#yang encouraging the violence

[amelia-yap]

Dragon!Weiss protecting her treasure? (Team RWBY)

she about to start blasting (someone said a bad thing about rby)

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Besties can't enable pvp on each other, right?

[First] Prev <--> Next

[eeunoia]

ENHYPEN Imagines

insolitus | yjw.

part four

pairings: yang jungwon x reader

synopsis: you’ve always thought jungwon is out of this world, out of ordinary. he’s someone who seems familiar but at the same time mysterious for almost everybody. you didn’t expect that he himself will unfold more of him with you and it was an insolitus experience.

word count: 6k

warnings: yandere themes, mention of murder, violence, obsessive love, grammatical errors, kissing. (let me know if i missed some)

note: i’ll post jay’s version of this mini series before posting part two of limerence. thank you so much for supporting my works. replies and reblogs are highly encouraged. ily and stay safe!

( part one ; part two ; part three )

fic mood board › here

eeunoia 2024 © all rights reserved.

“I feel so bad for her...” your eyes glanced at one of the students looking at the banner being pinned at one of the bulletin boards of your school. A terrified look on her face flashes and you can’t blame her.

One of the girls from your school disappeared on her way home days ago. Missing posters with her face on it are being spread along the whole town to help for the search.

You jolt when a warm hand rests over your waist and soon Jungwon’s familiar scent invades your nose.

“Wonie,” you utter his name under your breath, eyes still fixed at the missing posters.

Jungwon dips his head and kisses your neck once before tugging your body closer to his, pressing your back on his chest.

“I’m scared.”

As somebody who experienced being captured months ago, you cannot help but to think of the traumatizing situation that girl is experiencing at the moment. Your hand shakes, heart thumping so fast in fear.

“Hey,” Jungwon’s soft voice rings at the side of your ear.

When you didn’t respond, he placed both hands on your hips to turn your body, facing him. His gaze soften at the sight of your scared face. He raised his hands and cupped your cheeks, directing your full attention towards him instead.

“I’m here. Nothing bad will happen to you.” he says, giving full assurance and comfort.

Right. Nobody will abduct you. He’s always there for you, he will not let anybody take you away again. There’s nothing to be worried about.

Those are the things you kept on repeating inside your mind. Finally, you calm down and just nuzzle over his chest after he pulls you into a tight embrace.

A conniving grin appears on his lips for a split second.

Of course, there’s no way you’ll be kidnapped because your captor is right there. The same person whose comforting and assuring you at the moment. You have no idea that he’s got you wrapped over his fingers, fully trapped to him. You’re caged without your knowledge.

“Do you think your Dad can do something to help find her?” you whisper, heart still aching for the missing girl.

He sighs, “I will ask him to send help. I’ll also ask for extra security around the isolated places here in our town to avoid any of this incidents.”

You nod, tightening your hug over his waist.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for my bunny.” he dropped a kiss on top of your head.

“Jungwon.”

The two of you looked at the person approaching. It was Leehan, one of the student council officers. He glanced at you before looking back at your boyfriend.

He didn’t pulled off the hug and wait for what Leehan needs.

“The principal asks for us. They need to hear about our plan for gathering volunteers to search for (sunghoon’s girl).” he says seriously.

Leehan’s one of the popular kids in your school. A lot of girls admires him, but they always got intimidated by how serious he is so they don’t shoot their shot at him. You can’t blame them, he seems like the type who will reject girls without batting an eye.

“All right.” Jungwon answered shortly before pulling off the hug.

You pursed your lips into a pout and looked up at him with puppy eyes. He smirks, finding you adorable. He cupped your face and leans in for a kiss on your lips.

“I will text Jay hyung so he can pick you up. They’re at the hangout place. Wait me there.” he instructed.

“B-But,” you gulped, tugging the lower part of his uniform. “can’t I just wait for you?”

Jungwon’s heart leaps in joy. This is what he longed for. This is exactly what he wants, what he dreamt for. You being totally dependent to him. The look on your face indicates how much you’re dependent on him and gives off the vibe that you’ll go crazy being away from him.

He tries so hard to suppress the big evil grin and pursed his lips into a pout instead, he gave your chin a gentle caress.

“It will probably last for a while. I don’t want to keep you waiting that long.” his tone sounded too soft not to oblige to. In the end, you had no choice but to do as he told.

Not long after, just like what he said, his friend Jay arrived. His clean cut black hair just fits perfectly to his bad boy image. Even if its been months since you’ve met his friends, there's still this invisible wall that kept a good distance between you and them. Jungwon’s very cautious and always limits the limitation vaguely that you noticed just recently.

Jay smiles and pulls one of his hand out from his pocket to strike a small wave, “Hi, y/n!” he greets.

You returned the smile just so he wouldn’t notice about you overthinking and overanalyzing every little things.

“Hey,” you responds that caught his attention.

He didn’t gave any reaction to it and just kept his smile. “Your boyfriend asks me to take you to the hangout place while he’s busy doing president duties.” he says trying to make a conversation.

It was obvious how he’s making you feel more comfortable around him and you appreciate it big time. He then guides you towards his family car, a driver stands patiently beside it. He walks towards with such ease, looking too relaxed.

“Get in.” he tilts his head to the car and without thinking much about it, you get inside.

He’s one of Jungwon’s most trusted friends. He once mentioned how they grew up together and basically knew each others all their lives. You find it cool and understand why their friendship is just that strong.

“The others are there too since we don’t have school tomorrow we agreed to hang out more for today.” Jay explains as the car started to drive away from the parking lot.

You nodded your head and kept your mouth shut, eyes fixed outside the window. Jay’s gaze darted at you and he watch silently. He’s still amused as to how Jake and Jungwon manages to pull that thing off that they did to you.

Jungwon’s being very careful ever since and somehow, he finds it adorable. The way he’s very cautious over everything is funny for him. Now, his Heeseung hyung is the same. Specially that he have a girl inside his place as well.

“We’re here.” Jay snapped you out from your thought and opened the door. He steps out and kept it open for you.

“T-Thank you,”

He nods and started walking inside. You followed silently, hands fidgetting nonstop. This will be the first time you will spend time with Jungwon’s friends without him so its making you slightly nervous.

“Y/n’s here!” Jay casually announces after you two got inside.

Multiple heads whips at your direction and you tried your best to show a sincere smile, although you can feel your heart thumping so hard out of nervousness.

You saw Heeseung by the sofa, busy with his phone, but he lifts his head to look at you. With a small smile he waved to acknowledge your arrival which you returned with a small wave too.

Jay naturally went over the pool table, joining Jake and Sunghoon whose currently having a 8ball competition. Jake smiles brightly and waves excitedly at your direction.

“Hi y/n!” he greets full of enthusiasm. He even lets go of his cue stick and handed it to Jay.

Sunghoon just gave you a short nod, not even bothering to flash a smile. You’re compeletly used to it as he’s the most reserved member of their friend group. He rarely initiates conversation and only response when being asked. For you, he’s really intimidating and mysterious. Like he holds a lot of secrets.

“Jungwonie is busy?” Jake’s suddenly in front of you, acting all friendly. Well, he really is the least intimidating between all of them.

Sunoo and Ni-ki finally turns at your way after they lose at the round of the game they’re currently playing. Sending short waves and small smiles then going back to gaming once again.

You glanced back at Jake, “Yes. The principal asks for him to discuss about the volunteering for the search.”

Jake doesn’t seem surprised. For some reasons, you cannot find any empathy or even a bit of concern through his eyes. He just nods his head and continues smiling. You didn’t say anything for a while and all you can hear is the playful banters Jay and Sunghoon throws over each other while competing over billiards.

“A-Are you guys going to volunteer?” you finally ask, feeling the slight awkwardness.

Jake pursed his lips and nods eagerly. Noticing how you’re giving him this look.

“We’ll surely volunteer to help search for her. I can also ask my parents for more help.” he says that eases you.

It made you feel bad for actually thinking oddly over Jake. He’s really a nice guy and the doctors who helps with your recovery are basically employees in their hospital. They barely even ask for payment and just genuinely wished you get better fast.

“I want to help too.” you mumbled.

“I doubt Jungwon will let you.”

Your brows narrowed, “W-Why? I mean, I can come with you guys...”

He sighs and gave you this small smile, almost a grin. “I’m sure he doesn’t want you to feel traumatized again or make you go through it. You know this can trigger it, right?”

That halts your thoughts and actually realized that he was right. Similiar scenarios can actually trigger your episodes and so Jungwon does everything to prevent it from happening. It's been a month ever since the last attack, and so you don’t want that to ever happen again. You don’t want seeing your parents and Jungwon so worried.

Your heads whips at the direction of Sunghoon and Jay when one cheers after winning. Sunghoon groans and pushed his friend's shoulder as he dances in a silly way, his way of showing victory.

“You lost?” Jake asks Sunghoon with a big teasing grin.

The boy rolls his eyes and sat down at the stool chair by the corner of the pool table, then fished his phone out from his pocket.

“Come on, Jake! Let’s play.” Jay challenged him while gathering the balls from the pockets of the table.

Jake snickers a chuckle then agrees before glancing at you. “Come hang out with us, y/n. Jungwon will probably take time.” he then guided you towards the two other boys.

Sunghoon lifts his gaze from his phone over at you then dragged another stool chair near his so you can sit down. You thanked him and Jake starts this another round of game with Jay.

You glanced at Sunghoon whose very quiet. Its not new, he’s always like this.

“I'm sorry about (Sunghoon’s girl).”

He was caught off guard as you noticed how his fingers halts from tapping on his screen. Slowly, he lifts his head to look at you with a confused look on his face. His eyes blank, but you can see that he wasn’t expecting what you just said.

“What do you mean? We’re not even close. Nothing to be sorry about.” he responsed.

You pursed your lips, “Yeah, but I noticed how you always looks at her.”

That was true. Whenever you guys hangs out, Sunghoon seems to be always looking and watching her from afar. You’re a bit observant and its easy for you to put two and two together. It wasn’t that hard to understand that he’s into her.

He stares at you before sighing and locking his phone. His shoulder relaxed and he cranes his neck to face his friends.

“I just...” his words halt. Probably doesn’t know what word to say.

You heaved a sigh and smiled before clapping your hands to his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find her.”

He glanced back at you and a hint of an unknown emotion flickers through his eyes. You can’t tell what exactly it was.

He nods his head and looks back to his friends. His jaw clenched hard, eyes staring blankly at his friends.

“How are you coping up?” he suddenly asks.

“Fine, I guess? I mean, I was terrified when I heard the news and basically shaking while looking at her missing posters, but Jungwon was there to calm me down.” a small smile spreads across your face, remembering how sweet your boyfriend is.

“I wanted to join the volunteer for her search, but Jake said Jungwon won’t probably allow me as it can be the cause of the trigger of my traumas.”

Sunghoon glances and nods his head, “He has a point.” he shortly replied.

You nodded, agreeing.

“I’m sure Jungwon just wants the best for you. You need to be careful, there’s really a lot of dangerous people in this world.” the way he said those words sent instant chills on you.

He isn’t scaring you on purpose. Maybe it was his eyes? Or the way his tone lowers while saying it? You have no idea.

“Good morning, y/n!” you smiled at one of the student who greeted you then waves at her.

You and Jungwon just arrived campus and you’re now on your way to your class. He was again asked to come at the student council’s office for some important matters. You almost roll your eyes, worried that they’re overworking him.

You understand that its a salient case and actions are needed to be taken care of right away, its just you can’t help but to worry for your boyfriend’s health.

After arriving at the locker’s area, you’re quick to find yours and was about to open it when your phone rang. One of your hand hangs while holding the lock and the other fished your phone.

“Hello?”

“y/n! Sweetheart!” your Mom’s cheerful voice echoes from the other line. A smile instantly made its way to your lips. It’s not like you don’t meet your parents or something. It is a small town and so it was easy for them to visit you or vice versa. It’s just, you've lived with your parents your whole life and its still hard to get used not having them in the same roof.

“Mom! How are you?” your hand drops and just focused first on talking to your Mother.

“Oh I’m doing good! How about you? How are you and Jungwon?”

“We’re fine, Mom. He’s taking good care of me.”

She hums, “Oh I know he does. He’s a good kid after all.”

“He is.”

There’s a short silence before she giggles, “So, I'm expecting to see you two this weekend okay?”

Your face lightens up after remembering the said plan you and your parents made last last week. Jungwon agrees to it and so you’ve confirmed it to your Mom making her so excited.

“Yes, I’ll see you soon, Mom.”

“See you, darling. Curry is Jungwon’s favorite, right? I will cook for him.” she sounded so excited and that tugs something in your heart.

You knew how greatful your parents are to Jungwon. After all, he was the one who saved you.

