). Zenyatta knows the sort of physical painGenji can still experience just from living with his scars and thestrain his body experiences from how it's integrated with hiscybernetics – it can lead to anything from stiffness, to aches, togenuine pain depending on the day, so Zenyatta's always around tooffer a massage when he can tell it's acting up. It feels nice notonly on his organic flesh, but also his synthetic muscles since it'sgiving them very deliberate sensory input. (And the day Genjifinally worked up the nerve to take off all the removable parts ofhis armour and allow Zenyatta to massage him was one of the bestdecision of his life – Zenyatta is a fantasticmasseuse.) Zenyatta also just enjoys giving Genji's massages becauseof how loose and content Genji gets after being massaged, like atranquil noodle.

who fusses over the other when they’re sick

Obviously between the two of themGenji's much more likely to be sick and Zenyatta is Good at takingcare of him. He's not great at making food but will bring simplethings to help settle Genji's stomach, he picks up medicine, fillshot water bottles, listens to all of Genji's moaning about how he'sdying and is perfectly content to be doing so, he loves being able tohelp. Plus Zenyatta can still cuddle a sick Genji without needing toworry about getting a sick himself, which is a big fucking plus inGenji's eyes.

That being said Genji is absolutelythe one more likely to fuss if Zenyatta shows any sign of being sick. Zenyatta's very chill, matter of fact, and calming when Genji'ssick. Genji freaks out if Zenyatta seems like he's caught some sortof virus or if his system isn't running optimally because he isconstantly terrified of Zenyatta getting damaged in some unrepairableway that Genji can't help. People normally don't die from a cold,but Genji remembers what the God Programs did to omnics. (Ithonestly doesn't matter how many times Zenyatta reassures him that hejust needs to run a quick diagnostics or get a system update and takeit easy or something, Genji will still hover and fret like it'snobody's business until Zenyatta is acting entirely like his normalself again.)

who gets jealous easiest

I honestly don't think either of themget very jealous. Genji probably would have when he was younger, butat this point in his life he is much more confident about himself andhis relationship with those close to him. He trusts Zenyatta enoughto know he has nothing to get jealous about. Same goes for Zenyatta, he appreciates Genji and his very social,outgoing nature but doesn't, for a minute, consider himself to be incompetition for Genji's affection.

who has the most embarrassing taste in music

150% Genji. Except he's not actuallyembarrassed, he's shameless when it comes to his music choices. Hewill listen to so much crapit will drive literally everyone else NUTSand he just has no fucks to give. As far as he's concerned, hismusic is fun and bright and makes you want to dance and that's whathe's looking for in music. Zenyatta doesn't listen to all that muchmusic, but he does enjoy “ancient” (in Genji's words – it'sfrom the around 1980s) rock music purely because Mondatta liked itand it makes Zenyatta think of him. Either way, Lúcio sighs deeplywhenever either one of them gets to chose the music.

who collects something unusual

Depends on how you define “unusual”. Genji didn't start out with much in the way of worldly goods, sincehe left most of what he had back at the Watchpoint when he left (andbefore that, in Hanamura when he was “killed”) and only had whathe could carry, but he starts to collect more things once he settlesin somewhere. He collects things like video game merch and comicbooks and things like that, nothing all that weird, though he can bea bit of a packrat about it. Zenyatta collects less, but it tends tobe things like... pressed flowers and pretty stones and cheapfigurines he bought in a market while he was traveling and a cheapplastic necklace a child made him after he helped her mother, thatsort of thing.

who takes the longest to get ready

Neither take that long, tbh. I mean,Genji's a nudist both of them are varying degrees ofrobotic, so it's not like they have hair to do or make-up to put on,and neither of them are too fussed about clothes. Zenyatta's themost likely to take a while to get ready but that's purely because hehas a tendency to get distracted by everythingand moves really really slowlyeven when he is actively getting ready.

who is the most tidy and organised

Zenyatta. Genji is tidy only by thevirtue of not having many physical possessions to his name. As soonas he begins planting roots again, gets a space of his own, andbegins amassing possessions again then he is easily the slob of thetwo. He will leave shit lying anywhere and then get frustrated whenhe can't find it – Hanzo can attest that his ability to keep hisspace clean has not improved from childhood.

