#while scorpion just... didn't matter anymore

[cienie-isengardu]

You know it must've been really awkward when Hanzo killed Bi-Han after Quan Chi makes up a bs animation of him killing his family to Hanzo and then Bi-Han proceeds to get resurrected as Noob like five minutes later.

You can't tell me there wasn't this awkward pause because you know they were still bound to Quan Chi and now they're just kind of expected to work together like nothing happened. Like they had to interact with one another, it must've been awkward as fuck.

For the sake of not complicating stuff with the mess of timelines, I’m gonna go with MK 9-11’s storyline.

It would be awkward as hell, but during the Outworld Tournament and Invasion (MK9), did Hanzo even know Noob Saibot was a resurrected Bi-Han? 

I have no doubt Noob was aware about their bitter connection, as he kept memories of Kuai Liang (the previous life), but under Quan Chi’s magic, A) he most likely didn’t feel much human emotions anymore and B) even if he was angry, he couldn’t act on it and/or was waiting for a good opportunity to strike his murderer, as Noob likes to patiently bide his time. 

(And let’s be real here, if Noob did not tell Quan Chi about his ties to Cyber Sub-Zero and he reveal his true name to Kuai Liang alone, I think no matter how angry or bitter Bi-Han was, he would not tell Scorpion who he is or what connects them, as Noob is not driven by emotions the way Hanzo was. Why lose the advantage over his enemy, if he is not using trademark ice powers anymore thus is harder to recognize?)

However I don’t think Quan Chi had any reason to let Hanzo know the truth, as he did not benefit from it at all? Scorpion went from fury-driven Wraith to broken man once he killed Bi-Han and in result wasted an opportunity to bring his family and clan back from death.

Then mighty Scorpion, the creature of fire, got beaten by presumably weaker cryomancer than original Sub-Zero and was saved only by the unexpected arrival of Cyber Lin Kuei who stopped Kuai Liang from killing him. Sure, Quan Chi could tell Hanzo about Noob’s true origin to rekindle the fire (anger) that made Scorpion powerful in the first place, but then there is a great chance the Wraith would turn against the sorcerer or try to destroy Noob Saibot. Not that Quan Chi couldn’t deal with the problem, but that would demand his focus, energy and time when he was already busy with his scheme to bring back Shinnok. Also, it wasn’t just easier to control Hanzo as the broken man he was, but that way he could easily torture him emotionally by feeding his self-hatred, guilt and depression. The truth about Noob would refocus this negativity on Bi-Han again, as Hanzo still didn’t know Sub-Zero wasn’t the architect of his suffering and in result, keep the man from performing his new task and purpose. 

Adding to that, once Quan Chi created Noob, he barely acknowledged Hanzo, most likely due to how the Wraith lost his determination and dwelled in self-pity. Like, the moment Noob is added to the picture, Scorpion is all forgotten in MK9’s storyline. It was Bi-Han who cooperated with Cyber Lin Kuei during the invasion, and who accompanied Quan Chi when resurrecting Sindel and performing a dark ritual at the cemetery. I don’t think Quan Chi was even interested in using Scorpion anymore when he had much better henchman now and Noob definitely was less likely to fall into any emotional distress since he was “perfected” by cutting the emotions off, while Hanzo was powered by his own hate and anger. Which is why Noob Saibot is called Quan Chi’s “Masterpiece” in MK11 intros & skins, not Scorpion. 

Furthermore, as the sorcerer kept Noob Saibot around to assist him in his necromancy and dark magic tasks, I don’t think Scorpion and Noob interacted much during Outworld Invasion and since everyone assumed Bi-Han died in Soulnado - as we could see it with Kuai Liang and Hanzo’s shock when meeting Noob Saibot twenty years later in MK11 ("You were killed, swallowed in a storm of souls"), they did not interacted during Netherrealm Wars either. It may be just me, but Scorpion in MKX was pretty much like a dog beaten into submission compared to what he was at Tournament, while resurrected Kuai Liang had no will on his own, so the awkwardness was not a concern of any of them either.

And sure, the MK11 intros mention Hanzo and Noob’s partnership

Noob Saibot: What about our partnership? Scorpion: Quan Chi's magic binds me no longer. Noob Saibot: Then goodbye, Hanzo.

but they also imply Noob helped/taught Revenant Jax

Jax: So you knew my Revenant. Noob Saibot: I taught him to embrace death.

but Jax was killed and resurrected AFTER Noob was thrown in soulnado and presumably died there, so it makes little sense. Because if Noob interacted with Revenant Jax, then Hanzo and Kuai wouldn’t be surprised by Noob’s presence in MK11 or that he survived the events from MK9. As I don’t think MK 9 - X - 11 games showed us Hanzo Hasashi and Noob Saibot working together, I assume the intro is between MK11!Noob and the past!Scorpion, after he switched sides as he promised to his older-self. Otherwise I feel it makes little to no sense within an alternative timeline storyline.

So to summary it up, I think it would be awkward if they interacted and Hanzo was aware of the bitter connection they had. Otherwise Noob would be just another Quan Chi's servant as far as broken and depressed Scorpion was concerned I guess.

(MK Onslaught is definitely a different story but I don't have the full details to dwell on it right now.)

[the-white-soul]

Meanwhile (Just so I can write something without asks)

(Toby) "I feel like you're here to bring me bad news."

(Temmie) "Yes, very much so. Noelle is dead. LOL, that doesn't matter we can just make a new one."

(Toby) "Pfft for a second, I thought you were going to scare me alright do you have any actual bad news?"

(Temmie) "Nothing that important. I can tell you that they're in a British-type AU. Although I have a plan. So you know how they were in Undertale Yellow for a while right? I say we bring Clover to our world and just give people the memory of a flawed pacifist."

(Toby) "I'll finally truly show that bitch Scorpion that Undertale Yellow isn't just a cash grab too. Win-win. I wish I didn't care about that AI, otherwise they'd be dead in a second. May you leave?"

(Temmie) "Okay see you in a bit."

*When the door shuts Toby makes sure no one can hear him and he starts sobbing.*

(Toby) "Why? I just, *on the verge of screaming* I just want to have my friends be in this game. *looks at a picture of Kara* Why? Why must you stay so hating to our players? I'd promise no other endings, but that would only be half true. I... *takes a deep breath in and out.* You know what this means, I can't keep you alive. Even your AI isn't worth it anymore. Our creators need a paycheck, and our gamers deserve love. Look at all these players. They deserve a good game. Some of them need it to let them get through a rough time. *Wipes his tears away* I am going to do something. It will take my very morals down the drain. I AM GOING TO KILL MY CREATION. I will keep your memory by making a different ending in Deltarune but until then, this is what you get for hating players."

