2309analysis

[2309analysis]

Gee wonder who he's supposed to represent in the event

[2309analysis]

Leona: Ruggie's the kinda guy who would sell you out for a good meal.

Ruggie: No I wouldn't.

Leona, lifts an eyebrow and looks at him:

Ruggie: ...Okay, but Yuu's cooking is REALLY good. I'm weak to it!

[2309analysis]

Hmmm something something beginning of the game “take the hand & don’t let go” something something Malleus always offering his hand hmmm…

https://x.com/gikkvn/status/1948483753463959663?s=46

This post had me thinking, & I’m starting to wonder if it’s Malleus’ hand Yuu took (or whatever that quote at the beginning of the game was meant to mean), but i can’t say anything else because as far as i’m concerned we have no evidence for this 💀

From the mobile game’s opening, Crowley’s entire speech is:

“Ah, my dear esteemed benefactor... My proud, beautiful flower of evil. You are truly the fairiest one of all. O magic mirror, thy wisdom I entreat... Reveal unto me the visage I seek… You, whose image the Dark Mirror did beckon forth... If your heart bids it, take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.”

[Here, there is a break to allow the player to pick any single SR Ceremonial Robes character. Note the visual of a nondescript hand extended to you in the mirror.]

“As flame reduces even the stars to ash / As ice seals away even time itself / As great trees swallow even the sky / Fear not the power of darkness. Now­— demonstrate your power.”

[Here, there is a break in which we engage in a battle with a scripted loss to what we assume is OB!Grim.]

“To me. To them. To yourself. The hour grows long, and time is scarce. Keep steady your grip, no matter what may come...”

[Here, the Prologue begins to play out.]

We do NOT see this entire thing in the manga adaptation; we only see a single full-colored page with the beginnings of Crowley’s speech.

In the light novel, we open with “Ah, my dear esteemed benefactor... […] Reveal unto me the visage I seek…”. It is missing “You, whose image the Dark Mirror did beckon forth... If your heart bids it, take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror. […] Now­— demonstrate your power.”

We get a passage describing Yuuya in a ruined ceremony of some sort and being attacked by OB!Grim. There is no hand in the mirror reaching for Yuuya. Instead, we get a voice in Yuuya’s mind telling them “To me. To them. To yourself. The hour grows long, and time is scarce. Keep steady your grip, no matter what may come...”

Interestingly, chapter 1 automatically begins with a “hooded figure” reaching out and Yuuya feeling compelled to grab ahold of it. The hand ends up belonging to Grim.

As you can see, each adaptation presents slightly differently. Let’s try to pick it apart bit by bit.

While the manga is vague, the LN seems to imply the hand Yuu is grabbing is Grim’s. The game is more vague, and uses the taking of a hand as a free gift. The “hand” you select is the free SR Ceremonial Robes unit you’ll get. Of course the game, the most interactive medium, is the one that is open-ended. (However, I really doubt this choice will influence the game’s story at all.)

The hand depicted in the mirror seems to resemble Crowley’s. He is the one narrating the opening, had pale skin, and seemingly long nails (albeit these appear to be golden claw rings on his fingers). Furthermore, this would align with theories about how Crowley intentionally summoned Yuu into Twisted Wonderland for some hidden agenda.

I don’t see anything that would imply the hand being taken is Malleus in particular. As I’ve explained thus far, it could be Grim, Crowley, or literally any NRC student from the main cast.

It’s true that Malleus has a recurring line about taking his hand, but it isn’t necessarily related to the opening. The instances cited in the provided tweet all refer to the same incident: book 7. Malleus offers his hand multiple times in order to invite others (members of Diasomnia, not specifically Yuu) to his world of dreams. The Diasomnia CM and Malleus's character song are both based on his struggle in book 7 and what ultimately drives him to overblot: loneliness. It makes sense that the CM and character song would repeat the motif of taking his hand. The same could be said of recurring motifs in the other OB boys' CMs and songs. For example, a lack of freedom in Jamil's or the concept of contracts and deals in Azul's.

The idea of taking another person's hand is also not an idea that is exclusive to Malleus. In fact, hand holding is commonly used as a symbol for forming or strengthening bonds with others, and it's used a LOT across Twst in general.

Characters grab onto the hands and/or arms of their respective OB boy sinking into the darkness of their dreams in book 7. Many groovies--including Crowley's--also feature a hand outstretched to the viewer (who, oftentimes, is NOT Yuu). Some live 2D model animations have a single hand held up as well. Rollo asks for Malleus's hand for a dance.

