#it works both ways...it's a way for us to gain insight on them by having them related to the behavior of POV characters

[fromtheseventhhell]

Renly had seemed anxious to know if the girl reminded him of anyone, and when Ned had no answer but a shrug, he had seemed disappointed. The maid was Loras Tyrell's sister Margaery, he'd confessed, but there were those who said she looked like Lyanna. "No," Ned had told him, bemused. (Eddard VI, AGOT)

This is literally people in fandom trying to make shallow connections between Lyanna and [X character] and presenting them as equally important as parallels drawn directly in the text. In fact, this coming after Ned tells Arya she reminds him of Lyanna (in looks and behavior) feels like George cementing the importance of their likeness. Other characters might have passing similarities to Lyanna, but Arya's parallels are much more meaningful than that and are being highlighted for a reason.

[ssahotchnerr]

Hello!!! I’ve got a request. Say wife!reader works in the fbi or in some kind of specialty field she gets called in to consult the team for the first time. Would they be professional or sweet with Hotch? Would also be so cute to see how the team reacts to their dynamic!!

expert opinion

definitely an equal part of both 💓 cw; consultant fem!reader, typical cm case violence, established relationship, fluff <333

As you approached the door to his office, you could already hear the familiar sound of your husband’s voice from the other side.

You smiled to yourself; hearing his confident conversational voice, putting out fires from the sound of it. After a second, you rapped your knuckles against the door – already slightly ajar – and leaned in hesitantly, wary of disturbing him in case the conversation he was having was of any particular importance.

Aaron's eyes lifted at the intrusion, his eyes softening from his professional rigidity - revealing a flicker of warmth - at his wife. Your face equally formed into one of gentle greeting. Into the phone, he said, "I'll have to give you a call back."

Hanging up and approaching you, his lips quirked into a smile. "Hi sweetheart."

"Hi honey," His head tilted downward, his lips meeting yours in a quick, sweet kiss. "Hope I wasn't interrupting anything important."

"No, no. You're right on time, I knew I married you for a reason." His teasing left him lightly, before his dark brows drew over his eyes. It wasn't as profound if you were anyone else; there was a gentleness to them, more quizzical than anything else. "I appreciate you taking the time to come in." His playfulness returned for just a moment more, "I'll have to show you how much later. Did you get a chance to review the file I sent over?"

"Is that a promise?' You raised your eyebrows, gaining a cheeky smirk from Aaron - who was never one to go back on his word. "And profusely, yes."

"Perfect." Something to look forward to after whatever unpleasantness awaited on this case. "C'mon, the team's waiting."

His hand found the small of your back, shutting his door and guiding you down the walkway. He was to your right, creating a sense of protectiveness from the bullpen, and kept the natural affection under wraps.

His touch only disappeared as you entered the roundtable room, the sound of your heels against the vinyl flooring drawing focus. Aaron squared his shoulders, strictly switching into Unit Chief mode.

"Oh, we got the Mrs. today?" Morgan commented as the two of you entered in perfect sync. "Hotchners taking the BAU over?"

You grinned, "Nice to see you too, Derek."

"My lovely!" Penelope abandoned her spot at the front near the screen to throw her arms around you in an embrace. She squeezed you, tilting you side to side. "How I've missed you!"

"Keeping Aaron on his toes, I hope." Dave chimed in, looking far too amused for his own good.

"Of course," you laughed.

"We can make nice later." Aaron commented, causing Penelope to release you and circling back to the subject at hand. If he hadn't, the team would’ve been more than happy to spend an hour catching up with you. "She's here to assist us with further analyzing the COD of the victims."

With the unsub's sadistic way of dissecting an individual, your expertise as a forensic pathologist made you more than qualified to retrace the story written within the body; each wound a deliberate signature etched in the flesh. You knew how to separate chaos from precision, rage from ritual. Where others saw horror, you saw patterns; the twisted messages left behind.

So when Aaron called and asked for your help, you hadn't hesitated to free up a portion of your day.

"Our hero." JJ shuddered, crossing her arms in disgust. "It sure is something."

"I'm more than happy to help." You assured, your tone warm and sincere, leaving no doubt that your willingness was genuine. "Aaron sent over the ME's findings earlier, and I have a few insights that I hope will be helpful."

His first name rolled off your tongue, it not even occurring to you to refer to him as Hotch, and why would you? He's always been Aaron. The others, however, found it quite novel, trading bemused looks with each other around the table. 

Aaron pulled a chair out for you, only taking his own once you were seated. There was a gleam of pride in his eyes as he prompted, "What have you got for us?"

"So, it appears..."

As you listed off your findings, Aaron couldn’t help but listen in complete awe of you. He’d known you were intelligent, of course, and he was aware – in an abstract sense – that you were good at your job, but this was the first time he’d seen you in your element.

Referencing parts of the autopsy report, distinguishing patterns in the crime scene images - the unrestrained rage and the violence. You even pointed out a signature hidden within, something so minuscule it could've been easily missed. And all through your spiel you didn't bat an eye or hesitate - you were completely confident in what you knew. A true professional.

While Aaron was paying thorough attention to your points, he couldn’t help but set aside some room to fawn over you, admiration filling his chest.

His wife was a badass, to say the least.

"Wow." Emily blinked once you finished, turning towards him. "Can we keep her?"

"I wouldn't argue against that." He exchanged a glance with you, his lips lifting lightly at the ends. Thank you.

Your hand immediately found his under the table, squeezing gently. You’d do the same for me.

[the-returnofartemis]

his fs seems so amazing and talented. since we aren't sure if she's already in the public eye or not, i wonder if she's older or younger than him? maybe they're the same age but at stages in life. are there any indications you've come across?

thank you for your hard work. ~

SPECULATING FUTURE SPOUSE TRENDS: WHAT’S THE AGE GAP?

truthfully, it can go either way, but i’m leaning more toward the theory that she’ll most likely be older than him. this is supported by both his vedic and western chart, with looking at the D1, D9, natal and marriage persona charts. using bts' jungkook as an example, i’ll share a few approaches i came across for estimating the age difference between you and your future spouse.

your 7H sign and it's ruler can offer insights into the potential age range of your future partner. the technique is used by looking at the 7H, it's ruler and any aspects to them for a more detailed perspective. further clarification can often be found by analyzing the D9 chart, which is also considered the marriage chart (9H is the house of dharma, spiritual connections and blessings). in western astrology, the marriage persona charts can also be used to reveal insights on one’s life partner and the overall nature of the union. by using both astrological systems, you can gain an overview of the differences in age and clues about your future life partner!

please remember that this is a general approach and it may not always be accurate.

the following placements indicate:

JUPITER | SATURN | SUN ⇢ partner is likely older than you

for jupiter, the age difference may range from five to seven years. 

for saturn, there may be a substantial age difference, typically ranging from seven to ten years or more. 

for sun, the age difference may range between three and five years.

MERCURY | MOON ⇢ partner is likely younger than you

for both planets, the age difference is usually small, often around one to three years, but sometimes can be up to five years. 

MARS | VENUS ⇢ partner is likely around the same age 

for both planets, the difference between partners is typically minimal, between a few months to three years, but usually no more than five years. 

RAHU | KETU ⇢ partner is likely older than you

for both planets, the difference between partners is more than seven to ten years.

VEDIC ASTROLOGY

D1 CHART:

in his rashi chart, jungkook does not have any natal 7H placements, so the focus shifts to the 7H ruler, which is mercury. his mercury conjuncts both his sun and moon, while also forming a sextile to mars.

MARS ASPECT INFLUENCE

⊹ ࣪ ˖ the sextile from mars lays the foundation to the chart and suggests that his spouse is likely around the same age.

YOUTHFUL VS MATURE INDICATORS

⊹ ࣪ ˖ mercury as the 7H ruler, especially in conjunction with the moon, suggests a youthful spouse and the possibility of them being younger than you. though, the age difference between partners will be minimal, only being around one to three years.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ however, the sun’s conjunction with the 7H ruler points to a more mature and possibly older spouse. with the sun aspect as the primary factor, it can indicate that the age difference between partners will increase, with your spouse being three to five older than you.

ADDITIONAL INDICATORS

⊹ ࣪ ˖ jungkook’s venus-saturn aspects in his D1 and D9 chart further supports the idea of a spouse who is older and mature.

the 7H being ruled by mercury suggest a small difference in age between jungkook and his spouse. likewise, the influence of the moon supports the possibility of the spouse being younger. however, the strong presence of sun and saturn introduces the potential for an older partner. taking these combined indicators into account, the rashi chart reveals that jungkook’s partner will likely be close in age with a difference no more than five years!

D9 CHART:

the navamsha chart gives further clarification regarding the age gap. again, there aren’t any direct 7H placements, so the 7H ruler becomes the focus. in this chart —

SATURN AS THE 7H RULER

⊹ ࣪ ˖ saturn as the 7H ruler strongly points toward an older spouse.

ROMANCE AND DHARMA HOUSES

⊹ ࣪ ˖ both his 5H (romance) and 9H (dharma) rulers are in saturn nakshatras — uttara bhadradpada and pushya — further emphasizing a significant age gap, with his partner being older than him.

WESTERN ASTROLOGY

if we were to take a look using western astrology, the results would align with those of the D1 chart. to take it a step further, analyzing the marriage persona charts — briede, groom, and juno — can provide more insights into the potential age difference.

JUNO

⊹ ࣪ ˖ in his juno persona chart, the 7H is ruled by pisces jupiter, and jupiter is also placed in the 7H.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ as the 7H ruler and being placed in the 7H, jupiter strongly indicates an older spouse who is mature, wise and has an expansive energy and a deeply spiritual inner world.

BRIEDE

⊹ ࣪ ˖ in his briede persona chart, the same placements would apply as the juno chart. this further reinforces the idea of an older, mature partner because of the strong jupiter influence.

GROOM

⊹ ࣪ ˖ in his groom persona chart, the 7H is ruled by 5H aquarius mars (traditionally ruled by saturn).

⊹ ࣪ ˖ saturn’s influence is once again in the spotlight as its placed in the 7H, mirroring his navamsha chart (D9).

⊹ ࣪ ˖ saturn’s placement in the 7H again points to an older, mature partner, consistent with the themes seen in his vedic charts.

the combined analysis of his western and vedic charts consistently show that his future spouse is most likely older, with saturn consistently showing up as a key influence. however, there are some youthful indicators (mercury and moon) that suggest that while the age difference is notable, it may not be an overwhelming difference. given the fact that there are no actual 7H placements in his natal (western and vedic) and navamsha chart, there’s no definitive answer, but the overwhelming indicators point to an older spouse!

honestly, my guess is that the difference will likely be between one to three years, based on the theories about the similarities she shares with namjoon and jimin.

i hope this made sense lol. i’ll probably share more on this approach if people are interested!

artemis x

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Can u not tag malleus or other characters when u hate on them pls it makes me sad

Hello, and thank you for reaching out about this! I do apologize for your discomfort 💦

I believe that this ask comes as a result of this post, as that’s the most recent post I can think of which might match the description of “hating on Malleus”. You’ll note that there is now a Malleus Draconica critical tag, which you can block if you choose to. This way, you won’t come across it while browsing my blog.

I’ve also gone ahead and retroactively tagged other related posts (although they’re mostly posts from the past year or two). There are similar tags for other characters, such as #Vil Schoenheit critical and the like. These tags are put on posts in which I discuss why I don’t like a particular character. I hope you can use these tags and the blocking feature to best curate your own experience on this blog.

The reason why I elected to make a new tag rather than exclude my posts altogether from the main tags is because I don’t think that it’s conducive to shut away “negativity” about a character when Twst is a game that actively promotes characters of a dubious nature. It encourages us to embrace both the good and the bad aspects of its large cast of colorful characters��so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with pointing out their flaws or why someone might not like X or Y for them. This can make some people uncomfortable, certainly. However, I don’t think that’s a reason to prevent sharing of this critique with others who might gain new insight from it. I say this as someone who has gained insight myself by reading about characters I dislike, and someone who has been told that their works have entirely changed people’s minds about certain characters. It goes both ways.

Even if someone dislikes a character I happen to like, I find it helpful to read conflicting opinions to gain a fuller perspective. I want to give others that opportunity as well. I realize that not everyone may share this sentiment though, which is why there’s always the option to block what you don’t wish to see. (Prioritize your own comfort!!) I think people should be able to choose not to look at content that upsets them, but I don’t think it makes sense for this content to be hidden from others who may be interested in seeing “the other side”, if that makes sense!

I also believe that fandom—especially as of late—seems to conflate critique with hate, to the point where the slightest criticism of a character or content is labelled as “hate”. This can lead to a dangerous area where anything that isn’t immediate and glowing praise is deemed “bad”. That’s not an area I want this fandom to hit, as it would inevitably limit our ideas (although this also applies to all other fandoms).