[lovesaved]

i need more of your incredibly correct Bella headcanons and dynamics with the other characters RIGHT NOW

OKAY SO.

she jacob and leah are all the same age bella is the oldest born in september, then leah in november, and finally jacob in december. they are her oldest and best friends. like there are pictures of the three of them as babies and toddlers in the little inflatable kiddie pool in billy's backyard and their moms holding them on the steps.

charlie and renee divorced when bella was around 3 and it was. pretty brutal. there weren't any fights or anything like that, but you know how they say the opposite of love is apathy? that was pretty much it. as far as charlie knew, one day things were fine. the next? renee had put her things in a uhaul and driven south. she didn't give him a reason until weeks later when she bothered to call. then she came back for bella and bella alone. the custody arrangement got sorted later and charlie waited bravely until bella stopped waving at him from her little car seat and the car was vanishing down the road to cry his eyes out.

renee wasn't a deliberately bad mother. she was just very self-centered and that didn't change when she had a child. she viewed bella as less of a small human she was responsible for and more of a tiny extension of herself she could tote around. renee loved dance, so surely bella would be thrilled with a ballet class! it didn't matter that bella practically begged to go to a science program after school instead, that she came home from class in tears every day.

she and charlie both LOVED the summers. she'd get to be a kid during those months :( she didn't have to tiptoe around an adult's feelings and go with her whims or hide the way she was disappointed. it was endless days of riding her bike around town with jacob and leah and showing them bugs and naming them on the way through the woods to the creek and bonfires and smores at night until she was so tired charlie would have to carry her to the car.

rest is under the cut or we will be here all day

again, charlie never knew how bad it was in phoenix. bella learned how to lie to him on the phone by the time she was five and to his face by age 6. he never heard about the power being shut off because renee forgot to pay the bill, or about how she'd made her feel bad for not liking ballet. just about her chalk drawings on the sidewalk and the scorpion she managed to get a picture of in the yard. by the time she was 13 she was so convincing that he believed her when she said she just didn't feel like coming up anymore.

despite this, she does actually miss phoenix a lot at first. it was consistent there, she enjoyed the sun and the desert and all the flora and fauna that lived there.

the way she sees leah that first time in 3 years and blurts out "you got hot!!" and she and leah just hold each other up while laughing

bisexuality <3

bella isn't on her "not like other girl's" bullshit. she has a hard time understanding "girly" things sometimes, renee wasn't a huge help, but when she softly says that she doesn't know how to do things like eyeliner jessica, angela, and leah descend on her to show her <3 there is a cute montage to be had of the three of them picking out new clothes with her and trying to teach her how to walk in heels,

this is less bella focused and more just me thinking smeyer sucks but I'm not acknowledging imprinting as a thing. it really does feel like another weird ass machination of a racist mormon to paint native characters as predatory

she finds out about edward and his family in a v similar way but there is no romance during the reveal. he confirms her suspicion that he's not human her and her first thought is "oh god he's going to kill me i got too close i know too much". she bluffs like a champ tho.

edward admits that he isn't able to read her mind and they both kind of come to an awkward gentleman's agreement where they are friends with each other- for research purposes.

next few months she hangs out with the cullens more and more. rosalie hates it from the start and is always like "are yall fucking dumb??". the others are more open-minded. jacob and leah ALSO hate it! they don't really believe the stories but their dads do, but mostly? they miss their friend and they have a sixth sense gut feeling.

like leah and jake are hanging out and he's like "you remember how stranger danger didn't work on bella when we were little and she'd try to make friends with people she didn't know and nearly gave charlie a heart attack? what if this is a little like that. her danger meter is broken."

that being said the thing with james still happens. he sees this one little human surrounded by protective vampires and decides this will be GREAT enrichment time in his enclosure. like by this time, edward and the other cullens- save rosalie- have gotten fond of her. she's like their weird little human mascot

the story then kind of goes into victoria wanting revenge + the volturi finding out about their laws being broken. the cullens are like "its not her fault james fucked around and found out" and then "you don't have all the facts" "which are?" "we love her,"

while this is going on, jacob and leah shift and get drafted into this whole thing. they absolutely view this as the cullens dragging bella into their shit and endangering her for their own selfish wants.

tbh they can't even really argue that? but also they want to stay to make sure the mess they made is taken care of without having to rely on the wolves- bc if they leave, the problem will not necessarily follow them.

bella also realizes she might have a thing for both jacob and edward- she just doesn't know if she's gonna live long enough to make a choice there.

like spending time with the cullens, she tends to think of her humanity as something she needs to be cured of a little. she wants to be unbreakable and unmoving. but over the course of the series she sees her life as the gift that it is; her being a human, something that can grow and change and live and breathe, isn't something that needs fixing anymore. she doesn't need fixing.

years and years down the road the cullens still visit from time to time; edward tells her she's still beautiful and rosalie admires the gray that's started to form at her temples.

[cryomancers-orb]

Wow. Reading all this was just like.. who is this character? What were the writers trying to achieve with him? Why does he share a name with one of the franchise's most sympathetic characters?

I would understand if he were meant to be this duplicitous figure set up to be an antagonist, but I highly doubt that's what they're going for with Scorpion. It would truly be something new, which is exactly why they would never do that. Not to mention all the people it would piss off, including Mr. Boon himself.

From his bio, from the way other characters react to him in his intros and the arcade endings featuring him, it's obvious he's meant to be in the same respect as Kuai and Hanzo were in MK11. (Which makes no sense considering they both earned that respect over many years and MK1 Scorp is just starting his fledgling clan. I don't care how good of a fighter he is, that alone doesn't grant him prestige.) And this tracks, because again, he's Scorpion and this is NRS.

But then.. why didn't they write him that way? It's not like they've never written all the traits fanon MK1 Kuai has before. Humility, integrity, a tangible code of honor... these are all things that were present as recent as MK11's Kuai Liang. Of course, that iteration has its own issues, but they are on the large easy to ignore or explain and his arcade ending pretty much makes up for them. So why? The logical answer is they didn't want to have two Sub-Zeroes, which I can understand because despite being different characters they do share many traits, so they had to make him a composite character with Hanzo in the mix. No matter how much their personalities conflict.

Except. MK1 Kuai's many character flaws don't correlate with Hanzo's beyond Mythologies. And even then it's not a total match. Arrogance? Last seen leading to his first death in Mythologies. Which I doubt is even canon anymore in the NRS timeline. NRS Hanzo Hasashi is short-tempered, and that temper tends to make him short-sighted and easy to manipulate. Besides that, NRS has stereotypically made him a sympathetic, good man. Sure, there's that thirst for vengeance, but where Hanzo's mind gets genuinely clouded by it from his trauma, MK1 Kuai seems much more... sinister(?) in comparison. Because he's not Hanzo. His revenge will be a planned out thing, not some moment of passion.

So. Are these intros the way they are because we're meant to simply look at them and think "wow, Scorpion is so cool!"? Because that's the only way I can make sense of it all. Like, whoever wrote these wasn't looking at who exactly would be saying them, or what it would convey as a whole, or how it even comes across by itself. Which is just sad. We go from three line intros to two, and they somehow make at least one of their characters more unlikable than before. That's so sad.

The weird thing in all of this, though, is that it accidentally gives us a very interesting thought (that NRS will never expand upon): While creating this timeline, Liu Kang set out to redeem as many characters as he could, and did his best to give his prior allies better lives. This meant a kinder, more honorable Lin Kuei. Ironically, this resulted in The character shaped by his traumas and pain into a genuine force for good turning into a two-faced arrogant man with his own obscure agenda.

Sub-Zero Kuai Liang believed in redemption because he had to claw his way out of the dark. MK1 Scorpion turns his nose up at everyone because he was always on the side of "good", and he's quick to write off any doubters. Even his own brother.