I think this feeds into the reading that the hand in the mirror is meant to be representative of any character and the bond you form with them. If it does belong to a specific character, I see a stronger case being made for Crowley or Grim than for Malleus. Who knows though, Twst has gotta explain the opening to us eventually so we may just get the answer sometime in the future 🤔

[2309analysis]

Guys hear me out, like actually. Trafalgar’s sword.

Confession: I just want the freaking sword.

[2309analysis]

The Little Leeches Act Two: Poor Unfortunate Souls

Jade huffs at the glasses given to him, incredibly annoyed. He wanted them to go away, not for them to intensify. It wasn't great for him, falling for a human, and he knew that, and yet he fell for one. What was he to do? Ignore it. That was Jade's best option, and unfortunately, his only option in this situation. Why? It's better to become a wandering mess full of love for someone he has never met. Though even after all that, he couldn't forget falling so hard for a human, especially someone as king, sincere, and just all-around amazing as the prince was. Even when watching him from a distance, Jade knew what kind of person he was.

"Oh, admit it!" Jade sighs to himself. "You are hopelessly in love, and not in love with just anyone. You are in love with a human, a stupidly handsome human. And you know what, you might as well become Floyd with how love-struck you are."

Jade looks back at the glasses and lies down on a rock. "Would it be that bad? I mean, nothing happened to Floyd, so why would I think that something bad would happen to me? That myth..it isn't real, right?"

Jade sits up and looks around, then grabs a small flower and starts picking them, playing a small game of "Does he love me or does he not?"

He was alone, which saved him the embarrassment of being caught. It was when it landed on "he loves you" that Jade let out a small cheer of success.

"What are you cheering about?" Azul spoke, startling Jade. Jade gasps and hides the flower.

"It's nothing, Azul," He lied, swimming up. "Then what were you doing?"

Azul continued to question, "It's not uncommon to see you by yourself; however, you are being sneaky, very, very sneaky."

"Ah, well," Jade gulped. "Look, I should be looking for Floyd. It's getting dark, and you know how our father is about us being late." Jade turned to swim away but was immediately grabbed by Azul, who lifted his hand to reveal the flower petal.

"Not doing anything?" Azul sighed. "You were playing that same game Floyd did. Because you have fallen in love with the human, a human that you saved, unprompted."

"Yes," Jade admitted. "I can't stop thinking about him. Even when I tried to, I couldn't. I tried and I tried, but I'm," Jade lets out a sigh before continuing, "I'm in love with a prince."

"A human," Azul corrected, "no human deserves such a noble title such as prince. And you falling in love is going to cause trouble, considering you've fallen under the Coral Moon."

"What does…oh," Jade gulped.

"Exactly. That moon has influenced you to fall for a human, like the legends that have been told."

"Azul, you are too paranoid about this," Jade hummed. "You know that I wouldn't risk it. I just happen to dream by the sidelands, and it's a safer option than what Floyd does."

"Speaking of Floyd, where is he?"

"I suppose with his human lover," Jade answered. "He didn't mention much before he left, other than teasing me for falling in love. Must be revenge for my comment of calling his love an obsession."

"That is exactly what love is," Azul spoke up. "But it's unusual for him to be gone for hours. I mean, sure, an hour or two, but this has gone on for a while."

Jade and Azul begin swimming toward the surface. It was the only place Floyd could be at this time, so they knew it was the first place to look. Well, that was, until a zip of bubbles went past them, stopping both Azul and Jade from their swimming to look.

"I know who can make those bubbles," Jade gasped, "Floyd…was he..?"

"Crying?" Azul questioned, perplexed.

Jade immediately swims after his brother, leaving Azul behind, following the bubble trail that was left behind. It gave concern as Jade went closer to Floyd's grotto; sobs were now clear to his ear.

"Floyd?" Jade whispered into the grotto. "Floyd, may I…may I come in?"

Jade heard a sniffle, before a small "come in" was heard. He took a breath and swam inside, immediately towards a very saddened Floyd. He didn't have his signature bag with him, and Jade knew Floyd was careful not to lose it. He swam next to his brother and sat by him, taking him into a hug.

"Floyd, can you tell me what happened?" Jade pondered. "Of course, you don't have to explain everything. It's just," Jade pulled Floyd closer, "I never see you cry like this."