In reality, “hate” and “critique” are NOT synonyms of each other. Hate is hostile and exists purely to shame or to tear down the content in question. It doesn’t consider the other side or care to ask questions. Critique is judgment or opinion of that content, and it is usually meant to help improve the content. It has us ask “why?” and “how?” To put it simply, hate is “you’ll never be better” and critique is “you can do better”.

In this instance, perhaps the previous anon’s statements (“[…] now I'm a hater. Like wtf. He’s so incompetent.”) are hate. (Even so, they’re entitled to feel the way that they do, even if the way the opinion was expressed was over-the-top.) I do think I was emotional in my response, but I don’t think I expressed myself in a hateful manner overall. I opened with what is arguably a defense of his behavior and then went on to point out a legitimate character flaw Malleus has and how not everyone reading those vignettes would perceive that flaw in a gracious manner. It’s not blind hatred; it’s valid critique and it comes from a place of wanting to see him improve as a person. I try to not character bash because no one (myself included) feels good seeing others hating on their favorites. Malleus has flaws, and so do all the other characters. Those flaws should be acknowledged, and it’s up to the individual to determine whether those flaws result in liking or disliking that particular character.

I’m not saying that everyone should agree with my stance on the Malleus Dorm Uniform vignettes or how I feel about Malleus in general. What I am saying is that not all negative statements made about a character should automatically be categorized as “hate”. I worry that if we stretch the definition of the word too loose, it could become a situation where any and all critique is silenced 💦 What happens when no critique is allowed? Everyone begins to think the same way or has to be fearful of expressing an opinion, and fandom becomes so much less fun for everyone involved… And, worse still, the canon content itself can feel confident resting on its laurels and not actually put forth the effort to “be better” (since there’s no negative feedback coming from the fandom).

Again, I encourage you to curate your online experience!! Do whatever makes you the most comfortable. If you don’t like seeing something, there is zero shame in blocking it or taking whatever steps necessary to disengage. Lastly, please take care to not to overgeneralize what counts as “hate”!

Thank you for your time 🙇‍♀️ I know I probably rambled for way longer than necessary cnsbjwvuwgejbe

[lilu787788]

ABOUT MANIPULATION AND THE CHARACTER OF ALEKSANDER MOROZOVA

(based on a beautiful and insightful comment from my dearest friend Ewa, left under one of my own comments on her ff). @evejustlovebooks - Thank you love!!!

There is something deeply frustrating about this fandom and the way Aleksander is perceived. Or rather misperceived. Calling him “manipulative” and turning this label into a defining trait is lazy, harmful, and ultimately untrue.

This post is inspired by a comment from my friend Ewa, who wrote to me after I left her a comment under her fanfic. Her words lingered in my mind because they revealed a painful truth about how misunderstood Aleksander is, even by those who say they love him.

Let’s talk about manipulation.

If Aleksander truly were the manipulative mastermind so many tag him as, then Alina would have been his pawn from the very beginning. A slave to his plans, loyal without hesitation, blind to everything he ever did. But that’s not what happened. And do you know why?

Because he is not manipulative. He is secretive. He is pragmatic. He is strategic. And he is traumatized.

But apart from all that, there is an even more important issue that many do not want to talk about.

A military reason why he could not say everything. Even to Alina. He is a General of an army in a country torn by war, and war demands discretion and strict control over information. This is a basic rule of command and survival.

Commanders do not walk around sharing sensitive plans with young, untrained civilians/soldiers. Not even if they're important to them.

Think of real-world examples: — During WWII, the Allies faked the location of the D-Day landing (Operation Bodyguard). Secrets were kept from the press, from civilians, even from parts of the army itself. Had they not done so, thousands more would have died. — During the Cold War, intelligence was fragmented for a reason. One leaked detail could endanger entire operations.

That’s how military command works. Aleksander, as a general who has survived countless betrayals, wars, and threats to his people, had no luxury of full disclosure.

Expecting him to reveal everything, instantly, to a girl he just met — even if he felt a connection to her — is naïve. And expecting him to do that without risking centuries of work, lives of Grisha, and his entire vision? It’s nonsense.

So, when antis or even so-called fans tag him as “manipulative” in their stories or headcanons, I can’t help but be furious. Because they reduce him to something he is not. Some claim he's an “evil mastermind,” others that he’s a weak “simp” who uses lies to hold power. Pick a lane — you can’t have both. Unless, of course, your goal is to simplify him so you don’t have to deal with the actual complexity of who he is.

But here’s the truth: Aleksander is a character built on fear, love, loss, and duty. He carries trauma so deeply etched into his soul that it bleeds into every choice he makes. And yet he still tries. Still hopes. Still builds.

He is not a saint. But he’s never been a villain.

And if you refuse to see him outside of that “manipulative” trope — then maybe you don’t understand him at all?

And maybe you never wanted to?

I'll take the liberty of posting again a link to her wonderful ff which is gaining a really loyal following of many fans :)

[the-muppet-joker]

could you elaborate on your choices for the 4 horsemen for the ponies? i’m deeply curious about your wisdom and insight

Very well.

Famine = Luna

Both are black horses

When Nightmare Moon takes over, there is no sun. Crops cannot grow under these conditions. Her reign is a reign of famine and no harvest.

Additionally, in the episode Cutie Re-Mark, it is shown that under Nightmare Moon's domain, Timberwolves roam free. While they are not directly tied to famine, they have symbolism regarding Harvest as they are known to howl at the first zap apple and attack those who try to harvest them if they are nearby, hindering people's ability to gather fruit.

War = Cadance

Naturally, a pony red with the blood of those slain in war is generally not marketable to little girls, who are unfamiliar with bloodlust and afraid of violence. They settled for a close second: pink.

She is the princess of love. Are you familiar with the phrase "all is fair in love and war?" Wars are acts of passion and bloodshed. Passion? Blood? Both symbolically related to the Heart. And what is her cutie mark as well as the sacred object that gives power to her kingdom? The Crystal Heart.

The Crystal Kingdom, Cadance's kingdom, is frequently under threat of was throughout the series. Queen Crysalis and the Changelings. Sombra. Again, in the episode Cutie Re-Mark, we see a timeline im which Sombra had won. And what is the state of Equestria? A mirror fucking image of how other countries in real life are affected by war. We literally have soldiers Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash and we see Apple Jack working tirelessly to ship out apple mush to feed soldiers for the war effort. This parallel is so clear and frankly I could go on.

Conquest = Celestia

Yes I know the image says strife. I wanted the pictures to be in a consistant style and they used the word strife but it says conquest in the Bible. Anyways, they are both white horses.

I mean. Do I need to spell it out? Celestia is an imperialist. She spreads her and her nation's influence and ideology as far as she is able. Cadance is installed as the leader of the Crystal Empire under her direction. They have conflict with the changelings, so they promote a leader more sympathetic to their nation. The school of friendship? Teaching other species the way to act and behave? Are non-ponies unfamiliar with friendship? Propoganda. And she is the Princess of the Sun. THE SUN. NEVER. SETS. ON. EQUESTRIA'S. EMPIRE. Sound familiar?

Do not make an enemy of Celestia or you will be punished and then brainwashed into submission. Luna? The moon. Discord? Stone. Sombra? Tirek? The list goes on. Again, I feel this is a clear parallel that needs little explanation.

Death = Twilight Sparkle

Indeed this is the most subtle connection. After all, she is not even close to the right color. She is purple! No relation to death whatsoever........ right? WRONG. In the Catholic faith, the calandar is divided into different seasons with associated colors. Purple is the color of death and mourning; priests will exclusively wear purple robes for mass during Lent to symbolize Christ's suffering and death on the cross.

Twilight has a very important role as she and her friends are the bearers of the elements of harmony, with Twilight in the lead. The power of this clearly escalates throughout the series, as the mane six progress from turning Discord to stone to completely destroying Sombra after he is initially resurrected. We watch them become a force that could take away anyone's life force, Twilight especially. And let's not forget the form the elements later take. The tree of harmony. Reminiscent of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, from which humanity committed its first sin and thus were kicked out of Eden, gaining the ability to die.

Twilight will outlive all of her friends. As an allicorn, she is immortal. We see in the last episode that she is in her prime while all of her friends are elderly. How can one be a Princess of Friendship if she sees all her friends to the ends of their lives like a benevolent Reaper? After so many years of standing at the deathbeds of loved ones, she will feel detatched from others. A Princess of Death.

And yes Flurryheart is the fifth Princess but she is a clear allagory for the Antichrist so I did not include her

[lafaiette]

I've seen some people ask for comparisons between Pen's Chinese and English lines, so I made a small compilation to show the biggest changes that most baffled me.

There is a kind Chinese player, Yu, who offered the fandom much of the info and insight contained in this post, and she was the first to shed light on these differences! Without her enthusiasm, I doubt people would have started investigating Pen's original lines ;_;

Under the read more because this is long!

Brief premise: the Chinese dialogues in the game are often less "harsh" than the English ones. For example, Qi can sound rude and condescending in English, while he's pretty polite, if not a bit aloof, in Chinese. Justice's lines in English rely on the typical "hey pardner" cowboy accent, while in Chinese he's very professional, almost overly so.

That said, the English writer who worked on Pen made it no mystery that he based his characterization of Pen on Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. There is even a line directly referencing the movie: "[...] when I was a boy I ate four dozen eggs every morning to help me get large. Now that I'm grown I have five dozen eggs [...]"

As such, English Pen sounds much different from Chinese Pen. He's more patronizing and rude, and the writer added stuff that it's simply not present in the Chinese text. So while in English Pen can sound like a knucklehead obsessed only with muscles and training, surrounded by adoring women and fans when in Duvos, in Chinese he shows a different, almost more innocent side, as if he were a very tall and big child who has never had a day of legitimate and healthy fun in his life (and that's carried across in some of the English lines - that's why his English version is a bit contradicting sometimes).

Here are some examples:

One of his lines as a Good Friend is:

Here it's implied that Pen gives the Builder a hard time not only to push them to improve themselves... but also because he likes doing it, referencing his friendship mission where he admits he doesn't like teaching people anything, he just wants to fight them.

Meanwhile, the Chinese version says:

I keep calling you a weakling just to urge you and encourage you to exercise hard and break through your limits. If you won't have me to protect you in the future, you will have to become an eagle for me!

Here "eagle" is a reference to the way Pen calls the Builder in Chinese: 小弱鸡 "little weakling/little chicken" - and the latter is a rude way to call someone in Chinese, especially if they are a man and the "chicken" character (鸡) is repeated twice (but 鸡 by itself is also slang for "female prostitute"... so if you want to read it that way, Pen can call the Builder "my little slut" when in a relationship. HEH.)

In any case the tone in this line of dialogue is much different from the one in English, and Pen sounds genuinely enthusiastic.

Another example:

At the start of the game, Pen asks the Builder to craft a Sword and Shield for Burgess, who apparently misplaced his own. It turns out Burgess hid them under his bed, so when the Builder tries to give the weapons they crafted to Pen, he will tell them to keep them.

As usual, the English version is mocking and patronizing ("Hah! That'd be rich!"). In the Chinese version, Pen first compliments the desert:

In this case, take it back and use it for yourself! Use it to explore the desert and fight those monsters - what a thrill! The desert is very dangerous, but it is also full of charm.

Then there is the line about Logan and his band:

Hey! Maybe you can still find traces of Logan's gang! If you subdue them, you will gain both fame and fortune! [Okay, see you next time] [not shown here]

Now, some romance stuff : >

This is the description for the Robo-Love Couch. In English it says:

Meanwhile the Chinese description:

Referred to as the "Love Sand Machine", Peng Hu specially built a loving sofa for you, pieced together from the remains of robot monsters in the ruins.

He specially built a loving sofa for the Builder. It seems like a silly detail, but wording is important!

And yes, Pen's full name is Peng Hu, 彭虎. Peng is his family name, Hu his birth name. Hu 虎 means "tiger", and now you can understand why Grace suspected him to be Tiger the spy. But that would have been too easy!

Peng 彭 is a common Chinese surname. Its original meaning is believed to be "sound of war drums" (sad implication), but it's also used as an adjective to mean "big". So Pen's full name can mean "big tiger" :D

Back to the couch! Lines are different during the date in Paradise Lost, too.

Come on, little weakling, come and sit next to me. Let's give this trophy a "kiss of victory"! Do you do this with everyone you date? Wait, it seems I'm regretting it a bit... Happiness comes too suddenly...... (Kiss Peng Hu)

In the English version, the Builder can ask "How many of these thrones have you built...?", implying that Pen has had so many lovers he can craft this couch in a matter of few seconds. But in Chinese, the Builder's question is much different, it's more like: "Damn, are you always so over the top when dating someone??"

