#which we mustn't ignore

[nochd]

There were multiple hominin migrations from Africa into the Middle East throughout human prehistory -- at least four if I recall correctly. One theory I once remember hearing (but haven't seen again since, so take it with a grain of salt) is called "The Sahara Desert as a Pump".

We know from various lines of evidence that large parts of what's now the Sahara have, during the last half million years, repeatedly become green and fertile over a few thousand years and then returned to desert again. Each time those places greened up, people moved into them; when they turned back to desert, people moved out. And the people who were closer to the northeastern edge moved out, not southward back to where their ancestors millennia before had come from, but northwards into Eurasia.

What do you think about the evolution theory of everyone getting out of Africa? For me it is very problematic to think that people do not want to stay in Africa and prefer to go to "civilized" places. While we're here, what do you think of the "first world" and "third world" division. If we were to follow those standards technically the UK is kinda a.third world country at this specific moment. Have a great day

The 'out of Africa' is just the theory that hominins evolved in Africa first and then migrated - likely following fresh water sources. Nowhere was "civilised" then - it was prehistory! I don't think it's problematic and it is, in fact, a fact.

[thalialunacy]

[for the @calaisreno May Prompts Squad; in which there are many Holmeses and parenting is a contact sport]

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) 20: do-over (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31)

It's a new week, and John declares on Monday he's certain it's going to be easier than the last one.

What an idiot.

---

By the time they reach Wednesday, they've not been back from hospital twenty-four hours when Sherlock's dear mama orders them onto a train. 

'Mother,' Sherlock hisses into his mobile, glancing across the room to where John is firmly planted on the sofa with his daughter tight in his arms, watching Peppa Pig. 'Rosamund just got out of A&E. We don't want to go down the street, let alone out to a place so far from an adequate hospital that--' 

'Oh, poppycock' 

'I'm sorry?' 

'Now, don't be angry at me, darling. I know you must be frightened to bits for your little girl--' 

Sherlock turns away from the sofa again, chest clenching for the approximately thousandth time in the past two days. 'She's not my little girl,' he says between his teeth, trying to keep his voice steady and quiet.

'--but I'm only trying to help.'

Sherlock knows it's one of those times John would be a much better fit for the task at hand. Unfortunately, she's stuck with her son instead. 'Mummy. Clearly, that would not help.'

'You're not planning on feeding her peanuts again, are you?'

Sherlock closes his eyes. 'I won't dignify that with an answer.'

'Then pack an epipen and come see your mother. I want to kiss that baby.'

---

John is doing his best, Sherlock observes once they're gathered round his parents' kitchen table, but he's clearly still feeling scads of parental guilt. He refuses to let Rosamund out of his sight, and his jaw keeps doing that jumpy bit that means he's repressing something. Several somethings, obviously, because he is John Watson.

And Sherlock almost abhors how much he cares for John Watson.

---

His mother, naturally, can't hold back for long. 

'Oh, John, I do hate to see you like this.'

John freezes like the proverbial deer in headlights, then carefully puts down his fork, stiff upper lip firmly in place. 'Thanks, Mrs Holmes, but I'm all right.' 

Sherlock, who knows better, shares a Look with Rosamund, who blurps his name(ish) then happily stuffs more pickle into her mouth. John's face softens momentarily, and she notices. 'Want some, Daddy?'

It's not a question; John is immediately handed a chubby fistful of globby green.

'She not a fan of spoons, then?' Sherlock's father says with a chuckle.

'Only as a weapon,' Sherlock replies without thinking, but luckily it's the correct audience, because beyond an eye roll, the reaction is mostly laughter.

Except for John, Sherlock notices immediately. Oh, dear.

His mother notices, too, and her lips purse. 'John, I know we're all very English, but I'm old enough that I can speak plainly.'

'As if you hadn't already,' Sherlock mutters.

She ignores him, instead reaching out to touch John's right hand where it rests on the table. 'You mustn't punish yourself. You've done nothing wrong.'

John's extreme discomfort would be crystal clear to anyone in a ten mile radius. 'Mrs Holmes…'

'I mean it.'

He puts down his fork, and Sherlock sees him inhale purposefully. 'All due respect, ma'am, but my daughter nearly died. She nearly died because I insisted she eat something she clearly and repeatedly did not want to eat.'

'And?'

John's mouth opens, then shuts, before he speaks again. 'Are you joking?'

'Everyone makes mistakes with their children, dear.'

'Not that sort of mistake.'

She makes a noise close to a ladylike snort, if such a thing existed. 'We almost drowned Sherlock when he was her age.'

Sherlock's front chair legs drop back to the floor with a thunk. 'Beg pardon?'

'Yes, you came frightfully close to dying, it was very unpleasant.'

John's facade breaks enough to give Sherlock a slight smirk. 'And you didn't recognise my facetiousness on that train?'

'Yes, yes, thank you, now what is this about me drowning, Mother?'

'We left you with another child, a girl of maybe twelve.' She shakes her head. 'That poor girl. She's never forgiven herself.'

'But I didn't die!'

'Sherlock,' his mother chides. 'Don't be unkind.'

'Wait. Why didn't I die?'

A curious silence falls over the group. 

Sherlock's chin drops, and he sighs. 'Mycroft.'

His mother nods. 'He was in the deeper end, and you were in the shallow end. Where you were meant to stay.'

John huffs a laugh. 'Right, good luck with that.'

She tuts. 'He's lucky his brother was watching.'

'You don't remember any of it?' John asks, clearly curious.

Sherlock thinks. 'I remember a pool, several pools, from childhood. Various ponds. I remember-- Yes, I think the first time I ventured into the deep end, I blinked and I was at the ladder.'

'Indeed,' his mother says.

'Right,' John says, bemused. 'So you've always hated pools, even before we nearly got blown up in one.'

His mother blinks. 'Beg pardon?'

'Oh don't fret, Mummy.' Sherlock waves a hand. 'It was ages ago.'

And worse things have happened since then, no one needs say.

Except his mother says it, sort of. 'She's going to have such unusual stories to tell,' she says, turning to Rosamund and touching her tiny nose briefly. 'Aren't you, darling?'

'Any hope of a normal childhood was gone long ago, I'm afraid,' John says, his voice only a little strained.

Sherlock's father, unexpectedly, speaks up. 'Perhaps, but what she's got is better.'

'I agree,' his mother says. 'John's normal enough for the three of you, anyway.'

Sherlock smirks privately. Yes, absolutely normal, building-jumping, gun-toting, life-saving John Watson.

As if he'd ever fall in love with "normal."

That's the end of the discussion, apparently, because his mother turns back to Rosamund with a smile. 'Now, precious girl, let's see if you can say "grandmama" yet.' 

---

John, still feeling slightly sour, pulls out his phone once he's put Rosie down. 'Mycroft.' His tone borders on Captainy, but he's too bloody tired to be polite. 'What are you playing at?'

'Couldn't possibly have any idea what you mean, Dr Watson.'

'First my daughter is calling you her uncle, and now your mum is teaching her "grandmama"?'

'I fail to see the problem. She's very intelligent.'

John pinches the bridge of his nose. He can't shout, because Rosie is asleep in her cot next to him, and though Sherlock is outside smoking, Sherlock's parents are somewhere on the other side of the guest room door.

'Your brother,' he finally says lowly, 'cares for Rosie a great deal, but has most definitely not voiced an interest in being her father, nor should he feel obligated to.'

'With all due respect, John, I must disagree.'

'How.' It's not a question.

Mycroft's voice isn't hard, but he enunciates every word very, very clearly. 'She is my niece. If you can't see it, then God help you... Although I am aware my brother has inherited more than his fair share of the Holmes reticence. But,' he concludes, implacable, 'lest you forget: He said it himself. You are family. And therein lies the obligation.' 

John's heart does a little twitch in his chest. 'Yeah, but--'

'No.'

'But--'

'Not to sound too much like my dear brother, but John?'

John exhales. 'Can't wait to hear this.'

'Don't be an idiot.'

'Oi--'

But the call is already over. Of course it is. Because Mycroft Holmes is a bastard.

He might also, maybe, just this once… be right.

[ <3 ]

[pool story lifted from my childhood: I literally remember nothing bad about nearly drowning; my five-years-elder brother saved me and I have loved swimming ever since]

[parad-ice-lostandfound]

Prompt: "You have a fever."

Pairing: Epel Felmier x Gn!Reader/Prefect/Yuu

Genre: Fluff

TW: NA

"Come on, (Name). Please? " Epel batted his eyelashes at you.

You sighed, tilting your head slightly as you looked at him. Fighting against the part of you that just wanted to coo at him and give into his demands was hard, but you managed to contain yourself. You remained silent, watching the shorter boy fidget under your intent gaze.

"Epel is smart," Vil had told you, days before he had to leave for some project. "Despite his hesitancy in using his beauty, he will employ it against you should he want something. He knows you well, Prefect. But you mustn't give in."

I mustn't give in, you chanted in your mind as you looked at Epel, who was growing more antsy by the minute.

"You've just recovered from that cold, Epel. I don't think it'd be a good idea to go out and play in the snow when it's not even been that long," you tried to get him to see reason. "Besides, I'm pretty sure Rook was instructed by Vil to keep an eye on you. If this gets back to him..."

"It won't get back to him!" Epel huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he switched the puppy eyes for a pout. Sevens, was he aiming to persuade you, or to kill you?

"Vil's not here, and Rook's going to the mountains today–"

"Why?"

"– I don't really know, but that's besides the point. (Name), I'm bored. I've been stuck in my room for almost a week, I'm fine now! Besides, isn't it Vil who says going outside is good for your health?"

"He says that to have you join him when he's jogging," you hummed in amusement. "Also, who says I'll not snitch on you to Vil?"

Epel took a step closer to you, gently reaching out to hold your hand in his. A light tug, followed by a soft "Please...?" had you blushing and looking away. Epel tilted forward to catch the expression on your face while you tried to cover it with your free hand.

You mentally apologized to Vil for failing to resist Epel's charms. For someone who disliked being called cute or any synonyms of it, he sure knew how to wield his cuteness. And you were but a weak, weak human.