Floyd didn't answer, but wrapped his arms around Jade and continued to sob, words very hard to understand. It must've been a while, being in the grotto. But for Jade, it was timeless, helping Floyd understand how to communicate his words without crying more. Jade was patient, and he knew Azul was as he didn't follow Jade inside.

"Riddle," Floyd started. "He…he has stated, due to S-, Trey almost discovering us, Riddle thinks we shouldn't see each other anymore. But that's…"

"Unfair," Jade finished, "That was unfair of him to do that because of me."

Jade looks ashamed, wiping Floyd's tears. "I'm sorry, Floyd. I did this, I caused this to happen."

"No, it wasn't," Floyd sniveled, "You wanted to do what's right. Saving someone." Floyd looks over with a sad smile, "He remembered you. He wants to find you." Jade looks surprised, but it turned to a face of discontent.

"Not while you're here, heartbroken."

"Well…such a heartbroken soul." A voice hummed from the darkness. "You must be so down..on your luck. Your brother's right, you are in such a state of heartbreak that it's so concering. You know, I may have a solution to that problem." Both immediately looked around, wondering where that mysterious voice came from.

"Who are you?" Jade asked, holding on to Floyd. A Vampire Squid came out, slowly floating by and circling the twins.

"Me? Call me Zephyr. I'm here to take you to a person who can help you…Floyd." Zephyr spoke sinisterly, his voice echoing in the grotto.

"We don't need anything," Jade protested, "and who are you to come here when someone's clearly upset."

"Oh, you are right," Zephyr tsked at himself, "such a bad squid, I am. Lucky for you, Floyd and Jade, I was actually sent here to guide you to someone who can actually help. And not just any help, magical help. However, you should not make a fuss about who I speak off."

"Who?" Floyd asked, "Who could possibly help with a broken heart?"

"Madam Winifred, that's who," Zephyr claimed, "She can be the answer to all your problems."

"No." Jade spoke firmly, "She's a sea witch, one who uses her magic for more criminal things, like seatorms."

"Oh, but she has reformed since," Zephyr asserted, "If you follow me, you can see for yourself." Zephyr grabbed the twins by the arms and started to lead them out of the grotto. Jade looks over at Floyd, who looks back with the same nervousness.

"You know," Zephyr chatted, "I would like some idle chatter while I am your guide. Maybe you should tell me why you are such a sadden mess? I mean, surely, it's uncommon to get heartbroken underwater?" He was teasing. Jade knew, but to Floyd, it was a sincere question, clouded by his remaining sadness. So he explained, despite Jade telling him to be quiet.

"Oh, such a sad story," Zephyr lamented, "Such an awful story, for a human hurting such a kind soul such as yourself? Winny will have such a spell to make you forget everything, but that look. That's not what you want, hmm? Don't worry, Madam Winifred will have the solution as soon as you swim in." Zephyr looks over at Jade, eyes looking up and down. "And what's your story?"

"You don't deserve to know," Jade hissed.

"Oh, a tough one."

Purple smoke started to surround them as they got closer, revealing a view of a grotto. To Jade's horror, it was filled with skeletons of fellow merfolk who had traveled down before them. It was truly unsettling but unsurprisingly fitting for a sea like Madam Winifred's.

He would grab Floyd and go, but the squid's grip on them was shockingly strong. The entrance was the least uninviting to him. The open mouth of an ancient fish is dark and depressing. Smoke arose from it, indicating where she was.

"Now, now," a voice arose from the mouth, "Come on in. It's rude just to float there. I don't bite."

With Zephyr guiding, they swam in. Floyd kept going with Jade following behind, very unsettled by the atmosphere. Sure, this wouldn't usually scare him, but knowing who it belonged to didn't help ease his worried feelings.

The room ahead was noticeably full: A cauldron was in the center, and all around were shelves full of potions, whose uses were for. But a make-up vanity was a noticeable but strange conclusion, and a sea witch was upon it. She was fixing her hair and doing her make-up, but her eyes through the mirror stared at the twins with interest.

"Oh, such a delight to have guests here after so long," Winifred spoke, "Don't get me wrong, I have Zephyr and a beautiful daughter but you can't help but feel a loniless once and while." She laughs and swims down, "Enough about me, what about you?"

"One heartbroken soul and a relucted brother," Zephyr spoke, sending Jade and Floyd forward.

"Oh, how unfortunate," Winifred spoke, swimming to Floyd, "Look at this. This is a face full of sadness and misunderstanding."

Winifred looks up, her eyes closed in sadness. "What happened, my dear? Did someone break your heart?"