One of the biggest differences is in this set of lines:

Okay.

Meanwhile, in Chinese:

Today's experience made me realize that love has used a deadly locking technique on both of our hearts. Let me no longer doubt the feelings between us. This love is true love! Now, I am even more unwilling to take my eyes away from you! Haha!

I MEAN.

Also, in Chinese Pen never mentions the infamous 12 girlfriends when the Builder and Grace question him in jail. Yu confirmed that throughout the game Pen doesn't brag about his love life or his popularity with women, probably also due to the negative way Chinese culture sees this kind of "bragging".

Not only Pen and many other characters are younger in Chinese Sandrock (Pen's age ranges from 25 to 27, while he's confirmed to be 31 in the English localization), but he's depicted as being not very experienced in relationships in general. He basically only knows how to fight, punch people, and destroy stuff. Anything else - having friends, being with someone who truly loves him and whom he truly loves, having a normal life - are something he never experienced before. He did date (see his final letter later), but he's not described being the Casanova of Duvos like he is in the English version. In fact, it seems people only liked him due to his body and status, and a remnant of this piece of characterization is left in the English text when he says:

Surely, you understand… I am quite the prize. I can’t take myself off the market just to become arm candy for you to show off at your little buildy guild awards or whatever it is! No, what I desire… is true love…

Furthermore,

In Chinese, he says during the Masterclass friendship mission: "To be honest, I never thought I'd be able to make friends, let alone with someone of your stature/body size! But here we are, with a sick relationship!"

In English: "You know, Skinny, I’ve never had someone I really considered a friend before. Furthermore, I always promised myself I’d never be friends with anyone who didn’t have an awesome cape, but… you made me break that promise."

"I never thought I'd be able to make friends" is different from "I’ve never had someone I really considered a friend before." In the first line, the focus is on Pen ("I don't know how to make friends; I'm not good at it; it's not for me; how do you do it?"), in the second it's on other people ("I've been surrounded by people all my life, but I don't consider any of them to be a friend of mine; yeah, I call this one 'friend', but... they are not really really a friend")

The Chinese line is much sadder, and it shows how lonely Pen's life has been. One of his main characteristics, after all, is being "special", "the strongest", "different from everyone else"; but more often than not, being special and different also mean being "lonely". ("I must say it gets lonely at the top… What I wouldn't give for a truly talented opponent who could really keep me on my toes! Alas...")

And now, the grand finale :'>

A screenshot from Yu's playthrough, Pen's final line:

Farewell, Yu. This time it's for real. You're free.

The Protector, the bracelet Pen will leave for the Builder in the cave, is called "Guardian of Love" (爱的守卫者) in Chinese. Its description says:

A very delicate bracelet that protects the wearer's wrist. Wearing it gives the wearer a feeling of being emotionally confined. Perhaps this feeling is similar to what Peng Hu often said, "Marriage is a boring bondage".

His letter in Chinese is also sweeter and sadder:

最近在这所谓的阿塔拉最高监狱，我���多了点时间思考，没法带你一起来陪我，多少有些遗憾。罢了，这事也怪我。不管怎么说，你也算是我交往过的恋人里最让我上心的，也是为数不多分手之后我还继续挂念的。所以，我打算原谅你了。对——我原谅你了。我想我们也没有机会再在一起了，你也不过是做了你那个位置该做的事，没什么值得抱怨的。我应该一开始就努力把你“招安”了，让你跟我一起，才是最妥当的做法。当然我也没怨你，你确实很优秀。我还留了个最后的挑战给你。在某个遗迹里，有我最宝贵的几样东西，如果你能拿到，就归你了。运用我教给过你的一招半式，要去到那里应该很容易。我亲爱的小弱鸡，这是我最后一次这样叫你了，我相信你的能力。记住，不要怠慢了训练。我们，后会无期。

Dear [name], I've had a little more time to think lately in this so-called Atara Maximum Prison, and I'm more than a little sorry that I couldn't bring you along to accompany me. Well, it's my fault. Anyway, you are still the most beloved lover I have ever been with, and one of the few that I continue to miss even after a breakup. So, I'm going to forgive you. Yeah - I forgive you.I don't think there's a chance we'll ever be together again. You're just doing what you're supposed to do in your position, so there's nothing to complain about. I should have tried my best to recruit you from the beginning, and it would have been the best way to keep you with me. Of course I don't blame you, you're indeed excellent. I also left you a final challenge. In some ruins, there are a few of my most valuable things, and if you can get them, they're yours. It should be easy to get there, using the tricks I've taught you. My dear little weakling, this is the last time I'll call you that, I believe in your abilities. Remember, don't slack off on your training. We won't meet again. (but 后会无期 can also mean "meeting at an unspecified/unclear date")

And finally, if romanced, Pen will leave for the Builder 5 pieces of gold, 2 diamonds, and 1 Protector. 521 (and 520) are a cute way to say "I love you" in Chinese, because when read aloud they sound like "我爱你, Wo ai ni, "I love you". But in some cases, 521 also means "Yes, I will [marry you]" - and Pen does drop a diamond ring after his final battle (apparently he drops it only if you romanced him, but it's unclear yet. I'm pretty sure he didn't drop it during my Fang playthrough, while he did drop it when I romanced him, but I'll need to check that).

WELP, this is pretty much everything I got on this! If the kind Yu will tell us more or I find anything else, I'll update this post!

[legacygirlingreen]

A Larger Conversation,

Today marks two years to the day since I presented one of my master’s theses, and it still feels surreal. What began as a way to complete one of two overlapping master’s degrees (a path I highly do not recommend) ended up reigniting my engagement with fandom spaces in ways I never expected. Through that project, I came to deeply understand what participatory culture really is—and what it means for the communities that thrive within it.

I gained insight into the immense responsibility that weighs on creators, a burden I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I came to see just how ethically and emotionally damaging plagiarism and imitation can be in these spaces—plagiarism as outright theft, and imitation as anything from mildly annoying to intentionally harmful.

And all of this? I dove into before the widespread debates about AI began. I don’t have the bandwidth to unpack everything AI means for creatives right now, but I will say this: I worked in film long before the writers’ strikes of 2023, and the sense of collective defeat we felt on those picket lines—just waiting for assurance that human talent wouldn't be replaced by machines—was crushing. Trying to re-enter the industry at the height of that uncertainty was no easy feat.

There’s a common argument—especially on this platform—that passive engagement, such as liking a post, isn’t “enough” in participatory spaces. And I get it. As a writer, seeing comments and reblogs means a lot. But at the end of the day, I share my work because I genuinely enjoy it. Even if a piece goes largely unseen, that’s okay. We’re all engaging with the same texts and ideas, pulling out our own meanings, and generating our own interpretations. That’s the beauty of fandom: it’s a living, breathing form of participatory culture, and we all contribute in our own ways.

As for the arguments around plagiarism and imitation, I’ll admit: I used to turn a blind eye when it came to my own work. I held tightly to the idea that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and convinced myself it wasn’t worth addressing. But over time, as I’ve come to fully embrace what it means to be a creator—someone who pours their limited free time into something they genuinely care about—that mindset has shifted. It’s disheartening to see elements of my work—my aesthetics, phrasing, even the structure of my posts—lifted, reworded, or repackaged without even the courtesy of acknowledgment or engagement. When that happens, especially by people who remain silent observers, it doesn’t feel flattering. It feels frustrating.

So, I’ll put it plainly: my style, my art, my characters, and the way I run this blog are not open-source material for replication through artificial means or otherwise. I may not own the canon characters of any franchise, but I do own my ideas, my time, and the years of education, training, and effort that go into crafting what I share here.

Fandom spaces operate under their own sets of ethics—self-regulating, ever-evolving, and often slightly different from one another. Yet, in all the fandoms I’ve been part of over the past 12 years, there’s a shared, unspoken agreement: knowingly passing off someone else’s work as your own is wrong. And beyond direct plagiarism, imitation without engagement—without even so much as a conversation or acknowledgment—is ethically murky.

When we observe what resonates with a creator and then replicate it without reflection or interaction, we shortchange not just them, but ourselves. Every creator on this platform learns—often slowly and through trial and error—what works for them. Skipping that process by mimicking someone else's approach might seem like a shortcut, but it ultimately stunts your own creative growth. The real value comes from finding your voice, not copying someone else’s.

My characters are manifestations of parts of myself—reflections of both the best and the most difficult aspects of who I am. They are deeply personal to me, and the stories I tell through them are crafted with a level of intentionality and care that some might consider excessive. But for me, every decision I make in storytelling is rooted in a complex understanding of canon, woven together with my own interpretations and emotional insight.

Take Rex, for example. I have extensive documents dedicated to tracking his personal growth throughout The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch, and Rebels—detailing his slow disillusionment with his programming and the profound selflessness that defines him. These notes have shaped the way I write him: as a man who struggles to believe he deserves kindness, especially from himself, when there’s always more work to be done. For him, learning that self-love isn’t selfish—that he is worthy of rest, of affection, of peace—is a story worth telling. And that’s just one example of how deeply I engage with the characters I write.

My participation in fandom isn’t about tossing content into the void and hoping it resonates. I approach it as a scholar first and foremost. That’s the lens through which I create—deliberate, structured, and grounded in both research and personal connection.

Of course, others may take a different approach, and I think that’s a beautiful thing. But the way I build my work—the structure, the presentation, even the aesthetics—is something I take immense pride in. It reflects not only my creativity, but my dedication to this craft.

All of this isn’t meant to shame or directly call out anyone I've seen imitate aspects of my work. I won’t go so far as to label it plagiarism—others might, but I’m not someone who throws around accusations or puts people on blast. Instead, I want to use today as an opportunity to reflect and invite others to do the same—to really think about what it means to be part of a fandom.

I’m a media scholar. I hold two master’s degrees, one of which is in Media Studies, and I spent over two and a half years immersed in the field of fandom studies. I’ve dedicated myself to understanding these spaces, not just as a participant, but as someone who studies them academically and critically.

And honestly, fandom can be such a beautiful, powerful thing. It’s a space that fosters community, creativity, and connection. It’s where I met my best friend in the entire world. It’s brought me into contact with incredible people I speak to every day. It’s shown me the resilience of fellow scholars and creators who continue to fight for their work and their right to be seen, respected, and valued.

I love this space—truly. So, if sharing this reflection helps me turn the frustration I’ve felt lately over uncredited imitation into something constructive, then I’m at peace with that. I just want us all to think more deeply about how we show up here, how we support one another, and how we can grow—not just as fans, but as creators, thinkers, and members of a larger community.

If you’re interested in exploring fandom from a scholarly perspective, here are a few readings I’d recommend:

Honestly, any and all work by Henry Jenkins is such a great starting point, but "Textual Poachers: Television Fans & Participatory Culture" is where I would for the writers and "Convergence Culture" for others.

"Understanding Fandom" by Mark Duffett

"Theorizing Fandom: Fans, Subculture, and Identity" by Harris, Cheryl, and Alison Alexander

"Fan Cultures" by Matt Hills

And to those amazing people who support me, inspire me, and just continue to be genuinely kind, thoughtful humans—I’m endlessly grateful. Thank you for sticking with me through what started as a reflection and turned into a bit of a mushy rant. I stay because of you.

