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traditional-with-a-twist · 4 years ago

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xxix. Beauty and Her Beast

@the-pompous-potato awwww, your enthusiasm for this story always brightens my day! I am just glowing, feeling so accomplished that I pulled off the big twist, and you enjoyed it so much! ^__^

@bubblesthemonsterartist it made me so excited that you appreciated the sitting in silence! that’s long been one of my favorite scenes for this story, that they’re just...despondent. but together still.

A/N: Once Izana started getting strategic, it required me to check my geography, so I had to make a retroactive edit to the war as described in chapter ii (The Bright Star): Sereg is too far north for the invaders to have bothered; they actually went from Laxdo to the sea port town.

<<Previous || first arc || AO3 || Next>>

Loss is a strand snapped in a web.

A single break leaves some threads sagging, while others buckle and threaten to snap under the strain.

Zen’s death left nothing untouched. Nothing was immune to it; no one in the castle emerged unscathed.

Those closest to Zen reflected the impact most.

In Mitsuhide’s case, it aged him: He became like a man at the end of his life, facing the days to come with no purpose and no motivation.

In Kiki’s case, it flawed her like a crack in the mirror: She was damaged, but still functioning.

...

As for Izana, it would have been only natural for him to lash out in the wake of his brother’s death. Perhaps he had chosen to take out his anger on those closest to Zen who had failed to protect him, even as Izana himself felt that he had failed to protect him.

Alternatively, he might have adopted his lost brother’s projects and dreams, taking up Zen’s mantle of adopting and nurturing these unusual souls, rejected from their native soil and adrift in unfamiliar lands.

It possibly hadn’t involved the most comfortable means for those involved, but that would be understandable, too: It might be explained by shadowy necessities of political intrigue, or by the strained quality of Izana’s personal dealings with those involved, which might have made them wary of accepting direct overtures.

One might even account for it by a quirk of Izana’s character that rendered him enigmatic even in situations where it might perhaps have been unnecessary to be so.

Such a response would have befitted the noble spirit of a prince: to succor these loyal friends and companions in his brother’s place, artfully bringing about the fulfillment of their dreams and happiness.

...

Izana was not so sentimental that he ordered his actions according to his own feelings, however.

...

A prince could not afford to yield to the temptations of sopping a sore heart with posthumous reparations, ultimately meaningless actions in that the intended object of their effects was past any benefit he might have received from them.

Let the private individual indulge in symbolic expressions of grief -- Izana’s royal duties demanded focus, strategy, efficiency.

He acted as he did because political events required it: His kingdom and his people had been compromised, and he must eliminate all future possibilities of that threat’s reoccurring.

...

Izana accordingly bent all the powers of his exceptional mind to the task: observing, weighing, analyzing, pinpointing his enemies’ weaknesses and evaluating their strengths.

The invaders had crossed into Clarines from a state little known to him or his allies.

There were no formal agreements or treaties between Clarines and its northeastern neighbor, yet all reports indicated it to be a stable, prosperous regime. If not friendly to outsiders, nor has it shown itself militant in the past.

The attackers had used that land, but they did not belong to it.

Their rapid disintegration in the wake of defeat suggested that their forces contained a high proportion of mercenaries, warriors with no allegiance besides their own purses. They cared nothing for their master’s fate, so long as he was alive--and solvent--long enough to honor their contracts.

They would not catch Clarines off-guard again, because Izana would end them before they had another chance.

...

It was the peculiar burden of a prince to blend caution with courage.

Izana had personally cultivated and honed the presence of mind that detects danger, navigates threats, always balancing on a knife’s edge between sheltering himself - a protection that became a prison when it robbed you of your people’s respect - and exposing himself needlessly to enemy plots.

Izana had perfected this balancing act.

He passed it on to Zen both in word and deed: by his own example, by repeated reminders, and by exercises that he had personally arranged for his brother when the situation called for intervention.

...

Izana had cautioned Zen, but he had allowed his brother to take risks nonetheless.

He had watched but he had not forbidden as Zen chose to surround himself with those who could not protect and advance his interests, as Kiki Seiran and Mitsuhide Lowen could. Zen’s unusual companions put him at risk: through their questionable identities, their awkward, outsider roles in court, their murky backgrounds and fraught connections.

Zen had an impetuous and warmhearted nature - double-edged virtues.

Izana had overseen these proclivities run their course through his brother’s childhood. He had presided over them with the distant attention of a hawk that perceives more completely and in finer detail than a dim-eyed neighbor of greater proximity.

...

Izana had allowed that freedom because a young tree needs space to grow and stretch its branches, even in unexpected directions - too tight a space and it will languish, no matter how ornately or healthfully prepared.

He had given Zen the freedom that his brother needed to flourish.

Their enemies had taken advantage.

...

Like a summer house that throws open its doors to the fresh air and graces its guests with the fragrance of sun and flower...yet the morning wakes to find the sanctuary scarred.

Rats have crept in during the night.

In an unguarded moment, they had crawled into starlit spaces and wreaked irreparable damage.

Their foul bodies made their mark on a place not unloved, not unworthy, but vulnerable in its beauty. Their grasping claws have shredded the paper-thin walls that showed no imperfection, only the fragility of grace and nobility.

They were not worthy to look on its beauty, yet they have destroyed it.

...

After their defeat in pitched battle, the attackers melted away as swiftly as they had appeared. Victory had eluded them, but they in turn had evaded the just desserts of the vanquished.

That was unacceptable.

There was the threat of a renewed attack. The routed army might reform and strike again, emboldened by its prior successes and near victories.

There is also this: His brother is dead.

...

For a man with little in the way of permitted attachments, Zen was the closest someone could be to Izana--and the single person he felt most responsible for. He had owed it to Zen as a brother to care for him, and he had owed it to his country as a ruler to help Zen become great.

Izana can’t resent the sacrifice that Clarines demanded--that would require an internal civil war, an evisceration of the identity he has cultivated since his first breath.

Clarines is not to blame.

It was the invaders, the vermin who had infested their kingdom, who would answer.

They had slithered into a deep hole, that much he and Kiki had ascertained on their journey north. It would require a particularly cleverly fashioned instrument to ferret them out.

Then he would end them: ultimate, complete annihilation, so that even the memory of them died from the earth.

...

For Izana, losing Zen lit the fuse on a bundle of dynamite.

Outwardly, there is little sign except for the hint of something burning. The spark is tiny and travels quickly.

If those nearby aren’t paying attention, they could easily continue oblivious to time running out, fearless in the face of impending destruction.

...

“Summon Lord Haruka. I have need of him.”

#Akagami no Shirayukihime #obiyuki #PurePassion #Beauty and Her Beast #this is a bit of a bonus chapter #to round out the second arc #and make Izana a bit less of a black box #(if that's even possible)

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thebluelemontree · 5 years ago

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On this note: “ Another way of saying Littlefinger didn’t bet on Sandor is that he didn’t account for him.” I know people say that Varys was behind the bread riot, but there’s some speculation around that it was actually LF and Mandon Moore was one of his men. Moore abandons Sansa in the riots and I think that was staged. LF didn’t account for Sandor saving her. What he planned on doing to her - maybe an escape? IDK.

People say a lot of things in this fandom, let’s put it that way. We see in no POV’s account that there is any evidence of attempted kidnapping on Sansa during the riot, let alone a whole conspiracy to commit kidnapping that was thwarted. Let’s remember, Tyrek Lannister was the one that got snatched here (allegedly, technically he’s only known to be missing). If anyone was specifically targetted, it was him.

The bread riot was always a powder keg waiting to explode. No one person orchestrated it. The Tyrells had cut off food supplies from the Reach when they stood with Renly against Stannis and Joffrey. Prices are ridiculously high, and basic foodstuffs are scarce. There’s rampant lawlessness in the streets as well as a bloody flux. There’s open talk of rebellion among the guilds and merchants. Tyrion is burning down all homes and shops between the water and the city walls in preparation for Stannis’s attack. This is going to displace hundreds, maybe thousands of poor people. Joffrey is executing antler men and personally shooting bolts into unarmed, starving citizens. Begging brothers are preaching damnation of the corrupt nobility, including charging them with incest, birthing monsters, and reveling under demonic influence. The Lannister-Baratheons could not be more hated than they are at that moment. We have to remember that at the time of the riot, Littlefinger was well away at Bitterbridge and then went on to High Garden to negotiate with Mace Tyrell for the then widowed Margaery’s hand. He already has his man Dontos plotting with Sansa in the godswood, gaining her trust, so she leaves willingly when the time is right. A second kidnapping/escape plot overcomplicates everything is totally unnecessary. If Moore was supposed to be LF’s man, why wouldn’t he just lead Sansa away to a rendezvous point under the pretense of eluding the mob? That would have been simple and plausible as her shield. Just abandoning her in the swarm doesn’t speak to a plan that has to go off without any mishaps.

On the other hand, Varys is the one official still in the city who was noted by Jaime to be conspicuously absent from seeing Myrcella off to Dorne. Varys, who claimed to have informants all over the city, yet he never forewarned Cersei of any possible riot. Again, it’s Tyrek that disappears without a trace.

Sorry for the long wait. I actually had to take some time to re-read and reflect on Mandon Moore. I think it’s a really bad place to start the speculation with the assumption that he must be working for someone at all. My conclusion is that he’s not working for anyone, and he doesn’t have to be to do what he does. He is a guy motivated by naked self-interest and personal advancement, and that does not necessarily equate with greed or being in anyone’s pocket. IMO, I think he has traits similar to a corporate psychopath (though he’s obviously down for murder too) than anything else. Let’s just focus on how his characterization is described first.

Jaime had once told him that Moore was the most dangerous of the Kingsguard—excepting himself, always—because his face gave no hint as what he might do next. – Tyrion I, ACOK.

He’s described as appearing corpse-like with eyes that are “oddly flat and lifeless.” He’s cold and emotionless. Most notably, Ser Mandon has ties to no one.

Lord Arryn brought him to King’s Landing and Robert gave him his white cloak, but neither loved him much, I fear. Nor was he the sort the smallfolk cheer in tourneys, despite his undoubted prowess. Why, even his brothers of the Kingsguard never warmed to him. Ser Barristan was once heard to say that the man had no friend but his sword and no life but duty … but you know, I do not think Selmy meant it altogether as praise. Which is queer when you consider it, is it not? Those are the very qualities we seek in our Kingsguard, it could be said—men who live not for themselves, but for their king. By those lights, our brave Ser Mandon was the perfect white knight. – Tyrion II, ASOS.

Of all the things said about him, nowhere does anyone suggest it is in Mandon Moore’s character to want anything outside of his career within the kingsguard. He has a single-minded focus on duty and serving the king in an almost robotic level of obedience. No one can tell what goes on behind that blank expression. If a man’s motivations are unknowable, you can’t predict future behavior. Mandon Moore does not strike me as someone who would fall prey to bribery or blackmail. He’s not ideologically motivated, nor is he someone a conspirator can confidently rely on to carry out a task without risk of being double-crossed. If we look at men Littlefinger has taken into his service like Ser Dontos, the Kettleblacks, Janos Slynt, Nestor Royce, Lothor Brune, Lyn Corbray, there’s always a glaring weakness to be exploited, be it greed, excessive/wounded pride, addiction, closeted homosexuality, desperation, debt, estrangement from family, desire to rise from the underclass, lack of better options, etc. Mandon doesn’t have any of these vulnerabilities.

So what did I mean by having traits in common with a corporate psychopath, though? Varys talks about Mandon being “the perfect white knight” and possessing the ideal qualities of a kingsguard. Certain types of corporate psychopaths can wear a facade of traits that the business world desires and values. They can seem like the perfect employee that the company leadership can rely on. They appear to be fearless and unwavering in their drive for success, sometimes even earning praise and recognition for outright ruthlessness. Their sometimes apparent lack of emotions could be read as having the grit to do what is necessary in times of turmoil. Most use manipulative tactics to discredit, undermine, or sabotage coworkers and superiors alike just to get ahead, which I will show is relevant in Moore’s case. Everyone is either a potential pawn, patron, or enemy to be eliminated. Not all psychopaths have superficial and grandiose charm, and no one would accuse Mandon of being charming, but he does put himself out there to be seen as indispensably valuable to the king.

Let’s go back to the bread riot and why Mandon Moore abandoned Sansa’s side as her shield.

