#solaris member

[redsunkrp]

Welcome to the morphing maze, Song Sian. You are the lead dancer / vocal of S0LARIS. At 19, you are known as being the kind-hearted and gentle one in your group. You are also secretly a phoenix.

You’ve made quite a name for yourself with composing and producing. Good luck with putting your needs before others.

Everyone is watching. Can you hear the applause?

Sian, aka Enhypen’s Yang Jungwon, uses he/him pronouns. They are played by Kora (she/hers; gmt-4; 21+). 

[w1f1n1ghtm4r3]

sekai movie randomly inspiring me to pick up my old oc unit and start working on them again..... starting off with updating the designs of their vs though (mostly just pulling them into my current style and making some small adjustments)

[itz-pandora]

Have you thought to include some OCS of yours in news AUS?

Probably not, I already got like 4 OCs in my main AU LOL (not to mention my fankid AU)

[solaris-amethyst]

So life update! I got a job!! Or well I've had this job for about a month now but I was officially gonna sign a contract making me a full-time employee starting from tomorrow 1st of October only for my boss to be told by his boss last Monday that the big like group the restaurant I work at is under have out a stop on signing on new full-time contracts starting from today... So that wasn't great for me lol but they expect it to be lifted in a month or two! I'm like part-time working full-time on a hourly salary instead of the monthly one. I'm just happy right now tbh to have a job and I hope everyone else who are on the job hunt will find one suited for them soon💓 I've obviously slowed down in my writing because of this but I'm working on some projects and requeests are still open☀️🥰

[pelagic-paradigm]

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Antisocial Socialites (otherwise known as the M1DAS Quartet) is a collaborative project between Refraction Affair’s Prism Pelagic and Solaris ‘Spectrum’ Zhangyu, Ahato Mizuta (dedf1sh) and Callie Cuttlefish- who needs no introduction.

Despite each member having a signature genre, the quartet brings together their strengths into a blend of psychedelic rock and bedroom pop.

While they have no current plans to release a second album, Prism mentions they might tour around Inkopolis in the near future.

- Excerpt taken from a recent issue of a music magazine

[pineconepie]

Masterlist!

Series 1:

Octavian (Vampire Dad):

First Meeting

Getting Turned (Part 2 to First Meeting)

Octavian getting clothes tailored

Catching Octavian while he's feeding

Vincent (Mafia Dad):

First Meeting

Adjusting (Part 2 to First Meeting)

Meeting Cryo's other members

Getting kidnapped by Scarlet Syndicate for ransom

Reader gets poisoned at an event with Vincent

Part 2 to Reader getting poisoned

Wholesome winter shenanigans with Reader and Vincent

Indigo (Merman Dad):

First Meeting

Magnus (Dragon Dad):

First Meeting

Seradiel (Guardian Angel Dad):

Adjusting(?)

Reader is afraid of thunderstorms

Meeting Kezareth (demon dad) for the first time, and Sera disapproves

Warren (Doctor Dad):

Getting Kidnapped Adopted

Series 2:

Blair (Ghost Mom):

First Meeting

Solaris (Wizard Mama/Papa):

First Meeting

Cullen & August (Reunited Dads):

Reuniting with you

Leaving the house without permission

You refuse to eat

King Castor (Moth King Dad):

Learning the truth

Ellis (English Professor Dad):

Getting to know him better

Reader goes to a party without his permission

Reader gets a nightmare

Hugo (Barista Dad):

Getting amnesia

Backstory before getting amnesia

Series 3:

Dante (Serial Killer Dad):

First meeting

Anevra (Drider Mom):

First meeting + escape attempt

Cecil (Radio Host Dad):

First meeting + kidapping(?)

Reader and Cecil's fears of needles/doctors

Lux (Cult Leader Dad):

First meeting + kidnapping

Winter, Spring, Summer, & Autumn (Immortal God Dads):

Introduction, immortality

Sianet (Android/Robot Mom)

First meeting

[beabatiny]

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 200 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺!

 𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Ateez Comforting You After You Have A Rough Week - @mingoooossii ot8 x reader (scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Bf!Ateez Texts - @littlexbunni bf!ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Bsf!Ateez & Ur Crush On Another Member - @bombuni best friend!ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Baby, I'm Jealous [Part One] [Part Two] - @bunny-hwa idol!woosan x reader (two-parts) 𓆞 𓆞 Benefits - @shinestarhwaa idol!san x staff!reader x idol!seonghwa (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Bleach - @jonghoex bf!hongjoong x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Blood In The Clouds - @callmeagardengnome mafia leader!hongjoong x flight attendant!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Bunny Love - @i-like-loserz idol!hongjoong x bunny hybrid!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Christmas Cookies - @dancinglikebutterflywings dad!hongjoong x mom!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 Descent - @crimsonbubble rockstar!hongjoong x reader (drabble) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 In Sickness And In Health - @makeitmingi bf!idol!seonghwa x doctor!gf!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Kindergarten!Ateez - @rosy-wooyoung non-idol!seonghwa x kindergarten teacher!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Little Soul - @jjoongstar grim reaper!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Midnight Song - @doitforbangchan siren!seonghwa x pirate!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Page Me - @hwaightme bf!paediatrician!seonghwa x gn!neurosurgeon!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Chess Not Checkers - @bibittybopittybadbxtch idol!yunho x hongjoong’s sister!reader 𓆞 𓆞 Dinner And Dessert - @hongjoongtime117 bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Doll - @pirateprincessblog idol!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 English Affair - @weinq idol!yunho x fan!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Every Season After - @iannmin childhood best friend!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Make It Bouncy  - @shinestarism bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Mix And Match - @xuchiya non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Switch - @sxdisteez bf!idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Winter Wonderland - @emeraldelysian best friend!idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Untitled - @323cutie bf!yeosang x reader (imagine) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓆞 Eyes On You - @nczennie bf!san x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Husband Activities - @bambikisss husband!san x wife!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Saturn [Part One] [Part Two] - @pyramid-of-starrs ex-situationship!san x reader x fiance!maddox (two-parts) 𓆞 ���𓏸 Sleepy Adoration - @solaris-amethyst bf!san x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 The Fault In Our Stars - @koyagifs non-idol!san x nurse!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 [5:45] - @songmingisthighs bf!mingi x gf!reader(timestamp) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Casual - @preciousjoongie non-idol!mingi x heartbroken!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Screw You! - @lemon-woos best friend!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Stare - @sweetiesicheng husband!mingi x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 When Mingi Leaves For Tour - @makeitmingi idol!mingi x gf!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Finals Day Jitters - @strawbshrtcks bf!wooyoung gn!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Home For The Holidays - @highvern ex-bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 I Wish You Roses - @daemour non-idol!wooyoung x florist!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Love On The Street - @seobinghard best friend!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Muse - @joongieology artist!bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 First Christmas - @prettygirl-gabi bf!idol!jongho x gf!non-idol!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Playing Your Hand - @zeroseuniverse non-idol!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Warm On A Cold Night - @riboism professor!jongho x student!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 When I Fall [Part One] [Part Two] - @xomakara non-idol!jongho x reader (two-parts) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Untitled - @domm1etae bf!jongho x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸

[wee-larceny]