"What do you want?" Jade intervened. "You wouldn't send Zephyr for nothing."

Winifred giggles and swims over to Jade and Floyd, pulling them toward the cauldron. "Right. Well, I was told that you wanted to get your memories erased of your love. But I have a better solution."

"And what is that?" Jade inquired.

"The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself." Winifred suggested.

"Can you do that?"

💔

My dear, sweet child.

That's what I do.

It's what I live for.

To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself.

Poor souls with no one else to turn to.

💔

Winifred grins and begins to swim around her grotto, grabbing the necessary ingredients for her spell. She had a graceful elegance about her, but Jade still couldn't trust her.

💔

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty

They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch

But you'll find that nowadays

Repented, saw the light, and made a switch

I've mended all my ways

To this

True? Yes.

And dear gentleman, please don't laugh I use it on behalf

And I, fortunately, know a little magic

It's a talent that I always have possessed

Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (pathetic)

💔

Winifred hissed towards Zephyr, but cleared her throat as she continued.

💔

Poor unfortunate souls In pain, in need

This one longing to be thinner

That one wants to get the girl

And do I help them?

Yes, indeed

💔

Floyd gulped as he watched. His eyes kept drifting to the cauldron. Why was he even here? He just wanted to fix the horrible heartbreak aching in his chest. He swims forward to the cauldron.

💔

Those poor unfortunate souls

So sad, so true

They come flocking to my cauldron

Crying, "Spells, Winifred, please!" And I help them!

Now it's happened once or twice

Yes I do

Someone couldn't pay the price

Yes, I've had the odd complaint

And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals

But on the whole, I've been a saint

To those poor unfortunate souls

💔

Winifred swims down and looks over at the twins, pushing them forward. "Now, here's the deal," Winifred explains, "I'll turn you both human for a week, got that? One week." "Why am I involved?"

"I know you don't want to be here but I know you here for your brother, such a kind one you are, Jade. So you are part of this ordeal." Winifred smiles. "Now, if I may continue," she clears her throat, "you two will have your prince charmings to kiss you. But, not just any kiss. A kiss of true love."

"True love?" Jade echoed.

"Yes. Have we got a deal?" "What if we don't?"

"But you'll have your man, heh heh. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?" Winifred laughed. "Oh, and there is one more thing. We haven't discussed the subject of payment."

"You'll become a mermaid once again and you'll belong to me. That doesn't sound bad, right?"

"If we leave," Jade faltered, "We'll never see our family again. Our mother and our father. What would they think if we did this?"

"But without our voices, how can we…no," Jade hesitated, pulling Floyd away. "This is wrong. Floyd, we can't do this. This is wrong, and we're going to do something we'll regret."

"But we don't have-," Jade protested.

"I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle!" Winifred interrupted, "What I want from you is - your voices."

"Fine! Forget about the world above and love! Go back home to your father and never leave again!"

As Jade tried to swim away, a familiar figure swam forward.

"Azul!" Jade called out but was stopped by a magical force field, stopping Azul and Jade from going near each other as Floyd was pulled back by Winifred, now in front of the cauldron once again.

💔

Come on, you poor unfortunate soul

Go ahead! Make your choice!

I'm a very busy woman, and I haven't got all day

It won't cost much

Just your voice!

💔

Floyd gulped and watched as Jade tried to move away to Azul, but Winifred kept Floyd's attention.

💔

You poor unfortunate soul

It's sad but true

You've got the pay the toll

If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet

Pluck a scale off your tail

And drop the blood inside the bowl

💔

Floyd looks and immediately pulls Jade back to the cauldron, a scale ready in his hand, eyes full of determination. Jade gasped, but with a small moment of hesitation, grabbed his scale. Both threw their scales inside, despite Azul's protest and warnings. As soon as they did, two contracts formed with their respective pens.

💔

Zephyr baby, now I've got them, honey

The boss is on a roll

These poor unfortunate souls

💔

Floyd grabbed the pen and immediately signed his contract, while Jade signed his contract with hesitation. Once signed, the contracts disappeared into Winifred's necklace, and she showed a wicked grin on her face as she began to chant.

💔

Beluga sevruga

Come, winds of the Caspian Sea

Larengix glaucitis

Et max laryngitis

La voce to me

💔

Two hands begin to emerge from the cauldron, going over to Floyd and Jade, ready to take their voices.

"Now sing!" Winifred demanded.

Floyd started; his voice rang as one of the hands grabbed his throat, and he watched slowly disappear into Winifred's shell. He was shocked at how his voice was able to be heard.