Tyrion pressed blunt fingers into his throbbing temples. If Sansa Stark had come to harm, Jaime was as good as dead. “Ser Mandon, you were her shield.”

Ser Mandon Moore remained untroubled. “When they mobbed the Hound, I thought first of the king.”

“And rightly so,” Cersei put in. “Boros, Meryn, go back and find the girl.“ – Tyrion IX, ACOK.

I see no sign that there’s any duplicity going on here when he’s questioned. Mandon Moore acted in a way he believed the king and the queen regent (his patrons) would approve of. The traitor’s daughter’s life doesn’t mean anything to Joffrey, and she is only a secondary thought of the queen’s after they are safe within the castle; therefore, she is not a useful pawn to him. If Mandon Moore shows any desire for anything at all, it’s this: Sandor Clegane’s privileged position with the Lannisters. Joffrey ordered Sandor to go after the peasant that threw the dung. As Sandor is mobbed (and it would be reasonable to wager he’ll be imminently killed), Ser Mandon seized the opportunity to swoop in as Sandor’s replacement, dropping Sansa like a hot potato. There is a reason he keeps being ironically regarded as the white knight in shining armor. He’s a real Johnny on the spot that one. Even if Sandor somehow isn’t killed, Moore still comes out looking like the kingsguard that did not falter in his duty to protect the king even in all the confusion and chaos. It’s an opportunistic upstaging of a colleague to discredit his effectiveness at his job. It proves shortsighted on his part because Sandor not only survives but has Sansa, still a valuable Lannister hostage, alive and in tow.

This will come up again at the Battle of the Blackwater when Sandor finally breaks from the wildfire. Tyrion orders Sandor to continue leading sorties outside the city walls, but he refuses. Guess who chimes in?

Ser Mandon Moore moved to Tyrion’s side, immaculate in his enameled white plate. "The King’s Hand commands you.”

“Bugger the King’s Hand.” Where the Hound’s face was not sticky with blood, it was pale as milk. “Someone bring me a drink.” A gold cloak officer handed him a cup. Clegane took a swallow, spit it out, flung the cup away. “Water? Fuck your water. Bring me wine.”

He is dead on his feet. Tyrion could see it now. The wound, the fire … he’s done, I need to find someone else, but who? Ser Mandon? He looked at the men and knew it would not do. Clegane’s fear had shaken them. Without a leader, they would refuse as well, and Ser Mandon … a dangerous man, Jaime said, yes, but not a man other men would follow. – Tyrion XIII, ACOK.

Since when has Moore ever shown any deference to Tyrion’s authority before? Never. This is a performance for his situational patron, part of Moore’s facade. What is suggested by vocally taking Tyrion’s side is that Moore wants Tyrion to name him commander. He would see the opportunity to take Sandor’s place by not only highlighting the latter’s disobedience, but his posturing implies that he wouldn’t hesitate to carry out the Hand’s orders. It’s also a boon that Sandor’s behavior is quickly tanking any remaining confidence in his courage and leadership ability. Moore must have thought himself the natural choice to assume command as he is a kingsguard and a capable fighter, but he could not have foreseen Tyrion absorbing Jaime’s counsel. Instead, Tyrion decides to lead the sorties himself, shaming anyone that doesn’t follow as being less than a dwarf. Being named the king’s standard-bearer, as Ser Mandon was, is usually considered a high honor. A corporate psychopath wouldn’t see it that way. It’s a piss poor consolation to being led around by someone he would consider a lesser man. Battle is where a knight earns his commendations and honors, which we see in Sansa’s eighth chapter in Clash. As commander of the sorties and his rival disgraced as a craven, Moore would have been the hero of the day should they emerge victorious. Tyrion prevented that. Moore would then be left with only one other option to assume leadership. Tyrion has to fall on the battlefield.

“MY LORD! TAKE MY HAND! MY LORD TYRION!”

There on the deck of the next ship, across a widening gulf of black water, stood Ser Mandon Moore, a hand extended. Yellow and green fire shone against the white of his armor, and his lobstered gauntlet was sticky with blood, but Tyrion reached for it all the same, wishing his arms were longer. It was only at the very last, as their fingers brushed across the gap, that something niggled at him … Ser Mandon was holding out his left hand, why … – Tyrion XIV, ACOK.

Ser Mandon’s sword comes down in his right hand and nearly kills Tyrion. What Moore could not have anticipated was getting iced by Podrick Payne before he could finish Tyrion off. There’s a simple elegance to Moore’s motivations being strictly his own. There’s no complicated conspiracy needed to explain any of his actions. He’s just a shark in a suit of armor. But what about Varys implying there was a conspiracy to kill Tyrion with Moore as the catspaw? It seems to validate Tyrion’s suspicions that it was Cersei, or at least someone.

Bronn had turned up all he could on Ser Mandon, but no doubt Varys knew a deal more … should he choose to share it. “The man seems to have been quite friendless,” Tyrion said carefully.

“Sadly,” said Varys, “oh, sadly. You might find some kin if you turned over enough stones back in the Vale, but here … Lord Arryn brought him to King’s Landing and Robert gave him his white cloak, but neither loved him much, I fear. Nor was he the sort the smallfolk cheer in tourneys, despite his undoubted prowess. Why, even his brothers of the Kingsguard never warmed to him.

… [the Barristan part already quoted above]

And he died as a knight of the Kingsguard ought, with sword in hand, defending one of the king’s own blood.” The eunuch gave him a slimy smile and watched him sharply.

Trying to murder one of the king’s own blood, you mean. Tyrion wondered if Varys knew rather more than he was saying. Nothing he’d just heard was new to him; Bronn had brought back much the same reports. He needed a link to Cersei, some sign that Ser Mandon had been his sister’s catspaw.

Let’s not forget Varys benefits by furthering the rifts within the Lannister regime. He can easily play to Tyrion’s paranoia by suggesting there’s more behind Mandon Moore’s murder attempt than there was. He smiles and mentions Moore’s origins in the Vale, a gesture at Littlefinger most likely; however, there are no substantial breadcrumbs left behind to connect Moore to anyone. We’re even reminded twice that Bronn’s investigation turned up nothing except what was already well-known. There’s just no there there. Tyrion is doing the same thing as the conspiracy theories by assuming that Moore has to be in someone’s pay, but his reasoning is faulty.

Jaime had always said that Ser Mandon was the most dangerous of the Kingsguard, because his dead empty eyes gave no hint to his intentions. I should never have trusted any of them. He’d known that Ser Meryn and Ser Boros were his sister’s, and Ser Osmund later, but he had let himself believe that the others were not wholly lost to honor. Cersei must have paid him to see that I never came back from the battle. Why else? I never did Ser Mandon any harm that I know of. – Tyrion XV, ACOK.

He mistook Moore’s commitment to duty and obedience for having honor. And yes, he did unintentionally cross Ser Mandon. He just didn’t know it because he couldn’t read the guy. He couldn’t see beneath the surface, and that is why Jaime is correct in calling him the most dangerous. One can never know for sure if this type of corporate psychopath sees you as their pawn, their patron, or their enemy at any given moment. There’s no way to mount a defense against that unless you can understand who you are really dealing with. Tyrion was just very, very lucky that he brought Podrick Payne with him into battle.

#valyrian scrolls #valyrianscrolls #ser mandon moore #sansa stark #sandor clegane #tyrion lannister #varys #the bread riots #asoiaf meta #conspiracy theories #asoiaf theories #asoiaf characterization #my meta #anonymous

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straykidsupdate · 6 years ago

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Stray Kids are shaking up K-pop’s status quo

The South Korean pop band Stray Kids are clustered around a laptop for a Skype interview, pale in the screen’s glow as heavy rain turns New York City to grey. It’s a fitting backdrop for the group: from their 2017 pre-debut release “Hellevator” to the latest single, the snarling, trumpeting EDM of “MIROH”, the K-pop group have made similarly dystopian environs their visual backdrop, where neon and CCTV screens flicker and the group are hemmed in by skyscrapers, tarmac, and tunnels as they attempt to escape or defy their surroundings.

This concept – of attaining freedom – is central to the group, and it’s an idea that’s rooted in reality. The group’s leader, Bang Chan, handpicked each member for the group from their parent label JYP Entertainment’s roster of trainees, a process unheard of in K-pop, where that power lies with executives and creative directors. Stray Kids write and produce all their material, too, and are one of the few idol groups to do so. Their music focuses unflinchingly on their youth – the anger and frustration, the ecstatic highs and ragged lows – while questioning their own shifting sense of identity.

With bleached bangs falling into one eye, Bang Chan recalls not the gravitas of the opportunity to form his own group, but the pressure of picking wisely. “There was a lot on my mind,” says the 21-year-old, speaking during the band’s run of sold-out North American concerts. “Choosing the right people was a must, because I’m going to be with them for a long time. Because I’d been a trainee for so long,” – seven years – “I think I had the ability to figure out what potential they had.” He turns to his bandmates and namechecks them: Woojin, the eldest at 22; Lee Know; Changbin; Hyunjin; Han; Felix; Seungmin; and the youngest, I.N, who turned 18 in February. “With everyone around me right now, I’m really glad we’ve become this team.”

Bang Chan and 18-year-old Felix, whose cavernously deep voice is at odds with his Bambi-innocent looks, were both raised in Australia, and the broad twang of their accent conveys a cheerful, anything-is-possible resonance. It’s the former who helms the conversation. He’s an engaging speaker and a careful listener, stopping to translate questions for the non-English speakers. At times he falters, and at others he deflects to well-worn answers (a reflection of their newness), but he’s unmistakably a leader, a role he wears effortlessly.

As a whole, Stray Kids are known for their friendly, indefatigable rambunctiousness, but with nearly a dozen rookie awards and five EPs in just over 12 months, it’d be foolish to underestimate their tenacity. Their start was a baptism of fire. On Stray Kids, the eponymously-named survival TV show that they were formed through, they were required to write tracks and perfect performances to short deadlines, then ruthlessly critiqued by the CEO of their label, JYP Entertainment. Two of the group members, Felix and Lee Know, were initially eliminated, although eventually reinstated in the final episode via a public vote. Felix, axed due to his less-than-fluent Korean, hasn’t forgotten the sting. “I still think about my Korean and how I use the language,” he sighs. “I try to learn, and fix it.”

You can see his determination when Stray Kids appear on Korean variety shows to showcase their work and their personalities. Felix’s shyness in speaking had resulted in less camera time but, in recent months, his studying has appeared to pay off and he’s a far more confident presence, able to convey the charm that's endeared him to their fans. It’s the result of constant help from his bandmates, he says, radiating positivity (which is, delightfully, Felix’s default setting). Lee Know, however, who’d had only a short idol training period and was cut early in the series, favours a more stoic approach. “I think I’m here thanks to that feedback. I worked really hard then, and I’m still trying to work hard now too,” he says, and although his small smile seemingly hints at something more pronounced, he settles on a double thumbs up and sits back.

“Choosing the right people was a must... With everyone around me right now, I’m really glad we’ve become this team” – Bang Chan, Stray Kids

Their rough-meets-polished sound was set up by the darkly anthemic “Hellevator”, but the thundering EDM and guitar riffs of their official debut, “District 9”, cemented them as a fresh force in K-pop. In its music video, they flee a clinical-looking prison and use a school bus to smash through to the safety of the titular District 9, although even there they’re left searching. “I don’t know who I am, it’s frustrating, it always worries me / Answer me, then give me an answer that will clear it all,” Hyunjin raps with a volatile urgency.

This ceaseless quest weaves through last year’s EP trilogy (I Am NOT, I Am WHO, I Am YOU) and into their latest EP, Clé 1: MIROH, the clear narrative allowing for sonic experiments (from the minimalist electronica of “3rd Eye” to the bright pop drawl of “Get Cool”) without losing momentum. In their song “NOT!”, they celebrate breaking out the “system” – the status quo – and the strength of being different. For Stray Kids, this is more about ambiguous storytelling than holding a deliberate ’us versus them’ mentality. “We usually don’t compare (ourselves) to others,” says vocalist Seungmin, in English. “Like in the song ‘My Pace’, we’re saying we don’t care about others’ (achievements), we’re just talking about Stray Kids’ own way.”