SZ!Kuai practiced forgiveness and worked to end the cycle of violence he was in, because he understood the value of peace after not having it his whole life. MK1 Scorp was born and raised in a time of peace, and he's only too quick to start his own cycle of violence.

SZ!Kuai never gave up on Bi-Han, and redeeming him was always his end goal. His brother was all he had. MK1 Scorp grew up with his whole family around, and the rest is history.

These are just a few parallels I dug out. I'm sure exactly 0% of it is intentional or will ever get explored.

But yeah. I resent what's been done to my favorite character and I don't think the story expansion nor the next game will fix that. Sadly, I almost think the best thing they can do with him at this point is Noob-Saibot him and put Hanzo back in his place, but that's even sadder because it'll be the third hand-me-down title he'll have. And Noob-Saibot as a character is even less him.

Kuai Liang is not "nice"

This is technically the second part of my character analysis for Kuai Liang, so be sure to check out the first part focusing on Kuai Liang's personality, goals and his relationship with his brothers and Harumi.

This part will focus on how Kuai Liang treats other characters and upon closer inspection, the image of the "sweet wholesome guy everyone adores" that the fandom crafted for him starts to crumble very quickly.

Kitana and Mileena:

Mileena: My bond with Kitana can't be broken. Scorpion: I'd once thought the same of mine with Bi-Han.

Why exactly is Kuai Liang trying to make Mileena doubt Kitana's loyalty to her? We have all seen Kitana's tower ending. She has gone out of her way to secure her sister's reign, she defends Mileena fiercely and is genuinely worried about her. It upsets her to see other members of the court conspiring against her sister. Kitana is nothing but loyal to Mileena, in a way Kuai Liang was never loyal to Bi-Han.

"I'm disappointed in my brother's decisions and therefore everyone else's siblings suck too." That's not a healthy or mature mindset. He's projecting his own family issues onto Mileena and Kitana, who actually share a wholesome bond, and tries to create distrust and dispute where there is none. And why? Out of jealousy? It's hard to tell, but this was uncalled for.

It's particularly awful because Kitana is actually trying to help fix Kuai Liang's relationship with his own brother while it seems Kuai Liang is trying to ruin hers with Mileena.

Kitana: You've broken Kuai Liang's heart. Sub-Zero: It won't be the only part of him I damage.

Kitana: I understand congratulations are in order. Scorpion: How did news of my marriage reach Outworld?

Kitana: Weapons. Soldiers. Whatever you -- Scorpion: I have all that I need to defeat Bi-Han.

She's also offering him her and Outworld's support and is really just being nice to him, yet he never once shows gratitude and even tries to plant doubts about her in her sister's mind behind her back.

Nitara:

Scorpion: If you would only feed on lower species -- Nitara: Humans are a lower species.

"Lower species"? What species exactly is Kuai Liang talking about here? What's his definition of a lower species? Tarkatans? Netherrealmers? One could assume he means animals, but then why doesn't he say so? Instead, he's using a term that's often used in f*cist language. Who or what he's referring to isn't specified either, but it's definitely a questionable choice of words regardless.

Let's be honest, the mindset that there's "lower species" that are not deserving of life, as Kuai Liang basically implies by claiming Nitara should feed on them instead, says quite a lot about the kind of person he is. No matter what he's speaking of here, I still think this is pretty fucked up from any standpoint, especially because Kuai Liang doesn't explicitly say that he's talking about animals.

This is just my opinion, but even if he were to "only" be talking about animals here, I think it's downright wrong to say any animals are a "lower species", given the fact that we very much depend on certain animals for our own survival. Even if we give Kuai Liang the benefit of the doubt, he still sounds incredibly uneducated and ignorant. To not value the life of other creatures is not a good look on him, but then again we've seen how much he values his own brother's life so the bar is quite literally in hell.

Raiden:

Scorpion: Liu Kang's revelation has shaken my faith in him. Raiden: Understandable, given what he chose to hide.

Reptile: Am I right to put faith in Liu Kang? Scorpion: He's always proven worthy of mine.

Oh, has he now?

Kuai Liang is beginning to sound two-faced. He's certainly not conflicted because he still continues to follow Liu Kang and advices others to do the same. He also doesn't openly criticize or doubt Liu Kang like Tomáš and Bi-Han do. But he himself has lost some of his faith in Liu Kang, yet he judges Bi-Han for having done the same thing? Where does any of that make sense?

Bi-Han:

Scorpion: You would shed your brother's blood? Sub-Zero: Because you choose to stand in my way.

The first blood shed was Bi-Han's, not Kuai Liang's, but because Bi-Han doesn't bear a visible scar, no one acknowledges that.

Kuai Liang is once again showing manipulative behavior here. Blaming everything on his brother and pretending he did nothing wrong. Guilt tripping Bi-Han for something he himself has done.

Kuai Liang's actions are not even the biggest problem here. You can somehow justify what he did with him being hurt/angry when he found out about the true circumstances of his father's death. It's the fact that he refuses to take any responsibility for what he did and acts completely innocent although he's anything but, that shows he's not who the fandom makes him out to be.

Even Bi-Han stands by what he does. Kuai Liang can't even own up to his actions.

Liu Kang:

Liu Kang: You allow vengeance to consume you. Scorpion: I should not punish Bi-Han for his crimes?

So, Liu Kang seems concerned with Kuai Liang's thirst for vengeance. What's even more noteworthy is that we have Kuai Liang, a mortal, speak to Liu Kang, a literal god, about punishing someone else as if he's entitled to do so? Should it not be up to Liu Kang to decide whether Bi-Han deserves forgiveness or punishment? Do we need to add a god complex to the list of Kuai Liang's flaws?

There's nothing honorable about vengeance. It's honorable to be the bigger person and to forgive.

As Chinese philosopher Confucius said:

“Love thy neighbour as thyself: Do not do to others what thou wouldst not wish be done to thyself: Forgive injuries. Forgive thy enemy, be reconciled to him, give him assistance, invoke God in his behalf.”

Kuai Liang has none of that honor he claims to value.

Tanya:

Tanya: Liu Kang says we can trust you. Kuai Liang: As long as Outworld's goals don't conflict with Earthrealm's.

Let me translate it: "No, you can't. I'll stop being a reliable ally and might betray you as soon as our interests no longer align." Which is fair enough, he doesn't owe Outworld his loyalty. It's, however, funny that that's exactly what Bi-Han did with Liu Kang/Earthrealm too, but for some reason Kuai Liang is still delusional enough to think he's a more honorable man than his brother?

Kung Lao:

Kung Lao: I bet I could be Shirai Ryu. Scorpion: First, you must learn humility.

Also Scorpion:

Ashrah: I'd do well to follow your example. Scorpion: Then start by studying my kombat.

Quan Chi: Your brother told me of all your weaknesses. Scorpion: A short conversation, sorcerer?

Kuai Liang is a hypocrite who doesn't practice what he preaches. These are just two of many dialogues in which he comes off as overly confident and boastful. He will try to force his own values and ideals onto others but will not uphold them himself. These dialogues are not even the only example of his hypocrisy, but more of that to come later.

Smoke and the Shaolin monks:

Scorpion: Was it worth it, training with the Shaolin? Smoke: Let me show you what I learned.

