#to avoid saying mickey and also sound scary

[thetimelordbatgirl]

Shout out to Bloody Disgusting for doing two articles on TWO MORE Mickey Mouse horrors with the titles for both saying, "Another Mickey Mouse Horror" Like, sums up people's reaction to Steamboat Willie being public domain really: never ending horrors because being creative is gone and in its place is just CHILDHOOD THING BUT HORROR.

[tomyo]

A long examination of Amy and her character treatment.

This was initially a YouTube comment lol.

I truly loved the Sonic x dub cast but it really always came down to an issue of script and possibly the voice director. It always stung to me how much vitriol Amy used to get and while I like how she is better treated (being more recognized as one of the core 4), I do miss the sassiness she was given in the 00s. Sonic is meant to be kinda edgy and often in the anime he’s portrayed with immature traits because he’s a teenager, Amy often was the counterpart to that, a modern posh girl who was stubborn about what she wanted but not solely defined by that. I don’t think it was revolutionary but I do think compared to the Japanese ideal woman, Amy would be more akin with trickled down gyaru culture (Mat[ure] gal, something in line with the image of posh spice). It’s unfortunate that headstrong translated probably somewhat to boy crazy and desperate to an English audience and where Sonic’s immaturity was toned down removing that feeling they were on the same level. Often my biggest issue with her modern voice is she comes off as a knock off mini mouse (more so in the earlier games with her current English VA).

Maybe ironic is it sounds more alike to her Japanese portrayal which also ironically I’m very conflicted about since it somewhat aligns her more with cream age wise. But what I do like about it is the difference in character portrayal. If I were to guess Sega’s stance on Sonic and Amy it would be two people loosely dating, similar in the way Mickey and Minnie are a couple but that validity fluidly changes depending on the situational need. Keep in mind that Amy’s first portrayal is as a version of Sonic’s girlfriend. Given that there was apparently a valentine’s plush bouquet of the two I think to some degree they’re meant to be as such. When it comes to the Adventure era to just before generations, the context of this relationship is greatly changed between languages. American Sonic often gave off the feeling of a laid back but heroic guy who puts up with a girl because he is too kind and she’s too pushy. And I think even just the voice direction plays into that perception because of how they sound a different maturity than the Japanese portrayal. In Japanese, Sonic is often more playful and less uncomfortable than he sounds in English. A great example is adventure 1’s park segment when Amy gets excited for free couple entry, in English Sonic is clearly annoyed and calling her a pain while in Japanese he’s caught off guard but going along with it. I’ve only just been digging into the Sonic X sub but the comparisons I see give off more the feeling that Amy is casually dating Sonic and regularly fighting with him to take her on dates (gonna point to Goku and chichi in this case). He cares about her enough to go to her place first at the end of the first season but reflexively avoids responsibility, she’s the scary girlfriend always mad at him. Specifically pointing back to episode 52’s ending, they use a song associated with specially the relationship between Amy and Sonic that also is explicitly romantic (and in terms of the song presumably reciprocated) when she asks him to tell her He loves her and the lip flaps of his unheard response *could* match up to “Aishiteruze Amy” (my conjugation isn’t that good and google isn’t helpful but to me vague knowledge a more casual masculine way to say I love you) and a white rose which symbolizes “chaste love”.

Ultimately I read their relationship being Amy trying to find compromise with Sonic’s free spirit. They’re by no means official and probably never will be because it’s not in Sonic’s priority (in his game portrayal). The most I think that would ever become of him being with someone would be almost completely out of the picture and light hearted at best.( But that is also due to him eternally being 15/16 as for now. ) Amy trying to get him to spend time with her and show some reciprocation is I think all Sonic X Amy is looking for. But going back to my thoughts on why Amy got so much backlash for the longest time is I don’t not think the first wave of Sonic fans in America understood that. The image of who Sonic is was completely treated different and even before Amy (who you could technically call the second character created in game universe) could appear stateside, the U.S. already created the answer that “Yes, Sonic is interested in romance and here is the type of girl he likes.” My feelings toward Sally always lie in, I did not hate Sally but I hated the way fans pointed to Sally as the reason to hate Amy. It doesn’t help that when Amy was introduced, she was defined by being young, bratty and blind to Sonic not loving her back. She was the little sister trying to steal your boyfriend and the age gap they share was even more so focused on. Even with just the English dub of Sonic media, it was leaning into the concept that boys should feel disgusted at the ideas of romance that isn’t as prominent in Japanese media. It paints the picture to the average 90s Sonic fan that “Amy will never be his type because he’s more interested in a cool mature girl like Sally.” Of course the same comic that particularly created that shipping divide collapsed leaving Amy once again to be the sole main girl that now had a fandom known for hating her. Already doing a whole reset with Colors on scaling back the grand stories and cast, by the next time we really saw her in generations she was just…….dainty. I remember being very effected by her Disney princess hand posing in Lost World. To be honest she hasn’t been that deeply tied into any mainline stories too much, at least not in her modern styling but to also be fair, I’m trying to enjoy Forces despite being late to the game (There was a decade gap of buying a major console) and while I have seen pretty much the full extent of her rep in Frontiers, I’m holding off on dream team currently(also want to play the murder of Sonic on my own time). From the way I look at it, this has lead mainly western media to define her character and often working off said issues that previously arose with her portrayal. As much as I love Sonic Boom, I see Amy’s straight forward pursuit to awkward denial of even feeling that way as nothing less than an absolute failure of her character. That mixed with making her the “The girl annoyed with the boys because she’s just so much more smarter and sophisticated than them” just switching her to a different girly stereotype that ultimately pacified her, then further extending into prime emphasizing how nature loving she is in a way that again really just feels like a Disney princess cliche. Ultimately she’s become “The nurturing homebody who is a little annoyed at the brutish guys she’s around and doesn’t want to address having feelings for her guy friend because that would just bother him.” Maybe it's just aging to that point but its come to a girl minimizing herself is more frustrating that a girl obsessed with a guy. I get why they chose to pivot her in that way but it often also feels directionless.

Actually looking back at all the media that sparked this, even Sonic X doesn't feel that bad as she was made out to be. Granted I'm only a 7th of the way in but she's not often making a huge deal about sonic as much as sonic is the heavy hitter especially with knuckles gone and he's not taking his duties seriously. But it's also interesting to try and see what's going on in the Japanese dubs of the games now that I also have a decent hold on the Japanese language. Sonic adventure 2 gives the impression of her being a part of the crew just constantly not caught up in what's going on. Naturally she'd be invested getting her beloved out of prison but he is so tied up in what's going on that he (and tails) don't stop to fill her in before she's also a wanted criminal. Notably as well, when the island is set to explode, where sonic says "I got to warn the others!" Others is addressed as "Amy-tachi". The word the Japanese use for we is "Watashitachi" which is the word for I with Tachi denoting people with them (watashi can also be replaced with of pronouns if you don't use watashi). It took my by surprise that between tails and Amy, sonic refers to any instead. Something about Japanese sonic makes Amy feel more a part of the group and part of me cries the many ways English sonic fans did not get it.

Edit: I have now played The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog and the writing team GETS Amy. I'm starting to wonder if Amy's Disney princessness is due to most of the media being kids shows right now and this was a steam game (mainly aimed at an older crowd). What's best is if plays well into the whole "Sonic is a bad boyfriend" concept I was talking about, he forgets her cake and is panicked. But Amy is also much more aligned with her old portrayal, she's excited and a little hot headed. Clearly she's had to organize a lot but also lavishes in it being her birthday. She doesn't over obsess on Sonic but she's definitely happy that he supposedly brought her cake and she gets to avenge his "murder". At the same time she's happy to be with all of her friends who clearly care enough to go along with this, even people you wouldn't expect like rouge and shadow. I know Blaze travelling dimensions is a joke but yeah it is crazy she did that for Amy who I think she only really knows though the Olympic games(I've only just started Rush). A murder mystery feels also such a good take for her, it's something extravagant but also a little occultish. Aligns really well with someone into tarot.

[leo-x-u-raptor-fan]

Kingdom Hearts :Weremouse

Prologue: the bite

The sound of crickets chirping around the forest during the night at the Kingdom of Corona it was a perfect time for a camp trip Sora, Riku, Lea ,Terra, Aqua Donald, Goofy and King Mickey were setting up the campfire just to tell scary campfire stories of course the moon was full as they can tell from the sight soon after making a fire they decided to tell scary campfire stories ever since Master Xehanort was defeated and Sora returned to the realm of light the problem was that Xigbar is still at large and Maleficent and Pete ( Kingdom Hearts version) are still planning on conquering the worlds they having been prepared for anything, Mickey had scan all over the forest for any heartless that appeared and ruin the camping trip he had a gut feeling that things would happen looking left he could see nocturnal animals roam the forest scanning on the right he could see Rapunzel's castle the mouse king looked at the castle in awe embracing it's beauty only to be snap out of his thoughts when he hear Goofy pulled out marshmallows out of his hat saying " anyone up for marshmallows we also bring some sticks " the group each got the marshmallows with sticks they roast them over the fire and ate them then telling stories around the campfire each taking turns telling than it was Lea's turn " alright I will tell you a story so scary it'll scare your pants off" said the redhead while he held a flashlight this joke amused the others except for Donald who give him the annoyed look commented " I don't have any pants" Lea continue to tell the scary campfire story " it all started when two people when on the walk in the woods the night was all calm when all of the sudden one of them got attacked by a beast and bitten the friend on the next the man felt the change and transform into a terror beast and ate his own friend the end" Sora, Riku, Terra, Aqua, Donald, Goofy and Mickey gasped in fear from the story then they heard the sound of rustling from the bushes the king stood up armed with his star cluster keyblade suddenly the large werewolf jumped out of the bush and tackle him across the forest making him yelp in surprise aidding the king to fight the werewolf Sora, Riku, Terra, Aqua, Lea summoned their keyblades while Donald summoned his magic staff and Goofy summoned his shield they rushed towards the large werewolf, the wolf was too powerful to them as it continues to pursuits the mouse king , Riku attempted to use dark firaga on the beast but it avoided the flames surprising the keyblade master only to be launched to the tree knocking its branches by it's superhuman strength and it easily fought off Sora, Terra, Aqua, Lea,Donald and Goofy before setting its yellow eyes on the mouse king slashed him in the chest and arm causing blood to spill the king may be fast but a werewolf is may faster it then snap it's jaws on his right hand causing him to yell out "ow"

The werewolf then bite his left arm the king struggles to escape the jaws of the large werewolf he summoned his star cluster keyblade despite his hand was bitten the tip of the keyblade started to glow blue raise it in the air yelling " let me go you overgrown wolf!" He struck the werewolf in the head so hard launched it to the trees knocking the few of them surprising Sora and the others as they watched as it emerged from the tree pile and run off to the unknown parts of the forest they heard heavy panting they found the sorce of the sound King Mickey constantly bleeding from his wounds and breathing from using the light attack ,Donald and Goofy ran to the wounded King yelling " your majesty!" The injured mouse almost collapsed as Sora caught him in his waiting arms examined the wounds " gosh that giant wolf bit you there" Riku then noticed a red patch on the bitten right hand realized it was blood the werewolf somehow had sinked it's fangs through the glove and penetrat the skin exclaimed in shock " oh my gosh you're bitten " Aqua began to pondering how would a werewolf could be strong to knock Riku and others except for King Mickey question to the wounded mouse " what was that ,no ordinary wolf could have a strength to knock us down" Mickey answers the master's question despite being exhausted " I don't think that's an ordinary wolf that's a werewolf " shocking Sora and the others upon hearing the king said werewolf they put out the campfire so it wouldn't spread and left to the mysterious tower many minutes later Mickey woke up in the room where Sora got his new clothes on his second journey before his original human form was destroyed by Maleficent the mouse slowly turns his head to see his wife Queen Minnie she felt concerned when she heard about her husband been bitten she had stayed by his side until he's awake

The concerned queen place her left hand on her husband's cheek asking " are you alright " the king answer " yes" he slowly rose up slipping the blanket off of him noticed his torso was covered in bandages and he looked at his right hand it was covered in bandages along with his arm his right glove must've taken off save for his Sliver wedding ring on his ring finger she explained to him " after Sora told me what happened I was shocked and worried about you so I clean up the wounds and Master Yen Sid put some bandages on you " the male mouse felt sorry for his wife when she was in shock and was worried at the same time apologized " I'm sorry Minnie I got you worried like that " the mouse queen place her right hand on his shoulder " it's all right Mickey come the others are waiting " He leans against her helping him walk towards the room where the wizard was at Sora,Riku, Lea, Terra, Aqua, Donald, Goofy, Ventus,and Kairi turn to the mouse couple the brunette was the first to ask " Mickey are you alright" Mickey answers "I'm alright Sora just a bit sore on my right hand " the former human sound relief that his friend was alright his concern for the mouse king when he got bitten by a werewolf but he was worried about the pain coming in the next night Yen Sid calmly said "Mickey I am relieved that you are alright " the king said " I am too Master Yen Sid I'm sorry that I got all of you feel worried about me when I got bitten by a werewolf " Kairi turn to the wounded mouse " it's not your fault Mickey we all feel worried about you " the king nodded at the second former human before feeling his legs shaking as they struggle to stay standing almost like wet noodle

[joezworld]

Silverliner Cults and Pet Cars

So this is what happens when @rise-comics and I are left mostly alone in a discord server.

Most of this is canon.

I like to think that the one speaking english is the metroliner cab car

[12:15 AM]and all the acelas speak french just to annoy the rest of the NEC

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:18 AM Buzz(in a Roz voice): I have not a goddamned clue what y’all are saying

📷@Jz1 and all the acelas speak french just to annoy the rest of the NEC 📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:19 AM Then they meet the one Charger who sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger

📷@Jz1 Every charger has a different accent, which really does not mesh well with the rest of Amtrak, most of whom were built in Pennsylvania or Indiana and therefore have the blandest accent possible 📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:21 AM It’s called variety

[12:22 AM]- The one Long Range Charger, currently drunk off their ass(edited) 📷Jz1 — Today at 12:23 AM It's called One train with four accents. They send a Genesis to pick up the new Chargers and he spends the entire ride home regretting ever making fun of the Acelas because at least they don't speak with an accent jesus christ this isn't in english

[12:23 AM]He gets to beech grove and is visibly twitching

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:24 AM When they’re at Chicago, the Genesis has started contemplating murder

[12:25 AM]Until one of the chargers offers up their stash of acid as a bribe

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:25 AM "No one would blame me" [Queens accent from the back] What? "Nothing!" [California Accent from the back] Sounded like something man.

📷@Rise Comics(she/her) Until one of the chargers offers up their stash of acid as a bribe 📷Jz1 — Today at 12:26 AM There's not enough acid to make this bearable

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:26 AM At some point, there probably has to be trolling involved, from the POV of the genesis

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:27 AM By the time they pass through Iowa the Genesis is spreading baseless lies about how Amfleet cars work

Jz1 — Today at 12:27 AM

The Chargers take him at his word and start setting up shrines

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:31 AM Oh god, Amfleet shrines

📷@Rise Comics(she/her) Oh god, Amfleet shrines 📷Jz1 — Today at 12:32 AM [Chargers] - We must leave offerings to THE SILVER FLEET

[12:32 AM][SEPTA Silverliner parked nearby] - The what now?

[12:33 AM]That acutally would be even funnier - they have no idea what an Amfleet looks like so they Cargo Cult the Silverliners

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:33 AM [The NJT F40s watching this happen] - dying of laughter, hard enough to derail without moving(edited)

Meanwhile the ACS-64 fleet is growing more and more CONCERN with each passing day

[12:34 AM]it is unclear whether they feel that the Chargers are nuts, or if they've missed a memo Jz1 — Today at 12:35 AM

They try to worship one of the Metroliners. It ends badly

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:35 AM

The Genesis that instigated it is either laughing, terrified, or both

Jz1 — Today at 12:36 AM That Motherfucker hopped on the first Empire Builder west and made this mess someone else's problem

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:36 AM Lol

NEW

[12:38 AM]Then an F59 just gets fed up enough to pull strings and get that guy back into Philly to beat his ass in the most Philly way possible. Jz1 — Today at 12:40 AM Poor sap arrives in Philly and the Entirety of Philly yard is like the locker shrine scene from MIB2 except they're all trying to worship some poor silverliner who is scared out of his mind(edited)

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:41 AM I can only imagine how scary it’d be to be in that situation(edited)

[12:42 AM]Or how funny it is for the SEPTA AEM-7 watching this happen(edited)

📷@Rise Comics(she/her) Or how funny it is for the SEPTA AEM-7 watching this happen(edited) 📷Jz1 — Today at 12:43 AM The entire AEM-7 fleet is laughing so hard they reverted to Swedish

[12:44 AM]The Acelas are laughing in French

[12:44 AM]The entire yard sounds like a fucked up version of Ellis Island

[12:44 AM]A single CSX engine rolls by on the bridge that goes over the yard, stops dead in his tracks, and runs the other way

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:45 AM Lmao

[12:45 AM]Woe be anyone who has to be in the yard at that moment

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:46 AM At that exact moment a Northeast regional shows up with a trainload of Amfleet coaches and a schism forms

[12:46 AM]An vainglorious RDC tries to get his own cult

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:46 AM Lol

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:47 AM No work is accomplished on this day

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:49 AM

Ah yes, the Amfleet Cult incident of 2016 is one acid trip of a comedy

Was Franz Kafka one of the staff?

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:50 AM He only wishes he was

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:51 AM Lol

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:51 AM From that point on, The Charger deliveries were done by BNSF

[12:51 AM]Surely this will cause no problems ever

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:52 AM It’s either four different accents or everyone sounds like a slightly different surfer

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:53 AM It's either very german, very california, very New York, Or very Florida (because brightline)

[12:54 AM]I also like to imagine that the brightline engines turn into Florida Engine the moment they crossed the state line

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:54 AM Yep lol

[12:54 AM]Complete with alligators

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:54 AM Fought a Gator (and won)

[12:54 AM]Fought a Gator (and lost)

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:55 AM Lol

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:55 AM Florida Engine does 'industrial quantity" of Methamphetamines, breaks land speed record Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:56 AM Florida Engine swims across port

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:56 AM Florida engine learns to swim, fights boat

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:57 AM Florida Engine accidentally kidnaps entire Panama City Police Department

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:57 AM Some guy in Lake Okeechobee says he doesn't like trains - the water bubbles and a Charger erupts from the water "I heard you were talking shit"

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:58 AM Lol

[12:58 AM]Florida Engine busted for selling fake golden bricks

📷Jz1 — Today at 12:58 AM Florida Engine arrested for selling stolen fake golden bricks

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 12:59 AM Florida Engine derails, orders Wendy’s in a nearby drive thru

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:00 AM Florida Engine steals his own wheels, puts himself up on blocks Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:02 AM

Florida Engines accidentally welded together in one consist.

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:02 AM Florida Engines try to recreate Baldwin Centipede, accidentally create a different kind of Centipede

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:04 AM Florida Engine gets drunk, tries to fly

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:04 AM Lmao

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:05 AM Florida Engine vows revenge on airplanes - claims "they've had it too good for too long"

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:05 AM Florida Engine arrested for attempted arson via spaghetti

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:06 AM Florida Engine arrested for screaming about "noodle incident" at 4AM

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:07 AM Florida Engine consumes too much NOs, recreates 2 Fast 2 Furious

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:07 AM Florida Engine jumps drawbridge - claims it was late for court

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:08 AM

Florida Engine breaks world record for fastest and longest sustained multi track drift

📷Joseph R (he/him) — Today at 1:09 AM and hits a signal

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:09 AM Florida Engine steals house - claims fourth amendment

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:10 AM Florida Engines steal shed to avoid rent(edited)

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:11 AM Florida Engine crashes off end of line - claims he was going to Orlando to "see that rat mickey"(edited)

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:12 AM Florida Engine bites gator - claims it tasted like chicken

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:13 AM Florida Engine invades NASA Cape Canaveral - swears vengeance against SpaceX and Elon Musk

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:16 AM

Florida Engines steal SpaceX rocket, dunks on Musk

Jz1 — Today at 1:16 AM Florida Engine Hacks Elon Musk's Twitter, Causes Dogecoin Pump and Dump

NEW

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:17 AM Florida Engines block port of Miami in world’s longest consist Jz1 — Today at 1:18 AM Florida Engines claim this act of sabotage was to support the container ship Ever Given "in her hour of need"

[1:19 AM]Florida Engines seemed unaware that Ever Given was freed two months ago Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:21 AM

Florida Engine spills fruit train, creates jam

Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:22 AM Florida car cosplays as train, wears cone as a hat

Jz1 — Today at 1:24 AM Florida Airplane lands on Train Tracks, offers Florida Engine "a fair fight"

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:25 AM Florida Engine and Florida Plane fight in world’s largest Wawa, Florida Boat wins

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:25 AM Hahahaha

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:26 AM A gator was shoved where the sun don’t shine

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:26 AM Florida Engine attacks John Deere Dealership, fights gators

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:28 AM Florida Engine throws pet gator at John Deere dealer(edited)

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:29 AM Florida Engine steals Car, claims he was 'adopting it'

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:31 AM Florida Engine sells stolen cars as ‘pet cars’ 📷1

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:32 AM Florida Engine and Florida Boat conspire to traffic in exotic "pet cars"

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:34 AM Florida Semi-Truck roped into exotic ’pet car’ scheme by Florida Engine and Florida Boat.