@strawberrypinky @leenathegreengirl @heyitszev @writing-intheundercroft @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @returnofthepineapple

[megabuild]

hey megabuild can you elaborate on the complicated feelings re: bdubs apologizing to tango thing because I too have feelings about it that are complicated and i either need you to confirm I'm insane, confirm I'm not insane or make my insanity feel more enabled

(cracks my knuckles loudly and uncomfortably) the number one c!bdubs defender has logged on for another take hated by all

i think the most key thing to take away from this interaction is not that bdubs is being manipulative and dishonest but that it very clearly lays out the main issues with tuff guys' ability to function, that is, they all have different goals and ideals of what an alliance should function as, but also they have far too much baggage and history that they are all either unable to or unwilling to move on from.

looking at this conversation and taking it at face value- that is, bdubs went in with the intent to manipulate and lie, and then immediately caved when called out- is extremely uncharitable at best when similar behaviours from other players (such as scar) is often handwaved away as them playing the game correctly or exhibiting trauma responses. why these players are afforded such leniency while bdubs never is.. well, that's simply a mystery because i can't think of anything that immediately and obviously might set bdubs aside from the majority of his peers (hint: there is.). this coupled with the fact that bdubs has spent the first two sessions making genuine, if extremely flawed attempts at communication and problem-solving (see: horse discourse, which DID actually work though only after etho defused and approached it on his own terms, and the formation of tuff guys, which is an extremely flawed plot but also tackles the main issues at the core of the alliance- etho's commitment issues, tango's fear of betrayal, and bdubs' reputation) and i find it extremely difficult to believe that this conversation is entirely made up to gain some sort of leverage, because by saying that one must imply that retroactively both of those prior conversations were also probably in part manipulation- at which point we're painting bdubs as a multi-session plotting mastermind and that's just not who he is.

reading over the transcript there's a few key points that i think are really important-

bdubs comments that he's truly apologising, because he apologises in last life (poorly, but still) right after the matter, saying "he's sorry, but he had to". not in any way justifying his treatment of tango in last life, because moments before he also calls him fodder, but this gives us some insight into what bdubs is thinking- that is, it is likely he DOES feel genuinely bad about tango, or at least is able to acknowledge that they need to resolve their prior conflicts if they have any hope of succeeding. otherwise, there is little point in bringing such conflict to the forefront of tango's mind; that's manipulating him in the wrong direction by reminding him of his past traumas and giving him more ammo against bdubs. strategically i cannot understand why he would do this (outside of from a creator standpoint having more drama to mess with, because cc!bdubs is known for this, but if i get into the very murky territory between cc and c here it'll stretch everything out a million miles longer).

bdubs also barely gets a chance to defend himself after his initial apology is not accepted- tango is the one who builds up a "self reflection hole", both immediately dismiss it as manipulation (they are the first ones to suggest this, not bdubs!), and they pick on small tells such as him not having his head down and smiling as proof that he isn't genuine. indeed, when bdubs goes into the hole he asks them to come up with a plan since he won't be leading them, and tango openly laughs at them, signalling to Me that there was never any chance of genuine communication; tango has already made his mind up from the get-go that this is bdubs fucking with him and is unwilling to take it any further. (the phrase "i'm not going to perform my rock bottom for you for the sake of being believed" comes to mind.) it's only after this sentiment is echoed (more unsurely) by etho that bdubs gives up. at no point does bdubs add anything of his own to the conversation past this, he only agrees with what tango and etho are saying about him. with his attempt at communication having failed he defers to "yes and"-ing all the negative things they are saying about him. when bdubs has just spent most of secret life imo proving that he doesn't need to be dependent on others after being dismissed as such for multiple seasons, i think that immediate rejection of his independence and ability to stand up for himself must sting, a lot.

I know they're his teammates but jesus christ he could not have picked worse people to do this with. every character can be assumed to be extremely traumatised as is the nature of the game but etho and tango both have severe issues with communication and trust, both of which stem in part from bdubs' actions in last life (which again, i will defend him to the grave but that was fucking insane of him.) tango on the whole, however, is a character to me defined by his bitterness, especially in WL where he's acting out and being openly cruel to others (which given his previous experiences is honestly understandable). his immediate dismissal of bdubs is exactly what i would have expected of him given everything right now. meanwhile, etho is more cautious and unsure, only committing once he has tango's backing, because despite his issues with bdubs he has more reason to believe him (see: horse discourse once again) and also he's just extremely insecure. go girl.

little to say on this point but the bravado he exhibits after being dismissed also to me reads in line with other bdubs moments where he's putting on a show- he isn't gloating about pulling the wool over their eyes or laughing about how quickly he was found out, he's just.. bigging himself up for the sake of it? i don't know exactly how to word this point but i hope you understand.

tl:dr; i don't think bdubs is intentionally trying to manipulate people here, though i also don't think his timing and choice of apology was especially well-thought out; he's making a lot of attempts at genuine communication this season, for better or for worse, but it's coming from a place of recognising the necessity for it if he wants to get anywhere rather than a sign of genuine emotional growth. and while i wish they could have heard him out i do not fault etho or tango even for a second for assuming it was a ploy.

[laz-kay]

Having analysed both Brad Bakshi and David Brittlesbee's characters so heavily over the course of the last few years, I can safely say that my theory of them being endgame has solidified.

Now, "endgame" doesn't necessarily mean they need to become romantically involved. I'm saying this as a diehard BradDavid shipper (maybe the BradDavid shipper), but there's a strong probability we have - in fact - been queerbaited with these two mfs. Shocking, I know.

We know there's a female character making an appearance in a later episode, and she's - supposedly - an ex lover of Brad's. I, for one, am thrilled we're getting an insight into Brad's personal life, and I think people are losing sight of that. There is every possibility Brad and David are two straight guys, and I still believe - with this theory - they belong together somehow.

There have been far too many circumstances where David and Brad have found comfort in each other, have shown vulnerability with each other, and have shared interests. The parallels between their characters - despite them being completely juxtaposed versions of the other - are stifling.

Being together doesn't automatically constitute a romantic relationship. Maybe these two trauma-filled individuals deserve to have someone who listens to them, who helps them become a better version of themself, and makes their life that little bit easier.

Brad and David are opposite ends of the same spectrum. The spectrum here being "fear of rejection and getting hurt". They go about hiding this phobia is completely different ways. David - being the open book he is - forces us to think nothing else is going on underneath his surface. He lays it out for all of us to see so we needn't ask about his mental health or his greatest fears, because we believe we already know everything there is to know.

Brad, on the other hand, is ambiguous as fuck. He's an aloof guy who's masquerading as a sociopathic capitalist in order to keep people distant. Keeping people distant - and somewhat frightened of you - means there'll be no questions. No questions means no opportunity for vulnerability, hence no reason to get hurt by any of his colleagues.

Analysing from the first season, it's apparent how much the two have changed; how much they're moving along the spectrum towards each other. Evolving, if you will. David has become more closed off, and Brad - miraculously - has opened himself up to helping people without any ulterior motive/self-gain.

It’s almost as if their job roles have shifted too. David becoming more corporate based and Brad leaning towards creative because of Dana. All David seems to talk about right now is monetary value and how COVID was great because it gave the video game franchise so much revenue. And Brad, despite having money at the back of his mind at all times, does have the creative team at heart. Every financial decision Brad has forced down the team’s throats has somehow benefitted creative more than corporate. Battle Royale? The Casino? Playpennies?

It's as if they're closing in on each other somehow; becoming more like the other because it makes them a better person? Their initial plans of hiding their fears haven't worked, so why not try the mirrored response?

Look, they both come from abusive households, have a crippling fear of losing people close to them, and hate showing vulnerability. There's a lot that is different too, but it's become increasingly obvious that these two dorks need each other in their lives. As friends and companions.

When David asked Brad to help him move, I'm convinced he thought he and Brad were already best friends. Hell, they'd worked together for the better part of a decade, still shared an office at that time, consistently called each other during lockdown to play a dumb video game for a bet, and Brad even helped David find a girlfriend. I'd believe we were buddies if I were David.

Brad is never seen without a long sweater/shirt on. During "Quarantine" when he's on a solo call with David, we see him for the first time in a short sleeved shirt exposing his arms. Almost like a subliminal way of letting Brad express vulnerability without meaning to. He's very slowly becoming softer and more "David-ish", and that's probably a good thing.

Idk, man. I just think these nerds need to get a shift on and move in together or something. Sit and have wine nights and talk about their shared trauma because societal norms suck and men should talk more and have more friends. They need to look after each other, because it's quite clear no one else is/will for a while.

[greenflamedwriter]

If found return to Owner

Or other working title : Fish in an aquarium.

A/n; inspired by anima+ a manga where people can shift not fully into animals but certain parts like neko’s. So yeah.

 Shen Yuan was the star of the show, and as such he takes it very seriously.

 As he walked into the Silver Scales Atrium, it was hosted by a…type of circus? The chinese equivelent, that is if a Circus had demons and shifted humans as well then sure.

 People, both the common and immortal came here to feast their eyes on the exotic and unique things they could never see commonly in their own mundane lives..

 “Here is your pay for the evening.”

Shen Yuan hummed once he was settled in his Masters office.  

 The pay was meager compared to what he could earn but it was something. Shen Yuan counted, while his Master, Wu Cheng gazed at him with irritation.

 Here we go again, the man never liked- or understood why he should be paying Shen Yuan and he always tried the same argument.

 “Although I still don’t see the point in why you should be payed. this money is mine as are you so why not put it in my vault for safe keeping?”

 Shen Yuan sighed after seeing all was in order placed the money on a pouch and hid it in his sleeves.

 “Don’t you like my garments?” He asked raising the sleeves and showing off the vibrant sky blue to the critical look of Wu Cheng. 

 “And my make-up and for the dance lessons aided this one with new more exciting routines?” Shen Yuan used his (newly purchased fan) to hide his face and looked up at the Master coquettishly. 

 “Has all of these purchases improved this ones performance, and even raised the value of this one. After all Master Wu has received many…offers and each offer raising higher and higher. Now imagine what they would pay if this performer happened to have treasure affiliated.”

“Paying Money with money? I don't follow.” 

“It wont be money they will be trading, sometimes people find items much more worth than gold. Such as those rather rare and expensive Solar crystals that you use for your show.”

Those crystals were very helpful for the ambiance light, face it this man was a wash up when Shen Yuan showed him the lights and how to utilise them his shows ended up becoming famous and gaining new clientels, from a washed up circus into a high brow entertainer Wu Cheng kept asking Shen Yuan for his insight.

Which he gave. 

 “This is an investment, to your most devoted and favoured specimen.” Shen Yuan would love to tie a cord around the mans throat and slowly feel him lose his breath beneith his hands.

“I still dont see why you need your own savings, what are you going to do with it?” He asked and Shen Yuan huffed, “Don’t you trust me? All purchases has been to enhance my performance. Water proof make-up and garments is difficult, and working a show under water and continue to keep it entertaining and not bore the crowd? How many fish do you have in your employ and do they do as well as me?”

 “Very well Shen Yuan.” He conceded the truth was other than Shen Yuan all the other humans who shared his ability of adjusting their forms into an animal were forgotten but thats mostly the Master’s fault, he thought sticking them in a bowl for people to gawk at would be impressive.

Which it was at first but became boring quick.

And they weren't pretty, average but not as good looking as Shen Yuan. 

 Shen Yuan had adapted, changing up his routine making them look and listen. When he was captured as a boy he made stories, like the little mermaid. 

 Yes, he plagirised,  but as a reader of Proud Immortal Demon Way and only a few vague memories of his childhood and breaking through a tutorial mode on improving his shifting abilities he was going to do what it takes to survive, dammit!

 He had slits on his neck, gills that opened so he could breath underwater, and his legs shifted to turn into a tail.

Luckily for him he didn’t have to be naked to change and then leave the aqarium. It was a bowl when he first met Master Wu and ended up making his circus a full time theatre troupe.

Shen Yuan was a man now, he grew into his looks and used make-up to accent his beauty and even tried to find ways to make himself look feminine if he pretended to be a women his value would go up.

 Shen Yuan would leave if he could, but around his ankle was a thick iron band that had an array carved into it. 

 It was only eavesdropping that made him find out what the secret to unlock it was, fire.

 Huh, smart for Master Wu but still dumb. Fire wasn’t a huge problem, and Shen Yuan of course may have played up his fear when he learned that as a child. 

 All he had to do was secure his future, if he had money then he could leave the troupe and never come back! 

 Master Wu saved enough to settle down in the Imperial city. 

Big trouble for Shen Yuan, if the Heavenly Emperor caught wind of this he’d probably request their shows for a wife plot or something.

No thank you, he would rather be a thousand miles away from binghe.

 In the timeline he guessed since the worlds were not merged they hadn’t reached the climax yet. Even so, Shen Yuan worried if the realms merged while he was in his fishbowl he may be boiled alive or spliced between two mountains- who knows?

 He played up his fear of fire, then played in the interest of helping Master Wu, he acted more like a rich noble (which yeah sure he was the son of rich parents and spoiled so what?) and was honest that he could barely survive out there with the monsters and demons and demonic cultivators! 

 And he could barely cook for himself or dress himself! (Damn these ancient robes!) so it softened the Master with Shen Yuan being so helpful, taking the performance seriously and even making up stories as well as finding unique items to elevate the sound, make fascinating lighting techniques to make the show better and earn their money.

 He was favoured and spoiled by the Master, but ot wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, he had to throw his weight around and feel as if he was in charge.

Shen yuan, even on his best behaviour would be helpless when he would watch the Master decide to be petty and take a few coins, light an incence in close proximity making Shen Yuan tense and saw the smirk on the mans face as he toyed with the flame. 

 Shen Yuan knew, if fire happened to touch his leg and he was free he would kill the man and take that chance. 

 The braclet would of course force him to change, a fish out of water wouldn’t be able to breathe until he was rescued and carried to water immedietly.

He learned that lesson the hard way.

 Even so, his Master couldn’t hurt him physically or leave a scar it would ruin his value.

 Shen Yuan wasn’t some fish from a pond, he was a rare high class fish, better than the other merman here!

And he couldn’t leave yet- not without one more thing.

A locket tied around the Masters neck.

