#especially comparing different variants to each other

[slayerdurge]

kinda in love with the fact that if connor deviates, hank will hit him with the quiet and reserved "maybe there's something to this. maybe you really are alive." whereas if connor remains a machine, hank becomes incredibly vocal and outspoken about the humanity of androids. literally like...

hank: i can't be certain but sometimes i've wondered if androids are actually alive... connor: we're not hank: okay first of all FUCK YOU connor: ??? hank: AND i'm fighting for android rights now!

[gatorbites-imagines]

Hear me out! Invincible variants and HomelanderReader seeing each other!!

Mark Grayson and variants x omega Homelander!reader

a part 2 of this post.

With Homelander!reader being present, the whole invasion would happen a bit differently. Mainly because there's actually a hero able to keep up with them, who's just as murderous as the Variants. The GDA and government would have tried their hardest to hide Homelander!readers true personality, but if it hasn't come out yet, it will here. 

It's obvious you don't care whatsoever about the civilians, you are just pissed that these variants are pulling up trying to cause trouble on your turf. Even worse if you and Mark had been on a date or similar.  

If its omegaverse, then some of the variants would underestimate Homelander!reader because he's an omega, until he shows them he's not someone to mess with. Some of them (def Mohawk, lmao) would even get a little too interested when Homelander!reader snarls and calls them and their scents disgusting. 

Such a deadly and rude omega is just their type, okay? They are still Mark, and Mark is whipped for his big evil omega mate, who he doesn't have to be careful with when it comes to strength. 

Homelander!reader is just insulted by these imposters trying to come at him, especially when he knows the real deal. Compared to his Mark, then these imposters aren't even worth looking at. 

Mark would be flattered, I think, that his mate is so violently loyal and disgusted by other alphas, but it's also worrying because... you just don't hold back when fighting, so a lot of people can, and probably will, get hurt. 

Sinister is the most smitten, I think. Like, you are just gonna place a big, dangerous and bloody omega right in front of him? And omega that isn't swayed by his scent or alpha voice? An omega who can shoot lasers and just broke both legs and both arms on another variant? How is he not gonna start drooling and frothing at the mouth? 

Sinister, in a fight, would try to just tear into Homelander!readers scent gland, to forcefully bond with this perfect omega. Only for his teeth to just... not pierce the skin. It only results in Reader being even angrier, and Sinister being even more smitten. 

I can't really think of a situation where Homelander!reader would accept these guys, he's just too egotistical, and possessive. Earth is his territory, he owns it, so these guys can get lost. Only Mark allowed is his mate, who treats him well and praises his pigeon nesting.  

If it has to become anything, then it would somehow be Mark that works it out. Reader would be snarly and snappy for months, years if he ages slowly. Wouldnt allow the Variants into his heats, only some of them who are submissive enough (cough, maskless Mark, fullmask Mark). It takes a lot of groveling and stroking his ego. 

Lord have mercy is Homelander!reader ends up having pups with OG Mark, or just any of them really. You ever seen those overprotective animals with their offspring? Hes even worse. But, it does give the variants a chance to weasel their way in. More mates is better to protect the pups, right? 

At this point OG Mark is probably closer to the variants than you are, even romantically, so it does have some success. Only OG Mark gets to put his mating mark on Homelander!reader though, for a very long time, lmao. 

[comicaurora]

Just saw the announcement about Heartwood Coven, and I'm super excited!

I know that when you're exploring a genre, either for the first time, or just the first time in a while, sometimes inspirations for new Trope Talks emerge, and as a fan of spaces adjacent to Magical Girl media (Kamen Rider, mostly, but Ultraman, Super Sentai/Power Rangers, and Garo also exist, just to scratch the surface), I honestly find it kind of difficult to think of any tropes in the space that don't just devolve into little trivia factoids, or a 'Yup, that sure is a thing they do!', despite being in the space for decades. But I also know you have a keener eye for media tropes than I personally do.

So, all that is to ask, are there any tropes in that space that have caught your attention recently? This isn't even specifically asking about a potential future video, just in general.

The ingredients for a Sentai/Magical Girl story are very distinctive, especially when compared to other superhero genres!

Comes As A Set! Everyone in a thematic team has acquired their powers the same way, and the powers are very minor variants off of each other - one character might have The Specialest Version where their powers are strongest and their heart is Most Pure, but everyone else will be running at the same power level with almost no specialization. This sounds obvious, but almost no other superhero team does this. Even the X-Men, whose powers are all Being Mutants, come across as a seriously varied menagerie with wildly disparate power levels. Everyone being The Same Thing In A Different Color is pretty unique to this space!

Monster Of The Week: Not the only genre this appears in, but one of the only spaces where it's straight-up down to a science. The big bad of a series like this will only make a real appearance in the grand season finale. Until then, the team will be fighting their lieutenants' minions at a rate of one per episode. The big bad doesn't even usually deign to make the minions themselves, since they're much too busy standing in their recycled animation evil lair. The minions will have unique gimmicks, but will share similar levels of thematic and structural closeness with one another that the heroes do - they'll all be kaiju, or walking evil spells, or disgruntled citizens gifted thematically inconvenient superpowers. Where are these minions coming from? Sometimes the answer is "they cook em up at home" and sometimes it's "they corrupt innocent people so the heroes have to go nonlethal." It doesn't make much difference in the execution, so it's mostly dealer's choice.

So Many Wonderful Toys! These heroes aren't afraid to accessorize, and the merchandising department also says we have to. When the formula needs mixing up, just give someone a new weapon or vehicle or mech or powerup macguffin. And unless you're only giving the upgrade to the Designated Specialest Pure Of Heart one, make sure to bring enough for the rest of the team, because this is a good way to bring in a round of powerups for everyone and give them some new stock animations to reuse every episode!

There's Only One Way To Win And It's Teamwork. My personal gripe with a lot of these stories is that, by nature of the formula, the characters usually end up becoming largely interchangeable in a fight, because nobody is allowed to win before they do the Big Finisher they always use. And if the Big Finisher is "the most specialest pure of heart character remembers their job and blasts them with the Friendship Laser" that means the rest of the gang is basically on minion-punching duty and repeating "no way! my attack had no effect?!" Every fight has to run through everyone's big canned moves, usually one at a time, and since none of them will do any appreciable damage then they'll combine their giant robots or wait for the leader to bust out the Friendship Cannon and the fight will be over. I think this one's genuinely kind of a weakness of the format; it's pretty rare for a single non-leader character to get a day in the limelight or end up having the exact ability the week's bad guy is allergic to. Nobody gets an individual chance to shine unless the writers intentionally break the formula to make it happen.

The Sixth Ranger! You thought your team of five color-coordinated thematically linked cool guys was complete, but surprise! There are more colors/planets/dinosaurs than just the starting five, and some powerfull badass with unknown morals and a frightening reputation has just turned up wearing your team's matching outfit! Because the team comp is so ironclad compared to other superhero formats, this is always very disruptive and kind of a big shakeup that could restructure the whole status quo, unlike in typical superhero teams where individual attendance is optional and it's not a dealbreaker whether or not Wolverine is in this week.

And Your Friend Steve: someone's will they/won't they significant other is constantly hanging around the fights, in or out of a secret identity of their own, and their main contribution is to get kidnapped by the big bad, brainwashed by the big bad, or kidnapped and then brainwashed by the big bad. Outside of their busy schedule their main narrative role is to reinforce the Secret Identity concept that would otherwise risk slipping out of relevance. It's easier to remember your identity is supposed to be secret when Your Friend Steve keeps turning up at fights.

Bumbling Minions, Serious Boss - this is just an observation on my end, but it's quite common for the villain's crew of lieutenants to be somewhat more comedic than the main Big Bad - whether they're just a couple wacky minions or the comedy comes from how flustered they get when they inevitably lose, comedy is derived from them experiencing the wrath of their evil boss after the good guys win. But all this levity drains away as the lieutenants get whittled down and the finale approaches, and even if the villain has seemed clownish in the safe confines of their lair, when they actually go on the warpath and become the main present threat, they stop being funny entirely. Or, failing that, they get usurped by a new, worse villain, and they become the cartoonish lieutenant to the new guy. Villain chains of command get complicated.

The magical girl equivalent of the shonen anime Super Saiyan transformations is Pretty Dresses. The escalating ornate-ness of a magical girl's Pretty Dress corresponds one-to-one to the Bigness and Glowiness of a Super Saiyan's hair and reflects the reality-warping power contained within. Sailor Moon in a lacey bridal gown with gauzey diaphenous wings and a tiara is the kind of threat Goku would save in his contacts as "new sparring partner"

[thanosscross]

Found - Dad! Choi Seung Hyun/T.O.P & Idol! Teen! Reader

Summary: Growing up you always had one best friend, your mom, especially after your dad had left you before you were born. So what happens whenever a new career path ends your life-long search for your Appa?

Warnings: None that I can really think of, but if I miss one please let me know lovelies!

Translations:

Ttal-a : Daughter. An informal way for a parent to address their daughter.

You grew up being your mom's best friend, after your father had left her before you were born, it only left the two of you to take care of each other. You were an amazing daughter in your mother's eyes, always doing more than what was asked of you, even if it meant giving up something you wanted or needed.