“All right, Mom. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

She bids goodbye after that and you’re smiling while looking at your phone. You have no idea you’ll end up in this kind of relationship with Jungwon. He’s very sweet and your source of comfort ever since the incident. You managed to get through all of these, thanks to him.

You opened your locker after snapping back to your senses. When the lock clicks and it slides open, something dropped from inside.

“Huh?” you mumbled softly, confused.

A paper, that looks like its been ripped from a notebook, is at the ground. It fell from your locker and as far as you remember, it doesn’t belong to you.

Without putting much thought about it, you crouched down to get it and check what it is.

Your brows then narrowed down after reading what’s written on the paper.

‘Don’t trust anyone around you. Specially Yang Jungwon.’

That was the one written. Your heart thumped hardly, chest tightening for some unknown reason. There’s no complete context to this note and whoever left this clearly doesn’t want to be known.

This has to be a joke, right? Why wouldn’t you trust Jungwon? The person who wrote this was probably just playing with you. Everybody knows who saved you. How can you not trust that person?

Your mind wanders off and started to be occupied by alot of things. It may sound wrong, but lately you’ve been noticing a lot of things with Jungwon and his friends. You’re a very good observant.

It’s not actual bad things, just some things that other people may think of as nothing, but to someone who overthinks alot, you find them odd.

First, they’ve been talking about Heeseung’s girl. She’s not named and all, but she’s been mentioned by the boys a couple of times. Asking about her condition and all. You can tell they’re limiting the things they say and questions they ask whenever you’re around.

When you asked Jungwon if Heeseung’s girl goes to your school, he said yes and that she’s very sick so she’s now taking a time off and resting.

It may not be odd and it can happen. People does get sick and no matter how sad it is, that’s reality. But what doesn’t sit right for you is those medicines you’ve seen multiple times.

Jake’s family owns the main hospital in your town and it would be very easy for him to get those things. Most of it are medicines used to get people unconscious, the ones used to patients so they can calm down and pass out. It made you wonder where they’re using it? Why does he supply his friends with those?

Did Jungwon got some too?

“Y/n,” you jolted making you drop the paper.

You quickly crouched to get it and turned around to face the person who calls for you. Leehan’s concerned face greets you, his eyes drops at your hand and you hid it behind you.

“Sorry to scare you.” he says, eyes still looking at your hand.

“It's f-fine.”

He glanced back on your eyes, “Jungwon asked me to let you know that he can’t walk you to your classroom.”

You nodded and smiled awkwardly. He stares at your eyes for a while without saying anything else.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yes.” you answered right away.

He just nods his head and left. When you saw him finally out of your sight, you heaved a sigh and rests your back at the locker. You got caught up to your thoughts that you forgot that class is almost starting. Thanks to the bell ringing, you hurried to get your stuff and go to your class.

The whole day, you’re just spacing out. The message in that note bothers you so much. No matter how hard you try to dismiss it and convince yourself that its probably just some students playing some sick pranks on you. But something just doesn’t sit right to you.

“Hey,” you jolted and glanced at the person beside you.

Jungwon’s eyes are staring carefully at you, hand resting at the small of your back, caressing it softly. He noticed how occupied are you and he’s worried that you’re hiding something from him.

“H-Huh?”

He kept a straight face, doesn’t let you know that he’s caught up on how troubled you are. This is so much not like you. He smiles gently then looked at you with concern.

“Are you okay? You’ve been out of it since this morning.” he tilts his head to catch your eyes. “Did something happen?”

His other hand reaches for your hands, intertwining his to your fidgeting fingers. You stare at his warm looking and beautiful eyes. The very same ones that comforts you every time.

A part of you feels so guilty that you have the heart to doubt him. Him. Yang Jungwon, who saved you from being kidnapped. There’s no way that he’s someone who you shouldn’t trust. Your heart swells and you smiled warmly.

“I-I’m sorry.” you started and let out a heavy sigh. Tears slowly brims your eyes as you lean to place a kiss on his lips. Just a peck and Jungwon shuts his eyes as your lips touches his then opens it again to stare at you lovingly.

You let go from his hold and slid your hand inside your pocket to retrieve the note that you received from a while ago.

“I found this inside my locker this morning.” and you slid it in front of him.

Jungwon’s eyes then darted at it before he gently take it from your hand. He unfolds it then reads what written on it. You sniffed, totally feeling guilty because of it. Also a little afraid that it will upset him.

Instead of angry looking eyes, Jungwon looks at you with worried ones.

“Some people are probably just playing pranks on you.” he says calmly. You nodded since that’s what you thought too.

“Y-Yeah, I’m s-sorry.” your head lowered.

Jungwon sighs heavily and then gently tugs you closer to him, placing a peck on your forehead.

“It’s okay, baby. I understand. It’s fine to feel scared.” he assured and you hugged him even tighter.

“But to make you feel better, do you want to stay at your parents?”

You instantly pulled away from him with widen eyes. “R-Really?”

His eyes roamed around your face before he smiles softly and nodded his head. He raised his hand to gently brush away some of your hair strands.

“Yes, bun. Whatever makes you feel more safe.”

Your heart aches, both in happiness and guilt. How can you ever doubt this person? All he do is care for you.

“Thank you, Jungwon.”

“Anything for you.” and he leans to give your nose a kiss before leaving one on the lips as well.

“Thank you for having me today, Mr. and Mrs. (surname).” Jungwon bows politely to your parents.

“No problem, Jungwon! You know you’re always welcome here in our home, right?” your Mom caress his arm that made your boyfriend smile, showing off his dimples.

“Y/n, walk Jungwon out.”

You nod your head and held hands with him as you head outside of your house.

It’s friday night and you two went home as planned, although it got a day early since Jungwon promised that you can stay here for the mean time. Your parents are of course happy about it, your Dad to be specifically.

You had dinner with Jungwon and everything went smoothly. The missing girl was also brought to the conversation and he explained that he wanted to help on the search. He informed them too that he refused for you to be part of it so the chance of being traumatized can be avoided.

“Thank you so much, Won.” your eyes shines through the night light near your house. Jungwon smiles as his thumb rubs over your hand, sending warmth.

He pursed his lips, “You’re welcome.” he heaved a sigh. “Tho I will miss you around our place.”

Your heart swells, “I’ll be back soon.”

He nods, “Just focus on getting proper rest, okay?”

He’s so sweet and caring. You can’t imagine not having him in your life.

“Please eat proper food, as much as possible limit food deliveries.” your reminders made him grin widely.

“I can’t promise that but I will try.”

You nodded with a wide smile. He leans in for an affectionate kiss. The way he did that gave you an impression that he will really miss you. Your hands snaked over his nape, pulling him even closer. You will definitely miss him too.

His driver opened the car’s door for him and with a small smile you waved at him. He even rolled the car’s window to look at you.

“Call me anytime, okay? I will be right here if you need me.”

“I love you.”

His smile grew wider. “I love you more.”

The next day, you and your Mom went to the near market to fetch some fresh vegetables. Some old vendors recognize you right away, getting all excited seeing you around.

“y/n! It’s good to see you looking so well.” one even stated.

“Thank you, its good to see you too.” and you bowed that made her smile warmly.

“Jungwon’s such a good kid, isn’t he?”

You nodded at your Mom. On the way to your house, you two can’t help but to have a conversation about your boyfriend. You’re aware of how thankful she is for him and how bad she wants for him to be with you forever.

“He’s good looking, smart, responsible and even from a great family.” she commented while smiling widely at you.

She’s always been praying for you to find someone who will take good care of you. After you disappeared, she prayed that when you returned, she will not ask for anything else. Since you’re the only child they have, both of your parents wanted nothing but what’s best for you. When you went missing, it felt like the will to live was gone along with you. They’re like dead people, trying to survive.

Jungwon brought them their beloved daughter. And again, they feel alive. So for your parents, he’s not just your savior but also theirs. They will forever be greatful for him.

You spent the day with your parents, trying to enjoy it with them. This is like your second chance in life, and so you wanted to make the best out of it.

“Where are you going, y/n?” your Mom asks when she noticed you putting on shoes.

You looked over your shoulder, “(friend name) is in the library right now. She asked me to meet up for a while.”

Despite the look of worry on her face, she tried to pull up a smile and nodded. After that incident before, she wants to prevent you from going out, specially if Jungwon’s not around. But she also doesn’t want to hold you back and make you feel like a prisoner.

“Please be safe.”

You nodded, “I won’t take long, Mom.”

After bidding goodbye with her, you headed to the public library near your house. It’s a walking distance, but it will take a while unlike if you take a cab.

The library is packed with people, you chose the far end part of the library where there’s lesser people. You picked a random book to get yourself entertained while waiting for your friend. She’s taking time and you didn’t even realized that you dozed off.

You jolted when you felt your phone constantly vibrating.

“Shit.” you cursed and checked your watch to see what’s time it is.

“Oh my gosh,” you stood up and quickly walked outside the library. There’s fewer people now since it’s almost 8pm. You can’t believe that you slept that long and that your friend didn’t even showed up.

You read a text message from her that she cannot make it because of an emergency, but the message arrived after you dozed off.

You slightly calmed down after seeing that the streets aren’t that vacant. People walks around and you stared at the street then spaced out a bit.

It’s just been two days ever since Jungwon let you stay with your parents and you already missed him. It made you wonder why you even wanted to do that. Jungwon’s your comfort person. If there’s someone you should entrust your life with, it should be him.

After making up your mind, you decided to text your parents that you’re with your friend and that you’re heading to Jungwon’s place since its closer. You will surprise him.

You lied being with your friend because they will worry about you and that’s the last thing you wanted. They’ve been worried for you all the time. Even if they don’t see it, the fear of losing you again always occupies their mind.

You tried waiting for a cab but its already been ten minutes and not even one drove past that street. Realizing that it will delay you more, you decided to walk towards Jungwon’s place.

The walk seems peaceful. The stars above you is pretty and the sound of cars driving past you from time to time is a bit comforting. It was fun, not until you felt weird. Like someone is watching you.

Without being too obvious, you craned your neck slightly to look over your shoulder. A man is walking behind you. There’s a good distance between the two of you, but due to what happened from the past it instantly made you panic.

Your heart races and tries to ignore it. Maybe he’s just like you, trying to go somewhere. Not everyone wants to kidnap you. This is nothing. You’re just overthinking.

But when its been five minutes and he’s still following you, you can’t stop yourself from getting even scared and so you pulled your phone out from your pocket then dialled Jungwon’s number.

That man can be harmless, but its better safe than sorry.

Just two rings and your boyfriend picks up right away.

“Hi, baby.”

“Jungwon!” you whispered with shaking tone.

“Baby? Is something wrong?” he noticed your odd tone right away.

“H-Help me! I think somebody is following me!” you hurry your steps and the man’s pace got faster too. This time you’re certain that he’s stalking you.

“What? Why are you outside?” he shuffled in the background.

“P-Please! I’m scared!”

“Turn on your location. I’m on my way to you.” and you did as he told while trying to walk faster.

When you’re about to walk towards the corner, a hand grabbed you. It’s that man. He’s wearing a hood and his hair covers his eyes completely. He also wears a mask that prevents you from seeing his face, making him unknown.

You yelped and quickly yank your arm back before starting running for your life. Tears brim your eyes as you continued running with no direction. He’s still following you because you can hear his steps.

You don’t know for how long but when you made it at the end of this dark alleyway, you bumped into someone. Your eyes shut tightly and you screamed trying to get away from the person’s grip.

“Let me go!” you screamed.

“Baby! It’s me.” and after hearing Jungwon’s familiar voice your eyes cracks open.

Tears streamed down your face as you hug your boyfriend and he caged you between his arms. Jungwon’s eyes roamed around angrily, some of his father’s men approaches him.

“Search for that person.” he seriously said as he tries to comfort you.

“He grabbed me, Jungwon! He will take me!” your cries makes him more angrier.

“Hey,” he cupped your face and made you look at him.

“I’m here, okay? Nobody will take you.” and he kissed your forehead.

He calmed you down first before he took you back to his place. He called a nurse and also your parents to inform them about what happened making them rush to go see you. Cops went too to interview him since he asked not to bother you as you’re still shaken up.

“Thank you for saving her again, son.” your Father claps his hand over his shoulder. This time, no doubt can be seen through his eyes.

Jungwon nods and excused himself. He pulls his phone out from his pocket and dialled his friend’s number. His jaw clenches hard while remembering how scared you look.

“Jungwon?” Heeseung answered.

“Hyung what the fuck? I thought we agreed on doing the plan next week?” he hissed at his friend.

“What do you mean?" his hyung seems taken aback, astonished and clueless as to what’s happening.