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:35 AM Florida Crane arrested in increasingly-large "pet car" bust

[1:35 AM]Florida Submarine also under suspicion

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:38 AM Autoracks stolen by Florida Train

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:38 AM Florida "pet car" bust increases - multiple Florida Engines suspected

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:39 AM Florida East Coast Railway Indicted In ‘Pet Car’ Scandal

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:40 AM Florida Plane denied bail in "pet car" arrests - deemed a flight risk Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:45 AM Florida Train acquitted on all charges relating to ‘pet car’ scandal, still fined for public exposure.

📷Jz1 — Today at 1:46 AM Florida Train thanks Florida Lawyer for proving innocence - Florida Boat and Florida Crane to go to trial next week

📷Rise Comics(she/her) — Today at 1:48 AM Florida Boat was actually Egyptian fishing trawler. Florida Boat still at large.

[lancermylove]

Halloween Costumes (HC)

Fandom: BSTS

Pairing: Team K x Reader,  Team W x Reader,  Team B x Reader

Warning: Suggestive.

Prompt: Reader to picks out a “couple costume” for Halloween.

A/N: Click on the names of the men to see the whole costumes! 

———————————————

Prologue

Starless was hosting an invitation exclusive Halloween party. When you read the invitation, you noticed a line in bold letter: Must wear a costume. 

You wanted to costume shop together with your boyfriend, but as usual, he was too busy. So, you decide to take the matter into your own hands. Without asking him, you pick out a costume for him (and you), but unbeknownst to him, you decide to go with a couple's costume.

——————————————— 

Team K 

Kei

You wanted to see Kei as a vampire again, but when you reached for the costume, you noticed the costume beside it.

‘A devil?’ You smirked. ‘A sexy devil.’

Kei raises his eyebrow when he sees his devil costume. 

“Devil? Is that how you see me?” He asks with a smirk. 

“N-No. I just thought it would look good on you.” 

Kei can’t help but smile when he sees your costume. He thinks it suits you well. 

“My dear angel, you couldn’t look any more heavenly.” 

Kei takes a hold of your hand and pulls you close to him, pressing his lips on yours. 

“K-Kei?”

“You made me a devil, so don’t expect me to be an angel.” Kei leans in close to your ear, “The devil will show you later tonight what he can do.” 

Sotetsu

Since last Halloween, you had dreamt of seeing Sotetsu as a vampire. 

When you show him the costume, he laughs, “Be prepared to see the world’s sexiest vampire.”

Sotetsu is in surprised to see you in your costume. 

“Such a beautiful vampiress,” he walks up to you and nuzzles your neck, “you smell nice.” 

He presses the tip of his fake fangs into your neck. 

“Let me drink your blood.” 

“Sotetsu!?”

He chuckles and presses his lips on your neck, “I am joking, babe...kinda.”

Ginsei

Ginsei has always been your prince charming, so you couldn’t think of a more befitting costume for him. 

“A p-prince?” He is shocked to see his outfit.

Ginsei looks like a prince straight out of a disney movie. Perfect.

“Princess, you look stunning.” He kisses the back of your hand, “But, princess, why choose this outfit?”

“Ginsei, you are my prince charming.” 

His cheeks turn red but he smiles widely, “I am honored to be your prince charming. I l-love you, my princess.” 

Gui

Gui is confused when you hand him his ninja costume. 

“Ninja?” He blinks.

“Gui, you would be a great ninja. A badass ninja that can do parkour.”

He still doesn’t understand but willingly wears his costume.  

“Wow, you look better than I imagined.”

“Are you happy seeing me wear this?” Gui asked, tilting his head a bit. 

“Yes!” 

“Then I am happy.” He gave an innocent, child-like smile. 

Yoshino

You couldn’t decide which costume to pick out until you saw a poster of Mickey and Minnie. ‘Perfect.’

Yoshino stares at the costume with wide eyes and mouth open, his face matching the color of your costume. 

“Uh, I...” 

“Yoshino, please! You will look great as Mickey.” You batted your eyes lashes and pouted. 

“A-alright.” 

Yoshino looked beyond adorable in his outfit. So cute that you were tempted to tease him. 

To his dismay, the cast members teased him non-stop at the party. 

“Don’t you look adorable.”, “The hell ya wearing?”, “Hey Mickey, your face matches Minnie’s dress.”, “Your height is perfect for the costume.” 

Yoshino went through a lot that night but he didn’t mind because your happiness mattered to him more than anything. 

Team W

Kokuyou

Kokuyou smirks after seeing his costume, “Big Bad Wolf?” 

“Suits you perfectly.”

“Is that so?” He chuckles and gets dressed. 

“Oh, Kokuyou what big arms you have.” You place your hands on your cheeks, acting surprised, “Oh, Kokuyou what big eyes you have.”  

Kokuyou chuckles and steps close to you, looking you straight in the eyes, “Hey, Red Riding Hood, this Big Bad Wolf is hungry.”

“What do you want to eat?” 

He steps closer to you with an alluring smile, “You.”

Akira

Akira is excited to see his pirate costume, “Reminds me of my Seaside costume.” 

He covers his mouth and shakes his head, “Forget I said anything.” 

“Wait, Team W will be pirates in Seaside?”

“You didn’t hear it from me.” He quickly runs to the changing room and gets ready. 

“Akira, you look hot.” 

“Don’t I always? But princess, you look-,” he scans you up and down, “-sexy.” 

“Hey captain, my eyes are up here.” You chuckle and lift his chin up with one finger. 

“It’s not my fault that you look smokin’.”  

Sin

Sin wasn’t expecting you to pick out a Batman costume for him, but he didn’t complain.

“Sin, please say “I am Batman” in a deep voice.” You giggle and clasp your hand together, waiting to hear your superhero sounding like the Gotham Knight.

He clears his throat and copies the cape crusader, “I am Batman.” 

“Hm...brooding man, mature, rarely smiles, serious...? Sin! They should cast you as the next Batman.” You laugh. 

While you’re laughing, Sin takes the liberty to study your outfit. 

Though he won’t say it out loud, Sin is glad that you chose this costume. How else would he get to see you in a tight spandex jumpsuit.

Taiga

Taiga wasn’t ecstatic to dress up and go to the party. He wanted to spend the night playing video games, but he couldn’t say no to you. 

“So what am I dress up as?” He asks in a dreary tone. 

“Here.” You hand him the costume and wait patiently for his reaction.

“This is? Master Chief?” Taiga’s eyes sparkle with excitement, “This is...perfect!”

He throws his arms around you, “Thank you! I will be right back.” 

You laugh and get ready. ‘He’s so cute.’

“How do I lo-” Taiga stares at you, wordless.

“What’s wrong?”

“You look a-amazing. I think I am in love with you all over again.” 

Takami

Most people in Starless think that Takami is shady, so you chose a costume to match that description.

“A gangster?” Takami chuckles, cooly.

“I think you will look really cool as a gangster!” 

Takami didn’t mind the costume, especially considering that his daily wear looks quite similar to the gangster outfit. Coincidence? I think not. 

When he sees your costume though, he is left breathless.

“My, don’t you look sensuous. I am almost tempted to not go to the party.” 

“Why? I worked so hard picking out these costumes.” 

Takami chuckles at your cluelessness, “You are adorable.”

Team B

Kongou

“We are a married couple?” Kongou blushes and rubs the back of his neck. 

“Yeah! The costume is called “Till Death Do Us Apart”, but I think the costume should be called, “Not Even Death Can Do Us Apart”.” You laugh.

“That’s clever. Excuse me.” 

Kongou smiles when he sees you in your costume, “You look beautiful, even as a ghost bride. I wonder what you would look like as a real bride.” 

You smile, “We will find out as soon as you propose to me.” 

Kongou’s jaw drops as he stares at you with wide eyes. 

You giggle at your boyfriend and walk out of the room. 

“Soon, love.” Kongou whispers and fishes out a small blue velvet box from his pocket.

Ran

“SO COOL!” Ran is beyond exhilarated to see his costume. 

“I knew you would like it! Let’s get ready and put on our makeup.” 

You finish your makeup and help Ran apply blood to his face. 

“More blood!” 

“Ran? Are you sure?” 

“Yes! I want it to be scary, so more blood.”

When the two of you arrive at the party, Ran plays a prank and suddenly appears on stage, scaring quite a few of the cast members.

Mizuki runs on stage and kicks Ran. Sinju, Yoshino, Mokuren, and Maica avoids the two of you. Qu compliments your makeup skills. 

Though it was fun for the night, Ran got punished the next day for scaring everyone. 

You felt bad, but it was worth it. 

Mizuki

Mizuki is a fan of the Joker, so he’s thrilled to see his costume. 

You help him with his tattoos before changing into your outfit. 

Your boyfriend is busy checking out his costume in the mirror, but when he sees your reflection, he nearly falls backwards. 

“So, how do I look?” 

“Hm..fine, I guess.” 

Mizuki’s cheeks are bright red, and he avoids looks at you. 

“Only fine?” 

“Nah, ya look great.” He grinned. 

Mizuki felt an unknown feeling seeing you in Harley Quinn’s outfit. He couldn’t describe the feeling, but for some reason his pants felt tighter. 

Heath

After seeing the costume, Heath isn’t sure what to say. 

He’s not scared of clown, but he also doesn’t want to dress like one. 

“Do you like clowns?”

“Not really, but since Team B likes unusual concepts, I thought IT would be a good choice. Why, you don’t like it?’

“No, no. I will wear it.” 

When Heath sees your outfit, he blushes, “Are you sure you want to wear that outfit?” 

“Hm? What’s wrong with it?” 

“Nothing.” Heath said, averting his eyes. 

When the two of you arrive at Starless, many of the cast members are stunned. 

Mizuki likes your costume so much that he disappears for a little while and comes back dressed in a jeans, yellow raincoat, and green rainboots.

“Heath?” You tap his shoulder and whisper, “Why did you ask if I’m okay wearing this outfit?”

“Oh...I didn’t want the men here to see you wearing such a short skirt.” 

Rico

Rico frowns when he sees his costume. 

“Why would you choose a costume that covers my handsome face?” 

“It’s your punishment for not helping me pick out our costume.” You handed him his outfit.

Rico begrudgingly gets ready, but he freezes when he sees you in your outfit. 

“Little bird, if the grim reaper looks like you, then I wouldn’t mind dying.” 

You chuckle, “Is that so?”

At the party, you got a lot of compliments, much to Rico’s dismay. 

He wasn’t fond of the cast members being around you but seeing them flock around you, made him angry.

How he wishes his costume had the power of the grim reaper. He would start by using that power on a certain leader. 

[loserholland]

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝

𝟎𝟎𝟑 ➺ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡

Pairing ➺ Teacher!Tom Holland x Single mom!Reader

Warning ➺  None, just fluff and a special something at the end (;

Word Count ➺  2,078

Summary ➺  What happens when your five year old tries to set you up with her kindergarten teacher?

A/N ➺ I’ve been quite good at updating, at least I think so? Also this first date, is my ideal type of date a trip to disneyland? oh yes! I’ll also be working on getting request done staring tomorrow!

✿ 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 ✿ - @loveyathreethousand​, @taronxfiction, @killerqueen-gunpowdergelatine, @spideyyypeter @lou-la-lou​ @babebenhardy​ @rivervixenbaby​ @acklesholland​ @zabdisamor​ @keepingupwiththehollands @sweet666pea @sspider-parker @jackiehollanderr @iloveyou3000morgan

❤ 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ❤ @luvborhap @asianravenpuff @agusdoti @meg-holland @silverreading @agirlwithpointlessideas

☞  Masterlist  ☜

“If I dunk you can you and my mommy go on date?

Audrey (Y/L/N), she’s too smart for her own being. The moment she dunked Tom, she was screaming and jumping around with such glee. It would be wrong of (Y/N) to say she thought her daughter would miss. I mean come on she did say and I quote “I never miss.” she did own up to her word.

Now (Y/N) had picked out several different outfits, laying them all out on the bed and was not satisfied with none of her choices. She had just seen Tom earlier today when she went to pick Audrey up from school, he had told her he’d pick her up at 5 and asked if she had an annual pass. 

To her judgement, when he asked if she had annual pass that meant they’d be going to Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. That also meant to dress casual and wear comfortable shoes. She had settled on distressed denim jeans, and a white shirt with a silhouette of the one and only Mickey Mouse. (Y/N) headed back into her closet to pick out her old skool vans and grabbed a pair of socks, she had about five minutes to spare. 

She had curled her hair and applied light makeup, then picked out a pair of Minnie ears. It was Disneyland, you had to wear a pair of Minnie ears! Audrey was already at her grandparent’s house for the night and (Y/N) would end up picking her up tomorrow. 

All Audrey said before she left was, “Have fun! I hope you have a magical kiss while watching the fireworks!” Audrey just seemed to surprise her more and more everyday. 

Just then the sound of the doorbell echoed through the foyer, (Y/N) threw in her purse and keys along with her wallet along with visine to keep her contacts moistens. Finally, a pack of gum because maybe on of Audrey’s other wishes may come true.

Tom held the bouquet of sunflowers and roses close to his chest rocking back and forth on his heels tugging at the neck of his red hoodie, looking down at his outfit one last time. He wore black shorts, a red hoodie and a pair of white vans with red and blue detailing. He felt beyond nervous, he was about to go on a date with a beautiful woman who was way out of his league. 

He heard light footsteps heading towards the door which quickly opened to reveal (Y/N), she looked as beautiful as always which left him lost for words. His breath hitched in his throat, from (Y/N) perspective she couldn’t tell if he had just saw a ghost or there was something on her face.

“I-Is something wrong?” Tom’s eyes widened as he quickly began to shake his head cursing at himself for not saying anything the moment she opened the door.

“No! No, nothing’s wrong. It’s just you look beautiful, and these are for you.” Tom handed the bouquet which (Y/N) gladly accepted smiling at the beautiful arrangements, Audrey must have told him.

“I’m guessing Audrey told you to get me flowers? Come in for now while I put them in a vase.” (Y/N) headed towards the kitchen as Tom followed closely behind shutting the front door.

“Uh, no actually I asked her what type of flowers do you like and she told me.” Tom began to look around the living room, looking over the pictures that filled the room being careful not to step on any toys that was scattered on the carpet. 

(Y/N) smiled, he had decided to get her flowers himself, Audrey didn’t put him up to it. She walked back into the living room to grab her purse as she noticed Tom looking at the family pictures, groaning to herself for not cleaning up Audrey’s scattered toys. 

“So sorry for the mess.” (Y/N) apologized which scared Tom lightly, he didn’t even hear her enter the room. He shrugged lightly not minding the scattered toys “It’s fine, now shall we go?” she nodded in agreement following Tom to the door. 

This is gonna be fun.

- 

Once they got through security and stood in the busy lines to actually get into the park they had decided to grab a bite to eat before going on any rides. The lights of Main street illuminated the not so long pathway to the castle, (Y/N) was one of the biggest Disney fan’s out there who loved to read about facts and learn about the history of Disney.

“Wanna know a disney fact?” (Y/N) questioned as she lightly bumped shoulder’s with Tom steering closer to him in attempt to avoid being pushed from the crowd walking in the opposite directions as them.

She pointed at a vent that was right below the window of one of Main street’s candy shops, “They call it the smellitizer, it’s like a big fan blowing out the scent of vanilla. Which is why Main street always smells so sweet.” 

They had arrived at the little red wagon, Tom had gone to order while (Y/N) went to find seats. She waved Tom down watching as he searched to see where she had gone to sit, he placed her corndog and drink in front of her “Thank you.” Tom hummed in response wasting no time to bite into his corndog. 

The many times she had seen Tom, he wore glasses yet today he wasn’t using them. Maybe he was using contacts instead. 

“You’re not wearing your glasses today, are you using contacts?” (Y/N) questioned before biting into the hotdog moaning, this had to be one of her favorite meals to get whenever she was in the park. 

“I actually don’t need glasses.. it’s more of a fashion statement.” Tom answered in a monotone voice as he continued to eat his corndog, (Y/N) gasped lightly at his response leaning forward to push at his shoulder lightly.

“Wish I could use glasses as a fashion statement, I actually need my glasses, well contacts. You Thomas I don’t know your middle name Holland, are lucky to only use glasses as a fashion statement.”

Tom smiled “It’s Stanley.” (Y/N) pinched her brows in confusion unsure on why he just said Stanley. 

“Thomas Stanley Holland, Stanley is my middle name.” 

(Y/N) took a long sip from her drink before responding, “Nice to meet you Thomas Stanley Holland, I’m (Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), and I think we should head over to space mountain.” 

- 

On their way to tomorrowland everyone seemed to be waiting for a parade, which mean traffic was insane. (Y/N) tried to keep up with Tom but she felt like she’d loose him so easily in the crowd, she reached forward to hold his hand.  The two didn’t say anything, their hearts were pounding like crazy though. (Y/N) hid her face behind his shoulder, hopefully he didn’t see her red tinted cheeks. 

This was the only downside to disneyland, the crowds. It was always so busy there was never a day when the park wasn’t busy. 

Once they got in line to space mountain Tom had made (Y/N) wait in front of him, he gave squeezed her hand gently causing (Y/N) to look up at him.

“Are you okay darling? Did anyone bump into you?” She felt her knees turn into jello, oh that nickname darling. That had a nice ring to it, especially the way it just rolled off his tongue so effortlessly! He was just so beautiful in general and, why is it only now she’s noticing he has freckles? COULD HE GET EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL?

“Darling?” Tom questioned again causing (Y/N) train of thought to calm to a fast halt.

“O-oh yeah, I’m okay no one bumped into me.”

“Just stay close to me, we’ll go on whatever ride you want to go on then watch the fireworks. Audrey said it’s the perfect way to end the night.”

-

Once they got off of space mountain (Y/N) ushered Tom to hurry so they could find their picture, she scanned the screen and finally found the photo. Most of the ride Tom was screaming, “WHY IS IT SO DARK? TURN THE LIGHTS ON!” while (Y/N) was smiling he was resting his head on her shoulder with his eyes squeezed shut.

(Y/N) took a few pictures before glancing at Tom who was clearly unimpressed with the photo, “Oh c’mon Tom! It’s funny!” he rolled his eyes playfully before taking her hand back into his.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s just get on the next ride.” 

“Astro-Blaster’s! Top score chooses the next ride.” 

“Deal.” 

-

Haunted Mansion. 

Though this ride was just a sit through ride no big deal yada yada, this ride scared the daylights out of (Y/N). For some odd reason Audrey loved this ride but (Y/N) could’t sit through it, it was scary. Of course Tom had to pick this ride.

Once they were loaded onto the doom buggy (Y/N) kept herself closer to Tom shutting her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder, not even five minutes into the ride Tom had scared her twice. 

“Tom!” she whispered-yelled whacking his shoulder lightly, “you’re an adult (Y/N), you shouldn’t be scared” she thought to herself keeping one eye closed and the other open. 

As they neared the end of the ride Tom leaned down and whispered “Boo.” causing (Y/N) to scream loudly “Tom you ass! I’m picking the next ride.” Tom chuckled loudly at her reaction watching as she crossed her arms over her chest and pouted like a child who didn’t get what they wanted. 

“I-I’m sorry darling, I promise no more scares.”

(Y/N) huffed lightly looking away from Tom as they began to approach the unloading area, “(Y/N), darling I’m sorry I promise no more scares.” he held up his pinky in which (Y/N) wrapped her’s around his “You may lead the way to the next ride, then we’ll watch the fireworks.”