who gets most excited about the holidays

See, I would normally be inclined tosay it's Genji because I can just see him getting super giddy andexcited about holidays, but after we've experienced both a Halloweenand Winter event I think we have to accept the fact that apparentlyit's Zenyatta. He had an elaborate skin for both holiday, heobviously gets so into it. “Paint me like a skeleton, Genji” “Master, you're an omnic, youdon't even have a skeleton...” “That's why it's a costume,my student, and besides it'sHalloween. Help me reach my back.” Or: “Zen... what is that?” “A walnut.” “Yes, I see that, I was more interested in whythere are giant walnuts all around the room.” “Well, I'm gladyou asked...” As opposed to Genji's “My Halloween costume? Cyborg ninja” – what a cop-out you little shit. Genji absolutelyforgets about holidays are happening until like the day before.

Zenyattais just super enthralled by all big celebrations and can't wait toparticipate with everyone and drags Genji into them whether he likesit or not.

who is the big spoon/little spoon

Genji: “Everyone likes to be thelittle spoon, it makes you feel safe!”

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sports

Genji gets the most outwardlycompetitive, and will cheerfully trash talk both the people on theother team and on his ownteam. He is a very loud player of just about anything, who'llhappily crow about his victories. Look, he spent his childhoodgrowing up training with Hanzo, so he has learnt to A) take anythingvaguely competitive very seriouslybut to also B) be chill when he loses because Hanzo was alwaysobsessed with winning and Genji refused to give him the satisfaction.

Zenyatta,however, gets stealthily competitive. He stays looking and talkingtotally calmly and peacefully, preaches sportsmanship and generosityto fellow players but then he'll just... say something very casuallythat most people might not even realize is petty andcompetitive unless they're paying attention. (“To hold a grudge isunhealthy... for you”, “The master still has a few tricks” –Zenyatta is secretly savage af and Genji totally knows it, especiallyafter the first time he and Zenyatta sparred and he was landed on hisass in no time flat. No one believes him though, they all think Zenis a complete sweetheart.)

who starts the most arguments

I honestly don't think they have a lotof full-scale arguments. If nothing else, their relationship isbuilt on like... aggressive levels of open and healthy communication. So if either has an issue, they might have disagreements – evenlong, extended, debates – but it's something they talk about atlength until they're able to work something else. If anything Genjiprobably brings the most up, but they recognize that an argument is amutual thing, in which two people are meeting an impasse, not one orthe other's problem.

who suggests that they buy a pet

GENJI WANTS A DOG, LET'S GET A DOG,ZEN

what couple traditions they have

I normally think of them as a prettyyoung couple, and one that hasn't spent their whole time in oneanother's presence (Genji going back to Hanamura to confront Hanzo,and I imagine Zenyatta was off doing things as well, and the twointended to meet up again later) so I think they're still in theprocess of making traditions. They enjoy meditating together, especially in the evening aroundsunset. It's a nice way to wind down from the day. They're also inthe habit of chatting in the evenings, which started because theywere separated for long periods of time. Genji calls in the evenings(since Zenyatta is less bothered about being awake at odd hours thanGenji is – an omnic doesn't get jetlag) and that's something thatcontinued even after they met back up again, they'll often try to puteverything else down and just cuddle and talk before going to sleep.

what tv shows they watch together

I feel like they'd enjoy watchingsitcoms together the most. They both have a terrible sense ofhumour, and it's a nice way to unwind, sitting around together andlaughing along with some stupid show with a ridiculous laugh trackand a guaranteed good ending. If it existed at the time, they'd likeBrooklyn-99, I'm sure of it. Long series are nice because then theycan pick something and just watch an episode or two night afternight, whenever they have a chance.

what other couple they hang out with

I imagine they're both pretty social sothey probably hang out with plenty, simply by the virtue that theyboth enjoy spending time with friends. (I'm not going to botherlisting because it totally depends on who you headcanon as a couple.)

how they spend time together as a couple

Honestly they're best friends, they'llhappily do just about anything together. Meditation is obviously abig one for them, since that was what originally brought themtogether, but they sleep together, fight together, travel together –hell, Zenyatta will happily float along with Genji through asupermarket while he's buying groceries and they'll both enjoythemselves because they just like getting to spend time together. They enjoy simple domesticity because it feels like a luxury neitherwas sure they'd ever get to experience (Zenyatta because of the stateof omnics' rights, Genji because for a long time he felt like afterbecoming a cyborg those sorts of options were closed off to him).