Time to Orbit: Unknown liveblog Chapters 011-020

Chapters 001-010">Chapters 001-010

So recently I've been reading Time to Orbit: Unknown by @derinthescarletpescatarian who may or may not appreciate being tagged in this thing again; a sci-fi mystery you've probably heard about if you're on this webbed site. I am definitely having Thoughts about it, so I'm abandoning my uncomfortably long post for a shiny new one, and also grabbing the opportunity to organise some of those thoughts; we have 180+ chapters and any minor detail might be key. It's only getting more complicated, so let us go through unanswered questions and assorted fuckery. Mysterious, frankly bizarre, and/or outright shady behaviour exhibited by characters:

Captain Joshua Reimann: grabbed an axe and started attacking the walls. Wrecked CR1 and his own arm in the process. Died of an untreated infection. Science Officer Claire Rynn-Hatson, possibly also Science Officer Mohammed Aziz and/or Maintenance Officer Ash Dornae: did some sort of experiment involving dangerous chemicals: the experiment ended in disaster killing Rynn-Hatson on the spot and Aziz&Dornae later due to poisoning. The experiment was conducted for unknown reasons despite the lack of any available medical professionals. Captain Kinoshita Keiko: did not authorise the jettisoning of CR1 even though it cut more than half the crew off from her and made it impossible to turn fore engines on from her position. To be fair it's kind of understandable considering the number of people in there. She also died trying to move a giant, heavy crate of protein bars for some reason. Engineer Leilea Arc Hess: spilled coffee all over a keyboard and didn't clean it up. Also kept a physical calendar even though I don't think you need the AI for the calendar or timed reminders to work. The ship's AI: so many things. Didn't wake any new crewmembers when the deaths started; didn't decrease "gravity" or do anything else to save Captain Kinoshita; woke Aspen and Aspen alone when the fore engines needed turned on; needed Aspen to identify by chip even though it was the one that woke them up just a bit ago, who the fuck else would they be; is definitely lying about CR1; is definitely acting outside its parameters; other stuff probably. The organisation that sent them up here in the first place: doesn't allow personal effects which is comic-book villain behaviour. Also made the AI. Doctor Aspen Greaves: upset the bees.

My questions at this point: Why did Captain Reimann try to damage the ship? I've read Solaris, I know that sci-fi characters don't just go crazy for no reason. Why did no one treat Captain Reimann's wounds? Whose body is missing and where is it? There were only three frozen corpses for four potential dead people in the back of the ship. What is in CR1? How did the 120-something people die there? If a guy with an axe in the process of being subdued can actually cause a hull breach then that's not a spaceship I'd like to travel on. When and why was CR1 locked ? We know when it was damaged but not when it was password-locked. Which captain did it? Riemann probably didn't have the opportunity (it was still open during his rampage and I sure wouldn't have allowed him computer access after.) If it was Kinoshita, why? Why didn't the two halves of the crew reestablish contact? What killed the people at the front of the ship? What's up with the disgusting air filer? What was the experiment that killed three members of the crew? Why can't the new captain override the previous one's orders? Captain locks a door, dies, door is locked forever. That's just bad design. How did the aft engines get irreparably damaged? What happened when the ship lurched sideways? It can't have been just the rotations slowing, because that would decrease gravity unless there's a complicated science reason as to why it doesn't. There can't be a complicated science reason because Derin explains those immediately. Did the crew keep logs? If yes, read them. Current suspects:

Captain Reimann: convenient scapegoat but probably not the root of the problems. The AI: could be. Computers sometimes do stupid shit. My company had to change one of their domains once because a widely used cybersecurity AI decided that we're a phishing scam pretending to be ourselves and wouldn't let the programmers whitelist us. The organisation that launched the Courageous, whatever their name is: programmed the AI. Aspen: no, that's stupid.

[xichilie]

brant x female reader. But. She is just as dramatic as him? How would that fair if they had simular personality's, and she had a strange fascionation with orange juice instead of wine?

Can i still ask? Thank you, for your time hope all is well!

I really had fun writing this, I love this dramatic man, sm, imagine the Fools having to deal with two of them. XD

The duel of fools

The Fool’s Elysium had always been a place of chaos and spectacle, but tonight, the energy in the cavern was unlike any before. The golden glow of lanterns flickered against the rocky walls, casting long, dancing shadows as the Troupe of Fools bustled about, preparing for the evening’s entertainment.

At the heart of it all stood Brant, perched atop a wooden crate like a king upon his throne. His deep crimson coat flared dramatically as he placed one foot on the edge, his arms stretched wide. The firelight caught in his striking pink eyes, making them gleam with the intensity of a man about to make the most unnecessary yet captivating speech imaginable.

“Loyal friends, fellow performers, bringers of joy and chaos alike!” Brant’s voice rang through the cavern, smooth as silk, rich with unshaken confidence. “Tonight, we gather here not for mere revelry, nor for the simple pleasures of our trade—no! Tonight, we mourn! We weep! We lament a loss so profound, so unspeakably tragic, that even the stars of Solaris 3 dim in sorrow!”

A dramatic pause. The crowd of Troupe members leaned in.

“What happened?” Tina called out, grinning as she played along.

Brant placed a hand over his heart, shaking his head as if the weight of the revelation threatened to crush him. Then, in the most devastated, anguished tone possible, he declared:

“We have run out of wine.”

A collective groan rippled through the Troupe.

Some clutched their chests in mock distress. Others shook their heads, murmuring, “Not the wine,” as if speaking of a dearly departed friend.

Brant let out a long, suffering sigh. “Ah, what is a Fool without his wine? A mere shadow of a man! A performer stripped of his muse! A—”

“A fool who is about to be outshined!”

A voice rang out over the cavern, clear and bold, cutting through his lament like a knife through silk.

And then—she appeared.

Y/N.

Brant’s greatest rival. His most infuriatingly delightful companion. A woman who matched his theatrical nature step for step, who could outwit him, outmaneuver him, and worst of all—steal his spotlight.

She leaped onto the crate beside him, her coat fluttering behind her as she landed effortlessly, standing tall, hands on her hips, radiating triumph.

But what truly made Brant’s stomach drop in sheer horror—

Was what she held in her hand.

A goblet.

Filled to the brim.

With orange juice.

Brant gasped. Loudly.

The Troupe gasped.

Someone in the back even let out a strangled, “No!” as if witnessing a crime against humanity.

Y/N lifted the goblet high above her head, letting the golden liquid catch the firelight.

“Fear not, dear comrades!” she proclaimed, her voice carrying through the cavern like a queen addressing her court. “For though wine may forsake us in our hour of need, lo! We are not lost! For we have been blessed by the divine nectar of the heavens!”

Brant staggered back. His face twisted with betrayal. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Y/N grinned.

“Oh, but I would.”

The cavern fell silent.

Then—in one swift, fearless motion—Y/N downed the entire goblet.

Brant stumbled back, clutching his chest as if struck. His coat flared behind him, his pink eyes wide with utter devastation.

“TRAITOR!”

Y/N slammed the goblet down with a flourish, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. “I am no traitor, Brant! I am a visionary! While you drown in sorrow for your lost wine, I embrace the bright, sweet tang of destiny!”

The Troupe erupted into cheers, swept away by the sheer spectacle of it all.

Brant was reeling.

Not just from the act of defiance, but from the realization that she had completely stolen his moment. Outperformed him in his own element.

But Brant was never one to back down.

His mind worked fast. If this was how she wanted to play it—then he would ensure she never forgot who she was up against.

With a graceful flourish, he spun on his heel and pointed an accusing finger at her.