-

Of course she chose their last ride to be a water ride, and of course she wore a white shirt that if soaked would become quite transparent. (Y/N) didn’t even notice her shirt was practically soaked, she was too busy laughing at throughout the end of the ride. Once they had exited the building Tom couldn’t help but notice her black laced bra. 

"(Y/N), yo-you’re shirt.” the moment she looked down to see her bra was quite exposed she wrapped her arms around her chest as she watched Tom remove his hoodie and handed it to her.

(Y/N) quickly slipped into the hoodie taking in the smell of mint, “T-thank you.” she mumbled as Tom nodded taking his hand back into her’s. She couldn’t help but notice how fit he was, how big and muscular his biceps were “stop it! stop it with these thoughts!” (Y/N) mentally scolded herself.

Once they got to the front of the castle the fireworks had begun, (Y/N) stood next to Tom looking up at the sky as many colors filled the sky. The echo from the fireworks were so loud and help mute the rest of the world, Tom stared in awe as he watched (Y/N) smile while the reflection of the fireworks danced behind her eyes.

He actually enjoyed their date today, and really hoped they’d have many many more. Hopefully, the next time they come to disneyland they could bring Audrey with them. He wouldn’t mind.

“I hope you have a magical kiss under the fireworks.” replayed over and over again in (Y/N), this was the moment. In this moment now they could kiss. She thought that she wouldn’t enjoy the date, that she’d be doing it because Audrey wanted her to.

 But this was the most fun she’s had in a while especially since it’s been almost seven years since she’s been on a date. 

“Do it.” Tom thought as he tried to figure out how he take this special moment to kiss (Y/N). He turned his body to face her, “(Y/N)” he whispered causing her to look up at him with a smile.

Now’s your chance take it.

Tom placed his hand on her cheek, brushing the pad of his thumb across her cheekbone before slowly leaning down and capturing her lips. How much more magical could this get? Kissing while not only fireworks sparked through their veins but as fireworks bursted in the background, that was truly magical.

Audrey’s wish came true, her mother had a magical kiss under the fireworks. 

[thekatfuzz]

Personal Rambling

Ever since high school, I’ve always wanted to work at Disney World. I would picture myself as a Jungle Cruise Skipper and imagine myself riding to work in the early mornings as I rode the bus to school past the apartments I pretended were on property.  Even before then, its been a huge part of my upbringing and life. But now that I’m older and actually have the opportunity to apply, I’m second guessing myself so much. I wanted to do it my freshmen year but something happened in the fall that made me want to avoid all things Disney for a while (that's another story in itself, for context basically my ex-roommate abandoned me in the Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Not So Scary after I was n the verge of panic attacks all day and got really sick with anxiety for the next week or so) and I applied and got into the DCP during the spring but I wasn't able to do that and take classes. Were those a sign that those things were not meant to be? I want to work there still in theory. As childish at it sounds, I want to be a part of the magic and the community that makes it. I just wanna be there, maybe it’s where I belong. I secretly want to know all the secrets and see the rare and unseen behind the scenes for myself. And I just want to make magic, see the light in peoples eyes the first time they go on a ride or something. But what if I cant? Will I get to choose where I work? And thats another thing, tooo. WDW has so much emotional impact on me, especially the Magic Kingdom. Thinking about being there with my family makes me miss the good old days when I was a kid and thinking about how I can never go back makes me really upset. And so sometimes being there is a trigger for me especially if I see some cute, innocent thing or whatever. I cant really explain it. But it just makes me so sad and triggered. So what if I’m stationed to work somewhere that is triggering for me, i.e The Haunted Mansion (which I wrote another essay explaining why I don't like it and why I can't go near it) Hell, if I have to see something triggering every day at work...and will the supervisors even understand? Can I even say “Hey, I cant work At the HM because it scares me and it makes me feel really anxious?” And having to work long hours there and to see it every day. After I left that night of MNSSHP, I needed a break for a while. I was thinking to myself on the ferry ride back to the transportation and ticket center “i need a break from this. I can't think about anything Disney related for a while.”

And that's another thing, too. I’ve devoted my life to Disney. But for what? Will working at the parks really be beneficial for me and help me get a job in the animation industry? I feel like I live and breathe it even without working there. Is that my answer, then? It doesn't feel like enough sometimes though. Sometimes I catch myself on that. Why, I ask? I mean it makes me happy and is an escape for me. I feel like that should be enough of an answer but judgement says otherwise. Disney owns like everything in the world now so its hard to avoid it even if you want to, and yes, I am aware that they are a corporate monster who only cares about money and yes, I hate that.

That's the other thing too. By having a “dream job” and wanting to work here for low pay, is that me just simply giving into capitalism? Do I really want to work for a billionaire company that could care less about their employees, and just pays them and gives them things because they have to??  I mean. I have to work anyway. That's justs society. So why not work somewhere I actually think I’ll enjoy? Which I hope I do. What if I don't? What if it crushes me and my dreams and I see it differently as I always had? If I work there and it just takes a part of me away. I don't know exactly what that part is but I’m not ready to give it up just yet. Or ever. Yeah I can always quit but after being there and getting a taste of it--i might never be able to see it the same way.

And another thing. I dont want to face Karens. Yes I know I have to face them with any job. But I feel like it;s different here. Oh, also crying babies and children trigger me too. And WDW has a LOT of that. 

TL;DR: I’ve always wanted to work at WDW but do I actually.

[lynxgriffin]

I like that old time rock and roll

AS I PROMISED, IT’S TIME FOR RUNNING COMMENTARY WHILE I PLAY THROUGH KH3

It’s under the cut for anyone who wants to avoid spoilers!!

BUT YES OH MY GOODNESS, IT’S HERE NOW

OKAY EVERYONE

AFTER 13 YEARS OF WAITING

THE TIME IS HERE

THE TIME IS NOW

LET’S

B E G I N

Really, autosave? Okay then!

IMMEDIATE CUTSCENE

The whole series as chess match between Xehanort and Eraqus, this is so Homestuck

THIS VERSION OF DEARLY BELOVED. GUHH. MY HEART

UGH SOMETHING IS SQUEEZING MY CHEST

What are these little loading screen dooblydoos?

WOAH what is this town, I want to live here

Young Eraqus babe!!

Xehanort blames the Furry Squad

THE OPENING

WELL NOW I’M JUST THOROUGHLY FULL OF FEELINGS FOREVER

Also where do I learn to storyboard something like that

Well ain’t this just familiar!

Sora, THIS WAS YOOOUR LIFE!

I desire TRINITY FRIENDSHIPS

And hmmm I usually like to just attack a bunch, so we’ll go path of the warrior

He’s on the salt flats all of a sudden!

Ahh good ol Darkside, can’t go along without you, can we

OMG HJO sounds so older

Okay this scene was earlier in 2.8

TIME TO START FROM LEVEL 1 AGAIN

Also this version of this song is so pretty nnngh

THE GOOD BOYS

And there’s that line again!

2.9 YOU DONE PLAYED ME FOR A SUCKER

Hades it never works to use the FF sadboys

HERCULEAN EXPOSITION

Sora’s heart has bad aim as usual

NNGH I JUST LOVE THESE THREE

He can just run up walls now, it’s fine!

Aw man I was kinda hoping for field chatter, do we not have any of that?

Dat title crawl!!

I love Sora just casually sassing the god of the dead

We’re blasting off agaaaaain

HI AGAIN MALEFICENT AND PETE

I love how everyone is just like “oh great it’s you again”

Oh Maleficent you’re too smart to fall for that

YES CORRECT NAME ORDER

Hey I remember these guys from when Aqua fought them!

OH GOSH you can set the poor boy on fire!!

Aw yay no longer Junior Heroes!

I MUST GO FAST AND RUNNING TOO SLOW

Aw we didn’t get to do the actual saving people part

“He’s inconsequential” Oh that’s gonna come back and bite you, Maleficent

Aww I found some food ingredients! Probably for Remy later!

Man could really go for some blizzard spells about now

Lady how did you even get up there??

Here have you been standing there Atlas-ing the whole time??

Ahaa so that’s how we do forms around here!

OH HIIIIII XIGBAR

Is his hair getting more silver or am I imagining it

Good question there, Sora

Xigbar: Well, I’m here to be cryptic! And I’m done now! BYYYYEEE

Oh no them big sad eyes

Oh woah that’s a big fella

That we took out mostly via pirate ship, YEEEUH

I FOUND A HIDDEN MICKEY but I have no cell phone yet!

THE SPIKY FRIENDS ARE BACK

Okay that was a pretty heckin cool finisher

You know I was kinda worried about the textures in this earlier, but I gotta say in motion everything looks real great

Oh man they know how to make these battles satisfying

I BLEW UP A ROCK TITAN WITH A SPARKLY TRAIN

Oh hey check it out guys, we’ve arrived at heaven

Oh dang they did a nice job with the area here

THESE HEARTLESS SO COOL BUT ALSO TERRIFYING

HECK YES GOT SHOTLOCKS

WE got all the good candy now!!

Holy crap air stepping is uh! Nutty!

Oh hey there, all the remaining Titans

Wow okay first death because I had no clue what to do in that situation

Uuuugh okay I got FARTHER that time and I even got Antiform! But I’m still a bit confused as to how to get past this part, esp with no way to heal

THERE we go, got it on the third try!

And finished it off with a shotlock, niceeee

SASSED AT BY THE TRES CORNY BOYS

Sora: I’ll find my strength through the old-fashioned way: LEVELING UP

Holy cow the extra Keyblade stuff looks like it’ll actually be extra tricky in terms of technique

Dig faster, Pete! IT’S UNDER A BIG DOUBLEYOU

LMAO they just find Pandora’s Box and are like NEVER MIND THAT’S NOT THE SCARY BOX WE NEED

M E A N W H I L E

The good darkness boys!!

HE’S DONE SO MUCH GROWING

Back at this good ol’ darkness beach

He’s gonna sniff her out like a bloodhound!

PLAYING AS RIKU RIGHT THE HECK NOW

Oh he is a lot tougher, and good thing because it’s another demon wave

Well that was weird

WHAT it seriously got broken by a demon wave??

GOOD QUESTION RIKU

THE OTHER M E

Dang I love these title crawls and new remixes

Let’s Just Tease Sora Relentlessly: The Game

Ohhh man Aqua’s theme

YES LET’S FINALLY SEE KAIRI AND LEA HERE

*bangs fist on table* GIVE. LEA. NEW. CLOTHES

And yay Sora gets his new clothes!

HI THERE JIMINY

Awww it’s got the Dream Eater symbol on it!

New plaid outfit!!

Ohh I’m excited to see where we actually go next

HIS CELL PHONE RING IS HIS THEME

Sora: WHAT IS CELL PHONE???

HI IENZO

Ienzo: Come on Aeleus, just get over your horrific betrayal and murders like I did!!

Ienzo: We’ve discovered a Heart Hotel in you Sora; turns out it’s been there for awhile

Chip and Dale: Please help Sora he’s terrible with technology

OH NOW THERE’S THE TITLE HAHAHA FUUUUCK YOOOU

Holy cow the gummi ship seems way harder to control now is it just me??

Okay whelp, makes sense Twilight Town is next!

“Hurting is part of caring” THAT MUST BE WHY I’M HURTIN RIGHT NOW

HOLY HOLY SHIT THAT HAS SO MUCH HP—oh we don’t have to fight the whole thing THANK GOODNESS

ALSO CURE THANK GOODNESS

“This is underprecedented!”

HAYNER YOU GIANT DOOF

Everyone here to find the Roxases!

Oh nooo photo cuties

WE FOUND THE HIDDEN MICKEYS

OKAY I actually really need food in order to live so I need to take a quick lunch break but

THIS WILL CONTINUE ON ALMOST IMMEDIATELY

AAAAAA

[multimxsings]

The Price for Great Powers

Inspired by @chachacharlieco, who makes by far the best and most precious kh fanarts I ever saw. More specifically this and this.

But now that I really know who draw all these precious arts, I don’t think my fanfic is worthy enough anymore. But I guess here it is. Rip it apart all you want, ‘cause I know it’s not as good as their arts or other fanfics who might use Soranort. Even though I technically didn’t use Soranort.

It even has a lame end, hehe...

Also on Ao3 and ff.net

The Price for Great Powers

Sora’s been acting...strange lately. Kairi had no idea what it was, but something about Sora was different. He’s getting into fights with everyone, especially all the guys in school. It felt like she wasn’t ‘allowed’ to talk with other guys. He even attacked Riku verbally.

The only time she heard him talk with a gentle voice when he talked with her. To her, he was still the caring and slightly overprotective guy she loved, always telling her he’ll keep her save even though the big battle with Xehanort was long over.

“Kairi.” Said redhead turned to her best friend calling her. “Riku?” The older boy put a hand on her back and guided her somewhere. “We need to talk.”

“About Sora?” He just nodded as an answer and Kairi let him bring to a place where they could talk in private. “So, you noticed, too.” It wasn’t a question. “Of course. I know Sora's protective of me, but this is too much now...”

“That’s not him being protective anymore, Kairi. That’s possessiveness.” That’s not really the word she’d use, but it hit closer to the truth. “When did all this start?” Kairi thought for a while, trying to remember when she noticed the first change in him. “I guess...A few days after we returned.” Riku hummed and leaned against the wall.

“It could be a side effect of him using the power of waking to track down your heart.” He mumbled thoughtfully and unknowingly made her feel bad. “You mean it’s my fault he’s like this now?”

“No! No, god no, of course not.” He said quickly, trying to make her feel better. “Sora wanted to do it and he knew he’s abusing his powers. Mickey said he might not come back...” Kairi tried to make sense of his words. “What do you mean?”

“Hey!” Before Riku could explain it to her a familiar voice was calling them. And he sounded very angry. The two friends turned to the source of the voice and saw Sora glaring at them. “What are you doing here?!” He yelled, coming closer to them. “Sora, we just—“ Kairi tried to explain, but he just pushed her away gently and glared at Riku. “I asked you something!”

Riku frowned, but still talked as normal as ever. “We talked.” Soras glare darkened. She’s never seen him like this before...It was kinda scary. ”Oh, is that so?” He took a step closer and grabbed Riku’s collar. “And why did you drag her out here to ‘talk’?” Kairi couldn’t take it anymore, she had to defuse this situation.

She quickly barged in between the boys, looking at Sora’s furious face still glaring at Riku. “Sora!” She immediately got his attention and his face softened again. “Don’t be like this. Riku just wanted to talk with me.” The younger boy went silent at that, but eventually stepped back after glaring at Riku a last time.

Just as she thought everything’s fine, Riku began to talk. “Do you realize what you’re doing?” He earned himself another glare from Sora. “You’re trying to control Kairi. You keep her away from everyone. I’m her best friend in case you forgot.”

Before Sora could snap at him, Kairi grabbed his arm and pulled him away from Riku. “Come on, Sora! The next lesson starts soon!” Sora let her pull him along, but she saw him glaring at Riku one last time.

“Why are you so angry? It’s not like Riku and I are dating or something.” Sora looked at her apologetical, his expression softened again. “I know. Sorry.”

“Tell that to Riku.” He went silent at this, all the way till they’re in class. Sometime during class, Riku began to text her.

[Riku]: You see what I mean?

[Kairi]: Yeah. So what do you think is wrong with him?

[Riku]: My theories are that this is not Sora at all

[Riku]: or he came back as something else...

[Riku]: Don’t you feel it? The darkness?

[Kairi]: I do, but...I hoped I’m wrong.

[Riku]: Not just you

“Hey, who are you texting with?” Kairi jumped, when she heard Soras hushed voice against her ear. Of course he’d eventually notice her texting with someone. “Oh, uh Riku.” His expression became slightly darker and it made her shudder. “I see.”

Kairi knew he wanted to say more, but he decided not to. And she had more to tell him, too, but they had to wait till school’s over. Which was soon, but it felt like years.

When the last lesson was over, Kairi could tell that he wanted to leave as soon as possible. Since he didn’t tell her anything she took her time as always, but as soon as they’re both ready to go he grabbed her hand and lead her out of the school. “Wait.” Sora didn’t listen to her though and kept walking. “Wait, Sora!”

The redhead stopped and so did he. He looked at her, asking her silently why she stopped. “We should wait for Riku.” She could see that he didn’t like the idea, no matter how much he tried to hide this fact. “To be honest, I...wanted to do something with you. Alone.”

Kairi tilted her head to the side. She wasn’t quite sure if that’s a lie or if he really planned a day just for them. After all they really didn’t have much alone time since they returned. “Okay. Let’s go then.” Sora grinned brightly and it made Kairi think she just imagined the darkness in him.

When he’s with her he’s the same as always. Maybe he reacted the way he did because he’s afraid he’ll lose her again? Or he’s jealous? Even though Kairi never expected him to be the jealous type. But they both did change over the years, it could be a possibility.

Sora brought her to the beach and suggested to go to the play island. Of course she agreed, but she did feel bad that Sora brought them there in one boat and refusing to accept any help from her. “You’re a princess, you don’t have to work.” The redhead blushed at his words. “Don't say that, I'm still the same.” Then she took her phone to tell Riku why they didn't wait for him.

[Kairi]: Sorry we didn't wait. Sora and I are going to the play island

[Riku]: Take care

Kairi wasn't really sure what he meant with this. After all Sora was always very sweet to her and wouldn't ever hurt her. “What are you doing?” Asked Sora and Kairi quickly made up a lie to not make him angry again. “I, uh, I'm just telling my mom we're here.” Sora accepted her answer and before she knew it they already arrived at the little island.

Kairi was watching Sora the whole time they're on the play island. But he was the same for the rest of the day. It's like as if the argument with Riku a few hours ago never happened. Even the weird darkness on him was gone. Or at least shrunk down to the 'normal' size every person had.

“Let's train!” Suggested Kairi at some point, while Sora looked at her shocked. “Huh?” The redhead summoned her keyblade and took a few steps away from him. “Come on! You need to stay in shape. Or I'll become a keyblade master before you.” She wanted to tease him, egg him on to get off his lazy ass and fight with her, but he just smiled. “I wouldn't mind. For me you already are a master.”

“But not a real one!” Kairi pouted. “Come on. Whoever's got hit first wins. Okay?” He kept staring at her and Kairi couldn't help but blush at the loving gaze he gave her. “Okay.” He eventually gave in and summoned his own keyblade. Smiling triumphantly, she got ready for the upcoming battle. “After you, princess.”

It's weird that he kept calling her 'princess', but he surely just wanted to tease her back with this. “Don't hold back.” She said, before running to him and attacked him head-on. As expected he blocked the attack with his keyblade, but it was just a ruse to attack from another side.

Which he parried as well. Actually it didn't matter how she attacked, it's like he knew exactly what she planned and either dodged or blocked her attacks. In the end she was exhausted and he looked like he could do this for hours. “You’re not taking this seriously.” Kairi huffed, trying to catch her breath. “What do you mean?”

“All you do is avoiding my attacks. You haven’t attacked me once.” The spikey haired boy tilted his head to the side. “You want me to attack you?” Kairi nodded and barely blocked his fast attack. And man, he’s strong. She almost fell on her knees when their keyblades clashed. Using all her remaining strength, she pushed him back.

“Good.” His compliment didn’t really help her, though. “Look out.” Kairi looked up at his words and saw his keyblade rushing towards her. She dodged his attack, but he didn’t give her time to compose herself as he kept attacking her. He was fast, too, but maybe it’s because Kairi was doing all the work till now and was exhausted...

Once she had a second, she used a healing spell on herself and felt her strength returning. And now it was slightly easier fighting Sora. But what irritated her the most was that Sora kept warning her when he attacked. Something Axel never did during training.

Yeah, she knew Sora didn’t want to hurt her and went easy on her because she wasn’t as good as him yet, but how was she supposed to learn if he fought like this? It kinda made her wish to train with Axel again, since he actually took things seriously and they actually landed a few hits on one another.

After dodging another attack, Kairi wanted to start a counter attack but was faced with the tip of Soras keyblade. She froze, wondering what he’s gonna do, but then it just touched her cheek gently. “I won.” He announced and grinned at her. Huffing again, she admitted her defeat and sat down on the sand.

Sora sat down next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?” Kairi nodded and sighed. “Yeah, fine.” The boy frowned and looked at her concerned. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, Sora.” She answered, giving him a smile. He was quick to return it and as they both stared at the sea, Sora did something quite unexpected. He leaned his head on her shoulder. And it was quite a bold move for him, since he wasn’t exactly the type to initiate these things. But it did make her happy. But his next words caught her off-guard again. “You smell good.”