"Fine. Fifteen minutes," you said, trying to ignore the way Epel's face lit up with smug happiness. "Only fifteen minutes."

"I'll take that!" He smiled as he placed a quick kiss on your cheek, leaving you dumbfounded. The smile on his face quickly turned into a mischievous grin as he let go of you and turned, running out of his dorm yelling, "Last one out's a rotten egg!"

"Hey, not fair!" You yelled back as you chased him.

"You have a fever," Vil's voice rang out, a disappointed note to his words as he stared down at the thermometer in his hand. You squirmed in your place on Epel's bed, twiddling your thumbs. A quick glance to your side showed you an equally miserable and sick Epel mirroring your position.

"In our defense," you started, voice slightly croaky as you looked up at the Pomefiore housewarden, "we were out for only 15 minutes."

"And look what that brought upon the two of you," Vil deadpanned, looking very much like an exasperated mother as he made sure both of you were comfortable.

Rook stood silently in the corner of the room, not moving a muscle as he watched the three of you from where he'd been placed on timeout. His crime? Letting you two be unsupervised for an entire day. You felt bad for him, letting him know that with an apologetic smile in his direction, which he returned with one of his own.

"Honestly... I was away for three days, potatoes," he sighed, manicured hands carefully pressing a cold damp towel to your forehead, then doing the same to Epel. Neither one of you commented on his fussing, not wanting to get scolded any more than you already had.

"Now wait here while I go and brew you some medicinal potions."

"Uh, Vil we could just get some from the infirmary-"

"I said, wait here, like good little spudlings," Vil calmly stared at you, lips curling into a triumphant smile when none of you dared to make a sound in protest. "Good. Rook?"

The blonde in the corner turned his attention to his housewarden. "Yes?"

"Keep an eye on them."

Back to Masterlist...

[arliedraws]

I find it many things weird in Harry Potter, in general the plot holes are everywhere and things when you think about them just don't make much sense, even in storytelling perspective, and consistency.

One thing that I find appalling is how Sirius didn't notice the scarring on Harry's hand, from Umbridges lines. It's established canonically they're lasting scars. Sirius already had to watch from the literal shadows how Harry was enrolled in that tournament, already fearing for his godsons life bc he suspected Voldemort was involved. How couldn't any responsible guardian, not notice Harry was physically abused, again, under Dumbledores nose, but away from Sirius direct influence to be able to do anything. Then on top of that, Snape is gonna to do the occlumensy lessons, and while Sirius knew that was necessary, I mean, he was outraged when he heared Snape stopped it, but ok, he let it all slide? If I were Sirius I would have pulled Harry out myself for that year, enough is enough. If Dumbledores presence didn't prevent Harry's suffering, in fact his choices add to Harry's real physical abuse (Dursleys, certain teachers). Sirius could educate Harry theoretical until Umbridge was gone. Harrry was save enough in Grimmauld during christmas and the summer so why not.

Its like those I mustn't tell lies scars only are there when needed and then forgotten during times of the plot supporting characters might have reacted to them, like Sirius or whomever. Sirius is a genius wizard but can't turn into an unassuming anonymous figure to go outside, like Hermione did to Ron's features with just her wand and spells in b7, negating need for polyjuice, it's his dog form or permanent housearrest (which leads to disintegration of his mind /character and then he dies)

At some point I'm really suspect this is character driven anymore and just JKs incompetence to consistently implement Sirius's character. Like you already said somewhere here, he is a miracle character. Too clever, too bright, too loyal to continue in the story JK wanted to tell like you said somewhere before. I have a feeling JK didn't know what to do with Sirius, denigrated him and his character and then killed him off. His best role at the end to fulfill is to reinforce Harry's suffering and loneliness it seems, while Sirius actually was the main hope of Harry in the heart of the series. So meaningless!

While I love character metas, I think JK is a meanspirited woman, I always had that notion bc she reacted in some ways, even before the whole modern eh, shenanigans. And that meanness, pettiness and inconclusive attitude reflect in hps worldbuilding.

I agree with several points here!

If Sirius had been in a better mental space, I agree that he would have noticed the scars from the blood quill. However, we could also interpret this as Sirius being exceptionally depressed. Now, I’m not defending JKR here, but one thing we do have to remember is that Sirius was a convicted murderer and Harry’s legal guardians were the Dursleys. Sirius literally has no say in what Harry does. Sirius is not a person with rights—in the eyes of the law, he is due to have his soul sucked out. Anytime Sirius makes a decision on Harry’s behalf, it’s a courtesy thing, not a legal guardian thing. Unfortunately. It’s gross to say, but legally, Molly has the same rights as Sirius to tell Harry what to do—which is, gross.

Also, sure, Sirius could go out of number 12 in disguise but he’s in hiding because he knows he can’t risk his own safety for Harry’s sake. Dumbledore has made it very clear that Sirius is not to leave, and frankly, by the way Harry believed he had to rescue Sirius, this was actually probably the right call. Sirius is the most important person to Harry (and likewise), and if Sirius were taken captive by either the Ministry or Voldemort, Harry would done something unwise (which…he did). I’m not arguing that this is how it should have gone down, but theoretically (if you ignore the importance of mental health and stability lol), this should have been the right call.

But the point is, Voldemort’s ability to manipulate people and destroy friendships is what killed Sirius. Voldemort manipulated Dumbledore who thought he was smarter than Voldemort; Dumbledore prioritized keeping Harry alive but sacrificed Sirius in the end. I do think JKR punishes Sirius for being smart and attractive (lol), calling him rash when he’s really…not, but I think it’s important to recognize that even the smartest, most caring people can make mistakes and overlook the pain of the people they love most.

I think Sirius is partially in denial about some of Harry’s struggles. As a man of action, Sirius’s inclination is to fix things, and when he cannot fix in the way he believes is necessary, he shuts down. He comes alive at the end of OotP when he is able to help in the way he wants—and then JKR kills him for it lol.

Anyway, just some thoughts. I don’t actually think Sirius was behaving out-of-character, but I think JKR was unmerciful in putting this fictional character into situations that brought out the worst in him because it served the plot. Just my two cents though!

[thegirlwhowrites642]

Do you think petunia dursley deserve redemption?

Now a days many people say she was manipulated by Vernon or James insulted her( she saw james in harry) and they try to excuse her actions because she was woman.

After the war Petunia will divorce Vernon and harry will forgive her. They even say Petunia secretly always cared about Harry.

Please share your thoughts(only if you have time/want to ofcourse)

Thank you

I think young Petunia is a character it's easy to feel compassion for.

I can't really blame her for not wanting Lily around or not wanting anything to do with magic.

As a child, she is quite close to her younger sister and she has to witness that younger sister all of a sudden going on an adventure without her because her sister has magic and Petunia doesn't.

I dare anyone to not feel resentful and envious in that situation.

And the fact that she is the older sister makes it worse because when Lily goes to Hogwarts they are still in that age where the younger sibling tends to admire and still wants to follow the older and out of the blue that dynamic radically changes.

When in DH we find out that Petunia sent a letter to Dumbledore asking to go to Hogwarts, my heart absolutely breaks for her every single time I re-read it.

And then when Lily enters the wizarding world, Petunia is left to her normal life, which is probably not that great. The Evanses aren't poor but they are definitely not rich. And she is still very much a girl in the 70s, not as bad as the 30s but not as good as today. All of this is to say that she is not left in a situation of privilege and luxury and therefore has nothing to complain about.

Petunia is also left to deal with lying to protect Lily's secret, probably having to say something about how she was sent to some special school for very talented kids, therefore having to make herself appear as the stupid sister. And so everyone would be super curious about this brilliant sister of Petunia, forcing her to live in Lily's shadow even outside of the house and with Lily in Scotland. It's also implied that Lily is the beautiful sister, which I'm sure doesn't help Petunia's resentment. It writes itself a scene from a summer in 1976, where Petunia's friends are eager to meet/see again her beautiful brilliant sister, and Petunia dies of envy.

It's true that Lily enters a world in which as a muggle-born she is subjected to discrimination but I doubt Petunia knew much about it:

Even though Petunia was raised alongside a witch, she is remarkably ignorant about magic. - from Vernon and Petunia Dursley by JK Rowling

Then Lily ends up marrying James Potter, rich, athletic, and good-looking. While Petunia marries Vernon. Tell me you wouldn't hate Lily even more. Lily marrying a wizard so soon after Hogwarts also adds to the separation of the two sisters into two different worlds. Other factors are the war in the wizarding world and the death of their parents.

And speaking of the devil, Petunia seems also resentful towards her parents for showing, according to her, a preference for Lily:

I was the only one who saw her for what she was -- a freak! But for my mother and father, oh no, it was Lily this and Lily that, they were proud of having a witch in the family!" She stopped to draw a deep breath and then went ranting on. It seemed she had been wanting to say all this for years. -Chapter 4, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowing

If you notice, Harry doesn't know anything about Mr and Mrs Evans, one thing is him not knowing about the Potters but if Harry doesn't know anything about the Evans grandparents, it means Dudley doesn't either, it means Petunia doesn't talk about them, doesn't have photos of them. Frankly, seeing the relationship between the two sisters, the Envases mustn't have been geniuses at the whole parenting thing.

And for all of this, again, I can't blame her for hating magic, especially when you consider that the first and one of the only experiences with wizards she has is Snape [how hilarious it is that those two know each other?], someone that hates muggles and literally made a tree branch fall on her. Then there's the sister that seems to live to outshine her and Dumbledore who tells her she is not special (not in those terms obviously, he is quite kind actually, but how is a young girl going to perceive that letter if not like that?). By the time she meets James, she already hates magic too deeply.

This Petunia is someone that makes you wish life had been a little kinder to her, and maybe then she could have been better.

But the Petunia since she takes Harry in? She is a monster. What she does to Harry should have put her in jail, and there's no indication that it's Vernon who forces her to behave like that. Like there's no indication that Vernon and Petunia don't love each other. If anything, the fact that Vernon agrees to have Harry in the house despite hating him seems a testament to how much he loves Petunia.

Harry does seem to hate Vernon in particular but the more fitting explanation seems to be that Vernon is a man and therefore more intimidating.