Yet another example for Kuai Liang's arrogance. "Was it worth it?" What's that even supposed to mean? Admittedly, this might not sound as bad compared to everything else he's said but I invite you to go and listen to this specific intro and pay attention to the tone of his voice. To me, it very much sounds like, as a former Lin Kuei, he thinks there's nothing the monks can teach him and Tomáš anymore and therefore he sees training with them as a waste of time. Overall, Kuai Liang seems to hold little respect for his allies. He might not outright say it, but there's definitely a superiority complex there.

Johnny:

Scorpion: Your mansion was unduly extravagant. Johnny Cage: It came with the megastardom. Package deal.

What gives Kuai Liang the right to judge Johnny for what he does with his money that he's earned from his movies? Judging people and acting like he has the moral high ground over them in any situation is something Kuai Liang does a lot. That alone might not automatically make him a bad person, but it's tasteless and impolite nonetheless.

Johnny Cage: With your skills you'd be a hit, Kuai Liang. Scorpion: Do I look like an entertainer?

Again, if you listen to the actual intro, the distaste in his voice is obvious. He seems to not have much respect for Johnny's profession or for most of his allies' professions, really. Remember his reaction to Tomáš training with the Shaolin monks?

Rain:

Scorpion: Like a dog, you bit the hand that fed you. Rain: You've no right to judge me, Earthrealmer.

He doesn't -- because did Kuai Liang not do the same to Bi-Han? It doesn't matter that Bi-Han chose the wrong side, Kuai Liang's oath was to his grandmaster, not to Earthrealm. Bi-Han broke his oath to Earthrealm and by breaking his own oath to his brother, Kuai Liang is no better. And as I already explained in the first part of my analysis, Kuai Liang always meant to overthrow Bi-Han, even before Bi-Han abandoned his duties to defend Earthrealm. Bi-Han gave in to corruption and became a traitor, Kuai Liang was always a traitor in disguise. Kuai Liang is yet again being a hypocrite in this situation and displays double standards.

Kenshi:

Scorpion: Do not let Sento become a crutch. Kenshi: I could win this fight with or without it.

Does anyone else think this comment sounds a lot like ableism? Who is he to tell a disabled man how to handle his disability? Kenshi is a badass, he's proven that countless of times and he doesn't need Kuai Liang's advice, but Kuai Liang has a habit of acting like he knows better than others.

Bi-Han (again):

Shang Tsung: It was all too simple, pulling your brother's strings. Kuai Liang: It sickens me that he was so easily exploited.

Bi-Han fell victim to Shang Tsung's manipulation, yet here Kuai Liang is, blaming the victim. Meanwhile, Tomáš:

Smoke: I rue the day I ever met you. Quan Chi: No sense dwelling on the past, Tomáš.

Tomáš regrets ever meeting the sorcerers because he rightfully blames the people responsible for this whole mess, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, not Bi-Han. Kuai Liang is miles away from the same level of emotional maturity Tomáš has.

Scorpion: "Bi-Han's trail has led me to Sun Do." Li Mei: "I'll abide no vigilante justice, Kuai Liang."

Scorpion: If you know where he is, tell me. General Shao: As if I would spill your brother's secrets.

Scorpion: I need help to find Bi-Han. Johnny Cage: Y'know I was only a TV detective, right?

Kuai Liang is making his own family feud everyone else's problem.

SPOILERS: At the same time, when Bi-Han will crash Kuai Liang's wedding in the dlc according to leaks, Kuai Liang will "apologize" to those who attended that they got dragged into his war with Bi-Han, once again painting his brother as the villain. Could he be any more duplicitous? I think the main reason why Smoke is not mentioned in any leaks is because the writers might deliberately not want him to be there because the way Kuai Liang acts (wanting to kill Frost, leaving Bi-Han to suffer and die) would go against everything Tomáš believes in and they can't have someone make Scorpion look bad, so they decided to just have Tomáš not be there at all. If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what will.

Kuai Liang:

Scorpion: I won't be consumed by vengeance. Scorpion: How can your father's death not burn you.

You know it's bad when your own alternate self starts judging you and criticizing your ways.

Geras:

Scorpion: I want to see the moment my father died. Geras: You are not ready to receive that knowledge.

I wonder why Geras denied Kuai Liang's request. Is he concerned that actually witnessing the event will make Kuai Liang lose his mind completely and he will make even more of an effort to kill Bi-Han? He surely seems to think Kuai Liang is too unstable to receive that information. But then again, Kuai Liang already wants to kill Bi-Han, he already tried to do it and he already knows what happened. When will he be ready in Geras' opinion? Once he already forgave Bi-Han (which seems like it won't happen at all)? Would that not just reignite his old hatred? Could it be that there's more to the death of Kuai Liang's father than we know? Is there something Geras is trying to hide from Kuai Liang on purpose?

Ashrah:

Ashrah: Bi-Han can be redeemed. Scorpion: I don't see how that's possible.

It sounds a lot like Kuai Liang doesn't want it to be possible. He wants to deny his brother a chance at redemption. He's also once again acting like he knows better than everyone else. It's getting to the point where he seems self-righteous and out of touch with reality.

So, tell me again, after all that, why are we calling Kuai Liang a nice guy?

To conclude this, Kuai Liang only appears "nice" in direct comparison to Bi-Han, not necessarily because he's a better person, he's just the more agreeable one of the two. Take Bi-Han out of the picture and it's plain to see Kuai Liang is really not that nice. I also don't see how Kuai Liang is the poor, traumatized victim that never did anything wrong in his life, as fans like to describe him as. Yes, he suffered as well, but victims can also become aggressors. There are plenty of situations in which that's the case for Kuai Liang. Again, this is not hate or an attempt to completely demonize him, just to show that the fandom has a wrong idea of who Kuai Liang is and what he's like.

[hazelsmom]

I've never had a rela with my biological father. I'm 35 now, so it doesn't bother me at all, I've got an amazing step dad and wonderful mother, and from what I know about this man who's DNA I have, I'm not missing much. I've met him less than a handful of times. I was 13 years old the first time. I had been told another man, also not in my life, was my father. He was in prison, so my mom just put that away in her mind, it didn't matter. Until he started calling us from prison and sending me letters. He never said anything about not being my dad, which he knew, but my mom didn't want him to have contact with me. Apparently he's trouble. He's the Tommy Lee to her Pam Anderson. So, she told me the truth. That one night, she was fighting with her boyfriend, the man I'd been told was my father. She went out, and ran in to his cousin. He has a Trans Am and was older. Mom was 15 and wild. He took her for a ride in the Trans Am. The Scorpions playing in the stereo while they were in the backseat, making me. She was 16 when I was born. Trans Am guy took off immediately. Apparently there was a DNA test involved, so he definitely knew. But didn't care, apparently. Oh well.