Even through all of it, you were still weighed down by a question you had for so long, you couldn't remember a time where you didn't have it. It was basically what formed you into the determined person you are today, Who was the man who helped make you? What did he contribute in making you? Did you have his eyes? Or maybe the facial structure you had never been able to match to any of your other relatives on your mother's side. You had so many questions, that you'd always be grounded for asking, so you devoted your free time in trying to find that man, determined to find out everything about your father's family, I mean, they were your family too, right?

Your search would become severely delayed whenever you confidently signed on to an Agency to become a new idol, hoping that it'd come out at least a little successful. It wasn't a secret you came from a rougher side of the city, a small home, with broken floorboards, barely livable, but you did what you could to make it safe for your mother, especially with her worsening health. You'd spend days at a time, training at the agency, if you weren't in training, you were recording and rehearsing for your debut album, and if you weren't doing that? You'd be in meetings with different staff members, if not that? You were doing whatever you could for your mom.

As you'd start to grow in fame, your fans would take notice to certain similarities between you and another Idol, you'd be honored by their theories, with your style of music really ranging, it mainly had one common variant in each song, your ability to rap, being able to rap over 10.13 Syllables per second. The way they'd constantly swear T.O.P from BigBang was a long lost brother, or father, would always charm you, you'd look up to the rapper, especially with him basically setting the bar for any and all K-pop rappers, it was an extreme compliment for you to be compared to him.

You'd never meet T.O.P until your manager would pull him into your first stage rehearsal, it'd be three weeks before you first show, so everybody on your team was stressed, especially whenever you and your chorographer couldn't figure out what you'd do while rapping one of your verses. With rapping, it took a lot of air out of you, especially trying to keep your pitch and keep up with the backtracks, so you couldn't move much, if you'd jump around, run, or dance, you'd surely run out of air before the verse ended, but you also couldn't just stand there. "Y/n! Our little Aein! This is T.O.P, I'm sure you know of him, he's going to help your little problem" YG would cheer, introducing you both before disappearing again into the hall, most likely going to check on other idols and trainees. "Hello, you can just call me Seung Hyun, it's a pleasure to meet you, I've heard you in the studio before, you're rapping is crazy" He smiled, laughing a bit as you both bowed in sync with each other "Nice to meet you! I'm y/n, but you know that" You smiled softly before backing up slightly as your choreographer took over the conversation, as you watched the two converse, you couldn't brush off the feeling of familiarity towards the man, but you couldn't quite place it.

You'd end up spending almost three more hours working on the rest of your choreography, finally calling it quits whenever Seung Hyun spotted you asleep against the wall. He was impressed, for such a young teenager, you were determined to make waves in the industry, yes you were only 17, but you were ready, your kindness and professionalism winning over YG and the others, almost immediately.

You'd barely remember getting home, as you woke up in your own bed, glancing around before you made your way out to the kitchen hearing your mother talking with somebody over the phone. As she finished her phone call, you tiredly sat at the counter, resting your head on your hands as you yawned. "That was your manager, he said you're doing well with your fans" She smiled towards you, handing over a plate of breakfast as she sat next to you "I know! They're so amazing, and they keep coming up with these awesome theories about who my dad might be" You smiled, not noticing her disgusted look, you never understood why she wouldn't ever talk about your father, other than to bash him, and to remind you that he left you, and she stayed. "Some people think it's rapper, T.o.p?" You added on, smiling softly as she looked at you confused "Who would ever name their child, T.o.p?" She asked, her tone dripping in annoyance and disgust "Well, that's his stage name, his real name is Choi Seung Hyun" You replied, jumping slightly as her hand slammed against the counter "That name will not be spoken in my home!" She screamed, you quickly stood up, going to apologize, only to have interrupted by her pointing to the door aggressively. Getting her message, you walked out of the front door, confused, standing there for a moment before pulling out your phone.

You weren't sure who to call, it was still pretty early, but you needed a ride to YG's agency building, walking that far would be damn near impossible to do, especially with you needing to be there, in about 32 minutes. As you held your phone to your ear, you sat on the curb anxiously picking at your socks, only now realizing, you were still in nightclothes and no shoes, but if your Umma wanted you out, who were you to argue? It'd be disrespectful as a daughter if you did. "Hello?" You heard a deep sleepy voice call through the phone, you were hesitant to speak at first, only whenever you realized he might fall back asleep, you spoke "Hey..Um..It's Y/n, are you free?" You asked nervously, hearing the older male sigh, you started to regret calling him, why not call YG? He might've been able to help. "Y-Yea yea, what's..what's going on?" Seung Hyun tiredly asked as he rolled out of the bed, running a hand over his face as he tried to wake himself up more "So...I think my mom might hate you.." You whispered, leaning your head down to rest on your knees "I brought you up..and she kicked me out..I don't know how long for- and! I'm not asking for a place to stay, I-I just..need a ride" You rambled, your anxiety starting to build whenever you heard nothing in reply, it took a moment for Seung Hyun to wrack his brain; maybe that's why your last name sounded so familiar. "Who's your mom?" He asked as he started to get dressed, not planning on leaving you to walk to the agency building. "Y/m/n l/n" You replied, pulling your nightshirt tighter around you as the morning rush started to pick up more, you could hear Seung Hyun's small huff through the phone "I'll be there in about...ten?" He replied, not really replying to your answer before the phone call was cut off. Why were both him and your mom acting so strange? Did they have something going on together?...was he..?

It would be six weeks of you both getting to know each other and picking up on each other's similar habits between you both, there was just something so familiar about each other, but neither of you could place it. Seung Hyun felt a connection towards you, always wanting to make sure you were on the right track, you had everything you needed, and you were protected; You felt almost the same, you just felt calm and safe whenever you were with Seung Hyun, it wasn't that you didn't normally feel safe, but you knew if you needed anything, even if it was a pretty rough situation, you could always call him for help. Your new friendship only fueled fan rumors that Seung Hyun was your father even more, especially with how you interacted during the family concerts, your manager would hold after your debut.

After a while though, Seung Hyun took notice to the fact, you'd never really do what you wanted, he never saw you doing any hobbies, or anything really other than work and favors for others. So, one night he'd find you in the recording studio, sitting at the table as you scrolled on your laptop, groaning loudly whenever you hit another dead end. You were getting so close to giving up, starting to believe maybe your dad just wasn't there out, or at least, wanted nothing to do with you. "Hey...What's going on? Need help?" He offered quickly, taking in your pissed off state, you reminded him of your mother, he'd still be oblivious to the fact he was the person you were looking for, instead, only knowing himself as one of your mother's exes. "No, No. I'm um- working" You rambled, scrambling to close your laptop, turning your attention towards him as you sighed "Working, yes, I am also working then- stop lying and tell me what's up" He replied sarcastically before his tone turned serious as he sat down next to you. "Fine, but you can't..tell anybody" You huffed, opening your computer back up to show him everything you had found out so far from your grandmother and aunt about your dad "I just..want to find him, and I know it probably sounds weird and creepy, but I just-" Seung Hyun cut your rambling off by coughing slightly "It's not either of those things, you're just a kid who misses a parent" He replied, scooting closer to read over what was presented on the screen. Seung Hyun had to hide his nervousness as he read further down the list, as he got to the end, he started to do the math in his head, feeling his heart drop slightly whenever he started to get a feeling maybe your mother wasn't entirely truthful about their break-up.

Seung Hyun did his best to stay calm for the rest of the night, not wanting to give you any false hopes, especially with the way you were speaking of your hopes of one day finding him. The next morning though? He was already out of his home as soon as the sun came up, making his way towards your old residence, you now happily living in one of the dorms at the agency building. Whenever your mother ended things with him, she had told this elaborate story about how she was too old to chase around a K-pop idol, being almost five years younger than her, he believed it, not really thinking much of it. As he knocked on your mother's front door though, he started to heavily question her story, which caused frustration to start growing inside of his body. "Hell- No! Get out of here!" Your mother shouted loudly, glaring daggers at Seung Hyun as she huffed, not wanting to accept the fact her almost 18-year-old lie was finally busted. "Y/m/n. We need to speak about Y/n" He demanded, ignoring your mother's protests as he entered the familiar home, it had severely fallen apart since he had been here last, but everything was still in its original place. "Y/n is my daughter. only mine! You have no right coming into my home! You- You disrespectful-" Seung Hyun was quick to cut your mother off with a harsh glare and a scoff "I don't care if I'm disrespecting you! Unless you were unfaithful while we were together- you know as much as I do, That poor kid has grown up without a dad, because of you" He snapped, standing in his spot next to the door as your mother stepped closer, poking his chest as she stood on her tip toes to get in his face "No! Because you weren't capable of being a father! It's your fault! You were young and immature!" She shouted back, hatred dripping from her tone as Seung Hyun took a step back, laughing sarcastically "How could you possibly know, if you never let me know you were having my kid!" He shouted back, freezing whenever he heard the door next to him open "U-Umma?" You whispered, standing in shock as you stared at the both of them, was he serious? You could tell by their shocked and scared facial expressions; you had finally found out the truth. "Y/n.." Seung Hyun started before you took off back out of the door, needing a moment to wrap your head around the information overload you had just received. "Just let her go, she needs time" Your mother huffed, glaring towards your dad one final time "Get. the fuck. out" She snapped, glaring at her in return, Seung Hyun quickly rushed out, calling your name as he tried to spot what way you went.