As wrong as it would have been, I could have even forgiven Petunia if she had just been a little colder towards Harry and shown a preference for Dudley. She is substantially forced to take this boy into her house, a boy who has a genocidal maniac after him and therefore potentially puts in danger her, her husband and her son, and she is also forced to see the dynamic that brought so much pain to her repeat again. Dudley is Petunia, and Harry is Lily. Dudley is a muggle, and Harry is a wizard. It's pretty reasonable for her to hate the idea that one day her son will feel like she did. Maybe she was even planning to not have more than one child just to avoid that. Petunia hates Harry because she sees Lily in him, not James. James canonically never insulted Petunia, the only reasons Petunia has for hating him are that he is a wizard and Lily's husband. At best she may have reason to not find him particularly likeable:

The first meeting between Lily, her boyfriend James Potter, and the engaged couple, went badly, and the relationship nose-dived from there. James was amused by Vernon, and made the mistake of showing it. Vernon tried to patronise James, asking what car he drove. James described his racing broom. Vernon supposed out loud that wizards had to live on unemployment benefit. James explained about Gringotts, and the fortune his parents had saved there, in solid gold. Vernon could not tell whether he was being made fun of or not, and grew angry. The evening ended with Vernon and Petunia storming out of the restaurant, while Lily burst into tears and James (a little ashamed of himself) promised to make things up with Vernon at the earliest opportunity. This never happened. Petunia did not want Lily as a bridesmaid, because she was tired of being overshadowed; Lily was hurt. Vernon refused to speak to James at the reception, but described him, within James’ earshot, as ‘some kind of amateur magician’. -from Vernon and Petunia Dursley by JK Rowling 

But what Petunia does to Harry goes way beyond anything that could have been excused. And of course, we are also forced to re-read a younger Petunia through that lens, you don't become someone that could do that to a child out of the blue. Was there really ever a time in which she could have been saved?

As for redemption, the personality that is presented to us is not remotely complex enough to consider a redemption arc. Nothing that could be considered in-character. Among the established core traits of her character, there are being envious, and full of hatred.

But even if Petunia decided to become a better person for who knows what spiritual awakening, I don't see why that should become Harry's problem. Each person may have a right to become a better one but that doesn't mean they stop being the person who did the bad things. Even if Petunia became a saint who volunteers in children's hospitals, she would still be the woman who abused Harry, mentally and physically, throughout the first two decades of his life.

I do think that Harry would probably make some sort of attempt to hear her out if that were the case (as much as I also think Ginny would absolutely hate the idea and refuse to let him go alone) because Harry is too compassionate for his own good, and shows more than once to have a problem when it comes to setting boundaries in favour of his own emotional comfort. But I also think it would cause him a great deal of pain and distress and they would never be able to be more than just civil to each other.

In light of that, but also as a general statement in regards to this morbid obsession a lot of people seem to have for redemption arcs, I'd like to say that there's no acceptable reason for the redemption of the abuser to become the punishment of the abused.

[I would advise reading the piece written by Rowling on Vernon and Petunia, there it's made very clear that they love each other]

[la7ma-mafrooma]

If you post pro-Palestinian content, do not respond to any Zionist comments. I highly encourage you refrain from interacting with any Zionists and simply block them or ignore their comments. Interacting with them will only boost their visibility, which is what we MUSTN'T give them. Focus on boosting pro-Palestinian content only. The Zionists will put you at risk of having your account deleted and they'll also waste your time. Right now our main focus should be on amplifying Palestinian voices. We're at a stage where we don't need to "prove" to any Zionist online that there's an ongoing genocide. Everyone knows and the evidence is all over the internet and we must boost it and do our best to keep the Palestinian cause visible.

Drown out the colonialists' voices. We must keep speaking about Palestine.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

[dualityvn]

SPOILERS!

Just ignore if I did this wrong

Though the question is more for you than the boys!

What gave you the idea to make Ten changeling lore like that? I have a similar lore with my own changelings but doesn’t end the same way

Alsoooo is their a preferred plant or like no matter which you chose it’s the same outcome?

And tell the boys I love them! And I want to shower them with affection !

If you're asking why I made him a fae, that's probably because fae mythology is one of my favorites. When I heard stories or warnings related to them, I felt like they made sense. We have a few slightly similar myths in my country as well.

If you're asking why I modified the changeling myth the way I did, that's because it seemed like a cool spin on it. I've heard lots of scary stories about "something else" looking and sounding like a loved one, but you just know it isn't them and you mustn't trust it. So I mixed that with the changeling myth.

The plants determine what happens at the end of Date 2. There is one that will keep you safe!

[themightymoose]

Secret Cupet

Here we are folks. The episode I've heard whispers about for so very long

I'm scared :(

Poor Youngmee is just being manhandled

"I'm confused." mecore

That laugh ain't that bad

Josh is so chill I aspire to be like that

*GASP* DOG YAOI REAL????

They're people watching in a very creepy way right now

Russell... my aro ace king who we stan

Also might I say Pepper probably wouldn't be doing that or is it too early in the episode to tell

Poor Vinnie leave him alone :(

Yeah Pepper feels ooc here

This mustn't stand

Is this gonna be another "hating on the boys for whatever reason" episode

Penny Ling aphobic moment

This episode is already getting on my nerves and I'm only 3 minutes in oh geez oh no

A goat and a pig on a leash 💀

Russell looks like he wants to die

I thought Russell was gonna call it creepy

Oh god I don't like seeing that

"They call it writing ✨a letter✨"

Youngmee is best therapist

I hate this goat

Honestly Russell is doing god's work rn

Oh my god we got a reprise :0

BOOOOOOOO >:0

Russell has to deal with these dumbasses

I love their friendship it's beautiful

The record scratch 💀

Uh oh oh dear

We get it Hasbro he's the stupid one

Blythe is so confused

This acting is so bleh

Oh it's Sugar Sprinkles

This is actually pretty disturbing if you think about it for more than two seconds

Damn Russell is flying now

Russell sounds drunk

The pure terror she must be going through

Minka is canonically color blind

Russell stop talking like that I don't like it

Teleportation powers

I feel so bad for them 😭😭😭

I hate it I hate it so much

At least Zoe is saved from the A plot

Penny is literally screaming for her life I don't even know what to say to that

GO AWAAAAAYYYY SUGAR OH MY GOOODD

Was she just waiting for her moment

They're hiding now while the boys are literally doing this against their will

THEY'RE SCREAMING THEY'RE TERRIFIED I CAN'T-

"Aw, they're playing hard to get." Sftu

This is very painful I'm very sad

Did Sugar just call them touch-starved

Kinda funny but she's ignoring the fact this is not consensual in the slightest

Pepper looked like she was about to strangle Sugar Sprinkles for a second

Huh at least it didn't take much convincing

How did she even do that

Bruh don't thank her it was the barest of bare minimums that she could do

They have literally every right to be mad

I'm going to strangle this cat

And Sugar Sprinkles doesn't even learn some kind of lesson does she

Like how she shouldn't mind control people

Sugar Sugar Sugar come here I just want to talk okay I promise that's it

And they're still being creepy

I was expecting Russell to break the ukulele

He should've

Anyways if there's a fix-it fic of this episode somewhere I would love to see it

If it exists of course

Which it probably doesn't

[snakegorl212006]

From the beginning 

“Don’t feel despair. He only did this for the sake of the kingdom,” Crowley said as he tried to comfort the crying prince/princess “it’s not fair. I never wish to marry” they sobbed “It’s for the sake of the kingdom. Think about this. Would you rather have your people suffer a once sided battle or live to see tomorrow” Crowley stated, which ceased their cries,sorting them into sniffles “what if I don't make it out alive… you’ve heard. The fae king is ruthless..” they stated as they glance at there reflection 

Viewing the scene as if I was a ghost myself only to be shocked by the sight of my own reflection staring back at me. My eyes red from crying as my skull tightens around my fragile brain. Then a knock was heard by the door “Your highness, it’s time to leave” a familiar voice spoke. Out of my control, my body moved as I went to the door to see a familiar face. Lilia? I question yet… he looked different. His hair was longer and had red highlights. In contrast of his warmer eyes, when this lilia glances at me it’s almost like he’s calling me pathetic. I couldn't even look at him. “Come, you mustn't keep the king waiting no longer” lilia spoke as he moved behind me, edging me out of my own room, guiding me away from my safe haven. Down thousands of stairs and through unfamiliar halls, we reached the throne room where the king sat. my eyes glued to the floor as he gave lilia his blessing to whisk me away. A stray tear fell on the floor as lilia took me by the hand leading me to a carriage. The ride was long and silent, only feeling the hard glares though the back of my head. I ignored this feeling and glanced up out the window just in time to see the sensory changing from once luscious forest, to dark bark, and gloomy skies. I found this odd for we were overseas. Perhaps magic did exist some time ago. There in the distance was a familiar sight. Diasomnia wing… was it always this big. My eyes glance in awe as my jaw slacks a little. No way… this was the castle in all of it’s glory. The

carriage rode up the hill and reached the entrance where more guards were waiting. Lila tisk “I told him i don’t need any extras.” he huffed “Our king only wished for the Prince/Princess safe arrival. To him this is necessary” the guard replied. Lilia rolled his eyes “move” he whispered as we continued walking through the gates. Unlike the property I once knew, the only building around was the giant castle right in front of us. It looks no different than the same building which stands today during my time. My heart pounds loud like a drum. Each step I took, that thumping grew louder. Walking though dim lit halls to an unfamiliar room. a large throne is what stood before me. This wasn't here before..or at least in my time. There in the middle on the throne sat a familiar figure. Lavish robes cover his body and a large silver crown decorated his horns. Familiar green eyes pierced down at me almost like a casting shadow.so that was malleus. My vision grew blurry as a wave of dizziness washed over,covering me in cold sweat. Before i knew what was happening, I was falling to the floor. “I should apologize my lord, humans are fragile creatures.” Lilia said as he carried the sleeping prince/princess. "I hold nothing against them.” malleus replies “make sure they are well. It must be a long journey for them. We will discuss arrangements when they awake.” Malleus spoke with a soft smile plastered on his face

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

===========Kalim Forgot(short fic)=====================

Kalim looks particularly frustrated today. Of Course a angry ghost is the worst thing ever, so I decided to investigate the problem. I head over where kalim is sulking with his cheeks all puffed up “kalim. What is the matter” I asked. He turns around and lights up. Kalim made a attempt to grab my shoulders but phazes right through me falling to and through the ground. Weird… “y/n have you seen kalim? I came to bring him some food” Jamil asked “I thing he phazed though the ground. He might be on the second floor” I replied which made him sigh and mumbled “not again”. I was going to ask what he meant but I have errands to do Later on I returned to Scarabia to check on Kalim only to be tackled by the man “FINALLY. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW” Kalim yells making my head spin “loud and clear..”i mumbled “oh sorry. You’ve just been ignoring me I thought i did something wrong” Kalim explains “could it be because you were invisible” I explained, which made him think. His face flushed up somewhat embarrassed as he covers his face “right..” he laughs as he scratched the back of his head “I forgot”

[inkfamy]

You're the person who said we're shipping First Aid with Bruticus now right?