Back to 13 year old me. Mom told me the truth and asked if I wanted to meet this man. And I did. Now. I knew in my heart this wasn't going to be some big fairy tale. He wasn't gonna whisk me away from my tragic life and make everything okay. He wasn't gonna be rich. He wasn't gonna buy me a car. But idk. I was curious. I knew he still lived in that same small town in Mississippi, so that told me a lot about him. My grandma was living in Mississippi at the time, so we went for a visit, and then Mom and I drove to that small town I was born in. We left it when I was 6, I have very vague memories of it. We met at a Waffle House. I sat with my back to the door, and Mom facing the door. I watched her face, and knew when he walked in. He brought his mother. She stayed in the car. We had lunch, and it was awkward. Here's the man. This man who is half of me. I have half of his DNA in me. We look nothing alike. I look like my mother, which he comments on. He never left this shitty, small town. He doesn't have the Trans Am anymore. He lives part time with his mother, and part of the time in a trailer with his girlfriend, who just had a kid. So I have a sibling I still to this day know nothing about, other than they would be in their 20s by now. We have awkward small talk. I immediately know this man will never pursue a relationship with me, so if I let it die, it will die. I'm gonna let it die. We get in my mom's car, I don't remember where we were going or why he rode with us, but he was up front with my mom. She stopped to go in to a store, leaning us alone. There's a copy of Undertow by Tool in the tape player of my mom's car playing. He doesn't like it. He comments that my mom listens to some "death metal type shit." I tell him the tape is mine, actually, and it's Tool, and it's not death metal. I had just started getting in to my own taste in music and Tool changed my life. I ask him what he listens to. He tells me his favorite band is Cypress Hill, and he just likes "whatever is on the radio." So, I didn't get my love of music from you, huh? Did I get ANYTHING from this man? I look like my mother, everyone has always said that. I have her eyes. Her face. I thought baby pictures of her were of me when I was little. I see nothing of myself in this man. He is perfectly content in his small town life, he has no interest in music. I live in a fairly large city, and music is the most important thing in my life at that time. Mom used to punish me by taking away my books and my CDs. Neither of those things matter to him. He tells me he doesn't think he's ever read a book. He likes wrestling and drinking, those are his hobbies. Going to a shitty bar in town. That's what he does for fun. His life is so far from mine, we have nothing in common. I still wonder, is there any part of me that came from him? Mom doesn't even know. To her, this is a guy she went on a date with years ago. Once. They didn't go out again. To her, he's a one night stand.

But I knew at lunch. I knew immediately. He didn't come here to meet me. He came here to see my mom. He'd remembered what she was like at 16. Young and beautiful and wild. He hoped she was still like that. She wasn't, though. She's still beautiful, but she's tired. She'd been raising me alone for 13 years. She had my brother, too, when I was 8, and he broke her. My brother was a difficult child. She got post partum psychosis and no one knew or cared, but she luckily didn't kill him or me and was able to pull herself out and be my mom again. But she's worked physical jobs to support us. Mostly waiting tables. She's not a fun, wild, 16 year old from a big city forced to move to that small town and looking to rebel anymore. She's a mother, who loves her children and doesn't want to be here, but did it for me. He sees this, too. But it doesn't stop him from trying. He tries to talk about THAT NIGHT. While the product of that night is still sitting right there. He's trying to remind her of fun times. She's not interested. She's not that person anymore and hasn't been since he abandoned her with a baby. But he doesn't care. This man, my father, who has just told me about his girlfriend who has just given birth to another child he'll likely abandon in a few years, is desperately trying to hit on my mother. In front of me. The child he never met, who came all the way from Tennessee to be at that Waffle House.

We leave and head back to my grandma's house. The ride was quiet. I knew I'd likely never see him again, and feeling a bit guilty that I didn't want to. Shouldn't I want to have a relationship with my father? Should I feel bad that he didn't like me? Why am I not enough for him? But I don't feel bad. I shared his DNA, but he wasn't a father and never would be, though he would go on to have more children with different women. There was just something sad about him. But he wasn't smart enough to understand it, and would turn to drugs later. Last I heard of him, he'd stolen everything he could from the wife he had that forced him to reach out to his kids. He found me on social media when I was like 21, and reached out. But it was clear he didn't want to, but his new wife wanted him to, so he did it to shut her up. He sent me a message. Hoping I wouldn't respond. But I did. I told him basically thanks, but no thanks. I'm fine. I have my mom, and she married a man who accepts me as his own. This angered him. Especially because this man is Hispanic, and an immigrant. He doesn't like people that aren't like him, straight white males. I guess it triggers something in him. He sends me back messages saying things about my attitude, and how I should be more grateful. He also uses a slur against my step father, which angers me. Here's this man, who knows nothing about me, calling me ungrateful and insulting the man who did what he couldn't. A man who has loved and cared for a little girl that wasn't his. A little girl who quickly entered her life long struggle with depression and mental illness not long after he met my mother. And he still stuck around. So I was not so nice in my response. I basically tell him to never speak to me again, and to go ahead and consider himself not my father. I don't need him in my life. I don't want him in my life. I know he doesn't give a shit about me, and the only reason he ever reached out was because he wanted to see if he still has a chance with my mom, and now because his new wife wanted him to. I was mean. I told him he should be more focused on getting new teeth for his wife. Which was mean, I know that now. But I was young and angry. Still struggling with my mental health. Again, I've angered him. He CALLS me to say mean things. Back then, Facebook still displayed your phone number publicly. He left a message. I listened to it, and heard his voice calling me a brat and he can't believe any child of his would talk to her father like that. All I can think is he is right, I'd never talk to my step dad like that.

And that's the last time I heard from him. I have at least one half brother I know about. I know there's others, but this is the only one I know. He doesn't know any others, either. Our father actually married his mom. Who was best friends with my mom. He stayed married his mother and stuck around for a while. My brother has memories of our father. He misses him. He wants him to come back. I think how sad that is. How lucky I am to have my step dad. How I hope one day my brother is able to move on, and see our dad for who he is. It hurts my heart when my brother messages me to ask if I've heard from our dad, because it appears no one has in a very long time, and he is worried. He knows family members that I don't. Our father is apparently missing. No one knows where he is, not since he stole from the wife who forced him to reach out and went on a drug bender. He may be dead. In jail. Who knows? It hurts me that my brother is concerned and is looking for him. But it doesn't hurt me that my father is missing. I don't feel anything about that. I still get messages from my brother sometimes, he asks if I've heard from our dad, and I haven't, of course. I tell my brother look. He knows how to find me. I'm not hard to find. I have an uncommon name. All he would need to do is search my name, and one or more of my social media pages would appear. Even though I have a new last name he doesn't know about, he could still find me. There's zero chance he doesn't use the internet. There's zero chance he doesn't know how Facebook works. If he wanted to find me, he could do so easily. But he hasn't. Not in 15 years. Doesn't he understand, this man doesn't want to be our father? He doesn't. He thinks one day he will want to be our father. I can't bring myself to break his heart. He's very nice. He looks like him. We have a few things in common, but not much. If weren't half siblings, we'd likely never be friends. We talk about meeting up someday, both knowing that will never happen. Maybe someday we'll just so happen to be in the same state. Maybe someday our father will get curious and reach out again, but I doubt it.