who made the first move

I could see it going either waydepending on the hc/fic but listen, listen, my favourite isaboslutely Genji doing it by accident. I like to think that it's in Nepal, Genji's been there for quite awhile now, him and Zenyatta have become very close friends at thispoint and then it suddenly strikes Genji that, oh shit, hehas major feelings for Zenyatta. And he is mentally freaking outbecause would Zenyatta even be interested?? Sure he's seen omnics inromantic relationships but Zenyatta's never really expressed aninterest one way or another... and would he be interested in someonewho isn't an omnic? Or in a man? Or just... in Genji as a whole,given that Zenyatta has seen every rough edge that Genji has at thispoint? And then what if Zenyatta doesn't wantthat and Genji ruins their friendship? What if Zenyatta getsuncomfortable and wants him to leave the monastery – this is theonly place Genji has truly felt he belonged since The Incident, hedoesn't want to lose that–!!! and basically he freaks out forapproximately four hours, it completely consumes him because this isway higher stakes than any of the playful flings he had as ateenager, he doesn't want to break something, but now that he'sstarted thinking about it he can't stopthinking about how much he wants to fucking kiss ZenyattagodDAMMIT.

Andthen the evening comes and he and Zenyatta are meditating andZenyatta is asking him about his day and, look, at this point Genjihas gotten very used to just talking to Zenyatta about any emotionalissues he's having. Before he can stop himself it just... pops out. And all of a sudden Genji realizes he's confessing that hehas feelings for Zenyatta and all the misgivings he has to go alongwith it and he's FREAKING OUT EVEN MORE NOW BECAUSE THIS ISN'T WHATHE MEANT TO DO IT WAS AN ACCIDENT butZenyatta is just/// so flattered/// and so excited and so willing totry this and everything works out beautifully and it's fluffy andperfect The End

who brings flowers home

Zenyatta is the most likely to bringflowers home, by that's more in the interest of having flowers athome than anything necessarilyromantic. He tends to see flowers, wild or otherwise, and getenraptured by them and decide to decorate their space with them. Genji gets flowers less often, but will often get Zenyatta flowers asa gift on an anniversary or something. (He likes to bring home live,potted flowers for Zenyatta, since he tends to get melancholy whenthey finally dry up and die. Although with the sort of lifestylethey live the flowers still have a bad tendency to die.)

who is the best cook

They both suck at cooking. Zenyatta doesn't need to eat, and the Shimada family had people tocook when Genji was young, and then Overwatch had a cafeteria when hewas there. Genji is the best cook simply by the virtue of beinghuman and having, on the rare occasioned, needed to make food forhimself so as to not die. Fortunately, neither of them really need“good” food. As previously state, Zenyatta doesn't eat, andGenji can't actually taste food anymore so it doesn't really matterhow disgusting he makes it, he's not going to know the difference. God help anyone that comes to their place for dinner though.

so... anyone else wanna send me a ship? help ease the painful sting of a new semester with silly inbox games?

#overwatch #zenyatta #genji shimada #genyatta #crychanwastaken #bene speaks #thoughts #omg thank you for this #genyatta is my otp to end otps they are precious and pure #also whoops this ended up being longer than intended #ship ask meme

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oncesneverenough · 8 years ago

Text

#1 Touch of Power - REVIEW

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Healer Triology

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Publication Date: December 20th 2011

Number of pages: paperback 390 pages

Synopsis:

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Syneder was a breath of fresh air. Sure, there are some things that could have been better explained but it is the first book in a trilogy so I expect the world would be build slowly and all the concepts dropped would be better explained.

I loved the pacing of the book, there was always something changing, no time to get bored or enter a type of routine. Each time you'd get used to something a new twist appeared. Of course, (SPOILER ALERT) Flea's quick death was the most painful one. He was my favorite character of the book and in no way had I expected him to die at that time in the story line. Actually, I didn't expect anyone to die until somewhere closer to the end. Although painful, it was a refreshing surprise and I'm afraid to say, a necessary one. Avry needed something to connect with her companions so the progress in their relationship would be believable and somewhat rational.