“Your man went overboard, he scared the shit out of my girl! We agreed next week!” he’s so pissed just by remember how terrified you were.

Heeseung was about to say something when somebody calls for Jungwon. He cranes his neck and saw that it was your Mom. There’s still tears on her eyes.

“She's asking for you, Jungwon.”

He nods right away.

“I’ll end the call now. Give me the name of that man, I’m getting rid of him.” he whispers and then ended the call before heading to your room.

“Baby,” he calls that made you lift your head.

He opens his arm and joins you at the bed. You’re still crying and its making him even more mad. This is not what he wanted. They never agreed on that man touching you. All he ask is for him to stalk you and scare you a bit. He will surely pay for it.

“Shh, I’m here now.” he kissed your temple and continued hugging you.

While comforting you, Jungwon receives a call. He saw that it was his Heeseung hyung. He sighs and answered it.

“Let’s talk tomorrow hyung, y/n needs someone to—”

“Jungwon this is important.” he started.

“What is it?”

“I called my men and they just told me that they didn’t follow y/n. They know we planned on next week so they’re not the ones behind it.” he said that made Jungwon fell silent, confused.

“Someone else is tailing y/n.”

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[mxtxfanatic]

Wei Wuxian, Morality, and the False Justice/Revenge Dichotomy

A key feature that drew me into Wei Wuxian's character is that while he is moral, he is not an unconditional pacifist. He will always do the right thing first and foremost without a care for how others will view him, because his morality is not dictated by vanity or reputation:

[Wei Wuxian said] "...But, let the self judge the right and the wrong, let others decide to praise or to blame, let gains and losses remain uncommented on. I, too, know what I should and shouldn’t do...."

—Chapt. 75: Distance, exr

However, that doesn't mean that he will accept just any treatment towards him. Wei Wuxian is the absolute last person to just lay down to be trampled underfoot by his adversaries:

If he were Chang Ping, he wouldn’t have cared how prominent or powerful the LanlingJin Sect was, or how much glory the road ahead offered him, and he wouldn’t have let the matter go. Instead, he would’ve went to the dungeons on his own, cut Xue Yang up so that he was nothing more than a puddle of flesh on the ground, and summoned his soul back to repeat the process to the point that he regretted ever being born in this world. But, not everyone was like him, preferring to perish together with his enemy.

—Chapt. 30: Dew, exr

The scene inside of the supervision office was more than horrifying. Within the courtyard, corpses lay everywhere. Not only there, the bushes, hallways, fences, and even roofs were piled up with corpses. All of the corpses wore sun robes. They were disciples of the Wen Sect.

—Chapt. 61: Evil, exr

He returns the suffering dealt to him by his enemies back 100 fold, but after he has gotten his revenge, he is able to move on peacefully, which is why he holds no grudges towards the Wen remnants once the Sunshot Campaign against the QishanWen concludes and even encourages Wen Ning's corpse to seek revenge against his murderers. Mianmian actually explains it best:

The woman seemed as if she was scared. She was even more careful, “No... I don’t mean anything more. There’s no need to be so agitated, everyone. I just feel that the words ‘killing indiscriminately’ isn’t really suitable.” Someone else spat, “How is it unsuitable? Wei WuXian has been killing indiscriminately ever since the Sunshot Campaign. Can you disprove this?” The woman tried hard to protest, “The Sunshot Campaign is a battlefield. In the battlefield, would it mean that everyone is killing indiscriminately? Let’s consider this as it stands. I really don’t think it’s right to say that he killed indiscriminately. After all, there is a reason. If the inspectors really abused the prisoners and killed Wen Ning, it wouldn’t be called killing indiscriminately anymore, but rather revenge...”

—Chapt. 73: Recklessness, exr

Seeing a protagonist that believes in "an eye for an eye" without being labeled as bad or "morally gray" by the narrative for refusing to turn the other cheek, who also knows how not to take it too far and stray out of my personal morals, has been such a breath of fresh air. It is also very validating to see a work of fiction so concerned with the subject of oppression and marginalization that doesn't frame violence and vengeance as antithetical to moral righteousness and justice. Because what is "justice" without restitution? And is it truly restitution if the option to avenge oneself of an unconscionable wrong is denied based on the false equivalency of being "just as bad as" your own oppressors' actions? Because the truth is that in most cases, violence is the only route to liberation, and sometimes, revenge is the only way to make possible the release of your resentments, lest the unaddressed wrong keep you stagnant in your malcontent. I am glad that Wei Wuxian serves as a model for this particular lesson.

[bahablastplz]

All in | Chapter 15.5 (Chan)

pairing: Lee Felix x f!reader (mafia au)

summary: You didn't know what you were getting yourself into when you started dating Yang Jungwon, notorious mafia boss. Your life gets flipped upside down when you're found beaten and bloody by SKZ, the rival mafia group, and you're quickly integrated into their lives. What will happen when you try to leave your old life behind and start anew?

chapter summary: How did Chan come to join SKZ?

chapter warnings: depictions of childhood abuse

warnings: please see series masterlist for all warnings

series masterlist ~~ series taglist ~~ main masterlist

<< previous ♡ next >>

Bang Chan:

People have always said that violence is a learned trait, that your child doesn’t just come out of the womb with no sense of morality and the desire to do evil. This is something I can attest to. I remember personally the first time I ever saw my father lay a hand on my mother. 

When I was five years old, my father slapped my mother square in the face. And at the moment I wasn’t exactly sure what was happening or what I was feeling, but I knew that I loved both of my parents very much. I knew that hitting was bad, my parents told me that themselves–but then why would they engage in that very same act they told me that I should never do? I threw myself in front of my mother and told my father to stop. I had that innate desire to protect my own mother at that young age, even with a snotty nose and tear-streaked face, and though my own sense of right and wrong wasn’t completely developed yet, I knew it was wrong when my father hit me in retaliation. When I looked at my mother in awe, expecting her to say something or confirm that my father had just done a terrible thing, she had just turned a blind eye. 

So no, I didn’t come out of the womb with the desire to do evil, but if you were to ask my father, he would have sworn up and down that I was the devil reincarnate. And I sort of felt that that’s who I needed to be–I was the oldest of four. My parents continued to have children when we certainly could not afford to have them and they shouldn’t have continued to have them. There’s always that rage as an older sibling, the one when you know you’re the one who’s going to have to take care of your siblings and protect them from your parents that’s indescribable to anybody who hasn’t experienced it. 

So, whenever my father came home drunk and wanted to take out his anger on my siblings or my mother, I let him take it out on me instead. I encouraged it–and tried to become the target of his anger so that nobody else in my family would ever have to know what that feeling was like. I bore that burden all by myself when nobody asked me to and my father hated me for it. Countless nights I went to sleep beaten and bruised and likely concussed all to keep my family safe. 

If you were to ask me what my childhood felt like, I would have told you that I felt utterly powerless and alone. Although every choice I made was my own, it never really felt like it was a choice. Because how could I just sit back and let that monster lay a hand on my own younger siblings who can’t stand up for themselves or protect themselves?

To begin with, my parents didn’t bring home a lot of money. My father did some sort of hard labor and my mother was a teacher. With four children, we were just barely scraping by most days. When I turned 14 years old, I picked up a part-time job on top of school in order to help out with funds. 

When I was 15 years old, I caught my father cheating on my mother with a prostitute. I never was able to tell her what I saw. How could I? I loved my mother but she was very weak, fragile taking care of us four. She was already a shell of herself after putting up with my father’s physical abuse and drunkenness for years. I didn’t think she could handle the truth so I did not tell her. 

My father finally stopped beating me after that–but somehow I still felt like he was the one with the upperhand. 

One day when I was on my way home from work I heard some commotion in the alleyway outside of our house. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the whimpering lump of body I had come across was none other than my father who had been beaten to a pulp. 

I saw him weak and vulnerable in front of me, the life slowly starting to drain from his body. He begged me, his eldest son and his ‘pride and joy’ to help him and give him a second chance. I didn’t have to ask him to explain himself to me, but as if he knew he were on his deathbed, he admitted all of his wrongdoings to me. The large amounts of money he’s been taking out and borrowing, gambling away, how he had lost his job months ago and they had threatened to take the house if he didn’t pay for his life. 

“Oh shit, there’s a kid,” I had heard. A few men turned down the alleyway, holding bats and guns and a bag of cash. These were the men that had done this to my father. They made him look unrecognizable beyond repair. 

“He’s probably going to beg for his daddy’s life,” one of them laughed. 

“Me?” I blinked at the men, looking in between them and the form of flesh in the alleyway. “I was actually going to thank you. You’ve made this a hell of a lot easier on me.” And while my father was begging for his life, I bashed his skull in and felt good while doing it. And while the loan sharks watched, horrified but also a little bit impressed, I left my father in the alleyway as if he were just any other piece of trash. I would let the police find him and assume that all of his debts had finally caught up to him, and the crime would never be connected to me. 

I never felt any remorse. Not when my mother and siblings mourned his death. Never,

When I was approached by the same men that had beaten my father, I thought for a moment that maybe they would want me to take on his debt and I was already thinking about thirty different ways I could kill them and never get caught. On the contrary, they were hoping I could join them and become a loan shark. At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with myself at first–all I knew was that I wanted to make a lot of money. But I realized quickly that that wasn’t the only thing that I wanted to do, nor was that all I was capable of. If I played my cards correctly, I could rise the ranks quickly and gain a lot of power for myself. I knew I didn’t want to be someone at the bottom of the chain, but rather someone delegating responsibilities and handing out punishments. 

I would weed out the weak and make the organization my own, in time. It would mean leaving my family behind–and I didn’t regret it, knowing that I’d be doing better things. I dropped out of school and never saw my family again, becoming a lackey for the same people my father owed money to. I spent years beating and killing people, proving myself within our own organization that I was worthy of being trusted, gathering my own people and intel and rising up in the ranks just as I wanted–until I killed the leader and took over his position. 

It was here that I was able to reframe things the exact ways that I wanted. We became SKZ, known for our organized and violent crimes, and slowly but surely my hand dipped into almost every bar, casino, and nightclub in the city. My business handlings and financials grew exponentially, and it was as if I had everything I had ever wanted. I was at the top and I had all of the power. 

Until I had met Yang Jungwon’s girlfriend, that is. When I had met with the opposing group ENHA for the first time, something about Y/N L/N drew me in in a way that I couldn’t explain, and she was temporarily out of my reach. I wasn’t below kidnapping or lying in order to get my hands on her, but it seemed I didn’t have to. It took two weeks of thoroughly watching her before Jungwon knocked her out–and I found her unconscious outside of ENHA’s bar. I immediately swooped in and rescued her, knowing that I could have her as my own and use her to my advantage to gain the upper-hand on the ENHA situation. 

I had felt powerless a lot when I was a child, but that was because my father had made me feel that way. Now, I felt powerless around Y/N, and it was because of the way she made me feel… Like I wanted to never let her leave my sight, like I should leave her trapped where she could never get hurt and nobody could ever see her or talk to her. And everytime she talked back to me, I got chills all over my body, and I went to sleep each night dreaming about ways that I could get her to submit to me, to be loyally mine and only mine. 

I realized I was in love and I didn’t like the way it made me feel.

─ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──

A/n: tomorrow comes our last mini chapter and then at some point on Sunday we will get our main chapter!! The finale will drop shortly after. I realized it made more sense as I was writing it for our mini chapters to appear back to back <3 thanks for the patience with my break last week

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[respectthepetty]

A public apology to Never Let Me Go's Chopper:

Sir, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry that I mistook you for every other side character in a BL series who is jealous of the lead, manipulative to get what he wants, controlled by his father, and disingenuous to everyone. That's not you! You could NEVER! You're in a league with To Sir, With Love's Yang, and both of you will go into the BL Hall of Fame.

Just so you know how sincere I am about this apology, let me recount the ways I wrongly accused you of being an undercover red flag when you are actually the biggest green flag in these BL streets. Full disclosure - I misjudged you a lot.

You looked at Nueng at the conference and hesitated to follow your father when he left. 1a) You're always worried about your cousin and 1b) from the beginning have shown you don't align with your father's beliefs.

1a. When you found out Ben, who you knew couldn't reciprocate Nueng's feelings due to his homophobic father, was speaking to Nueng, you directly asked Ben what he wanted from your cousin.

Because you care about your cousin, and you want to actually spend time with him.

You let him know that even though your parents are beefing, you still love him.

You are genuinely happy to see him.

And when he asked you about Ben and why you are no longer friends (since the 10th grade *sob*), you warned him that Ben is distant, but encouraged both him and Ben to pursue their attraction AND asked follow-up questions on separate occasions because YOU CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE even if it kills you.