I came to terms with my father a long time ago. But new technology has brought new fears, and I find myself thinking of him more and more. I think about getting my DNA looked at. I know nothing of this side of me, and what if there is something I should know? But part of me worries I'll do that, and one day, someone comes knocking on the door, they got a familial DNA match for a cold case they've been working. My father was involved. Or my half sibling I know nothing about. And I have to tell them I can't be of any help, and know a person I'm related to is out there escaping justice. This is something that keeps me from doing this. Am I protecting this hypothetical family member? I honestly wouldn't be surprised to find out they were involved in an old cold case, but do I want to help the police find them? I like to think I'd tell them if I knew where he was, but would I? I believe I would. I'd hate to think of a mother, missing her child, never getting justice, and I don't help when I could. Besides, this man is nothing to me, just a guy my mom had a one night stand with 35 years ago. I feel bad sometimes that I am glad he stayed away from me. I don't think my life would have been any better with him in it, and perhaps worse. But I do still wonder sometimes, is there any part of me that's like this man? Did I get ANYTHING from my father? Surely I did. Surely I am not just a clone of my mother. I'd like to know what part of me came from him. Is it something I hate about myself? Or like? Did my tendency to have addiction issues come from him? Or my mom? She struggled before. But she beat hers. I haven't. And don't know how I will. I think that's what my father gave me. And I hate it and I hate him for it. I don't want to be like him.

[orange-chair-of-doom]

Road trip AU Pt.2

Aka: How to use a six eared weapon manual by Pigsy

You know what? While I was writing (shocking I know, as a matter of fact it didn't last, I'm here, distracted again. Phew, I was starting to worry.) I though what I wanted to use Macaque Discount Monkey King for, or better what he could contribuite in the group.

I know I have all or most of the story planned, but I get easily distracted and I'm not the most constant person in the world.

But the most funny idea I ever had was Pigsy take Macaque shopping and okay, they are technically wanted in all the region LBD has already conquered at the end of the Third Season (w/o the Specials) when the story is set, but a cook without food is useless and the Master Chef Zhu needs fulfil his duty.

Sooo Pigsy NEED to have a scene where he force the Six Eared Macaque to choose the watermelons by knocking on them. Like when I was little with my grandpa at the market, he stayed at least five minutes with his ear pressed on each fruits while knocking on every side searching for the ripest one we would then take home. Image with six ears! It would be the envy of all!

Pigsy is s m a r t. He knows what the mystic monkey are really useful for. Why be a weapon, when you can be used to choose the best watermelon?

Six Eared Macaque is not amused, but Pigsy is so done with him that he doesn't care, like the king he is.

We need to use Macaque for more stupid things. Like I get the tragic past, the trauma and that he's edgy and all, but they are all dumbasses in the end of the day. Use them as dumbass!

And question: do u knock on the watermelons?

TW: Food, eating insects, insects [I hate this is a CW]

A bit of a Rant :)

Also I wrote a scene with them eating fried crickets, you cannot understand how much I miss fried crickets, especially my guilty and pretty heretic pleasure the ones with BBQ. I know the crickets I describe are not typical of Chinese culture (the one I know are small, but Chinese cricket are huge??? How they're so huge?)

I ate them in another Asian country (for months, lol, loved them so much), buuut I just crave them right now and I needed to write it down somewhere. So, yeah, I don't care, fried crickets dinner it is.

And if you have the occasion please try fried crickets, they are so yummy and have this crunchy texture that's amazing. The legs were my favourite parts, for the most part is like eating chips. Also larvae are super good, I enjoyed the salted dried one better. I had a bit of a problem with the things, I don't remember their name anymore, but big and juicy larvae, it was a texture problem, flavour wise it was all super tasty. The only thing I didn't have the stomach to eat were scorpions, I regret a bit that I haven't just for the sake of experience, but I'm fucking scared of scorpions. I have them in the garden and I'm scared shitless of those little fuckers.

If you have the opportunity, I beg you to try!

[shinxeysartgallery]

You should do one of those art reflection things with your ocs. You know like taking the first drawing you ever did of them and comparing it to their most recent art piece to see how much you’ve improved. I’d love to see your art journey. ❤️

Oh boy, time to bring out the cringy art. LOL But I do like doing that every so often; usually don't end up posting the progress, but I do occasionally look at old art compared to new just to see how much better I've gotten over the years.

So time to pick a few OCs for this!

I suppose I shall begin with Cynthia, since she's my main OC.

Image on the left is not actually the first drawing I made of her, but it is the oldest one I still have saved. It was done in 2013, according to image file properties. The one on the right, while not the most recent drawing she's been in, is a singular frame from an animation I did of her just a few months ago. Design-wise, she's had a few changes. Her color palette has always been the same, I just did not have the correct shades of pencils at the time when I made the first one. The most jarring change is probably the head/wing shape. I had her originally and purposefully resemble a more anthro MLP-style because of her origins, but I later decided I didn't like that and changed it to be more Sonic-like (since she's, y'know, a Sonic OC). Slightly changed her hair/tail style, swapped the watch from her right arm to her left, and changed the belt buckle from black to yellow. Rest of her is still the same. lol She's had quite the glow-up. lol

Next is everyone's favorite wolf lady, Sabrina!

She hasn't had as much of a change as her bestie did, but still some notable ones. Left was done in 2015, and right was done early this year. I made her really fluffy, but then thought her face resembled Tails a little too much, so I removed the fluff from her face, but left the ear floof. The next change was simplifying her hair style a bit. And the colors on her shirt/skirt are now inverted, but that's mostly because I forgot which went where, but I like the way it is now more. The only other thing that changed with her was her gloves, in which the new ones were based on a pair you can unlock in Sonic Forces that I thought were cute. :)

Pinchy's another OC that I love a lot, so how about him, too?

He didn't get any changes outside of an updated art style, but I still think it's neat to see how much my style improved. Left was done in 2020 and right was done only a year later! He doesn't look nearly as squished or big-headed anymore. :)

And one more for good measure, I suppose? My girl, Cashmere.

Much like the funny scorpion man, she didn't get any design changes, just an updated art style, but she's another one in particular that I feel had quite the glow-up. Left was done in 2015, and right earlier this year.

I think the biggest glow-up with all of them is the anatomy. Holy crap was it bad before... Hands, too. I think a big part of the improvement was getting new, better digital art software. Before, all I had for digital art was Pokemon Art Academy, and while it's good, it's limited on what it can do. You can't resize the canvas and if you accidentally draw something too big, you can't just resize that; you have to start all over or deal with it. I think that's a huge part of why my PAA stuff looked so squished and why the heads looked so big. I use Krita for my digital art now and it's REALLY good; I saw immediate improvement upon my switch. And layers? REALLY great, especially for shading! PAA didn't have a layer system, so I think that really stunted any sort of art growth in that regard. Using more references for things like hands and posing seriously helped me out a lot in improving my anatomy and hands as well. I would usually just wing it and guess from memory, which is why it would usually look really bad. Seriously y'all, use references, it's not cheating.

I don't really have much else to say on the matter atm, but yeah, this was a neat deep dive into my old, cringy art. lmao It's really cool seeing just how much I've improved over the years.

[the141ghost]

Ghost loved listening to Johnny.

He wasn't sure if there was anything that Johnny could do to make him tell him to shut up. Start singing some shitty pop music, maybe, but even that in the gravelly Scottish drawl that Johnny had would be bearable. Shit, it might even be nice. Now that was a hell of a fucking thing, wasn't it? If anyone could get Simon to enjoy Katy Perry, it would be Johnny.