“Eeeh? Don’t be ridiculous, I reek of sweat!” Kairi leaned away from him, but he was quick to wrap an arm around her waist and pull her back to him. Sora rubbed his face against her shoulder like a cat. Now he’s weird again...Before she could ask him what’s wrong she suddenly found herself lying on her back with Sora hovering on top of her.

Kairi blushed a deep red that could match her hair, as she stared up at him. “You’re beautiful, Kairi.” All she could do was staring up at him. They knew each other’s feelings. They’ve both seen the drawings in the secret place and they did share a real paopu, but they haven’t really talked about it yet. If it was because they didn’t get the courage to do so yet or if they understood each other without words, she wasn’t sure.

So hearing him actually say anything was...great. And warmed her heart. “So—“ The boy quickly silenced her with his lips against hers. Her body froze at the sudden contact, having not expected this at all, but she eventually melted into the kiss. Maybe it wasn’t perfect, as many first kisses were, but it was for her. She’s dreamed of this for so long...

But something wasn’t right...She just didn’t know what it was. And with him kissing her, she wasn’t really able to think straight. Not even when his lips left hers. Not wanting this to stop yet, she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him back down without thinking. Sora obeyed and kept kissing her.

Kairi only let him go when they’re both very breathless. They stared into each other’s eyes as Sora leaned his forehead against hers and said the words she always wanted to hear from him. “I love you.” Kairis heart swelled with joy and she could feel herself tearing up. Before she knew it a tear escaped her eyes, but Sora was quick to wipe it away. And the next tear was just kissed away.

“You okay?” Kairi was unable to talk and just nodded. Then he scattered little kisses all over her face. She’s never felt so loved before and it was amazing. Giggling, the redhead wrapped her arms around Soras neck and pulled him down to hug him.

“I love you, too, Sora.” She whispered in his ear and felt him hugging her back tighter. They stayed like that for a while. Actually Kairi lost track of time by now, but she didn’t care. For all she cared they could stay like this for hours. Just lying on the sand and cuddling.

But they had to go back eventually and the sunset reminded her of this fact. “Let’s go back.” Said Kairi eventually, having stalled this moment as long as possible. But Sora just shook his head against her shoulder. “Don’t wanna.” They couldn’t stay there the whole night though and so Kairi reluctantly sat up. “We need to go.”

Before she could get up, though, Sora grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back down roughly. Kairi looked at him in shock and could swear that something flickered in Soras eyes for a second. He glared at her, but as fast as this came from it vanished and he looked at her apologetical. “S-sorry.”

The brunette let her go then. They both got up and went silently back to Soras boat. Kairi had no idea what she should say, this roughness towards her still shocked her. He’s never been like this before. There was really something wrong with him.

Once their back on the main island Sora brought her home. They still didn’t talk to each other, the atmosphere around then was extremely tense. Then they eventually arrived at her home and just as she wanted to say good-bye to Sora, he beat her to it. “Sorry about before. I-Idon’t know what came over me.” Kairi studied his face and saw that he was genuinely sorry about this. “It’s okay. See you tomorrow then.”

Kairi smiled at him, but he didn’t return it this time. “It’s not okay. I could’ve hurt you. Maybe I did. You can’t just forgive me like that. I understand if you’re angry and wanna scream at me, really. I deserve it.” To ease his mind at least a little bit, she pulled him into a hug. “I’m not mad. You said you’re sorry and I believe you. Stop thinking about it. See you tomorrow, okay?”

Sora nodded and hugged her for a while longer, before letting her go. They parted ways and once Sora was out of sight, she texted Riku.

[Kairi]: Something weird happened

And it didn’t take long for Riku to reply.

[Riku]: Tell me everything

It stayed weird for days. Sora kept attacking every guy she’s talking to, even Riku, and tried everything to keep her for himself. He was still sorry about what happened on the play island, she could feel it and even though no accidents like this happened anymore, he was still aggressive towards everyone else.

Maybe Riku was right. Maybe he did come back as ‘something else’. With every fight Sora got himself into with others she felt the darkness inside him growing. But when they’re alone it’s like none of this ever happened.

The whole team of keyblade wielders still kept in touch with each other and since Kairi and Axel became real good friends during their training she asked him to come over and help them. Roxas joined him of course, since he’s a part of Sora. Actually Xion and Isa wanted to come, too, but they sadly couldn’t find the time.

So when the ‘destiny trio’ went to the play island to meet their friends, Soras mood dropped constantly. And when Kairi went to hug Axel he snapped. “Okay, that’s enough!” The brunette yelled and pulled Kairi away from him. Before she could ask what’s wrong with him, he pulled her into a tight hug, as if he wanted to protect her from everyone.

“Okay, this is weird.” Commented Axel, while the blonde nodded in agreement. “Told ya.” Sora glared at Axel, Roxas and Riku, holding her even tighter against him. “What are you talking about?!” The guys just stared at him as if he’s grown a second head. “Maybe you’re right, Riku...”

Kairis eyes widened at the blondes words. If Roxas and Axel could see the difference in such a short time...Was the darkness really spreading in Soras heart? After having glared some big holes into their friends Sora turned away, practically dragging her with him. “Come on, Kairi, let’s get out of here.” But he stopped at Axels next words. “How about you let her decide what she wants to do.”

“How about you shut your mouth?” Quickly, Kairi ducked under his arm and stepped away from him, standing between him and their friends. “Stop that! Why are you always so angry? They’re our friends.” Sora frowned as he looked at the guys behind her. “I don’t know.” Seeing that he began to calm down again, Kairi went back to him.

“Maybe you need some rest.” Sora just nodded and as Kairi led him back to the boats, she looked over her shoulder to the guys. They nodded at her, telling her silently that they’ll try to figure out what’s wrong with him after having seen him.

They thought something like this might happen and they all agreed that if he happened to snap at them that Kairi will bring him away and calm him down. The couple went to Soras place and he was definitely calmer by now.

“What’s wrong with you?” They sat on his bed and Sora’s leaned his head on her shoulder. “Don’t know.” He mumbled and cuddled closer to her. At some point he fell asleep and Kairi used the time to write with the guys.

[Riku]: How’s he?

[Axel]: Back to normal?

[Kairi]: Yep. As if nothing happened. Any ideas?

[Roxas]: Something’s definitely wrong with him and you seem to be the major key

[Axel] Maybe Kai’s light’s preventing from the darkness to spread?

[Riku]: Could be

[Kairi]: But this can’t keep going on like this. Is there anything we can do to help him?

[Riku]: If there’s anyone who can help it’s you. You are the princess of heart

Kairi sighed and put her phone away. Then she absentmindedly run her fingers through Soras spikey hair that lay on her lap. “You can have my light, Sora. Just don’t let the darkness consume you.”

Days passed, but Kairi still didn’t know how to help Sora. His behavior became worse, especially when Kairi wanted to hang out with Riku and Axel. Roxas had to go back to Twilight Town, but they kept him updated.

“You’re not leaving!” Yelled Sora at her and it was the first time he ever did. He was extremely clingy at this point and to be honest, it’s slowly getting on her nerves. “I’m just gonna train with Axel.” They wanted to meet at the play island, but Sora wouldn’t let her get in her little boat.

“I-I’ll train with you! Okay? Come on!” To prove his point, he summoned his keyblade but she wouldn’t just play along today. “No.” Just as she wanted to go, he held her chin and moved her head to look at him. “Don’t go, princess.” What’s up with the ‘princess’ thing though?

“Don’t call me that.” She sighed. “But you are a princess. You’re my princess.” Sora mumbled, face coming closer to hers. “Sora...” Not letting her protest, he silenced her with a kiss. Yep, the darkness clearly made him bold. But also aggressive...She’d rather have her awkward, too-nervous-to-act Sora back.

He knew exactly what to do to make her stop thinking, though and she was almost about to ditch Axel, till said man approached them. “Kairi.” Sora pulled away and glared at Axel for interrupting them. The redhead in question looked quite neutral, despite seeing them kiss like that. “You coming?”

“Ye—“

“She has other plans.” Interrupted Sora, still holding her close to him. “I can’t remember asking you.” Soras glare darkened at that. He looked kinda creepy. “I guess we need to train another time.” The girl frowned, thinking he let Sora have his way, but he looked way too serious. He must’ve planned something. Or just...acting on instinct like he always did.

“The darkness is spreading too fast. Go get Riku.” She couldn’t move, though, as Sora tightened her grip on her. “Are you really believing him, Kairi?” Asked Sora, having noticed that she wanted to leave. “Do you really believe your kidnapper?” That was ages ago and Sora knew they’re friends now! “He’s lying!”

Kairi could clearly hear the slight difference in his voice and also feel the darkness in him becoming bigger and bigger. It was obviously feeding on his —she didn’t dare to say it— jealousy and his normal, not possessive, way of protectiveness over her and turned it into something horrible. This really wasn’t her Sora anymore...

And so she pushed him away, using the moment she caught him off-guard to run to Axel. He stepped in front of her to prevent Sora from grabbing her. “Go, Kairi. I’ll hold him off.” Nodding, she ran off to Rikus place. Yeah, she could’ve just called him, but she couldn’t think straight. Also she needed to get away from Sora for now.

“Give her back, Axel!” She heard Sora yell, before two keyblades clashed together. Trying to ignore the sounds behind her, she ran as fast as she could.

“Riku!” She called desperately, banging on the door the second she arrived. “Riku!” Kairi almost punched him when he opened the door, but he caught her fist. “What’s wrong?”

“Sora! The-the darkness! Axel...!” The silver haired boy nodded, apparently understanding her gibberish. “Are you saying they’re fighting?” The redhead nodded and then they’re both running back to the beach. “It happened faster than I expected.”

“You knew this would happen?” Riku nodded. “Eventually, yes. But I hoped we have more time to figure out what to do before the darkness grew too strong...” Kairi felt tears forming in her eyes. It was all her fault. Was her light not enough? If only she realized this sooner...If only she could fight better...She should’ve tried to defend herself better against Xemnas and Xehanort...

A gentle pat on her shoulder brought her back to reality. Looking up, she saw Rikus worried but determined face, silently telling her that it’s not her fault and that they’ll save Sora. It was hard to believe him, though. At least the first part. Kairi nodded back and wiped the tears away. They will save Sora. They had to.

Back at the beach they saw the two fighting, but that wasn’t even the worst part. There was now darkness surrounding Sora. The tears came back, but now wasn’t the time for that. They had to save him. “That’s...worse than I thought.” Mumbled Riku and Kairi just agreed with a nod. “We should take this fight away from innocent people.”

Kairi was surprised when her best friend suddenly kneeled down, his back facing her. “Hop on. I’ll get us to the play island.” Doing as she’s told, she climbed on Rikus back and held onto him tightly, as he got up again and ran to the shore. “Hold him off till we’re there!” He called to Axel, who’s still fighting Sora. “What do you think I’m doing this whole time?!”

Now Sora saw them. “Kairi!” The redhead glanced back at him, noticing that his hair became...paler? His eyes weren’t the same blue either. But she couldn’t look at him better, because Riku suddenly leaped into the air. Kairi squealed and held onto Riku tighter. He must’ve used aero magic to do this.

When they landed again moments later and Kairi slowly slid off his back, she felt dizzy. That was surely a weird experience, but something she wanted to learn. They didn’t have the time to make a plan, though, because Sora showed up moments later. Now that he’s closer than before, she could see his hair slowly turning silver-ish and his eyes were yellow. “Release her! Right now!”

That was indeed a terrible sight...”Stay back, Kairi.” Said Riku, as he stepped in front of her to shield from anything Sora might throw at them. But Kairi wasn’t really satisfied with his decision. She was a keyblade wielder too! But there wasn’t really much she could do...She lost to Sora and he held himself back, how would things be if he’s serious?

But would he even attack her? She couldn’t tell Riku her idea, though, since Sora began to attack him. Riku blocked his attack and threw him right back, before launching a counterattack. It was really horrible seeing them fight like this. They were both serious, she could tell and she was afraid they’ll hurt each other.

She gritted her teeth as she watched them fight, before finally snapping. “Stop it, you two!” But Kairi instantly regretted it. She did get Rikus attention, but Sora used this moment to attack. Seconds later Riku was thrown back against the rocky wall by the little waterfall. “Riku!”

Kairi was about to run to him, but an arm around her waist prevented her from doing so. She felt a chill going down her spine at the cold feeling of darkness on him. Sora’s other arm wrapped around her waist, too and pulled her against his chest. Then he put his head on her shoulder, now white hair sticking out in every direction.

“Sora...” She mumbled still staring at Riku lying unconscious in the water with teary eyes. There was no time to cry! She had to do something! “Why are you doing all this?”

“I wanna be with you, princess. Forever.” To be honest Kairi had no idea how to feel about this. She wanted to be with him, too, of course but not like this. Not with so much darkness in him. She wanted her Sora back! “Give up already.” Said Sora with a light distorted voice angrily.

The redhead blinked the tears away to clear her vision and saw Riku standing up and ready for round two. Before she could do anything —jeez why was she so slow?— Sora picked her up bridal style. “Back off! She’s mine!” He practically growled at Riku. “What do you want from her?” Sora gritted his teeth angrily, the darkness growing.

“Sora, stop that!” She yelled at him, putting a hand on his chest. Then her hand suddenly began to glow and Sora let out a painful gasp. He let go of her, but instead of falling on the sand aero magic broke her fall. The spikey haired boy fell to his knees, gripping the shirt near his heart tightly. Kairi saw the blue returning to his eyes, but just for a second before it’s yellow again.

Reacting fast for once, Kairi summoned her keyblade and held it up just in time to block Soras. “What did you do?!” No matter how much strength she used to withstand him, she was being pushed down, till she’s lying on the sand. He was hovering above her, still pushing his keyblade against hers.

And then he was gone and on his place stuck Rikus keyblade. Kairi sat up and took Rikus offering hand to stand. The older boy pulled his keyblade out of the sand, eyes staying on their mutual best friend. “Whatever you did, you should do it again.”

“But I don’t know what—“

“He needs your light, Kairi.” Riku interrupted, glancing at her. “You can do it.” He patted her shoulder and Kairi definitely felt more confident now. “Yo!” Axel joined them in the island. He looked exhausted and had quite a few cuts and bruises all over him, but he still looked ready to fight more. “Need some help?”

“Axel, are you okay?” Said redhead grinned at her. “Sure. What did you expect?” Kairi gave him a quick smile, before they turned their attention back to Sora. He was glaring at all three of them and Kairi guessed that maybe this time he’d fight her, too. The darkness surely took full control of him now.

“We need to make an opening for Kairi.” Said Riku, while Axel nodded, grinning. “Let’s do it, then.” The boys went to attack Sora from different angles, while Sora threw a dark ball at Riku and blocked Axels attack with his keyblade. Riku destroyed the dark ball with his weapon and continued his attack, making Sora back away from him.

Axel used the chance and hit him in his stomach, sending him flying. Then he made way for Kairi, who ran past him and tried to get closer to him. But Sora was no fool and landed on his feet and when he did their keyblades clashed. Kairi could feel herself being pushed backwards, the sand wasn’t really helping her to stand her ground.

“You can still switch sides, princess.” The redhead wasn’t backing down and pushed against his weapon. “Funny. I wanted to tell you the same.” She said provokingly, watching as his eyes darkened with anger. No, she wasn’t afraid of him, he was still Sora. Somewhere...deep down. She may be close enough, but there’s no way she could hold him back with just one hand.

He seemed to be perfectly capable of doing it, though, as one hand let go of the weapon and reached to her. Kairi couldn’t move, so he took this opportunity to caress her check, obviously trying with another method to get to her. His eyes softened, turning slightly blue-ish again and it made her tear up again. That’s just a trick from the darkness, she told herself over and over again.

Then he was suddenly frozen solid. But not for too long, since the ice already began to crumble. Once he was free and wanted to attack her again, his arms were held back by Axel and Riku. “Kairi, now!”

Kairi took a step back and raised her keyblade, pointing at his heart. Maybe she could focus her light on her weapon and free him that way? Well, it was worth a shot. She may have never done this again, but she did just shot light out of her hand minutes ago without realizing what she did.

“Okay...” She mumbled, trying to focus all her magic, all her light, all her love for Sora to free him from this terrible darkness. She could practically feel all her energy flowing to her keyblade. “I love you, Sora.” Said Kairi loud enough for him to hear, before shutting her eyes tightly and shot a powerful beam of light straight into his heart. She tried to ignore his painful screaming, after all she’s just doing this to help him.

Just when it stopped, she opened her eyes again. Sora writhed in pain, while Riku and Axel kept holding his arms back. It was terrible seeing him in so much pain...but the darkness —or at least the dangerous part that possessed him— needed to get out of his heart. And that's what it did. Some agonizing minutes later, a big darkness left Soras body and formed its own.

And of course it looked like Soras shadow. After a lot of protest from Sora, he and Riku once told her that the younger boy could use so called 'Drive Forms'. One of those forms made him look like a shadow creature, called Anti-Form. It just happened at the most desperate moments. Was that the part that took control of him?

The creatures eyes glowed bright yellow and were fixed on her. Of course it was. If it behaved like a heartless then she was the most obvious target due to her heart of pure light. She got ready to fight it and it chose this moment to run on all fours to her. It jumped up, ready to slash her with its claws.

Kairi tried to do the same as before, focusing as much light on her weapon as possible. But instead of a beam the keyblade itself glowed brightly and forming a blade of light. Once the creature was close enough, Kairi let out a battle cry and slashed it instead. The blade cut right through it, destroying it in an instant.

The creature and the darkness around it dissolved, leaving nothing behind. Sighing Kairi fell to her knees, spent. She may not have fought as much as Axel and Riku, but using so much energy for two big attacks left her exhausted.

Then she eventually looked to the boys. All three of them were staring at her amazed and awestruck. And the best thing was, Sora seemed to be alright! Riku and Axel were still holding his arms, but more like to steady him. His hair turned back to its brown color and he's staring at her with those deep blue eyes she fell in love with. “Jeez...Remind me to never get on her bad side again.” Mumbled Axel to the guys that were still unable to talk.

“Sora, are you okay?” She asked somewhat hesitant. His only reply were some noises. “He's back to normal.” Riku confirmed, looking quite proud. Despite her tiredness, Kairi was quickly back on her feet and jumped into Soras arms, hugging him as tight as she could.

“You're alright...!” She said more to convince herself. Kairi felt herself crying for the umpteenth time that day, especially when he hugged her back and buried his face in her hair. “Kairi...I-I'm sorry for everything I did. I was horrible to you. Riku's right, I tried to control you. And then I tried to kill you...Gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sor—“

Now it was Kairi who silenced him with a kiss. He was so surprised when she suddenly pulled away that she took advantage of it. When they parted and the redhead saw him staring at her in shock and blushed a deep red, the tears she tried to hold back glided down her cheeks.

Pulling him back into a tight hug, Kairi cried and laughed at the same time. “I'm sorry...that I haven't seen this sooner. I should've realized sooner that you're not yourself.” Sora shook his head against hers. “Don't you dare take the blame. You haven't done anything wrong.”

“But I let Xemnas take me and—“

“Stop it right there!” Interrupted Sora, sounding angry again. “There was noting you could've done. If anything I should apologize for not taking better care of you.” Before she could protest more a cough interrupted her. The couple immediately looked to Axel. “You guys know you're going round in circles, right? It doesn't matter who might be to blame for this or not, fact is everything's fine again so let's celebrate this damn victory with some ice cream.”

The trio laughed at their comrade's words. “Typical Axel.” Said Kairi. “But maybe you're right. At least we were able to save Sora.” Riku shook his head, earning a confused look from the redhead. “You did this all alone, Kairi. Axel and I just gave you some time.”

“Yeah. This time the princess saved the knight.” Agreed Axel and grinned at the couple. Giggling lightly, Kairi hit his arm gently. He knew she didn't like being called princess, since he kept teasing her with it a lot during training. But maybe this time a little nudge was more deserved than magic.

“Let's go back.” Suggested Riku and led the way to the docks. Axel followed silently and the girl guessed it must be their way to give her and Sora a little private time before getting their 'reward'.

“Kairi. Thank you.” Said Sora, once the guys were out of earshot. “If you didn't use your light like that —by the way that was really amazing— I might have turned into something worse. I don't know what I'd do without you...”

“You'd be completely hopeless.”

“That's one way to put it.” Sora chuckled, it was kinda unbelievable that not even ten minutes ago he was consumed by darkness and wanted to destroy them all. Then he surprised her with a kiss on his cheek. And she wouldn't trade this shyness of him for anything in the world. He shot her a bright grin and took her hand in hers, leading the way to the others. “Let's get some ice cream then!”