If Bruticus is obsessed with First Aid how does he react to Defensor? Does he just latch on to Defensor's left arm and refuse to let go? Does he go bananas and demand his wife back? Do they walk off into the sunset holding hands?

Also, have the Decepticons ever tries getting a regular ambulance and convincing Bruticus that it's First Aid?

Hello! I'm so sorry for letting this ask languish in my inbox for a month, my brain is made of spaghetti. I am absolutely ecstatic to be the Bruticaid Guy.

I have been percolating on a Bruticaid fic and here's the things your questions alongside the other things swimming around my brain have turned into:

Personally I think Bruticus's feelings of love and affection aren't (initially) very well developed. He feels some kind of possessiveness and protectiveness over his components, because he needs them and knows he couldn't exist without them, and he understands loyalty in the form of his (forced) loyalty to Megatron and by extension the Decepticon Cause. To begin with, he doesn't fully understand love as much more beyond possessiveness and loyalty; he only processes his feelings as a desire to Have this new component, which must be his because why else would he Want it.

I think he's very jealous of Defensor when First Aid is attached, and he mostly wants to get First Aid detached so he can Reclaim His Property. Defensor likely feels a similar way, enhanced by the fact that the Protectobots as a gestalt are very close to one another and none of them would want to see First Aid in the hands of a Decepticon, whether that Decepticon likes him or not. Cue a lot of violent combiner clashing.

I've been thinking SO MUCH about the next part. We are talking G1, so whacky hijinks must ensue. The Decepticons initially just steal a regular ambulance, and Bruticus realises it's not alive as soon as he gets his hands on it. Insert tantrum. Their next step is trying to pass off a Decepticon as First Aid; Dead End gets painted red and white because he's just about the right shape and he's part of a gestalt and maybe that's what Bruticus find so appealing. This one takes a bit longer to work out: probably a few days before the false First Aid is revealed because poor Dead End got dropped in a river and all his paint washed off or something. Even bigger tantrum.

The Decepticons probably get desperate enough that they nab another Earth ambulance, smuggle it to Vector Sigma, and have it brought to life in the hopes that the resulting Decepticon will be a suitable distraction for Bruticus. The poor bot gets called Last Aid, and his only purpose in life is to be a cute little boyfriend. He's a triple changer and turns into an ambulance and a left arm, but he doesn't have a gestalt to bond too.

Last Aid ends up being pretty much Shattered Glass First Aid: he's a classic evil clone, obsessed with First Aid, the Protectobots, and the Combaticons. There's a bunch of nonsense in having to ensure the Combaticons don't know that Last Aid isn't really First Aid, because Bruticus mustn't know. Last Aid gets mostly ignored and his only assigned mission is "keep Bruticus happy". He is absolutely venomous at this being the purpose of his life; he hates the Decepticons and Bruticus. For a while he probably tries to manipulate Bruticus into idk, stomping on the real First Aid so he can take his place, turns up to cause havoc in the Protectobot base, and is generally a funky evil little guy with a kind of sad backstory (but also he is so very evil).

I don't think Last Aid is very nice to Bruticus, and that's probably what eventually reveals the ploy. Maybe he hurts Bruticus somehow and First Aid finds Bruticus injured, and being First Aid he can't not help, but this giant combiner is kind of shying away from him and waiting to get smacked again. Maybe this is the first moment where First Aid isn't scared of Bruticus, and Bruticus learns what being treated gently is like.

At some point Last Aid probably ends up working with Shockwave to try and take over the Decepticons, or otherwise gets kind of incorporated into their medics team (but isn't allowed to work without Hook there, because he Cannot Be Trusted Not To Do Something Horrible).

[random-introverted-blog]

His Star - His Queen [Chapter 6 - Your Eyes–My Mirror

He'd recognize that pain anywhere...

Summary:Astarion has been busy the last eleven days of your time in the palace. Just what has your vampire been up to? Ladies and gentleman… Meet (most) of The Resistance.

Link to the Tumblr Chapter Index

Warning/Advisories: Angst? Thoughts of violence/aggression? Don't think this chapter has anything to warn about, to be honest...

A/N: Surprise update! This chapter took way longer than I expected and I apologize for that. Here's hoping it was worth the wait and that we'll be leveling out the update frequency...

-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈--ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈--ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈-

"Watch your step, kid," Said Aric as they wandered deeper into the dank cave. Cracks in the rock ceiling provided light from the setting sun, but Astarion noted the makeshift sconces along the walls for torches for when it became too dark.

They had traveled some distance from Baldur's Gate, which isn't terribly surprising. He had been visiting this world for a full tenday and it became rapidly apparent the grip his Ascendant self had on the city.

Nor was this his first time visiting their secret base of operations. Astarion had become quite acquainted with the ragtag team, not so unlike the one you had put together back home. However, they had organized a... much larger force.

Aric wiped his palm on his dark green tunic and pressed it into the hidden, inconspicuous crack in the rock wall of the natural hallway they found themselves in. The stone shimmered subtly and then the tiefling passed through it, with Astarion close behind.

It was only after they passed the shabby wooden door and the armed guards beyond that they descended the rickety stairs and entered the bustling city. Aric told him only the families that were no longer truly safe in the Gate were permitted to stay down here. It benefitted the resistance that its fighters could trust that their loved ones were safe, and that the talents of so many were readily available if the need arose.

Plenty of smith's, wizards and carpenters had helped in fortifying this place, and its expansion in the Underdark. With the fruitful, silent raids of supplies from the palace, they had no actual concern for food.

But time was running out. The Godking had become weary of what had been futile efforts. Where once they were an amusement, they had become an unwelcome distraction in recent years.

The pair made their way through the midday crowd and past more guards. Finding better armed ones at the top of a wooden platform. As they neared the top of the stairs, the guards, showing respect for Aric, nodded and opened the path for them.

Aric nodded back, continuing their journey to the war room.

As they approach the door, the vampire's keen ears pick up on the distinct sounds of bickering growing louder. The Dwarven man scowled down at the Elven man, whose hair shimmered like molten gold across the table - while the dragonborn couple, a harmonious though typical gold and silver pair, watched in silent irritation. "Had your people not drawn so much attention, we could have planted more than one mole in that wretched hellhole!" The Elven man glowers, gesturing wildly over the extensive map, dominating the entire length of the table.

Ignoring the criticism, the dwarf lets out a dismissive grunt. "The people needed a reminder that the resistance not only stands, but thrives. Despite the Godking's insistence to the contrary. I do not regret my decision to assault the factory."

"Understandable as it may be to maintain public morale and faith in the resistance, we mustn't forget the present risk. Now is not the opportune moment to invite the Godking's wrath." The female dragonborn commented, folding her large gold arms over her chest.

"We must choose our every step with great care and consideration for the time being. Caladhel's informants are spread thin with many of them either going to ground or being finessed out by Ballar and his minions." She concluded, amber eyes fixed on a particular figure on the map of the city before them.

The silver dragonborn, a towering figure, joined his partner and pointed a claw at the figure in question. "The Noctis have been diligently purging their ranks for months, leaving no doubt that they are preparing for something significant," he stated, his piercing pale blue eyes fixated on the map. As he withdrew his hand, the sound of his scales scraping against each other filled the room. "With the palace now rejecting maidens as tithes, our top priority is to confirm our suspicions. Pyrastra is right, Durgan. The assault on the factory was a reckless move,"

Annoyed, Durgan, the dwarf, sighed heavily. "Aye, and what of Jester? Has he not provided anything of value yet? Is the tiefling girl not in direct contact with him?"

Caladhel shakes his head, his lips pressed into a thin line of discontent. "Jester has been out in the field, coordinating the few remaining informants and our agents. He hasn't been down here himself in a month." He says, looking toward Aric and Astarion.

"He mentioned in a missive to me he had news to report from Elowen and he would be here for the meeting." The Grey skinned tiefling added simply.

"How is our little Winnie?" Pyrastra asks, her voice filled with sincerity.

"Alive and safe for now, but he did not say more."

"Well, allow me to rectify that and speak for myself." A nasally voice spoke from behind them, the words resolute in tone.

When Astarion and Aric turned to face the voice, the vampire nearly fell over at the sight of the small statured... creature of nuisance and bother. Swiftly he pushed his way past their legs and strode to the table with a confidence the runty little rodent had that left Astarion baffled by the audacity.

Grabbing hold of a stool that was conveniently tucked away beneath the table, and skillfully climbed onto it to overcome the height obstacle. Astarion followed Aric into the room to stand beside Caladhel as the gnome spoke. "Let's cut to the quick, shall we?" He said from under his black cloak, worn and nicked black dyed leather glinting in the orange glow of the bright torchlight. "Elowen has spotted Malacai."

"By Moradin's Beard..." Durgan gasped, his eyes widening, his calloused hand instinctively reaching up to stroke his thick, dark brown beard as his gaze fell to the map, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

Caladhel's head shook once more, his hand instinctively reaching for the bridge of his nose, as if trying to block out the world around him. "Silvanus preserve us..."

"So it's true then." The silver dragonborn timbre mellow, somber. "He's found one."