 In his memories it was his most precious thing, and he knew he would need that with him when he leaves. 

Master Wu taunted him with each chance he had. 

 He always liked to remind Shen Yuan who he was and how people looked down on shifters like him. He was lucky, sometimes shifters were hunted for sport.

 But his situation was worse, a certain myth appeared that eating the flesh of a mermaid gave you immortality. 

 The only reason he wasn’t cannibalised was because of the protection of the theatre troupe. 

He knew he had to plan accordingly before he left, his buyer waa finalising his contract and he knew he would have to leave soon.

 Outside, as they were making preparations for the show tonight, Shen Yuan was making rounds, making sure everyone was doing their part and all costumes and props were accounted for. 

 He’ll admit he’ll miss this part, being a technician and a stage hand alas, as he was marking down what was needed and some last minute preparations there was a sudden commotion.

 He turned to see a man dragged before Master Wu.

A man with black wings, and his feet shifted to look like claws, the men held him down and the Master gave him an appraising look.

 Shen Yuan almost stopped breathing then forced himself to relax- it wasn’t Luo Binghe he may be handsome and have black wings but what are the odds a man would be captured by someone as stupid as Wu Cheng!? 

 However, having wings was a huge advantage, it helped his chances alot if he could have assistence from someone to fly away from here.

 He could see it was about to become violent so he rushed over, placing a hand on tge mans shoulder speaking urgently.

 “Calm down, its better not to fight.” The winged man turned his gkare to him but relaxed, Shen Yuan hated using his voice like that, a sirens song.

 “With that restraint on your leg it forces you to shift but you lose all ability to use it. If you fly up chances are you would fall or break a wing.” 

“Shen Yuan! I see your taken with our new attraction! A shame of the colour of his wings though if they were white we could’ve called him an angel.”

Shen Yuan shook his head, “There are so many possibilities with a shifter thats gifted with flight.” He spoke with meaning. 

 He looped his hand through the mans arms and looked up at the Master.

 “Is he going to be our new star?”

“Don’t be silly Shen Yuan, no one could replace you.”

Shen Yuans smile stiffened but nodded, “I want to train him personally,” he felt the arm stiffen under his arm and patted it.

 “Don’t worry you’re going to be wonderful,”

 As they walked towards Shen Yuans room, he saw all the looks being give their way.

His nee charge was flighty always looking at every single person as they walked by.

 He must notice the robes. Each colour and style helped differintiate the shifters and who were human and who were the entertainment.

And the quality of the robes as well, other fosh were in pale blue or off grey colours.

Meanwhile Shen Yuans robes were always better quality, strong blues and cyans along with golden threads with patterns of dragons or flowers.

 Probably appraising the new member of their troupe. 

 “Just this way,” Shen Yuan escorted the man and shut the door behind him. 

 “Okay, oh I didn’t catch your name.”

The man glared and Shen Yuan worrried he was going to be killed then shook it off. 

 “Does a slave need a name?”

“Slave? Goodness no! We’re all performers here!” 

 Shen Yuan saw how the man was looking for an escape, or even taking in his room.

 “So if I act like you, I would be goven a pretty cage too?” He hissed.

 And Shen Yuan grimaced, “I admit bird shifters have it worse. Whenever any one sees a bird they want to possess it and clip their wings and remove the one thing they need for survival.” 

 His mood took a damp turn.

 “So can you sing? Your a bird right you should be a good singer,” now the man looked offended again.

 “Try to sing me a song, please?”

The man glared and sang, very badly and off-key. And Shen Yuan grimaced either he was really bad at singing…or he was faking.

 Down playing his value? Makes sense.

As his new charge singing was very bad, Shen Yuan observed him and tried to figure out colour combinations for his wardrobe.

He wasnmt Binghe, but red would look very fetching on him.

 “Okay. That was good,” Shen Yuan lied, then asked “But can you dance?” Now the man crossed his arms.

 Shen Yuan stepped close and patted his arms, “Okay follow my steps,” he raised the mans arms and adjusted them and began to show him how to dance the first opening number on their act.

 While they were rehearsing, as on cue the Master opened the door, not even knocking.

 “Hmm oh you have him dancing, it seems you’ve done it again.” Master Wu looked at his new asset with glee.

 Shen Yuan was familair with that look and smiled, “I already have some ideas for an act, two lovers cursed with forms never to touch each other again but return to human once and can join on land, one of the sea one of the sky.”

Master Wu nodded “Hmm, and Shen Yuan would play the lead role hmm?” 

Shen Yuan shook his head, “Yu Ren has been practising she would be the star, instead while this one could play the villain who had cursed the two. Its good to branch out in new roles.”

The Master shook his head, “Ah it would be interesting but no, they come to see you. Seeing you as a villain would break everyones hearts.”

Oh for crying out loud! Give him a backing role so he can run away damn you!

This was toing to be harder than he thought.

 “Or star crossed lovers, a raven kidnapping the mermaid and the two fall in love but the mer folk want to see justice against the kidnapper.” Shen Yuan sighed and spoke with long suffering. “I’ll pretend to be a women this time.”

The Master nodded “Anything for my a-yuan.” 

 The Master looked at the young man his gaze growing cold, “You should appreciate Shen Yuans efforts. We have nobles desperate enough to pay for lessons and he gives them to you for free.”

“Yes this one is truly grateful.” 

“What do you call yourself?” The Master asked, and the young man grit his teeth. “Hei Niao.”

Blackbird huh?

 “You are to do everything Shen Yuan says, is that clear?” 

“Yes, sir.”

“And Shen Yuan, if our little birdie misbehaves that is a reflection on you.” Shen Yuan nodded “Yes, Master Wu. This Shen Yuan understands.”

 With a flap of his sleeves the man left, as soon as the door shut Shen Yuan knew the time was now.

 He slipped a hand under his sleeve and pulled out a slip of parchment paper and placed it on the door and activated the tailsmen.

 He may not be a proper cultivator but he knows with the memories that his family came from a sect and with his knowledge of PIDW pre-transmigration he was able to cultivate enough for this.

 He practised the tailsman by practising his singing during the night very loudly, no one said anything. He could tell Hei Niao was surprised.

 “Okay- we don’t have long.” Shen Yuan spoke turning to the man and spoke quickly.

 “Can you carry me and fly?”

“What?”

Shen Yuan placed both hands on his hips, “If I’m going to help you escape your helping me too, can you carry me and fly out of here yourself.”

This will make running away so much easier! Shen Yuan knew they would hunt him down and find him near the river banks. But with Hei Niao he could fly them away.

“What- hold on, you’re a cultivator?” Hei Niao asked still looking suspicious and Shen Yuan couldn’t blame him.

 “Self taught.” 

He approached Hei Niao who stepped back warily and Shen Yuan huffed, “I’m not going to hurt you, let me take a look at that cuff.”

Now he looked interested, “You know how to break them? But why havn’t you run away yet?”

Shen Yuan dropped down to his knees and tapped the mans legs, “Come on, lift up your robes!”

 The man suddenly went very quiet so Shen Yuan huffed and did so himself.

 Shifting somtimes shifts over clothes too, convientnent of airplane so people could shift and make a run for it and not worry about being naked and such. 

 “Hmm- okay this ones easy, wait here.” Shen Yuan stood up grabbing a boot and filling it with dirt.

“…what are you doing?” 

“Your cuff is in tune with your animal. A bird in flight who never touches the ground so,”

He came back over and made him wear the boot and purposely buried the cuff in soil.”

“You’ll have to wear this for a sinchen, in that time I’m going to tell you the structure of the house. Lay low, and when the time is right we’ll leave.”

“What about your cuff? And once mine breaks how will we explain to the Master here why its suddenly gone?”

The man was very suspicious, Shen Yuan rolled his eyes.

He gestured to his own cuff and removed it, then reattatched it. 

“Fire is harm ful to mermaids, but as humans not so much.” 

“So what do you want out of this?” 

“Help me escape,” 

based in pidw, show Shen Yuan arriving at the Ring leaders office, have the man gish at his performance and give him a box which is full of scripts only for Shen Yuans eyes and since Shen Yuan did so well he has obtained new pearls for him to wear for the show. 

Shen Yuan takes them but shows distaste that he prefers a wage instead, the other fish anima sneer that its unheard of for an animal to be payed something as human as money even the ringleader agrees so SY acts demure as he raises his robes and his make-up and the high quality jewealey that glisten even in the water for the audiance to see even so many yards back he does it all for the show its his investment and hasn’t he been nothing but a devoted servant? So the master nods and flaps his hand agreeing that yes SY has been an asset which is such a shame when they’ll depart with him until the contracts go through.

Sy tenses then relaxes, ah yes have their been a decision yet? No the master says their tradeoff is t goid enough unless they give them the tools that would enhance the show especially with sy’s absense. Shen Yuan inwardly scoffs almost like trading a fish for a surround sound system. All the tools they have, crystals, linen, costumes all fire proof, water proof the glow of the crystals being a good enough light source to avoid any hazardous accidents and giving the show an etheral feel. All sy’s idea. Not only that but fire is used to remove the manacles on their legs. Fire can harm fish and since sy gave the idea for the crystals that would make it more difficult for anyone to escape. Sy always played up his fear of fire as a child, the master even lit incense near him and looked amused when sy flinched or tried to move away the master even moved close as if he’d burn him then refrained. He has to act as if he’s in ckntrol afterall it was this fish that turned this backwater tent with holes into a well established theatre trope. They was even rumours circulating that their shows would be worthy to be seen by the Heavenly Emporer himself! 

 Luo Binghe hadn’t merged the realms yet, and sy planned on running away before the time came. He had nightmares some cliff would splinch him as he was inside his bowl for a show. Sy knew he was getting older and had recieved gifts from many rich collectors who wanted a fish in their own homes. Sy can turn intk a mermaid or back to a human very convenient it was a shame he almost felt sorry for them. The master always dressed him in womens clothes or water-proof garments and make-up and played up how feminine sy was and yeah compared to the rough men here he did look like a women until he spoke. Even so, he could see why men would pay so much money for a women and by recieving gifts they were used for the circus, the master was taking them for everything the had. 

Sy one condition to not leaving the troupe was having a contract worthy of him and that someone with his level of talent to replace him, he would even train the new prodigy himself. Afterall if he played it up as retirment but still being passionate about his baby of a show, then they wouldn’t think about tightening his restrictions after all he never escaped even made it harder for escape on purpose. It was so they will be so secure that he likes being a pet they would be too shocked to see him walking out the feont door. By the time they realise he’s gone he’ll be miles away and they will never get him back.

 He already knew how to get rid of his manacle he wasnmt scared of fire the opposite he was terrified of drowning. Even so he manged his fears as he had to do it over and over again. However the locket wrapped around the masters neck was the only heirloom of his family he couldn’t leave that behind no matter what, he had a feeling it would uncover some cave or key to finding a safe place so he told Hei Niao he couldn’t leave without it it was the only thing he had left that was just his, he wouldn’t expect him to understand but if the time came to leave and sy canmt make it then to go on without him.

The two plan to fly away during the show, making them believe its lart of the act, with both manacles gone and with how relaxed they were LBH flies them lut and finds an old nest and says he built loads just in case with how high up they are and how far they’ve flown they should be safe. 

 Sy tells lbh he can hunt fish and forage and knows whats food and whats poison (thanks to his pidw knowledge) and that when they find a city they can part ways. His companion stiffens so Sy explains he would feel safer with a companion and bodyguard to the place he is going however he doesnt feel comfortable having LBH trade one master for another sy would like him to stay but wouldn’t want him to force himself out of pity or obligation, relieved lbh says he has no where to go.

The next day when they cook food, as soon as sy takes a bite of the meal that was their joined efforst he stops eating and swallows staring at the food.

Was it bad? No…it was really good… 

Lbh watches as sy looks at him, hand stiff on the bowl. You’re Luo Binghe aren’t you. 

Lbh stares with surprise, sy when the other says nothing continues eating but more subdued, if it was laced with blood parasites one drop will be enough its too late however lbh doesnt know sy is aware of his abilities only meng mo is aware of such a thing. 

How did you know. 

Luo Binghe has dark wings, black as night, is a good cook good enough to make the gods weep and is handsome. You’re also a cultivator with no sword not even a rented one, and with how well you carry yourself its impossible for you to be caltured so easily unless you meant to be caught. Why?

Lbh laughed shaking his head, “anima have been kidnapped and this lord wanted to in estigate. I figured you were part of it. The honey to lure them in in comparison to the masters whip. But you planned to escape just like the rest of them.” Wait investigated…?

“My wife has a little brother who was missing and we found the traves led to that theatre troupe. I was going to invite them to the imperial city however to appear before high society they may have done more than hide their dealings,” such as killing off anima who didnt behave or made all their buisness associates go into hiding. 