[piinkbaka]

Prompt Request (2)

here’s the hoseok part!! read jeongguk here!

Hogwarts!AU

Hufflepuff!Hoseok x Gryffindor!Reader

genre: angst, fluff, character death

additional: mentions of other idols + people

As usual, dinner was a mess.

Students were speaking to each other loudly to be heard, hands flew around the platers searching for food, the ghosts wondered about talking to themselves or with one another. Even the professors were louder than usual. Who would have thought you could hear Professor Longbottom from next to the main entrance?

You sat at the end of the Gryffindor table, trying to keep yourself from choking. One of your friends, Seokjin― a seventh year Slytherin and amazing in Potions― was telling some of his jokes to an obviously miserable Yoongi. Another fourth year student, who had a young Ravenclaw stuck to their side, sat there too. Cute.

Feeling a tap on your shoulder, you turn to the questioning gaze of your housemate Kim Namjoon, a genius in your year.

"Are you feeling alright, Y/L/N?" He asked. Raising an eyebrow, you nod.

"Yeah," you cough a bit. "Why?"

He shook his head, "No reason. You just looked a bit purple there for a minute."

"Oh," you chuckled. "It's nothing. I'm fine, thank for asking."

Offering you a dimpled smile, Namjoon turned back to his conversation with Mark― another Gryffindor and your senior.

After the delicious meal and a short speech from Headmistress McGonagall, everyone left the Great Hall to enjoy their free time. You decided to go to the Greenhouses since not many people went there.

The walk there was nice and quiet, if you don't count a giggling Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung running around with puffy lips and messed up robes.

Shaking your head amused, you enter one of the smaller greenhouses where they kept the newly grown plants. You walked around passing your hand above the non lethal ones and almost fell on your butt when another hand appeared touching yours for a brief moment. You looked up only to realise it was a familiar and warm face.

Hoseok― your best friend and , secretly, the love of your life― smiled brightly at you, like he usually did. You grinned back and tried to fix your hair a bit, wiping at your mouth in case some food was stuck there.

His hand landed onto of yours by your neck, "You don't have to do that. You look beautiful anyway, Y/N."

Blushing a brilliant red, you scoffed. "Yeah, as beautiful as a Murtlap, maybe."

Hoseok chuckled and lifted his hand to play with your hair. "Well, that's good because I believe that Murtlaps are adorable."

You froze. Especially since Hoseok seemed to be moving closer to you. He even leaned in a bit.

A weird sound escaped your lips as you felt a pair of lips on your forehead. You instinctively jumped back and flailed your arms around, Hoseok laughing amused.

"What in Dumbledore's beard was that?!" You asked hands covering your now sweaty forehead.

Hoseok tilted his head in a cute and smirked, "I think, it's called a kiss? Is it not?"

You pointed an accusing finger at the Hufflepuff, "Don't play smart with me, Jung!" Standing up straighter you continued, "Why'd you do that for?"

He shrugged. "You looked so cute, I just couldn't resist." He grinned and his eyes even closed completely.

You opened and closed your mouth several times trying to come up with a good comeback to his comment. But it was as if for that moment― and that moment only― your brain was on vacation.

Hoseok chuckled once more and approached you. He was so close, you could almost guess what he had for dinner. His orange hair seemed scarlet under the moonlight. The Hufflepuff boy placed his forehead on yours and whispered something.

Your eyes widened and before you knew it, you leaped forward capturing his lips in a beautiful kiss, arms wrapping tightly around his neck. Hoseok smiled into the kiss and also wrapped his arms around your waist, holding you close.

You stayed there all night sharing kisses and snuggling. Also, it was safe to say that you managed to return to your Common Rooms without getting caught.

A few years passed since that night. It's been exactly seven years since you managed to graduate from Hogwarts.

Your relationship with Hoseok, which officially begun the next morning after the night in the Greenhouses, has been going strong ever since.

A year after leaving Hogwarts you decided to move in together. You found and bought a nice and cozy apartment just outside Edinburgh. The fresh air that greeted you every morning was a blessing.

You had also managed to find somewhere to work too. Hoseok joined the Aurors, even if he got scared by his own shadow most of the time, and he was amazing at it too. You on the other hand joined your old friend Seokjin, who had opened a small pharmacy for the magic folk with Mark and Jinyoung― another Slytherin from your year.

After endless begging you adopted a Kneazle, who you named Mickey. Mickey was, for some reason, more attached to you than Hoseok. He also really like Hoseok's sister, who came to visit you often.

Most of the nights, if Hoseok was home, you spent it cuddled up in your outdoor sofa, Mickey by your feet, talking about your day and future plans.

But, for some time now, you noticed that Hoseok returned home late or even after a day or two. It wouldn't be a big deal nor would it worry you too much, but for some reason you felt as if the man coming home, hugging you, laughing with you, kissing you, holding your hand wasn't the same person.

It was almost like Hoseok now had a dark, scary aura around him. His eyes looked empty, his smiles fake, his kisses meaningless. He barely ate and he would leave your apartment as soon as the opportunity arose.

Whenever you tried to talk to him about it, Hoseok would snap and then storm off.

That's how you spent the next four months. You tried to fill the space by staying longer at the pharmacy― taking Mickey with you of course― or visiting Seokjin or even Namjoon more frequently than you used to.

One night, Hoseok returned home a bit earlier than you. He was dressed in all black, his gaze dark as he stared out the window and the dark aura stronger than ever.

It scared you.

"Where have you been?" He asked. You gulped and put Mickey down, the small beast trotting to his water bowl.

"Just at Seokjin's house for some after-work tea." You answered, slowly inching closer.

Hoseok nodded and patted the space next to him on the sofa. "Sit, please?" You now noticed how tired his form looked from up close. Even if he was dead tired, Hoseok always managed to seem like he had more energy to spare.

Following his request you sat down and jumped when he took your hand. It was cold. Ice cold. He used to be warm like a walking furnace, perfect for cuddles during the winter or cool summer nights.

You looked up at his brown eyes and was shocked to see that he was holding back tears. Your eyes widened and immediately moved closer and hugged your boyfriend close to you, gently petting his hair. When he started crying, you slowly began swaying back and forth and whispering sweet nothings in his ear to calm him down.

Your eyes locked on the starry sky outside you mumbled, "What's wrong, love?" Hoseok only sobbed harder. Worried you turned to look at him, but he hid his face in your shoulder.

"Hoseok?"

Tightening his arm around you once more, he detached himself Hoseok looked in your eyes. You could see regret, sadness and most of all hurt.

He opened his mouth but only more whimpers and sobs escaped. You stroked his hands and he looked at you once more.

"I'm so sorry." He began. Seeing the confusion on your face he explained. How he was taken hostage once during a mission and the dark wizards managed somehow to make him turn. To start practising those horrible spells you learnt from history and your professors at Hogwarts to avoid at all costs. And all those nights, when he was off work and missing from home he was meeting those wizards. He confessed that he commited the same crimes he worked so hard to stop. That he tortured Muggles and Muggle-Borns and many more. And how much he liked it.

You stayed quiet. Letting him finish before saying, or even worse doing anything.

Amongst sobs he finished his confession with those cursed words, "And the worst thing is," he sniffled. "I'm getting tired of pretending I'm not evil."

You lowered your head, but your grip on his hands never faltered.

Nodding, you stood up, letting your hands separate. Slowly moving to your bedroom you said, voice braking mid-sentence, "I'm a bit tired, had a lot of costumers today. I'm going to sleep."

Even if you couldn't see, Hoseok nodded and whispered, "Sweet dreams."

You wanted to scoff. How could you have sweet dreams after what he just told you? Images of the one person you came to love so much torturing innocent people and creatures made you want to puke. After entering your bedroom, you closed the door and finally let your own tears fall like a river.

A few days later, Yoongi told that he heard from an acquaintance― Jeongguk an Auror and Hoseok's junior― that your boyfriend had turned himself in and was for sure going to be sent to Azkaban.

Jeongguk came one day from your house, months later, where you were packing so you could return to your home in London, and gave a small package from Hoseok along with a note. Then he left.

There was a small box and when you opened it you felt your knees weaken and you collapsed to the floor. With shaky hands you opened the note and read. Hoseok was once more apologising. He said he was sorry for ruining your life the past few years and hiding something that big from you. He also said goodbye and wished you's find happiness soon, as your smile was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Seokjin and Yoongi found you on the floor crying, clutching a small note to your chest and a silver band decorating one of your fingers. The boys both hurried to hug you and calm you down. It took quite some time but when you did, your closest friends helped you finish packing and moving everything to the truck you'd take to London.

The next day you found out, from the Daily Prophet no less, that Hoseok had taken his own life while in Azkaban supposedly from sadness or heartbreak.

A few more months later, you found yourself locking your apartment and, with Mickey in your arms, mentally saying goodbye to the house you made so many memories in. Seokjin approached you and took Mickey from your arms saying, "You shouldn't be carrying weight in your condition!"

You smiled, "Mickey isn't that heavy, Jin" He shrugged and moved the Kneazle to the truck. You hugged your friends and sat in the truck. When you closed the door you waved at the two.

"I'll be waiting for you to visit often. And I'm still waiting for that wedding invitation!" You winked and laughed as the two turned red, before looking the other way. As the truck started moving you waved one last time and then sat back in your seat, gently rubbing your growing belly.

AAAAAHHH YOU'RE PROBABLY GOING TO KILL ME AFTER THIS!!!😭😭 ALSO I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ANON!!!!😱😰😩❤️ SORRY IT WAS A BIT LATE!!!! WOW ALMOST 2K!!!!😱😱😱😅😅

[alwaysthequietones]

Even now, some 17 years after it happened, Rupert Grint can still sometimes scarcely believe that he landed the magical part of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films.

“That role was my dream!” the actor exclaims. “Even before the films started, I was a huge fan of the books, and the character of Ron in particular. I always had an affinity with him, so suddenly to be playing him in the Great Hall of Hogwarts was mind-blowing for an 11-year-old boy.”

But his gratitude does not end there. Grint is modest and realistic enough to acknowledge that playing Ron has been an enormous boost for his subsequent career. “I’ve always felt very lucky to be part of those films. Harry Potter did wonderful things for me. It was a huge part of my life. And I’m grateful that thanks to Harry Potter I’m now able to do fantastic projects like Sick Note.”

Sick Note, a black comedy in which Grint plays the duplicitous character of Daniel, could scarcely be further removed from the Harry Potter films.

At the start of Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz’s six-part comedy, on Sky Atlantic, Daniel is one of life’s losers. Ditched by his girlfriend Becca (Pippa Bennett-Warner, Harlots) and on the verge of losing his job as a tele-salesman at an insurance company run by the rapacious Kenny (a gloriously over-the-top Don Johnson from Miami Vice), he is an inveterate malingerer and insatiable liar. 

He even lies about the death of Becca’s beloved cat, Peanut, in order to avoid the blame for inadvertently killing him in an unfortunate door slamming accident. Daniel is going nowhere – extremely fast.

Until his fortunes change quite dramatically one day. At a routine medical consultation about his (perfectly healthy) elbow, Daniel is solemnly informed by Dr Iain Glennis (played by Nick Frost, Shaun of the Dead) that he is actually suffering from oesophageal cancer.

As he mournfully tells people at work the bad news, Daniel retains his job and receives endless sympathy from his formerly hostile colleagues. Becca even takes him back.

But it soon emerges that the incompetent Iain has misread the x-rays and that Daniel is in fact fine. However, he is enjoying the upturn in his fortunes so much, that Daniel can’t bring himself to tell anyone that he is actually not dying of cancer.

He confides to a close friend that, “It sounds awful, but having cancer all week has been so great… I feel like I’ve won the lottery.” So Daniel and Iain, whose job is also under threat, conspire to keep the doctor’s mistake secret. Once a liar, always a liar…

Of course, the more Daniel keeps digging a hole for himself, the funnier it becomes. Saunders explains that, “The second Daniel tells a lie about still having cancer, it’s the worst mistake of his life, and it only gets worse. You can’t retract a lie of that magnitude, especially when you’re using it for your own ends.”

Sick Note cleverly fuses light and shade. Serafinowicz describes it as, “Dark, but silly as well. It’s Breaking Bad meets Fawlty Towers.”

There is also a rich vein of farce running through Sick Note. Iain, for instance, is a ludicrously inept doctor. Frost laughs that, “Iain is so bad at his job that he can’t even pronounce the word ‘oesophagus’. We did a scene the other day where he tells Daniel, ‘You have cancer of the osnophagis’.

“I mean, how on earth has this guy not been struck off? It’s actually quite scary. There are a few places where he alludes to the fact that he may or may not have killed lots of people: ‘Listen, they were all patients – at least most of them were patients!’ I like that farcical aspect of the show. British TV likes farce. This is a great chance to play a nice, dark idiot.”

We are at Wimbledon Studios watching a scene involving all sorts of beeping medical machinery. In a break from filming, Grint comes over to meet me by the Centre Court Restaurant – well, it is in Wimbledon.

The actor was clearly well cast as Ron. In person, the 29-year-old is as charming and easy-going as his most famous alter ego. Grint, who made a very well-regarded stage debut in a West End revival of Jez Butterworth’s Mojo four years ago, says that as soon as he read the script of Sick Note, he could identify with Daniel. “I had a similar experience when I had swine flu a few years ago. When you’re ill, you get a lot of attention, and people bring you cups of tea. It was actually quite an attractive thing.

“So I get Daniel’s predicament. Obviously, what he does is a lot more serious, but I admit I was tempted to pretend I was ill for longer than I was, and I remember being a bit sad when I actually got better. So I can relate to that.”

Daniel is light years away from Ron; where Ron was faithful and fearless, Daniel is false and fake. But Grint says he did not take the lead in Sick Note just to demonstrate his range. “It’s not a conscious decision to show my versatility,” he muses.

"Of course, you do feel a pressure after something like the Harry Potter. You want the chance to show that you can do different things. And it’s refreshing to work without CGI and on a smaller budget. I love the fast pace of filming TV. But Harry Potter was never something I was desperate to shake off. I just enjoy doing different things.”

Grint certainly makes his alter ego in Sick Note very credible; like all of us, Daniel is deeply flawed. Matt Lipsey, the comedy’s director, outlines why he was convinced from the outset that Grint was the man for the job. “Over the years in Harry Potter, I’d seen Rupert really grow as an actor,” reflects Lipsey, who has also directed Little Britain, Big School, Gangsta Granny and Psychoville.

“I saw him in the re-staging of Mojo. He was playing a speed-fuelled thug opposite Daniel Mays. They were that show’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Rupert was utterly astonishing. So I knew he had what it takes to play this man who gets tangled up in a web of his own making as his trail of lies gets worse and worse. Rupert instantly made the part his own.”

All the same, is there a danger that viewers might find that Sick Note strikes a, er, sick note? Saunders stresses that, “We are not in any way condoning lying about having a serious disease. We were very careful about that. We’re not having fun at the expense of anyone who is ill. Daniel’s lie is very bad, but in this series everybody is lying and being hypocritical.”

For his part, Grint thinks the show is not tasteless as, “Daniel genuinely thought he had cancer – that was completely real. Things just spiralled out of control.

“And he’s not just flippantly doing this because he can. He’s always very much aware that it’s a terrible, terrible thing to be doing. Sick Note is not taking the mickey out of people with cancer. It’s taking the mickey out of people who lie.”

Before we part, Grint returns once more to the subject of Harry Potter. “I look back on it very fondly. We had so much fun. Occasionally I miss that because it was such a great place to be every day.

“It was certainly better than school!”

[heydaytravelcompany]

Planning the Core of your Trip

Hopefully, you’ve read our piece on a Disney World Planning Timeline.  If not, we suggest you start with that article. There we outlined most things that you’ll need to consider for a Walt Disney World vacation.  The next several articles will break that timeline up into portions and provide more detail. Let’s start with the core of your trip: When, Length of Stay, and Resort choice.   There is some debate about the best order to consider planning a trip, even amongst the Heyday office.  To give you perspective, here is the logic that I’ve followed when writing this piece. We suggest that you start with when you’d like to go.  We’ll consider whether, crowds, etc. From there, how long do you want to stay? When you’re going may play some part in that, for many it has to do with available vacation.  Finally, your resort choice. Again, when and length of time may impact this but let’s stick with an ideal choice to start. These all together give you an initial budget. If all your choices fall within your currently available budget, perfect!  If not, then we can start looking at compromises.  

1. WHEN TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Let’s break this down into the two major parts; year and season.  There are a few things to consider when it comes to what year you want to go to Disney.  Some people might choose to wait until something big opens, like Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.  Others might be waiting for the new TRON coaster at the Magic Kingdom or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster at Epcot before going.  There is an unprecedented number of projects currently taking place as WDW prepares for its 50th Anniversary.  There is a lot to consider!  Or, do you just ignore all of that and go when works best for you? My personal recommendation, go when it works best for you.  There will always be construction in Disney World with something new on the horizon.  I say, go when you can and make the most of it. Some people choose to wait and plan around construction or refurbishments.  The risk of this approach is that things happen.  Construction and maintenance run into delays all the time.  This is why we don’t advocate planning around those things.     Assuming you’ve picked a year, now we need to discuss what season you want to go.  Again, multiple things to consider. There are crowds to take into consideration. While, yes, Christmas is an amazing time in the parks.  You can also expect to see them at capacity almost every day from Christmas through the New Year. In fact, almost every New Year’s Eve Day Magic Kingdom gates are closed due to attendance by mid-morning.  Beyond crowds, there are all of the festivals that take place at Epcot not to mention the seasonal parties at the Magic Kingdom. Even if you’re not planning on attending one of the parties, you’ll be impacted by the adjusted schedule for the Magic Kingdom for them from mid-August through the New Year.   This is all without even mentioning the various discount offers that Disney typically makes throughout the year.  They have already announced Free Dining Plan offers for 2020 or a room-only discount if that would work better for you.  Also, keep in mind, there is no guarantee that these will be offered each year and when they are the quantities are limited.   One thing to keep in mind is that crowds are usually highest when the fewest discounts are available and prices are most expensive. That’s an unfortunate double-whammy for those visiting at busy times, but Disney’s pricing is demand-based. We can discuss traditional crowds with you and help you take school schedules, crowds, weather, park hours, and special events all into account.  Before truly solidifying your travel dates, we’ll take a look at the planned refurbishments just to help ensure you don’t miss must-do attractions from your list.   Walt Disney World is great any day of the year, but we absolutely recommend going any time from October to April. To us, the weather and crowds of the summer months are significant negatives. Can you go during that time and have an amazing trip? Absolutely! If you can avoid it though, we suggest that you do. If you’re thinking of a November or December vacation, there is so much happening during the holidays that it’s simply too much to list here. Every park, every resort, and Disney Springs all get into the spirit of the season. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom that really should be experienced at least once.  From mid-August until the end of October, there is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  Both are experiences that you don’t want to miss. The downside to these months, particularly August and September, is the weather. The upside is lower crowds.  Which is why we suggest waiting until October. Although the crowds start to pick up you’re typically past hurricane season and the high temperatures are coming down.   This really does just begin to scratch the surface of everything there is to experience at Walt Disney World.  There are even more festivals in Epcot, runDisney events for those that enjoy Marathons, and just so much more.

2. HOW LONG TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD

How long you should stay at Walt Disney World depends largely upon the type of trip you want it to be.  If you’re not much of a Disney fan but are taking your kids on a “once in a lifetime” rite of passage trip, we recommend a Walt Disney World vacation of at least 6 or 7 days. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy your time there with fewer days.  A “quick” trip of 3 days or so can really be enjoyable too.  There are just so many options while in Disney World that the length of time will dictate how much you may experience.  In addition to visiting Disney’s theme parks, you’ll also probably want to build a day into your itinerary for relaxation.  This mostly applies to longer trips.  During a short trip, you’ll most likely want to maximize that time.  Of course, this all depends on how you define maximize your time.  Spending 6 consecutive days in a theme park can be extremely tiring!  As your travel advisor, one of my most important jobs is to help match your expectations of what you’ll experience.  The exact length will still vary a bit depending upon how much vacation time you have and if you plan on visiting any non-Disney theme parks or destinations.  In the coming weeks, we’ll have a complete article focused just on this topic of How long to go.   DISNEY PARK TICKETS At Disney, the longer you go the less you pay per day.  It seems odd at first, but it is true.  Single-day Walt Disney World tickets are expensive, but multi-day tickets are much cheaper per day. The cost of additional days on a ticket substantially decreases with each day you add after 3 days. In other words, longer trips are not proportionately more expensive than shorter ones.