With a single shake of his head, Jester emphasized, "Not just anyone, Glacius. Elowen says he's found Her. Another one, by appearances, an exact copy." His grey eyes slowly moved along to the others at the table.

Caladhel cleared his throat and adjusted the furs of his hide armor before smoothing the feathers on his shoulders. His gaze found Durgan, sharp and piercing as an eagle's, brimming with the silent storm of emotion that threatened to overflow. "How about it, then? Should I tell my wife we may have a crisis on our hands? One we know next to nothing about in exchange for public clout?" His eyes piercing, accusing.

"Enough. Bickering like star-crossed magpies isn't going to change a thing. Nariel will be informed once she returns from her venture into the Underdark with the other druids." Pyrastra orders sternly, extending her hands out to either side of the table before returning her attention to Jester. "The Festival of Gratitude begins in earnest soon, and Godking Ancunín will give the address this year. I believe we now all understand why." She narrows her eyes as they fall on Aric and Astarion.

The tiefling sweeps a low hum from his throat, locking his fingers together out of sight. "What's the plan for sneaking me and the newbie into the grand hall? It's off-limits to everyone this time around, with that arrogant prick gracing the world with his presence."

"My agents and I will get us inside, no problem. And from what I've heard from the time lords--"

"Priests."

"Whatever," Jester and Aric bicker briefly before the former scoffs in annoyance. "Your new guy has a connection to the blushing bride-to-be. If he can get close, perhaps she can be swayed to help us."

Durgan's gaze pierces through the space between them, sharp and unforgiving, as his eyes fixate on the gnome with an intensity that's almost tangible. "The last one, you know, had a gentle heart," he sneers, the words dripping with a mix of disdain and melancholy, "but she was like a whisper in a storm to her husband—fleeting and without strength. What's to say this one won't dissolve into the shadows just the same?"

Jester shrugs one shoulder indifferently. "Elowen was picked as one of her personal servants. She says the queen has a conscious still. Her spirit remains untamed, unshattered by the icy grasp of her betrothed. There's a chance, a sliver of light in the dark, that we might still reach her, rouse her to our cause before he ensnares her in his facsimile of love."

Despite the overwhelming urge to lash out, Astarion resisted the impulse to unleash his anger on the group. Illyndra had made it clear during his last visit to the Precipice - or whatever that place is called - that these imbeciles were his best and only chance to confront the Ascendant and ensure your safety. So much so that he had revealed to them his connection to you... Not who he is, precisely.

When he disclosed his knowledge of the Ascendant's plan to make you his queen, it triggered a contentious argument, and they stubbornly refused to believe him. "Are you all done squabbling? Or must we continue wasting time on petty, pathetic rivalries?" He interjected with palpable frustration.

The tiefling set a hand on his the shoulder of Astarion's spidersilk armor. "I'm with the new elf. The sooner we get ourselves in there, the sooner we can hopefully get in contact with Elowen and maybe even the consort. We need to establish our presence in the palace yesterday."

Yet another reminder of what you were caused Astarion to tense up. What that arrogant dictator desired you to become. Before, when they didn't believe him, he could quiet his mind. Now it's being carelessly shoved into his face. It was inescapable. The Ascendant could be inflicting any number of nightmares upon you, and all Astarion could do was sit here and wait.

Finally, it seemed it was time to act. With a round of silent nods around the table, the resistance leaders established a silent understanding. Your vampire could scarcely believe he was happily following a gnome, of all pests, out of the meeting, his senses heightened by the sound of the gnome's tiny footsteps.

But he was desperate. The vision of your face felt like a distant dream, fading away like the soft hues of a setting sun. The touch of your soft skin, a memory he clung to desperately, even as it slipped further through his fingers. Your laughter echoed in his mind, filling him with a melancholic harmony that felt both familiar and distant.

Gods, when did his heart become so... saccharine? At the very least, he had to see you, even if just for a moment.

And he knew you needed to see him.

You needed to know your star still burned bright with fiery intensity rivaling the depths of the night, promising to light your way back home.

‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐–‐

Jester remained true to his word. With a brief detour to the cavern's warehouse to procure appropriate clothing, the trio continued on their way to the palace. "It's doubtful she'll be unattended, and they'll likely have orders to ensure it stays that way." The gnome prattled on as they approached the grand doors, his words accompanied by the distant hum of festive commotion.

Astarion observed the vibrant array of stalls, their vendors enthusiastically peddling their wares and services, their voices mingling with the ambient noise. The aroma of various goods wafted through the air, enticing passersby. The guards, preoccupied with their duties, fussed over a fenced-in patch of dirt nearby. Servants meticulously hung colorful banners along the length of a wooden fence, their nimble fingers adding a splash of color to the surroundings. The jeweler and book merchant deliberately positioned themselves, basking in the warm rays of the setting sun, their merchandise glinting with promise.

The trio adhered to their plan, with Astarion and Aric silently positioning themselves behind their well-dressed gnome companion. The guards diligently checked all three of them for weapons, and only then did they allow them to pass through the doors.

It was just as extravagant as he had anticipated from the Ascendant. Intriguingly, the walls in the entrance hall were white and floors a glossy marble that seemed to amplify the echo of their every footstep. The layout evoked strong similarities to Moonrise tower for the vampire spawn. Was that intentional? If so, for what purpose?

Portraits of the Ascendant adorned the walls, but there were noticeable breaks in the arrangement, suggesting that certain ones had been intentionally removed. Naturally, the other portraits were impeccably crafted and clearly indicative of their exorbitant value. Anything to show off all of his wealth, it seems.

They climbed the short set of stairs and entered the larger, incredibly high ceiling grand hall. Upon ascending the short set of stairs and entering the grand hall, they were greeted by the sight of several large, ornate chandeliers hanging from the sky-high ceiling. In the hall, the walls were lined with large stained and mosaic windows, allowing the orange glow of the fading sun to stream in. From afar, he could see a dais displaying a pair of thrones positioned side by side.

At the front of the elevated platform, his gaze sweeping across the assembly with an air of detachment, even boredom, stood The Ascendant. No guards positioned themselves at the foot of the majestic staircase leading to the thrones, and no soul dared venture near him. His regal stature exuded an arrogance that demanded unwavering awe and reverence from all who beheld him, as if his presence alone was a bestowed privilege they were undeserving of.

Your vampire had to consciously refrain from baring his fangs, seeing this imitation again.

Jester's eyes roam the room as he utters, "First things first, we need to find Lady Morningstar," absentmindedly scratching his reddish copper hair.

"Truly? She's so bold as to show her face this festival?" Aric queries in mild disbelief.

"That's what the rats are chittering." Jester answers discreetly. The tiefling is now scouring the crowd as well. But the fellow rogue doesn't forget to look over his shoulder at their Elven compatriot. "Morningstar is a small, blue-eyed, golden-haired floozy. You can't miss her. It's like the girl was sculpted into temptation incarnate."

Just as Astarion is about to say something, his eyes are captivated by a familiar shade of hair. Though styled into soft waves, it wasn't too different from what he knew. Escorted along by a tall, pale human man with black hair and piercing red eyes, holding his chin up with confidence. "Jester," Aric calls, his voice a barely audible hiss.

"I see him." The gnome replies softly, much calmer and barely audible over the hushed murmurs of the crowd, as other heads turn discreetly in the direction of the man... and the woman hidden beside him. Jester's murmur of the name "Malacai..." barely reaches Astarion's ears, as his focus became transfixed by the sight of a mesmerizing, flowing blue dress. And before he fully knows it... there you are.

The Ascendant has taken your hand, pulling you gently into him, and the way he smiles at you sickens him. Astarion took note now of the choice of clothing. His doppelgänger wore a white outfit with shades of blue along the trim and seams of the fabric. And your dress was embroidered with silvery white leafs and spirals along the shoulders and neckline. Intentionally done to complement the others ensemble. Show the world how you and he complement each other.

"All silence for the Godking's address!" A voice louder than a thousand trumpets commands.

Obediently, the crowd hushes, and a blanket of silence descends. You could hear a pin drop, as not even a throat cleared while the Ascendant studied his audience... and you did the same. Granting Astarion the opportunity to see you for the first time in over a tenday.

From what he could tell, you looked physically well, if nothing else. You stood at your full height, no visible weight change or marks on your skin... But something was different. Changed.

Dimmer.

"May you find yourselves gratified by the announcement and esteemed company of my betrothed! My queen-to-be, in her resplendent grace!" The Ascendant declared with power and pride. Evoking to Astarion the scene of a warmonger claiming tribute of his conquest. Jealousy he struggled to contain grew stronger as he witnessed the Ascendant slip an arm around your waist, pulling you snugly against his side, while the blaring trumpets added insult to injury, declaring a premature victory.

If his heart could still beat, it would have fractured and split wide open down the middle. He knew this was coming, and he trusted your feelings, but hells, how it still stung. What manner of fool was he? This engagement would ultimately be meaningless, after all. So why did it still gnaw at him?

Even from here, your vampire noticed the way your face contorted with unease. You were performing admirably at maintaining your composure. If he were anyone else, he'd have been convinced by the smile on your face that you were content, if you were even aware of it yourself. But he had the unfortunate insight of knowing you all too well. Better than the Ascendant wished he did, dreamt he ever would.

Astarion silently feared the moment when your eyes would meet his. You were putting on a strong front, from what he could see. He had to do the same. For you. For himself. For the future you hope to share.

The Ascendant turned to look at you and just like when Astarion and you first encountered him, your vampire recognized that same repulsive mockery of love that could barely be compared to Astarion's feelings for you. Devoted, of course. But gods... you were a beloved, disturbing obsession for him, one that he would control, manipulate, and sequester to suit his every desire. That any version of Astarion would ever see you this way could ignite his icy skin to ash.

The kiss he stole from the both of you, that you mirrored, if only to maintain your act. Astarion knew this was what you had to do to survive, and he didn't hold it against you. But...

He kept a close watch as the Ascendant guided you toward the overly ornate chairs behind the two of you, and didn't fail to notice the valiant way you attempt to hold your ground. Or how you resisted his effort to seat you in the left one, that you found yourself seated, regardless. What caught him by surprise was the subtle way your foot stiffened and pressed against the base of the throne.