While Stray Kids have definitely created a richly empathetic musical tapestry, their chosen path raises a pertinent observation: in breaking out of one “system”, they’ve joined another. The idol system that they’re now a part of often appears more restrictive than the one they leave behind, and as they move towards the bubble of fame and money, there’s also the potential to lose a sense of oneself. Both feel paradoxical to their story. Bang Chan pauses. “Well, honestly, we wouldn’t call it a system, let’s say a ‘world’, and we’d call it a decision that we made. In order for us to get out of the main system, we chose being idols, and through K-pop we can show the message we want to express.”

Han, the 18-year-old rapper, singer, and songwriter/producer, drapes himself, cat-like, over Felix’s head and neck to get close to the camera. “I think fame and success can be dangerous to a person, depending on how they feel about it, but we’re going to try to always be positive and good natured about it,” he opines, gesticulating rapidly. “We’re still lacking so much, but we’re going to try really hard to understand other people’s feelings and be a good influence.”

Given Stray Kids’ formation, creative freedom, and growing success makes them something of an anomaly, might their presence provoke change in the idol world? Bang Chan furrows his brow. “I suppose so,” he says with the questioning tone of someone presented with an unfamiliar concept. “I guess it’s up to how people take it in.”

Stray Kids, evidently, have been more preoccupied with looking inward, and, when examining their new EP, it’s apparent their gaze has been in flux. Clé 1: MIROH, which Bang Chan describes as “us being really confident because all nine of us are together”, presents a new fearlessness on tracks like “Boxer”, “MIROH” and “Victory Song”, where Han triumphantly raps:“A laidback victor, a smile spreads on my face / Who else is like me, there’s no one.”

“When I was becoming a singer, some people didn’t support my dreams, so I was sad. I remember that and put those feelings into this song” – Changbin, Stray Kids

They pose fewer existential questions than on previous EPs, but, says Bang Chan, “if you look at tracks like ‘Chronosaurus’ and ‘Maze Of Memories’, it shows nervousness or anxiety, and a feeling of being lost as well.” The latter, its doomy hip hop propelled by tense piano and bursts of foreboding strings, was an emotional outlet for their silver-tongued rapper, Changbin. “When I was becoming a singer,” he says, in English, “some people didn’t support my dreams, so I was sad. I remember that and put those feelings into this song.”

Yet despite sieving emotions and thoughts through the music, their biggest questions, says Changbin, remain unanswered. “But we’re trying,” he smiles. He points to the close presence of their fans, known as STAY. “Maybe we can find the answer soon, through STAY.” How does he intend to discover deeply personal epiphanies through others? “I’m young and lack a lot of experience,” replies Changbin, reverting to Korean. “There are still a lot of childish elements about me as well. By watching those around me, I can find out what I like through them. I feel like I can find myself through (others’ journeys).”

For now, Stray Kids simply continue doing what they’ve done so well thus far – capturing the human condition, including tackling difficult subjects like depression (“Hellevator”), anxiety (“Rock”), and negative thoughts (“Voices”), all of which, Bang Chan says, they’ve experienced first-hand. The group’s core writing team (Han, Changbin, and Bang Chan, together known as 3RACHA) have not only refined their style over the past year but, according to I.N, “improved on their speed of making songs. They’ve gotten really fast,” he says with a sunny grin.

3RACHA’s Soundcloud days are far behind them, although, to their credit, they haven’t deleted the handful of songs that were posted pre-debut. Some will remain just enthusiastic learning curves, but others were raw and powerful, such as “Broken Compass”, which was refashioned into “Mixtape #4” for Clé 1: MIROH.

The “Mixtape” songs, which are only found on the physical versions of their EPs, are where, Hyunjin says, “we all contribute, and fill our individual verses with our personal stories”. In January, 3RACHA revisited a few songs during a Vlive broadcast, and cringed to the point of sweating profusely. As Changbin and Han crease up, Bang Chan covers his face, mock-groaning. “We can’t listen to them now!” But there’s a glint in his eye. “We do have to do episode two of that,” he adds, grinning.

It’s not just the songwriters who are evolving; from being wide-eyed, ambitious and nervous trainees who didn’t always get along, as Hyunjin recently revealed, Stray Kids have become compelling performers with close bonds. They’d clung tightly to Bang Chan during their survival show, but do Stray Kids today feel less lost – or at least more secure in their responsibilities? “I’ll just leave the room so the guys can talk more freely,” jokes Bang Chan, even as Changbin, owner of a bone-dry sense of humour, simply yells, “No!” Vocalist Woojin leans in. “He was very good to us while we were filming the show. At that time we always followed him very well, and relied on him a lot.”

“I don’t have a lot of confidence but when he’s next to me, I know I can do this,” adds Felix, as they ready to depart for the next schedule in a packed day. “But,” Woojin says, “now we’re all developing our own selves, too.”

Source

#stray kids #190606 #era: clé 1 miroh #t: article #dazed

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bssaz97 · 5 years ago

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RWBY Ancestries Chapter 4

* I just want to take a moment to thank all of you who have been loving this story and say that I appreciate that you are enjoying the ride. Again I apologize for the time taking to update this one but I was a bit busy during the past few days with family and couldn’t put focus on the story. So without further ado, let’s get started! *

- City of Atlas, 10 minutes before the Wyvern’s Arrival -

After much warning from Atlesian military the streets of Mantle are empty, all the civilians are safeguarded by the emergency bunkers and out of harm’s way. While Atlas Military Ships are overhead a few specific buildings that protect the generators for the heating supply of Mantle, which provides heat and light to the citizens in said bunkers. The Battleships are in defensive position in case of a forward assault. With the Wyvern taking out their first defense, they made sure to double up their last defense.

Ironwood: (On frequency to all of the battleships) Everyone stay in your defensive positions, if anyone sees even the red eyes of this Grimm I want you to fire whatever you can at it. Our objective is to neutralize this enemy, but if you feel like your wasting fire power, save it. This this is not going to be taken out with a single frontal assault, we’ve already learned that. So if any your ships are taking critical damage lead your ships out of the city, we can’t risk the chance of damaging our own kingdom. Concentrate on the Grimm’s wings. If it can’t fly, it can’t escape. And make sure that thing does not take out Aminty Arena, we can’t lose anymore progress on the tower! It’s too important. Am I understood?

Multiple Captains of various ships: Yes General!

Ironwood: Good Hunting!

Ironwood changes the the frequency to get connected to the Ace-Ops.

Ironwood: Clover what’s your status? Are you in position?

Clover: Yes General! We’re position sir.

Ironwood: Good. With the Wyvern being our main concern I don’t want to risk the chance of the enemy getting the relic under our nose. So I want your team to protect that relic at all costs.

Clover: Understood sir!

Ironwood: Ironwood out! (Changes frequency once more) Rose, Arc, what are your statuses?

Ruby: Team RWBY is in position General!

Jaune: Team JNPR is in position too!

Both teams are in their individual ship.

Ironwood: Affirmitive teams, remember your mission. Team RWBY you are to eliminate the Wyvern should the battleships fail to accomplish this task. Team JNPR you’re on standby to assist Team RWBY. Do you understand your task?

Ruby/Jaune: Yessir!

Ironwood: Good luck out there teams. Ironwood out. (Cuts off message)

As the final message gets send out, the two teams prepare for the arrival of the Wyvern. Ruby looks to her teammates.

Ruby: Ok everyone, we know our assignment, we know now that this Grimm is an elder class. So it won’t be easy to take down, we need to look for its weak points and hit it hard. We’ve been given these cables to latch on to the actual Grimm but they can be broken if we’re not careful. Does everyone have their back up parachute ready. (Looks at WBY)

Weiss/Blake/Yang: Ready/Yes/Yep.

Ruby: Alright girls lets make this happen.

With Jaune and his team.

Jaune: Ok everyone, we have our orders, we are to assist with taking down the Wyvern. Does everyone have their cables and parachutes ready!

Nora/Ren/Oscar: Ready!

Jaune: Great! Now we just need to wait for-

???: ‘Jaune...’

Jaune was in the middle of briefing his team for the mission ahead when he heard someone whisper his name. He looks at the direction of the pilots to see if they said something but the weren’t facing him. He was going to dismiss it until it happened again. Seemingly in the same way.

???: ‘Jaune...Jaune....Jaune.....’

Ren: Jaune! Are you ok? (Looking at his team leader in concern)

Jaune: W-what? Sorry Ren what were you saying?

Ren: Jaune you were the one talking before, but then you stopped and looked at nothing for the past two minutes.

Jaune: ...Right! That’s right sorry guys!

Nora: Are you sure you’re feeling ok Fearless Leader. It’s not the motion sickness coming back is it?

Jaune: Yes! I mean no! I-I mean it was but I stopped it, so we’re all good. No problems here.

Nora and Ren shared a glance towards each other not buying his excuse but chose not to bring it up now.

Oscar: So what’s exactly the plan of attack, how does Ironwood expect us to fight this thing?

Jaune: Ironwood believes that if we can weaken the Wyvern enough, it should be more vulnerable to Ruby’s silver eyes to immobilize it, hopefully kill it in the process of it.

Oscar: And if that doesn’t work out.

Jaune: ... Well let’s just say that’s our best bet right now. If we need to improvise on the spot we can. But that’s the assignment. How are you feeling so far, buddy?

Oscar: Oh you know, just contemplating a few things. Trying to psych myself up for this, never seen a Wyvern up close. So that’ll be interesting. (Visibly shaking mentioning the last part)

Jaune places his armored gloved hand on his younger teammates’ right shoulder. Causing Oscar to look at him.

Jaune: Don’t worry too much, we’re right here for each other, that includes you too.

Oscar: Thanks.

Pilot: Alright, look alive people we’ve got visual on the target!

Everyone looks in the direction of the cockpit, then directs their direction towards outside to see the first few battleships firing at the Grimm. The Wyvern despite its massive size is able to maneuver easily away for the ship’s shots by barrel rolling and evading. In retaliation the Wyvern lets out a loud screech and the inside of its mouth glow, then unleashed a stream of fire onto one of the battleships. This afflicts major damages to that ship which allows the Wyvern to finish it off by bashing the ship with its tail. Causing the ship to explode.

Ruby: ... Ok, I think that’s our que to step in. (Gets on comms to Jaune) Jaune, we’re moving to engage. Tell everyone to get ready!

Jaune: Roger! (Gets off comms from Ruby) Alright, we’re moving to assist Team RWBY. Get Ready! And hold on tight!

Both teams ships ascend to the sky, flying above the Wyvern at a near 90 degree angle. Then as the ships meet their peak altitude, they flip to their side and the door hatch opens on both sides.

Ruby/Jaune: Dive!

Both teams fall out of their ships and nose dive into the Wyvern. They all activate their parachute simultaneously to slow their descent, once close enough to the Wyvern they detached their parachutes. After landing on the back of the Wyvern they activate their cables and latch onto the back of the Wyvern. Everything seems to be going according to plan... until something happened.

Jaune: Gah! Guys, something’s wrong, my chute it won’t detach!

While hanging on to his cable, Jaune quickly realizes that his parachute didn’t fully detached, resulting in him being immobile on the Wyvern. Which was a big problem as the original plan was to cripple the Wyvern by grounding the beast via dust bombs.

Ruby: What! Hold on we’re coming to help! (Moving to assist)

Jaune: I’m fine! Just set the charges I’ll figure something out! Nora, Ren, Oscar! Set your charges and get off the Wyvern I’ll be right behind you guys!

Nora: (Worried) But the charges are on a 30 second time limit!

Jaune: Focus on getting yourselves out, I’ll be fine trust me!

While most of the groups was reluctant to follow through with the risk Jaune was placing himself in, they had little options since the Wyvern will start to take notice of the people it’s carrying.

Ruby: You better be right behind us Vomit Boy or you’ll really be in trouble mister!

Jaune: Heh, noted Crater Face!

The teams all set their individual charges on the Wyvern quickly to go unnoticed by the big Grimm, with the exception of the blonde leader. Once set everyone prepares to detach their cables and land onto the nearest building. In the meantime, Jaune pulls out Crocea Mors and prepares to cut his chute and simultaneously detach his cable. He needed to time it just right so that he won’t overshoot his landing strategy and end up falling to the streets below. While he may have a large aura reserve he wasn’t sure he wanted to test his well it would protect him from falling damage. Soon enough they spot a building In Mantle tall enough for them to land on.

Ruby: Ok everyone on land on that building there! On 3! ...1! ...2! ...3!