Jade vocalized afterward, very shakingly. He gripped his throat as his voice disappeared, watching the voice be transferred into her shell. The hands begin to surround them as they feel a tingle within their body.

They looked down as their tails began to split into two legs, and as the smoke cleared, the twins were now human. Azul broke the barrier and helped his friends, who are now struggling to breathe. He kept his grip as he began to swim to the surface, letting the twins breathe the air around them.

"WHAT WERE YOU TWO THINKING!!!?" He demanded, keeping the twins afloat." You two have some nerve going to her for legs! I expected it from Floyd, but Jade, why? You knew this was a bad idea, so why join Floyd?"

Jade tried to speak, but no words, only gasps and sighs came out.

"Right. No voice," Azul grumbled, looking around. "And we're far from land as well. Come on, let's swim."

Jade looks down and tries to move his legs, though it is oddly painful for him. Floyd looks over, grabs Jade's hand, and tries to swim forward, though there were times when they almost sank. Azul stayed in front, lecturing the twins for their stupid decisions.

"Don't stop now," Azul spoke. "Legs are much harder to swim in than legs,hmm? Come on, we might be closer to shore."

A rumble alerted the trio, and they saw a boat coming by.

"Oh of course," Azul groans and sinks, "I'll be right back." Azul sank as the boat approached the twins.

"Huh," mumbled a fisherman, looking down at the twins. "This is not something you don't see everyday." He looks around, "Are you the only ones here?"

Jade and Floyd looked at each other, knowing that they couldn't answer due to the lack of voice. They looked at each other, figuring out how they should explain this situation.

"Yes, sir," intervened Azul, swimming to the twins.

Both Jade and Floyd gasp at Azul's new human appearance, trying to figure out how he transformed so quickly.

"Oh? All of yeah?" The fisherman spoke. "Oh, that's sad. You must've part of the recent shipwreak. Our kingdom's been plauged with a storm curse. Oh, enough about me, let us help you up!"

The fishermen helped the boys on the ship, wrapping them in nice blankets as they discussed what to do with the three strangers. It wasn't every day that three boys appeared out of nowhere unexpectedly, especially when it was after a harsh storm.

Floyd was staring at his new legs, lifting one to examine it. A silent laugh matches his excited expression as he begins wiggling his toes. He looks over at Jade and Azul, clearly excited about this new revelation. He tries to get up but falls back down.

"Jade!" Called Shore, landing on Floyd's legs. "You look different somehow! Is it your hair? You used the dinglehopper on me? Come on," Shore urged. "tell me!"

Azul could only sigh in annoyance, rubbing his temple.

"Shore, can you not?" Azul groaned, "Can't you see you came at a wrong time?"

"Nonsense!" Shore laughed. "Now, I know it's the hair!"

Floyd grinned, knowing that Shore completely had no idea what had happened to him.

"Shore."

"What?"

"That's Floyd, and how did you notice that they have legs?!" Azul hissed. "They don't have tails."

"OH. That's what different about'cha! I thought it was something life changing."

"It is!" Azul grumbled.

"Shoo!" huffed a fisherman, moving his arms to shoo Shore away from Floyd. Shore huffs and flies away from the boat, leaving the three with the fishermen once again.

"We should get them to a nice warm place." A fisherman spoke. "Like the castle."

"Are you nuts?" protested a fisherman. "You know how Queen Icabeth is when it comes to new visitors in the castle. She'll throw a fit when she finds out."

"If she finds out," the other fisherman spoke.

"We wouldn't mind going over there," Azul spoke up. "That's where we're headed anyway so it's lucky of us to have found you so you can take us there."

"Well, that's good," the fisherman nodded. "Men! Set sail to the kingdom! We got what we came for!" The fishermen begin to start the boat, sailing towards the kingdom.

"Now, since I'm here," Azul spoke. "We are sticking to the plan, and the plan is basically you are tasked to kiss your respective princes before the week ends, so you'll be with them forever. I mean, I doubt that but," Azul trails off, noticing Jade's distant expression, a hint of green in his eyes.

"Jade? Were you listening?" Azul asked.

Jade looks over and shakes his head, a little embarrassed.

"Are you aware you need to kiss a prince?"

Jade's expression shifts from confusion to shock as he looks at Floyd, as if to say it was Floyd's task, not his.

"What do you mean? You both have to kiss..a…Jade!"

Jade snapped out of his trance again and looked at Azul.