Whatever you do, don’t wait to buy your tickets at the front gates of the parks, because then you can’t book your FP+ attractions in advance. To make your FP+ selections at the 60 or 30-day window, you must have a valid park ticket linked to your My Disney Experience account.  This will make more sense as we work through the rest of the Timeline. There is one more consideration when it comes to Park Tickets – Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus?  The Hopper option allows you to visit more than one Park on each valid day.  For example, by adding the Hopper option you may visit the Magic Kingdom during the morning and then go to Epcot for dinner and fireworks.  Hopper Plus gives you even more options each day.  In addition to the ability to enjoy multiple parks, the Plus option also gives you access to Disney’s waterparks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Oak Golf Course, and a round of miniature golf at either Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens. These addons are not without a cost.  The value of which we can discuss in regard to your desires for the trip.  Hopper tickets are $60 per ticket for 1-day, $70 per ticket for 2 or 3-day tickets, and $80 per ticket for 4 to 10-day tickets.  The Hopper Plus option costs $80 per ticket, $90 per ticket, and $100 per ticket for the same tiers. We almost always recommend the Hopper option in conjunction with trips for longer than 4 days.  Less than that and you’re often better served to focus on a single park each day.  The longer the stay, the more flexibility of options you’re likely to want. 

3. WHERE TO STAY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

When pricing out Walt Disney World hotels, you’re bound to have some sticker shock. Prices have gone up considerably in the last few years, and discounts are not nearly as abundant as they once were. Debating whether to stay off-site to save money or on-site at Walt Disney World for convenience and to be immersed in the magic? There are pros and cons to both options in the off-site vs. on-site Walt Disney World Hotels debate.  We’ll be happy to talk through all of them with you.  We suggest staying on-site when you can.  The access and ease it provides really can’t be compared. The on-site resorts at Walt Disney World have the three main tiers; Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.  Which are exactly what their names sound like they are. You’ll also see a Deluxe Villa tier, these are some of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Timeshare rooms are that are available for rent. Value Resort HotelModerate Resort Hotel Deluxe Resort Hotel Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) Resorts  Beyond the location and transportation, some of the main perks of staying on-site are the FastPass+ booking window and MagicBands. FastPass+ is the all-digital ride reservation system that replaced paper FastPasses several years ago.  FastPass+ (FP+) FastPass+ is a complimentary benefit extended to anyone with valid admission. Each Walt Disney World ticket holder receives three advanced FastPass+ selections for a single park (per day). This service allows you to reserve access to attractions of your choosing at a specific time, with a minimal wait. There are a limited number of FastPass+ allocations for each ride each day.  We recommend you make your FastPass+ selections early in order to have a greater variety of options to choose from. Since all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances, you’re also free to simply plan as you go. Keep in mind, the number of slots is limited. Depending on availability, additional FastPass+ selections may be available to guests once their three initial selections have been used each day. Advanced FastPass+ reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance for on-site guests, and 30 days for off-site guests. If you want any of the High Popularity FastPass+, and some other popular attractions, having the full 60-day window might be the only way to get them. Many of these FastPass+ experiences “sell out” within hours or days of their 60-day window opening. This becomes significant during your trip because a wait time of 2+ hours is not unheard of for these attractions.  Having a FP+ for select attractions could be the difference between an additional 4-6 hours in line per day and getting to experience other attractions as well or not. High Popularity FastPass+

Likewise, you should make your FastPass+ selections as soon as your 60 or 30-day window opens. Here are some of the, typically, most difficult FastPass+ reservations to make: Peter Pan’s Flight (Magic Kingdom)Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)Frozen Ever After (Epcot)Soarin’ (Epcot) Test Track (Epcot)Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)Navi River Journey (Animal Kingdom) Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)Toy Story Midway Mania (Hollywood Studios) Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)

Overwhelmed Yet? Let Us Help YOU!

Heyday Travel Company can plan a Walt Disney World vacation that’s perfect for you. We are a free Disney travel planner with expert knowledge of the entire Disney catalog and Universal Parks destinations. No matter where you want to go, our experienced team is excited to help you make it happen. We provide our service at no charge, so you’ll only have to pay for the vacation itself. If you want help planning a Disney trip that’ll make your dreams come true while also fitting your budget, let’s talk!

Fill Out Our Form To Start Planning Your Perfect Disney Vacation!

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[futurepast56]

Gallavich Week - Day one: Firsts

(i also published it at AO3: link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11655189) Every normal relationship has a lot of first times, usually in the same order: first meeting, first date, first kiss, first time. Usually there is also a lot of others firsts in between like first movie night, first argument or first tickle fight. Ian and Mickey also could make a list of their first times, although it would have completely different order.  *****  First meeting would be first on that list even though none of them remembered that. Ian was six at the time, holding his older sister's hand and speaking with excitement in his voice as he noticed big school building in front of him.   "I've never seen a kid that would be so happy for his first day in baseball team" Fiona mumbled, fixing his backpack. Wide smile appeared in freckled face as Ian looked up.  "Lip told me that I will meet a lot of friends and it will be fun!" He screamed, making his sister smile.   "Well if Lip told you that it has to be truth" Fiona assured him and let go of his backpack, letting him run to meet his friends from little league. Redhead almost fall down three times during his little race to meet the coach and when he finally stopped he was already out of breath.  "Hello, Mr Higrow!" He said and saw how older man turns around and looks down into green pair of eyes. "I'm Ian Gallagher, sir. When will we play?" He asked making coach smile.  "See this kid, Trevor! That's the excitement I was talking about! Not that fake shit you were trying to pull here!" Men exclaimed, looking at blonde seven-year old with baseball bat who stick out his tongue in response. "Okay, Gallagher, today you will just throw a ball a little bit and swing a bat once or twice okay? We won't actually play, just practice, get it?" he asked and Ian nodded quickly. "That's good. Go join the little ones there" he added pointing his finger at five kids talking, while throwing a ball. Ian put his backpack down and run to his new teammates, who stopped throwing the ball when he joined them.  "You are new guy?" Tall brunette asked and Ian nodded.  "Yeah, I'm Ian and I will play with you" he said and rest of them also introduced themselves. Jamie, Ryan, Tyler, Bruce and Cody. All of them were really nice – except Cody, he called Ian 'carrottop and then laughed at him because of his dad reputation so Ian throw a ball right into his balls, which granted him applause from the rest of his new friends.   "When we gonna play like older kids?" Ryan asked, pouting and starring at blonde boy who was preparing to swing a bat and punch a ball under coach's instructions.  "When you will be as big as Travis or as scary as Milkovich then maybe you will have a chance" Tyler answered to his twin brother.   "Milkovich? Like Mandy? I'm in the same class as she is" Ian joined, looking around for a storm of black hair that he always associated with Milkovich girl.  "It's Mandy's brother. I think they are twins too" Ryan mumbled and Tyler looked at him with confused expression.  "No, they're not. He is at least two years older than Mandy"  "No, he is not"    "Um, yeah, he is" brothers started to argue and Ian laughed when he heard coach scream to all of them.  "Okay, kids! Snack break! You all got five minutes and then little ones are getting the sticks are you are going to throw a ball. Go and eat, now!" His voice filled the space and at one moment all the equipment fell down and everyone started walking toward their backpacks to get something to eat. Ian run over and picked up his Power Rangers bag when he noticed that one boy with baseball bat didn’t move from the field. Ian looked around wondering if the boy is waiting for someone but he stayed where he was. Alone. Ian took his sandwiches and slowly walked towards the boy.  "Hay" he said and dark-haired boy turned around and looked at him with raised eyebrows.  "What?" He asked with an angry tone. Ian smiled and opened his lunch box.  "Do you want one? Fiona made them with cheese today and it's really good I think you would like them. Unless you don’t like cheese, but C'mon who doesn't like cheese..." He stopped himself and handed over his lunch box after he took one sandwich. Boy hesitated and then he took food from the box. He still looked a little bit confused when he bites the food without breaking an eye-contact. "I'm Ian, by the way" he introduced himself and some food fall out of his mouth, which made the other boy chuckled. "What's your name?" He tried again, but the boy just continued to eat. Actually, he didn't say a word to Ian during their entire lunch break. Ian discovered that boy's name was Mickey Milkovich when next week he pissed on the first base and was kicked out of the little league.  *****  Their second first is where it stopped follow the pattern as first time appeared before first date or kiss. After completely stupid attempt to take back Kash's gun Ian end up under Mickey Milkovich with possibility of getting his head hit with tire iron. But then it happened. Their heavy breathing caused by fighting made them both out of breath when suddenly bashing Ian's head wasn’t an option. They locked eyes and for the first time Ian noticed how amazingly beautiful and blue are Mickey's eyes right before black pupils took over blue. In one moment iron was dropped and they were undressing each other, too busy with a moment to think about the danger that was drunkenly snoring in the Livingroom. Simple shock of Mickey being gay that appeared in Ian's mind for a moment already disappeared when their T-shirts end up on the floor and their pants joined them right away. It was rough and quick sex, Ian's second time with anyone his age. They didn’t have a time to do anything other than a quick round, Mickey being a definition of 'bossy bottom', way too stubborn to let Ian properly prepare him or engage in anything else like kissing or even a blowjob in exchange receiving only some groans and murmurs like "faster", "harder" and "be fucking quiet Gallagher". During their first time Ian didn't do a half of things he wanted to do with Mickey, but he can happily say that he had a chance to do them all on different occasions.   *****  First time they were holding hands... was not what Ian expected. After Monica came back he run to Mickey for help and then they fucked in the shop. This is what Ian needed – touch of someone's skin, smell of sweat and sex, feeling everything outside just to be able to feel nothing on the inside. His hand touched Mickey's, fingers next to fingers. He half expected Mickey to move away to make sure it's still 'just sex' and 'no intimacy involved', but Milkovich stayed the same, letting Ian do what he needed to feel better. And after Kash came and everything went to shit Ian could still enjoy the memory of their hands next to each other. And maybe it was stupid, but he was more smitten by the thought of this simple moment than all the fucking they did – not that he forgot the fucking. How could he forget the best sex in his life?   *****  Ian wanted their next first to be a date, but he wasn't that lucky as their relationship – if you could call it relationship – was kept a secret. After releasing that Ian was hoping for a kiss to be next. A simple kiss couldn't take that long, right? Unfortunately, this also wasn’t a time for a kiss. Before a kiss they had their first fight.  It was reckless really. When Mickey started working in the shop keeping their fucking secret became much easier, because the only thing they needed to do was turning the sign from 'open' to 'close' and then head back to their spot. That exactly what they did this day when they moved to the back, laughing about some stupid joke Carl made day before.  "This kid kills animals every day, Gallagher. You are one step away from cops on your doorstep coming for this little bastard" Milkovich laughed and Ian pretended to be offended.   "That’s it? I thought I will be getting some advice from the fucking crime master Milkovich" he said, locking door behind them.  "Fuck off, Gallagher" dark-haired men laughed and looked him in the eye. "And now take of your shirt, I didn't come here to chit chat" at those words Ian smirked and did what he was told. It was like any other day and none of them expected Frank fucking Gallagher - because a member of Ian's family will be the death of him one day – to appear and fuck everything up.   Ian noticed before how Mickey acted, how he masked every single feeling or real emotion with violence – which he never did with Ian – and how his fear could control his actions. He could've and should've predict his next words. He should've expected them, be prepared or simply ignored words that were obviously caused by anger and fear that older boy was dealing with. "You are nothing but a warm mouth to me" who would have thought that their first fight would also became Ian's first heartbreak.   *****  Ian did tease Mickey about their first kiss. He also fantasized about it – a lot. He was thinking how easily he could just move a little and connect their lips, but then Mickey's words that caused his heart to shatter appeared in his mind and he stopped himself. Just sex. Nothing more. No emotions, no attachment. He started repeating, but deep down he knew it's a lie, because he fell for Mickey already, long time ago, and he couldn't just stop caring. But he could pretend. He kept lying to himself, going to the bars and clubs, picking up men he wasn’t really attracted to just to avoid any real connection. He teased Mickey about Ned too.  "He's not afraid to kiss me" Ian said, trying not to sound hurt, all emotions hidden deep down. He wanted to hurt Mickey by saying that, wanted Mickey to know that there is someone that could give him more things that he wants. He wanted him to suffer just like he suffered before. This wasn't really a dare either, because he didn’t expect a result. That's why it was a shock.  Mickey run back. He run back to the van, Ian noticed that with a part of his eye, but he thought he came back for a gun that he decided to left. But he didn’t stop, he came in and touched Ian's face right before their lips connected. It was short, quick and clearly as the result of some stupid dare, but Ian could not stop smiling.     *****  It was two days later when Ian decided to has their first real kiss, because, even though he couldn’t forget the kiss from the can he also could not stop think about it being just a result of a dare. That's why when they were in shop Ian change the sign to 'closed' and grinned towards Mickey. Milkovich raised his eyebrows.   "Gallagher, I've been shot in the ass two days ago, you can keep it in your fucking pants for a little bit longer" he exclaimed and Ian kept on grinning when he put his arms on both sides of the shelf, locking Mickey inside.   "I know we can't really fuck right now, but – how you love to say – I can use my mouth for something else" he said, looking down at raven-haired boy's lips.  "Yeah, you could do that" Milkovich agreed and licked his goddamned lips. Ian nodded.  "Okay" he whispered and connected their lips without any further warning, still half expecting Mickey to pull back. But Milkovich surprised him even more when he invited him for a deeper kiss and put both hands on Ian's face. Gallagher could swear it was almost gentle, which made him smile through the kiss, feeling the taste of beer, cigarettes and mint from the gum Milkovich was chewing couple minutes ago. Couple seconds later they pulled away and Ian smiled as wild as he could.  "Shut up" Mickey said, his voice a little raspy.  "I didn’t say anything" Gallagher mumbled confused, and still overwhelmed by a kiss.  "You were thinking. It's all over your fucking face. Just stop" he said, little smile appearing on his face for a second, which Ian noticed but decided to keep this information to himself. Instead he let Mickey go and went to change a sign on the doors. "Gallagher" he heard in the way to the door. "You can still do some others things with that mouth of yours" he added. Ian grinned again, which caused Mickey to roll his eyes and walk to the back of the shop, Ian following him right after.   *****  Sleepover was definitely their first date and it will always be for Ian. They had food and drinks. They talked and joked while watching a movie. They even made out for a good part of it, giggling like teenagers that they were. They had sex later, sure, there was no denying of those four – or was it five? - times they had this night in the actual bed. That was not only their date but also first time they didn't just have sex – and if Ian would be naïve, which he wasn't, he would even call it love-making.   *****  First time they said it was quiet in the night. Ian had his arm around Mickey, slowly tracing patterns on paler boy's skin. Mickey shivered a little, but then gave in, making Ian smile sleepily. Gallagher felt how his tiredness takes control and he closed his eyes, slowly falling asleep when he heard it. Little whisper, words so quiet and gentle Ian almost didn't catch them at first.  "I love you" his eyes opened at once when he looked at Mickey, who seem as confused as Ian was. "Did I... Shit I said it out loud" he whispered and Ian could only keep on starring at this beautiful man, who just said he loves him. Love. Love. Shit, love, Mickey used exactly that word... Ian felt like this could be a dream.    "This isn't a dream, right?" He asked quietly to make sure the rest of Gallagher household keep on sleeping. "You want it to be?"   "It seems like it" Ian answered. He moved closer to Mickey, turning them around so he could look his boyfriend in his beautiful blue eyes. "I love you too" he whispered. And then he smiled as he felt like all negative emotions and memories disappeared. "Fuck, Mickey, I love you so fucking much" he whispered and connected their lips. Out of all of theirs first, this was the one they both find the most significant. 

[jamaalw]

My Experiences With Sleep Paralysis Demonic Attacks And The Spiritual War We Are All In

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Many of you reading this probably have experienced it at least once in your lifetime or know someone who has experienced it. You wake up suddenly from sleep and you try to move but can’t no matter how much you exert yourself. You may manage to slightly move your toes or some other body part but it is a struggle and you still can’t move your entire body. This can go on for a few seconds or minutes but at times it can feel like an eternity. During an episode, you may perceive an evil, malicious presence. You may feel utter dread. You may also have actually seen a shadow person or a shadow person wearing a hat or some other evil, demonic-looking entity. You may have experienced some entity sitting on your chest or had an episode accompanied by an entity doing sexual things to your body. Some people have reported having someone’s hands over their neck choking them; others have had heard mocking laughter during an episode.

Lately, it has received more mainstream attention with a recent Netflix documentary and with so-called celebrity Kendall Jenner mentioning it. The phenomenon is called Sleep Paralysis. If you haven’t experienced it I can imagine the difficulty of trying to understand what it is like to experience it. Verily, it can be one of the most frightening experiences for a person and it feels very real to the experiencer.

Is it a spiritual attack or does science have a credible explanation for it?

The Christian website GotQuestion.Org always seems to come up on a Google search when you ask a question related to Christianity. Sadly, they deny sleep paralysis is a spiritual phenomenon:

….there is an entirely physiological explanation for the phenomenon known as sleep paralysis. As we fall asleep, our minds may enter a hypnagogic state. It’s what happens when the sleeper’s still-aware mind is faced with dream images. As some people wake up, they experience a hypnopompic state, which is the dreaming mind faced with stimuli from the real world. In both cases, the dreams can seem very real, taking on a vivid, hallucinatory feeling. Often these images are of black smudges, which the confused mind interprets as human figures, sometimes called “shadow people.” The hallucinations can also take the form of sounds like a loud bang or a child’s cry. These episodes frequently begin with a falling feeling followed by a “hypnic jerk” where the body’s muscles violently contract…..

Muscle paralysis in sleep is a necessary thing. People who act out their dreams on a regular basis are prone to accidental injury—even jumping out of windows. Knowing that you’re asleep and paralyzed, however, can be frightening. You tell yourself to open your eyes, just to get caught in another false awakening. One theory is that sleep paralysis affects the larger parts of the body more completely. You can try to wake up by wiggling your toes or fingers. It’s also possible to pray during this time. This will often give comfort that lets you fall back into unconsciousness. You may be able to avoid sleep paralysis by getting sufficient rest and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

In probably the vast majority of cases, sleep paralysis is just a quirk in a person’s REM cycle, not a spiritual attack.

Source

Huh, really? I have read statistics or studies that show many Christians actually don’t believe in a real, tangible devil exists. What an utter joke. Satan and his angels must be laughing their butts off at such professing Christians as it is a much more effective way for the enemy to attack and operate. It is apparent in the Bible satan and his demons are presented as real entities.

Guys, sleep paralysis is totally a demonic attack! I am 100% certain that it is. It’s not a hallucination like the secular scientists or even some self-proclaimed Christians try to rationalize it. It’s a disservice to many people looking for answers and solutions who happen to go on that site to read such nonsense. Scientists try to explain it away by saying sleep paralysis is merely the brain delaying to alert the body to wake up – our brains shut down our body so it won’t act out while we are dreaming. But just think about it, if it was merely a hallucination then how come people don’t see Mickey Mouse or Hello Kitty or Super Mario? Or how come people don’t report seeing a very beautiful woman or a handsome man? There are a zillion things a person can hallucinate but instead, it is something almost always sinister such as a shadow humanoid figure or aliens. And if you don’t know the “aliens” people have reported seeing come from the same source. More on that later.

If it was merely a hallucination then why do just about all cultures throughout the world associate it with a spiritual attack? This phenomenon is worldwide and not just a modern western phenomenon.

In China, it is known as guǐ yā chuáng which literally means “ghost pressing on body.” In Korean culture, it is called gawi nulim which means “being pressed down by something scary in a dream”. In Thailand, it is called Phi Am and believed to be caused by a ghost and can even inflict bruises. In Hmong culture, sleep paralysis is understood to be caused by a nocturnal pressing spirit, dab tsog. Dab tsog attacks “sleepers” by sitting on their chests, sometimes attempting to strangle them. Some believe that dab tsog is responsible for sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS). In Vietnamese culture, sleep paralysis is called ma đè, meaning “held down by a ghost,” or bóng đè, meaning “held down by a shadow.”