You'd be walking down the street whenever Seung Hyun would find you, again, your face bright red from the cold wind, and your cheeks stained with tears. Why was your mom acting so hateful lately? Why did they both hide who your father was? Did Seung Hyun know the entire time? What was Seung Hyun saying about not knowing? You were pulled out of your thoughts by a car door shutting, and quick footsteps behind you. "Y/n! Y/n! Would you just stop for a moment!" Seung Hyun demanded, you quickly halted in your spot, slowly turning around to face him "I-I really don't want to talk to you or my mom right now, I'm sorry" You replied softly, feeling bad for saying it, but you just continued on your trail, only stopping whenever your father grabbed your wrist gently "At least get in the car, and get a ride to, I assume, work" Seung Hyun pleaded, he felt terrible for what you were going through, absolutely terrible, but he was also in a whirlwind himself, he was a dad? He had been a dad for the last 17 years? Does that make him a bad one, for not being there?

You'd sit in silence the entire ride, only speaking again whenever Ji-Yong slowly made his way into your recording studio, a place you found yourself being in a lot. "Hey..kiddo" He whispered awkwardly, not really knowing how to start the conversation, you just sighed, turning in your chair to face him. "Seung Hyun told you?" You asked, pulling your knees to your chest as you watched him take a seat on the sofa in front of you. "He told me his feelings. How he feels terrible, that he wasn't there for you, but I don't think it's his fault" Ji-Yong stated, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees as he waited for a response. "I don't..know..How can you just not know you have a whole child?" You asked, you still weren't sure how to process your situation, you just felt hurt and confused at the moment. Ji-Yong nodded at your words, taking a moment before leaning back against the sofa "I know it's hard to hear, but he really had no idea, kiddo. I know my hyung, we've been best friends for..well forever, and I know if he did know about having a daughter, he would've done everything for you." He explained, getting choked up by his own words as he remembered how hurt and upset Seung Hyun looked whenever he busted into their shared dorm. "I just don't understand why my mom hid it from me, and even then..who says he wants to be my dad? I'm almost an adult now, a-and I mean, I'm not exactly the best crayon in the box, so why would he?" You rambled, hugging your knees tighter around you, as you felt tears building in your eyes; You had always imagined how it would be, if you finally met your father, but now you were just scared. What if he didn't want or like you as a daughter? What if all of those interactions between you both were just pity? Or something he had to do for work?

"Y/n. I couldn't tell you why your mother hid that from you, I'm sorry..but I can't, kiddo..What I can tell you, is that you are amazing, you're not even an adult yet and how many times have your songs been on the top five? But I think the rest of this conversation, should be with you and your father, I can only tell you so much about how he truly feels, he can tell you better than I can" He whispered, nodding towards the door, you took a deep breath before standing up "I-Is he mad at me?..for not talking to him?" You whispered, pulling the sleeves of your hoodie over your hands nervously, Ji-Yong just shook his head smiling, noticing how much you reminded him of your father.

You slowly entered the BigBang dorm, and into the bedroom, your eyes quickly meeting your father's as you froze, taking in how utterly broken he looked. His hair was a mess, eyes bloodshot from tears, along with his cheeks being tear-stained. "I-I'm so sorry" He started, you just quietly walked over, hugging him tightly, trying your best to hold back your tears as you felt him sob against your shoulder. "I don't blame you..and I'm not that mad at you..but I know you figured it out the other night" You whispered, trying your best to get him to stop crying, you hated it, you hated anybody crying, your biggest goal in life was trying to make others smile, so crying was the exact opposite of what you wanted. "You didn't have a father" He whispered, hugging you tightly, still in disbelief that he had a daughter, an almost adult daughter at that. "I was a pretty good Oppa to myself" You joked, trying yet again to get him to laugh, only proving slightly successful as he stopped crying, not wanting to pull away from the hug yet. "You shouldn't have had to be a father to yourself, or take care of yourself and your mom, I-I should've been there" He whispered, pulling away from your hug for a moment to have you sit next to him at the end of the bed, wrapping his arm around your shoulders gently as he hugged you again "You hug a lot, you know that right?" You laughed, trying to lean away from him, only for him to pull you right back into a hug "I have to make up for seventeen years of hugs, and 'I'm proud of you'- Oh my god! Am I proud of you? So much! I have one of the biggest Idols as my kid! I'm going to brag about that to everybody!" He rambled, causing you to smile softly, your mom had hated the fact you were an Idol, yes, she loved the benefits that came with being an Idol, but she hated everything else about it, so hearing someone close to you was proud, made you want to cry now.

You both sat for what felt like hours, just talking about everything he had missed in your early years of childhood. Eventually you both ended up at his home, him insisting you ate a real dinner, instead of the same cheap pack of noodles every night. As you sat at the kitchen island, you watched as he started plating the food "Do you know why...Umma hid who you were? Why'd you leave? Was it me?" You whispered, tilting your head slightly, wanting to know exactly what the two of them were arguing about, whenever you had walked into your mom's house. "Your mom had her reasons..they weren't very fair reasons...but she had them, As for leaving, I did, but I didn't at the same time, your mom ended things, telling me it was about my career, turns out, it was because she didn't want to share such an amazing kid with any other parents" He explained, not wanting to bash your mother, especially not to you, while he despised your mother for what she had done, he wasn't going as low as talking badly about her to her daughter. "You don't have to lie..I heard you guys through the door, partially" You protested, watching him drop his head in shame with a sigh "She didn't think I was capable of raising a kid" He whispered, hating that he was even talking about the topic with you, frustrated you just shook your head, smacking your hands down on the table "That's so stupid! I wasn't even born yet! How would she know!?" You shouted, standing up as you started to pace the kitchen floor, running a hand through your hair before Seung Hyun stopped you by grabbing your hoodie sleeve gently, pulling you back over to the counter "I agree, I agree, but it's time to eat, so get to the table" He laughed, motioning you away as he followed behind with two plates, and his glass of wine.

After dinner, you were laid sprawled out on the living room floor, Seung Hyun sitting a few feet away on his couch "Please don't die in my floor" He laughed after a moment, watching as you turned your head to look at him "I will die wherever I please, but I might just sleep here" You huffed, moving to slowly climb onto the couch, the meal Seung Hyun had made was absolutely amazing, one of the bests you've ever had. "I don't care if you sleep here, I've got a sofa, or a guest bed, or you can take my room, and I'll take the guest bed" He offered, pointing to each door as he spoke, you just laughed shaking your head "I'll take the guest room, it's your house, and you're like..an old man" You joked, laughing softly as he gave you an offended look, standing up to make your way to the guest room, feeling like you'd fall asleep any moment, you stopped to look back at Seung Hyun. "If it means anything...I think you would've been an awesome Appa..I think you're already an awesome Appa" You whispered before offering him a soft smile, your dad had to hold back tears as he smiled at you softly "It means the world, I think you're an awesome Ttal-a, Y/n" He replied, his voice cracking as he resting a hand over his eyes for a moment, trying his best to hide his tears. "I know" You giggled before shutting the door behind you, moving to lay down on the most comfortable bed, you had ever touched.

As you fell asleep, you contemplated how you were going to talk to your Umma again after this, or even what you'd say. You didn't let yourself think too hard though, falling asleep rather quickly as you heard your father's muffled voice from the living room, most likely on the phone with someone. As you fell asleep, you noticed something you hadn't ever felt before, when falling asleep, you felt comfortable, with no worries, knowing the only thing you had to deal with tomorrow was work. Your life-long search was finally over, yes it hadn't happened how your younger self always pictured, but you wouldn't change it, and you definitely wouldn't change who your Appa was, because for once in your life, you were happy with the answers you had gotten.

--

What do we think lovelies? I am SO SO SO Sorry this took so long to post :( My week has been the craziest I've had yet, plus I had my younger brother over for majority of the week, but behold! My newest fic, with more to come!! My likely my next story will 100% be a wedding fic 0.0 so make sure to keep an eye out for me lovely ;)

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@forevervibezzzz1

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

HIII I LOVE YOUR SEB X READER FIGHTING OVER THE BLACKLIGHT and wanted to request smth similar to it? Mutant!reader still, ( maybe the same as the other fic) who helps the Expendable(s)/MC much more than sebs when explaining how each monsters works (giving more info than sebs) and sebs getting annoyed by it? especially if mutant!reader sort of roams alongside with then expendable(s) and is seen chatting with them (bc maybe mutant reader misses being human?) until sebs pulls reader away to complain abt it (how reader shldnt be so relaxed in this situation)

Aw thank you! I'm happy you liked that one ^^

.........

"So you keep dying to creatures that are classified as an Angler, but none of them are the Angler itself, and he just...refuses to tell you how to avoid them?"

"Um, yeah..pretty much. The file said they were only discovered after the lockdown, so maybe he doesn't know-"

"Oh, he knows damn well how they behave. He's just lazy and expects you to figure it out on your own. Which one got you last time?"

The expendable abruptly stopped in their tracks, trying to recount their most recent untimely demise, while you--one of Urbanshade's mutant experiments--waited for them to gather their thoughts.

You two were just casually walking down one of the blacksite's long corridors....or rather, they were walking and you were slithering.

The only reason they were still alive and didn't have their gear detonated was all thanks to your own little scrambling machine. It was attached to your belt, being a lot easier to carry compared to that massive thing Sebastian lugged around.