Flea brought light and a sense of easiness and optimism to a world clearly buried by death. Although his past had been tragic, having no real family of his own (“I can't decide what's worse.Losing family members or not having a family member to lose.") he manages to surpass his condition and be the hope everyone needed. He's practically the child of the group and, at his first encounter with Avry, says he doesn't need a doting mother when he already has four fathers. And after his death, Kerrick acknowledges the unofficial familial status : "My son in all ways but one." It was an amazing scene and I was surprised at how much emotion I felt for the characters at only 50% of the first book in a trilogy. I would usually feel that attached to characters only by the end of the first volume but somehow Syneder managed to form a bond between the reader and the characters much quicker.

SPOILER ZONE

His death was quite dry and abrupt to be honest but his funeral was indeed unique, feeding him to the Death Lily was a new concept, yet exciting. I am hoping we will see some kind of reincarnation of his spirit due to the plant's magical abilities by the end of the series but that is my personal wish and hope. I guess on some levels I can't yet accept that Flea is indeed truly dead. Also, the mourning period was really touching, it really showed his impact on the crew and it took them a while until they settled into a new routine but he was never really forgotten, fact showed by Belen as he kept on looking for the next two perfect rocks Flea was searching to pair up with his first which were later given as a gift to Avry.

SPOILER ZONE END

Due to the many events during the plot, one could say the characters' development seemed rushed as well as the romantic relationship between Avry and Kerrick but I would dare to contradict them. Because I am more attracted to people than to action, I pay more attention to them and the way a relationship grows. All the feelings are allowed to grow during a couple of months, leaving enough time, especially in their situation, to develop normally.

Avry's personality isn't really complex or driven by deep unknown desires but quite frankly incredible simple yet not really plain. She's driven by her wish, as a Healer, to help other people and all her actions are calculated in a way to do so. I believe due to the way the healing process happens, she's developed a hero complex from an early age and managed to subdue any real survivor's instinct based on her lack of connection to people after she was sure all her family was dead. What I really liked about her was that the reason she didn't want to make friends or fall in love wasn't driven by an egoist wish to not get hurt but by her desire to make calculated decisions in saving other people. And even if she had developed a deep bond with the crew she managed to make the tough decision between: saving herself (which would include later on saving other people who were worth saving) or healing Prince Rayne (Spoiler alert! who after her last encounter made her realize he hated Healers and could be a cruel man.) What I really loved about her character was that she wasn't vain - and I'm not talking about not knowing how beautiful she was (aspect that she paid no importance and not due to modesty but rather its lack of importance) but rather that she dropped her first impression on the prince and decided he was worth saving if it meant he'd kill Tohon. She wasn't convinced by Kerrick's methods which went from shackling her to a tree during a cold night to choosing to open up to her or even by her amazing friendship with Belen, for whom she says she would do anything. She proves to be rational when it really mattered. Sure, she has some sort of pride but it is the type that comes with sarcasm and intelligence and it's more related to always having a smart retort rather then blinding her.

SPOILERS

Sure, she takes her time to accept her drastic change of heart towards Kerrick but I can't really blame her or find pride in it. The man had made her endure extremely cold temperatures, rationalized her food and even hit her when she managed to break his calm demeanor for the first time. Plus, he was practically asking her to kill herself for a man who hated her. And after reading this, you might wonder how can anyone start to feel anything but disdain towards person who treats them this way. It's all in the details.

If you pay attention you can see that Kerrick had no idea she would die after healing Rayne of the plague, the only thing indicating otherwise is her initial impression which was never actually confirmed. Yes, he had slapped her - and I am in no way condoning his behavior- but she was a pain in the ass and her refusal would mean death to all of them. It slipped, he was sorry and admitted to her he should have never done that..