Out of nowhere, a warm hand settled on his shoulder. "Focus, we're not getting to her tonight."

With a disdainful expression, Astarion forcefully shrugged off the hand on his shoulder, his eyes locked in a piercing stare with the tiefling. No matter how right he knew Aric was, his frustration remained relentless.

"Is this the one?" A different voice spoke up, weaving through the crowd and accompanied by the gnome. Aric let out a heartfelt sigh before enveloping her in a warm embrace.

"Elowen, my dear girl," he said, his voice filled with tenderness, "Are you well?" As he gently took her shoulders.

The young woman smile and nodded, reassuring her father, "Don't worry, papa, I'm well. They take care of the staff. How's Asha?" Elowen questioned next, with her own worried tone.

Aric smiled, his eyes crinkling with happiness, and embraced her again. "She misses her sister, but she is in good spirits." He says as he separates fully and steps back. "What have you learned? Jester says you were handpicked by our new queen."

"Queen-to-be," Elowen corrects, adjusting her servant outfit. The typical black ensemble with a white apron.

"But yes," she continues, her words measured and careful. "I have seen little of her, though I can sense compassion when I do. The Godking doesn't see us more than tools or things, existing solely to fulfill their every whim. He has been relentless in his efforts to instill the same mindset in her."

Leaning closer, her voice barely above a whisper, Elowen presses on with what information she has gathered thus far. "Master Ancunín keeps her confined in the northwest wing of the palace. It's a place shrouded in secrecy. Only certain members of staff are allowed access." She explains carefully, discreetly.

Jester crosses his arms, his brow furrowing as he hums thoughtfully, the sound vibrating softly in the air. "If what you say is true," he begins, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism, "that she is resisting his influence and still holds empathy, then perhaps establishing a direct line of communication would be beneficial." He glances around, his gaze flickering between the three taller individuals in their group. "Denying her access to the outside world will weigh heavily on her, I'm sure," he continues, his words tinged with concern. "But if we can ensure she knows we exist, if we can provide a link to life beyond the confines of the palace walls, well, having a sovereign on our side would undoubtedly make a significant impact."

Astarion's eyes narrowed as he resisted the impulse to wrap his fingers around the gnome's scrawny, useless neck. "We need to get her out of here." Is all he trusted himself to say without exploding in rage.

Elowen furrowed her brows, a deep frown etched on her face. "She's under near constant watch from Malacai and the other servants," she explained, her voice tinged with unease. As she spoke, the ambient sounds of chatter among the nobility blended with their own conversation, providing a natural blanket of discretion to their words. The air carried a faint scent of heady and delicate perfumes, mingling with the underlying aroma of extravagance and luxury. Elowen continued, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation, "Reaching her at all means you would have navigated deep within the palace. The northwest wing is one of the furthest from here..."

"The tourney." Aric speaks suddenly, glancing between Astarion, Elowen and Jester. "If one of us enters and wins the tourney—"

Jester's sharp look cuts him off mid-sentence, shutting him down. "And what? Wish for him to hand over his shiny new princess? Even if you simply asked to see her, and even if he allowed it, he will be there watching everything. What purpose would it serve?"

Calmly, Aric waited and listened for his companion to finish his rant before continuing. "A wish granted by his divine Majesty himself could have many uses. Wouldn't you agree, old friend?" He explains slowly, calmly.

The shorter man's glare intensified, his hands balling into tight fists, his arms stubbornly crossed, until he begrudgingly looked away with a grunt. "In the meantime, let Elowen smuggle in the sending stone to the queen-to-be." Reaching into his pocket and holding the stone to the young tiefling girl.

She nods, her face calm and composed, and accepts it from him without a second thought. "Rest assured, I will make certain that she receives it." Then she turns to Astarion. "Jest' mentioned you and her know each other. That you're close."

It was unexpected for her to address the vampire knowingly like this, but he still managed to nod in response. She flashes him a sympathetic smile, her eyes glancing over her shoulder towards the throne, and Astarion follows suit. There you were. Seated on a throne that he would ordinarily find fitting for how he saw you. You deserved more than he could give you... You deserved to have the world laid at your feet, with all its wonders and possibilities.

But as he looked upon you now, he was unsurprised to see how you hated it. Just as he knew you would. You craved simple pleasures, the irony of which provided no small amount of amusement when considered his own... complications.

What was curious, though, was the Ascendant had said something, and your leg visibly jolted, but your foot did not. The one he saw fasten itself to the throne, as if it belonged there all along. Your right foot, he now noted. Then the Ascendant's lips moved, speaking to you again, and you ceased. Resigning yourself to recline into the throne, your one hand clasped in the Ascendant's gentle grip while your other hand lightly traced the fabric of your dress with your nails.

"She's tougher than she looks, even now. I know he did... something last night. But despite that, she's holding on. Maybe it's you she's clinging to." Elowen speaks, a glimmer of hope coloring her voice.

Before Astarion could even shape his lips around the question, a stirring of worry clenched his heart. Until your bored eyes - dancing aimlessly through the sea of people, yours finally landed on his.

It was like his heart stopped beating all over again.

He could see the hesitancy in you, a furrowed brow and a slight frown as you hesitated to trust what you were seeing, hearing, and feeling. As he found himself lost in your eyes, his world crumbled around him. It was a pain that he could instantly identify in others. That he found it in yours could ignite a storm of emotions in him, ranging from rage to sorrow.

The monster had hurt you... with his hands. His body.

But you must know it wasn't Him, right? He, your vampire, was guilty of many things... But he would never... subject you to that.

"Her suffering is inevitable now, and it will be plentiful in supply."

Why he found himself praying, Astarion could only guess. The gods had remained silent and indifferent last time. Yet, there he was, silently pleading words he scarcely believed could make a difference. He tried, though, really tried, because maybe, just maybe, this time, they would. For your sake.

Please let this be the end of your supplied suffering...

-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈--ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈--ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈-

A/N: What will be, what will be...

[thenixkat]

[id: A three-panel sequence from the Pokemon manga featuring a conversation between Wicke, Faba, Moon, Professor Kukui, and Professor Burnet. Faba and Wicke are in the first two upper panels. Moon and the professors are in the last panel.

Wicke: It was most likely hurt by Team Skull, because, well...

Wicke: This year there have been 45 cases of them abusing pokemon...

Faba: Assistant branch chief Wicke, you mustn't jump to conclusions. There have been more cases than usual, though.

Moon: Is that true?

Faba: Yes. Twenty-nine cases of assault... eleven destructions of habitat... and 5 cases of being sold as food. But there may be more considering how some cases are ignored or left unreported. /end id]

Ok so say we take the listed crimes of manga Team Skull with a grain of salt since, the pokemon manga really likes to make things more violent to a degree that feels cartoonish to me. And we cross out the shit that we know they do b/c the Aether Foundation/Lusamine pays them to do in searching for 'what does anime Team Skull do to pay the bills'.

So we have to cross out habitat destruction and pokemon abuse b/c we know that the Aether Foundation pays Team Skull to fuck shit up and harm pokemon in a way that means that the Aether Foundation can confiscate and rehabilitate those pokemon.

Only crossing out the assault b/c the assault isn't tied to robbery. It's fairly reasonable to assume that Team Skull does some assaults. That they're ready and willing to start shit with people that piss them off for one reason or another. And I think it is especially reasonable to belive that Guzma beats the fuck out of people that piss him off outside of pokemon battles. He's a violent dude with a violent temper and we know he's willing to lay his actual hands on someone and especially hates when people give his crew a hard time.

(I don't think it'd be shit to the extent of what he does in the manga, like the manga version of Guzma doesn't seem to care about his grunts and is willing to be violent towards them when the other versions of the character don't come across that way. And also I'm not willing to belive a ref in any other iteration of the franchise outside of the manga would let him whole ass break his opponent's arm/having his pokemon attack the other trainer and let that slide over ending the fight and declaring him the loser)

Now the selling pokemon as food, and I have to assume its poaching and selling protected pokemon as food or illegally harvesting things from places that's its illegal to or selling a person's stolen pokemon as food, rather than just selling pokemon as food in general. B/c people do eat pokemon, there would be people raising, harvesting, or selling pokemon as food.

And poaching would be something they could profit off of and we do see the grunts illegally harvest pokemon in the anime. Not to any success but we do see it.

Another money-making thing we see Team Skull do in the manga that isn't related to the Aether Foundation is run food carts/sell food. (Which is neat b/c manga!Guzma seems to be able to cook and care about making good/quality food)

So of the things just on hand for potential possible ways anime Team Skull are financially supporting themselves we have: battling (off-screen from Plumeria and Guzma), running food carts/selling food, poaching, and illegally selling pokemon as food.

[xinimartsy]

Yes there are mangas, animes and etc. with strong female MCs but as I said, mobile otome games are specifically targeted towards helpless women. I’m half Japanese, been living here half my life and all of my Japanese friends are like that in terms of personality, they prefer more dominant boyfriends (also why the most popular suitors are those types). They mostly prefer to have a gentle and “pure” image. Ikemen Sengoku might have that MC because of the setting

First of all, hi ❤️ good to see you here again, anon. Second of all, very interesting, I do enjoy hearing your first hand experience with the subject and I do resonate with it. As a Brazilian, someone who can be considered a latina, I'm no stranger to the cultural aspect of it: that our women are fiery and seductive, which.... Fair.

And while I don't deny that many pieces of media, otome games included, might present these characteristics for this reason (I'm looking at you, Shoujo heroines), I don't think it's the case for the subject of our debate: Ikemen Prince and Belle's autonomy in it. And I stand by my opinion that, in this game in particular, it stems from lousy writing.

I don't know how familiar you are with writing, if you partake or take interest in the craft, but there are a few rules to writing a consistent story. The two rules I'll be referring to are Chekhov's Gun and the Consistent Characterization.

"Chekhov's Gun" is a writing principle that says a writer mustn't add anything in that doesn't serve the narrative. If the narrator mentions a gun on the wall in the first act, said gun must be useful in a later act, otherwise it'd have been an useless information which Chekhov describes as "false promises" to the audience.