You were lucky to find them during the chaotic lockdown, and now you were able to chat with expendables without worrying about HQ finding you and/or killing them for talking to you.

Even though you hated Urbanshade for turning you into this creature, you couldn't hate the folks who were just trying to earn their freedom. You knew nothing of why they were even here in the first place--and quite frankly you didn't care to know. There's no point to it.

You were once a sociable human being, and this was how you could still pretend you were.

Of course, that proved difficult as many expendables would rather run, use the flash beacon, or hide in the nearest locker whenever you showed your face. But you reassured them you mean no harm and just wanted to talk.

After overhearing a few grumble about Sebastian treating them like idiots due to their recent deaths (especially with Wall Dwellers), you took it upon yourself to give them better advice.

Advice that would actually stick with them.

While the documents mostly explained the monsters' behaviors clearly, information on the Angler's variants was severely lacking. That was understandable and something you were more than happy to elaborate on should they ask.

"Oh, I remember now...it was some big..creepy frog thing. It had a lot of teeth."

"Ah, that's Froger. She's different, alright. And a smart girl at that." You chuckled. "I've been watching her movements for a while. Wanna know a secret?"

"Sure...do I need to pay you data or..?"

"No. I don't need that stuff."

"Oh..okay."

"Anyways, you know how frogs like to hop around? Well, she does something similar. She'll pass you by, and then do another sweep of the room because she knows you're there. Then after awhile she'll hop back to wherever you are to catch you off guard. Does that make sense?"

"That...actually does. I did get caught off guard the third time because I thought she was gone. Um..thank you." They smiled a little bit.

"Of course. All you need to do is make sure she passes you thrice, and you'll get to keep your pretty little head." With a tiny smile, you patted the top of their head for encouragement. "Now I have business to attend to. I can't chat for too long, or else-"

"I think you've chatted with them long enough, [y/n]."

Blinking, you saw Sebastian pop his head out through a nearby vent, frowning at you.

"Ah. Why hello, Sebastian." You smiled innocently, tilting your head.

"We have a erm..business meeting, remember?" His eyes shifted to the expendable, who seemed utterly bewildered at his presence outside the shop. "If you'll excuse us."

"Yes, please excuse us...and don't let my advice go to waste!" You hummed, bidding them farewell before following Sebastian into the vent, making sure it closed behind you.

For a few moments more, they stood there in silence.

Until the lights in the room flickered and made them dash to the nearest possible hiding spot.

And of course...it was Froger.

.........

"That's my job, you know."

"Well you kinda suck at it." Flicking your tail, you climbed onto the stack of crates within Sebastian's shop, smirking up at your fellow fish monster. "If you're tired of meeting them in the same place when they die, at least give them better advice."

He just turned to face you, looking almost offended.

"You think Urbanshade is paying me to spoon-feed their expendables every tiny detail?! Should I start making Powerpoints for every damn thing that crawls their way?!" He spat.

"..all I'm saying is that calling them "morons" and "idiots" isn't going to help them get very far."

"And chatting them up isn't going to help us get very far, either." With a small huff, he slithered over to a desk cluttered with documents and other assets previous expendables have delivered to him, sifting through the piles. "We can't let them reach the crystal. Not yet. We need more time."

"Ugh, how much more time do we possibly need?" Taking a small DNA vial, you examined it closely between your fingers, admiring its blue glow. "I can only be your little scavenger fish for so long. This place is bound to run out of data. I say let 'em take the crystal, and while everyone at Urbanshade is distracted by that-"

"Jeez that sounds like a GREAT plan...FOR GETTING US KILLED!!" He snarled, swiping the glass vial from your hands. "And be careful with this! It could shatter and explode all over my wares! And I'll be making you pay for them!"

Normally, his anger would scare even the toughest expendable, but you weren't fazed in the slightest and just chuckled. "Woah, no need to get your fins in a twist, Sebby. I was only kidding."

"See? That's exactly your problem...you're too relaxed over all of this." He gently set the glass vial down like it was a baby deep sea bunny. "Those prisoners aren't our buddies, you know."

"I'm not trying to make friends with any of them. I'd just like to see them live a bit longer. It's interesting to hear about their experiences. Plus, they're willing to fork over any data they might have on 'em. So I'm completely focused on our mission."

"Still, we're trying to get out of this place before they terminate the Expendable Protocol. And that means getting out of here before anyone reaches the crystal-"

"And we will. I promise they won't get any closer just because I told them how to evade that dumb frog." You huffed, slithering off the crates and grabbing the nearby lantern. "I'll go pay Painter a visit. See what data he's gathered so far. You mind if I borrow this?"

"...why would I care?"

"Huh..impressive."

"What?"

"Oh nothing. I'm just glad we've moved past fighting over blacklights like toys." You grinned cheekily.

Sebastian's eye twitched. "I wish you'd stop reminding me of that.."

"Well you gave me the marks. So it's hard to forget." You chuckled, crawling into the vent and making your way to the heavy containment sector.

'They're probably gonna go chat up some other expendable.' He thought, annoyed as he went back to organizing his wares.

"Heads up."

"Who said tha---OH SHIT!!"

His ear fins perked up at the distant sounds of your shouting, which was quickly followed by a loud static buzz and a red light that he noticed sweeping through the adjacent room.

Seconds after that, your head popped back through the vent, your expression bewildered. "SEBASTIAN WHO THE HELL WAS THAT?!!"

"Oh? I thought you knew everybody here." He snickered. "He's just another acquaintance. Don't worry. You probably won't see him again."

"...I better not. Bye."

"Bye~"

[snapessoftspot]

Why does nobody talk about how similar Severus and Hermione are?!!

They are literally just different variants of each other!

Severus Snape was bullied and had very few friends and you cannot tell me that Hermione bucktooth teacher’s pet Granger was not bullied in muggle school.

Both grew up in the muggle world, both, and both of them are fucking sarcastic savages.

Severus is the snarky king for sure but Hermione I can’t even count how many times she absolutely destroyed Ron with her quips. Basically the entirety of half blood prince is just Hermione being the snarkiest most sarcastic bitch to Ron. And I fucking loved it!

Both Hermione and Severus are both extraordinary smart especially compared to their peers. Hermione is often described as having her nose buried in a book. And what do we see when Harry looks at his memories Severus having his nose buried in a book.

Now this is more of a headcanon but I think most of them weren’t considered attractive until they got older. Hermione at 15 when her teeth were fixed and she went to the yule ball, Severus when he got older and his voice changed and he became less twitchy and more confident.

anyway…. It doesn’t even have to be looked at in the romantic sense but they are just made for each other.

[lomappreciationblog]

The intro segment for LOM has a lot of visuals you don't really get to see more in the game, starting with the character selection screen:

I mean - it's so incredibly detailed, with unique illustrations of the two characters that are, thankfully, included in the HD version's gallery for separate viewing.

There's also different backgrounds for each character - interestingly, Shiloh's/Hero's background illustration seems to associate him with birds, while Serafina/Heroine's background shows more greenery, with vines even wrapping around the circle surrounding her.

The text box for this screen is also bordered with greenery, and there are carvings on the wall - heck, the middle column has what appears to be the Sword of Mana itself - what with the imagery of feathers or wings around a blade, and the Sword of Mana in this game also has wings as the sword's...crossguards, I think it was called?

In this screen, besides picking your character you also get to pick your starting weapon, and there's a preview of each protagonist wielding each weapon:

Going by official art, Shiloh uses a sword (it's hard to tell for sure, but I think it's actually a two-handed sword, or that's how he uses it in the manga and anime anyway) while Serafina is always depicted with the spear.

Hm, comparing the sprites, it seems the protagonists' poses are somewhat mirrored, with the Knife and Glove poses especially.

As a MH player, it also tickles me to realize a lot of the weapons in LOM are also weapons in MH, haha. The Knife is similar to DB, Sword can be used with a Shield making it the SnS, 2H Sword is the equivalent of the GS, and both games have a Bow.

...I don't think I've ever used a Hammer or either of the Axe variants, come to think of it, but I've played all the other weapons.

[yonkokraven]

If Ace had survived and vowed to become Pirate King to honor White Beard's memory, how much of a threat to Luffy's ambitions to become Pirate King would he be by now? People like Kidd are jokes compared to Ace. Ace had the blood, the backstory, the power. The effortless charisma. The ridiculously strong allies like Marco and Yamato. He's a true contender and the narrative takes him very seriously.

I love this question, especially everything that attributes to the possibility of keeping Ace present in the story.

First and foremost, if Ace were to start competing to be Pirate King, he wouldn't do it for the title. Rather, as you said, he would have to honor Whitebeard's memory and perhaps assume the position of "The Strongest Man in the World." In addition to all of this, his main goal will always be to defeat Teach.

Now, how does his relationship with Luffy fit into this? Ace and Luffy would go all out against each other, but not to the point of killing the other. Each has their own reasons for this: Luffy wants to prove his strength to Ace, and Ace would want to constantly verify that Luffy has the strength to continue on this path. Canonically, Ace isn't interested in being Pirate King, but making a name for himself requires facing those vying for the title, so it's not a bad idea to visualize two or three fights between Luffy and Ace at different points:

-The first: Ace has to leave Rukushina/Amazon Lily after seeing that Luffy is stable. Luffy wants to accompany him or doesn't want Ace to leave. But this results in Ace having to show him the power differences he will encounter in the New World.