SPOILERS FREE

Karrick in a way is exactly like all the other male fantasy heroes and yet there is a huge difference between them - he hit a woman. In all books I've read, the hero never hits women, they do a lot of questionable things, even torture men but they never touch women. Karrick did. It was an impulse decision.A momentarily lapse of judgment in desperate times. A mistake he deeply regretted. But it happened. He's not perfect, he's human, he's real, attainable. He had been truly hurt by the first woman he loved - I mean the guy was left at the altar, that's a pretty low blow so he became dedicated to his mission. However, you can see small changes in his behavior towards Avry. And I'm not talking about lust driven actions. No. Although she claims to hate him, he slowly starts to trust her and starts to respond to her constant pesting, turning her jabs into light banter. You can clearly see he is hurt when she tells the man who keeps a blade to his neck that she doesn't care if he dies and his frustration with her grows as his feelings for her get stronger and her decision to despise him doesn't seem to change.

SPOILER AHEAD

What must truly have bothered him was not knowing the real reason behind her obvious disdain towards him and you can really see that by the surprised look on his face once he finds out she would die after saving Rayen and in the same time the comprehension that settles in after the initial shock wavered. He finally understood why she hated him.

What I liked was that there were no 'I love you's' thrown. Yes, they slept together quite quickly, I expected it to be in the second or the third book, but I get it. I mean, I would sleep with the hot guy I fell in love if I had a few more days to live.

SPOILER FREE

Another strong point, that I wasn't so sure the author would manage to accomplish, was to make Avry's change of heart believable. It wasn't lust driven and she never gushes over how handsome he is. No, she starts to respect him slowly, despite believing he is a coldheart ass, and only starts to develop real feelings once he starts to act like a real friend towards her. There's nothing rushed and it seems to make perfect sense. Everything fell in quite nicely.

Now..what can I say about the villain of the story? Tohon is simply a psychopath. He's relationship with Avry, which turned quite physical at times, reminded me of the Darkling and Alina in the Grisha trilogy and I'm quite curious what will happen next with them. He made the same mistake as the Darkling, he underestimated the girl. But I am curious as to why he always stopped and didn't have sex with her, he could have easily done so and I can't say he wanted her to truly love him. He didn't really care, he just wanted her to be unavailable to Kerrick.

Something that didn't exactly sit right with me was the bad blood between Tohon and Kerrick. Some jealousy seems a little bit too cliché for me and I hope the story between them will gain more depth in the next books.

This book pretty much has all I could ask for: great plot filled with action scenes, fascinating fantasy land, amazing character development, enough comic relief to make everything bearable, a slowburn romantic relationship and the promise of much greater things. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for me.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone who looks for the things I just mentioned in the previous paragraph and especially for those of you who look for a great read.

#touch of power #healer triology #Maria V. Snyder #Avry of Kazan #belen #kerrick #avry x kerrick #prince rayne #tohon #alina x darkling #grisha #book review #book quoets

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aparecium-hq · 4 years ago

Photo

Welcome once again to Aparecium, Reagan! You have been accepted for Ivy Blum. We think she has a lot of potential to be a fun character who should be right at home in our mix. We can’t wait to see you get going! Check out the new member checklist, and jump right in.

Character Basics

Birthday (Age): November 23rd, 2002 (25) (also a Sagittarius)

Gender (Pronouns): Female, She/Her

Sexuality: Bisexual

Blood Status: Muggleborn, a little bit of a Seer

Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff

Occupation: Ivy owns a small teashop in London, just a street away from the Diagon Alley entrance in the Leaky Cauldron. More details in bio…

Faceclaim: Odeya Rush

Biography:

Character Questionnaire

How does your character feel about their family?

Ivy idolizes her parents even if she doesn’t outwardly show it. She watched her parents build a company from the ground up, and she watched them continue to love each other and build each other up throughout it all. They also always made time for their children, no matter the situation. If Thomas had to work late, he’d find thirty minutes of his time to call home and talk to all the kids before they went to bed. Daisy always had everyone’s lunches packed and ready to go in the morning, even if she had just worked all night. Every kid believes they have the best parents in the world up until a certain age, but Ivy never stopped believing that.

As for siblings, the feelings vary.

Ivy adores Rowan, but they’re so far apart in age that they never properly bonded. They talk on the phone at least once a month, and Ivy comes for supper on Fridays, but that’s mostly because Rosie, Rowan’s wife, was two years older than Ivy and rode the bus with her when the young witch attended muggle primary school. They reconnected and became good friends when Rowan and Rosie started dating.