"Oh no, Floyd, we have a serious problem," Azul groaned towards Floyd. "My aunt can be super vindictive and this is definitely her doing."

Floyd tilts his head in confusion.

"She took Jade's memory of the deal," Azul explained, "now he doesn't remember that he has to kiss the prince he saved. Ugh," Azul looks over and Floyd and could only mutter, "this is going to be a long, long, week."

[2309analysis]

Just a Little Theory About the Three Servants

Finnian, Mey-Rin, and Bardroy, the three Phantomhive servants to be hand-picked by Sebastian, are seemingly the bane of his existence. He harps on about their stupidity, yet none of them are really that stupid. Uneducated, yes, but the servant class didn't have the luxury of a good education, anyway (and certainly not the near-omniscience and aeons of experience Sebasatian has). Their technical know-how comes completely from him. He could teach them more if he truly wanted, if it's such a problem, as opposed to merely complaining about them and redoing their tasks. Their blunders aren't truly out of idiocy, either. Rather, they stem from their unusual physical capabilities and psychological make-up.

What really sets them apart from others, and truly bothers Sebastian most about them, is the impressive childlike innocence they possess, despite everything they've been through. Finny, Mey-Rin, and Bard have been through terrible trauma that is easily comparable to Ciel's, and are all three just as willing to kill when necessary, yet they possess an innocence within their souls that did not survive in Ciel's. They are not ruthless, vindictive, self-centred, or greedy, as both Ciel and Sebastian deem all humans to be. They are instead kind, caring, content with what they have, and always willing to make sacrifices, even if it's their own safety. Often their calamities are the result of trying to do something special for their master and getting in over their heads. They're essentially the kids who try to make breakfast-in-bed for their parents, only the food doesn't come out right and they make a huge mess in the kitchen. Such acts are done out of love, no matter how irksome they may be.

Still fairly young, Finninan spent the entirety of his prior life as a human guinea pig. Being held captive in a laboratory, stripped of any sort of humanity, forced to fight other children to the death, and subjected to agonising experiments, it's shocking he isn't 'feral.' In fact, given his background, he's very intelligent and functional. Finny does have the naiveté of a child some ten years younger than he is, as well as the personality and emotions of one. Understandably, he sometimes doesn't know his own strength (though he has improved over the years) and he can be over-emotional, yet he's not violent or aggressive unless it's called for.

Mey-Rin is the embodiment of innocent love in her secret pining for Sebastian. It's no fleeting crush, and it's certainly not just sexual attraction. Her feelings began to take root early on and grew over time. Like a lovesick teenager, her anxiety and clumsiness intensify when he's around. In Chapter 14, we see her playing the youthful game of picking flower petals while saying, "he loves me, he loves me not..." It's safe to assume she's far too nervous and shy to come right out and confess her love for him, appearing content with daydreams and hopes for the future. (When she mentions wanting to be a bride, it's obvious whose bride she wishes to be.) And even when Sebastian scolds her for bungling things, she still blushes and looks at him with adoration. If and when she finds out he's a demon, I do not think for a second that it would truly lessen her feelings for him. The contract might upset her, but her heart would remain his.

While perhaps slightly less innocent, Bardroy has that youthful mentality of recklessness. Like Finny and Mey-Rin, he exhibits far less psychological damage than one would expect. He probably had the basic education of early America; reading, writing, and arithmetic in a little red schoolhouse, as well as survival and combat skills learned on the frontier and in the army. These put him ahead of the others in terms of intelligence. In addition, he's the only one who doesn't have an abnormal physical prowess. It's his martial talent in artillery and strategy that makes him both useful and impractical. The trauma of both combat and the slaughter of his family drove him as a soldier, fostering a "devil may care" attitude. Being impatient and using firepower for everything are ingrained habits of his. Like a kid, he disregards his own safety, partly because he doesn't think he'll really get hurt, and partly because he doesn't care if he does. And though he can be gruff and callous, we see he isn't cold at heart. Bard is foolish, but foolish like a child thinking they're invincible or wiping their cheek when a relative gives them a kiss.

This unabating innocence makes their souls far more unusual than Ciel's, and Sebastian just can't wrap his head around it. So instead, he keeps them at arm's length and puts minimal effort into their advancement, despite how much it would benefit him. We see minor, gradual improvements in their skills over the series, which is really due to their own hard work and determination. And this determination stems from their deep gratitude and love for Sebastian and Ciel, despite the latter two secretly viewing them as mere pawns. They don't fit Sebastian's view of humans, thus he dismisses their innocent nature as stupidity to create distance. Otherwise, he'd have no reason to look down on them and could end up *gasp* caring for them.