“Then let it be known!” he declared, voice booming, eyes gleaming with theatrical challenge. “This day marks the beginning of a rivalry most legendary! A duel not of swords, nor of wits, but of spirit and devotion! For I shall never yield my love for wine, and you—” he gestured dramatically toward her empty goblet “—you shall never forsake your beloved orange juice!”

Y/N grinned.

“So be it, Fool!”

The two stood there, locked in a silent, electrified stare-down. The cavern hummed with anticipation.

Then—Brant moved.

With a single, elegant motion, he swept Y/N into a deep, theatrical dip.

The crowd gasped.

Y/N blinked up at him.

Brant’s smirk curled at the edges, playful, teasing, deliciously smug. “Tell me, dearest rival—how does it feel to be completely at my mercy?”

For a fraction of a second, Y/N’s breath hitched.

But then—her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Before Brant could react, she shifted.

One swift movement.

A flick of her leg.

And suddenly—Brant was the one being dipped.

His arms flailed slightly as Y/N grinned down at him.

“Feels pretty good, actually.” She winked.

Brant burst out laughing.

The Troupe roared in delight.

And just like that—a legend was born.

The saga of the Wine Fool and the Orange Juice Enthusiast.

The cheers of the Troupe still echoed through the cavern as Brant found himself in a position he had never been in before.

Dipped.

By her.

Y/N held him effortlessly, her grip firm yet playful, her expression smug as she gazed down at him. The warm glow of the lanterns reflected in her eyes, and Brant—despite himself—felt his heart stutter at the sight.

No, no, no. This will not do.

Brant was a man of theatrics. He did not lose in a battle of wit, charm, or flair.

And so, as quickly as he had been bested, he retaliated.

With grace befitting a master of the stage, he let his body go slack in Y/N’s hold, fluttering his lashes dramatically.

“Alas!” he cried out, his voice thick with over-the-top despair. “My greatest rival has struck a devastating blow! Oh, what cruel fate, to be so thoroughly bested by such a dazzling, daring, devilishly charming—”

Y/N immediately dropped him.

Brant hit the wooden floor with a thud.

The Troupe erupted into laughter.

From his undignified heap on the ground, Brant groaned loudly and rolled onto his back, flinging an arm over his eyes. “Ah, the betrayal! The humiliation! To be discarded like a mere prop, as if I were nothing more than—”

A goblet was set down beside him.

Brant peeked through his fingers.

It was filled with orange juice.

He shot upright, scandalized. “How dare you.”

Y/N crouched beside him, resting her chin on one hand, eyes gleaming with amusement. “I thought you might be thirsty.”

Brant narrowed his pink eyes. “I would rather perish.”

“Dramatic.” She snickered. “You know, for someone who acts like they have the most refined taste in Solaris 3, you’re awfully stubborn about expanding your palate.”

Brant scoffed, flipping his coat with a flourish. “Wine is the drink of passion! Of artistry! Of poets and lovers alike!” He gestured wildly toward the goblet. “That? That is the breakfast beverage of the common man!”

Y/N smirked. “So you’re afraid to drink it.”

Brant froze.

The Troupe fell silent.

The air shifted.

A challenge.

His rival had just dared him.

Well.

Brant never backed down from a challenge.

With deadly seriousness, he reached for the goblet, lifting it as if it contained the secrets of the universe itself. The cavern held its breath.

And then—

Brant took a single sip.

The reaction was instantaneous.

His entire face twisted in horror. His body convulsed as if he had been struck. His head snapped back so dramatically that one of the Troupe members in the back gasped, “He’s dead.”

Brant fell onto his back once more, gripping his chest. “The acidity! The sheer, unrelenting citrus! Oh, heavens above, take me now!”

Y/N sat beside him, utterly unbothered, sipping from her own goblet. “Oh, please. You’re fine.”

Brant flopped an arm over her lap, looking up at her with betrayal. “If this is what you consume by choice, you are a creature more fearsome than I could have ever imagined.”

Y/N merely took another sip. “Guess that makes me the superior Fool.”

Brant gasped so loudly that someone in the back coughed.

The next moment, he leapt to his feet, pointing a dramatic finger at her. “Then it is war.”

Y/N smirked. “What, afraid of a little competition?”

Brant grinned. “Darling, I live for competition.”

The cavern erupted into cheers once more.

The Duel of Fools had begun.

[multifunctionalnitroglycerin]

The Radiant Dawn, Leona of the Solari – an analysis

Leona, Leona, what to do with you, oh Radiant Dawn, daughter of the Sun-forgers? You who scorn love so, in the face of duty?

What with the latest season of Arcane having fully come out, and many of us still grasping to comprehend the ending of that wonderful series (I will maintain that it’s probably one of the best pieces of media I have ever had the joy of consuming), I got to thinking about another military dictator that leads a scourge against her lover’s people. So, strap in and grab your drinks, cause this is going to be a long one.

I have seen some funny posts juxtapositioning Violyn/ Caitvi and Leodia, and while one cannot deny the first glance similarities in the stories, especially with the new route Piltover’s finest took, the premise of their stories is at its core different.  BUT today we will not explore the similarities and differences in the premise of the broader systems that both stories take place in, but rather take a deeper look into our beloved obstacle of a Targonian “cult leader”, Leona.

            Now Leona’s character in league is rather…unremarkable at first glance. More of an obstacle than a worthy adversary, a mindless cultist that perpetuates the oppression against her peoples’ sister tribe, too blind to see past that, even when her lover begs her to. Personally, I prefer to think of Leona as an unremarkable character with remarkable potential, should Riot decide to ever do anything with it. The roots of a good story have already been planted. Because yes, in Arcane we also talked about oppression, class stratification, abuse of power, and a twisted corrupt judicial system, but now, in Targon, we’ll talk about cults.

I am no expert, but cultism and totalitarian regimes do have a few common points in the way they function, thus the perceived similarities between the two storylines. However, I feel in the hands of capable writers the Targonian storyline can become a beautiful story about religious fanatism, and cultism, the struggle of individuality, and how challenging it is to escape from them, if at all… (I do like some tragic lesbians, sue me. A happy ending that does justice to the inherent tragedy of those two will have to be earned, and if a tragic ending is what does them justice, I will accept it.)

It’s high time we got this party started though, isn’t it?

Leona is born in the Solari tribe of Targon, a tribe that venerated the Sun more than any other upon the mountain. Which at first glance seems innocent enough, right?

Cults in principle, and to my limited understanding, are authoritarian systems that revolve around a particular belief, that have rules and dogma and encourage their members to isolate themselves from would-be questioners of their faith. By taking a look at what we know about the Solari, most of these terms seem to be fulfilled. An authoritarian system based around the worship of the Sun, with strict rules, rigid principles, and rituals, led not by one charismatic leader, as many cults are, but by a council of elders, that determine what is acceptable and what not in Her worship. While they also take care to mindfully curate the available information in the temple and discourage or silence those that oppose their teachings.

Leona is a child born to the Sun-forgers Melia and Iasur, and takes to her parents’ faith with a stride, comfortable in its rigidity and its unrelenting structures. She is reportedly as seen both through her bio and the letter to her parents in “Rise with me”, a near perfect acolyte, her devotion, and excellence in seemingly everything but that one oration class, inspiring envy in her peers, and admiration in her elders, all of them certain that she would one day become a Ra’Horak, a holy warrior of the Solari.