 “And this Lord was bored and decided it’d be more fun to seeing for myself how bad it was. My wives are dissmantling that theatre troupe now and finding the other lords affiliated with such a group.” 

Ah, very well then oh…Shen Yuan looked down hiding his expression but wanted to fiddle with his earings, the ones binghe got for him because maybe it reminded him of the jade pendent he couldn’t get back from his mother. 

“Well I guess we will be parting ways.” 

“Why is that?” “You’re the emporer, to have you as my body guard is beneith you.” 

“I said I was bored, helping a fish back home is the least I can do. So where is your home?” Well this was awkward. 

“Cang Qiong mountain.” 

“Are you playing a joke?”

“No I lived there, as a child some kids tried to drown me, I was swept away by the tide and then found by the troupe. All I know is that there was a place and I had a mother and father, I can barely remember their names of faces.” Luo Bi ghe was quiet and Shen Yuan smiled at him with a shrug. “I know what I will find on cang qiong, and know that what happened was an act of justice.”

“Everyone you loved would be gone.” Shen Yuan nodded “I knew when I first heard, I made my peace with it. But there is a hidden cavern.” He touched his earings “Some thing may still be there, my toys, paintings, letters or maybe nothing. I will go there and pay my respects and say that I made it home even if home is gone for me. It’s…closure.”

“Do you hate me, afterall I am the reason you have lost your home.”

“I’m surprised you havn’t killed me for being affiliated, I don’t blame you. It was justice.” Luo Binghe looked troubled and so Sy tried again. “You don’t have to come with me-“

“I’d like to, if you will let me- if my presence unnerves you then I will leave.” Huh, it wasn’t like binghe to play long con when he couod just kill sy here and now. 

“If the emporer wants to accompany me then how can I say no?” Lbh looked like he was going to protest until he saw the smile and realised he was joking. 

After the initial scare of realsing it was lbh he was with he was then excited to be travelling the worldof pidw with the protagonist he wasn’t actively trying to kill him! 

Lbh sensed his enthusiasm but then realised something. “Ah shen yuan this lord didn’t really plan on bringing anything such as spare clothes, food or money.” He looked sheepish and of course it was probably a one time mission and didnt pack heavy. 

“Oh it’s fine! I’ve got that handled,” lbh watched shen yuan in his nest and it made him feel things. Sy looked perfect in there up high in a tree away from the rest of the world and how he had his pearls around him sorting through them. And saw Shen Yuan pull them alart one by one. 

Luo Bi ghe sat near him, “what are you doing?” 

“Well with the way we’re dressed no one will believe we came by this much honestly we’ll be accused of stealing then be robbed ourselves.” 

“Well you could get away with it,” sy couldn’t it was his stage robes which were damaged when they took flight they were proofed for fire and water and other things, but the harsh elements, dirt, branches and the wear and tear? His find stage robes were not completely destroyed but not very presentable. 

“We’ll say we’re travelling cultivatirs who found some pearls by the water. We’ll hide our anima abilities. You become a target for such things and we’ll end up back at the beggining again well- Binghe can handle himself but I’d rather we avoid it altogether. You can survive anything, a little fish however? Not so much.” 

Binghe saw how sy was able to bargain and pay for more better cultivating robes, binghe offered to pay him back but sy shook his head and he payed for their meal and rooms. 

Sy fell asleep again after putting up protection talismans and binghe found himself watching Shen Yuan sleep peacfully, with uttermost trust. Luo Binghe reached out a clawed hand…and pulled up the blankets higher covering Shen Yuans neck. Luo Binghe moved to sit by the window but angled towards the door both in line of sight he goanced out into the street. And when his lips turned down he realised he was smiling. 

…handsome huh? With just a few identifiers he was able to figure out it was the Heavenly Emporer. It was fascinating.

 Luo Binghe became sy’s body guard, and when others spoke to Sy who seemed to have a sophisticated air unlike Binghe who could never pull of the gentrification unless he really tried but naturally? He wasn’t trying. They assumed he was sy’s servant which usually would be rude and something Binghe wouod punish them for, if it wasn’t for sy being offended on his behalf. They kept his identity under wraps but sy called him an extension of himself to being rude to his companion is a slap to the face of Shen Yuan! Who of course was able to sell his pearls and came across as a wealthy young Master. 

Luo Binghe found it fun to be accompaning SY who was adament on being subservant to Binghe. Shen Yuan would forage when they were on the road, ended up stripping and diving into the water for fish and then show enthusiasm when Binghe cooked him meals, and SY was still under dressed figuring he may as well not bother putting his robes back on if he’s going to sleep. Luo Binghe was getting a few mixed signals. Providing binghe with food that he would prepare for, paying for other meals and a shelter over his head, his clothes and even being so under dressed in any other scenario be it demon human or anima- that was courting! Luo Binghe stayed his hand when othersise he woild oush others down, he just had a funny feeling that Shen Yuan wasn’t expecting anything from it. And Luo Binghe didn’t know what to say about that. 

One time sy is fishing he see’s their camp ransacked and binghe was kidnapped!

Hilarity as binghe had always left sy to take care of people planning on kidnapping sy or finding out he was an anima, binghe always played the dutiful servant, unaware his missing acts made sy think he was saving some lady or wife number whatever and he was just dealing with his urges. When sy saves binghe and binghe seems shocked at the hilairity that hes saved sy so many times and yet here was sy telling BINGHE to be careful!

He wanted to kiss him. 

Of course as they drew close to Camg Qiong, Shen Yuan claimed he felt no resentment towards Binghe and that his home was nothing but a burned husk that so many had fled and the ones who stayed had died, innocent lives caught up in the calamity caused by Binghe and Shen Qingqiu’s problems. The more they got close the more the burden of what Binghe had done was weighing him down. It was different when people died but knowing someone was a victim of this slaughter and that Shen Yuan forgave him? 

Shen Yuan knew Bi ghe’s story, he read it. He only claimed he knew so much because of rumours and that he’s made peace that his home is gone but he always knew that either he died in that theatre troupe or sold off and would never return to his family without Binghe. So as he arrived he understood what happened he couldn’t forgive binghe it wasnt his place but he tried to tell binghe he was fine. 

But Binghe assumed that sy knew so much about him because he always kept an ear out about cang qiong and maybe thats why he stayed in the theatre trope for so long.

 They had to find the entrance, only the earings sy was wearing was a token that would allow them in. He said his baba wore whote robes while his father wore black. The names they called each other was A-jiu and Qi-ge. Luo Binghe didnt recognise such names. So they scaled the mountain trying to find places that was familair and yet because of the burned wreckage made it unrecognisable.

 Sy as he’s walking around Qing Jing Peak aware that binghe was unconfortable and tried to make it as quickly as possible- ends up finding binghes destroyed pendent. Luckily binghe told sy about it and when sy presented it Binghe looked heartbroken. “I killed Ming Fan for this,” when he claimed he didn’t know about it it was the truth and Binghe clenched his hand around it, shame making him wilt, but sy thought its because of his destroyed precious heriloom. “We can fix it, I’m sure there’s people who can mend such things and restore it the way it is.” Binghe shook his head, no it should stay as it is. Fixing the pendent won’t bring back Ming Fan, wont return Cang Qiong to its former glory. Wont return Shen Yuan to his parents who may have died during Luo Binghe’s revenge. 

Binghe had no idea fire would consume so much.

They find the entrance at Qing Jing peak right near the pendent.

Shen Yuan never in all his fantasies had guessed who his parents were. He had memories from both his lives of his loved ones, of warmth. Of the reassurance that he could come home and maybe one of his parents were smart enough to survive long enough to be there for him.

Binghe walked around the room- a nursury finding toys, drawings and other objects belonging to two people this was a home hidden away and protected from the fires of binghes rage. There was a scroll on a cabinent and Luo Binghe opened it up and read the first few lines.

He felt sick. He gave the scrowl to Shen Yuan and saw the others face read it. Unlike sy, Binghe knew there was no such thing as coincidence. That sy parents were nobodies.

Shen Yuan was taking it badly, he dodn’t cry, he didn’t scream or take it lut on Binghe he just hummed nodding and folded the paper back up. “I’m not surprised.” 

So Sy had a feeling too? He looked around the room taking it in as an adult and finally seeing each of the objects and recalling such memories long forgotten. 

The drums on a vanity, along with a fan. The scrowl said the fan was a goft to Shen Yuan when he came of age. Something his Baba wanted to pass down to. The scrowl told them they made SY from scratch. Some xianxia flower that allowed two men to make a child and they spoiled him rotten. He never thought to apply those memories of his loved ones, to that of the Scum Villain and Sect Leader.

 It was wrong, because SY hated Shen Qingqiu, for how he treated Binghe, for being a scum villain as a fan of PIDW he got what he deserved he relished in his torture and knew he Shen Qingqiu shouldnve been castrated. The memories of his baba teaching him how to walk, being patient with him- caring for him? Doing his hair-

Sy bit his lip turning away from Binghe gripping his arms. He never could’ve conceived both were the same person - and that as a transmigrator he could have some distance as a fan to the story- but he had memories he experienced them he never thought his father was the scum villain. 

He looked at Binghe for once almost in trepidition. He was the son of the man who tortured Luo Binghe- surely Binghe would use this as an opportunity- he did he already know? Was he going to reveal himself that he lretended to be kind to Shen Yuan before he dragged him back to Huan hua to use as leverage against Shen Qingqiu. 

“Shen Yuan?” The looked he gabe Binghe was devastating. Luo Binghe had already felt the consequence of his actions but seeing Shen Yuan look at him in fear, expecting a blow or to be hurt-

“Don’t- shen Yuan I will never hurt you- you have done nothing to this Lord that would justify laying a hand on you,”

“But Shen Qingqiu-“

“Its done with.” Luo Binghe knew what he had to do. “Shen Qingqiu has payed tgere is nothing left for this Lord to do other than hurt others unnescarily.”

Shen Yuan didn’t look like he believed him. Luo Binghe huffed as he picked up the fan and looked at the patterns on the fabric. “I had guessed that you may be related to Shen Qingqiu in some way, as a disciple I heard rumours,” from Ning Yingying of course. “That Shen Qingqiu had changed, he used to be well not kinder but a little more easier to deal with. Until he lost his son. This Lord never understood why someone who can be so cruel could take out their aggression on others. Until I meet you.” Luo Binghe looked at Shen Yuan, and he understood how someone like Shen Qingqiu could be so enraged so devestated can be so unfeeling to others suffering to Binghe’s suffering when god knows what was happening to his son. Binghe had read the contract Master Wu had made and almost given Shen Yuan to the client before his escape. It made Binghe’s blood boil, and he knew Shen Qingqiu would want to hunt down both men and string them up their their wrists and paint the town with their instestines. Even Luo Binghe had kept markers on them smiling kindly to Shen Yuan but plotting revenge on his behlaf with him none the wiser. Eating a mermaids flesh can prolong your life. But these men wanted more than flesh they wanted to use Shen Yuan like he was a concubine, the things in that ckntract will even make a prostitue blush or wretch. And its the reason why Binghe showed no mercy to the ones who wanted to capture and lure SY and put him back in that hell. The one time Binghe was captured is because he slipped up but every single time they would look at SY in towns, charmed by his face, by his soft voice and his gentle demenour. “This Lord has only known Shen Yuan for a short amount of time, and can now finally understand why Shen Qingqiu was so cruel.” 

Luo Binghe looked at Shen Yuan with such regret, and Shen Yuan so no reason on why binghe would have to lie, if he knew he would’ve dragged sy to huan hua and tossed him in the water prison.

“Shen Yuan, come with me to Huan Hua, its this Lords fualt you don’t have a home.” Whoop there it is.

“Will I be a prisoner?”

“No! You can read beastieries or even go on night hunts if you want you can leave anytime as long as you have protection, this Binghe swears to keep you alive as a small penance to what I have done. I can't return Cang Qiong to you, or your parents but I can help you find a place to stay, somewhere safe until you figure out what you want to do.

Shen Yuan nodded, okay.

Once Shen Yuan settled Luo Binghe applied a servant to help SY and left him to his own devoces. The servant even dropped hints that he could leave the palace as long as sy had his token to come back in. Sy realised binghe was trying really hard to make him feel at ease. It just made him feel more irritated as if he was made of glass. Theres no yse crying over spilled milk! He lost his home he knew that for years he made plans to settle down or make his own circus troupe but hired animas instead if kidnapping them and making his own shows and performance however after a close call he realised why binghe kept going out at night he had no clue he called so much attention to himself and realised he’d have to wear a disguise. 

As he came back yo huan hua binghe was there he must of heard their run in with slavers.