And that is why Nueng trusts only you unlike your father.

1b. You told your father from the beginning that you didn't want what he was offering nor did you cave to his expectations.

You also told him you weren't competing with your cousin because, once again, you actually love Nueng and don't resent him .

You looked away when your father wanted you to watch him punish someone.

You picked up the photo of Tanya and Nueng when your father threw it, and you directly asked him AND scolded him for ordering the hits.

I know you know how to use a gun, and I know you can aim very well. If you kill your father, I will light every candle and pray that you only know good sex for the rest of your life, that your bed is always the perfect temperature, and that your earrings never snag your clothing. Amen.

2. You have always been kind especially to Palm and Ben. You immediately went to Palm and made friends with him, speaking casually, and told him if he needed help, to ask you.

When you saw Palm at Nueng's house, you were happy to see him, and spoke to him. When you realized you offended him by telling him he didn't have to act like a servant in front of you, you quickly apologized.

You were also quick to apologize to Ben when you knew your words hurt him.

When you found out about the incident at school, you went to Ben and comforted him. You even grabbed his hands in public, looked him in the eyes, and told him he wasn't to blame (for being the victim of a public outing).

I truly thought YOU were behind this, but once again, you are the BEST BOY and put Kimlock Holmes to shame by solving the case. However, you stopped Ben from hurting Aun, and I think you even felt bad for Aun when you found out his reasoning for doing it.

You have shown that you don't condone violence but are willing to do what is necessary for the people you love (*whispers* please kill your dad) and will literally kick someone's ass.

4. You are aware you are gay.

I know this seems wild that I misjudged you for this mostly since this is a BL series, so everyone is queer until proven otherwise, but Chopper, you KNOW who you are. You aren't holding on to a secret. You aren't pining over Ben from a distance. No! You told him in the 10th GRADE that you liked him.

And when he rejected you, you kept your distance, but still encouraged him to find happiness with someone else because you want the people you love to be happy even if it was with each other.

You also complimented Palm on his body because, baby, YOU ARE A GAY MAN WITH EYES!

I can't apologize enough for not believing in you even when you showed me exactly who you were time and time again. You may be okay that Ben rejected you, but know that Ben now realizes the sun and the moon reside in your eyes.

The way he looked at you while you took the time to carefully go through your skincare routine when you said you weren't his type told everyone that this boy wants Nueng to come home safe, but he wants YOU to come to his home and make him feel safe.

Chopper, I love you. I don't even care that you are into cryptocurrency. Baby, your game is so fire, that you could tell me to shut up, and I do it. That's how much I love you.

If you pull a switcheroo in the final act, I'll forgive you. If you die in the final act, I will never speak of this show again. If you kill your father, I will never stop speaking about this show.

Stay kind. Stay sincere. Stay a confident gay.

And kill your father.

[hiriajuu-suffering]

Kamala aunty and the Hindu vote

Getting this out of the way, I'm voting for Kamala Harris. Biden really should've dropped out two months ago, and there's no other corporate democrat I would really endorse besides her, and not because of the identity politics. Well, sort of. If the Republican primary taught us anything, is a person of South Asian descent will continue to be the ideological punching bag of the white community.

South Asian men get deleted so hard I can't even find a GIF of Vivek Ramaswamy

How Kamala was treated the past four years by the democratic administration of Biden's was nothing short of egregious. Every impossible problem to solve she was blamed for with no tools address the root cause, and she stayed in there looking dumb like a loyal corporate employee. Now the entire system is banking on the political capital they were sweeping from underneath her to stop a literal convicted felon from retaking power and pardoning himself.

Not to mention the states where votes actually mattered 8 years ago were too sexist to put in a woman in power before, so now we're hoping a woman of color would go over better?

Candace Owens already showed how envious she is of Kamala's biracial swag with some really dumb comments.

Her black half isn't what's the issue is, because she embodies a lot more blackness than Asianness in her disposition to the American psyche. And the precedent for half black Presidents that perfectly fall within the cookie-cutter corporate democrat on policy has already been set.

It's her Asian side that might stoke the xenophobia that caused the whitelash red wave of 2016; y'know, because she's going to be subject to nearly the same misogyny Hilary was.

As an Asian-American, Kamala Harris and Andrew Yang weren't just the two candidates I identified most with, they were the best candidates in that primary, period. But they got dismissed and belittled so immensely because of the need to appeal to milk-toast whiteness. Republicans pander hard to grab minority votes, Democrats just avoid putting any minorities in significant positions influence. Don't believe me? Seen any LBGTQ+ positions in real moving and shaking positions?

The DEI stuff the right is going to criticize the entire scope and sequence of how Kamala became the candidate isn't good or fair, but it's not entirely wrong. Because of just how hollow the Democratic Party treats anyone with the poor affliction of being a minority.

There's a key part of the South Asian diaspora Biden lost exactly that Kamala herself is a part of, which makes things interesting to say the least..

Kamala does have the best policy on Israel of any candidate, but that's not saying much since her policy is essentially Obama-lite.

But that means she might lose her own identity vote on just that considering how abhorrently Islamophobic naturalized Indian-Americans have gotten in their support of Narendra Modi

I don't care how effective the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has been at curbing Chinese aggression, the Nationalist imagery isn't a good sign for any society, really.

Especially when Muslim civil rights in India have all but evaporated. Nikki Haley wasn't particularly bad on Muslim civil rights compared to other Republicans, even as a half-Indian, she didn't buddy up to Modi (probably because he's done more to encourage gender-based violence in India than stop it), and I expect Kamala to actually get the misogynistic slander from conservative Indians because the hyperpatriarchy only comes when it comes to the opposition.

Being half Brahmin though certainly can't hurt her chances with her Hindu base, right? Well, Hindu men certainly have deeper roots in the red pill movement then we'd like to believe, and the first ones they point the finger towards are Hindu women that didn't choose them. Nikki Haley was polling better but Vivek Ramaswamy ate up her press pretty handily. Everyone sees Asian feminine beauty as valuable, but our misogynistic standards prevent us from seeing that type of ethnic image as leadership-worthy.

At least it's not Gavin Newsom. But that might not be enough for South Asian American males dissatisfied with their lot in life. Trump's message is appealing to us because it feeds into our vanity and takes responsibility off us as to why our sisters are meeting the model minority myth and we aren't. While we're not solely to blame, at least the right has some crazy narrative that explains why life didn't turn out to what was expected of us, even if that narrative twists it in a way that will end up just making us feel more isolated, because the right has the most racist women in the country, bar-none.

Well, women on both sides of the political spectrum are equally pretty racist in their courtship preferences, it's just liberal women will explain things in vague externalities and icks rather than being a sign for public restrooms in pre-1963 America.

In either case, this is a biracial black woman who was never in touch with the struggles of an Asian man, never really having been related to one even though she's an Asian woman. To a lot of Asian men, Trump is just more of what we expect of the lunacy of American politics, versus Kamala might be one of those people who actively makes us feel subhuman by being of the same race but still treating us as less than, like many desi women have been doing since biracial marriages within 1st generation South Asian Americans began getting normalized.

The normative view has to become where femininity isn't inherently more attractive than masculinity, especially so that women aren't just fit to be more educated and start making more, but actually lead society in meaningful ways.

I think if you're an AAPI in any capacity and you're not voting for Kamala Harris, you're missing the point somehow. But we're not the movers and makers of these elections, because we always reside in states that are firmly blue or red (well, at least until 2016 when Georgia did a thing). Kamala Harris's black vote definitely extends further than Biden's, but by less than makes actual sense. Can't do much worse than Biden on the Hispanic vote, but Kamala Harris if anyone is how you do that.

So if there's fundamentally just about how identity works in America, we will have a POTUS 47 in 2025. But we've learned the two decades in America has been anything fair to identity. Heck, as a Muslim teacher of a liberal arts content area in a red state I feel at the time. My supervisors won't make exceptions for me they readily make for anyone else, not that they were requirements to begin with, just because my identity bears the ugliest parts of the model minority myth. I don't look Asian enough to be Asian, and the media makes my ethnic identity look to threatening to be trusted with novel ideas, at least.

That's at least something this candidate and I have in common. Biraciality and Multiethnicity isn't well understood in our discussions of intersectionality in social and political discourse. The only people that try to make sense of it are the ones that actively try to erode the ethnic barriers enclaves self-segregate on. Kamala has had to think about that because it's a fundamental part of her identity.

I'm not voting on identity or identity politics, as the right would claim I will. I'm voting because at least this candidate has the capacity to understand me, because they're not a white, entitled, spoiled brat that tried to overthrow the government when he didn't get his way. Y'know, fundamental stuff like that.

Because I'm still American through-and-through, regardless of what my ethnic background is. What's more American than having a minority prosecutor in a liberal enclave? That's literally one of the top 5 career options every desi child is given when they think about their careers.

So yeah, Kamala2024. Bite me.

[comicsart3]

Xena Warrior Princess is an iconic 1990s and 2000s heroine - a sort of Ying to Wonder Woman’s Yang, with a fair bit of Red Sonja thrown in. Thankfully, she featured in her own comic book as well as the TV series that launched the character and so can feature in this blog!

With a dark back story of brutal mercenary fighting, Xena hailed from Thrace and journeyed through a fantastical version of Ancient Greece accompanied by farm girl Gabrielle, who slowly evolves from simple ingenue to becoming a warrior in her own right. Xena has reformed and seeks to exorcise her demons by righting wrongs and protecting the defenceless from oppression and tyranny - of which there is plenty in her world. Xena’s extraordinary fighting ability is frequently called into play in her adventures and her past nature often leads her into lethal violence, even cruelty, which the more gentle Gabrielle, who in time becomes Xena’s best friend and confidante, does much to help her mentor to control. Xena can never be said to be entirely on the side of the angels, but the enemies she fights and frequently despatches, are almost always utterly malevolent, meaning little sympathy is encouraged for their demise.

The TV series was the creation of John Schulian and Robert Tapart and ran from 1995 until 2001, featuring Australian actress Lucy Lawless as Xena. The comic book was based solidly on the TV show and was initially published by Topps Comics, first appearing in 1995. Subsequently Dark Horse Comics and, more recently, Dynamite Entertainment, took over the title. Broadly, the comic follows the TV series in style, characterisation and type of storylines, including encounters with characters from Greek mythology, historical enemies such as the imperial Romans, and numerous supernatural beings and monsters, although the later series also included a lesbian relationship between Xena and Gabrielle which was definitely not in the TV series - although arguably implied. The comics have therefore continued the tradition of the tales of an ahistorical Ancient World female badass well into the twenty first century. Xena’s titles have tended to come out in limited edition series, her most recent outing being a six issue run in 2019.

The cover featured is from Xena Warrior Princess #5 (2019); the comic page is from Xena Warrior Princess #2 (2019), and its story The Golden Army.

Sources: the Wikipedia pages for Xena Warrior Princess TV series and Xena Warrior Princess (Comics); the cover and page are from zipcomic.com

[princess-of-the-corner]

So, feel free not to publish this as I really don't wanna fight with swap in your inbox or in general but... I tend to think the "Loss of humanity" thing is rather taken out of context in regards to Ironwood.

For reference, one of the four main characters is Yang Xiao Long, who also lost her arm and has a mechanical prosthetic. One she wears proudly and comfortably, while in contrast Ironwood always hid his prosthetics.

What's more, a huge theme of the Atlas arc is dehumanization and various ways it can manifest, either by being done to a person or done to themselves, or by society, IE:

The people of Mantle are viewed by Ironwood as "A few city blocks" and a source of "problems" and paranoia.

Cinder Fall was "adopted" into literal slavery and their "Rights" to own her always had precedent over her suffering.

The Ace-Ops refuse to grieve and end up turning said grief into violence against others because they aren't allowed to view themselves or their fellows as people that matter. Thus they just "Move on" when someone dies, just interchangeable parts.

Penny is easily one of the most sympathetic characters, but is consistently de-humanized by much of Atlas because of her mechanical nature. Even when she was made "Human" though not really it was weird magic stuff, while she enjoyed some of the sensation of her new form, she was also shown to be incredibly vulnerable, off balance and generally disadvantaged by it. SO much so it ended up leading to her falling in battle compared to how she'd stomped that same foe in a previous brawl.

Plus, as I said, Ironwood hates his own prosthetics. He always hides them whenever he can but his new arm was too bulky to do that. He is one of the people who most dehumanizes Penny, he can be superficially 'nice' but the moment he feels his authority is threatened she's an object. He very much embraces & encourages the Atlas, "You are expendable & don't matter save as a cog in the machine that keeps Atlas running" mentality.