The thing is, that children growing up in cults are a tricky thing to write despite its supposed straightforwardness. Especially if you want to create a character as complicated as I hope Leona will turn out to be. The basics of it are things we already know; children are extremely vulnerable to adult influence; their minds are sponges and their parents’ world is their world. They listen, observe and absorb the behavior, the views and opinions of the people around them, and accept them as reality, because they are children and do not know any better. As one might imagine, the extent of fanatism that Leona grew up with is variable, depending on how her own parents acted and how deep in they were themselves. Now I am a bit rusty on Rakori and Targonian lore, but if we take the short story “Rise with me” into account, I think it is safe to say that Melia and Iasur were in pretty deep.

Another thing to note about children that grow up in cults is that the cult leader and the cult’s needs come first. Which means that the child rarely enjoys their parents’ attention, much less love and affection. Something that in my humble opinion would drive some of them to strive for perfection and trying to satisfy their parents’ every wish and every whim, in hope of getting even a hint of affection. That is something we can see rather clearly in the story if we want to examine a bit Leona’s relationship with her Dayblessed parents.

Before we dive into that, however, what we can summarize from all of the above is that Leona is, in principle, a person that likes rules. Someone that grew up heeding them. That thrives in hierarchical systems, and well-structured environments, with clear denominations for right and wrong, for what one should and should not do. According to the bio this rigidity brings her comfort, and solace. Because it is familiar and comfortable. It’s what in all probability she grew up with. Moreover, Leona is a perfectionist. Something we are told, through her bio, and her own letters and diary, but we can also see when looking at her through the lens of Diana’s eyes.

To continue with my previous point, though, when looking at her relationship with her parents…well, I’ll let you figure this out on your own. We only have her diary entries and letters sent and unsent to garner information from, but that is enough to paint a detailed enough picture of what her relationship with her parents entails. Even without looking at it from the “child that grew up in a cult” angle, we can see there is little affection between them. Even from her first letter, we can feel the clean-cut, prim and proper courteousness of their communication, accompanied by the hints of affection every child holds for their parents. It is, however, far from warm, or heartfelt. It seems more like kind interest, than any real investment, in her parents’ or siblings’ wellbeing and then proceeds to become a report on her achievements and perceived weaknesses. Even the title of the section, the opening of the letter, “Letter from a devoted daughter” holds no personality, as if Leona’s entire being can be compressed and described by those two words.

We do get a similar impression from the letter Polymnius sent to Melia and Iasur. The letter itself contains the priest’s thanks for the new lanternglass crafted by the sun-forger, and also devolves to a report of Leona’s progress after his communication with all of her instructors, and his observation of her skills in battle. Now on the one hand, Polymnius could be just a family friend or the priest responsible for communicating with the acolytes’ families. On the other hand however, one might start questioning just how much control Leona’s parents can exert over her life, even in their absence. Do they hold sway with the priesthood? Are their immense expectations passed on through priests and teachers, adding more and more to the pressure Leona faces every day? To be strong, devout, worthy and good? And again, the letter ends with  “I know you would be proud.” I am sure they would Polymnius, I am sure they would.

            At this point I’d like to point out that he is probably the only person that worries that Leona is taking her duties far too seriously and needs to take a few steps back to relax and delight in the Sun’s gifts. (And honestly, same.)

Moving forward we have the Letter from Sunsworn Priestess Nemyah to a shining pupil, that once more applauds Leona for her achievements, with little to no fanfare. And again we note that sense of depersonalization, of Leona being defined by those characterizations, by her achievements, her rights and wrongs. 

            And then of course we get into the fight between Leona and Diana and the disciplinary letter sent to her by her parents. Which honestly goes about as well as you would expect,

We know that you are capable of better and expect you to rise to the occasion. Leaders in Her Light do not run into impediments that they cannot overcome, nor do they get hindered by such earthly mischief as “a shouting match at school.”

And of course

…will speak with you about how better to secure your future then.

So much for parental love… If anything, it’s a declaration of disappointment, with clear expectations and measures to be met, We know you are better than this, we expect you to be better than this, leaders do not fumble. Sounds particularly loving, doesn’t it? Definitely not like they worry about their reputation, and their image in the community more than their daughter’s wellbeing and most certainly not like they have her future already decided for her. A future they can benefit from, of course.

I will try to keep this at a reasonable length and will not overly analyze Leona’s own unsent replies, for they are pretty straightforward. They are characterized by Leona’s anxiety, fear and guilt for disappointing her parents and failing to reach the tremendous expectations they have set for her.

            So to sum this part up, Leona was raised by overly strict parents, in an environment in which she received little to no affection and positive reinforcement, even for her achievements that far exceeded those of her peers. She has also been burdened with a set of rather impossible expectations, that she strives to reach no matter what. We saw that Iasur and Melia are quick to discipline her and voice their disappointment, rather rancidly might I say, and yet made little to no mention of Leona’s multiple achievements that have been noted by multiple instructors as well as Polymnius. As for Leona herself, one might say she is afraid to be herself and express her own thoughts. Even when she writes a letter that truly encompasses her thoughts and feelings, in that same letter she resolutely states that she will not send it.

So insofar we have an affection-starved, rule-loving perfectionist, that probably hasn’t had any positive reinforcement since she was like 5 and has her parents and everyone around her connect and define her worth as a person though her personal achievements and services in Her light. It would be safe to assume that from a point on, Leona herself starts putting herself in those boxes, limiting her sense of self and worth to the glass ceiling of their expectations, adding more and more expectations on herself, back bending further and further back, until inevitably reaching her breaking point. And of course, this is all she has ever known. The rules, the hierarchy, the expectations, the dogma, is what she grew up with, is what feels familiar, and in a twisted sense, “right”.  We could thus somewhat explain why Leona holds her duty in such high regard. She has come to define herself and her worth as a person, through it. It’s all she has ever really known.

            Not to say that things are as bleak as they seem at first glance. For there is one shining light in Leona’s life, one guiding beacon that tries to break her out of the glass cage, at least at the point in time when Rise With Me takes place, and it is none other than Diana.

            Now, according to Leona’s bio, she saw in Diana an ever-curious spirit devoted to the search for meaning, and the truth, and that’s sth that holds up in the short story as well. Diana’s ingenuity and unique perspective of things, her being the one dissonant voice in the harmonious chorus of the elders’ teachings, intrigue young Leona.

When looking into the respective missives that Leona sends to Diana in respects of their shared oration class, starting from the first one even, we can see that despite all the greatness she has achieved, all her triumphs, and graces, she remains shy, and humble. Even knowing that she is amongst the best of her peers, and the priests’ favorites, she does not brag, does not demand, does not exert any power or control. Instead, she approaches her faults humbly and asks for Diana’s – the outcast’s - help in a respectful manner. She does not let her shortcomings define her or hinder her. She recognizes them as something to improve, and humbly asks for help from someone she believes she can benefit from, someone that will help, and not just shower her with mindless praise.  She recognizes Diana’s ingenuity and applauds her argument construction; while pledging to help her in return should Diana need assistance herself.

Leona is humble and kind. Though to a certain degree we might even consider her having a bit of a people pleasing attitude accompanied by a slight lack of confidence. Perfectionists as a rule hate making mistakes or seeming inadequate. It’s a big blow in their confidence and the sense of self they have constructed around the concept of said perfection. After living for so long in an environment of such heavy expectations, it’s no wonder one might start second-guessing themselves, no matter how good they are, even for the smallest of mistakes.