All seven other team members detached from their cables and begin to make their way to the top of their landing zone. While also activating their charges, beginning the countdown. Jaune seeing his window, cuts himself free of his parachute and detaches his cable, and follow after his teammates. As the others land onto the building without issue, the blonde leader realizes that he may have undershot his decision.

Jaune: Oh shit!

He hits the edge of the building, briefly knocking the wind out of his chest and barely has time to react to latch on to the edge of the building. Almost seeing himself about to fall off the edge, two pairs of hands latch to his arms. Both belonging to Ruby (grabbing his left) and Oscar (grabbing his right). At this they began pulling him up, which required assistance from Yang and Nora pulling the two smaller members by their arms. Once they had Jaune up by his torso, they let go of their them and go to assist Jaune up the rest of the building.

Jaune: ‘Huff, huff’ Thanks guys! I’m sorry about that I thought I timed that better.

Yang: Geez, Vomit Boy nearly scared us half to death with that crazy stunt! But I guess we didn’t expect for any of the parachutes to be defective.

Jaune: Yeah again, I’m really sorry.

He expected to get lectured by all of them about his risky stunt, but what he didn’t expect was for Ruby to abruptly hug him.

Ruby: Your safe, that’s all that matters.

Jaune: ...(Reciprocates hug) Ghanks Ruby.

Oscar: Well, ‘huff’ I guess we can count this mission accomplished.

*Explosion!* *Screech!*

They all are interrupted from their moment when the sound of multiple explosions occur simultaneously. They look back towards the Wyvern and see in descending with a small trail of explosive residue trailing behind it.

Jaune: It’s not over yet, we still have to take out that thing before it does serious damage to Mantle.

Soon they hear two airships they originally had been riding on landed on the building they were on and soon the doors opened to let them inside. They all got in the ships they were in and soon enough they made their way towards the Wyvern.

*Communication Sound*

Ironwood: Well done, both your teams have disabled the Wyvern’s flying ability, but no comes the hard part. Killing it, we’re currently sending a group of Atleasian Knights to assist your teams. Remember even if the Grimm is grounded, don’t take it lightly. It’ll be more desperate to survive now which makes it more prone to attack. So be careful. Ironwood out!

*Communication cuts off*

- In Mantle, Crash site -

As the Wyvern shakes off crash residue off its being, another figure is spotted coming down the underside of its armored head.

Salem: What was that! Did they just try to bomb me out of the sky! Ugh! I can’t believe, honestly, the nerve of some people. When did everyone start to become more violent, does no one wait until your opponent is face to face with you anymore, do they just say ‘to hell with it’ and shoots first. ‘Huff’ I swear when I see that tin man of a General I’m going to have strong words.

Behind Salem as she continues her rant, a group of Atlesian Knights arrive on the scene. They see the Grimm Queen and aim their weapons.

Atlesian Knight: (Robotic voice) By order of the kingdom of Atlas. Surrender or be neutralized.

Salem turns her attention towards the group of machines. While she was familiar with these automatons from their unveil during before the fall of Beacon, this was the first time she had seen these beings face to face.

Salem: ... I was expecting a bit more intimidation from machines that supposedly had executed innocent civilians before at Vale. But I suppose they are trying for the friendly guardian look. Which I must say does not work well.

All the Atlesian knights began to open fire at the Grimm Queen, shooting her simultaneously with their dust rifles. After about 30 seconds of this they stop due to running out of their first ammunition clips. They turn their attention to see if they had neutralized their foe. However, despite their calculated firing barrage, their target seemed unaffected by their attack. Injuries began to heal and one thing was for sure ... their attack seemed to only just piss her off.

Salem: ...You know I know you lot are machines, which means you aren’t sentient and aren’t supposed to feel pain.

She extends outstretched her right hand and telepathically grabs a metal pole from building residue. About the length of a long sword. With her magic (and unrelenting rage at the moment) she ignited the metal pole and forms a red unstable array of magical energy* and brings the makeshift weapon in front of her face.

Salem: ...But I’m just going to imagine that you all can feel this.

Witb that she charges the group of automatons. The sound of shooting, grunting, and burning metal fills the empty space. The only witness being a Grimm Wyvern that takes great interest in the plethora of negative emotion its master is emitting.

- End of Chapter 4 -

Notes:

* - Think of Salem’s makeshift weapon looking like a sith lightsaber without the saber hilt.

Anyway I just want to thank everyone again for being so patient/supportive for this chapter/story and hope it was worth the wait. I’m going to try to keep a pattern of updating this story on a weekly basis so keep an eye out for updates. Hope you all have a great end of the year and be good people. Until next time!

#rwby vol7 #team jnpr #team rwby #rwby jaune x ruby #jaune arc #salem #jaune is salem's descendant theory #rwby ancestries

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swiftpolls · 1 month ago

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#swiftpolls #* my polls #* taylor swift #* fearless era #* fearless double elimination #breathe #bye bye baby #polls for swifties #taylor swift polls #taylor swift #ts polls #swifties #tswift #music poll

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nadziejastar · 6 years ago

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Ansem’s Report 2

It is my duty to expose what this darkness really is. I shall conduct the following experiments:

Extract the darkness from a person’s heart.

Cultivate darkness in a pure heart.

Both suppress and amplify the darkness within.

The experiments caused the test subject’s heart to collapse, including those of the most stalwart. How fragile our hearts are! My treatment produced no signs of recovery. I confined those who had completely lost their hearts beneath the castle.

Some time later, I went below and was greeted by the strangest sight. Creatures that seemed born of darkness…What are they? Are they truly sentient beings? Could they be the shadows of those who lost their hearts in my experiments?

That’s what I’ve been thinking a lot about. Was he trained as an assassin from the beginning? Or was he turned into that after becoming an Organization member since it just happened to fit his skills? I’m leaning towards afterwards. I think they originally just wanted to experiment on the darkness of the heart to create vessels. I don’t think they needed a specifically trained assassin until they formed Organization XIII. It’s possible that they tried to force Lea kill other subjects against his will to awaken the darkness inside of him. These are what the experiments entailed. We saw Xehanort extract darkness from Ven. So, it wouldn’t be too outlandish to think subjects were forced to eliminate the “weaklings” to amplify their darkness.

Secret Ansem Report 2

I have made a grave mistake. My study of the “darkness of the heart” began with a simple psychological test and quickly snowballed. Spurred on by my youngest apprentice, Ienzo, I constructed a massive laboratory in the basement of my castle. Unbeknownst to me, my six apprentices then began collecting a large number of subjects on which to perform dangerous experiments into the “darkness of the heart." As soon as I found out, I called my apprentices together and ordered them not only to cease their studies, but to destroy the results of their research thus far.

This is Report 2 from KH2.

Secret Report 4: Experiments of the Heart – Notes on Subject X, Excerpt 2

Subject’s memories have not returned, and our conversations remain less than lucid. My pilot studies used a handful of subjects, but none possessed the fortitude to endure them. Ultimately, all suffered mental collapse. I knew it would be a heavy blow to lose a subject as unique as she. Upon discovering the tests I’ve been conducting, my master demanded that I cease my work immediately and destroy what research I have compiled. Worse still, he ordered the release of my remaining subjects. She is gone. Where is Subject X now? Has "wise” Master Ansem hidden her away? Whatever the case, I will not be deterred.

And this is Report 2 on Subject X. They are all connected. I’m starting to think that maybe Subject X was an anomaly and they only realized how unique he was afterwards. Maybe the original plan was to go for Lea and amplify his darkness as much as they could so they could turn him into a vessel. There’s a lot of reasons I think that the apprentices might have thought Isa was useless originally, because he was weak and couldn’t fight. (I’ll explain why later on). Lea might have been the intended target. He had a very strong heart, and a lot of potential for darkness.

“No. It is because you are trying to hold it in. Let the dark impulses waken in the pit of your heart. Release them, here and now! Sharpen your fear into rage!” Xehanort shouted to Ventus.

I don’t know how to. There’s nothing like that in me.

I can’t change my fear into rage. I’m just scared.

Isa probably had a LOT of fear, but very little rage. Lea was capable of a LOT of rage, but as we see he is very strong-minded and can be VERY fearless.

“Destroy him!? Wait, please, that’s way too fast!” Axel shot back, instantly, the organisation members’ eyes concentrated on him.

“It’s an order. Why are you hesitating? Aren’t you the one who mercilessly punishes those who turn their backs on the organisation?” Xaldin said, from the third chair. Xemnas’ expression was hidden under the hood, like the others.

“He hasn’t turned his back. He just can’t come back yet!”

“If he does not return, he will be punished. If you go against this order, it’s you who will be punished,” said Xaldin, as spears floated up beside him, pointing right at Axel. Axel glared at Xaldin, and tension flowed thick in the air.

Xaldin’s spear stabbed with force into Axel’s chair.

But, Axel didn’t move.

Axel reused to budge an inch when Xaldin threatened him and then sent the lance right next to his head. He just glared at him. Xemnas had to step in and do the threatening because he knew Axel hated Xaldin and didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of showing fear. So not only is he fearless, he is defiant. He wouldn’t have followed orders to kill other innocent people unless they had a way to compel him to do so. And I think that’s the only reason they kept Isa around for so long. Lea would follow “icky” orders to protect Isa.

Roxas: Look at the way the stones have been kicked up. Another sign the beast fought the Heartless?

Xaldin: And also a sign that his power far exceeds anything I anticipated...Perfect.

Lea didn’t become a Heartless during the experiments. He can open dark corridors as a human. He was one of the only two subjects remaining at the end (other than Isa). He was kept around even though Xemnas knew he was a traitor and eliminated Vexen, who was doing good work on the Replicas. Lea HAD to have been thought of as special by the apprentices.

Roxas: It’s pretty here.

Xaldin: How would you compare it to the rest of the castle?

Roxas: Hmm… It’s brighter, I guess. Most of the castle’s pretty dark.

The ballroom was special because it was the brightest part of the castle. It’s where the Beast danced with Belle. It was special to him.

“There are Heartless here as well, but I see no damage to indicate a struggle. The only conclusion is that he is avoiding this part of the castle. Although it, too, is stained dark with despair. Like the Beast’s own heart,” Xaldin remarked with a faint smile.

What’s that supposed to mean? Roxas pondered the question as they left the ballroom and climbed more stairs.

But Xaldin got all creepy and said it would be dark with his despair. Lea was probably viewed similarly to how the Beast was by Xaldin. Lea had a strong heart because Isa was his light in he darkness. Even if they forced Lea to kill other subjects, he never gave himself over to darkness. So the apprentices were getting desperate. There was probably a parallel scenario to Roxas and Xion, where they would only need one of them. If they targeted Isa, then Lea would be filled with despair. Isa was his weakness.

“We will conquer hearts and make them our own. Hearts shall never again have power over us.”

For the past few days, he had been mulling over what Xemnas could have meant by that speech. Hearts having power over them? What was that about?

Whenever Axel was whiling away the hours by himself, that phrase kept bouncing around in his head. He didn’t know what was so compelling about it. Did the other Nobodies think about stuff like this?

Hearts, emotions… He couldn’t stop thinking about where it all came from. He chewed over the possibilities, coming up with theories. Since when had he been a philosopher?

There’s also the direct connection between Axel and Xaldin.

Day 119: Hearts and Emotion

Watching that foolish beast flail about only deepens my disdain for humans and their incessant need to be pinned down by feelings. We became Nobodies precisely to avoid the shackles of emotion. It was only later that we realized the scale of that loss: that some things simply cannot be done without a heart. Nonetheless, I see nary a pleasant thing about it.

Xaldin’s report sounds so much like what Axel was thinking on Day 117 ~Secrets~, which is a very important day and is connected to Day 119 ~Work to Do~.

“So we can’t let that… wait.” Axel glanced at Roxas.

“Did you think of a way?” Roxas asked, happily. Beside him, Xion stayed silent, face hidden in her hood.

“Roxas, you should just do your best.”

“Huh?” Xion said, just as Roxas asked “…What do you mean?”

This is the first time I’ve felt Xion look at me, thought Axel. “Until you can use the Keyblade again, Xion, you two should make sure to always stick together. That way, no one will figure out that you can’t use your Keyblade.” “I see…!” Roxas smiled.

“But, you’d have to try twice as hard from now on, Roxas.”

“I’ll do my best,” said Roxas giving a strong nod.

Axel told Roxas to “do his best”. That’s the more literal translation of what he said when he told Roxas to do double-duty for Xion.