-The second: In the Wano arc, Ace would be a central figure. As soon as he heard from the news and through Marco and Nekomamushi what Luffy was planning to do, he immediately left with Whitebeard's fleet for Wano. The confrontation would be brief, but it would be enough for Ace to notice that Luffy has become stronger, however, he and the other more experienced pirates know that it's not enough to face Kaido. Whitebeard's fleet battles Big Mom's ship at Wano Waterfall, while on Onigashima Ace, Izou, and Marco are constantly at the center of the battle, Ace can face Big Mom (either alone or with Torao and Kid).

-The third: At some point, the last Poneglyph will be the epicenter of the ultimate battle between the pirates of this era, so this would be the moment where both give their all against each other.

Although of course, there are many variants, especially the order in which each character falls between Luffy and Ace's objectives, but I definitely think Ace would have been a constant wake-up call for Luffy, and definetly the story would be different (Dressrosa, for Example)

[rin-and-jade]

Reflections Beyond One Could See: A Detailed Post on Subsystems

"Just like a mirror, capable of depicting a whole scene.. once shattered, it shows many other angles and views that also made the initial reflection less coherent and fragmented."

Before you proceed, this post is the continuation of the previous post , here we cover many other details and information that people had never talked about for these 4 types. If you had seen it, let's begin!

The purpose it has..

I will be talking about the type 1 and 3 first.

Subsystems can be said as a different variant, though a related form to splitting (where it popped a part off someone) which may or may not be related with the initial alter, usually more distinct/unrelated.

In general means, subsystem is emphasized as a form of splitting for the specific alter to cope from distress, or to keep functioning, that isn't involving the whole collective.

All about type 1 & 3..

A reminder that the frequency and severity of how many facets it can break off, or how easy it can create subsystems come from the alter's own stress tolerance; which means some can form them easier (like me), while some are still holding on and stable.

Type 1 - Polyfaceted Subsystem

This type happens to be inside an alter due to still having reasons of feeling intact or together, usually different sides of the same alter. This is made to understand that there might be conflict with some thoughts or views, or due to instability with no intention of rejecting its own sides of selves.. fragmenting to each facet one has, now more autonomous that makes it easier to organize/understand each facets.

(Selfmade name from Poly in Greek; and facette in French, means "many face")

The common obstacles found in this type:

Switches are not as noticeable, especially in lesser distinctions between each facets

Prone to be blurry, or struggle with communicating as the opinions are not synchronized

often causing confusion or disorientation in decision making, due to having many sides but one body trying to operate its own ways

Type 3 - Monodive Subsystem

This type happens when there has been a rejection of identity/trait, or no longer able to cope with the presence of the problem to the core, trouble moving on or trouble keeping other facets together,, so in order to adapt, it splits distinct alters that separates from the main in order to lessen the burden/symptoms. Now all independently autonomous, it may have a similar appearance or an incredibly different look along with it's personality.

(Selfmade name from Mono in Greek; and Divisus in latin, means "separated one")

The common problems found in this type:

Contrasting views and opinions, which creates difficulties finding the middle ground

Problems with gathering evidence due to compartmentalization of memories, or traits, as it is harder to identify or understand fully autonomous splits

May follow with memory loss or skill for the initial alter, if still existing, and foregoes a personality change which can be confusing/distressing

The other meaning..

Okay, now I'll talk about 2 and 4 here.

Subsystem can also be defined by a group of alters by any means, for the most frequent examples such as having the same set of roles, or origins.

Theyre different from polyfaceted and monodive as these two types of systems can extremely vary from one system to another, there is no 'general' rules or requirements and only by reason of grouping.

All about 2 & 4..

Type 2 - Tersynd Subsystem

This type is about a set of specific alters that can traverse out-of-reach innerworld regions with ease that most people couldn't access, or have a hard time reaching to the destination, even staying for a prolonged time, and especially if it needs that specific alter to bring others there. (Also knew from personal experience)

This can also be applied to communicational barriers as some can talk easier compared to others, as it might sound more distant or blurry or can't 'click' nor mediate.

(Selfmade name from Iter in latin; and Syndedemenos in greek, means "travel and connected")

How tersynd works:

It is based on the level of connectedness to a particular area of interest/origin, which is made to be a home or area for similar kinds of alters exclusively. Be it origin or roles

Other folks may not be able to enter or stay in an exclusive area due to a different purpose or off-synchronized with the intention of the area, as there is no personal significance to connect with

Barriers do not only exist in worlds, but also communication too. There might be ease of conversing with a similar group of alter than to the less connected ones as it might have different jobs/roles, thus lesser importance to interact (This can be practiced to build better communication, as the brain loves compartmentalizing and keeping alters separated for survival)

Type 4 - Neofamile Subsystem

This type is for those out there, who developed a connection, or a familiarity who all belonged from different origins,, for example, elves and vampires may not be directed by the same species but they have similarities that connects them together such as longevity and supernatural/fictional beings.

This one is rather self explanatory too.

(selfmade name from Extraneo in latin; and familia in latin, means "from outside but family")

Last words..

I hope that covers every part of what people rarely talk about in this topic, and has been informative from start to finish!

Also, what do you guys think of the names? Should we keep them or stick to "types" instead??

And thankyou for reading to the end, i tried my best to make it as compact as possible.. let me know your own subsystem experiences, or your thoughts on this topic,, i wish you all a good day <3

I can elaborate in a separate post on how to integrate subsystems for healing, just let me know

- j

[cin-cant-donate-blood]

You're all using the word "leitmotif" wrong, by the way. A motif is a very short part of a song. It is not an entire song. If a whole song is associated with a character, that's a theme song.

Maybe I can explain by comparing musical compositions to books:

Most books have chapters, but only some very long books have parts. The equivalent of a part in literature is called a movement in music, and you mostly only get them in classical music. Each movement tends to be many minutes long, for instance the four movements of Beethoven's 9th are each about 15 minutes.

The much more common top-level division is the chapter, and its equivalent in music is a section. The most common types of section in pop music are the verse and chorus, but things like intro, outro, bridge and pre-chorus can also be sections. Sections tend to be at least 16 bars long (like, 20–40 seconds) but can be longer. A lot of them repeat subdivisions in a certain pattern, like AABA or AABB (the latter is sometimes analyzed as two sections, such as chorus and post-chorus).

The largest subdivision of a book chapter is a section (sometimes called a scene) which tends to be separated with a multi-line break. The equivalent in music is called a period or melody. The most common length for a period is one line, or 4 bars. If the song has lyrics, one period is usually one or two lines in the lyrics, too.

Finally, sections in books are subdivided into paragraphs, which are groupings of sentences that deal with one and the same thought. You can keep dividing, of course, into sentences, phrases, words, morphemes, and finally graphemes (individual characters) but since most songs are shorter than books we won't need those for our comparison. The equivalent of a paragraph is a motif, also called a figure. This is a short, recognizable musical idea, maybe as little as two or three notes, rarely more than seven (unless there's, like, a fast but simple pattern like an arpeggio or glissando). It is almost never more than 2 bars long (3–6 seconds), and often shorter. Keep that in mind: motifs are shorter than a single line, and there tends to be 2–6 of them per line, though the more there are the more likely it is that some are repetitions or variants. You could say motifs tend to be 2–7 notes, but sometimes they go over and you could pissibly argue that they can be just one note, too, if it is a note that is given a lot of emphasis.

To simplify a bit, a full song that is given special prominence and meaning is called a theme song. Characters in movies might have theme songs, but concepts, emotions or ideas can, too. Often theme songs have a name with "theme" in them, like the Star Wars Theme or the Super Mario Theme.

Periods or sections can also be called themes, especially in classical music. The Ode to Joy is a section from the 4th movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony, and it is a theme (often sung as 4 periods on the form AABA, but in the original piece it's actually 6 periods on the form AABABA). What makes it a theme is that the entire 4th movement repeats it over and over, with new instrumentation and small changes in style and rhythm, something called "theme and variation". Other themes might just be a single period, like the first 4 bars of the Star Wars Theme (yeah, a theme song might contain a theme, how annoying).

The equivalent to a theme for a motif is a leitmotif, which is a more reasonable spelling of the German word leitmotiv, which is pronounced in exactly the same way, because German. It means "lead motif" and, while similar, is used in a very different and more expansive way than a theme or theme song. Theme songs are very easy to use as "canned music". The exact same song recording can be played every time a certain character shows up, or a certain mood is expected. This is very common in movie music.

Leitmotifs are far more versatile (but demand more of the composer). Leitmotifs are supposed to show up again and again in the soundtrack, in different places and with different keys and instrumentations – something that themes can do too, as previously mentioned, but leitmotifs are even more versatile. Leitmotifs can be entangled with other leitmotifs, or played in reverse, and mixed and remixed and matched and rematched in a thousand different ways. They don't really work with the "canned music" concept; there needs to be something new going on all the time.

I understand why people often say "leitmotif" when they mean theme. If you hear that a leitmotif is a "repeated musical idea" and all you've ever seen or noticed is the far more common canned music approach, then that might be what you think a leitmotif is.

I hope I've shown that it means something else, and something more specific. Keep as a rule of thumb that it's like, 2–7 notes that come together as a single, musical phrase that is shorter than a line.