            Back to Leona though, she is humble, kind and considerate, perhaps even to a fault. There is this sense of her not wanting to impose on Diana’s schedule, on which she rather insists. She doesn’t want to be trouble, she does not want to be a burden, and of course she then offers her own help in return should it be needed, which is the decent and honorable thing to do.

            Leona’s diary entry where she considers asking Diana to the festival is what also gives us a glimpse of the person behind the armor, behind the rule abiding student, behind the mask of achievements and perfection. To no surprise, we get a more in depth perspective of Leona’s own thoughts and feelings, as long as her take on “how to ask the girl I like out without coming across like a total fool, or indoctrinating asshole?” She is anxious, thoughtful and tender, considerate and sweet in her approach, and a little bit hopeless, but I think we can forgive her. She is downright smitten and hasn’t realized how much just yet. She even goes through with one of her plans to ask Diana to practice with the shields, and well, forgive me if I say it is adorable.

            Diana’s presence in Leona’s life and story, however, is not important because the will-be Aspect of the Sun is absolutely smitten with her, or even because she encompasses the total opposite of what Leona is (which let’s be honest, she doesn’t. They are complimentary to one another, not opposites), but because Diana makes Leona think.

            That’s the reason Leona approached her in the first place, her ability to think and construct cohesive and compelling arguments. Something that Leona herself is lacking in, because alongside most of the other Solari acolytes, she lacks critical thinking. An essential component of trying to construct an argument of any sort - if you do not want to parrot something you learned in a book once.

            Diana’s arguments, thoughts and criticisms on their given materials have Leona thinking, examining what she is taught, and what she says in oration class herself. Diana teaches Leona how to think, she teaches her how to construct arguments, how to reinforce them, to find fallacies in arguments and counteract them. In her quest to learn how to defend her point, Leona starts learning how to look deeper into things, to examine their essence, and construct counterpoints. And we can see that she starts thinking about it, if only superficially. She doesn’t go full out critical thinking, or questioning everything she has ever known, it doesn’t work like that, but the seed has been planted.  “Why do you think I need to go deeper than that when it’s widely known already?” It’s not much but it is a start to the path of critical thinking.

And then after an undetermined amount of time, comes their shared ascension. And that’s where the discrepancies in the story start. Mind you the bio was written a few years before the short story came out, so the characterization obviously is not entirely in line with what we know.

            This Leona is one that debates with Diana still, but wants to persuade her not to look further into their faith, and just accept it as it is. At Diana’s sharing the secret of the alcove, Leona is a stone wall of resistance urging her friend away from the climb, afraid for her wellbeing should she inspire further ire from the Solari. When Diana inevitably climbs the mountain, and while her first instinct is to alert the elders, Leona resolves to help and protect her friend instead and follows after her into the night. Against all odds they manage to reach the peak, and she is wreathed in golden light, fighting tooth and nail to keep her sense of self intact. And she wins.

            At this point, I think we can all see the difference between bio-Leona and the Leona that the short story sets the foundations of. Obviously for the sake of storytelling and with some tweaking these two could co-exist as canon versions of Leona in different times of her life. We could potentially be talking about a tragic story about how religion and blind adherence to duty and tradition drive a wedge between two people that very much love each other. Or the bio could be a bit of a “historical account” of what happened, and Leona having had to care for Diana after her punishments one too many times puts up a wall of resistance, an ultimatum of the “I don’t want to lose you” kind.

            No matter the case, and despite of what Riot might decide to do to expand on their story, and either give us a critical thinking Leona, or a very good reason for not having a critical thinking Leona, the point is that Leona is incredibly loyal to those she cares about.

            And now comes the point of the ascension. The critical point in their story, where instead of going with Diana, and living their happily ever after away from the system that tortured them both, albeit in completely different manners, Leona chooses to stay.

            And I think sometimes when thinking about Leona, we do not always recognize that this is the point where everything is going down. This is the point where everything we have so far discussed comes into play. Because their ascension is a traumatic experience. One that upends everything Leona has ever known. The process of their ascension is traumatic, the very essence of it, bloody terrifying. Because it is a jump into the unknown. It challenges the truths that she has constructed her whole sense of self around, demolishes the very principles that she grew up enforcing.

            There is this interaction in Legends of Runeterra, where Diana urges Leona to understand that Day needs Night, referencing the visions they both saw upon Targon’s peak. And what does Leona reply? “Visions from memories not my own.”

            Full-blown denial. Not that I particularly blame her initial reaction. Because what is it that we have here? We have that affection-starved perfectionist that grew up in a cult, that wounded inner child that has come to tie her worth as a person to the degree of her personal achievements. We have that honorable, rule abiding, and duty loving person, a person that finds solace in strict structures and hierarchies, that thrives in them, thrown into absolute CHAOS.

You have Leona, that rule abiding idiot, that transcends her own limits that takes that one calculated risk to follow Diana and save her from the mountain’s clutches and ends up with watching a blast of divine light slamming into Diana. She goes to help, and before she can help a blast of divine light slams into her, filling her head with a second divine conscience, with visions and memories of other Sun Aspects, of times when truly the people of the mountain were united. And then the onslaught ends, and she faces a Diana different from the one she knows, a Diana dressed in the colors of the enemy.

            So Leona, bearing all of the characteristics we mentioned above, is bloody terrified out of her wits. She is faced with such terrifyingly foreign notions, with such stress, that what is she going to do? She regresses back to what she already knows. And what she knows are the elders and the Solari, and the priests, the rules, the scriptures, the dogma. In face of that terrifying truth she regresses back to the perceived safety of that toxic and unhealthy system -that on top of everything is a cult- that she grew up in.

            Now this brings forth this thought about ignorance. Because Leona is ignorant of the truth. She is, however, intimately familiar with the narrative she has grown up with. People are familiar with their ignorance, and oftentimes they choose to bear the ills of what they know than to fly to others that they know not of. And thus, they are cowards. (Hamlet anyone?)

Leona is a prime example of that. Instead of sitting down and considering the new information, the truth revealed, the unknown future ahead, she clings to her ignorance, to her half-knowledge of the story, because it is familiar, and safe. And she is bloody terrified of the new unknown that Diana proposes they follow.

Now that is not to say that everything we have discussed boils down to Leona is a coward. Though that is partly true. But she is also a kid that grew up in a system that fostered that kind of cowardice. She is someone that grew up in an environment of cultism and religious fanatism, and she grew up ingrained to it. Contrary to Diana as one might point out. And these are all things we need to take into account when handling a character like Leona, and care that we do not flatten such immense complexity of conditions and circumstances, such depth of thought and emotion to “brainless genocidal cultist”. 

(Now if you ask, why does Diana have critical thinking, why did she not get ingrained and lost in that system despite growing up in it for as long if not longer than Leona, what is it that makes her different from the other cult kids, I have absolutely no idea, but that’s not the point of this particular post.)

To finish this off, the point of this post is not to excuse Leona of all the horrible things she has done, or even to argue that she is not a genocidal cultist- she very much is, and the point is definitely not to say that it is not her fault and she was just a product of her circumstances. We all are products of the circumstances that surround us, but we are not passive participants in those conditions. No, the point is to try and understand where Leona might be coming from, and to demonstrate that even the simplest and most obtuse of character concepts can have an intricate and complicated story behind them.