All of which I think provides context for the "Giving up his humanity" angle, because and I need to stress this. In that very same scene, where Ironwood flayed his own arm (Because he stupidly didn't bring one soldier with him so he could beat up Salem's tech guy 1 on 1 to vent his frustration) Ironwood says that he will sacrifice anything to stop Salem. Watts, the villain, just smirks, seeing that Ironwood's self destructive mentality is still large and in charge and that it will doom him. Which it does.

Basically, what I am saying here is that comment very much feels more reflective of Ironwood's thinking. IE, the author saying, "This is Ironwood showing he will sacrifice his humanity" they are speaking for how Ironwood views the action he is taking. Not what the author actually thinks regarding prosthetics.

If they did think that then Penny wouldn't have been so consistently emphasized as a person before now & Yang wouldn't wear or show off her prosthetic with such confidence and comfort.

Ironwood is the one with weird attitudes regarding prosthetics, most other characters broadcast their use of them. Pietro's wheelchair s vibrant and also technically a miniature mech. Maria's prosthetic eyes take up more than a third of her face. Hell even with the villain Tyrian seems very fond of his new tail.

Its exclusively an Ironwood hang up.

Basically, I think there's far more to this than what swap is saying, because the shows writing does not reflect the attitude they claim it does.

so it could vibe less as the writers saying it and more the character's views on himself then?

Also yeah if y'all wanna go back and forth on it take it to each others' inboxes not mine.

[ameliarating]

writing pattern tag game

thank you to @lu-sn for tagging me!

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 posted fics and see if there’s a pattern.

There is something about nausea that Song Lan cannot stand, the way his stomach feels as if it is curdling and pleating, the way he can feel his old food wake up inside him, the way his saliva grows hot and angry in his throat, filling his mouth. (from Knots)

Pete can hold his breath for five minutes and thirty two seconds underwater, but normally he doesn’t have to. (from Deep Dive)

A cultivator in white kneels by the body of a man in black. (from Remains)

It’s not the violence that bothers Pete. (from Civil Hands)

He’d had a tail for a while. (from Lex Talionis)

Baoshan Sanren descended her mountain. (from Three Treasures)

The man was Xue Yang. (from A Wiser Fool)

As a child Wangji tells you secrets and slips polished stones into your sleeves. (from Scholar's Rock)

He found Xingchen. (from Restoration)

Xiao Xingchen is sick. (from Lover to your Nightmare)

Okay, so it looks like, with a few exceptions) I have a penchant for starting fics with short, declarative sentences. Not very surprising, as I like to alternate very long and very short sentences, and it's often easier to set the tone with a shorter one.

Fun meme! Tagging @veliseraptor, @silvysartfulness (who I encourage to do this with chapters and not just fic as she has been slaving away a long time on a multi-chaptered fic), and @gloriousmonsters

[aspoonofsugar]

Hey Spoon, as someone with highly detailed, well-thought-out metas about RWBY, I would like to ask for your thoughts about two recent trends I have seen about Volume 9. Specifically, about Ruby and her breakdown.

First, there seems to be discussion about Ruby being a huntress as a bad thing? That the hunter system is toxic because it put Ruby in this situation in the first place, with a burden and stress on her shoulders? I don't agree, especially when WBY all triumphantly stated they were Huntress' to their past selves.

Second of all, people seem to have it out for the pep talks that Ruby has been given over the series? That the support and encouragement that Ruby has received over the series has done nothing but make her want to hide her trauma and bottle up her emotions, because people gave her pep talks, instead of directly saying 'Yeah its fine to feel bad'? Like, some of the comments they make is intriguing. Such as Ozpin's statement to Ruby - and from her to Jaune - about how a leader must always be their best self and put their teammates first basically, leading to them eventually breaking down as they are...

But its a bit unfair to say that every attempt to support and encourage Ruby over the show up until this point was worthless and meaningless, isn't it?

Note: I wrote half of this answer before episode 8. I honestly think this still all applies, so I have not changed it. Still, consider I am not discussing that much what happens there. That will have its own meta.

Hi!

Personally, I agree with your thoughts. I understand these takes and tbh I think several people are expressing them in different ways, framings and degrees.

That said, in this answer I am gonna consider them in their most extreme and simplistic form :)

Before I address them, though, here comes a short introduction on character arcs. Skip it if you already know these ideas.

CHARACTER ARCS AND THEME

There are different ways to discuss characters and their arcs. Here I am looking at them specifically from a narrative lens by using theme to classify and analyze them.

Many of these ideas come from @septembercfawkes great posts. Here they are if you wanna read more on the topic:

In short, there are 2 types of character arcs:

The character makes a 180 degree change when it comes to the theme > change arc

The character doesn't change idea about the theme > steadfast arc

If the theme the character believes in by the end of the story is the narrative truth, then the arc is positive, while if it isn't then it's negative.

Some examples:

Ilia starts the story by believing violence is the only way for Faunus to gain freedom, but ends her personal arc by learning this isn't true. "Hate is not the answer". > This is the theme the story supports hence Ilia went through a positive change arc.

Adam starts the story by believing the violence done to him justifies his own violence on others. Blake keeps telling him this is wrong and gives him the chance to change. He refuses and keeps believing the false thematic statement. This is why he is defeated by Blake and Yang, who know trauma and violence do not define who you are (the true thematic statement). > Adam is a steadfast negative character.

Ironwood starts the Atlas Arc by wanting to trust (true thematic statement), but he ends it by giving in to control (false thematic statement). Similarly, he has a good heart and believes in humans, but by the end he refuses his own humanity. > He goes through a negative change arc

Pyrrha starts the story by believing destiny is one's final goal. She thinks hers is to become a hero. She ends her personal arc by dying a hero and choosing her own destiny. > The thematic statement she believes in is the one the story supports hence Pyrrha is a positive steadfast character.

This is the short version >

If you believe something false in the beginning, you have a positive arc only if you change.

If you believe something true in the beginning, you have a positive arc if you hold on to that truth.

This means the narrative is gonna challenge the change characters and steadfast characters in opposite ways:

If you need to change, the story is gonna test you to see if you can change and will punish you, if you don't

If you need to be steadfast, the story is gonna test you to see if you can keep believing into something even when everything goes wrong

Now, guess which kind of character Ruby is?

RUBY IS A STEADFAST CHARACTER

Ruby believes the true thematic statement since the beginning:

"The world can be dark, but there is beauty in it and people should fight to protect it and make it better"

I don't think there is any doubt about this being true in the show. After all, the other MCs grow positively by starting to embrace this viewpoint.

What about Ruby, then?

She is steadfast, so for her the challenge is to keep believing in it even when everything goes wrong. Like at Beacon. Like in Atlas.

But wait! Ruby's viewpoint is flawed and she is breaking because of her unhealthy coping mechanism!

Yes, but this doesn't mean she isn't steadfast. Steadfast characters actually do grow a lot. Sometimes even moreso than change arc characters.

Do you remember Simba from the Liong King? Well, he is a steadfast character.

The Lion King's main theme is the Circle of Life > everyone has a role to play in this cycle

Simba believes this in the beginning and can't wait to be king!

Simba believes Mufasa is dead because of him, so he runs away and gives up the theme. He starts living with Timon and Pumba, 2 outcasts and he even eats insects (aka goes against nature) > he stops believing in the Circle of Life

Nala, Rafiki and Mufasa's ghost remind Simba of his role, so Simba starts believing in the true theme again

Simba defeats Scar and becomes King taking his place in the Circle of Life

As you can see, Simba grows a lot, but he is still steadfast because he knows the true theme since the beginning. It is just that he loses sight of it and needs to re-learn it.

This isn't all, though. What Simba does is more than just remember the theme. By the end he acquires a stronger understanding of it. This is because of 2 reasons:

He adheres to it despite all the obstacles, which makes the theme stronger and deeper.

He has a change arc when it comes to a secondary theme > responsibility.

Simba is initially irresponsible, but by the end he becomes responsible. This secondary theme feeds the main one > Simba's role in the Circle of Life is to be King, but this doesn't mean he will be able to do whatever he wants. Quite the opposite, being King means you have responsibilities. Simba learns this and so he gets to understand the Circle and his role in it better.

Well, something similar is going to happen with our Little Red Riding Hood.

BEING A HUNTRESS

Ruby used to be the embodyment of a Huntress:

Yang: I'm not like Ruby, she's always wanted to be a Huntress. It's like she said, ever since she was a kid, she'd dreamt about being the heroes in the books. Helping people and saving the day, and never asking for anything else in return.

Still, she has right now forgotten what being a Huntress means:

Ruby: Fight… monsters, I guess? I’m sorry, I don’t understand why this matters.

Being a Huntress means to help others, but Ruby answers Herb confusely and mentions "killing monsters" instead. Now, it is not that Ruby doesn't know what being a true Huntress means, but rather it is she has forgotten it.

Why is that so?

It is because the Shadows have slowly been eating at her to the point she can't ignore them anymore. All the stress, the horrors and the grief Ruby has been repressing have engulfed her. She literally can't see anything else anymore. She is so focused on Salem, on how monstruous and scary she is, she can't really see the witch is just a person. Not only that, she is forgetting that the point isn't to destroy Salem, but rather to protect lives:

Blake: Huntresses are heroes. We protect those who can’t protect themselves.

If she stays in the shadows she is gonna turn like Ozpin, like Ironwood and like Salem herself (symbolically). Still, how can she come out?

I think that when it comes to Ruby, she has to learn a secondary theme:

Maria: Interesting… Perhaps there was something that you just weren't seeing?

SILVER EYES - IDEALISM AND EMPATHY

Ruby's main attribute is her Silver Eyes, which are metaphors for themes and inner attributes. So far, I think the Silver Eyes mean 2 things:

Idealism > Ever heard of Wide Eyed Idealists? Yep, those are the Silver Eyed Warriors in a nutshell. The way the eyes work is literally that they reflect the light of the world (like the Moon mirrors the Sun). The SEW can use them only if they believe life is beautiful and worth protecting. This is why the way things are now Ruby is gonna have a hard time using them again.

Empathy > Ever heard of looking at the world through shades of gray? Maybe shades of silver is more accurate here :P But yeah, the Silver Eyes are probably gonna reveal new power and strength once the theme of empathy is gonna be explored more. After all, what does it mean to see the light in the darkness, if not to look at the most monstruous people and realize they are well... people? Isn't it like seeing the person (light) behind the monster (darkness)?

Let's highlight idealism and empathy are 2 secondary themes linked to Atlas (Creation > the Shallow Sea) and Vacuo (Destruction > the Judgement of the Faunus).

Atlas explores trust, which is a declination of faith (Trust Love)

Vacuo is set up to explore empathy - Shade references the shadow, Coco needs to take off her shades to see others properly and Vacuan students throws shades at the Beacon/Haven newcomers

What does it mean for Ruby?

Ruby has been using her eyes by relying on her child-like optimism and hopeful self. Still, this mechanism can't keep on working forever. It is too psychological vexing and simplistic. I honestly think the way forward for her is to develop a new found idealism, which is more rooted into a more mature empathy.

You don't need to ignore the shadows to see the light. Rather, the light found in shadows is brighter than ever.

This is the secondary theme Ruby needs to learn in order to gain a deeper understanding on the main one she already knows, but has forgotten. This is where she needs to go if she wants to re-affirm the main theme.

OTHERS HELPING RUBY

Well, I think the topic is already addressed this last episode:

Weiss: Maybe she didn't feel like she could... Ruby has always been the one to get us through the hard times. We say things like "We believe in you!" "We can count on you!" I know we mean well, but..."

I don't think what Weiss says in the episode means all the encouragement they have offered Ruby was wrong to begin with tbh. It is just that the right words for a specific situation might be wrong for another.

Ruby has been helped and loved by her teammates. Weiss's encouragement helped her becoming a good leader. Yang's love supported her. Blake and Jaune's admiration and loyalty helped her push through in difficult times. It is just that the Ruby right now doesn't need it anymore.

Her own coping mechanism is not functional anymore, which means she needs to develop another one and others need to realize it.

Which leads us to some generic thoughts on coping mechanisms...

COPING MECHANISMS

Coping mechanisms are neither good nor bad really. They are simply mechanisms we come up with in order to survive and push through. They can be functional or dysfunctional. Even better... they can be functional for a while and then they can start not fitting anymore.

RWBY as a story makes full use of this to the point characters' main flaws turn out to be their major strengths and vice versa. This is pretty well conveyed through semblances:

Weiss's semblance initially represents her dependance on her family name. As she grows, though, it becomes symbolic of her own individuality:

And right now, she has discovered a new found strength in her family (team RWBY plus her siblings). The idea that Weiss's strength comes from her bonds with others was never wrong, but initially it is applied in a dysfunctional way. As she grows, she gains a deeper understanding of this part of herself and she gets to shine.