[guardian-of-time-if]

There's so many Luk variations compared to other it seems like. How would a platonic marriage with Luk workout? I was aiming toward a marriage where they're not in romantic love but are still each other's support and confidants. Maybe sex, maybe not, but they're both here for the empire and they're clearly a united front who are comfortable with closeness without that expectation of anything more.

SUPER Sorry if this is like incredibly niche, but with all the Luk variants I was just curious what else is possible that I haven't come across yet!

Overall, I appreciate all the work you put into the writing and world building! I'm planning on joining the patron soon to try and see how Oren's been doing 🙏

Hi Anon!

Answering below the cut because it's kind of long.

There's so many Luk variations compared to other it seems like.

Yeah. It wasn't my intention, but with the arranged marriage and him being such a major character, it just kind of worked out that way.

How would a platonic marriage with Luk workout?

I think it really depends a lot of MC. Like if you have a high friendship with him, and aren't romancing anyone else then it really is like a two friends doing the best they can with the situation they were given. If you have a sexless marriage, then I think he comes to see MC more like a sister than anything else, especially with how long they have known each other.

He's also pretty protective of an MC he's just friends with, which is really interesting if you're in a platonic marriage with him, and romancing someone else. (Or even just having a high friendship with him and romancing someone else in general.) If you are romancing someone else, then it'll be a bit more awkward as he tries his best to help cover for MC while also keeping up the facade of their marriage. (If there's something more specific you want to know feel free to send me a follow up ask.)

If you have a low friendhsip with him, and end up in a platonic marriage, it'll feel a lot different. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll let this be an option, and probably won't make up my mind until I'm at that point.

I was aiming toward a marriage where they're not in romantic love but are still each other's support and confidants. Maybe sex, maybe not, but they're both here for the empire and they're clearly a united front who are comfortable with closeness without that expectation of anything more.

That's definetely possible, and I'm glad people are interested in exploring this route! It'll be a little easier to have this closeness, if you don't romance anyone and pursue a platonic marriage, but you should be able to get to that point whether you romance someone else or not.

SUPER Sorry if this is like incredibly niche, but with all the Luk variants I was just curious what else is possible that I haven't come across yet!

Don't worry. I'm including the option because I find it interesting, and I don't mind talking about a platonic marriage with him.

Overall, I appreciate all the work you put into the writing and world building! I'm planning on joining the patron soon to try and see how Oren's been doing 🙏

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you like the story. And thanks for even considering joining the Patreon.

[savalentinee]

My theory as to who each minigame monster represents and how in some cases the minigame portrays a simplified version of certain events.

While it's not a new idea by any means, I've never seen people go in depth, only making comments like X looks like Y. I also believe there are a lot of metaphors and nods to the overall story of both UT and DR, something which I very rarely saw mentioned. This is my first ever theory post and tumblr post. Be kind, try to tear my theory to shreds, tho I'd love to see different perspectives, especially since the lack of content surrounding it. Note that:

a) I base this heavily on the idea that monsters that look alike are related to each other in some way which is the case in both UT and DR (cats being only Catti's family, ghosts being Nabstablook's etcetera)

b) The monsters slightly change colors with each stage in the very least that seems to be the case with the "goat" ones. Despite the color change, they are the same.

c) i believe the events in the minigame are a metaphor to the real world both UT and DR (More of that in each description.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The "basic" monsters

The basic monsters' design bares a very strong resemblance to the Dremurrs' family (mostly Toriel's) goat head: horns with big floppy ears and fangs (the ears look like arms in the minigame's monster case). It's also important to note that there are 4 variations to this monster and 4 Dremurr family members.

Yellow monster - Asgore

This monster's attack is a red spear similar to the one Asgore wields in UT, just simplified. It's most notable appearance takes place in this room:

The monster appears alone with exactly seven flowers alongside it, a reference to UT asgore's souls and/or his DR flowers in his shop. Its also notable that within this particular room the yellow monster is out of reach, only being accessible after killing all of the flowers after which it becomes much faster and aggressive compared to all of it's previous appearances.

Gray/purple monster - Toriel

After the "White cloak" joins us, this particular monster variant is used to complete puzzles (freezing them and moving them on pressure plates). In UT, Toriel is heavily associated with puzzles since she's the one to teach us about them, and her home being full of them.

Option 1 of black monster - Chara or Frisk

Option 2 of black monster - Dess

Option 1: While neither of them are a goat (who would've guessed?) they are Dremurrs and this particular monster's colors are way different than the rest of it's kind which could be a nod to their "oddness" in it. The black monster shows in only one room where it copies the player's movements (instead of Kris'). The inverted colors of this sprite results in the same appearance as the next on the list. Perhaps a way to show how strikingly different Chara was from them yet alike? Two sides of the same coin, etcetera. My theory that it's Chara has one huge problem, the black monster is swiftly killed after we take control of it and is swiftly killed without our input by Kris. Making it possible for Kris to be instead a stand in for Chara in this situation and the monster being Frisk. A parallel to the ending of the genocide route where, no matter what, Chara takes control and kills us. The soul swapping it's vessel is something UT confirmed, further proving that this monster is a human.

White monster - Asriel

Option 2: While Dess isn't related to Dremurrs, she has a very close relationship with them. In addition, Asgore seemingly knows more about Dess' disappearance than most people realise (his dialogue during the cutscene in Carol's room while in Holidays' mansion). There's a command that reveals a new sprite for this monster that looks like a black deer. The mentioned command is called "Toriel," further linking Dess to the Dremurrs. While I'm not sure how to interpret this room as a whole (the monster following our movements, our control over it, and Kris killing it without prompt) it could be a deeper insight between our, Kris' and Dess' relationship.

Multiple appearances of it in one haunting room. Seemingly defenceless except it clearly can defend itself, we saw that's the case with the other monsters, and it still damages us if we touch it. Considering the quantity of them, they could easily overpower the player. So that leaves us with the fact that this monster is CHOOSING to act this way, similar to how Asriel behaved when attacked by people after arriving to the surface.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fish

Blue fish - Undyne

They look very much alike. Blue body with unusually sharp teeth and red/orange part, in the fish's case the red being it's fins, in Undyne's her hair. All monsters pose a threat and yet these two are way more aggressive towards the player, the fish charging at us and Undyne clearly showing her hatred towards people in UT.

Grey fish - Undyne the undying

There's no official art with this version of Undyne. The colours of her are unknown, and the colours, however, could be just to show a clear difference between the two. I speculate that since Undyne almost turns to dust (which we know is white), it could be a nod to it instead rather than her real colour scheme. The grey fish shows up in only one room surrounded by 4 yellow dinosaurs. This variant is much stronger than the other, requiring us to deal more damage to it, which is one of the biggest differences between her two UT versions. After defeating the grey fish, the surrounding monsters seem to panic (opening their mouths, facing quickly from one direction to another) before dying without our input.  Assuming the dinosaurs are a stand-in for Alphys, this seems to parallel the genocide route perfectly. She saw everything, and Undyne was the only protection between Hotland's residents (her included) and the player. And while Alphys didn't die, it could be hyperbolic to how she felt in that moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yellow lizard/dinosaur - Alphys

A yellow dinosaur monster with spiky head, this one is an obvious connection appearance-wise. It has two interesting rooms it appears in. The first one is with the words "follow the white cloak". (The second one mentioned in gray fish section.) And while it's clear who and what the text refers to, it could also be interpreted as a scientist's robe, which Alphys wears in UT. While this could be considered a reach, notice how this is the only monster in ANY room with text in the whole secret minigame. It could also be a hint towards something deeper within the story since the appearance of the monster is almost the same as Alphys', so nobody would need a clarification on this monster's identity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blue bird - Burghley

Both blue birds. The bird's role here seems similar to the one Berdly plays in the Cyber world. He's the first one to really understand what's going on during the weird route and while we can see that for certain with his dialogue we can only interpret the minigame's one actions. Both birds play a similar role. Both being the last chance to abandon the snowgrave route, and both trying to prevent the player from using Noelle. In both cases, they only fail after being frozen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The masks

Despite their similar shape, they behave completely differently from one another. The masks seem to have cat-like ears and fangs.

Option 1 of White masks - Nabstablook or/and Mad Dummy

Option 2 of White masks - Catti

Option 1: On both of their first appearances both Nabstablook and white masks are asleep. However when awake the masks are angry which is nothing like my first suggestion but fits well with the latter.

Option 2: Both white with an angry expression. While Catti shows an interest in things like horror and the occult she never hurts anyone or is mentioned doing so. The white masks only become active after either having high enough level or killing the pink mask which could be showing us how only, if provoked, she shows her darker side. This implies that Cattis cares way more about her sister than she let's on.

Option 1 of pink mask - Metatton

Option 2 of pink mask - Catty

Option 1: Both could be considered a "star" in their own way, the mask is the only thing in the room, grabbing the player's attention with their sole presence and sound. The attention which Mettaton thrived in and is associated with. Completely different in behavior from the other mask in things Mattaton is himself different from his family: his (presumably) color and lack of the ability to fly.

Option 2: While she's not pink, purple could be considered close to it. The color could also be interpreted as a reference to her personality rather than looks (pink being associated with behaviours like: childishness, innocence, compassion.) Singing might be a show of a happy personality that Catty has or/and her love for music since it's mentioned that she plays ukulele.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two missing candidates

There are 3 colour variants of the dinosaurs, and while it's easy to assign the yellow one to Alphys, I have no clue who the cyan and the green one could represent.