If you did manage to reach the end of this, congratulations! Have a cookie and don’t forget to hydrate!

[pianokantzart]

My Theory on Pachacamac and The Iblis Trigger

There is talk about how much they changed Pachacamac from a warmongering, power hungry tribal leader, to a goofy grandpa figure, but I think the truth of Pachacamac's nature might be somewhere between the two interpretations. Despite his friendliness, you can't forget he did lead a clan that wiped out the owls with a singleminded focus on capturing Sonic and reclaiming The Master Emerald. Pachacamac, now a ghost, has visited Knuckles to tell him he needs to expand his tribe. There are no other echidnas left, so he asks the sole survivor to take on an apprentice. "Show him our customs, teach him our traditions, and soon our tribe will grow once again."

There is no acceptance or acknowledgement of the fact that the clan's current situation is the result of a bloody feud and the destruction of an entire race besides their own. There is also, unsettlingly, no acknowledgement of Tails, Sonic, or The Wachowskis as members of Knuckles' clan.

While there are questionable elements to Pachacamac's approach, his motivations are at least understandable. Knuckles is a minority– the last of his tribe and the only surviving member of his species, so of course his old chief wants to see their traditions and culture preserved.

Things only get really weird when Pachacamac takes hold of Wade– Knuckles' apprentice and the soon-to-be new addition to their clan–and rewrites history. Rather than the tale of a lone owl that the echidnas hunted down in a quest for power, the story is instead of an entire flock of owls that were the aggressors, killing off Knuckles' tribe and burning down his village for no reason other than for the sake of the slaughter.

Similarly, Knuckles isn't described as a lost child left behind, but a fellow warrior who battled alongside his father until the bitter end.

So, knowing that Pachacamac's version of events is wrought with lies leads to one very serious question: What is the true story of Knuckles' battle with Iblis? If there's one thing we know about The Echidna Clan, it's that they are fixated on raw power. They're a warrior-focused society where the best fighter gets the highest honor and the most privileges. They were the ones who crafted The Master Emerald from the seven chaos emeralds. They were the ones who tracked down Sonic when he was a child with the intention of obtaining his power, before Long Claw wiped them out in her final struggle.

And who else do we know that was accidentally unleashed in a reckless pursuit of power?

Iblis, the raw power of the sun god Solaris. Iblis, who was sealed away within a child using the power of the chaos emeralds.

Now, there's no doubt that "The Flames of Disaster" in the SCU are very different from "The Flames of Disaster" in Sonic 06. In the movie universe the flames are merely a type of wieldable power rather than the name of an apocalyptic event. However... what better way to rewrite the fact that the echidna tribe nearly caused the end of the world and locked an immortal fire demon within an echidna child, than by pretending that The Flames of Disaster is just an inherent ability Knuckles unlocked through an epic battle?

What if "The Flames of Disaster" wasn't a power he obtained through a magnificent fight, but a power he survived after it was thrusted upon him by his elders? ... What if one of the many, many reasons reasons his father didn't let him join the fight was out of fear of what would happen if he cried?

[redsunkrp]

Welcome to the morphing maze, Yang Minjae. You are the Main Dancer, Vocalist of S0LARIS/Main Dancer of L0KI. At 24 (204), you are known as being outgoing and mischievous one in your group. You are also secretly a gumiho.

You’ve made quite a name for yourself with lyrics and choreographing. Good luck with being a hothead with a short fuse. 

Everyone is watching. Can you hear the applause?

Minjae aka Jung Wooyoung/Ateez uses he/him  pronouns. They are played by Rai (she/they; est; 25+).

[ghoulish-activities]

Ghoul taxonomy:

Domain: Eukanya

Kingdom: Anomalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Daemonium

Family: Daemonion

Genus: Infernide

Species: I. vulgaris

Sub-species: I. vulgaris vocare

Other members of the genus:

I. via lactea

I. via lactea vocare*

I. infirmus

I. primus solaris maior*

I. primus solaris

* - sub-species

Bonus info:

Ghoul mostly refers to members of I. vulgaris, especially domesticated sub-species, called I. vulgaris vecare that are the majority of the ghouls working in the ministry.

I. vulgaris vecare has four main breeds: Fire, water, air and earth.

Multi ghouls usually are used as an umbrella term for ghouls without clear classification, but is mostly a descriptive than a valid scientific term. It can refer to wild members of genus Infernide, most often I. vulgaris or even feral I. vulgaris vecare that are too mixed to have one clear dominant element.

Wild members of the genus lack the clear deviate of the base elements.

Quintessence ghouls however are I. via lactea vocare and lack as diverse breeds as I. vulgaris vecare. Mostly we have quint, nether, aether and void breeds. But they mostly have an diverse aesthetic and magical differences. It's much rarer to summon a purebred one.

All members of genus Infernide can interbreed, with (usually) offsprings with ability to further reproduce. However many ghouls have clear preference towards their species, sometimes even breed due to some species/breeds being not the most compatible for natural breeding.

[simply-simplid]

can u please tell me ur thoughts on the yj characters superhero thing u wrote about a while ago

Okay so I'm going to definitely word vomit here but I'm going to do my best to contain it (spoiler alert from present Lid: I did not contain it) because I may actually end up writing something like this once PMF is done (i have a back burner of like four different fic ideas for after PMF that I will probably put some feelers out for to see what people are most interested)

YellowJackets Superhero AU Ideas below cut

General Headcanons + Thoughts

Set Up:

Takes place in a world similar to the Yellowjackets canon- with a superhero twist. Supepowered individuals are not at all the norm in this world and there is a lot of public discourse over the correlation between the emergence of superheroes and the emergence of all the new threats that superheroes face.

I've got more ideas for world building and stuff but I'll save that for when/if I actually write this

The story itself would, like the show, be split across two timelines- teen and adult.

TEEN TIMELINE:

This period would take place in the 90s and sees the teenage sidekicks of the most elite national superheroes, join up to form their own youth team to take on some of the smaller threats that their mentors don't have time for (Think Teen Titans, Young Avengers, etc).

The team is as follows:

Jackie Taylor: (Star Blitz "Star")

Power(s): Jackie can create sparks of light as miniscule as harmless sparkles to as impactful as explosive bursts with enough energy. While this power does not allow her to fly naturally like her mentor, she has over time learned to use them in a way that allows her to use their force to propel herself in a certain direction. Her powers are very popular with children because of how dazzling it looks. Team Role: Team Leader Flexible Member: primarily serves as a strike member, but can also serve mobility or support Aliases: "Star" - by the general population "Little Miss Sunshine", "Golden Girl", "Sparkles", "Twinkle Toes" - sarcastically by her teammates "Starshine" - by Solaris Mentor: Solaris (name not final) - one of the most globally popular superheroes. Powers of flight, enhanced strength, enhanced durability, energy projection (think Captain Marvel). Aspirations: Jackie's primary goal is to establish the teen superhero team as a reputable and trustworthy powerhouse team that can be depended on just as much as the big name heroes if not more. She idolizes Solaris and wants to follow in her footsteps as a hero and leader. On a more internal level, Jackie seeks a sense of belonging, understanding, and to feel known and accepted General Background: Jackie's powers came about when she was a child, and has been successfully hiding them from her parents ever since. Somehow it gets around to Solaris who takes an interest in Jackie and decides to take her in as a protege. (Maybe its moreso Jackie seeking out Solaris and pestering the shit out of her by being relentlessly stubborn until she gives in so the little twerp doesn't do something dumb like go off and try to be a superhero on her own without training.) Jackie trains under Solaris for around four or five years before the hero has less and less time for her due to increased threats. Jackie decides to establish a team of sidekick heroes to combat some of the lower level threats while their teachers fight the bigger guys.