“It’s all thanks to you and Roxas.” The Keyblade disappeared as Xion smiled.

“I didn’t do anything,” said Axel, a wry smile pasting itself on his face.

“You made it so we could go on a mission together this morning, didn’t you?” said Xion, and Axel looked away.

When I’m smiled at with such a happy look… I feel uncomfortable.

“Maybe Xion wouldn’t have been able to make her Keyblade come back, if it weren’t for you, Axel,” Roxas added.

“Thank you, Axel,” they said, in unison.

This is why… this feeling is so hazy. Scratching his head unconsciously, Axel looked away from the two of them.

“Then how about a sea salt ice cream?” Axel asked, his back still turned.

“Huh?” Roxas asked.

This was Axel compromising, grudgingly. Don’t think I can take any more of those thank-yous.

Xion was also EXTREMELY grateful to Roxas and Axel. She thanked Roxas alone EIGHT times in the novel during this arc. Axel was really uncomfortable with all the thank-you’s.

Day 96: Friends

Author: Axel

Xion regained her ability to wield the Keyblade. I don't know how or why. Maybe there's more to the Keyblade master they're not telling me about. I feel like I've been spending more time talking to Roxas and Xion lately than my old friend, Saïx. This has to have been what it was like, friendship.

It seemed to bring back memories for him.

“These Heartless here are the last, I think.”

“Xion, fight fight fight~” Axel clapped, as she turned around.

“What are you doing?”

“What am I doing… I’m praising you, you know.”

“You’re weird,” said Xion, laughing.

Just then, Axel suddenly felt like Xion’s face had blurred, and he rubbed his eyes.

“Is something wrong, Axel?”

“Nah…” For a second, the Xion I saw there had the face of… Naminé.

Xion and Naminé look very similar to begin with. But they aren’t exactly the same; their hair colour is different. But, just now, for just an instant, Xion’s hair was blonde. What is this?

On Day 117 ~Secrets~, Axel and Xion are paired together for a mission and Axel knew the assignment wasn’t random. Axel sees Xion fight VERY well and can’t believe she ever lost her Keyblade. He praises her and then he sees her as Naminé.

And, the charm Sora carried to remember the promise he made to Kairi was made out of seashells, wasn’t it…? At the same time, there were memories of the Princess—Kairi. It’s only natural that Kairi is very strong in those memories, if Xion and Naminé are connected. Because Naminé is Kairi’s Nobody.

Now that I think about it, it wasn’t an illusion when I saw Xion and Naminé during our mission. It feels like there must be a reason.

“You have memories, don’t you, Axel?”

“Generally, yeah. They’re not much use for anything, anyway,” Axel replied, looking at Xion. Her expression seemed lost somehow.

Later on Xion and Axel talk about her memories and she brings up the seashell. Axel knew the seashell represented Kairi and Sora’s promise.

Day 118: You Changed, Not Me

Author: Axel

Talking to Roxas and Xion always brings back memories of my human life, back when I was a kid. It’s a weird sensation. I ought to be able to share all this with Saïx, but I just don’t feel like it anymore. It’s strange, but I’m content with just missing what’s gone.I’m not the one who changed. You did.

The day after, Axel spent all day sleeping and wrote about how Roxas and Xion bring back memories for him, and how much Saïx has changed. He misses what they used to have.

Xigbar, standing and watching their exchange with his arms folded, opened his mouth. “You’ve been working really well lately haven’t you, Poppet.”

“…Thank you,” Xion replied in a small voice.

“Thank you? Why do you have to say thanks?

“Well, you were praising me, weren’t you? Was I wrong?”

“Haha… Yeah, I guess you could see it like that.” He pressed his hand to his mouth and snickered.

“Did I say something funny?”

“No, no. You’re fine.”

Xion looked up at Xigbar, anxiously. Beside them, Saïx didn’t show any notable reaction. He just watched.

Then on Day 119 ~Work to Do~, Xigbar and Saïx had this exchange. Apparently Xion absorbed one of Axel’s memories, the Organization was able to view it, and Xigbar was making fun of Saïx about it.

“You were fighting without a Keyblade, right? I’ll try it, too. So, today you’re using my Keyblade.”

A smile surfaced on Xion’s face. “…Okay. Thank you… I’ll do my best to make up your share, too.”

When Roxas loaned Xion his Keyblade, she said she’d do her best, too.

“Keep an eye on Roxas.” Without answering Xigbar, Xemnas made himself disappear.

“Yeah, do your best now.” Xigbar followed after.

In the novels, Xigbar also teases Saix by telling him to “do his best”. Lea and Isa were most likely in a very similar situation as Roxas and Xion were. Isa couldn’t fight and Lea did his best to protect him. Isa thanked Lea over and over. When he got better at fighting, Lea praised Isa. And it was connected to a promise they made to each other. Praising Xion made Axel remember.

“Understood, sir,” Saïx replied, and Xemnas disappeared.

“…Well, do your best. The best a kid without a heart can do, anyway,” said Xigbar, and he too disappeared.

And Xigbar calls him a kid without a heart. Xigbar probably found it hilarious that Xehanort made Isa into a vessel since they had such low expectations for him at first. I can see Xaldin or Xigbar telling him he had no right to be in the Organization and that he was a mistake they never should have made. And Saïx is the only Organization member who doesn’t go on missions. He only fights in his berserk state, which takes a large physical toll on him. When he fights Roxas, he says he hasn’t fought in a long time in the novel. His role is mainly an adjutant. I think he’s still seen as weak by the other members.

“Something you treasure is a weak spot?”

Roxas looked down. “I don’t really get it…”

There are so many things that Roxas and I don’t understand, Xion thought. If Axel was here right now, I know he’d explain it to us.

“I guess Axel won’t come home for a while…,” Roxas said, and Xion nodded.

Once Axel gets back, there are many things I want to ask him.

I think they may have given up on trying to bring the darkness out of Isa and were going to instead use him to draw out the darkness from Lea.

“We don’t have this much time to squander. You really are a defective failure, that’s all it is.”

Defective failure…? What is this about?

Saïx glanced at Xion, who stood hanging her head, and then left the area.

The scene of Xigbar praising Xion in front of Saïx happens on Day 119, with Xaldin at the Beast’s Castle. Saïx starts calling her defective on Day 150 ~Fear~, another day with Xaldin at Beast’s Castle.

“You wouldn’t understand. Okay, let’s RTC, Roxas.” Xaldin began to walk away, without answering Roxas’ question.

Left behind, Roxas turned back to the door of the beast’s room.

That rose—that he treasures… a weak point. I don’t really get it, thought Roxas. Maybe if I asked Axel, he’d help me understand…?

That’s the day Roxas gets to actually ask Axel about what he can’t bear to lose.

That’s right—I was going to ask Axel. “Axel?”

Axel looked over at him with his ice cream in his mouth. “Hm?”

“Is there something you don’t want to lose, Axel?” he asked.

Axel took his ice cream out of his mouth and shrugged. “Something I don’t want to lose? Where’s this coming from, all of a sudden?”

“Today I met someone who had something he didn’t want to lose. It was really important to him, and Xaldin said it becomes his weak point. I thought, I don’t have something like that…”

Axel breathed out in surprise. “Of course not, you don’t have a heart,” he replied.

He didn’t want to lose his memories.

Roxas looked down again. That’s… so very… “Scary, isn’t it,” he grumbled.

“Afraid, even without a heart?” Axel asked.

“If my friends… if you and Xion weren’t here anymore… no, if the two of you were erased from inside me, I’d be afraid.” Roxas shivered as if he were cold. I’m afraid just thinking about it. Afraid…? What is afraid?

“Fear and emotions like that don’t exist for us,” said Axel.

“But… I’m scared, right now.” If Axel and Xion were to be erased… That makes me more afraid than having my own existence erased. I don’t want to think about it.

But he said he wasn’t able to experience fear.

“More special than friends? Like…if they’re best friends? Inseparable?”

“Well, you can care about your friends, but that’s not exactly it…” Axel paused, groping for words that might make sense to Roxas.

“So it’s a step above best friends?”

“No—it’s not about steps.”

Roxas looked bewildered. As he’d expected, he wasn’t doing a very good job explaining it.

“Not that it matters. We’ll never know the difference.”

Roxas wouldn’t let it go. “Do you think we would, if we had hearts?”

“Once Kingdom Hearts is complete, I bet you’ll be able to figure it out.” The magic words again, Axel thought. It’ll all make sense when Kingdom Hearts is complete. But was that true?

No one had ever seen it happen before. So who knew?

Still, all they could do was believe in it.

Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts…

Another mission at the Beast’s Castle with Xaldin is on Day 171 ~Love~. And in the novel, Saïx’s quote is referenced.

“Is she that important to you?”

“More than anything.” Sora clenched his fists. He had to see Kairi, no matter what it took.

“Show me how important.”

Sora lowered his eyes for a moment, and then quietly knelt down, his head bowed low. “Please.”

“So, you really do care for her,” Saïx mused. “In that case…absolutely not.”

Sora sprang to his feet again. “You rotten—”

“Are you angry? Do you hate me? Then take that rage and bring it down upon the Heartless.”

I definitely think Lea was put in this same situation as Sora and Isa was the Kairi. Since Xion is a Replica based on Kairi, I think the Saïx/Xion parallels work even better. Kairi was the fuel to feed Sora’s anger. I think the apprentices might have decided to kill Isa or turn him into a Heartless or something. It was so they could make Lea feel total despair and be filled with darkness, like Terra was after Eraqus died. But I think Isa put up a lot more of a fight than they ever anticipated. He went berserk, lost his sense of self then they had a change of plans. They made him into a vessel. And they changed their methods of creating vessels afterwards to focus on getting the mind to renounce its sense of self.

He felt sad somehow, like he missed someone.

That voice, that attitude… Axel. His name is Axel.

But who is he? Oh—I remember. The guy with the scar on his forehead said he was trying to find Axel. Sora’s mind raced. No, there’s something else… He…he did something…!

“You— You’re the one who kidnapped Kairi!”

Axel twitched a little at that. “Bingo. The name’s Axel. Got it memorized?” he replied, eyes narrowed as he smiled sardonically.

“Where is she?!” cried Sora.

He flinched again and then scratched his head.

“Please just tell me!”

Seeing Sora nearly hunched over in his desperation, Axel’s gaze rose to the sky. “Look, about Kairi… I’m sorry.”

The air began wavering.

Axel felt really bad when he kidnapped Kairi. Like he knew what Sora felt like to beg and plead to see someone who was taken from him.

He shifted, relaxing his legs. “Are you that worried over Xion?”

“It’s just…when I saw her lying there, she was so quiet. It made me think she might never wake up.” Roxas’s voice was hushed with something very like fear.

“I’m sure she’s fine.” The best Axel could offer was empty words of comfort.

The day after the one about love, Xion collapsed and Axel wasn’t worried at first. He assumed she’d be fine.

“Yeah, that’s true, but… Don’t be careless,” Axel warned their backs as he followed behind.

“Axel is such a worry-wart, isn’t he.”

“Worry-wart—Maybe that’s cause you two worry me far too much.”

Xion and Roxas looked at each other, and laughed.

But when she slept for 20 days, he became worried. She woke up on Day 193 ~Memories~ and went on a mission with Roxas and Axel. They were excited because they never had a mission with all three of them before. They teased Axel and called him a worry-wart.

“That’s smart, Roxas!” Xion exclaimed.

“It is…?” Axel mumbled.

Axel isn’t getting it, she thought. But that doesn’t really matter. Working together as a trio, here in Twilight Town—it just makes things more fun.

But then…It happened as soon as she stepped into the station plaza. The world…tilted. Everything spun and swam and went dark.

What’s happening? What is this? I don’t know…

“Promise.”

Who are you?

“It’s my lucky charm. So you have to bring it back to me!”

Lucky charm…? The seashells……?

Xion collapsed and the promise between Sora and Kairi came to her mind. I think she was reacting yet again to Axel’s memories after she absorbed them by fighting alongside him again.

“Xion!” he called, after gently putting her down, but Xion didn’t react.

I was careless. I don’t have a clear answer as to why Xion faints so often in the first place. Why was she allowed to go on a mission in this condition? The thoughts floated up along with regret.

Axel blamed himself when Xion collapsed.

“But… I got a bit worried about my biggest and bestest friend Al… so I popped back to see how things are.”