[izunias-meme-hole]

Alright I've got some thoughts in my head about an antagonist who I feel is... kinda wasted. I mean they're still solid in a lot of departments, especially as a concept, but ultimately I feel as if the way that this villain has been utilized for the past few decades is simply a waste.

Oh Kang...

Long story short, Kang The Conquerer is the descendant of Reed Richards, a gifted genius, and a man who has screwed with history on multiple occasions. He has been many things, but ultimately Kang is someone who is obsessed with having absolute control. Kang's entire existence is centered around having complete and utter control to the point where it just straight up evolves into a desire to omniversal domination. It's a basic way to write a solid villain, but what makes Kang more interesting than your standard tyrant on paper is that you're not just going to deal with ONE of him... you're going to deal with multiple of him.

Thanks to fcking up history so much, Kang basically has multiple variants of himself throughout history. Unfortunately a lot of these variants are treated like throwaways compared to the "main" Kang, but ones like Immortus, Ramma Tutt, or even Iron Lad & Victor Timely go out of their way to present both their similarities and differences. In short, these variants have the potential to show off different elements of the character because they ultimately are the same person from different points in time. If only writers managed to play this concept right.

The biggest problem with Kang in my honest opinion is that the character as a concept is an endgame, widespread, overarching uber villain who really just has his "main" variant spammed whenever he's used. This type of villain doesn't work when he's personally put on the field, they work better from their thrones authorizing atrocities or through offscreen activity. Doctor Doom has Doombots to stand in for him and act on his behalf while he's active from afar, so you can literally have a different variant of Kang on the field getting ready to start his own full-scale conquest while the "main" Kang is simply busy with his own plans for all of existence. Or better yet, you could simply just save the physical presence of Kang until a final act where he is defeated in a way that is guaranteed to destroy him only to have a deadlier variant of him take his place, granting a sense of inevitability to him. Either way the goal is to preserve Kang's menace in a way that feels organic and fits within the medium he's apart of.

IN FACT, I KNOW A VILLAIN WHO DOES THE WHOLE "VARIANTS" SHIT A LOT BETTER!

The Legend of Zelda is a series that almost always has a great majority of its games set decades after the last one, and two of its main characters are always reincarnations of each other. Ganon on the other hand is the same self destructive and power-hungry warlord, even when he re-incarnates. Though even then it doesn't stop each variant of him from having differences in how they operate and how they think, allowing players to see the same guy through different lenses without really compromising a thing. I'm not saying that Kang should be a pure Ganon knockoff, but I am saying that whoever ends up writing him in the future should take notes from Ganon.

Ultimately I like Kang The Conqueror as a concept, I think that his character is a pretty great idea for an overarching uber villain, especially in a sci-fi setting. However I do feel like that how he's utilized is far from a gold standard.

[wordy-little-witch]

Can we know about Atlas or Buggy Seraphim idea you have. Are they smaller than S-Hawk and S-Crocodile? What are the reactions of Buggy, Crocodile, Mihawk, and everyone else?

So I actually don't have like. A STRICT idea for S-Buggy, all in all. But what I DO have is this:

• he is, indeed, smaller than the rest. My personal thought process is that while they ARE made between cybernetics, lunarian and sourced DNA, they also have to.... idek I guess like INCUBATE. So if they got the DNA for Buggy during Impel Down, growth would be a lil closer to the rest. Still notably OFF but not quite so... teeny.

If it was only after he was named a Warlord, then I can see Atlas being visibly MUCH younger than the others.

Let's say for these purposes the current seraphim are around 10~. Atlas would be, on the older end, about 7-8~. On the lower end, he could be from 2-5~.

• he's semi or nonverbal! He either prefers to or can only speak in sign. Buggy has stints where he goes semi-verbal, and he was a late talker himself, but for Atlas it's. A constant thing. Words are hard.

• his wings are disproportionally tiny compared to the others and the tips of his feathers are white-grey.

• he wears a cat ear beanie!! Loves cats!!! Loves all animals actually. Give that boy an animal encyclopedia and he's RIVETED for HOURS

• his Haki is.... very strange. His range for Observation is outright NUTS and nobody expected to have a nonverbal cyborg baby going into a sensory overload every time he tried using his Haki. ((His abilities there are currently disabled btw))

• loves music

• kind of clingy all things considered. Atlas is real hesitant about trust but once you've gotten into his I Trust You Group, he's following you like a duckling.

As for reactions -

Buggy

• this is... it's complicated, okay? He's doing his best but seeing the kid initially gives him.... so much anxiety. On the one hand, the carefully cultivated persona he's crafted is now going to inevitably implode. It's already well past salvaging as is, but smth about having the final nail in the coffin makes his chest knot up.

• is very patient and doesn't treat Atlas any differently from any of the other seraphim. That's a kid, they're ALL kids, and Buggy's a clown - making kids happy is literally in the Code.

• he will forget sometimes that not everyone knows sign language so he and Atlas will be absolutely going HAM about something and get really confused and/or offended when someone interjects or asks what they're doing.

• he absolutely calls Atlas smth like "my little mime" or "mime of mine", and it makes people melt. Carries him ((and the others as needed)) around, usually on his hip, can and will pepper faces in kisses and swing them around to get squeals and laughter.

• mama buggy supremacy need I say more /hj

Mihawk

• was certainly not expecting this. Like. At all. Hawkeye Mihawk was blindsided.

• ngl was very hesitant on having ANOTHER vulnerable party on the island, especially one so.... small. His own seraphim and Crocodile's seemed so intimidatingly tiny and then this little guy just.... proves everything wrong there. Holy fuck.

• when he realizes Altas's Haki is so sensitive, he asks Buggy what he does to cope. When he finds out Buggy always just.... locked it down, he's flabbergasted. Makes it his MISSION to research oversensitive oberservation haki. His spouse and tiniest child deserve better.

• is very good with Atlas's sensory needs and winds up also encouraging the other seraphim to be more open as well. None of these bitches are neurotypical.

• if asked, he will deny getting a little choked up when Atlas, Birdie and Angel each called him some variant of father. He did though. He absolutely did.

Crocodile

• he's too big and cool and wealthy for feelings (/j). But if he did have them, he'd be extra soft with Atlas. Angel and he click due to many reasons. He and Birdie are decently close. He and Atlas are... a little different. For one, the tiny little clown lunarian is so.... well..... tiny. And quiet. He likes small, cute, quiet things.

• he spoils all of the kids absolutely, but if anyone asks, he'll gut you. Stop. He has a reputation damn it.

• considered getting an AAC book, not only for Atlas but definitely considered heavily with the kid's presence and needs.

• was a little concerned with all the little red flags from all the kids, but ESPECIALLY from Atlas - especially because he can see the red flags now in Buggy too, now hidden under layers upon layers of masking. Reptile man is doing some math here.

• sometime the world gets a little too Much for Atlas, and Crocodile will never admit to the Emotions that come up when the kid creeps up to him, tugs on his pants leg, and signs 'hide, coat?' He let's the kid take as much time as he needs and does NOT stop to think on the ramifications of being considered a Safe Place for him ((He thinks it a lot))

BONUS REACTIONS

Angel

• the Oldest of the seraphim because he came out first so OBVIOUSLY he's the biggest and oldest. Takes his role as Big Brother VERY seriously

• weird mix of VERY protective and Cain Instinct. He'd never ever ever hurt Atlas but sometimes his baby brother is just........ so very.......... smackable.............

• learned sign in the lab a little later than the others, uses it far less, but knows most of the swears.

• complains about how ANNOYING having brothers is but if anyone else complains about his brothers, he'll throw hands.

Birdie

• still thinks he should be the oldest since he was STARTED first and only came out after Angel due to technical issues, but whatever

• still deciding on his name but is very tempted to follow Atlas's example and pick something Cool and Mythical. Is debating Avalon but isn't sure he wants to commit to the accidental A-theme they'd have going on.

• he learned sign the first after it turned out Atlas couldn't or wouldn't talk. Played it off as a useful skill to have anyway. Secretly a big softie.

• he's the type to wordlessly take Atlas's hand in a crowded area to make sure he "doesn't get lost or kidnapped", tries to play it cool but always flutters his wings that little bit more when a smaller hand holds his own just a lil tighter.

• preens the others far more, but absolutely keeps any spare feathers bc he knows Atlas likes them.

• milder Cain Instinct but he can and will bite with and without warning. Not even always aggressive either. Sometimes he just loves someone so much he just noms

• usually keeps Atlas company when he's overwhelmed and needs to decompress - he's either a cuddle buddy or a silent sentry if protection. Anyone who tries to interrupt gets stabbed

[lucianalight]

The Missed Opportunities in Loki Series

While I was writing my review of S2, one of the topics I had problem with, was the redemption of TVA and its agents. I couldn't understand why "not having their memories" and "didn't know they were variants" could possibly be a good explanation for the atrocities they committed. I mean why does it matter? They were still killing people. Didn't they know that?...wait…let me google sth real quick…by which I mean reading interesting articles about the psychology of dehumanization and brainwashing that led me to some interesting results and a new perspective into how the series, especially in S1 missed its chance to explore some of the most important issues of Loki and his backstory.