Shauna Shipman (The Fury)

Power(s): Shauna has a transformation type of power that allows her to shift into an alternate form known as "The Fury". This form has hardened, nearly impenetrable skin, enhanced durability, strength, agility, and senses, as well as sharp retractable claws and spines. She is also able to selectively change only part of her form which she does more often than not due to being insecure about the appearance of her fully shifted form. Team Role: Primarily serves as a tank role, but can also function in plans that require more mobility Aliases: "The Red Terror", "Hellspawn" "Killer" - affectionately by teammates Mentor: Chimera (Name not final) - not a chart topping hero but one that is frequently brought onto famous teams due to their utility and likeability. Chimera can physically alter their body to take on attributes of other creatures at will, often multiple at the same time. Aspirations: Figure out what she wants for herself outside of Jackie's shadow General Background: Shauna and Jackie have been best friends since kindergarten. She was there when Jackie's powers came in and was dazzled. Aside from Solaris, she was the only one to know Jackie's identity until the team came together. Shauna's powers came in at the end of middle school, which was already a difficult time for her as Jackie started getting attention both in hero life and real life, and now Shauna felt constantly overshadowed and insecure. Shauna's mom was much more supportive of Shauna's powers and helped connect her with Chimera.

Van Palmer (SlingRay- picked herself, she's very proud of it)

Power(s): Van can manipulate the charged energy cells in her body generate energy whips from hands. These whips are highly elastic and can be used for mobility, attacks, and utility. (She's definitely tried to pull the spider-man kiss pose before). The whips are harmless unless Van chooses to charge them with excess energy which can cause a static shock to those trapped by them. Team Role: Primarily serves as utility or support. Highly mobile and extremely adept in rescue + capture situations Also serves as the team heart + comedic relief Aliases: "Clown", "Slinging Fool" - by villains and some members of the public. (She's the quippy one, she pisses people off with her jokes) Mentor: Some kind of ice powered superhero I think. Comic relief character that's both considered widely loved and annoying. Was a teenage superhero and is more like a big brother figure to Van, seeing a lot of himself in them and not wanting the superhero life to take the joy away from them. Aspirations: Keep shady organizations in check and look out for the little guys General Background: Van's powers came about due to a radiation leak from a plant set up and poorly regulated in Van's neighborhood. Most people there got sick or worse but the scandal was covered up. Van's powers started developing early freshman year and she started working as a teenage vigilante trying to take down the company behind the leak. It's during this time that she has a run in with Jackie who is trying to take down the same villain as Van. They get into a disagreement over it and the villain almost escapes. Jackie reacts impulsively and her powers accidentally go rogue and cause the scar on Van's face. Because it burned off part of Van's mask, Jackie discovered her identity and decided to cover for her by making some excuse when she brought her unconscious to the hospital. When van woke up in the hospital, heavily bandaged, the doctors had no clue of her secret identity, but a visitor (the ice powered superhero) was clued in by his proximity to Solaris and took Van under his wing so the other superheroes wouldn't try to stop her from performing heroics on her own.

Taissa Turner (Echo/Blue Buzz)

Power(s): Taissa has vibration based powers that allow her cells to vibrate rapidly. This can be used for a number of applications. She can vibrate her cells fast enough to phase through objects or people in short doses. Movement allows her to store up kinetic energy which can be released to launch herself in a direction, or release a concussive burst with a clap. Her powerset is a highly technical one that requires extensive practical thought and applications. Team Role: Primarily serves as strike + mobility but can be used as utility/support/recon Aliases: "Blue Buzz" - The media started calling her this after her debut despite the fact that she had already picked a hero name. She has been actively fighting the use of this name since she started but many people still call her this. "Buzz Kill" - Derogatory diminutive from Blue Buzz. Mostly used by villains or her teammates. Mentor: Peregrine (name not final) - Super speed hero with wing attachments. Aspirations: Become one of the top renowned heroes General Background: Taissa's powers emerged at a very early age when she had trouble sitting still, which quickly turned more upsetting when her body would straight up start vibrating in place until she phased through her bed. Her parents had decent connections and wealth and were able to get her examined. She was given a power dampening bracelet as a child and throughout the years has worked on harnessing her power rather than letting it overwhelm her. This has turned her into somewhat of a teenage prodigy. She easily could achieve her ambitions as a hero if it weren't for her difficulty working with others and attitude towards public opinion. She's VERY bitter about Jackie being picked as team leader.

Natalie Scatorccio (The Whisper)

Power(s): Natalie has an extremely enhanced intuition and senses that make her an adept hunter. Her prey drive gives her an alertness towards incoming danger and allows her to avoid or deflect attacks before they hit, making it nearly impossible to get the drop on her. Her predator drive gives her a keen awareness of enemy weaknesses and enhances her stealth and tracking skills. Additionally, she has training in hand to hand combat and dexterity. The public isn't actually aware of her powers because they don't appear visibly and she more seems to have a supernatural awareness. Her tendency to remain unseen in the shadows and get the drop on opponents is what owed her the name Whisper. Team Role: Primarily serves as utility, recon, and strike. Aliases: "Little Shadow" - by villains and other heroes. (refers to her predecessor) Mentor: Coach Ben in this universe was not a widely popular hero and was actually more of a controversial figure as he often clashed with police and government officials. He never joined a hero team and was largely a solo vigilante who was involved in street justice. Maybe some shadow based powers? Aspirations: Help the people who actually need it and make sure that no kid like her ever has to feel like they have no one looking out for them :( General Background: It is unclear if Natalie's powers were always there dormant or if they only arose when her life began to turn upside down. Her dad got involved with some villains and it was Natalie that ended up turning him in. Her mom became a shell of a human after her dad died so she largely raised herself until some of the same associates of her dad tracked her down. Ben saved her and decided to take her in and she became a vigilante under his wing. About 6 months before the team was formed, Ben was killed mysteriously and Natalie believes it to be a type of conspiracy. She was actively investigating it and getting herself into trouble and raising the wrong type of attention when Jackie decided to bring her on to the team to refocus her.