“Worry? So, you worry about best friends?” Roxas asked, and Genie dabbed at his eyes with a white hanky he’d pulled out of somewhere.

“You worry and worry! Are things going well with Jasmine… has the city changed at all… so many things I’m interested in, I can’t contain myself…”

Best friends worry about each other.

“Your friend’s… wishes…” So, even if you mean for something to be for your friend’s sake, their wishes are still more important?

This was on Day 75 ~Inseparable~, which was about a friend’s resolve.

Axel leaned his head to one side. “Your friend’s wishes, huh…” It feels like I have heard that before, a long time ago, when I was human.

“Cause Genie said he’s a guy called Al’s number one best friend,” said Roxas, looking at Axel.

“Best friend… that’s different to a friend, isn’t it?” Xion added, also looking at Axel.

“It’s the same kind of thing,” Axel replied, and Roxas and Xion looked at each other.

Axel knew what it was like to be worried about a best friend, but being told to respect their wishes. Isa was targeted because he was Lea’s weakness. Something bad happened to him and Lea blamed himself.

“He worries too much. Thinks he has to help Sora do everything…” Axel grimaced in irritation.

“But, Axel, aren’t you the one worrying about Riku and Sora?” Naminé giggled softly.

“Me, worry? You think I need to be worried about those two?” He stretched backward and rocked the chair back and forth, like a restless child.

It seems to have traumatized him quite badly.

“Thank you… Axel,” said Xion, still lying on the bed. Axel scratched his head, seeming a little self-conscious.

“Are you okay now?”

Xion nodded, seeing Roxas’ worried state. “Just a little dizzy. I’m sorry for worrying you,” she replied.

“Don’t scare us like that, yeah?” Axel said, sounding tired.

It’s why he was so pissed at Saïx on that day and said Roxas and Xion were his best friends. Isa was his weakness, yet Saïx has no consideration for him. He felt fear for the first time in forever and it brought back all of these memories of worrying about Isa. Because Lea’s fear involves the concept of love, I decided to look at the weapons of Days to see if there were any clues. And there were.

The Lovers Meaning: Love, harmony, relationships, values alignment, choices, partnerships, duality

The primary meaning within The Lovers is harmony, attractiveness, and perfection in a relationship. The trust and the unity that the lovers have gives each of them confidence and strength, empowering the other. The bond that they have created is very strong, and it can indicate that the two are joined in marriage, and other close and intimate relationships. Another meaning behind the lovers card is the concept of choice - a choice between things that are opposing and mutually exclusive. This could be a dilemma that you need to think about carefully and make the best decision for your situation.

These are all the weapons that are “Crisis Gear”. A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. Or a time when a difficult or important decision must be made. Luxord’s card is pink and is shaped like the Four of Cups.

The Four of Cups Meaning: Meditation, contemplation, apathy, reevaluation, disconnectedness.

The Four of Cups tend to appear when you are feeling discouraged and unmotivated. You may feel as if there is no solution or way forward in your situation. Life has become stagnant, and nothing seems to make you happy or passionate. You are feeling apathetic - regardless of what happens, whether the day is good or bad, none of it matters to you. The Four of Cups commands a self-evaluation of your attitude so that you can pull yourself out of this rut. The solution is likely right in front of you, the hand is offering you a way out, but you release yourself out of your mental stubbornness and deploy new approach.

Xemnas (Triumph): A triumph is a great success or achievement, often one that has been gained with a lot of skill or effort. I think this is referring to Xemnas’ triumph over the heart. He’s certainly not triumphant about love.

Xigbar (Diabo Eye): Probably a reference to the Gazing Eye.

Xaldin (Crescent Moon Destruction): Some of Xaldin’s weapons have weird names associated with the moon. Like this one. I think they are a reference to Isa.

Vexen (Laboratory): It indicates that this is related to the experiments.

Zexion (Discarded Theory): I think Isa was an anomaly. Their original theory was discarded and now they focus on getting the mind to renounce its sense of self.

Saïx (Balsamic): As the final phase in the lunar cycle, the Balsamic Moon is the monthly “sleep time”. It’s the symbol in Isa’s jacket.

Roxas (Silent Dirge): Musically, a dirge is a somber song expressing mourning or grief.

Marluxia (Gallant Achillea): Achillea is a genus of plants named for the Greek hero Achilles. Achillea flowers are also commonly known as “yarrows,” and they represent healing and comfort for heartache. Many people give these blossoms as gifts to symbolize their concern for the recipient’s well-being. “Gallant” means “brave” or “honorable.” Achilles was killed near the end of the Trojan War by Paris, who shot him in the heel with an arrow. Alluding to these legends, the term “Achilles’ heel” has come to mean a point of weakness, especially in someone or something with an otherwise strong constitution. The Achilles tendon is also named after him due to these legends. Stuff like this really makes it clear that the weapons are not random. Love is a weakness and the achillea flower was put into the same Gear as The Lovers arcana.

The Chariot: Control, willpower, direction, success, action, determination

The Chariot is a card of willpower, determination and strength. You have discovered how to make decisions in alignment with your values with the Lovers card, and now you are taking action on those decisions. You have set your objectives and are now channeling your inner power with a fierce dedication to bring them to fruition. When you apply discipline, commitment and willpower to achieve your goals, you will succeed. The Chariot’s message comes to make you stronger as you strive to achieve your goals

All of the weapons in “Omega Gear” have the same color scheme as “Crisis Gear”. Omega is the twenty-fourth, and last, letter of the Greek alphabet; It also means the last of a series or the final development. In Luxord’s deck this is The Chariot.

The Two of Cups: Unified love, partnership, mutual attraction, connection

The Two of Cups represents the flow of love between two people. With this card, you are creating deep connections and partnerships, based on shared values, compassion, and unconditional love. You have mutual respect and appreciation for one another, and together you reach higher planes of consciousness and understanding.

Xemnas (Ruination): To severely harm, damage, or spoil it. Probably referring to Isa.

Xigbar (Double Tap): When firing a handgun, it is common to shoot a two-shot burst known as a “Double Tap.” Double tap shooting is often performed when shooters are training for self-defense situations.

Vexen (Contrivance): A thing which is created skillfully and inventively to serve a particular purpose.

Lexaeus (Veiled Moon): Oboro means “hazy,” “dim”, or “faint”, usually in relation to the moon.

Zexion (Harbinger Anthology): A harbinger is a sign that something (usually bad) is going to happen.

Saïx (Orbit): The Moon orbits the Sun. These are the only two weapons of Saïx which have a black aura. Black auras represent extreme grief or negative emotions, or possession.

Axel (Burning Out): The albedo (white) is the second stage of alchemy. In this process, previously unconscious contents are brought into the light of consciousness and a dialogue with the unconscious psyche or soul is initiated. Being deep in nigredo (black), a white light appears. It is a symbolic expression for the rising of the light at the depth of darkness. Albedo is the discovery of the dualistic nature of man. When male and female are united again, one will experience his true self. Conscious and unconscious are totally united.

Marluxia (Noble Peony): They may represent a wish for the recipient to receive endless love or endless wealth and esteem. Peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage. The peony’s representation of bashfulness derives from the notion that nymphs were said to hide within its petals. In China and Japan they are viewed as the “King of Flowers" and are depicted frequently in paintings and artwork from the Eastern world.

Roxas (Lunar Eclipse): An eclipse in which the moon appears darkened as it passes into the earth’s shadow. Since Xehanort was possessing Terra, it might actually reference that, too.

Xaldin ( 弦月断 - Stars, Moon, Heaven): Xaldin has a weirdy named weapon that translates from Chinese to Xingyuetian. I think it’s meant to be a play on Xing Tian with the character (月 - yuè) meaning moon added in.

Xingtian (Chinese: 刑天; pinyin: Xíngtiān; “Opposing Heaven”) is a Chinese deity who fights against the Supreme Divinity, not giving up even after the event of his decapitation. Losing the fight for supremacy, he was beheaded and his head buried in Changyang Mountain. Nevertheless, headless, with a shield in one hand and a battle axe in the other, he continues the fight, using his nipples as eyes and his bellybutton as a mouth.

Roxas: Is love fighting to protect what’s most important to you? Where does its power come from?

Xingtian symbolizes the indomitable spirit which maintains the will to resist no matter what tribulations one may undergo or what troubles one may encounter. As such, Xingtian has been lauded in poetry and prose. Since Xing Tian is represented by an “X” I definitely think it represents Isa. He was completely outmatched and unable to protect anyone with his own strength. He was a berserker possessed by the spirit of a rabbit. But he fought with everything he had and wound up becoming the Beast instead of the Belle.

AXEL SAT PATIENTLY WITH HIS BACK AGAINST A WALL. He was waiting for the perfect moment to rescue Kairi.

If he made his move right now, he wouldn’t have to worry about Xemnas. But what about Saïx? Or Xigbar? Or Luxord?

He really wasn’t sure he could do this. He may have talked a big game, but he had an awful lot of doubt behind it.

Maybe he was discovering the emotion known as fear.

Axel rediscovers fear when he’s trying to sneak into the castle to rescue Kairi.

Then someone else spoke behind him. “I’ve been waiting for you, Axel.”

And he runs into Saïx.

Axel didn’t waste a second grabbing his chakrams. But his body was reluctant somehow.

I don’t want to disappear… But still, it wouldn’t be so bad if I did. Not here.

Roxas was more afraid to lose Axel or Xion than himself. I think the same was true for Lea.

#kh meta #kh theories #kh axel kh lea #kh leaisa #kh isa

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funkymbtifiction · 7 years ago

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The Commuter: Michael MacCauley [ISTP]

OFFICIAL TYPING by Charity / The Mod

Functional Order: Ti-Se-Ni-Fe

Judging Functional Axis:

Introverted Thinking (Ti) / Extroverted Feeling (Fe)

Michael has an intense internal process of detached analytical reasoning; as soon as the mysterious woman on the train presents him with a deal, he starts trying to figure out who she’s targeting through a process of elimination. He’s able to maintain his cool even in intense situations, and employ his lower Fe to calm down the passengers, appeal to them on an emotional level, and act friendly toward them, while still focusing on his objective. He becomes increasingly more emotional under stress, focused on the immorality of the situation, and its implications. He also motivates the group, through his strong leadership, to work together to bring down the villain.

Perceiving Functional Axis:

Extroverted Sensing (Se) / Introverted Intuition (Ni)

He’s able to react swiftly and work within the environment to keep himself and others safe. Michael often puts himself in the direct line of danger. He thinks quickly on his feet – and misses nothing. He notices everything. He’s fearless enough to climb under a moving train and unhook a clamp to save the last car from derailment; he rolls out of the way between the train wheels and climbs back on board. Though he tests out and eliminates various people as suspects, his Ni feeds him information – he deduces the person responsible and their boss.

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor

House Traits: daring, nerve, and chivalry.

Michael became a cop to protect the innocent and the helpless. Once he realizes the truth of what’s happening, he refuses to hand over an innocent person to be killed, even though it might mean the death of his family – his principles won’t allow it. He shows consistent courage, resourcefulness, and honor throughout his traumatic ordeal.

Enneagram: 1w2 so/sp

Tritype: 152 The Mentor [1w2 5w6 2w1]

Michael lives and almost dies upon his principles. He only takes the money when he believes no one will get hurt, that he’s just tracking a thief – the instant he finds out the truth, his high sense of justice, and refusal to do anything immoral that would lead to an innocent witness’ death kicks in, and he starts actively working against the woman on the phone. Fortunately for all of them, his high-minded ideals inspire similar courage and conviction in the other passengers. His 2 wing makes him social, desirous of helping through his work, and a good motivator. His 5 fix lends him personal trust and self-assurance, but also detachment and analytical capabilities; his lower 2 fix adds a double dose of helpfulness.