Then again, Soap could probably read him every single one of the field manuals on base, over and over again, and he still wouldn't get bored.

Not so long as it was Johnny's voice narrating them.

What would Ghost need from him, though? Or, even, what would Simon need?

Ghost would just need him to stay.  No matter how grisly their world became around them. Just staying would be more than anyone else had ever done for him.

Then, Simon…

It hit him at that very moment how much he'd distanced himself from Simon. He didn't really even know that man anymore, that side of him was obscured in his mind by a fog of guilt to keep himself alive.

Simon was the one who allowed his family to be slaughtered, he was the one who let himself get tortured for months.

Ghost?

He never would have let that happen, and he'd be there to ensure it didn't happen again.

Johnny loved Ghost, he didn't even really know Simon. He wouldn't love that side of him, the weak, whimpering side that couldn't breathe when he was in a small space. He wouldn't love the fact that Simon couldn't look at maggots, or scorpions, without having to excuse himself to be sick.

Pulled from his thoughts by the most angelic laugh he'd ever heard, Simon blinked idly down at the bed beneath them. He didn't deserve this, and yet here he was.

The hand squeeze pulled him even further from the sombre depths his mind had delved into in the brief silence. If Johnny could hold Ghost's hand forever, then that would be okay with him.

He didn't need the other side of himself anymore, so long as Johnny was there for part of him.

As Johnny spoke, Simon could hear that he wanted to roll his eyes, even if he managed not to. Johnny could never hate him, he'd claimed. Simon wanted to roll his own eyes at that.

It made him want to laugh as barely a minute prior he'd been expressing to himself that Johnny could never love the true version of himself, the one that wasn't protected by a scorched, hard outer shell.

Maybe he couldn't hate him, but he wouldn't blame Johnny if he couldn't love him.

And, as Johnny gently rested his head on Simon's shoulder, he decided he'd be okay with that, too.

Then, the softly spoken pet name…

Simon's brain just about cut off.

He blinked dumbly down at the mohawk tickling his jaw, eyes slightly widened though he wasn't quite in shock, or at least not over the name.

No, it was more so over how right it felt. It rolled off Johnny's tongue like syrup, and Simon found himself desperately wanting to lick into Johnny's mouth to see if he could taste it again.

He didn't like the worry he spoke with, though. It was a fucking sneeze, and while he was in a considerable amount of pain from it, he'd fucking live.

"M'fine, not sure 'bout you, though," Simon mumbled, pressing his lips down gently on the stubbly stretch of skin to the side of Johnny's fluffy tuft of hair. "Gettin' a bit sleepy there, are we? Been told my shoulder's a good pillow, before. Welcome to test it out, if you'd like. Pretty boy like you needs some beauty sleep, ey?"

He risked stealing another squeeze from Johnny's hands, before slowly raising it up to his mouth and pressing a gentle kiss to his scuffed knuckles.

Ghost loved listening to Johnny. But, he'd be more than happy to just exist with him in the silence if sleep began to take him. Being near him was more than he'd ever expected, more than he'd ever deserved. Sitting next to his favourite person on the entire fucking planet, while he slept safely using his body as a pillow? It didn't get any better than that.

"Must be knackered, handsome," he murmured against the back of Johnny's hand, nipping lightly at the skin he'd just kissed before he lowered their hands back down to rest between them, fingers still intertwined. "Wake you if anythin' 'appens, yeah?"

Even the bits he hated. What might that include, he wondered? Perhaps the fact that he never knew when to shut up, he knew that became a problem at times. Simon could sit and listen to him ramble, or tell him to be quiet when he needed to. He could ease the things about himself made him feel insecure, with his teasing and his awful jokes, lifting the weight of them from his heart. And Johnny, of course, would do all the same for him, happily shouldering whatever it is Simon might need.

He didn’t mind in the slightest that Simon wasn’t moving away, more than content to just exist within his space, nothing more. And with Simon muttering sweet words like that too him, dedicating himself to Johnny like that, he was certain he could have stayed right there for the rest of his life.

The sudden noise of Ghost’s sneeze startled Johnny, breaking him out of that blissed-out state. He let out a little laugh, purely at how silly the whole situation felt, but his amusement faded somewhat as he watched Simon - his eyes were still squeezed shut and, yeah, now that he thought about it, head injuries and sneezes probably didn’t go together too well.

He felt Simon reach for his hand again and took it easily, squeezing it just slightly, only for a brief moment of reassuring pressure. His thumb rubbed slowly and gently over the back of Simon’s hand for what he hoped might be further comfort, or maybe it was just an excuse for more contact.

Johnny couldn’t give a shit if Simon ruined the moment, saying as much with the dismissive noise he made as Simon apologised. What he was more concerned about was the way Simon was looking at him in confusion and pain, like he was trying to figure out something very difficult and failing miserably. He seemed to give up, looking away from him entirely, which might have even worried Johnny more.

It took effort to not fondly roll his eyes at Simon’s grateful words.

“No’ even bleedin’ possible,” he declared with 100% certainty, “Could never hate ye. Don' think there's a single thing ye could ever do tae make me.” It was his turn to drop his head down onto Simon’s shoulder, the action making him realise just how tired he was starting to feel. It didn’t surprise him, though it did disappoint him. He didn’t want to sleep, he wanted to stay awake so he could enjoy having Simon’s hands on him for longer, kissing him, and all the affectionate words they exchanged.

Though maybe it wouldn’t be be so bad, if he got to fall asleep wrapped up in Simon’s arms.

“Ye feelin’ good, love? Didn' pop a stitch with tha’ sneeze, did ye?” he spoke lightly, amused, but there was an undertone of worry to his words. If he had fucked something up there wasn’t much Johnny could do, he’d probably have to call in a nurse and then they’d no doubt get in trouble for their current, uh, arrangement.

[loki-darkprince-odinson]

King Loki, I apologize for the rant but I would like some advice.

My father always makes me feel like complete garbage. He is always putting me down, never appreciates me, and makes my depression so much worse. I'm fixing up a house to move in with my friends but I'm still stuck at the house since my parents won't help me get my license or a car, much less a job. I cook, do dishes, take care of the pets, take out the trash, get the mail, do my laundry, wash towels, and help with their laundry. I also take care of my sick mother and while I'm currently on summer break, I'm going to college to become a clinical psychologist. Even then, my father will point out other things that I don't do, and expects me to clean the entire house every day. He always talks about how he needs to do everything around the house yet all he does is sleep, play video games, and watch television. He also says he works hard yet on many occasions he says he sits on his ass all day on his tablet. He also yells so much. I get scared every day when he starts yelling because I worry he may leave us, which he has threatened before, or he may actually hit us. He never has hit either my mother or I yet, and says he never would but he slams and throws things when angry at us so it's his way of showing us how much he wants to hit us, even if he doesn't realize it. However, not only do I have many responsibilities, My depression makes it difficult for me to do much, and he makes it worse. Even when I do try to clean the house he always makes comments such as: "About time." or "How long until it gets cleaned next time?" or "This was half assed, you didn't do it right." I have tried so hard to have a connection with him but I'm so tired of fighting for a relationship that he doesn't care about. I can't address my concerns with him because he will threaten to not take me to college and pay the bills. Do you have any advice to help me deal with my father until I can escape?

Best regards, Catrina.