While Consistent Characterization means that the actions the characters perform throughout the story must be reasonable within their prior characterization. A character can't simply possess a convenient skill that was not priorly foreshadowed, the same you can't ignore something you've established without good reason. A character with no knowledge of street smarts can't suddenly know how to lockpick just because, while if a character had a known past as a thief and was suddenly faced with a lock to pick, you can't simply ignore that they would know how to pick it, instead giving a good explanation as to why in that moment, they weren't able to lockpick this specific door.

Why do I raise these two aspects of writing? Because that's exactly what I complain about Emma in Ikemen prince.

In Ikemen Sengoku's prologue, we get some insight on Mai: she loves fashion and is on her way to her dream job, finally. This little piece of information established that Mai was passionate and driven enough to chase what she wants. Characteristics that remain throughout the game in every route. Mai checks out both Chekhov's Gun, by making use of her skills throughout the narrative, as well as Consistent Characterization, by acting accordingly to how she was established to be in the beginning of the game: driven, passionate, and modern.

Mutsuki (ikemen vampire) and Alice (ikemen revolution) are other two main characters from cybird that, despite being very much the pure, gentle and innocent archetype and mostly lacking agency, they work because they act accordingly to how they were established to be: Mutsuki a simple woman with a love for writing and Alice a cheerful and friendly patisserie who's content with life. They both are thrown headfirst in situations in which they find themselves helpless, much like Mai, but while Mai faces it headfirst like the headstrong girl she is, Mitsuki and Alice are more mellow, which doesn't make them bad characters since that's how they've been made to be.

And that's exactly the problem with Emma. The prologue tells us that Emma is optimistic towards the world, has a strong sense of justice, as well as courage to do what she thinks is right. Though Chevalier is known as the "Brutal Beast" and strikes fear in the hearts of people due to his ruthlessness, Emma still jumped in and slapped the drunk man to make sure the prince wouldn't cut him down, even though she likely knew that his sword could just as easily have turned towards her. She wasn't so innocent as not to know that prince Chevalier WOULD cut the man down, and that's why she stepped in. And although it was said for giggles, Sariel did comment on Emma's slap when explaining his reasoning towards his choice for Belle. This prologue tells us Emma has a most fiery personality and won't hesitate to do something she judges correct, regardless of the possible consequences.

However, many routes strip her of the qualities given to her by the writers themselves, which makes Emma fail in both Consistent Characterization and Chekhov's Gun, seeing as she's both not acting accordingly to her previously established traits as well not using her previously established skills to advance or assist the plot.

That happens because they change Emma's personality depending on her suitor as to enhance him, which is why it's most noticeable in the suitors considered more "dominant" (really the most popular ones), because instead of doing the hard and difficult work of writing someone dominant and astounding enough for someone as fiery but kind as Emma to rely on and fall for, they do what? They make her act uncharacteristically in order to emphasize those traits on him, much too pure to enphisize how they're tainted or much too kind to enphisize their darker side, much too innocent to enphisize how they're mature/dominant, much too clueless to enphisize how they're smart, that's why sometimes it seems that the Emma we read in the prologue and the Emma we read within a route are completely different characters.

That's what bothers me, not her passiveness in itself, but the fact that it seems misplaced in someone like Emma given how she was originally characterized. Emma should not be a character only reacting to what the other characters do to her. Within the world of the game, she's a PERSON. Her experiences and personality should not fluctuate depending on the suitor she's pursuing.

And given that she was priorly written as a more fiery gal, we can somewhat discard the excuse of "cultural difference" because Cybird themselves wrote the prologue and cybird themselves gave Emma those characteristics. They're just failing at upholding it.

Thus.... Lousy writing

[chiarts45]

Hey been a while since I last came on here but just wanted to bring into light some matters that have been annoying me very much lately that most of the goth loving or spooky/paranormal show loving fans love to ignore...well the non bipoc half at least, so off I go I guess, now it is really aggravating to me how we as a society do not cancel tim Burton enough as we should, he still works on movies and still has a large audience watching him especially compared to how we cancel other racists but i mean i get it yknow non black or white ppl wanna say they don't tolerate racism till it's some popular creator that makes content they enjoy then they go out of their way clutching pearls,clutching purses grasping for straws, reaching so hard that they nearly dislocate their elbows all to try and keep their fave from getting cancelled because they know it means they wont have any more content which I find sad honestly that just because they're privileged they prioritise their entertainment over us and only cancel racist brands that they dont really use,only cancel racists that are either old or unattractive and only cancel racists as long as they do not make content they rlly enjoy hence Camilla Cabello gets cancelled for racism because she doesn't rlly make good songs while Lana del ray thrives, is defended and idolised. Tim Burton in question of what racist thing he did tho, black goth lovers asked him for representation and he replied with black ppl don't fit his aesthetic then I think after some backlash from black ppl he then added some black dude as a villain in one of his movies or something as I heard but unfortunately the cancellation died down because he is a popular creator and produces good and popular content like corpse bride and got LOTS of support from his non black or white viewers and BRO you shouldve seen the ridiculous thin ahh looking straws ppl were desperately trying to grasp at, ppl saying that "i mean well maybe he just means black ppls skin tone is too "brightishly brown" and his characters are normally grey,white etc and look dead" as if dark skin black ppl dont exist and as if you cant just get a greyer tint of brown on the colour wheel by just moving a few slides then ppl saying "guys his characters don't have race anyways" even tho his characters are either non human,white/light skin or white passing(the dead ones), yes his works still have human characters which some black ppl replied to the first argument with that if he can't create dead black characters then he can just make black human characters then the fans replied "yeah but they wouldn't be pale and would still not fit the spooky aesthetic" and don't even get me started on ppl saying that kinky 4c hair wouldn't be gothic or occultic enough to fit the aesthetic and then there's the fans that are just being flat out racist by saying " there mustn't be representation in every single media" lol.

@creatingblackcharacters

I kinda wanted to shorten this whole rant up and just send it as an ask but I couldn't find the ask button for some reason and they are more educated on black matters like these plus I rlly want this to gain recognition because for some reason of all the tim Burton things trending on Tumblr him being racist is not one of them or at least I don't think Ive seen because all the posts that call him out on it or try to bring the matter back up have very few notes and i rlly wanted to bring this stuff into limelight again so I rlly needed their 2 cents on the matter if they don't mind especially the part of racists not getting punished enough if they make enjoyable products/content or if they're like really attractive because it doesnt get talked about enough for some reason.

[kaiseinx]

Tennant (Reverse: 1999)

(request from : @dvivian )

( note : I'm sorry if there's a mistake about Tennant's personality or character in here, i was doing a research but i found out in a lot of her edits she kinds of flirty, i also found an edit where she said her thought about dress, she certainly didn't hate it but kind respect it even tho she doesn't wear one, so if something is wrong you can easily correct me by commenting about my mistake :D i also take some of her dialogue in game for this (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠) )

you're just a normal human, the difference is that you're attracted to a fictional characters, you certainly didn't know why, but you just like it and didn't really bothered by that fact.

you're always see the ad of a game called "Reverse: 1999" and since you're curious about it you decided to play the game, but before that you also see some people commenting about the game story being boring and just skipping all the story because it's not their liking. but you just ignored it and downloaded the game, you prefer to see and experience it by yourself instead of judging it before playing it, tbh you also like the game art style.

you're laying on your bed waiting for them game to be done downloading..

once you start playing it you pay attention to the story, and along with that you also fell in love with one character, Tennant.

you just like her, her personality, her way of talking, her fashion style.

you always search an edit or a fanfic about her, you only found a few of it but you kinda wish that there's more of it.

today, is like other day. you're laying on your bed while playing Reverse: 1999, suddenly without a warning all the lights in your house shut down. you're a bit shocked and quickly put your phone down, and try to get up to get out from your room, but before you can do that you felt someone pulling you wrist before you could see who is that, the person suddenly said

"oh.. why are you trying to run away from me my dear? i thought you liked me?"

you knew that voice.

you totally recognize that voice.

you suddenly turn around and see the person.

it's true. it's her. the game character that you liked.

but.. how did she get here..? is this even possible? how?

you're to busy with your thoughts and forgot about her, you're back to reality when she suddenly said

"shush, my dear, let us enjoy this moment. this beautiful, short, enchanted moment"

that made you wonder.. how did she recognized you?

is this even real or you're just hallucinating right now?

you quickly pinch your cheek and it hurts.

"ouch, that must be hurt"

she said, looking at your cheek that has a pinching mark.

she caress your face and leaning close to your ears and say

"would i have the honor to invite you for dinner the next time we met? no, not in the game. but in here, your world. it'll be my pleasure to do so"

she looked at you, your face is red. like super red. she chuckle before taking your hand and kissing the back of your hand.

"i mustn't stay here for too long, make sure to answer my dinner invitation. I'll be waiting for your answer, my dear"

and with that, the lights is on again. you're sitting on your bed dumbfounded. thinking that your imagination is too real to be true.

until you hear a notification sound and grab your phone to see it

it's a notification from the game which says

"we had a good, beautiful, short time. but surely you wouldn't ignore my dinner invitation right my dear?"

oh. you're sure you can faint right now if it wasn't because another notification from your classmate that says

"hey, you're done with your homework? can i copy it if you're already done?"

(now, it's up for you to decide. is it a hallucinations that looks so real, or is it really happening?)

(sorry if it's too short, i really wanted to make it longer but since i didn't found any information about her personality and i even try to download the game but my storage says no lol, kalau butuh versi indo nya bilang aja, nanti ku translate terus ku upload yang versi indo :D)

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

Have you ever read Borrasca?

Yes Anon, I read it.

I don't even know how to start this. My instinct is "Content warning" but like...where to even begin in terms of listing the content I would warn people about with Borrasca. I'll just say, that if you've already read it, you know what I'm about to discuss. If you haven't read it, do not go under the cut. Because it's better to experience this story yourself.

But only if you have the strongest of stomachs. You are not prepared and neither was I.

Still here? Okay. Content warning: Child sexual abuse, kidnapping/trafficking, (gruesome) murder, discussion of remains, infertility, incest, parental abuse, horror....did I cover everything?