2 Blake's semblance represents her tendency to tun away. Still, as she grows, she realizes that it also represents her ability not to break despite the abuse and the violence:

Not only that, but even her own coping mechanism to run away from an abuser is re-framed. She did the right thing by running away from Adam... it is just she should not let this tendency of hers to control her life completely. Sometimes running is fine, while other times it is better to stand your ground and fight.

3 Yang's semblance represents her tendency to use her losses, her wounds and defeats to grow stronger. It also represents her recklessness and her self-sacrificial tendencies. This is why its use is toned down, as she grows. In exchange, she gains a better understanding of what growing up despite one's losses means:

Yang: No. My losses, my failures. Those more than anything are what have shaped me into who I am, showed me how I need to grow.

It is also probable we will see this new-found wisdom reflected into her semblance eventually:

Ruby is the same... it is just we see her strengths rather than her flaws initially:

She is fast, so fast she even skips grades. She is smart and a quick-thinker.

She is flexible and resourceful and pushes through obstacles.

She is a leader able to carry everyone else...

And yet, she is also running away from her feelings...

And she is also spreading herself too thin for others...

Until she can't anymore...

Ruby, like everybody, is a mix of positive and negative traits. Not only that, but her most positive traits are her flaws and her weakness is her strengths.

She needs to do what the others have done with her help. She needs to gain a deeper understanding of herself and of who she wants to become. Only in this way she can re-affirm herself with a deeper awareness, so not to break down again.

[bengiyo]

Love in Translation Ep 4 Stray Thoughts

Last week, we learned that Yang and Tammy have a history, and Yang doesn't like the way she plays around with people's feelings. Phojai clocked her as well via IG sleuthing. Phumjai decided he wasn't going to be bothered about that, and Tammy stressed to Yang that she is serious. Now, she and Phumjai are going on a date, setting herself as a romantic rival to Yang. However, Phumjai has asked Yang to go on a practice date with him first. This is currently my favorite show.

Daou sings the theme for the show, and I think he's actually good.

I'm glad more shows are incorporating rain and storms into their stories. Thailand is a rainy place.

Oh good. Yang still uses his thumb and pinky to sign for a phone. We haven't crossed to using a flat hand yet.

I like Yang's integrity. He knows he has no claim to Phumjai's attention and is helping the way Phumjai asked of him.

Phumjai is wearing a Toy Story shirt omg.

Obsessed with the bread sponsorship creeping into BL lately. Though, why is this bread green?

Love that Yang encouraged Phumjai to eat the food he likes while also scolding him to use chopsticks when eating with Chinese people. Love that there is a balance between appetite and manners.

There's actually famous paintings of blue dogs in Louisiana by George Rodrigue.

My man Yang is going through it.

It's really endearing that Yang is teaching him things. This is sweet.

I get it, Yang. He's adorable, thoughtful, kind, and funny.

The cowherd and the weaver girl story appears again.

Oh ho! Was Phumjai shaken a bit there?

Offroad is not letting the sponsors down.

Daou actually looks like he has played baseball before.

Chatting about love while playing catch? Just guys being guys. Just dudes being dudes.

Very smooth, Yang. This boy is not exactly flirting, but he's just so cute.

These other gays just broke the spell! Queer on queer violence! Now Phumjai's run away!!

3:40? Yang, you got it bad.

Oh, interesting. Tammy showed up on green. I'm looking forward to the color analyses.

Oh yes. Costumes. I was wondering when Phojai and Tag would show up. This is better than I hoped for, because Yang got in Phojai's head about maintaining love.

I like Tag in these glasses.

Yes, my favorite. "The date went well, but I was thinking of you." Good job, BL.

Damn! Tammy's sunflower is pretty good.

Tammy has been in these heels the whole time? She's so strong.

Oh man. I feel bad for Tammy!

Took us about 28 hours, but we got back the kiss from the park.

Looks like we're going to unpack the confusion directly next week. I love this show.

THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED AND MORE. Not only did we get the practice date creating feelings that cloud the actual date. Phumjai is not a boy who holds back feelings, so of course he immediately went to Yang to talk it out. I just adore Yang so much. He's being honest and decent, and that's impacting both Phumjai and Phojai. This show is so good. I need y'all to watch with me.

[honest-moth-of-silver-grove]

I don't know if your still doing match ups but, if you are, I would like a match up for my character, any gender, and I'm fine with both npcs and compainion

Their name is Rhiannon they're a Mephistopheles Tiefling bard, that go by any pronoun.

They love animals, the arts, mythology, spicy food, getting praised, and giving the personal middle finger to those who cause problems for the little guys (Aka causing problems, like 'oh you want to use the bathroom, have fun with no toilet paper kind of problems). There is a chance if pushed far enough, like really far, like you just murder a group of babies, that she will go 'they will want death, but I won't give it to them, because it's too good for them.'

Is mostly okay with murder, with idea that 'Killing people is okay if they tried to kill you first' but won't kill animals or children because soft spots and raised with morals. He will listen to both sides of the story but will try to be unbiased.

She has a human father, unknown Tiefling mother, and human half-sister.

I always picture him with blue skin, small baby cow sized black horns, and white hair, rather light.

Hates the dark or not being able to see, has abandonment issues, and not sure what they want in life.

Most of all a silly little guy that loves music and needs to feel loved.

A/N: Hello Anon! I could have sworn, I’ve read about a Tav named Rhiannon before… I think from other writers? I looked to see if I could find the post because I wondered who they paired you with, but I didn’t come across it again. Oh well. As for your Rhiannon, in MY personal opinion, I think they’d best be matched with… either Karlach (Female) or Dammon (Male)!

Karlach would be a great match for Rhiannon as she is so optimistic and verbal in her love and appreciation for the people and the world around her. Karlach, despite all she’s endured, is still very open and trusting when it comes to her emotions.

As a fellow tiefling, Karlach understands a good bit about tiefling biology and culture. She most definitely experienced discrimination while she was working under Gortash in Baldur’s Gate. She’s also fiercely protective of the ones she loves, so if anyone comes for Rhiannon because they’re a tiefling, they better watch out- barbarian girlfriend on the defense!

Based on Karlach’s reactions to Scratch and the Owlbear cub, it’s safe to say that she enjoys animals as well. She’d be up for raising a pet together, whichever pet Rhiannon would prefer. She also appreciates the arts, even if she’s not the most knowledgeable about them. Karlach would need Rhiannon to explain the art form/technique being utilized. And spicy food? Oh boy! Spicy food is Karlach’s middle name. Even though she’ll eat just about anything (and I mean anything), spicy food is her favorite. She also gives loads of praise, so good thing Rhiannon loves being praised, otherwise, he might get embarrassed by Karlach’s constant compliments and encouragement.

Karlach is also fairly level-headed, with a similar protective side. Together she and Rhiannon make up for a pretty solid moral compass, and everyone respects them as such. With Karlach bringing the strength, and Rhiannon bringing the music, they’re the perfect yin-yang couple!

Dammon would also be a pretty good match (at least in my opinion). He’s kindhearted and soft-spoken and not one prone to violence. He’s a craftsman, not a fighter, like Rhiannon, so he understands the nature of their expertise, often being underestimated.

Obviously, as another tiefling himself, Dammon appreciates the fact that Rhiannon can relate to the discrimination and hardships he’s been through. Being a refugee from Elteral has definitely taken its toll on Dammon and a cheery and silly little music loving guy is exactly the kind of partner he needs to bring joy back into his life.

Dammon having a more orange complexion looks really well when standing next to Rhiannon with her blue complexion- their appearance and personal outfit styles compliment one another really well.

Overall a life shared with Dammon would be much more quiet, and wholesome, as opposed to a life of fighting and adventuring with Karlach, but if a nice quiet life to just play music is what Rhiannon is looking for, Dammon would be the best choice for him.

I hope you enjoyed!

And please, don't forget to Like, but most importantly, REBLOG my work if you liked it!

Also, consider Tipping Me Via Kofi <3

[eeunoia]

ENHYPEN Imagines

insolitus | yjw.

part three

pairings: yang jungwon x reader

synopsis: you’ve always thought jungwon is out of this world, out of ordinary. he’s someone who seems familiar but at the same time mysterious for almost everybody. you didn’t expect that he himself will unfold more of him with you and it was an insolitus experience.

word count: 4k

warnings: yandere themes, mention of murder, violence, obsessive love, grammatical errors, kissing. (let me know if i missed some)

note: i really wait until heeseung’s limerence were posted since this will spoil it if I released this first. anyway, sorry if i kept you waiting. replies and reblogs are highly encouraged. if you want more, giving feedbacks are the only thing i asked from you guys. i really loved reading them and boost me more to write faster. it really means a lot. ily and stay safe! send me asks too.

( part one ; part two )

fic moodboard › here

eeunoia 2024 © all rights reserved.

“You need to feed her more, Mr. Yang.” the doctor sighs then glances at your unconscious body laying on the middle of the queen size bed.

Some of the house helpers gathers around to make sure you’re feeling warm enough, tucked on the bed perfectly.

“Her body needs its nutrients or else her body will get weak.” he added then whips his head to look at Jungwon.

He looked serious while standing beside your bed, watching you cautiously. The doctor couldn’t tell what’s exactly inside his mind. If he’s feeling regret or what.

“If that’s all, I would take my leave Mr. Yang. Call me if you need something else or if ever something happened.” Jungwon nods his head without sparing their family doctor a glance.

One of the helpers guides the doctor outside the room and slowly one by one, they left the room. Jungwon was left with you. The sound of aircondition can be heard, preventing the deafening silence to overcome Jungwon.

He won’t try to cover it up. He does feel a slight guilt for what happened. You just collapsed after being deprived of food for several days. He does offer water to keep you hydrated, but he limits your intake of food to punish you. It was his only way to punish you since he refused to hit you physically.

He’s not very amused of your behavior lately. Trying so hard to escape after succeeding the first time that night. You just don’t learn and seems like not afraid enough. After knowing well how you affect him, you kept trying since then. He was playing along at first, but after you managed to run out from the mansion and up to their gate last week, he knew he needed to set boundaries towards you.

He slowly walked closer towards the side of the bed then sat down. Your face looked peaceful while sleeping. Despite the tears from the corner of your eyes, you looked beautiful for Jungwon. You look fragile. Like a bunny being hunted by a wolf.

He stretches his hand and caress your face using the back of it. Being a light sleeper, you stir from your sleep and gently flutter your eyes open. It was blurry at first, making it hard for you to register where you are or what happened prior to this.

You looked over Jungwon and opens your mouth, feeling your throat too dry. “W-What happened?”

He smiled a little then brushes away some of your hair, “You passed out, baby.”

Your lips pursed and tries harder to remember what happened to you. After finally realizing that it was due to exhaustion and being food deprived your eyes darted at his direction. Slight hatred flashes through your eyes. His remains soft, unlike whenever you try to run away.

That’s one of the things you noticed. Jungwon looked so soft whenever you look fragile. But he’s the complete opposite whenever you disobey him. He’s scary.

You gulped, “You did this to me.” you mumbled, eyes brimming with tears.

He didn’t say anything and just kept his stares at you. His hands rests over your arm then caress it softly while he listens to what you’re trying to say.

“You w-want to kill me.”

He sighs and licked his lower lip. “That’s not what I’m trying to do, baby. I just want to discipline you.”

A tear escapes from your eye, “Discipline? I’m not the one who needs disciplining, Jungwon! It's you! What you’re doing is wrong!”

He rolled his eyes and lifts his hand off from your skin. A part of your heart fell from the sudden lost of contact and it was odd. Why would you feel that way? He is your captor! The last thing you should feel is attraction and want of his affection.

“You can’t get away from this..” you stare straight to his eyes.

Jungwon cranes his neck to look over you. His eyes roams around your face before it trailed down your lips. He lets out a strained sigh. He can’t believe you are going through this once again.

“But I already did, y/n.” he stood up and stared down at you, piercing his cold dark eyes. It sent instant shivers to your spine.

You continued being stubborn towards him. Refusing any chances of getting close with Jungwon. He’s slowly losing his patience with you and honestly, he hates to go to his last resort but he knew have no other choice.

“PLEASE! STOP!”

Jungwon clenches his jaw while his feet taps continuously on the cold marble tiles. He’s trying so hard not to burst inside that room and save you from this misery. Jake notices his friend’s anxious behavior so he sighs and walks closer, clapping his hand over his shoulder.

One day, your loud and terrifying screams echoes over the silent hallway of the isolated mansion where Jungwon’s been keeping you.

“Relax, dude.” he smiles, trying to make him feel better.