Sy mentions he’ll wear a disguise and Luo Binghe nodded thinking it best. But doesnt tell sy he’s striking down on the discrimination against anima and the unlawful kidnapping and as emporer was able to do something about it.

[sy-on-boy]

Anya + unraveling the mystery of the Desmond family (and Damian being different)

When Melinda debuted, I wrote a post about how she was potentially a character against the Forgers because Anya hadn't met her (we gain insight into characters via our deus ex machina Anya meeting them and reading their minds). Anya has met her now and the narrative has established that she genuinely cares for Damian (even if she's still a mysterious character).

After a long time, Demetrius is finally here. He's still mysterious, but not antagonistic to his brother and still cares for him. Like I said in a previous post, Demetrius subverts what I said above because Anya cannot read him fully even if she's met him. But regardless, Demetrius is here, we've seen him, all four Desmonds have finally debuted. And in my mind, I can vaguely connect them to the Forger-Briar extended family:

Anya - Damian: The kids aiming for stella stars and seeking parental approval. Attached to their dogs. Occasionally heroic (dodgeball, handkerchief, bus hijacking), but ultimately silly kids dragged into "adult" political matters (Anya with more awareness than Damian).

Loid - Donovan: Standing in for WISE vs war, one of the central conflicts. They are fathers and authority figures. Loid, faking a job as a psychiatrist, seeks to understand people (as a fake job, but he also does this as a spy). Donovan famously declared that people would never truly sympathize with each other. A good, attentive father and a neglectful father.

Yor - Melinda: The mothers, the narrative kind of puts them in the background compared to their husbands, but we know they have plot behind them. Yor's job as an assassin is unknown to her family (sans Anya). Melinda has struggles of her own when it comes to parenting her kids / being married to Donovan.

Demetrius - Yuri: Bit of a stretch, but they're both characterized as genius brothers and on the side compared to the main father-mother-child trios. Yuri works for the SSS, in direct opposition to Loid. Demetrius is a middle schooler?? He’s a child so he’s probably not that involved in the main plot, and if he is, it’s not willingly / he was brought up that way. They're both younger (and less experienced) compared to the adults- Demetrius is still a child and Yuri is 20. Yuri's affection for Yor is overflowing and the Briar siblings are very supportive of each other. In contrast, Demetrius is passive and apathetic, but not uncaring.

Anya has met everyone except for Donovan. Anya thinks both Melinda and Demetrius are weird. And Anya thinks of Donovan as the evil super boss. To her, the Desmonds are "weird". "All of Sy-on boy's relatives are such weirdos" - not sure if it's just the translation, but this line seems to imply Anya thinks Damian is exempt to the weirdness of his family. After all, unlike Demetrius, she can read Damian's thoughts normally. And unlike Melinda (and Yuri, and Fiona), she usually doesn't get bombarded with an overwhelming wave of intense thoughts when she reads Damian's mind.

And that brings us to the next point - Damian's time in Eden and the positive influences he receives (away from his family). Damian and Anya are better friends now. E&E's loyalty and affection for him have been established countless times. Becky congratulates Damian this chapter. Despite Damian thinking people suck up to him to get close to his father, he has a group of friends who do care about him (including Becky who doesn't suck up to him). Outside of what we see from Anya's pov, Damian has teachers and his dorm mother (Jeeves too) who care for him. Damian isn't alone.

Damian is shown to be disconnected from his family for whatever reason. His parents didn't come to his orientation. Damian says he doesn't see his parents often. Melinda cares for Damian but isn't allowed to see him often / afraid to be seen with him (?). Damian has called Demetrius before but this is the first time we see him meet Demetrius in person. And we all know about Damian's goal of impressing his father. Damian seems to believe Demetrius and Donovan when close when they were younger (when Demetrius was slightly older than Damian’s age), but Damian receives no such attention. Despite this, Damian still manages to have a fairly happy school life with his friends and supportive adult figures.

I think Damian's growing friendship with Anya and the recent complete reveal of the Desmond family will push Anya into thinking Damian is not like his weird family. If anything, Damian is more like Anya and her associates. Post bus-hijacking, Damian from Anya's POV is seen as more likeable / sympathetic, even more so now that we know about his mother and brother.

Anya is a child who is exposed to some of the darkness in Melinda / Demetrius' heads (trauma from being close to Donovan?), and she doesn't really understand them. Melinda / Demetrius seem off to outsiders (we saw Yor’s reaction, Becky thinks Demetrius is creepy) but it’s only Anya who’s capable of reading their minds and knowing how weird their thoughts are. But Anya has a much better understanding of Damian, the youngest Desmond, who is a kid like her with understandable motivations (getting stars, impressing his dad) similar to Anya's own motivations.

Interesting to note that Demetrius, while at Eden, seems rather lonely and disconnected even within his peer group. When he walks down the stairs, the panel frames it as him being alone, while Damian has four friends with him. When Damian and Anya get their stars, their classmates are shown to be smiling / impressed. When Demetrius gets his stars, we see two of his peers sweatdropping, almost looking wary, while a blushing girl has her hands to her mouth. The story doesn't show Demetrius' peers celebrating his success. It feels like Demetrius' peers are used to him getting good grades but still in awe of how good he is, but... they're not really close to him. Demetrius is not social and says he doesn't understand people, and maybe he doesn't interact much with his peers.

This chapter also reveals Demetrius is not in regular contact with Donovan anymore, contrary to what Damian believed. So Demetrius seems removed from the Desmond family sphere, but also isn't super integrated into the Eden sphere (in contrast to his 6yo brother and his friends). We can believe Demetrius isn’t close to Donovan because he is annoyed (and triggered?) by the mere mention of his father. Clearly Donovan has done something scarring to both Melinda and Demetrius and their thoughts look weird to Anya. Damian, despite craving for his father's attention and being stressed about it, is still relatively unaffected.

From now on, I think we'll slowly get more information about the Desmonds while Damian remains separated from them in the narrative. Damian is introduced as a vital part of Plan B due to his connection with his father, but even Damian himself admits there's not much of a connection. Plan B is working (sort of) because Damianya are friends, but that doesn't mean it's easier for Anya to meet Donovan. I think the narrative has been pushing Damian away from being a plot device for Plan B to being Anya's genuine friend and a victim of the Desmond parenting. At this point, Damian is not really useful to the main plot and there's not much mystery to this 6yo child.

Damian still thinks of himself as a scion of the Desmonds and he’s desperately trying to get his father’s attention. But his dad doesn’t really care, his mom loves him but doesn’t want him to be near Donovan, his brother is similar and also seemingly doesn’t want anything to do with Donovan. Meanwhile, the story establishes him as a boy with a crush on Anya, a boy with friends who will readily sacrifice themselves for him, a boy who’s willing to protect his classmates. All around Damain, his peers, associates, and the story itself has long been defining Damian as someone outside of being the Desmond family. But Damian naturally holds onto it.

Damian isn’t mysterious to Anya because she can read him. Okay, she still thinks he’s a brat sometimes, but that’s Damain being Damian, not Damian being a Desmond. But everyone else in the family is mysterious and it makes Anya feel at least vaguely uncomfortable.

The Desmonds are probably connected to Project Apple, and with the recent hints of Anya’s backstory, we might get some of that. But Damian is framed as almost completely separate to whatever went on, while Melinda and Demetrius are portrayed as victims of Donovan, mysterious and a bit weird but still sympathetic.

And that’s why I think it’s coming together— hints of Anya’s backstory, Damianya becoming better friends, the Desmonds all here. We’ve scratched the surface off and we’re hopefully going to see more.

(Also, just a thought: if Damian indeed goes through a “dark arc” and becomes more like the rest of his family, Anya will know because she can read his mind. She will be able to tell if Damian’s thoughts also start being “weird”. But they are better friends now which could be a lead up to her helping Damian deal with the pressure and struggle.)

[astra-ravana]

On Types Of Spirits And The Genius Loci

Working with diverse spirits, particularly genius loci, enriches a witch's practice in profound ways. These spirits, the guardians of places, offer unique insights and power. By connecting with them, witches gain a deeper understanding of the land, its history, and the energies that flow within it. This connection enhances spellwork, divination, and healing practices, allowing for more potent and tailored magick. Moreover, forging relationships with genius loci fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the natural world, strengthening the witch's connection to the earth and its cycles.

Spirits Exist in Many Forms

Most are aware one form of spirit is that of the deceased; both human and animal. Regarding human spirits, those a witch may work with are divided into three main groups. Most common are the Beloved Dead and Mighty Dead. The Beloved Dead are those connected to the practitioner through blood and family ties. They are biological and familial ancestors, remnants of the past that live on through the witch. The Mighty Dead include spiritual ancestors, practitioners of the past, and even major figures (ie: Crowley, Merlin, John Dee, Gardner, Dukante, etc). These spirits can be approached for communication and aid. The final group is that of the Dark Dead, or shades, which are mainly approached by necromancers for baneful purposes. These spirits can carry negative energy, act violently, and pose other risks, so the utmost caution is recommended in regards to them.

The spirits of deceased animals are another type of spirit commonly worked with. They can be approached in either an archetypal form (ie: coyote is a trickster, crow/raven is a spiritual messenger, turtles are psychopomps) or as the spirit of a specific dead animal such as a deceased pet, or a dead animal found on the road, in the woods, etc. Working and communicating with animal spirits is surprisingly, as many things within witchcraft are once you learn to navigate and move the energies involved. It can be a very rewarding and worthy addition to any witch's practice.

While some higher spirits have lived human livea, the majority of spirits have never been corporeal, that is, they've never existed in a physical body or a physical plane. They are purely energetic, some existing primarily in the Otherworld, yet interacting with (and within) the physical plane, while others float about between the worlds, existing comfortably in both. These spirits are more complicated and diverse, existing in as many patterns and forms as physical creatures do. There are some that are unable to really communicate, existing more mechanically with one purpose, similar to created spirits (ie: thoughtforms, servitors, egregores, etc.) only existing naturally. Some of these are regularly encountered, though they are more of an annoyance than anything, as they are often parasitic, feeding off specific energies. However, they can be gotten rid of and kept away through warding and other methods.

There are spirits that bare a remarkable similarity to us, though they may not be humanoid in the slightest. They are fully sentient, intelligent, and have their own agendas, although some do take interest in humans, and may help or harm us based on their morality. Just as with humans, they are generally more willing to help if the interaction benefits them in some way, and some are just, well, complete assholes.

The Overlooked Spirits

But the spirits that are worked with most by witches are the ones whose status of 'spirit' is often overlooked. The most obvious is the case of deities. Gods and goddesses are approached with a high degree of sincerity and respect, as they and all spirits should be, but this doesn't change the fact that, on the spectrum of entities, they are just another type of spirit with great complexity and power behind them. It helps to consider that many deities were originally genius loci, that is, local spirits of a place that were important to the people who lived in that area. As that spirit proved helpful to people, people responded with more praise and offerings, strengthening the spirit. This made them not only more likely to help, but better able to. As time passed, this spirit would gain more power and reach as people interacted with each other, sharing the knowledge and experience of this spirit. No culture exists within a vacuum and mutual sharing across cultures was and is commonplace. Gods were shared, various gods would grow in power while others were subsumed in the worship of another god, strengthening that god further.

The spirits of plants are a very common, yet often unsung, part of witchcraft. Plants are worked with similarly to animals in that they are approached archtypally (ie: rosemary is protection, mugwort is dream work, saffron is success, etc.) or individually as in your personal flower garden or the big tree in your yard. However, plant spirits tend to be more impermanent than animal spirits. A plant can be approached, beseeched, you can take a bit for a working, but the essence of the plant's spirit will be gone once it is used. With animals the spirit can easily exist tied to its bones for years.

The elements (elementals) are another type of spirit often overlooked, although they are very prominent in modern witchcraft. They tend to be archetypal in nature, though individual elemental spirits definitely exist. They are easily approached and worked with as they are primarily neutral in nature.

The Genius Loci or Local Spirits

As previously mentioned, some spirits inhabit a certain location, sometimes tied to a natural feature such as a river, mountain, rock formation, spring, cave, forest, etc. These spirits are the genius loci, or genii locus, the spirits of a particular place. There are really no rules to what local spirits can be tied to, sometimes it's just the general area. These spirits may manifest, allowing people to witness them, however, they usually spend their time in a pure, energetic form, invisible to the naked eye, though not necessarily undetectable to a knowledgeable practitioner.

There are numerous reports within folklore from around the world of these such spirits, with the Fae, or Fair Folk, being the most commonly acknowledged, though not the only type. These spirits are unsurprisingly, very protective of where they live and can be standoffish and difficult to work with initially. They can also be hostile, especially in areas that have been damaged by humans (ie: deforestation, development, littering, vandalism, etc.) However, as a witch or a spirit-worker, it only makes sense to approach the resident spirits where we live. They are our neighbors, sharing our home with us, with mutual interest in preserving that place. Once a relationship is established that spirit could prove to be quite beneficial. Local spirits know the area in which they live better than any living creature ever could. They can help you find particular plants, stones, lost objects, or naturally occurring gateways to the Otherworld. The genius loci can truly become allies and friends.