#the commuter #c: istp #istp #m: istp #official typing #michael maccauley #mbti #gryffindor #enneagram #c: enneagram #enneagram 1 #1w2 #c: 1w2 #so/sp #1w2 so/sp #istp x 1w2 #c: 125 #the mentor #character typing

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connectionmiral · 3 years ago

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Mushroom wars 2 4pda

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA HOW TO

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA INSTALL

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA PS3

The version adapted specifically for tvOS supports gamepads. Mushroom Wars 2 takes advantage of the Apple iOS 10 possibilities, including invites of friends into the game through iMessage, animated Mushroom Wars 2 stickers, ReplayKit-enabled live streaming. * TOTAL VISUAL OVERHAUL - unconditionally brave and cute characters on a mission! * CUSTOM GAMES - Just want to enjoy a friendly skirmish with your friends? Try out new strategies with up to three friends in free-for-all or team-based matches. unit 2 microeconomics lesson 1 activity 10 answer key. * EVEN WILDER CO-OP ACTION GAMING - two-player cooperative mode will make you act and think together! How will you combine your heroes’ skills to eliminate your enemies? app settings 4pda guarantor loans for bad credit direct lender infiniti q圆0 airbag recall. * FAIR COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER - leagues with award system and ranked matches make for fierce competition in up to 4-player battles * ALL-NEW HEROES with unique abilities - choose the one that best fits your play style The positioning of your army and timing of troop movements around the map becomes massively important in Mushroom Wars 2, since it’s all about looking for weak spots in the enemy defense while aggressively taking territory, and making the enemy pay in blood (Or shrooms, we’re not quite sure if little mushroom soldiers even bleed) for every structure they try to take from you. * FOUR CAMPAIGN EPISODES - an episode for each tribe of Mushroom folk: brave Shrooms, alien Proteus, amazonian Shii’Moris, necromantic Grims. Step into the shoes of a fearless Mushroom Commander, choose a hero to lead your army, take control of the battlefield in a variety of multiplayer modes or challenging single-player campaigns. r/MushroomWars2: For fans and players of the mobile RTS game, Mushroom Wars 2 Press J to jump to the feed. In Mushroom Wars 2, tribes of feisty mushrooms face off in short, action-packed real-time strategy battles. And that’s not even the best part! You’ll also play online against opponents from all over the world.One of the Best Games of the Year According to Apple Plan your defenses strategically and blitz. Upgrade your fungi base, capture battle map objectives and lead your tribe to victory one tower at a time. To top it all off, it also has lovely graphics. Mushroom Wars 2 is an award-winning real-time strategy game mixed with tactics of Tower Defense and the hero skill elements of a MOBA.

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA INSTALL

Click to install Mushroom Wars 2 from the search results. Look for Mushroom Wars 2 in the search bar at the top right corner. Complete Google sign-in to access the Play Store, or do it later. Download and install BlueStacks on your PC.

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA HOW TO

Mushroom Wars 2 is a fantastic real-time tower defense game, with fun and accessible gameplay. How to Download and Play Mushroom Wars 2 on PC. You can even get access to mushroom-heroes to join your army. The greater the challenge, the better the rewards that you receive will be when you are victorious. Besides, you’ll be able to play in each setting with a choice of three different levels of difficulty. Matches are designed to be quite brief, and you. Mushroom Wars 2’s campaign mode is made up of many different chapters, each of which has more than 50 levels. Balancing resources, territory and timing is at the heart of Mushroom Wars 2, and for the most part, it is an enjoyable and satisfying experience.

MUSHROOM WARS 2 4PDA PS3

As the level of the fungi increase, they will generate new warriors more quickly. adventure time the special one outer limits wwe rey effekt geometry wars 2 ps3 andrey ageev kedah piala malaysia 2007 ch2o vsepr formula compucase college. On top of that, once you’re in control of the fungus, you’ll be able to level up just by double-tapping it. You just need to send your warriors and defeat the adversaries that are controlling the fungi if you want to take over. The player that gets control of all of the fungi on the map at the same time, wins the game.Įvery level is made up of a certain amount of fungi, which will create little mushroom-warriors as the clock ticks. Mushroom Wars 2 is an RTS where you’ll have to send your mushroom-warriors to conquer all of the fungi on the map.

#Mushroom wars 2 4pda

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echelonlab-blog · 7 years ago

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Echelon Author Interview -- Lolainblue

Echelon Author Interview

Your URL: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/lolainblue

Your name: Missie (Blue is my nickname)

Link to your Masterlist: https://lolainblue.tumblr.com/post/174506158608/masterlist-20

What was your first experience with 30 Seconds to Mars? A friend had bought their first album and brought it over while hanging out. We listened to a few songs, I immediately fell in love. She asked me “Guess who the lead singer is? It's Jordan Catallano!” I was so stunned.

Your Favorite Mars song? I could never pick one. There is one for whatever mood I am in. I love Attack, a lot of the old stuff, Buddha for Mary... They have changed so much over the years but I still love all their sounds.

Has anything ever happened to you solely because of being a 30STM fan? There are people that I met only because of Mars, and friends I have made in the fandom I wouldn't have otherwise.

What is your favorite thing about the fandom? Your least favorite? I think this is a very welcoming, supportive, and open fandom for the most part. It does have certain cliques, which is all right, everyone has their things they're into, but it would be nice if they got along a little better.

Is there any advice you would give to someone who is new to the fandom? Don't get too caught up in rumors. There are some people who are crazy obsessive and love to trash talk. It's a strange combo.

How long have you been writing? Since I was in elementary school.

Why did you start writing? (Either in general or for Mars specifically) I went through a catastrophic health event a few years ago. I found myself stuck at home and mostly bed bound, looking at a slow recovery. I started reading more, and also reading more fanfiction. I restarted my Tumblr account and came across some Mars writers. @thepromiseofanend and @fyeahproudglambert were actually among some of the first writers I read here and very much inspired me to keep writing for the fandom.

Do you write for other fandoms? If so, which ones? I have written for other fandoms in the past but right now the only one I am writing for is Mars.

Do you share everything you write? If not, is there a reason why? No. Not everything I write is Mars related, and some of the pieces I am working on only sporadically and I will share when I have more of them written.

Have you written things that aren't fanfic? If so, could you tell us about those works? I have written plays and screenplays, short stories.. I write a lot I am currently working on a paranormal novel that is original fiction.

Of all your works, which is your favorite and why? I think Fangs and Fairytales is probably my favorite, I love horror and vampires and the paranormal, and it's fun to play with an alternate timeline like that.

Is there one that was particularly difficult to write? Why? There is one I am working on currently that is not yet published that I draw from some difficult personal experiences and struggles. I am not entirely sure I will share it when I am done.

What is the ideal writing environment for you? At your desk? Quiet? Music? I work on my laptop and I prefer to have silence. I can't stand having the television or music on when I am writing. The location doesn't matter much but the silence does. If I can't get silence I will put on headphones with ambient sounds, like thunderstorms. When I was writing the first part of Thunderbirds, I had a site that had cafe sounds that I listened to a lot.

What type of fanfic are you most comfortable writing (drama, fluff, angst, drabbles, series, etc.) I absolutely love to write angst. I torture my characters mercilessly. I also tend towards long pieces.

What is your favorite fanfic trope? Enemies to Friends, Ooops there's only one bed, Mutual Pining

Is there any trope or subject that you won't write? There are certain kinks that I don't care for, and extreme stuff is off the table. Don't make me name them all.

Are there any special tools that you use when creating or writing your story? I use either Open Office for short pieces or Scrivener for longer more structured stories. Grammarly is a lifesaver.

Do you write your story in order or do you jump around and then string it together at the end? Mostly in order. I am a very linear thinker.

Do you outline, or do a great deal of prep work or do you 'fly by the seat of your pants'? I have a general outline and a plan for each story. Some are more detailed than others.

How do you usually get your inspiration? Dreams, music, other stories, movies... I get so many ideas, it's the execution that's an issue more than inspiration.

Do you have ideas on the drawing board or in progress currently that you haven't shared yet? Yes. I have two series that I am working on. One I had originally planned to be ready in a few weeks but due to illness I am behind.

If you have an unpublished work in progress, please pick two to three sentences and share them without context.

Jared assured me however that he was fully prepared, gripping me ever tighter as he pressed me into the upholstered bench seating, no sign of shyness in regards to the driver who was currently ferrying us through damp and intimate back streets. The evening's earlier rain had broken and everything was left looking freshly glazed, colors amplified in reflection. It would have been a lovely drive through the Latin Quarter if he had paused from his advances long enough to look out the window.

Do you like requests? Would you like more or less of them? I love requests but I don't always have time. I have several series I am actively working on for myself, several things in the lab, another collaboration as well as original work. But one of my favorite oneshots (Overtime) came from an anon request. You can always ask. I may not be able to fill it but you can always ask.

Is there an upcoming project from you that you are excited about? Why, and what can you share about it? I am excited about all my writing. There is one piece that won't be coming for a while but it's a new Shannon series with a rather different romantic interest.

The best piece of writing advice you've ever received? Eliminate your inner audience. Whenever we write we have a tendency to think of the people who might be reading it and how they will react. It can limit us from being true and fearless with what we are producing. Write for the characters, focus on the story, and don't mentally allow other people to look over your shoulder. Especially when writing smut.

The worst piece of writing advice you've ever received? For overcoming writer's block: Just sit down and write. If I could do that Karen, I wouldn't be complaining about writer's block.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting to write fanfic? Don't worry if you don't get a lot of attention to start. Don't worry if your stories aren't as good as others. Just keep writing and try to make each piece a little better than the last one. Compete against yourself. Your writing will grow and develop as you continue to work and as it does you will find your audience.

Three (stories, series, scenes, etc) written by others that you really like or that inspire you? Only three? I think Save Me by @spillinginkwithlove was probably the thing that truly drew me in. Closer to the Edge (@thepromiseofanend) has my OTP of Mia/Jared. @darklydelicousdesires has my favorite piece of Shannon smut, Double Measures

Are any of your characters closer to being “you” than others? Any reason in particular? All of my characters have tiny pieces of me in them, whether it's a taste in food or future aspiration. In a lot of ways, I think I'm more Jane than anything, a lot of Jane and Roger’s childhood memories come from my own experience growing up in small towns in Illinois and Indiana -- but there are characters in two pieces I am working on that draw deeply from a lot of my life experiences.

Are any of your characters based on someone you know? Roger (from Thunderbirds) is actually very strongly based on an old boyfriend of mine.

Are any of your plots based on something that happened to you? The upcoming pieces Bodies, Rest and Motion and Mirror Ball both draw strongly on my own personal experiences, although the characters are unique as are the circumstances. The stories aren't autobiographical in any way, I have just drawn on things that I have been through and know to create something that conveys those experiences.

Favorite font for writing? Segoe UI ( In 14pt because I'm blind)

Do you consider yourself a reader outside of fanfic? Yes. I love to read.

Your favorite book? I don't know about any one book, but I love Brandon Mull, Tad Williams, and Charlaine Harris. Also Poppy Z Brite, Terry Pratchett, so much science fiction and horror.....

Your favorite things to do when you're not writing? I love to cook, watch movies, binge Netflix, hang out with my dogs, play video games and just be with my family.

Two truths and a lie? I owned and ran my own catering company, I lived briefly in Italy, I was the drummer for a punk band

Something surprising about you? My original career ambition (and the college program I started in) was for experimental high energy (particle) physics. I still love science. I am a huge nerd.

Favorite food to enjoy while watching Netflix? Popcorn, of course.

Favorite way to spend a Saturday night? The activity doesn't matter to me as much as the company. I just want to be surrounded by good people. I love a good meal and a card or board game with friends and family. (I love tabletop games and have a small collection. Gloom and Betrayal at House on the Hill are two of my favorites.)

Blankets Tucked or Untucked? Untucked!

Do you have any pets? Would you like to tell us about them? I have two rescued pit bulls that are big love bugs (Twilight and Lokii) and two cats, Coyote and Mayhem. Lokii is the only one that is technically mine (Twilight is my son's dog, and the cats are just household pets) and Lokii never leaves my side. He is very protective and watches over me when I am feeling ill. He is also very goofy and loves to play

Are there any particular battles or struggles in your life you'd like to tell us about? I've been through a lot. I have somehow managed to pick myself up and keep going each time I've been knocked down. You have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what. There's really no other choice. Just keep going. There's always something good ahead.

Anything you'd like to add? I am horrible at initiation and maintaining friendships. It's mostly an anxiety issue, I feel like I'm annoying people, I think they don't want to talk to me, that they simply tolerate me... I know there are lots of you that can relate to that. Chances are really good that I'd like to talk to you, even if I seem stand-offish or seem to have withdrawn. Please don't ever take it personally. And if we've never talked, well feel free to say hi, or ask me a question. I love to chat, I really do, I'm just bad about keeping things going until I get used to people. I take ridiculously long to get used to people. I guess what I'm saying is I'm a big mess and I have social issues but if you're into that, come chat with me.