“Catrina,” Loki drawls, in his smooth resonate voice. “I firstly must commend your good work. For caring for your ill mother, minding the household needs, and that you get up in the morning even if your soul is weary and your bones ache for a rest; that you keep on living even if you do not know how to anymore. Secondly, you have my deepest sympathies for your grievances. I am all too familiar with what it is like to seek the approval of a parent; only for there to be none in return.” His eyes were completely unfocused, yet his pallid features bore the most intense concentration as memories flowed unbidden.

He says nothing for a moment. Then, something in the edge of his mouth—and the corner of his eyes—resembled the ghost of a sad smile.

“Those whom I knew and called my mother and father are dead. That much is beyond dispute. They were not my real parents, but they raised me as their own. I daresay they loved me. That had been in dispute, at least in my own mind for awhile. I found out very late that my identity was a lie. Not Asgardian, not a son of Odin, I was completely unmade. That was how I felt when I learned of my true parentage. I was a fraud, a monster; it explained so much. It explained why I never felt like I fit in, why I would never be my brother's equal, why I would never get what I'd been promised my whole life.” His voice was soft, hoarse. Intent.

Loki raises his left hand and rests his forefinger against his lips as a line forms between his own eyebrows in thought.

“I have lingered around Midgard long enough to come to an understanding of how your minds tick. I shall do my best to give advice where I can.

Try, if you will, to put things into perspective. The most loving parents commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force one to destroy the person they really are: a subtle kind of murder. Even the most loving parents damage their children with the best intentions—to protect them, to guide them, to better them. In most cases, it would appear they do it by imprinting their own fears and prejudices on them.

The point is, parents are mere, imperfect people.

They have flaws, struggles and impaired judgement. They have both emotional and intellectual handicaps. Regardless of their parental role, they are afflicted by personal blockages and limitations.

But most of all, they are people who make mistakes, and who are terrified of being judged by their children.

Learn to see your difficult parent as just that; human. Learn to see their emotional immaturity as a type of disability.

With that in mind, you would do well to keep your expectations of them low.

In many ways the effect a difficult parent has on ones self is fueled by their feelings of injustice and the belief that things could be different, or ought to be different.

In other words, your expectations dictate how you feel.

You need to let go of your expectations and accept your parent for who they are.

You cannot expect someone with, say, a narcissistic personality, to act with empathy and kindness. No more than you can expect a scorpion not to sting.

Difficult parents are much easier to deal with when you accept that they will not change. So do not expect of them more than they are capable of, and you will not be disappointed or hurt.

Do not fall into the illusion of guilt, Catrina.” He warns. “A difficult parent loves nothing more than to make you feel like you’ve hurt them. Or, in a different scenario, like you’re a bad person if you do not do something they ask.

Do not fall for it. If they’re setting a guilt trap, calmly tell them that you do not appreciate being emotionally manipulated, and you will not tolerate it anymore.

Manipulators, and I should know, detest being called out on their dirty tricks.

If they continue to harass you, reiterate that you cannot do what they’re asking you to do this time, and you need them to respect that.

The trick is agreeing with everything they’re saying (how can they argue when you agree with them?) and re-stating your decision over and over again.

Now this part I find to be… far more easier said than done. You must let go of the need for your father's approval, Catrina. It goes without saying that every child needs and wants their parents’ approval. It is normal to want it, and it is normal to receive it.

Yet so many have to accept the fact that this is not going to happen. For whatever reason, their parent has chosen to withhold their approval. Some difficult parents do it as a form of punishment. While others hope to influence their child in the “right” direction.

Most likely, your father loves you, but they have a very warped idea of what parental love is.

In their misguided quest to make you into a version of themselves, they missed the chance to get to know you. And so they cannot appreciate you for the wonderful being that you are.”

He shrugs elegantly. “It is their loss. When you realize this and let go of the need for their approval, you will be able to start living your life in a whole new way.

When confronting your father, be direct and calm without expecting a specific response. That is the part you cannot control. The part that is within your control is letting your thoughts and feelings known, which is empowering.

Stick to the facts and use “I” statements such as, “I feel like my words do not matter to you when you constantly interrupt me” or “I feel scared and misunderstood when you yell at me”

Remember that manipulative parents are not known for their empathy. They will try to confuse you, go on the offensive, or assume the role of a victim.

Do not allow them to bully you into submission by invoking guilt or pity. State your case in a calm and polite manner, and stay cool regardless of their response.

Your goal is to be honest about your feelings, and to make it clear that you will not tolerate certain behaviors.” He softly clears his throat.

“Last but not least, an unhappy alternative is forgoing the relationship that is too harmful. I know, a parent is not someone you can so easily cut out of your life. But if all else fails and your father continues to cause you psychological harm, then this may very well need to be taken into considerable consideration; at least for the foreseeable future. Sometimes it is the only logical recourse.

A parent that is fundamentally incapable of showing love and support, unable to see the error of their ways after numerous attempts to communicate how their behavior or words affect you, consistently dismissive, demeaning or critical, manipulative in a habitual manner, punishing and cruel whenever you disobey, are disrespectful of your boundaries and using threats and intimidation to get what they want is a destructive force that will continue to tear you down until you put a stop to it.

It is not an easy feat, my dear. The parent-child bond is hardwired into the brain, which means children get attached to even the most awful of parents.

But consider the cost of having that toxic relationship in your life—stress breeds anxiety, depression, internalized feelings of inadequacy, and failed personal relationships.

I wish you all the best, Catrina. I truly do.”

[karazrel]

I think the point wasn't that Kara was Lena's moral compass and that this betrayal was too much, more than the others and that's why she snapped. I think it was the accumulation of everything. Her boxes are full now. She didn't snapped with other betrayals and she remained good, not because they hurt less, but because she kept shoving her feelings down but this time she put so much faith in Kara + years and years of this hurt and so she couldn't hold it anymore. It could have been anything else

Hmm maybe so but the issue remains that this transition from s2-4 Lena to s5 Lena who suddenly thinks it’s okay to brainwash people and rob them of their autonomy happened off screen. Last season alone she was ready to call off her experiment that would’ve cured cancer, because she thought her patient would be hurt in the process and she only proceeded at his insistence. But now we’re supposed to believe she’d kidnap and violate Eve like that? Even if she was angry and felt betrayed, doing something like that goes against everything her character stands for and makes her no different than her brother. I mean, Lena saw what mind control did to Jack. She saw what a heinous crime it is, it singlehandedly led to her losing him but they expect us to believe she’d do the same to Eve or anyone else, no matter how well intentioned? Not to mention, anytime Lena has been angry or frustrated her modus operandi is to shut down emotionally and isolate herself, not scheme for world domination. She’s not the seethe in silence while plotting her attack type no matter how many scorpion analogies she makes. Think of s3 when she found out about Supergirls betrayal, her reaction was immediate. It would’ve been much more realistic for her to have walked out of that Pulitzer ceremony, packed her bags and hightailed it to another branch of L corp far far away from everyone who hurt her. This whole arc just doesn’t sit right with me, nor can I buy that Lena who’s defining characteristic is empathy and compassion, who found it in her heart to forgive her brother and abusive mother, would suddenly become this cruel villain who sees nothing wrong with brainwashing people.