I don't normally like creepypastas. I am not a horror fan. Never have been. It's easier to consume horror via reading because it ensures a lack of jumpscares but I still don't like it. The content all too often makes me queasy and just don't fit me. So it was fortunate that when I picked up this story, I had no idea it was horror. Because that genre just has telltale signs and, at least to me, those signs weren't initially there. It wasn't until the characters first visited the Treehouse that I began to feel uneasy, (especially the first instance of the Shiny Gentleman's "song of death") and not until Whitney disappeared that I knew the story would be dark. But then it throws you for a loop by doing that time-skip without any notification, no "Seven years later" etc. They just leave it to you to figure it out, House of The Dragon style, so it took me a bit to figure out what happened and that kind of wrapped up my attention. (Speaking of, as a major fan of the Thrones universe, a lot of this was stuff you'd think I'd be able to handle no problem, but that didn't make it any easier.)

Unfortunately, the story had fish-hooked me by this point and I wasn't going anywhere. One moment that properly stood out to me was Phil Saunders talking about all the missing people going in the ground, or, as he put it, "grounder." In hindsight, that is downright cruel foreshadowing, or maybe it was purely coincidental (but I doubt it) and it stuck out to me the first time. That whole sequence did, of him basically saying that when he got high, he would figure out that all these people going missing was no accident, and that everyone in town either knew, or chose not to know. For some reason, the "grounder" line stuck out to me, and the next time we heard the Shiny Gentleman, the description of it being metallic and everything just made me pause. I remembered the "grounder" line and...a truly horrifying thought crossed my mind about the place where bad things happen. And when I make obscure predictions about stories, I often wind up being exactly right. (It's a strange gift, I'd rather something useful like Sign Language or Tax Lax, but I digress.) What kept sticking in my mind was "Why?" I couldn't place who or why people were taken there to be put in the "grounder" or what they were wanted for.

Side note, a lot of my thoughts were wasted on trying to figure out the "skinned men." A masterful red herring with an actual explanation that works. I didn't think of the answer as a cop out, I just went "Ohhh...." The whole concept leads you on a wild goose chase to assume there is some sort of supernatural element to this story when there isn't, because reality is so much more frightening than fantasy. It all feeds into the Borrasca folktale, which helps build a mythos for the place and acts as a gateway for people in the town learning about it as they grow up without questioning it too strongly. Which is useful for things like the "song of death" which will be heard periodically but mustn't be something anyone overthinks. They ignore it, because they assume it's just a logging company up the mountain, or because they fear the whispers and legends about the "skinned men" and want nothing to do with it...or because they know. Or, even worse...they don't want to know. Like Tom Prescott said, the townspeople probably don't know everything, most of the time...but some of that is willful ignorance and complacency with a system that they must sense is rotten to the core. Even the more sympathetic characters like Anne and Meera, they aren't innocent in all this. Anne says it herself - everyone is guilty. Meera's refusal to participate in Borrasca to get a baby until she eventually wilts...that's not her "falling to the dark side." She was already there. Because clearly, she knew. She knew, and she did nothing. Then again...what can she do? What can any of them do? This is how evil institutions rise and remain in power. Complacency and hopelessness.

The other moment...I could call it prophetic, but like, I don't want to pat myself on the back. The story is just very well told. But I remember the moment, distinctly, that Graham Walker told Sam and Kyle that he would "never let Whitney go." And the wording...I noticed the wording. And I thought to myself in that moment, "You have her. I don't know how, but you have her." And it made sense. When children go missing, sometimes it's the parents who are behind it. I mean, we've all seen SVU, right? Up to that point I genuinely hadn't suspected Walker at all, because I just thought - if there is some deep conspiracy in this town, how could Walker be a part of it? He moved here, only a few years ago. But it's quite possible that he was involved with Drisking even before moving his family there because he did something "bad" that caused them to reassign him. Honestly, that entire act is filled to the brim with amazing foreshadowing. Like, the adults really shouldn't be talking about any of this or even hinting it around the kids - that's just a writing tool, right? Well, yes, but, all of the adults know and are either involved or they turn a blind eye, so it's the kind of thing they would want to introduce to the teenagers gradually - Owen and Meera's cryptic conversation about the "only other option." comes to mind. Especially Sam, as Walker undoubtedly wants to recruit Sam to the "business" even at this point, and so they have to start grooming him early.

Kimber. Probably my favorite character, though both her and Kyle are compelling. Kyle's fate may be the saddest part of the story, actually. But the entire journey of Anne's death, about the mysterious suicide note and the lengths Kimber had to get to in order to read it. The way her father slipped and mentioned it within earshot, and then all anyone could do was try to gaslight the kids into believing he never said that and there was no note. The way Kimber knew Prescott was involved but also just knew it wasn't an affair. Like, sure, she probably didn't want to believe Anne would do that, but it was much more than that too. The clues just didn't point in that direction - oh, and don't get me started on Tom Prescott's ravings, by the way...why did they put him in a home outside of Drisking if he's going to be ranting about Borrasca to anyone who talks their way into a visit? But I digress. Nothing made my heart pound more than Kimber's final texts. How she was so unresponsive for so long before just sending back "I found it." Like. She definitely had already read it, and was processing what she had been told. Of course, after being told that the police were coming to find her (complete with her father "objecting" to something with them) all she texts back is "They're here." And that's the last thing she sends, and jesus cartwheeling christ, that is basically proof that the cops kidnapped her but of course, Walker pretends he does not see it.

The foreshadowing is everywhere. There's a scene where Kyle says "She's my...my..." And Sam notes that he "still can't say it." Which, in hindsight...yikes. Like, the story itself stops short of saying what Kimber and Kyle are to each other. Obviously, Kyle meant "girlfriend" and that's what Sam understood. But rereading that moment is another punch in the gut. And so many of the most twisted reveals aren't actually reveals. A lot is left implied. You have to read between the lines and put the puzzle pieces together to figure some of it out. Like how the last baby born in the story is called "William" and then the Shiny Gentleman sings his song one more time. They don't explain what that means. But if you pay attention to the naming rule, then you know who William's father is. Whitney was putting out "shit babies" and Walker said he would "never let her go." He had to be the one behind her being sold to Borrasca, but he was seemingly the only one "visiting" her. I don't know how he arranged it that way but I know he did. They don't even directly confirm what the "Shiny Gentleman" is, if I recall. Oh, and Kyle and Kimber are an incestuous couple but honestly, that is the least of the town's problems and it's probably not a unique situation. They're all unknowingly unrelated, and it's not as though Kimber will be having Kyle's babies, right? Not in this town.

Like. Once you read it over again (or listen to one of the many live readings/podcasts) things become clearer. Jimmy Prescott is initially the worst human being in the story (and don't get me wrong, he's still a monster of immeasurable proportions, I cottoned onto that as soon as Kimber said he was checking her out when she was in fifth grade) but on a second consumption of the story...Graham Walker is the one I want to throw into The Shiny Gentleman, and he's never outwardly wicked the way Prescott and Clery are. He hides his darkness very well until his last scene and even then, he admits to nothing. Based on the scene where he tells Sam that he'll be taking the blame for what happened to Kyle, it reads in two ways. You think to yourself, he's definitely in on it, but on the other hand, maybe he just chugged the koolaid and is believing this town's bullshit over his own son. Until little William is born, and Anne's clue about the naming smacks you in the face. No, he's not just ignorant to the point of being part of the problem, he is so emphatically the problem.

Borrasca is...devastating.

It's horror, to be sure, but it's good horror, and I don't even come out of it scared. I come out devastated. Angry. Feeling hopeless. Because the villains win. The corrupt and wicked institution isn't going anywhere, because why would it? Prescott and Clery let Sam go, because why shouldn't they? The situation is under control no matter what Sam does. The entire town is either part of Borrasca or willing to turn a blind eye to it. Except Kathryn. I honestly believe she didn't know a damn thing and bless her for being a wholesome light in this dark facade of a town. There's nothing to be done except get the hell out of Drisking and never look back. To just try and forget.

P.S: I am aware of the sequel.

I didn't really talk about it here because I have mixed feelings about it. I appreciate the happy ending and god knows Sam and Kimber have earned it, but there were several aspects of the story that I just didn't enjoy. Don't get me wrong, the prose is as well written as ever, but the plot feels like wish fulfillment and without a mystery to drive the story I just wasn't as engaged. I mean, there was kind of a mystery but the answers didn't really click for me. While it's realistic and painful, seeing the way Sam treats Kimber is hard to read. It hurts. These two were best friends, and none of this is her fault. Obviously, she was a victim of Borrasca too. Also, I do not buy that Kimber would have ever trusted Prescott, even if he dangled Kyle's name before her. No way, no how. I don't know why Sam kept using his real name after he escaped, enabling both Kimber and Walker to find him again. I also think it's rather...I don't want to use the word "convenient" but the fact that he was best friends with a hacker...also, why would Borrasca have any records to begin with? Fine, fine, business and all, but why keep them for so long? Prescott talks about destroying all of them, including the backups, and it's like....motherfucker, why don't you do that on a regular basis? Why do you even have backups?

I also feel like the sequel just takes some of the dread out of the air by removing the ambiguity and the lies. Everything that was left implied in the original story is outright confirmed. Walker is shown to be the monster that we know him to be, when he never fully revealed those true colors in the original story. Ultimately, the idea that two people could walk into a criminal empire like this one and topple it so successfully, not to mention that they both survive...it just stretches my suspension of disbelief, especially for a story that has already established itself as gritty and heartless. I'm glad there's a happy ending out there for people who wanted one, and in my own way, I obviously wanted one too, but I remember being both sad and a little relieved that Kyle's years of trauma had taken physical toll on him and that he didn't just immediately embrace Kimber and Sam. Because there needed to be at least one bittersweet aspect to all of this, especially if they were getting Kyle back at all. Something about the way Kimber "reverted to her old self" and was even more than fine with physical affection again after the climax....like, no, that's not how that works, and the original story wouldn't have tried something like that. It's hard to explain but I just couldn't get into it in the same way.