There are more examples. In Arabic culture, it is referred to as Ja-thoom which literally means “what sits heavily on something.” In southeast Africa, it is known as jinamizi which means “strangled by jinn.” In Pakistan, sleep paralysis is considered an encounter with Shaitan (satan), evil jinns or demons who have taken over one’s body. In Turkish culture, sleep paralysis is often referred to as karabasan (“the dark presser/assailer”). It is believed to be a creature that attacks people in their sleep, pressing on their chest and stealing their breath. However, folk legends do not provide a reason why the devil or ifrit does that. In Persian culture it is known as bakhtak, which is a ghost-like creature that sits on the dreamer’s chest, making breathing hard for them.

In Kurdish culture, sleep paralysis is often referred to as motakka. It is believed to be a demon that attacks people in their sleep, and particularly children of young age, and steals their breath away as they breathe heavily and keeps it out of reach. In Nigeria, it is called “the devil on your back”. In Mexico, it is believed that it is the spirit of a dead person they call it “subirse el muerto.” In Greece and Cyprus, it is believed that sleep paralysis occurs when a ghost-like creature or Demon named Mora, Vrahnas or Varypnas tries to steal the victim’s speech or sits on the victim’s chest causing asphyxiation. In many parts of the Southern United States, the phenomenon is known as a hag or “witch riding,” and the event is said to portend an approaching tragedy or accident.

My Sleep Paralysis Experiences

I will try to explain my experiences the best way I can for it is difficult to articulate spiritual experiences. Also, a lot of my experiences occurred over a span of several years so my retelling of it may be disjointed or lack cohesiveness because it all seems like a blur to me now. My apologies.

I have had sleep paralysis since I was a teenager. I think my first memory of sleep paralysis was when I went to visit my grandparents’ house in Panama in Central America. I remember I woke up paralyzed and saw flashes of light all throughout the room and it made a strange noise while it was happening. Very bizarre experience to say the least. Part of me knew it was demonic or aliens were literally trying to abduct me but another part of me didn’t know what in the world was going on.

During my teenage years, I remember I had an experience when during sleep paralysis an “alien” would act like it would be implanting something into my ear. Satan’s kingdom knew I was questioning the existence of aliens at that time and tried to use it to ruin my faith in God. I remember expecting my physician to find something inside of my ear using an otoscope but nothing would be found. I thought it was weird but I didn’t make the connection that it was really demons messing with me until I realized that aliens were really just demons masquerading.

A lot of times after a sleep paralysis attacked I would be utterly baffled about what just happened. It was until I did research on the internet I found out it was a phenomenon that a lot of people have experienced so much so it even had a name: sleep paralysis. To my surprise, I discovered it’s a common occurrence. I read testimonies online where people experienced things similar to what I experienced, especially the old hag attack. I don’t think I will ever forget this experience where I woke up with what I perceived to be a witch sitting on my chest trying to choke me to death. Even after I broke out of the paralysis I could perceive the witch flying around my room in circles.

Then about About 5 years ago, the sleep paralysis attacked reached a crescendo – meaning it ramped up in frequency and intensity. This fiery trial or ordeal went on for a period of about 4+ years. I believe it was because I repented of all my sins and totally recommitted and gave my whole life to the Lord and God Jesus Christ. I remember when I turned back to God I felt the Holy Spirit strong in me again. I was pretty shocked that God would forgive me of my sins because I have done a lot of wickedness in God’s eyes. I actually thought everything from that point on things were going to be smooth sailing in regards to my walk with my God. Little did I know the enemy was right there ready to retaliate and try to hinder my walk. It was like he pointed his infrared beam on me ready to take me out. From that point on all hell broke loose against me. Soon after I felt a threatening, evil entity stalking me but initially, I would try to dismiss it as my mind just imagining things. It felt like it desired worship from me. I know, strange. But considering satan desired worship from Jesus in retrospect it makes sense one of his angels wanted worship from me. I remember soon after I took a nap and then it happened: the sleep paralysis attack. I woke up unable to move my body and no matter how much effort I exerted I couldn’t manage to move. I felt this dark, sinister shadow envelope my being. I thought in my head “I am a dead man”. I knew this thing was going to kill me right then and there. But as it was about to “swallow me up” completely I thought in my head “Ah, don’t worry I have Jesus,” then immediately the darkness lifted off of me. Most people would probably be freaked out by it. But I was more rejoicing in the fact that I trusted Jesus even to the point of death.

You thought that was strange it gets stranger. I remember the next day or several days later I took a nap and again I experienced sleep paralysis. I barely closed my eyes to take a nap and I woke up hearing a static noise one would hear on a TV on channel 3. I broke out of the paralysis and I thought it was weird because my TV wasn’t on. I thought perhaps my brain is malfunctioning. I went back to take a nap and I barely closed my eyes then it happened again, the sleep paralysis with the same TV static sound but this time one of the most bizarre experiences I ever had (and I have had a lot of them) occurred. An evil spirit tried to enter my body through my chest while I was in paralysis. One may ask how do I know it was an evil spirit? Because it felt like the dirtiest, most unclean, evil, wicked thing. Now I know why Jesus called some spirits unclean when He expelled demons out of people. In Mark ch. 5, Jesus met a demoniac and Jesus said: “Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.” That’s what it exactly felt like. Very, very, very unclean. I felt all yucky and disgusted as if when you see someone covered with bugs. When it tried to enter my body I “read” its thoughts or “inner voice”. It had an animal-like snarl I have never heard before and I knew the type of spirit it was. It was a spirit behind a sin that had a stronghold over my life for many years that I repented for and overcame. I knew the assignment the spirit had on me. I resisted the spirit and it left.

Afterward, I naturally got up out of my bed stunned, shocked, and disoriented. I then got out of my house and went to the gym. I walked around like I just went through trauma and as I was walking through the gym I literally wanted to scream out “the devil is real, repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.” I can kind of chuckle about it thinking back but it was a very serious situation for me at that time.

From that point on I had sleep paralysis attacks every night and even multiple times a night for a long time. A lot of times I wouldn’t even sleep, I would just barely close my eyes and I would have a sleep paralysis attack. God allowed me to actually see into the spirit realm. I can recall one time where I was about to go to sleep I “saw” in the spirit realm a demon running at a very fast speed to my bedroom. I saw in the spirit realm that it stuck its head through the wall to scope me out. It was preparing to attack me because it knew I was about to go asleep.

During this period with my many experiences with sleep paralysis, I had a particular demon harass me. Even when I wasn’t sleeping I would perceive it was in my room and I would feel the most intense hatred and evil emanating from it. At times I couldn’t even stand it to be in my presence. The best way I can describe it is when you are standing in front of a very hot open oven and you want to close the door or walk away to get away from the heat. Same idea with this demon but instead of the intense heat it was intense evil, hatred, and ugliness emanating from it. I would tell it to leave in the name of Jesus Christ but it would continuously return. I resorted to fasting against this evil spirit in the name of Jesus. In Mark 9:29 and Matthew 17:21 Jesus said some spirits will not come out unless you pray and fast. This spirit wasn’t in my body but attacking me externally but I thought it was a worth a try to fast. I had nothing to lose to give it a try, right? This is when I first started getting into fasting so I really didn’t know what to do. I didn’t eat for about 4-5 days and I just said a simple short prayer to Jesus to have this fast be against that spirit. The day I ended my fast the spirit entered my bedroom to confront me and I felt the most intense anger and rage coming from the spirit. The atmosphere in the room was so thick with evil and anger that you can cut it with a butter knife. Then I perceived this evil spirit communicating to me saying angrily “why did you fast against me?” I was like “wow, so you hate fasting so then I am going to keep doing it then.” I incorporated fasting as part of my spiritual warfare arsenal. Eventually, the spirit left but the sleep paralysis attacks continued. I believe there are hosts of evil spirits assigned to Christians.

I also experienced demons literally hold me down while paralyzed. I can feel their actual hands on my body holding me down. I had experienced a demon trying to pierce me with something very sharp while in sleep paralysis. I once experienced demon or demons trying to pull me out of my body while in sleep paralysis. Even when I wasn’t asleep demons would show up. My heart would start racing and you would feel the most utter oppression, dread, fear, and evil in the atmosphere and I would feel this entity wanting to literally kill me right then and there.

I can recall a demon that entered my room while I was asleep and somehow managed to show up in my dream. The dream was pretty random but it involved music and I heard someone in the dream say to me “dance.” I said assertively “no, I only dance for Jesus!” Immediately I woke up in a sleep paralysis state. Apparently, the demon got angry I proclaimed my loyalty to Lord Jesus and retaliated.

One time I fasted for several weeks petitioning something from the Lord. After several weeks when I prayed I felt oil dripping down my head. I had a sleep paralysis attack where a demon actually took out a vacuum to try to suck it up. I know, weird.

There were times that sleep paralysis attacks would happen so frequently that I would think in my head before it happens “and here we go again.” But one night I did something differently and prayed to Jesus to send an angel to protect me. I saw in the spirit an angel standing outside my bedroom window and I didn’t get attacked that night. I never asked because I would think “who am I to ask God to send an angel on my behalf?” Thanks be to God that He would dispatch an angel for believers especially if you ask.

I can recall one night when I woke up from a dead sleep and I perceived a demon in my closet peeking at me (perhaps preparing to attack me with sleep paralysis?). And it was my inner voice rebuking it in my head but it wasn’t me who was doing it (I believe it was the Holy Spirit in me doing it). Then the demon flew right past my head as it fled. Strange.

As a person who refrains from any sexual activity (which includes masturbation) as every Christian should be doing if he or she is not married, the enemy knows at times I get tempted. I would have sleep paralysis attacks where demons would hold my body down (and I could actually feel their hands holding me down) and try to sexually stimulate my private parts. This has actually happened to me many times. It is very invasive and violating to go through this. I believe the enemy has demons observing every Christian and they study the person plotting to snare the person into sin. The enemy knows lust is one of my weaknesses.

I can recall one time after a long time of prayer I accidentally fell asleep at a park in my car where a Mormon church (which is a cult) was located nearby. I don’t know if there was a connection with the Mormon church but a dark cloud that came from the direction the church was located came over me and I was paralyzed and I tried with all my strength to scream “Jesus help me” then it lifted off me.

It didn’t matter where I slept. If I slept in the car I got sleep paralysis. If I slept at work during my break it would happen. I have had multiple people living in the same house and no one else experiences what I experience. Just about all the time I can feel or perceive the entity approaching me when I am lying down in my bed as if it is waiting for me to fall asleep to attack me.

Why did this happen to me so frequently? I believe I became a target because I turned back to God. Satan goes for the true born again Christians – those who truly seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness and to follow Jesus because they are a threat to satan’s kingdom.

By the way, not one time I was horrified or scared throughout this whole ordeal. To tell the truth I was more fascinated than anything else. It can be really mind-boggling to know with 100% certainty that demons exist. For a lot of people, it’s difficult for the natural mind to accept there are spiritual entities. But after the fascination wore off and I developed a strong hatred against them and even more determined to cling on to God and do more for His kingdom.

Possible Door Openers to the Enemy And Solutions

You may ask why does sleep paralysis happens to some and not others? I believe there are several primary reasons why it routinely happens to some people. With my experience and observation with deliverance – that is, casting demons out of people – when you practice sin you break the hedge of protection that God has around you and you unwittingly opened the passage for the enemy to come on in and attack you. I believe there are other ways that hedge protection can be broken such as your parents practicing witchcraft or occult or being involved with a person who practices such abominations.

I think stepping into the enemy’s territory can open doors. I remember one time I reluctantly went to a nightclub with a couple of friends and that same night when I went to sleep I had sleep paralysis and I perceived demons hovering above me going around in circles. Several months ago I went with a friend as he gave me a tour of some bars he frequented. I was just curious to see what it was like inside and despite not even drinking or anything of that nature that same night I got attacked.

The enemy hates when a Christian has a strong, consistent prayer life. I would tend to receive retaliation through sleep paralysis after I have engaged in heavy prayer. So it is possible that you are not necessarily doing anything wrong at all but you are just high on the enemy’s hit list because you are heavily engaged in spiritual warfare (whether it is through praying incessantly and fervently, fasting, evangelizing, etc.).

Apparently, the medical establishment has no solution for sleep paralysis because it is fundamentally a spiritual problem. The solution is to repent of your sins and give your life to the Lord and God Jesus Christ. The list of sins can include masturbation, porn watching and any other sexual immorality which is running rampant in the U.S. New Age or eastern mysticism practices can also open doorways. Not too many people are stupid enough to open doorways to the enemy by practicing satanism so the devil deceives people to open doorways through New Age spirituality or eastern mysticism. At the root of the New Age is self-centeredness. The originator of the modern New Age movement comes from Madame Blavatsky (Hitler was a fan of her) who admitted Lucifer was her god. If you are practicing meditation, black or white magic, astral projection, energy crystals, tarot cards, reiki, seeing a psychic, a palm reader or watching horror movies please repent and renounce it in the name of Jesus Christ.

Having certain objects can have demonic attachments such as ouija boards, dream catchers, idols (which can include Buddhist, Hindu, or Islamic related objects), etc. If you have such objects get rid of it as soon as possible. Get rid of any ungodly objects in your home, period. Please repent and renounce it in the name of Jesus Christ.

Here is a list of things you may be practicing or have they may be opening up doors to the enemy [Click here].

There could be generational curses. If your ancestors were involved with the occult, shamanism, witchcraft, New Age practices, etc. it could leave you vulnerable to sleep paralysis. You can try breaking those curses in the name of Jesus Christ.

If you still happen to be under attack during an episode you can even call upon Jesus Christ even in your mind during an episode (yes, God knows all of your thoughts, He is God after all). God hears when anyone calls out to Him especially in urgency and in faith.

I have played an audio Bible (you can find many uploaded on Youtube) while sleeping to prevent attacks. The Bible reads God’s word is like a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12), like fire, and a hammer (Jer. 23:39). The enemy hates to hear the word of God. This is what I know for certain from my experience with praying for deliverance for people. I have actually heard demons scream out of the mouth of a person when reading scripture.

Just know Jesus Christ is infinitely more powerful than the devil and his minions. In fact, when Jesus was walking on the earth about 2,000 years ago demons were terrified of Him and would cry out not to send them to hell. In Luke 4:34 it reads “Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.” And in Matthew 8:29 it reads “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?”

The Spiritual War We Are All In

If you are a believer the devil doesn’t want you to know Jesus said in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…“. Did you catch that? He gives AUTHORITY OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY.

The enemy uses intimidation through deception. He’s not so scary if you have Jesus Christ and stand on His word. The enemy is not as strong as he presents himself to be. If he was so powerful then all of us would be killed right now. God has the enemy on a leash. He can only do what God allows him to do. The reason most people are not killed during a sleep paralysis attack is that God’s protective hand preventing the enemy from doing so. Remember Job? Satan could only do to Job what God allowed him to.

When I was going through my ordeal or fiery trial I visited numerous churches and told them about my problem and sadly they didn’t know what to say or do. Most Christians have no clue about spiritual warfare which is sad because they should be the ones who should have the remedy for spiritual issues, as Christians are the ones with the truth. The vast majority of Christians are what I call religious or nominal Christians – they never repented of their sins and denied themselves, fast, give up the vain things of the world, etc. for Lord Jesus. They are not a viable threat to satan’s kingdom. It seems like satan has done a number on a lot of Christian churches in America. It’s really too bad many of our churches are so filled with nonsensical, watered-down messages. Many Christians don’t have discernment and thus are blind to the seriousness of the war we are all in. The whole world is in darkness and in bondage to satan. There is a worldwide spiritual war going on for the souls of multitudes and yet the church is not equipped to address it or even acknowledge it.

I felt alone when I went through the fiery trials but I looked up and found other Christians online who went through something similar I went through so I know I wasn’t going crazy. By God’s grace, I was able to overcome the fiery trials. Thank be to God.

Whether you believe it or not we are born into a world with a spiritual dimension. The Bible reads in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Basically, for satan and his demons, their mission is to kill, steal, destroy and deceive and ultimately drag you to the lake of fire where he is sentenced to go in the future. The Bible reads satan is the god (lowercase “g”) of this age (2 Cor. 4:4). He is called the prince of the power of the air and the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2). Jesus called satan the ruler of the world (John 12:31; 14:30). Indeed the Bible reads the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one (1 John 5:19). The fact satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus worshipped him testifies satan really is the ruler of this world. Jesus never denied he owned the kingdoms. The gall of the devil to tempt the Creator to worship him!

I really hope skeptics or unbelievers in Christ realize there really is a real spiritual realm. I can’t emphasize it enough there is a spiritual battle going on for your soul. Satan’s job is to keep you to repent from your sins and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ so you won’t be sealed with the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth.

To all those who are skeptical you are going to have to deal with the fact your favorite musicians or actor believes in the spirit realm. Elvis Presley, Beyonce, Jay Z, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, etc. They all admit to channeling spirits [Watch Demonic Spirit Channeling By Pop “Musicians” Exposed & The Spirit Behind Hollywood Exposed (Channeling, Possession, and Satanism)].

It is crazy we were dumped into satan’s kingdom – born into darkness – a world filled with deception and lies. But there is hope! A Savior, a Person – satan has nothing in Him. A Person who overcame the world. The Light of the world. Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When He returns He’s going to put an end to satan’s kingdom. In Revelation, it reads he gets thrown into the abyss and then ultimately into the lake of fire. So there will be no more sleep paralysis or any kind of demonic attacks then! Jesus’ kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom that will come to no end (Daniel 2:44). All of this should make you reevaluate your life if you’re not a believer. Who or what are you living for? Is there really a heaven and a hell?

There is a pull on the whole world by satan to do evil and to reject the real Jesus Christ of the Bible (I say the real Jesus Christ because many people have a false Jesus that can’t save). He’s not the Muslim Jesus who is merely a prophet and never died on a cross for the sins of the world. He’s not the Mormon Jesus who is the spirit brother of lucifer. He’s not the Jehovah’s Witness Jesus who is the archangel Michael. He is not the New Age Jesus who is a mere man who attained spiritual enlightenment through occult means. The real Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh (John 1:1;14, Col. 2:9)!

In God’s Kingdom when a sinner repents and turns to the Lord and God Jesus Christ the angels in heaven actually rejoice over that one sinner according to Jesus. God actually grieves because of our sins. In Genesis ch. 6 it reads “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” So I can easily imagine God being broken-hearted when someone refuses to turn to Him (also read Ezekiel 6:9).

But on the opposite end, there is satan’s kingdom and I have no doubt satan rejoices when a sinner dies in his sin. Satan is like that guy at a pool party who is about to fall inside the pool and tries to hold onto other people to drag them down with him. Indeed, satan is trying to drag everybody down with him to the lake of fire. But I believe satan gets furious when a sinner repents and turns to Jesus for salvation because he lost someone he once held captive. In Luke 4:18 it reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;”

All of us without Jesus are actually prisoners of the devil. In fact, we are all spiritually dead unto God until we are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we are reconciled to God.

Only by the power of Jesus can those shackles and prison bars be broken. I have never witnessed anything but the power of God that can deliver anyone from drug, alcohol or sex addictions.

When a person turns to Jesus the person actually has their name in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). Is your name written there?

If you need someone to talk to about your sleep paralysis issue or need prayer please feel free to reach out to me. Also, feel free to share your experiences with sleep paralysis in the comment section.

Have a good, peaceful sleep in the name of Jesus 🙂

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” – Psalms 4:8

[sinceileftyoublog]

Wussy Interview: Monsters, Inc.

Photo by John Erhardt

BY JORDAN MAINZER

“The magic of the modern world,” dryly quips Wussy’s Chuck Cleaver as I’ve successfully connected him and co-band-leader Lisa Walker over a three-way call. “We tend to be Luddites,” he adds. The sort of simultaneous weathered curmudgeonly sarcasm and conversational warmth Cleaver and Walker exude is exemplary of a duo who’ve been at it for a long time. A band born out of a dare to play together in 2001 (Cleaver was in Cincinnati cult heroes Ass Ponys), Wussy have released seven albums of folk-, shoegaze-, and country-tinged rock. Cleaver and Walker share vocal, guitar, and songwriting duties, while Mark Messerly plays bass and Joe Klug the drums. Recently, they’ve added John Erhardt on pedal steel. All five shine on the band’s latest full-length, the excellent What Heaven Is Like.

Heaven, like a lot of Wussy records, centers around society’s Midwestern outcasts--not who they consider the “other” but who society as a whole considers so. In context of today’s climate, the band seems all the more essential, avoiding the self-righteous trap of writing politically inspired music by channeling it through the ultra-personal consumption of culture. Walker’s songs, especially, are loosely based on everything from Fargo to Charles Burns’ Black Hole. And on the record, the band covers folk singer Kath Bloom, another outsider. “If key and musical ability are something you’re concerned with, you’re not gonna like Kath Bloom,” jokes Cleaver. “She is a wonderful writer.”