Tips for Working with the Genius Loci

• Actually spend time outside in your local area. This will allow spirits to become comfortable with your presence.

• Eat meals outside and 'share' by leaving offerings to the spirits.

• Clean up litter and garbage to earn trust.

• Listen to them, and remember they speak through more than words.

• Always be respectful, considerate, and kind.

• Perform witchcraft outdoors.

• Learn the local folklore. Visit nearby sacred or haunted places.

There is much more than what can be said about working with the genius loci, but the best way to learn about and interact with them is to just make an attempt. They are a generally east class of spirit to honor and work with. Regardless of where you are, they are there too. Take care.

[wordsandrobots]

OK, to pull something constructive out of the rant I went on yesterday:

While I am generally lukewarm on newtypes as a concept, I do prefer them to later AU iterations of the idea of an 'ascended' form of humanity. With the Coordinators and the Innovators, the difference is very much placed at a genetic level. An artificial or natural improvement that grants superpowers. This is why my criticism of SEED and 00 is so heavily focused on 'they say eugenics works'. Because they do. Whether knowingly or not, they suppose the perfectability of human beings as a baseline conceit.

Yet that's not how the original newtypes are presented. In Gundam 79, the theory is that by moving into space, people are unlocking greater potential within themselves. This plays into the themes of a younger generation achieving a greater understanding than their predecessors: it's not some inherent biological difference but a change in perspective that mark out this 'new type of humanity'.

And that's much more interesting, as a concept. We see in the original series that the whole White Base crew develops a greater connection over the course of events, such that they can all hear Amuro at the end, and they showcase a variety of minor abilities, nowhere near the ESP of the 'proper' newtypes we see piloting Gundams, but in the same ballpark. The most powerful antagonistic newtypes (Paptimus, Haman) are those who have travelled further out and seen the solar system from a greater remove, their actions and philosophies speaking to the double-edge within this idea. You might gain more insight by voyaging into the dark, but it isolates you from the very humanity you learn to read on a more fundamental level. Judau making that same journey at the end of ZZ is implied to be driven by wanting to understand what drove Haman, so that he can couple that greater perspective to his natural compassion, thus maturing more healthily than those adults who cut themselves off from the possibility of understanding others.

Which goes to the heart of why newtypes work as a metaphor and the genetic-superiority versions stumble, at least in my mind. With newtypes, there is the constant undertone that the 'oldtypes' who perpetuate unjust systems are making an active choice. You can't force the change into becoming a newtype - both Char and the cyber-newtypes prove why attempting to is an ultimately arrogant and destructive act - but you can embrace greater human connection irrespective of whether or not you already feel the stirrings of extra senses. In some respects, having the imagination to see that possibility is the spark that lights the fuse on various people's nascent abilities. Refusing and turning away from this future or trying to control it becomes an act of malice. Because the possibility of doing otherwise always exists. There's no biological barrier between you and them. If we could launch all the politicians into space, perhaps they too would admit the reality that lies above their heads. But they won't get on the rocket.

With Coordinators and Innovators, you either are one or you aren't and it's very obvious which is the case. Newtypes don't have that inbuilt distinction - to begin with. It gets a trifle fuzzy as things progress and expand, as we lose that nice, neat conceit where newtype theory and the reality we are shown don't entirely match. Amuro is earth-born: there never was a hereditary component here. It's not evolution in the sense of escalating levels generational superiority; rather, in the sense of an unfolding pattern. The potential lies in all of us, providing we are open to the right conditions.

I find it funny sometimes, the way Gundam X satirised both this and the later genetics routes in advance by making 'newtype' a thoroughly meaningless label, encompassing random mutation and political ideology. Yet in some ways, this remains a less powerful than the way the concept is treated in Tomino's first three shows.

[artytaeh]

OMG Im I love with prof tom like that is finesse and exactly how he would be

tho can u write a prof tom x prof reader or auror reader where impresses him with her knowledge and grace of controlling situations that get out of hand or beats at chess or sum and kinda leaves him speechless and doesn’t give him special attention cuz he hot

Mansi

i'm so relieved! 😭 i confess that i wrote the professor!riddle post on one go, while i was sick this week and couldn't sleep 😓 so i was a little scared that he felt too uncanny in comparison to his canon / fanon perception. BUT YAY! I'M REALLY HAPPY PPL LIKED.

auror!reader and professor!reader have a lot of similarities. although for different reasons, the two of them are gracious and knowledgeable in ways that impress tom, as someone whose intense curiosity had never died, even with age.

to have the career that auror!reader conquered and being specifically sent alone for a recognition mission, means that reader is observant, witty, and competent.

her weariness is a challenging obstacle that tom intends to surpass, if only to not raise suspicions to his side. simultaneously, he can't deny that woman like her—intelligent, capable, ambitious—aren't exciting for him. tom has a sort of superiority complex and, in a way, her existence humbles him; makes tom be on his toes, less careless and arrogant with his actions. i can see tom being suggested to aid auror!reader through her investigation, since she's staying in hogwarts temporarily, which tom accepts with grace. and tom can't say that he's not eager for her mental games, careful conversation that leaves their lips and is expressed by playing chess together in his office, after classes.

in tom's eyes, she's flirting with him. what better way to tempt a man like him, if not by challenging him? he knows that reader finds him attractive, too; that the tension between them bristles. tom would be lying if he doesn't imagine bending auror!reader over his desk and fuck the superiority out of her.

... or be the one whose arrogance crumbles to pieces, if it means having the glorious view of her on top of him, maybe those delicate fingers around his neck. fighting for dominance suddenly is hot in his eyes.

on the other hand, professor!reader is interesting for tom for a whole other reason. even though tom is more interested in other areas, he has the opinion that every single subject is necessary, because it offers insight that one day, can be useful for him. her patience, knowledge and calmness upon interacting with beasts impresses him—how she seems to have everything under control, even when a hypogriff's agitation could be dangerous.

truthfully, tom thinks that it's a subject he couldn't teach; not like reader does, bringing students to safely interact with beasts, the way hagrid did. tom isn't sure if he could do that, given some beasts' weariness of him. to interact with another professor who's passionate about her job, in the same way he is—seeking more and more knowledge, invested on teaching competent young wizards—is something that definitely would be attractive in his eyes.

besides, a few topics from his subject are intertwined with reader's own. another excuse to have him looming over her, excuses to steal her attention for him—away from other men. the shared vocation for knowledge could be something that tom uses for his own gain: slowly coaxing reader to the darker side of her subject, the correlation between the dark arts and untameable beasts. furthermore, tom wonders if he can convince reader to navigate the forbidden restricted section with him—and maybe getting to taste her lips (perhaps more than that...) against those dusty shelves.

teaser of both aus. i'm working on the six readers at the same time 😓 i'm committed to this i swear. ✋

[callmearcturus]

The Video Gaming Major Arcana

The latest patron episode of Into The Aether/@intothecast asked the boys to decide a video game for every Major Arcana card. They ran out of time on it and only got 2/3s thru

my ass was like "Challenge Accepted"

0 - The Fool - Dragon Quest (The Fool is infinite potential and is at the start of a long journey. DQ as a series is a long-running, is a bedrock of the medium, and has done its own takes on everything from pokemon to minecraft, and it either did it first or did it better.)

1 - The Magician - Metroid and Zelda (The Magician is the first person the Fool meets and is a guide for the journey. The Magician is associated strongly with teaching and with tools. Metroid and Zelda both are foundational works and they revolve around gating player process through tools.)

2 - The High Priestess - FEZ (The High Priestess is another guide, but sits before the veil, keeping guard over arcane, hidden knowledge and deciding when to share the secrets of the universe. FEZ is one of the Big Games that hide under layers and layers of mystery.)

3 - The Empress - Stardew Valley (The Empress presides over growth and cultivation of her kingdom, sitting in a field with wheat in hand. SDV is chiefly about taking care of your own domain, the farm and the wider village.)

4 - The Emperor - Civilization (The Emperor is the firm hand of government and can be an important navigator in chaos but also is angered by lack of obedience and losing control. Civ is all about steering every aspect of a nation and protecting it viciously.)

5 - The Hierophant - Pokemon (The Hierophant is a cultural, societal leader that gains power from people who believe similarly but subsequently is very set in their ways. Pokemon is a huge phenomenon that unites people of all ages, but also struggles heavily with innovation and progress.)

6 - The Lovers - Journey (The Lovers aren't necessarily smoochy-smoochy, but represent a Decision, joining hands with another person and striding into the future together. It's Journey. If you know, you know.)

7 - The Chariot - Bethesda's Catalog (The Chariot is a tumultuous, potent card. They hold onto the reins of powerful beasts and drive forward, blazing a new path. But if they lose grip, everything goes to hell. Bethesda's works tend to have this incredible ambition to them, and when they hit, they HIT, but when they miss, it's dramatic.)

8 - Justice - Dark Souls (Justice is the system and its enforcement of its rules, whether they feel fair or arbitrary. I feel DS fits it well-- it relentlessly follows its own rules and is firm in them, which can either draw players in or seem cruel and unwelcoming.)

9 - The Hermit - Immortality (The Hermit is a wise person who gained specialized knowledge but through great personal sacrifice. They find it difficult to share their knowledge because they essentially traded that ability to communicate easily for the wisdom. Immortality has some deeply complicated concepts to communicate, but its methods and the basic mechanics it uses are to some people impossible to understand.)

10 - (Wheel of) Fortune - Spelunky (Fortune is the card of pure luck and the whims of fate and how you survive being caught in its spokes. Spelunky is a pure Rogue-like as opposed to a Rogue-lite and there is no knowing what the procgen will give you.)

11 - Strength - Undertale (Strength is specifically about emotional control and fortitude. It's not about slaying the lion, but holding it, keeping it from lashing out. Undertale is a game that asks the player to endure emotional struggles both against the mechanics and against their own inclinations.)

12 - The Hanged Man - Signalis (OH BOY ITS MY FAVE CARD. The thing about the Hanged Man is that it's a test, a gamble, a deal. The Hanged Man is not hung from the neck, this is not an execution, they are inverted. They choose to be inverted in the hopes of gaining some Insight into the universe, but in doing so risk madness or obsession or doom. Signalis is both a game about a protagonist going through this and also a game that will put the player through this if they aren't careful.)

13 - The Nameless Arcana - Braid (I'm not even personally a fan of Braid, but I believe it is one of the handful of Original Indie Games. The very existence and popularity of Braid and its contemporaries showed that games outside the big studios could hit big. Braid (or Cave Story for the PC crowd) altered the landscape.

14 - Temperance - Yakuza (Temperance is the melding of disparate elements that should not go together into something grand and new, and maintaining that balance. Yakuza manages to be genuine and profound not in spite of its strange mixture of tones and mechanics but because of them.)

15 - The Devil - Genshin Impact (I don't feel the need to elaborate on this one.)

16 - The Tower - Shenmue (The Tower is total upheaval and where it all comes crashing down, where ambition crumbles and brings an institution down with it. Shenmue is not solely to blame for the failure of the Dreamcast and Sega's exit from the console arena, but it contributed to it and is emblematic of that seachange.)

17 - The Star - Mass Effect (The Star is a beacon in the darkness, a distant light that indicates not so much a goal, but that the journey will continue. Mass Effect is a landmark title that maybe didn't execute on half the things it tried, strangled by its own scope, but it still showed what games could do, broadening the possibility space. It is hope for greater experiences and art.)

18 - The Moon - Metal Gear (The Moon illuminates the path through the darkness, but creates illusions in the reflections, demanding the querent move forward with care or they will go astray, go mad. Is Metal Gear really deep? Is it the closest triple-A games get to arthouse? Does it have meaning? Or is it a mess? Is it too Problematique to justify it's big ideas? Is it all just really, really stupid? Or is it genius?)

19 - The Sun - Tetris Effect (The Sun comes at the end of a long, arduous journey. It is the sigh of relief, the tears of release, the light to finally see how far you've come. Tetris Effect is the latest iteration of one of the oldest formulas ever, and it's brilliant and celebratory and invites everyone to take part in its joy.)

20 - Judgement - Pathologic (Judgement is all-seeing and all-knowing, the final tally and the reckoning. So is Pathologic. Few experiences demand so much from the player, and few games are so brutally honest in answering the player's decisions. In Pathologic, you will get what you deserve.)

21 - The World - The Outer Wilds (The beginning is the end is the beginning. Completion and totality and holistic understanding of Everything. It's gotta be Outer Wilds.)