P.S. It's worth noting that while Agni was equally loyal to Prince Soma, his background was vastly different from theirs. He came from privilege, chose to do terrible things as he was disillusioned by corruption and hypocrisy, and regained his faith when Soma saved him. Born a Brahmin (the highest of the four varnas), he began to live as a Shudra (the lowest varna). Soma had a whole palace of other servants who would've trained Agni in anything he didn't already know how to do. And his special ability was something he had control of. It's to be expected that Agni was far more competent and mature in his worldview.

[2309analysis]

I think the idea of chubby! or plus sized!Yuu x Azul is so cute because it definitely starts with Azul projecting a lot of old insecurities onto them initially but I honestly think he'd have that tsundere sort of progression of him thinking he could never love them to eventually feeling like he can't imagine life without them. I think it would do a lot of healing for his inner child to realize that someone can be adored despite their size. I also, coincidentally think he'd be protective, like "I will commit homicide if I need to" protective.

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Why has nobody talked about how perfectly suited the ensemble cast of the Ouran host club is for AU fanfictions??? This is prime real estate we're passing up guys listen

If we keep literally all of the characters exactly the same as they are in the anime we already got the perfect group: the unimpressed newcomer, the leader of the group, the intelligent information source, the trouble-makers, and two absolute ass-kickers. Stick that in like a pirates AU? A high fantasy AU? A sci fi AU? Some sort of quest-based dangerous adventure AU?

Even just ageing em up and sticking em exactly as they are at the start of the series into like a college AU or a coworker AU or some shit is also wonderful because even without The Group dynamics format, with an ensemble cast made out of so many spectacles there are so many types of adventures and messes they could get into in even a "realistic" type AU. Take the fuckin source material for God's sake 😭

I'm just saying they are perfect for any setting and it is a crime that that fact has not been utilized more

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Two of my sillies 😌

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I llove them… og meme under cut..

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We made a few photos for practicing using colored lights, and the result was pretty cool.

I have yet to finish sewing Kalim's dorm uniform, but we did what we could with what we had! :3

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Hello, can you do TWST characters (of your choice) who have a crush on/an s/o who can appear very apathic during some occasions (whether it's an emotional occasion or what not)? Thank you so much! And keep up with the great work!! (I was just bored and thought of this)

absolutely yes!! 🖤✨ this is such a tender and nuanced dynamic. Soft, understanding, and character-deep. let’s go. 🕊️🩶

Leona

Leona recognizes the stillness in you. He sees it for what it is — not coldness, not cruelty, but a quiet kind of armor.

Because he does it too. He keeps his voice even, his posture relaxed. He says “I don’t care” when he very much does, he’d rather sleep than feel.

So when you don’t react to something big — maybe someone’s crying, or there’s tension in the room, or a celebration going wild and you just stand there — he doesn’t call you out.

He watches, listens, notes how you clench your jaw, how your fingers twitch. “

People expect too much noise,” he mumbles one day, lounging beside you. “But sometimes silence means more.”

When he realizes he has feelings for you, he doesn’t rush it. Instead, he slowly shows up in your silences, sits with you, leans into your shoulder. Doesn’t force you to perform.

When he does express emotion — frustration, protectiveness, affection — it’s low and serious and made for your ears only. “You don’t have to prove it to anyone else.”

If anyone calls you “cold” in front of him? they are not walking away with their ego intact.

Cater

Cater initially misreads you.

When you seem indifferent or quiet at moments everyone else is buzzing, he goes “aww, are you bored?” or “come on, lighten up!”

But when it keeps happening — when he sees you just blink at drama, or stay calm at parties, or give no reaction during big emotional moments — he gets curious.

And that's the thing: Cater cares. Deeply.

So once he starts seeing the layers under your quiet — the calm, the control, maybe even the numbness — he drops the act.

“I get it,” he says, soft voice, real eyes. “Sometimes faking a big reaction just feels… exhausting.”

When he realizes he’s catching feelings, he adapts. He’ll say “no pressure, you don’t have to smile,” while squeezing your hand. He’ll share things quietly, in a corner, not in front of a crowd.

He still posts cute pics with you, but always asks first. Respects your expression, if you’re blank-faced in a selfie, he calls it “iconic.”

When you’re distant or flat during a tough moment, he never guilt trips you. Instead, he leans in with: “Wanna talk, or wanna just sit? I’m here either way.”