While Wussy don’t have any upcoming tour dates (they recently had to cancel a couple tour dates due to Cleaver experiencing spinal stenosis), they’ve been quite busy even besides Heaven, releasing a duo CD, Record Store Day CD, Cleaver solo record, and split single with The Paranoid Style on Bar/None. Still, it’s Heaven that will endure and remain both a document of socially inspired music in 2018 and a timeless record. Read my conversation with Cleaver and Walker, heavily edited for length and clarity, below.

Since I Left You: What about What Heaven Is Like is unique as compared to your past discography, and what about it is a continuation of your past albums?

Chuck Cleaver: It took a lot longer to make the other ones for various reasons--we kind of tried some other studios, and it worked out to varying degrees, but we were kind of away from our home turf a little bit. We got some good stuff out of it, but we decided we were more comfortable where we normally record. 

It took us a little bit to actually get going. Current political stuff kind of hindered us for a while because we were all to varying degrees put off by it. But that worked its way into some of the lyrics. We explored a little more. I think we do with every record. We thought, “Let’s go even farther out of whatever limb we normally do.” The quieter songs were possibly even quieter than before. 

I don’t think try is the right word, but it’s just something we naturally lean towards. We just get bored otherwise. We keep things moving and hope it’s interesting for other people.

SILY: In the opening song, “One Per Customer”, the line about the astronauts stands out: “back when astronauts had more appeal.” What did you mean by that?

CC: I was born in 1959. Throughout the 60′s, my sister and a lot of her friends wanted to marry a fuckin’ astronaut. They were new, and it was the “it” job for swingin’ guys or whatever. Now--in reality, being an astronaut is scary as hell--but it doesn’t have the appeal that it once did. Kids when they grew up wanted to be an astronaut. I don’t have any idea what they want to be now. A robot, maybe. Maybe kids just wish they were more intelligent. I don’t know. It does seem like being an astronaut used to be more of a goal.

Lisa Walker: I had an astronaut Barbie.

CC: And there was an astronaut GI Joe.

LW: But I feel like that’s not as much of a thing now.

CC: Now, everybody wants to be a fuckin’ reality star or something. Ugh. They should just be murdered in their sleep. Sorry.

LW: What?!?

CC: [laughs]

LW: Oh my god.

SILY: “Gloria” was inspired by the character in the latest season of Fargo--it’s not the first time you’ve named an album or song title after a movie or TV show. Attica! was named after Dog Day Afternoon. Why do you like naming things after other parts of culture?

LW: My theory on this is that I think classical allusions are a little played out. We’ve already used all the biblical ones.

CC: We’re big TV advocates.

LW: I prefer TV over film generally.

CC: I prefer TV over people.

LW: I’m in that camp, too. And I watch the same things over and over again. It’s like a comfort. Almost like therapy. One of the documentaries I saw over the past couple years I really enjoyed was that brony one. I can’t remember the title. [Editor’s note: It’s Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony]. It sounds odd, but it’s pretty sweet. It’s sort of like that Bob’s Burgers episode with the Equestranauts.

CC: [cackles]

LW: They talk about how a lot of people process stuff through watching television. Something made for children helps people process adults, conflicts, emotions. I kind of get that. For me, that third season of Fargo helped me process the election. It took me a while to get through it. I had to quit in the middle because it was too bleak. I was like, “This guy’s gonna win.”

CC: The thing is [in the show] he doesn’t beat her spirit.

LW: That’s my takeaway from every article. I try to come away with the long view of history. I know a spark of hope when I see it, too. And I think that TV, more than movies, is good at telling the story.

SILY: Over that many episodes and hours, over a serial thing, it allows for greater storylines and development. It’s just such a commitment, and there’s so much, it can be hard to pick.

LW: I know. Some are too intense for me, frankly, because I get too into it. I’m one episode into Season 1 of Legion, and there’s flashbacks with a puppy. I’m already like, “If they do something to that dog, I’m out.”

CC: I’m like that with animals and little kids. Unless the little kid’s an asshole--then I’m like, “Kill that son of a bitch.”

LW: [laughs]

CC: Plus, I have the attention span of a gnat. Sometimes, when we’re watching a movie, I’ll get up and leave the room, and my wife will be like, “God damnit. We’re watching a fucking movie! What are you doing?” And I’m like, “Oh, I forgot.”

LW: I watch a lot of Bob’s Burgers and Parks and Recreation. Things I’ve already seen. And that stuff helps me with reality a little bit because there’s a kindness to it.

CC: There’s kind of a not-kindness to it too that keeps it funny. Bob’s Burgers is a very irreverent show. But in a sweet way.

SILY: What else helps you process and come to terms with the world around you?

LW: For me, I listen to a lot of Gang of Four and Wire. Their anger is soothing.

CC: Just being in a band. My wife always notices I get really grumpy when we don’t play for a while. [Lisa and I] both for varying degrees buy lots of junk--not really junk--but vintage stuff. We both collect all kinds of things. Going to antique malls and fairs and stuff like that is very therapeutic for me. I don’t even have to buy anything. Just walking around and seeing the tritest of people’s lives is interesting to me.

SILY: That’s exactly what my girlfriend does. She just organized her so-called “cabinet of curiosities” with her knick-knacks and what not.

CC: That’s it. Organizing and reorganizing things, looking at each thing and wondering whether it’s haunted or not. It’s just interesting to me. It provides great joy. I just posted a picture on Facebook--I found an old rat trap with Mickey Mouse’s picture on it. [To Lisa] You actually found it first, I think.

LW: Why would you put Mickey Mouse on a rat trap? That makes no sense.

CC: Exactly. But it’s just beautiful. Like, “Oh my god. Who thought of this?!?” That keeps me going. It made my entire week.

SILY: There’s a clip of Tom Waits on Letterman from a few years ago wherein he for no reason brought a rat trap from the 1800′s. He didn’t explain why he had it--he just had it. It makes me crack up every single time.

LW: It explains itself. 

CC: It’s just fascinating. Especially when it’s something that’s mass produced. I’ll never get over some of the stuff we found created by individuals, but the idea that a group of people got together in a board room or wherever and thought, “This rat trap with Mickey Mouse on it is going to be a good idea” is just great to me. Wow. This mass hallucination of people thinking it’s the right thing to do.

LW: It’s like the Middle Ages dance hysteria. Where people did something in hysteria until they died--like dancing. There are paeans with the Pied Piper of Hamelin where they think something happened like that. If you look in the town records of Hamelin, they say, “It’s been such and such years since our children went away.” And they don’t know what it means. There’s a stained glass that told the story.

CC: That’s some X-Files shit.

LW: You could also make correlations with acts of terror now. You read and think, “Why would somebody do that?” It’s crazy.

SILY: You can be fascinated and talk about how crazy the past is, but part of me thinks you can’t judge it at all because we do shit that in a number of years is just as crazy if not crazier.

CC: Imagine two generations from now people looking back at our political atmosphere and wondering, “Those motherfuckers were nuts. What the hell were they thinking?”

LW: I always love watching movies made before cell phones because people actually look around. You see their face. Now, if everyone’s not on their phones, it seems disingenuous somehow. You’re like, “That’s not real.”

SILY: I was waiting for the train the other day, and some guy was talking on the phone and very purposely and loudly saying, “I’m trying to engage with these people and they’re all on their phones!” Part of me was like, “Nobody wants to talk you to, it’s early.” But there was a certain extent to which he was right.

CC: And, you’re on the phone, [too].

SILY: Back to the record. It seemed like it had a much darker instrumental tone than previous records. Was that at all an intention or observation on your end?

CC: It was probably just a product of the time in which it was made, I’m guessing. We don’t ever talk about that stuff. We never say, “Let’s put in the devil’s chord,” or “the brown note” or anything.

LW: If we could, we would, though.

CC: Especially the brown note. The idea of our record making people poop their pants is just great.

LW: Musical laxative.

CC: Again, we don’t discuss much. We just do it. However it comes out is how it comes out. I know that seems strange. We’re just not that kind of a band.

LW: You know what it is, though. It’s a product of what we listen to. If we’re listening to a lot of Yo La Tengo--particularly their darker stuff, as I do--that’s gonna come out in what I play. Not like I’m trying to copy it. It’s just by osmosis.

CC: And I’ve watched a lot of black metal documentaries this year. [laughs] There’s probably that. It’s just interesting to me. I don’t listen to the music much or at all. I could watch a documentary on practically anything.

SILY: Any good ones in particular?

CC: If you go on YouTube--I’m terrible at remembering titles--there’s a couple that are really informative. They’re always kind of funny. Any time I see someone in corpse makeup, it just makes me giggle. At the same time, they seem very genuine and into it, so I can’t make fun of it too much. It’s no less relative than what we do.

SILY: Lisa, how do you like the new Yo La Tengo record?

LW: I haven’t heard it yet. I’ve only heard one song. I’m looking forward to it. My favorite Yo La Tengo record is Electr-O-Pura, if that gives you a sense of the ones I like. I like them all, but the ones that tend towards that. I think that record is kind of dark. A lot of singable noise. You could hum that record. Some of their stuff is so monotone--the I Can Hear the Heart Beating era. Like that song “Demons” of theirs from one of their covers records. I tend to like their dark stuff, so I’m hoping it goes in that direction.

SILY: It’s pretty droney.

LW: I’m in.

SILY: One song is in that great tradition of sweet, fuzzed out bliss like “Tom Courtenay”. I think it’s one of their best songs. The rest is kind of atmospheric.

LW: Sounds like Yo La Tengo. I will be happy.

SILY: The song on the new Wussy record “Tall Weeds”--

LW: We’ve played that more than any of them.

CC: We’ve been playing that for almost two years. Since the end of Forever Sounds.

SILY: The delivery in the vocal tone reminded me of Nick Cave.

LW: Sweet. That’s always a compliment.

CC: Thanks. I can think I’m skinnier and more handsome now.

SILY: The line, “Are you afraid of all the monsters in the folding metal chairs,” on the final song “Black Hole”--

CC: Best line on the record.

SILY: What’s the story behind it?

LW: Since “Tall Weeds” was kind of born out of Black Hole, that graphic novel by Charles Burns, I was having trouble knowing what to write about on this record. So I thought, “Let’s just make a whole suite about that.” Chuck had already gotten the ball rolling, and I had to write my half. If you haven’t read [Black Hole], it’s about this mysterious disease that afflicts people graduating from high school in this town. It’s like an STD, but people mutate. Not so much X-Men style--they become lizard skin or part animal. Some people grow a tale. Some guy grows a mouth on his neck that talks and tells his secrets.

CC: [laughs] It’s an amazing graphic novel.

LW: It touches on fear of aging, growing up, fear of change. I just thought about what that graduation would look like. But it rang true to me because of the climate, challenging my perceptions of people.

CC: Where it hit with me is I can remember my graduation, looking out on all those dunce faces and thinking, “What a bunch of fuckin’ assholes, I’m getting out of here.”

LW: That feeling of alienation from everything from your own body to your neighbors. Because even though those people mutate, they’re still the same people. And that’s the key. It just sort of brings out what’s already dormant in their spirit. They turn into something that makes them want to act out.

CC: You and I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Different places. But all I thought about was getting the hell out of there when I was 18.

LW: Me too. I don’t like to downplay where I’m from.

CC: I respect where I’m from and respect the people, but I didn’t belong there. I was afraid of all the monsters.

SILY: What’s the inspiration behind the album title?

LW: [laughs]

CC: [cackles]

LW: One day, when I was walking in the studio, I was thinking about this tweet from Donald Trump. He was shit-posting all day. After all of the shit-posting and talking about hating people, there was something like, “Oh, read this new book!” I forgot what the title was, but it was something along the lines of “what heaven is like.” “Read it today! Beautiful.” Are you serious? [laughs] It was so gross, but so funny. It was like Onion level. I got the title wrong. It’s not “What heaven is like.” It’s A Place Called Heaven. [The rest of the band] laughed so hard. They were like, “That’s the title.”

CC: Then we found an old postcard and ran it through some filters and that’s how we came up with the cover.

SILY: Are you still ingrained in the Cincinnati music scene?

LW: I think so. I never really was that much. I’m really less so now but just because I don’t go out a lot. I save my going out for being on tour. I don’t go to a lot of shows. It’s not because I don’t like music. I just don’t like going out socially much.

CC: We have two band members who are a little more social than me, Lisa, and John. We never go anywhere, pretty much.

LW: We do, but with our own families. I get together with Chuck and his wife or John and his wife.

CC: Mark and Joe tend to be our butterflies. [laughs] Our rhythm section.

LW: I go out on the road, and that’s sort of how I get it out of my system.

[whereintheworldisdani]

Monday October 16th, 2017 - Sunday October 22nd, 2017. The bulk of this post is going to be about my birthday over the weekend, but before I get into that, I do want to talk about the great experience I had at Epcot on Thursday.

I decided I wanted to avoid cooking and grocery shopping, so I went to Food & Wine at Epcot right after work. I spent a good deal of my time there walking around Japan and Great Britain (surprise surprise, right?). I actually posted a video of some of the drum show they do in Japan, it is really entertaining so I encourage you to check it out. In Japan there is a Japanese department store which I spent way too much time in (probably). There are SO many different types of souvenirs and candies and clothes and things in the store. And yes I wanted to buy it all. However, I settled on a post card and a picture. When I checked out, I got to speak in Japanese to the cashier (or at least what Japanese is left in my brain to speak). It wasn’t much, but it certainly was something.

After that, I wandered into the tea shop in Great Britain. As we all know, I LOVE tea, and what tea do I love the most? Twinings. And what was the only tea they sold in the shop? You guessed it (hopefully). There were also lovely tea cups and pots and mugs in the shop. BUT there were also biscuits and Mars bars which I have missed so dearly since leaving London. And there probably isn’t any shock or surprise as to what I bought: Lavender Earl Grey Tea, biscuits, and a Mars Bar. I struck up a conversation with the cashiers about being a Disney Cast Member and having lived in London (one of them was quite impressed I could pronounce his hometown “Leicester”, England. Look it up, probably not pronounced the way you think).

Later I met up with some friends and we ran around to a bunch of different food stalls for dinner. It was a pretty fantastic evening for lack of a better way to put it.

And then the weekend happened. WOW what a birthday. Honestly, this may have been the best birthday yet, or at least it is in the top. But really, how great does a birthday at Disney sound? And even better, my lovely and wonderful parents flew in for the occasion. This past weekend was truly amazing.

On Saturday I picked mom and dad up from the airport and we wasted NO time; we hit the ground running and took off for Epcot to check out the Food & Wine Festival. We made a quick stop at “Club Cool” (the place where you can taste Coke products from around the world) so we could try some sodas and get myself a birthday button. Pro tip: if you are looking to feel like the royalty you truly are, pick yourself up a birthday button at any store in the Disney parks. On the surface, it is just a circular pin that says “happy birthday” on it, but underneath, oh it is SO much more. You put that thing on and BOOM you get smiles and happy birthdays left and right! People even write happy birthday on stuff for you, and you get gifts when you go out to eat!

So with my new super power on hand, the three of us took Epcot by storm. We went to food stalls in Scotland, Ireland, The U.S., and Australia, and honestly probably others, we ate so much food. We also road on Test Track and Soarin’. I’m convinced Soarin’ has become mom’s new favorite ride. She was in complete awe the whole time. But as far as Test Track went… well you can see in the photo that only one of us wasn’t so photogenic. You can also check out the car Dad and I designed.

At night, we went the Biergarten restaurant in Germany. In true Bavarian style, they seat you at a table with random people, and there is a buffet full of AMAZING German food. And while you eat, there are performers playing instruments and singing songs. I was a big fan of the place. 10/10 would recommend. And of COURSE what helped to make it awesome was the waiter printed a Biergarten birthday certificate for me, and gave me some Mickey and Minnie stickers.

Oh, and a note on the people we were sharing a table with: there was a guy there by himself, and a family of four, and then the three of us. The guy who was there by himself was from just outside of Seattle, and as you all know, my lovely brother Craig and future sister Heather live in Seattle, and the family of four was from Portland (not the same, but near there at least). And then the guy from Seattle was talking about how he had just come from Baltimore before going to Disney, which is what my parents did (they had just spent the weekend in Baltimore), and the father of the family of four is originally from Baltimore. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE. The mother of the family of four was celebrating her birthday this past weekend JUST LIKE ME. WHAT?! Pretty crazy.

So now on SUNDAY (my actual birthday) Mom and I went to Hollywood Studios while Dad had to rest up his knees for the Halloween party later in the day. I, of course, had happy birthdays left and right, and even the barista at the Starbucks wrote happy birthday on my drink. Honestly, I felt like royalty. Like, people telling me happy birthday just made me feel on top of the world.

Mom and I did all our favorites and then some. I took her to the Frozen Sing-a-Long, and we cracked up the whole time. We also went to the Beauty and the Beast show, which we went to when I was a tiny human. When it gets the part in the show (or any rendition of Beauty and the Beast) where Beast turns back into a human, and he says “Belle it’s me!” And then she looks at him and says “It is you!” We always laugh because when I was little, I always called him “Prince Itisyou” and my parents never knew why, UNTIL they took me to see the Beauty and the Beast show at Hollywood Studios. Mom says it was the biggest “aha” moment ever. Anyway, when it got to that point in the show, mom and I started laughing, and then we started crying, and then we were laughing and crying. He will forever be Prince Itisyou.

Afterwards we saw The Voyage of the Little Mermaid and rode on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror. It was a long day, but it was GREAT.

AND THEN in the evening, we snagged Dad, I put on my costume (Honey Lemon from Big Hero 6; look up a picture for comparison, I look just like her, and FOUR people recognized me and complimented me), and we headed off to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. For five hours in the evening, Magic Kingdom turns into one giant Halloween party, complete with trick or treating. We started the night on Space Mountain, the single most greatest ride in the world. The whole party, however was started with the Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus brewing up a “party potion” with the help of some villains. Check out the videos I have posted, they were AMAZING. I absolutely adore Hocus Pocus, and it was amazing to see the Sanderson Sisters perform. Where else could this happen other than Disney?!… and well I guess, Salem in 1993, but whatever.

Later, we rode the Haunted Mansion, which Dad doesn’t think is scary, but I think it is pretty terrifying. Then again, I can hardly watch a Goosebumps film without jumping. After that we went on Peter Pan WHICH I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON. Shocking, right?! Seeing as I know that film, book, and all other adaptations backwards and forwards. The cue leading up to the ride is truly magical. You get to walk through the Darlings’ home, and see the nursery and Peter’s shadow appears, and Tink comes in as well! It is safe to say I love the ride. It is amazing, at least for those of us who are obsessed with Peter Pan.

We got off the ride in time to see some of the Halloween parade. The parade has TONS of characters, and they all dance and sing along to the Halloween music playing on the loud speaker. Again, check out the photos, I even posted a video of the Jolly Roger (Captain Hook’s ship in case you don’t know).

We had to leave the parade early in order make our dinner reservation at Be Our Guest. Now, Be Our Guest is this amazing French restaurant made to look like Beast’s castle, complete with picture gallery, Ballroom, and West Wing. Before you enter, a host comes out in the dim light carrying Lumiere to escort you in and to your table. They play instrumental versions of the music from Beauty and the Beast over the speakers, and Beast comes out to meet his guests. Dinner was delicious. I had ratatouille, and tried the onion soup and shrimp and pasta my parents had. It was all just wonderful. And for dessert, the waiter brought out a plate of the Grey Stuff (it’s delicious!… if you don’t get it, please listen to Be Our Guest) with a candle, and in the shape of Mickey. It was such a wonderful surprise, and he later came up with a birthday card signed by Belle and Beast. Truly, the birthday button has power. After we paid, we met Beast and took a photo with him. He was quite the gentleman. Maybe someday Prince Itisyou will be there to greet guests…

After we left, I was wiped, but the parents wanted to run around and snag as much candy as possible. Honestly, from the way we were talking you wouldn’t be able to tell who was the parent and who was the kid (I had work the next day, so sue me!). It was so much fun. Honestly, the day was practically perfect (in every way!… really, if you don’t get it, then get on my level).

I could not have asked for a better weekend. Thank you to EVERYONE who wished me a happy birthday; it meant the world to me. And also, thank you to my parents for flying out to spend it with me and make it AWESOME.

This adventure is brilliant, and I am loving every minute of it. (Well maybe not EVERY minute, but you get it! Right?)

Until next time!