The short answer to my question "Didn't they know they were killing people?" is "No, they didn't". And not in a racist or bigoted way the humans thinking other humans who aren’t like them, are subhuman. In a literal sense they didn’t consider anyone on the sacred timeline as people.

Empathy for another’s happiness and suffering depends fundamentally on recognizing that the other has a mind minds—that is, the same capacities for thought, emotion, desire, intention, and self-awareness as ourselves. Without appreciating others’ minds, empathy makes no sense[1]

To TVA agents those on sacred timeline weren’t people like them. They didn’t have thoughts and minds and emotions like them. And anyone making a different choice from what was considered for them was a “variant”. For a lack of better word, the TVA had dehumanized anyone but those who were working for TVA which is a necessary perception if you want to facilitate inhuman acts of torture and slaughter.

Dehumanized perception is a cognitive bias characterized by spontaneous failure to think about mental contents – thoughts and feelings in a social target’s mind. [2]

According to TVA propaganda, TVA and its people were created by the Time Keepers. They were different. They weren't like the ones on the sacred time line. The chaotic and disobedient "variants" should have been "pruned". None of them mattered except the right order of time.

The only ones TVA agents considered as people were each other. They were friends and coworkers and cared about each other's lives. And they had no memory of their previous life. But when they found out they are variants themselves, they realized “Those we were killing were like us. They had minds and emotions like us. We’ve been killing people all this time”. This should have been the explanation for their change and redemption. Their memories were taken from them and they were brainwashed by a propaganda that dehumanized anyone else and let them commit those atrocities easily. It shouldn’t have been “they’re variants themselves” but “the variants were people like them”.

So, while TVA can be compared to a totalitarian regime, there's probably no exact irl example for TVA agents because their situation for the most part is fictional. But perhaps the angels and demons in Good Omens have a close mindset to them. They care about each other but not the humans. The humans are just a tool for them to start the final battle according to the great plan.

This would have been easier to pinpoint if TVA was framed as evil from S1. Also if you want your characters to be likable or redeemable give them personality and show that they're doubtful and uncomfortable with what they're doing from the start not when they find out the truth or in the last episode of the last season! And don't frame torture and dehumanization as sth hilarious, therapeutic and deserved for one character and completely opposite for another character if you want to reach the conclusion that those actions were atrocities.

What bothers me more is that they missed a perfect parallel and opportunity to address Loki's identity issues. I don't even think the parallels were intended, considering how much the show is indifferent to them.

First the parallel with Loki finding out about his heritage. He was stolen from his homeland, grew up learning to hate and fear his own race. Like Loki people in the TVA didn't know about their past. Like Loki they would have an identity crisis. This was explored a little in S2 but they failed to make the connection with Loki's past. I mean you could let Mobius call Loki an ice runt as an insult, but didn’t bring up the topic when he had an identity crisis and talking about it with Loki? Although maybe that's too much expectation from the people who treated Loki being adopted and not knowing about it as sth unimportant, and didn't mention the racism and favorism he grew up with even once.

The parallel isn't accurate though since Loki weren't going around killing frost giants. He even didn't really consider them less than Asgardians. Not until he thought that's how his family actually sees them. That was his breaking point.

"You could have told me what I was from the beginning. Why didn't you?" "To protect you from the truth" "Why? Because I'm the monster parents tell their children about at night?"

This is the reason Loki went on his genocide attempt. To prove to Odin he wasn’t one of the monsters. That he was an Asgardian. That he belonged with them.

The second parallel with Loki's story that they failed to address is Loki being brainwashed by Thanos. You want to say your characters are redeemable because they were brainwashed? Show it! Make a connection with the main character's backstory. How they have missed this chance is beyond me…On second thought, they probably didn't even connect the dots, because they presented torture and brainwashing as a positive thing.

Brainwashing is the process of manipulating a person’s beliefs, thoughts, or actions through psychological manipulation. If a person is brainwashed, they may no longer be able to think for themselves and may act on orders without considering the consequences. Brainwashing is often used by totalitarian regimes to control their citizens, and can also be used in cults and other groups to manipulate members.[3]

Some people are more susceptible to brainwashing like people who are going through a difficult period in their life or a change that may or may not be of their own making[4]. It is also useful to consider identity when it comes to brainwashing.  

Someone experiencing an identity crisis is in desperate need of a new identity. Because brainwashing promises them a new identity, it makes them more susceptible.[3]

Through the events of Thor 1 Loki’s going through an identity crisis. All he ever knew his life were lies. Even his skin was a lie. At the end not being accepted by his father no matter what he does, he commits suicide. That’s when he meets Thanos. And Thanos and his allies through torture and using mind stone, brainwashed Loki. People who go through brainwashing give up their previous identity and adopt a new one.

The person’s thinking and behaviors are altered by the indoctrinated beliefs that support their new identity. The individual changes into a whole new person, in some cases.[3]

This change in personality and ideas is easily noticeable in Loki in Avengers vs the other movies. The way he talks in Avengers is eerily similar to the way Ebony Maw talks in EG.

This could be a parallel with how TVA agents memories’ were removed and replaced by propaganda. But no mention of what happened to Loki during his time with Thanos. Nothing.

What’s interesting though is that when you read about how brainwashing is done, there isn’t only one example of it on screen. There are two. The steps for brainwashing are:

1.Isolating the victim

2.Degrade the target

3. Promise a better identity

4.Offer rewards

What Mobius was doing in S1 wasn’t therapy unlike what the writers claimed. It was brainwashing.

Another interesting point is that the way Loki treated Mobius was the right way to undo brainwashing. Those steps are separate the person from their group, be on their side and question their beliefs like what Loki did during 1x02 and tell them they’ve been brainwashed like what happened in 1x04.

I find it really funny though that every time they try to show what a villain Loki was and that he needed the guidance from these heroic™ people, he turns out to be the most moral person in the group if you look at the story objectively. Loki befriended and tried to help the people who arrested, tortured and tried to brainwash him, even before he knew they were variants.

In the end, I don’t give the credit for these parallels to the series. Because I don’t think they were intentional. Otherwise, they would have delved into Loki’s past and compared it to what happens in the show and wouldn’t have disregard it completely. What a huge waste of opportunity.

Sources:

From Dehumanization and Objectification, to Rehumanization

Dehumanized Perception

How To Undo Brainwashing

How to Recognize and Avoid Brainwashing

[kylieswift31]

The pair-ent trap part 2

“Awesome twosome we will be”

I recently made a post about how Taylor Swift's sixteen albums all create two halves of a pair, just like the iconic photo scene from the 1998 version of the parent trap. In the process I found that I wanted to branch off into several different directions at once, so to help stay on track this will be a series of posts inspired by the parent trap.

One + one = two

To begin with, it’s helpful to understand that the 1998 version of the parent trap is actually based on the original 1961 movie featuring Susan and Sharon. They both have the same storyline, but each one varies slightly based on the decade they were created in. The folklore and evermore albums were designed to highlight the pattern of pairs, but it quickly becomes apparent that the complexity of the connections extends beyond just individual pairings. To help explain how this intersectionality unfolds it’s helpful to compare the album pairs to both the midnights album variants as well as the UNO flip deck of cards featured at Quest Love’s game nights. This 1+1=2 combination is reminiscent of cassette tapes, where each side plays two halves of an album.

Two + two = four

Sharon and Susan discover that they are sisters when they both get sent to the same summer camp, switch places so they can meet their other parent and plan to meet up again so that their parents can reunite. This create four main characters, each with individual relationships with one another. The 2+2=4 combination is just like how the back covers of the midnights vinyl variants form a clock and the original version of the UNO deck that is made up of four classic colours.

Four + four = eight

And now when you combine the older and newer version of the parent trap you get eight main characters who are all a part of the same overarching story. This 4+4=8 combination mimics the midnights vinyl variants and the UNO flip deck having two contrasting sides that share the same story.

Eight + eight = sixteen

Seeing how all of these elements intersect helps to see the bigger picture. There’s the fantasy and reality of folklore and folkmore. The highs and lows of speak now and the tortured poets department. The familiarity and newness of red and 1989. And the beginnings and endings of debut/reputation and lover/midnights. From each individual album to Taylor’s discography as a whole, the combination of the light and dark sides are a reflection of her story.

The wild cards

Seeing Taylor's discography laid out like this makes it feel like the era of eras is almost complete, especially with the final leg of the eras tour coming up. But what’s going to be the catalyst for everyone to scour the lyrics looking for answers like the TTPD summation suggested? The wild cards. It's possible Taylor could release a debutation style country album with around one hundred new songs. If other forms of media are designed to be in pairs too, there's a few that we're still missing. There could be a sequel to the Miss Americana documentary titled the Heartbreak Prince. Or perhaps a sequel to the folklore long pond studio sessions for the evermore album. Maybe we'll learn about the real identity of William Bowery. And then there's the possibility of an addition to the eras tour to showcase the tortured poets department set. Personally, I'm torn between anticipating an incredibly overwhelming amount of new content or nothing at all.

The tortured poets department summation marked the point in a round of UNO where Taylor had played the second last card in her hand and called out "UNO!" to announce that the game is almost over. Whatever comes next is going to be Taylor's version of saying "game over" to end this chapter of her life to be able to move forwards. And there's only one colour left before the rainbow is complete. 🧡

To be continued...

A tortured poet,

Kylie x