Lottie Matthews (The Witch)

Power(s): Lottie was born with a highly empathic mind and a deep connection with spirits. She can sense spirits, powerful emotions, and some level of life+death force. She can lay disturbed spirits to rest, look into the memories of a location or person's experiences and trauma, and impact the emotions and thoughts of others to a degree. Her powers are very taxing so she is often tired, anxious, or nauseous. Team Role: Almost entirely support. Sometimes she tries to get too involved in direct conflict and the others have to cover for her because she's not very adept in combat. Aliases: "Witch", "Psycho Bitch" - villains and some members of the public :( Mentor: A world renowned telepath Aspirations: Help heal a damaged world and protect her friends General Background: Lottie went through a series of therapists as a child until finally being introduced to a world renowned telepath and psychologist who was hired by the Matthews to "fix" their daughter. Instead she assured her that her powers were a gift that could help others and decided to teach her. This was the first adult in her life who seemed to be genuinely encouraging towards her rather than fearful of her. She may have unintentionally given Lottie a savior complex though :(

Misty Quigley (The Overseer)

Power(s): Misty can absorb the knowledge of someone she touches. This has allowed her to build up a mental database of skills she has almost entirely mastered. This also makes her quite distractible and scatter brained but extremely useful. Team Role: Strictly support. The others don't let her in the field if they can help it. She's the guy in the chair. Aliases: "Quiggles", "Doc", "Brainiac", "Quigs" - the team "That freaky kid" - some of the team's mentors who are vaguely aware of her Mentor: None. She's stalked dozens of them though. Aspirations: Become invaluable to the team and help make them the next strongest and more renowned superhero team. General Background: Misty has been obsessed with superhero culture since she was a child and witnessed one in action. She dedicated herself to becoming the most informed fan of all things happening in the superhero world- which became pretty easy once her powers came in and she could literally absorb knowledge. She knows many secret identities and lots of the inner workings of the superhero world. She has every resource to become one of the biggest threats to society but is only interested in pushing the teen superhero team she is obsessed with to the top of the world's leaderboards. She definitely was not supposed to be on the team but found out about their secret base and set up there when Jackie tried to bring the others over for the first time. She insistently made her pitch to them and Jackie accepted under the condition that she not involve herself in direct conflict and serve only as support. The other team members did not like this choice. Misty decided Jackie was her favorite person ever because of this choice. Most of Misty's technology that she uses was built herself from scraps or different resources that Lottie provided with her father's funding.

Teen Timeline Story:

As stated, this timeline would cover the stories of the new team as teenage heroes. Probably involves them discovering some kind of conspiracy while they are trying to figure out how to work together. Ends in some kind of disaster that leads directly to the adult timeline...

Adult Timeline Setup: Takes place around ten years after teen timeline.

The premier superheroes of the world are dead and gone. The teen superheroes from the 90s either retired or attempted to restart their lives after some mysterious tragedy.

Misty who never had an active role in the public eye during the teen timeline lives relatively unimpacted. She works during the day and stalks the superhero forums and keeps track of the team.

Taissa tries to get involved in government and actively shuts down conversations about her past

Van and Natalie both attempt to drop off the face of the earth. Van tries to start a civilian life in the middle of no where running a video store. Natalie goes through a number of fake identities moving around, never staying in one place for long.

Lottie was still institutionalized but disappeared one day years ago and has not been seen since. Her dad got the media to imply she died :(

Shauna put up her cape and has tried to build a normal boring life for herself.

And Jackie Taylor, golden girl of the sidekick team, once predicted to be the next big number one superhero-

Has lost her powers :(

For years the others lost contact with her. When she makes another public reappearance, it's as a spokesperson for an organization that is promoting a registration of all superpowered individuals and secretly has ties to a more sinister plot to depower or control superpowered individuals. Her parents are on the board of this organization.

Adult Timeline Story:

After the mysterious tragedy ten years ago that left the teen heroes broken apart, they each live in their adult lives trying to pretend they aren't still dealing with the repercussions of the event. Many of them have their powers impacted or destabilized in some way or new side effects when trying to use them.

Misty gets the team back together to tie up an old loose end and they find themselves involved in another larger conspiracy.

Story would largely cover their coming back together, dealing with this new problem, and discovering a number of mysteries such as what caused so many superpowers to go wrong, why people are going missing, what the goals are of this shadow organization, and who is this mysterious team of villains killing heroes and provoking fear into the public?

I've got some more ideas for this but again I will probably end up doing something with this idea so I'll keep the bigger details to myself B)

If anyone would be interested in this lmk because I do have a lot of fun thinking about it (i was a very big x-men and marvel comics kid)

[clement-tales]

The council rocket blast scene in both seasons of Arcane is inconsistent, and it confuses me.

I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out online, but the blast shown in s1e9 and s2 do not add up.

For reference, this is from the final scene from season 1, which shows the rocket coming in from directly behind Mel's seat:

However, in season 2, the direction from which the rocket was shot seems to have changed completely.

This is the council members and their spots from the council meeting in season 1:

And this is the aftermath of the blast (names added for reference):

From this scene, we can conclude that the rocket came from Shoola's direction, which brings me to my first question.

1. How the FUCK did Shoola survive the blast?

Shoola should have been gravely injured or even dead if the rocket truly did come right at her. It's a wonder how she came out relatively unscathed, as she wasn't even protected by Mel's abilities, which leads me to my next question.

2. How did Viktor get hurt so badly to the point of almost losing his life?

From the opening scene of season 2, we can see that Mel must have left her place to protect Jayce, or at least be by his side right before the rocket comes in (idk if she knew about her powers at the time). As many people on the internet have pointed out, Mel's forcefield/shield left a visibly undamaged zone as shown in the image:

(credit to u/JayKaiser on reddit for the overlaying the images)

We can see that Jayce is at the centre of the field, further proving that Mel was at his side when she created said field. But, Viktor should have also been protected by her field, since he was well within it's radius and was literally seated at an arm's length away from Jayce. Yet he was almost killed by the blast.

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Back in November, after the release of season 2 act 1, some fans speculated that Viktor's augmentations (Void) and Mel's powers (Solari) might have clashed when they came in contact, throwing Viktor out of the protected zone and into the area affected by the blast.

As we see in season 2, Viktor's cocoon (??) reacts with Mel's very being. But, this could also just be a reaction to any foreign body, as we did not see anyone else interact with him in this state. Mel herself doesn't give Jayce a proper explanation when he gets mad at her for not saving Viktor. Which leaves me wondering what really happened there.

The only other valid explanation I can think of is that Viktor may have survived the initial blast, but got hurt due to falling debris from the roof, but....it just seems unlikely. (If this is true, Jayce just has some crazy stupid plot armor for avoiding the debris/not getting hurt by it)

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To conclude, I just wanna say that I'm very surprised that the writers made such a big change to the rocket's trajectory in the scene (whether intentionally or not), taking into consideration the level of detail and subtlety these guys delivered on. Then again, things happen. Maybe they are just plot holes.

NOTE: I have not read the new book yet, and am making this post solely with the information we got from the show. If there are any details about the blast or Mel's abilities that I have missed, please do let me know.

[stellar-collective]

I know that you've mentioned for the Pirate AU that Roxana would remain a human (which makes sense, considering she's not really a Zoraxis asset), but are Fabby and Solaris humans, too? Or is Zor sailing around the seven seas with a whole crew of freaks piled onto their boat

i didn’t realize i’ve never talked about these two! in the pirate au, Commander Solaris was once a member of the Queen’s Navy (same as Reginald) but quit when she realized Zor was much more supportive of her rather explosive ambitions. the Fabricator is Captain Zor’s Quartermaster: their second-in-command, their most trusted ally. there’s not a man nor beast alive that doesn’t fear the Fabricator, and she helps Zor keep their crew in line.

in my original vision for the pirate au, the only characters who aren’t human are Phoenix and Juniper (and possibly Zor and Vitti but shh) so yes, they’re both human!

however, that is not to say that Zor isn’t running a crew full of freaks; with their help, Solaris cut a deal with some Beast Of Power that gave her some unusual abilities involving her missing eye. the exact limits of her power aren’t clear, but when she faced off against the Agency, she set all their sails on fire and was able to very precisely snap the rope that Phoenix was holding onto, dropping them into the water and nearly plowing them over with the Axis.

and the Fabricator is french