“Are you sure its going to be fine?” Jungwon asks, brows hardly furrowed and head turning at the direction of the room you’re currently locked in.

“It’s fine, Jungwon. We’ve done that procedure a lot of times. I’m sure it will work. Don’t worry, okay?” Jake tries to assure his friend. He could tell how disturbed he is by the situation and he can’t even blame him.

Even before Jungwon can respond to what his hyung said, another petrifying screams ringed so loudly. Their heads whipped towards the direction of the room in unison and stayed silent for a while.

“Of course it can be painful, but I will guarantee you that it will be all worth it.” then Jake claps his hand over his shoulder.

Jungwon’s eyes didn’t left the room as he gulped with nothing in mind, but you. He delayed this for a while, insisting to his hyung that he can manage to get inside your mind without actually breaking you completely. Apparently, you are stronger than he thought you are resulting for his hyung to step in and take matters into his own hands.

They have plans and in order for these plans to go well coordinately, they have to follow certain rules and schedules. And due to your stubborness, they are falling behind schedule.

Jake knew he had to step in and force Jungwon to let you undergo this. Its really cruel and the jail time that they can receive if somebody knew about this can be very serious. They’re trying to mess with your brain to make you forget some memories if they trigger it by believing that its something traumatic.

When our brain senses something that can traumatize the host, it usually come up with solutions. One of them is forcefully deleting these memories and replacing it with hallucinations that can be planted by whoever gaslighter that will talk them through it.

“ENOUGH! PLEASE!” you cried out when you felt another electrifying pain occurying your whole body. Tears stream down your face nonstop and it felt so bad that you’re starting to wish for your life to end.

“P-Please,” you mumbled losing all your energy and body giving up from too much exhaustion.

The last thing you can remember is the blinding light from the ceiling and then slowly you lost consciousness.

Jungwon and Jake stood up at the same time the doctor went out from the room.

“How was it, doctor?” Jake asks hopeful.

“Is she okay?” Jungwon asked eagerly.

“She’s fine. Just really exhausted. We will leave her to take a rest for as much as her body wants. Once she wakes up, she might not remember the past events from a while. I have no idea what she will remember, but we’ll know once she does.”

Jungwon nods his head and eyes darted at the room. “I can go visit her, right?”

The doctor nods his head, “Of course. Its better to talk to her even if she’s still unconscious. Just make sure not to say anything you don’t want her to remember. She may be unconsious, but her brain is still currently active and it may caught on it later on.” he carefully reminded him.

Jungwon thanked the doctor and Jake told his friend that he will walk him out to talk some things with him as well. He gave his hyung a short nod before walking towards the room.

She saw one nurse trying to clean some of the materials and another one checking your vitals. As usual, your beautiful face looked peaceful as you sleep.

“Hi, baby. I’m here now.” he whispers after you two are left alone.

He kept his loving stares right at you. Silently admiring how beautiful you are. Letting him be fully drawn onto you. Not everyone will understand him if ever they knew what he’s doing. They may call him crazy and an awful person, but he doesn’t care.

None of them can beat his desires of wanting you for himself. Just by thinking of not having you with him is already painful. He suffered enough being away from you and now that he experienced having you near him, he have no plan of letting you go.

He will do everything to keep you. Even if it means manipulating and gaslighting his way into your life.

He caress your face gently, “I’m here now, baby. Nobody can take you away now. You are safe.” he mumbles carefully before leaning down carefully and pressing a soft kiss at your forehead.

“I’m here now, baby. Nobody can take you away now. You are safe.” that was the only thing you can remember the moment you crack your eyes open.

The first thing that greets you was the clean white ceiling and a nurse stood beside you, checking something. When her eyes drifted at you and she saw you finally awake, she gasped lightly and smiled.

“You’re finally awake!” she sounded so happy and even start checking you. Asking things like if you feel any pain somewhere or if you can see her perfectly.

Despite being totally confused, you followed as she told you. Eventually, someone who seemed like a doctor came in. She flashes you the brightest smile that slightly melts down your guard.

She asked the nurse to raise your bed so you can be in a more comfortable position while she ask you a few question.

“Do you remember anything, y/n?” she asks and starts examining you. Looking through your eyes and all.

You stayed silent, trying to remember the last thing you can before waking up in this hospital bed. Yes, you’ve been informed that you are currently at the town’s hospital.

“Do you remember that your name is y/n?” she asks and pulls away slightly to look at your eyes.

You nod your head right away and she smiles in relief. She continued asking you, but also reminding you not to push yourself to remember and just take your time. No rush.

As you try to remember something, the familiar voice that has been echoing inside your mind repeats once again.

“I r-remember somebody talking...” you started that nods her head with anticipation in her eyes.

“He said that he’s there now and that I am safe. Nobody will take me.” you tried to repeat the exact words the voice said.

She broke into a very warm smile.

“That must’ve be Mr. Yang Jungwon.” she said that made you crease your forehead.

“J-Jungwon?” you asked confused.

Her smile fell for a bit while, but she pulls it once again. “Yes. You know him, right?”

You pursed your lips and tries to recall the most memorable interaction you have with Yang Jungwon, the president of the your school’s student council. The reliable, handsome, youngest son of the governor. He’s very famous in your batch. Not just because of his undeniable charms, but also due to his credibility. He’s indeed an amazing guy.

“H-He’s my schoolmate.”

She smiles even wider, “Right. He’s the one who found you unconscious by the far part of the forest.” she explained.

Your heart thumped faster by what you heard. The information suddenly clouding your mind and slowly making your head ache.

“F-Forest?” your head tilt and face showed displeasure.

“Hmm.” she hums and even caress your arm. “He was hunting with some of his friends when he found you and he took you here.”

You stayed silent and just accept what she’s telling you since you cannot remember anything other than walking home alone and then (ex boyfriend) appeared— Right. He went after you and you two argued. It was so intense that he starts yanking your arms hardly.

“(ex boyfriend).” you mumble lowly and she stopped talking.

“What’s that, y/n?” she tries asking since she couldn’t quite hear it.

Your teary eyes slowly trailed towards the doctor’s face to look at her now worried eyes.

“I remember having an argument with (ex boyfriend).” you told her and her lips pursed tightly together.

You teared your gaze away and tries to remember more when your head starts to ache so badly. You lift your hand and hold onto it tightly, eyes shut.

“Acck!” you groaned as she stood up to assist you and ask you to please calm down. She called another nurse to help her look after you.

They both panic as you starts to whimper in pain. The pain was not tolerable at the moment. You feel like someone’s drilling into your skull.

“M-Make it stop please!” you begged as blur memories of someone holding you captive and punishing you flashes through your mind.

They aren’t clear enough to see whose behind all of that. All you know is that even if you can’t remember it compelely, the feeling and emotions you’ve felt those moment are still carved in you. You felt scared and anxious that whoever did that to you probably will come after you anytime.

Even before you can open your eyes, you felt a sting by one of your arm. One of the nurses injects something to help you calm down and prevent you from harming yourself furthermore.

“Anything else, y/n?” your eyes drifts over the officer sat beside your bed.

He looked kind and reliable. The type of officer you will really trust, yet you can’t help but to feel anxious. Your hospital room are filled with some police officer that came to interview you and by the corner, you can see your parents watching you with worried eyes.

They are more than delighted after hearing the news of someone finally finding you. They didn’t waste any time and rushed over the hospital. It was hurtful for them seeing you laying on the bed with some bruises over your body, clearly lost weight and traumatized. They finally found you, but it feels like something in you changed ever since.

“I t-told you it was (ex boyfriend). He was the last one with me!” you’re starting to feel frustrated with all of these interviews. It’s so hard for you.

You understand that they’re just trying to do their job and to finally solve your case, but its just exhausting. Its like living your trauma over and over again. It feels like torture.

“But sweetheart, he’s already gone.” the police officer said in a low tone.

Your head lifts and brows furrowed in confusion, asking what he meant by the word ‘gone’. He gulped, hesitating a bit if he should tell you or not. In the end, he decided to do it.

“He’s dead, y/n.” he revealed that made your heart fell. You slowly shake your head side to side, denying it.

For the past two days that you are here, you have lived with the thought that he’s the one who captured you and kept you. Now that the police is saying that he’s dead, changes everything again.

“He died the same day that you’ve been kidnapped, three months ago.”

“T-Three months?” you are surprised to know you’ve been gone for so long.

“Yes.” he nods and your eyes dropped at your hand resting by your lap.

“We’re afraid that your captor is still on the loose and he might be just around—” the door to your hospital room burst open.

Your tearful eyes softens at the sight of Yang Jungwon entering. His eyes are fixed right at you before scanning the whole room. His brows furrowed hardly at the sight of police officers inside.

“W-Won...” you stuttered and sniffed, tears pooling your eyes even more.

Jungwon’s still wearing his school uniform when he close the door behind him then slowly walks towards your bed. His strict eyes darts at the officer beside.

“Mr. Yang,” he greets and bowed before standing up. Jungwon stood firm as place his hand at the small of your back, instantly sending comfort towards you.

“We’re just doing some more interviews to miss (surname).” he informs politely.

“Can’t you do that some other time? You’ve been doing that for two days straight. It can be harmful for her.” he sounded so serious but his touch over you is gentle.

The police officer exchange glances before they decided to go call it a day. He watch as they leave and bid goodbye to your parents. After they left, Jungwon turns his attention towards you. His eyes looked so worried for you and instantly, you can feel your heart beating so fast.

“Are you okay?” he asks gently, leaning forward so he’s the same level as your eyes.

Your cheeks heated up because his face was so close and you can see how handsome he is. For the past two days that you’ve been confined here, he visited you. He’s so kind and caring that made you feel comfortable around him.

“Y-Yes.” you shortly replied.

Both of you stared at each other's eyes, doesn’t really want to break the eye contact. Your parents slowly approaches while having a warm smile on their faces. They couldn’t express how thankful they are to the family of Yang. They’re the ones who kept helping them to search for you. He takes after his good father, always very helpful.

They still remember when he saw him still wearing his hunting outfit while talking to the police officers outside the emergency room. It was the day that you are found. Jungwon’s eyes shifted over to your Mom when she approaches with tearful eyes.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Yang!” she exclaimes as she reach for his hand.

Jungwon showed her a small smile, “Just call me Jungwon, Mrs. (surname).” he politely said and even caress her arms.

She can’t explain what she felt those moment. Extreme happiness and relieved showers her, preventing her from seeing who truly is Yang Jungwon. His angelic face and warm smiles are perfect facade to hide the devil inside him.

“Thank you for bringing back my baby.” she pursed her lips and stared straight to his eyes.

Jungwon tried his best not to scoff right there and then.

‘Your baby?’ he asked sarcastically in the back of his mind. ‘She’s no longer yours. She’s mine. All mine.’ were the words he wants to say.

“No problem.” he says.

“Thank you.” your father shortly said after clapping his shoulder.

Jungwon’s eyes met his and for some reasons, there's something that flickers through your Father’s eyes. Besides relief and happiness, there’s a hint suspicion that flashes in a split second. He saw it.

He didn’t said anything about it and just bows for him, jaw slightly clenching.

Of course, none of them took suspicion that it was him who found you. Their alibi was perfect. Every week, Jungwon and his friends often hunt at the forest as a hobby. Something unquestionable for the town’s people as the group of friends really do have extraordinary activities. Some things that rich people do enjoys.

He found you and called the ambulance for you right away. Police and some journalists sworms the hospital afterwards. He was questioned too while the doctors and medical staffs of Jaeyun’s family owned hospital checks on you. That’s not a surprise anymore. Its just like how they predicted it. He didn’t even stutter as he shares his side of story. It was scary how convincing he sounds. He has no remorse and shame.

“Sorry if I arrived late. We got dismissed pretty late.” he says and cupped your face.

You shook your head side to side to assure him that it was completely fine. He doesn’t need to say sorry at all. In fact, you and your parents are starting to feel shy towards the Yang family. They had done so many things for you already.

“Y-You’re not required to visit me everyday...” the hint of denial evident towards your tone.

You don’t know if its because he’s just really nice or the fact that he ‘saved’ you made you attached to him. Whenever you see him, you just feel safe and secured. It was so strange.

“I want to.” he says and grabbed your hand.

Your eyes dropped to look at it and your stomach churns at the sight of his big hand engulfing yours. It was warm and comforting.

“Y/n, dear.” your Mom called you.

Your heads whips at her direction and you saw that she’s unpeeling the apple that Jungwon just brought for you. She flashes a warm smile before glancing at Jungwon, then back at you.

“We were talking about it and we decided that it would be safe for you to stay with Jungwon while your captor is still on the loose.” she announced.

Your eyes met with Jungwon and he’s smiling at you. His dimples so deep that you’re sure he’s being genuine.