Flora and Ivy, however, are much much closer. Even though Ivy was a quieter-than-usual kid, she always seemed to open up to Flora; Flora had some sort of gift with children and always seemed to get along with them. Their friendship remained sturdy even when Ivy started attending Hogwarts. They wrote to each other consistently, and it was actually by letter that Flora came out to Ivy, her being the first person she told. To this day, Ivy and Flora are the closest sisters in the world, despite being continents apart. Ivy doesn’t necessarily want the ‘housewife’ life for herself, but she’s happy her sister has found someone who gave it to her.

And of course, Oliver. Ivy hasn’t spoken to Oliver properly in over a decade. Nothing more than ‘pass the peas’ or ‘mom said she wanted to talk to you’. She misses her twin brother, but she can’t bring herself to apologize for the fight; he said some unforgivable things to her. She knows he was angry, but he could have just expressed his feelings and they could’ve talked through it. Ivy will always love Oliver, but she won’t be the first to apologize.

I couldn’t forget Olivia. Despite the fact that Olivia was a BIG surprise, Ivy is grateful for her every single day when she hears her daughter’s voice. Olivia is the most important person in the world for Ivy, and she would do anything for her

How would your character describe their own work ethic? Is that an accurate measure of themself?

Ivy sees herself as a very hard-working individual; she always puts in 110% and never gives up, no matter how hard the issue. She’s a bit of a perfectionist, which is both a good and bad thing; Good because the final product is always top-quality, and bad because she isn’t very good at accepting the help of others. She likes to do things herself because things need to be done in a specific way.

What does your character value in a friendship?

Ivy values honesty and communication above anything else. She wants to avoid another falling out like the one with her brother at all costs, so she prefers friends who won’t just shut her out or be super secretive all the time. She just wants a proper grown-up friendship.

Para Sample

BEEP! BEEP! BEE-

Ivy’s hand sneaked out quickly from under the covers to turn off the alarm, then returned quickly back to the warmth of her comforter. The air was cold, which was to be expected considering it was January. The heater was lackluster, s Ivy usually had to cast a heating charm on her blanket, so when morning came, she would end up in the exact position she was in now; her duvet covering her head all the way to her toes, while she was curled up in a ball underneath, trying to keep warm. She lay there for a moment, almost drifting back to sleep when the alarm went off once more. This one was to ensure she didn’t do exactly what she was just doing. Ivy turned the alarm off with a sigh and removed her blanket from her body. It was time to start her day.

Ivy made her way to her kitchen, starting the kettle and grabbing a bowl of cereal. She opened her drawer to pull out a spoon when she dropped said utensil on the floor. An overwhelming sense of dread came over her, and she froze where she stood, bowl in hand. She stared at the spoon, which was pointing away from her front door, which only meant bad news. An unexpected visitor, but who? Then, Ivy noticed that it was a spoon. “An unexpected child is going to be visiting? But wh-” and that’s when it hit her. Her bowl joined her spoon on the ground, and she was soon running to the bathroom and opening the medicine cabinet. She grabbed the muggle pregnancy test- the potion took too long to brew, she needed answers immediately.

Minutes turned into hours as she paced throughout her apartment. She stared at the phone in her kitchen, debating calling her sister, or maybe even her mom. But she shook away that thought very quickly, there was no need to worry either of them for no reason. She’d been wrong with her instincts before, she could be wrong again. She stared at the clock for a few seconds longer, until she heard the alarm on her phone go off. She stared down the hallway that led to her bathroom, her heart beating faster and harder than it ever had before. She made way into the room and looked at the stick that could change her future drastically. She stared for a few seconds at the stick, a single tear falling down her face before she took a deep breath and picked up her cellphone. She clicked on the contact name ‘Flora’, her hands shaking as she waited for the only voice that could calm her down right now.

“Hello?’

Another deep breath. “Flora?” Her voice shook slightly as she spoke her sister’s name. “I have a problem.”

Additional Information for Original Characters

Character Teaser

Feelings on Magical Integration

Wanted Connections

The Baby Daddy: The father of Olivia, who has recently come back into the picture. Someone a little flaky, but who’s also Doing Their Best™.

The Best Friend: Someone Ivy has been friends with for years. They’ve gone through a lot together, and will always have each other’s backs.

#apareciumacceptance #rp #hp rp #literate rp #oc rp

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