He never stops being a sunshine...but he learns how to shine in your shade.

Ruggie

Ruggie’s sharp. Real sharp.

He clocks your quiet reactions immediately, and unlike others, he doesn’t take it personally.

He grew up around all kinds of people, some who cry when they’re mad, some who go deadpan. He knows that not everyone shows things the same way.

When you brush things off or seem numb during a heavy moment, he won’t push. But later? in private? “You good? No pressure. Just checkin’, y’know?”

He gets that sometimes you’re just… flat. Or tired. Or not ready to feel something fully.

So he doesn’t demand reactions.

Instead, he offers small comforts: food, jokes, a casual shoulder lean.

When he likes you, it shows in the way he learns your “language.”

your little sighs. your micro-expressions.

how you go quiet when overwhelmed.

how your version of “I love you” is maybe just making sure he eats.

He will 100% throw hands for you if someone says you “don’t care.” “Shut it. You don’t know what they’ve been through.”

If you ever apologize for being distant, he just nudges you with a crooked grin. “Hey, your vibe’s fine by me. Just don’t disappear on me, ‘kay?”

Silver

Silver understands quiet. He is quiet.

So when you don’t cry at sad movies, or don’t smile big at a party, or seem neutral during drama...he never assumes you’re cold. He assumes you’re navigating it differently.

He watches people closely. His knight training taught him to observe beyond emotion.

He sees your little tells: the flicker in your eyes, the way you breathe heavier, the way your body tenses.

When he realizes he’s falling for you, it’s gentle. No grand declarations, just more time beside you, more warm silences, more "I’ll stay if you want's"

He’s incredibly grounding during emotional overwhelm. Not pushy, not reactive. “You don’t have to react like anyone else. Just… let me know if you need me near.”

If you ever get frustrated with yourself (like, “why can’t I just feel this like normal people do?”), he stops you immediately. “There is no wrong way to feel. Or to not feel.”

He reads you bedtime stories when your emotions are flat but your heart’s tired, strokes your hand

“Even when you’re quiet, I hear you.”

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I've been looking for a single Sebastian Michaelis x fem OC on all doujinshi and hentai sites, but 158 of 158 are Sebastian Michaelis x CIEL... just why?

First, Ciel isn't of legal age; second, he isn't in love with Sebastian.

Don't worry sweeties, In the future... I'll fill sites with Sebastian x fem OC...

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Server races are honestly my favorite thing about the internet. They’re so fun to just watch something crash the fuck out and lose their minds over how some people can’t think for overs for a second.

All of it is so valid, too, sometimes costumers are pieces of shits; so all their rants and cussing out sessions are just honestly a dream hearing. I love it when we all collectively come together to hear young adults wish that people had more capacity in their tiny minds for common sense.

Like yes, king/queen, pop off, go insane. Lose your freaking minds over how people can’t comprehend waiting for more than two minutes.

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I find it so funny when the boys act all surprised when Yuu doesn’t know something.

Ace: ‘Gasped’ Yuu you don’t know what Spell Drive is?

Like obviously they don’t know. THEIR FROM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WORLD. A WORLD WITHOUT MAGIC.

Like, it’s so funny. I do want to head canon that Ace, Deuce, and Grim keep forgetting that Yuu doesn’t have magic. But that doesn’t really make sense.

But I’m just saying, considering how Yuu had no idea who Malleus was. It could happen again~ I’m just saying. What if we met a prince that goes to RSA and having no clue he’s a prince.

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Silver is not the only one who has traits similar to Prince Phillip. (check my post about him here ❤︎︎)

Sebek is very loyal to Malleus, the thought of Malleus being in danger make him cry (literally).

In book 7, Sebek shows intense determination to put an end to Malleus's spell, striving to protect him and others from harm even if it means challenging himself against the person he admires most.

He values Malleus’s well-being, his loyalty is rooted in protection and love.

Prince Phillip had the same intense determination when he sought out to protect Aurora from Maleficent. He is actually one of the few Disney princes that had to defeat a powerful opposing force in order to gain their happily ever after.

Both Phillip and Sebek are protective over the ones they love and stubborn enough to not let challenges stand in their way.

While Sebek might annoy some with his loud voice and opinions, he is truly a courageous person who, along with Silver, has been trained to be a worthy knight.

He embodies Prince Phillip’s courage and devotion; his bravery is roaring and impactful like thunder—it’s loud, relentless, and strikes bolts of loyalty.

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