“Are you sure its fine? You’ve done so much for me already.”

He tilts his head, “Its more than fine. I will feel more at ease when you’re near me. We never know where your captor is. I just want you to be safe.” he said then glanced at your parents. “We all want you safe.”

You stayed silent, contemplating. You want to stay with him. Like you mentioned, you feel safe around him. But besides feeling shy of being a bother, something in you tells you to decline the offer.

Jungwon’s thumb caress your hand snapping you out from your trance. His eyes stares at you softly, hypnotizing you.

“Y/n?” he calls.

“Don’t worry, honey. We will visit you all the time.” your Dad assured you and your eyes met his for a while before you finally nod your head.

Jungwon broke into a wider smile and tugs you closer to him, embracing you. He rests his head on top of yours as you snuggle over his chest, spacing out again.

“You’ll be all right.” he mumbles as all of you missed a ghost of evil smile spreading across of his handsome face.

“Her Dad is obviously suspicious of you, Won. What you going to do about it?” Jake cracks his neck before resting his back over their couch.

“If I were her Dad, I’ll suspect him to be the mastermind too.” Jay chuckles while busy playing his nintendo.

Jungwon shoot glares over his friend whose still busy with his game, bickering with Ni-ki from time to time.

“He’s not doing anything that can sabotage our plan so I think its still good.” he stated.

“And what if he tries to investigate himself? Like making you believe that he’s going along with you when he’s just gaining your trust and find the right timing to make a move?” Sunghoon asks.

He glances over his hyung and smirks, “Then I’d get rid of him.” he said without hesitation.

Sunoo chuckles, “Y/n will end up hating you.”

Jungwon smirks, “She won’t know its me. Besides, if she lost someone important she will be more vulnerable and she will lean on me more.”

Ni-ki lets out a big sigh, “You’re crazy, hyung. It’s so scary. I'm just glad I’m one of your friends.” he then laughed.

He and his friends are currently hanging out, trying to check if everything’s ready for what’s about to unfold tomorrow. They’re going for (Heeseung’s girl) plan.

“Its still crazy that she thinks she can pull this off.” Jake stated and smirks while looking at Heeseung.

The eldest grins, “Isn’t she adorable? She wants me so bad.”

Jay showed a displeased look on his face. “I’m just happy that it will be easier on our side. She’s digging her own grave.”

“Ah right,” Sunghoon says, “Did you get the pass from Irish? We need to roam around the building tonight to check the vicinity.”

Heeseung nods and pulls out the card from his pocket then handed it to Sunghoon. All of them then called it a day, heading out from their hangout place.

Before Jungwon enters their family car, his phone chimed for a newly received message. A smile made its way to his lips seeing your familiar contact name flashing through his screen. He went inside and his driver gets in too.

He taps his phone and called your number.

“Hi baby, I’m on my way home to you.”

permanent tag-list:

@rubyanne @map-of-border @hwangjangmi @13tter @candewlsy @simpforniki @classicroyalty @hime98 @moonsclassyslore @ddeonubaby @yeoungie @acciomylove @mymeloem19 @jvngw0n @dreamjerky @minamoons @clar-iii @herasalvatore @nyfwyeonjun @rcveribin @yizhoutv @one16core @soobin-chois @kyutiepeachy @chareadingpurposes @hwalllllllelujah @solelyenha @90sni-ki @nourhan-8 @nikipedia07 @yangbreads @drunkjazed @axartia @all4haru @sta-rie @purplepuppychild @iceeee @wtfhyuck @tobiosbbyghorl @nikililmj @ayayiiie @aeyeree @heeseung-min @in-somnias-world @psh-pjh @hveanlyanqelic

[nintendowife]

I finished Piofiore: Episodio 1926 on Nintendo Switch a while ago. I enjoyed it a lot and it might be the best otome game I've played so far. There's a beefy amount of content in Episodio 1926 - I reached 100% completion in 70 hours. There's 6 love interest routes, each with two endings. In addition there's an "Alternativa" story route.

In this sequel we return to the city of Burlone, Italy. The game continues from the events of Piofiore: Fated Memories. The three competing mafia families Falzone, Visconti and Lao-Shu still hold control in the city but are facing an uncertain future due to political developments in the country. A religious relic has been stolen and the mafia families must join forces to fight a common threat. The protagonist Lili has a special role in the events as many parties' interests relate to her. This time you can freely choose from a menu which character's route you want to start playing (with exception of one that unlocks only after playing through the Alternativa story).

The story was pretty good and as a whole I liked it more than the first game. Episodio 1926 had its share of sleep inducing routes but some were really good. Nicola's and Orlok's routes with great story/lore portions rose above the others in my eyes. I recall Gilbert's route had some good stuff too. There was a decent amount of historical references and a lot of nice action scenes too.

I especially enjoyed the parts with depictions of violence and murder - which I assume is usually not the reason someone would pick a game of this genre. If you're into that kind of content too, Piofiore is a nice pick. At times it felt like the flow of the story/dialogue was interrupted with "Aria" (flashbacks from the prior game) and "Meanwhile" stories too frequently.

The dialogue was written nicely and I enjoyed the exchanges between the competing mafiosos. They're sort of friends, yet enemies and it creates some delightful dynamics and humor. However, there was one specific part in dialogue that felt out of place: Dante being worried that they possibly couldn't violate on someone's human rights. It made him look like a hypocrite - I've seen what happens in the Falzone basement. Henri's route had some really ridiculous dialogue that made me and my husband laugh in disbelief. Henri apparently thinks he's hung like an elephant.

The characters got a lot more depth in the sequel and Nicola ended up surprising me. I didn't care for him much in the previous game but here he got to shine. His actions really highlighted his intelligence and I liked his playful, mischievous attitude. In that regard he is similar to Yang who likes to rile up others for his entertainment. Yang is still Yang (thankfully) but he was a lot more docile here. Still an entertaining character and my favorite out of the love interests. Gilbert was my husband's favorite. Lili is still a kind-hearted damsel in distress but she's got the smarts to navigate difficult situations. She overcomes her fears and is ready to act to defend herself and the people she cares for.

What comes to side characters, there are plenty of new ones along with returning characters. They help build the lore and world by expanding on past and current events. Emilio's motives and backstory was a very welcome addition to the game as he was a mystery that intriqued me already in the first game. I liked all of the character designs and Lan ended up being my favorite side character with her energetic attitude. There was one particularly funny/good moment where Lili was upset with Yang and Lan got upset on her behalf too and encouraged Lili to display her irritation and act on it. That actually led to a heartfelt scene with some nice character development as well.

The Japanese voice acting for the characters is top notch and helps flesh out the characters' personalities. Emilio's and Yuan's voices annoyed my husband, haha. Gilbert's "yo Dante!" will forever live in our heads. Unfortunately the protagonist Lili is not voiced.

Music is mainly the same as in the first game. It would have been nice to get more new music but at least the tracks are pleasant and fit the events.

The game's visuals are a treat. From the beautifully crafted user interface to backgrounds and character portraits. Sadly there's no portrait for Lili when she talks. The CG illustrations are some of the best in the market. What really delighted me was the effort they've put into designing the clothing, jewelry and hair. We get to see Lili sporting various kinds of attire with incredible detail and her hairstyle varies too.

There is one thing that bothers me in the artist's style however: Lili's comically large eyes didn't quite fit the art style in my opinion.

I was pretty happy with the localization of the game. Now I don't know enough Japanese to judge the accuracy of the translation and I'm not a native English speaker but the text seemed well-written. Not much typos or errors. I remember a few occasions where a word or two were missing but luckily it didn't affect my ability to understand the gist of the sentences.

The biggest offender in the game was poor contrast. There were these memoir parts called "Aria" occurring throughout the game where white text was displayed on top of a background image without a dialogue box. It made it nigh impossible to read parts of the text when the text appeared on top of white/light parts of the image. Another pet peeve of mine was that the sequel continues with the grave sin of talking about food and never showing it. I just love looking at masterfully drawn food in games and not getting any of that left me sour.

I had such a good time with the game that I double-dipped on physical copies of both Piofiore: Fated Memories and Piofiore: Episodio 1926 after playing through the digital versions. I adored the characters and their interactions and I especially enjoyed the darker parts that helped with worldbuilding. Now that I've finished both games I feel slightly melancholic due to having to say goodbye to the characters. If that is not a sign of a good game, I don't know what is.

I think my husband became a Piofiore fan as well! He was partially watching me play through both games. During my Episodio 1926 playthrough he was inspired to start a new game in Rimworld where he created the Piofiore main characters and assigned suitable traits for each.

If they ever decided to make a third game in the Piofiore series, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! If Piofiore caught your interest, I recommend playing Piofiore: Fated Memories first, even though it's the weaker game out of the two.

[asha-mage]

RWBY Musing: Adam's as The Beast

But god, Adam's allusion being The Beast is so good on so many levels.

What is the Beast's curse? To remain a monster until he can learn to love and love in return. What does RWBY establish again and again and again is the only way to heal from trauma and pain and injustice? To be shown kindness and compassion, and to learn to show those in kind.

What is the foundation of love in RWBY shown to be again and again? Friendship, companionship, security, understanding. What is Adam denied again and again, by both his own actions and the actions of others? Friendship, companionship, security, warmth.

In the movie, The Beast is surrounded by people who care for and understand him: not just Belle, but Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Pots, etc. Even though their servants, and made into literal objects by the curse, their willing to help him, to guide him, to tell him when he's wrong or being an asshole, and to encourage him to keep trying. Adam is surrounded by White Fang members who are blinded by combination of adoration and fear, who lionize him as a hero for his capacity for violence and who are utterly unwilling to confront or challenge him, even when they know he's wrong. And when things go south as a result, when he no longer appears to be this flawless savior, this avatar of their vengeance, what do they do? Abandon him, because their loyalty was never real, never based on anything more then his capacity to do violence.

And then their's Blake: Belle is willing to stand up to her Beast, to tell him when he's being a jerk and to refuse to play along. Even though she's entirely in his power, she refuses to let fear control her actions, to just capitulate. They come to love each other because of this, because the Beast learns to do better and be better, and because Belle refuses to accept less. Blake on the other hand, as we see in the Adam Character Short, is perfectly content to accept less. She accepts Adam's excuses, his violence, his growing monstrosity, because she's afraid of what it will mean if she doesn't. She's left everything behind to be with him, and to keep fighting for the White Fang: her family, her home, the ideals she was raised with. And what happens when it gets to be to much? When she can no longer let herself be blind to what Adam has become? She runs, rather then confront him. Because she knows how he will answer that confrontation, the same way he deals with everything else: with violence.

Even the mirror: the Enchantress leaves the Beast a mirror that can show him anything in the world, a way to gaze out at what lays beyond his prison, to show him him humanity and teach him. And what what group is absolutely swathed in mirror and reflection symbolism in the RWBY world? The SDC and the Schnee family. And what does the SDC do to him? It blinds him in one eye. It takes away his ability to see, and in so doing destroy his ability to see the good in the world (like the mirror in Hans Christian Anderson's Snow Queen). The SDC enacts onto an innocent boy such a terrible violence that he is forever marked by it, and twisted by it.

Adam is the boy the world only hurt, again and again and so all he knows is how to hurt. That's the essence of his Semblance: he absorbs all the damage with his sword, all the pain thrown his way and channels it out back into a weapon. He literally takes the pain and turns it into a tool to lash out. Because that's all Adam has ever known: being hurt and hten hurting the world in return. Yang's Semblance lets her channel the hits she takes into raw strength, not just damage, and that's what allows her to snap Adam's blade in two, because their's a difference we're reminded again and again, between being powerful and being strong.

The only thing that can save Adam is being loved and loving in return and it impossible. His own violence destroys any chance he might truly be loved: he can only be feared or revered. The violence he's been through has kept him from ever learning how to really love: no one has ever shown him kindness and compassion so he doesn't know how to show them in turn.

And if you listen to Lionize it's especially sad because it becomes clear that all Adam wants is to be a hero just like the rest of the Beacon kids. But his reasons are different, neither as altruistic as Ruby's desire to save the world for its own sake, or as messy as Jaune's desire to live up to his family legacy. Adam wants to be his people's savior, to be adored and revered by them because he thinks that will finally be enough to heal what the SDC destroyed in him. But violence alone can not save the world, can not make peace, and violence is all Adam has to offer the Faunus, because he was never taught anything else. His ending, perusing the path of throwing violence against those who wronged him past all reason and sense, until it literally destroys him, is a tragedy. They even say it in Nevermore outright:

There's no cause to celebrate Another soul consumed by hate and spite Another destroyed life There's no pleasure, there's no joy It's just a story of a boy who lost his way Into shadows strayed