#Interviews #echelonlab #lolainblue

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the-house-of-the-nine · 7 years ago

Text

The Void Forge: The Beginning Part 4

In a fresh memory we begin. . .

“I remember when I was learning to bend the void around me. I remember the feeling I had inhaling the vapor that collected after a successful explosion; and feeling so invigorated, so mesmerized, so unstoppable. At peace with myself for once, calming my mind, and showing the potential of my abilities. There was something so enticing about being able to control particles. . . matter, space. . .create something from nothing simply by bending your mind.” The words of the Inquisitor were being spoke across the memory of the newest apprentice to order. Someone who had been no only successfully integrated but was being taught by the collective minds of the himself, the Speaker, and Confessor all together.

“I am afraid, were you. . . is this normal?. . .” Rayne said nervously in response to his demonstration.

“We all experience this differently, what is certain is that your fear will consume you, render you useless, cripple you even, unless you control it and adapt. . .it is a good reminder though, it means you realize the potential here, and you’ll have respect toward the dangers you soon will face.” he replied trailing into silence.

Silence that regained the moment before them. . .

Emptiness followed and a calmness struck the Alterac Mountain range after the dust had settled. After the voices of terrified men had ceased, after the act of murder had subsided. Multiple pairs of eyes watched in horror at the sight that befell them, this was not out of the ordinary for Lazarius or the order; but something such as this could not hardly be passed over without acknowledgement.

Verzatea Duskflame, Sennaris Dal’Talah and Rayne Floralis, all stood on the cliff edge peering down on the Inquisitor below them; having just witnessed him wipe out the ambush party of dark iron dwarfs with the magic they’d all contributed. It was this act of cruelty and malice that would have caused so many others to go fleeing. Or perhaps leave out of pure disgust. Others may have seen these actions to be heinous and horrible; aiming to find a way to have this lunatic put in the stockade, tired and hung. Most people would have done this, and probably should have. But it seemed these actions only caused a mild blip on the radar of the council members. All save for one. One who was still quite new at all of this. The gentle girl being only weeks, if only days into her training with them. And already called into duty to serve in a master coup.

“He killed them. . .” Rayne stuttered softly with wide eyes. Her mouth almost gaping open having witnessed the scene first hand. “H-he j-just killed them all. . .without even so much as a warning.”

Verzatea said nothing, the enchanting figure of her lithe frame simply being dusted off with a nonchalant feathering of her gloved fingertips along the edges of her gown. She was not at all phased by this, nor did it seem terribly unfitting for her to quite literally brush it off.

“M-miss Duskflame. . .I knew we were-” Rayne began but would be silenced as the curt tone of the Confessor charged through.

“We were here to do one thing Miss Floralis. The Inquisitor made his plan quite clear to us when we arrived here, and it is not your place; nor be it mine, to question his decisions lest they prove to damage our order.” Verzatea exclaimed as she peered toward the young woman with a pair of burning viridian eyes. “We were charged with providing the means to complete this plan. . .that is why we are here.”

“B-but I . . .” Rayne had started once more, only to feel a soft hand press against her shoulder blade.

“It is our mission to ensure that the will of our masters, our Inquisitor and the order thrive. We are the heart that allows the blood to flow to all extremities, we do as we are asked.” Sennaris had been there to comfort the girl, offering her a gentle smile. “Do not think of these men as they were. Think only of them as they are. . . A threat to our survival and it has been neutralized.”

Verzatea would casually motion toward the Serpents Apprentice with a delicate, yet almost limp wristed point. Her actions more fluid like, as she was quite the soft spoken; and rather graceful type. Her motions then allowed her to saunter toward the edge. Her burning orbs trained on the man below, her Inquisitor. Noting his survival, and apparent success made her rather pleased. A half cracked smile. She had made it perfectly clear that her mind, body and soul were his to command, yet secretly; deep down inside she knew she enjoyed this type of torment as much as he did.

In the valley below, Lazarius remained standing quite still. Long thin strands of black hair would cascade across his broken smile. Small beads of sweat running down his brow causing the tendrils to stick against the flesh like small vines growing on a cliff side. His eyelids were shut, allowing the warmth of the sun above to just gently cause the slightest bit of heat to burn across his pale skin. Yet, it would quickly be cut down by the cold breeze, it was still refreshing. All around him the trace of the ambush and whatever else had come to pass, was all but gone. Even the damage caused by the sphere of gravitational energy would have cleaned up after itself, leaving not a trace they’d been here. Save for the small stain on the ground that would soon be covered over by the snow once it fell later that evening.

Jet black eyes slowly cracked the seal on his closed eyelids like an obsidian sun slowly rising over the horizon. Beaded, snake like orbs taking in the sunlight without needed to be adjusted. His peering gaze settling on the silence and calm around him. It was only broken by the instantaneous cloud of white smoke that appeared from the nearby outcrop in the cliff face. The vapor which soon blanketed the little area he stood would belong to the gilnean steward who was returning with their quarry. Kross still had Brox in an arm bar with a blade to his neck. When they’d come out into the open, he was released and shoved forward.

It was about this time that the tribunal of women had descended from the heights above like angels falling from the heavens. They would gracefully touch down thanks in large part to the levitation spell provided by the gentle serpents apprentice. Despite her dark ways, the clever girl still held quite a fancy toward more conventional and practical magics. Lazarius noted their return with a nod, before the group of five had quickly surrounded the dwarf. Silence was the mantra they took. None were speaking, as if a building tension was about to break.

“Why tha fuck did yah have tah twist mah shoulder so ‘ard Kross, yah sodden cunt. . .” Brox wasted absolutely no time as he cut through the heavy air with his knife of a tongue. “Tha’s mah drinkin’ arm. . .”

The old admiral only scoffed at the comment, sheathing his blade and peering down at the dark iron. “It was no holiday for me that is certain, Mister Sulfin. . . it will take weeks to remove the stench of piss and cheap beer from my suit.”

“An’ sausage. . . ah’ve been eatin’ quite a lot o’ tha. . .” roared the filthy dwarf with a curdling laugh and knee slapping squawk.

“Wait. . . we weren’t trying to kill him, I thought he was double crossing us?” The confused student; Rayne quickly broke the dialog as she pointed to the short man. “We’re here to kill him and his men, why is he alive?”

“O’course yah did lass! Tha’s why they call meh Brox tha amazin’. . .” Brox jabbered with a portly waddle turn in her direction. “Ah’m a natural born therapi. . .no, ah. . .thespi, no. . . lesbia. . .Oh yah know whatevah yah call them stage folk!”

“Nobody calls you that. . .” snapped the serpent with a dry tone, as he continued to elaborate to his newest apostle. “Despite our disgruntled little double agent here being as charming as a stale loaf of bread, he is in fact correct. . .” Lazarius exclaimed as he would begin to clarify. “There were three fronts to this small excursion, first and foremost was to recruit the dim witted and ever deceiving master of kodo bull shit here on our side. . .”

“An’ don’cha be forgettin’ andsome. . . oh an’ fearless. . .an’ cunnin’. . .an’”

“Yes yes, there are plenty of words to describe you, Brox. . .we needed to bring connections back into Stormwind by drawing out a few hooligans who belong to Dargon Blackiron.” continued the Inquisitor.

“Dargon Blackiron, the man from that Blackguard captive’s story you told us about in the library?” Rayne asked, seeming to begin connecting the dots.

“The very same. With him being in hiding and his squad of goons rampaging around the city doing his bidding we needed a way to draw him out.” Verzatea had continued as Lazarius watched on. “By contacting Brox we knew it would easily give him access to his network. And with the help of The Speaker; Lady Shadowweave, we were able to learn of nearly all the details necessary to make this complete.

“So all of this to lure him?” Rayne said softly once more.

“All of this to do two things. Eliminate Brox’s competition in the market for artifacts that we will be shipping through the Explorers Guild. And draw out the man who currently knows exactly where I am going to find the Mogu artifacts that I need.” Lazarius responded rather quickly.

“Speakin’ of. . . fifty percent still sounds like ah reasonable offer if yah ask meh.” said the dwarf as he chuckled.

“I believe the initial offer of thirty five, with the elimination of nearly all of your competition is more than enough compensation for you to continue living off of what was it; beer and sausage?” Exclaimed the very calm Inquisitor, it seemed apparent that his earlier riling was just for show.

The dwarf scoffed as his pudgy arms curled up against his chest while he turned to exit the circle that surrounded him. He was clearly not going to win the battle against the dark inquisitor and rather than try and extort him for more; he’d begin wandering. Fact of the matter was, the deal he’d been given was actually a ten percent increase plus his competitors were all but gone; not too bad.

“Master are you alright?” Sennaris; the prime apprentice of Lazarius would seem to be acting out of the ordinary with such a comment. But this was her nature; she lived to serve. Her life was not only owed to his kindness for the years spent with him, but truly the woman cared to his well being. She had learned to defend herself for starters, and control the void as he did. She was indebted to his teachings. But her concern was genuine; and after such an ordeal warranted to assure he was safe.

The Inquisitor would nod his head to ensure her that he was just fine. Despite the event that had just transpired. His hand slowly reached upward and tucked in against the curve of her jawline. He would give her a caress and complete his gesture with a gentle stroke of his thumb against her cheek bone. The smile; all be it odd to see him in such high spirits, was enough of an answer. He was pleased with the outcome.

“So now what. . . Inquisitor?” Rayne boldly stated, interrupting the silence.

“We wait of course. . .” he replied, moving himself toward a large boulder in the pass that would be used as a seat to allow him to rest for the time being.

“Wait. . . for what, it is not your method to wait for anything Inquisitor.” Verzatea said with some margin of accuracy. Lazarius was terribly impatient.

“Phase three. . . “ he’d respond, letting his back ease against the stone face of the mountain side. “All in due time, remember what you said. . . patience.”

Sennaris gently moved her position from where they were, to a point closer to the dark master who was resting. She was not simply there in order to move closer to him, but in fact to do something remarkable. Her body knelt down with knees pressing down into the tundra of the pass. It was a combined mixture of hard permafrost and rocky soil. It would serve well. Her fingers would straighten as she pressed both middle and index out straight; and began to scribe into the earth with them. Not exactly using her fingers, but the tips to burn a voided magical entry into the ground.

The line she drew would ultimately hover for a brief moment. Her hands reaching out and gripping the ends to begin extending it, pulling it every which way as she forged a scene before the watchful eye of the Inquisitor. Rayne could not help be feel a sense of urgency here to watch, after all; this woman had spent nearly two full years under his tutelage, she was prided as his prime. Sennaris managed a flat blanket of outstretched energies enveloping the cold stones below with a voided shadow. Her hands then swept across the surface, fingers pulling and prodding against the buoyant material. Rayne watched carefully with a burning interest as the woman started forging something interesting. There on the earth was an exact replica of the coastline, a birds eye view of the landscape, the waterways, even the small hamlet of Southshore than was overrun by the Forsaken.

“What is this?” she asked the woman, gazing up with a burning curiosity.

Sennaris replied in a rather soft tone, her own vibrant green hues flashing with a purple mist. “Our eyes. This is how we shall see our path.”

“Are those. . . boats on fire, bodies. . .How are you. . . where is this?” Rayne said with a bit of whimsical interest.

Brox scoffed and let out a snort as he heard the two women prattling on. “Yah know real eyes work just tha’ same.” The dwarf pursed his lips together and made a sharp whistle. Thus indicating to the party behind him that something was a foot, but also perhaps to signify whatever was happening of their presence.

Sure enough, only moments later two figures came marching up the pathway. One was mysterious, with leathery skin; clear due to his lack of armor, with two protruding bull horns that would force their way up from his browline and arch backward, this and other features that would no doubt mark him as a creature once belonging to the Illidari. Yet it was interesting that now he was using his glaives for a different purpose. The man was trailing behind another person though, one that stood out a bit more than the other.

It was Pyravari, she was carrying her sword in one hand as it rested over the top of her shoulder, dripping trails of red along the path only to be cleaned up by the cold chill that followed behind her. The ice would seem to be all she needed, her tracks, her trails of blood. . . clearly in command of it as they vanished. It was this ebony haired nightmare that caused the black boiling blood of the Inquisitor to awaken from his slumber. She was holding a large clear flask shaped bottle in the other hand, and as she walked; blood splattered, and clearly either invigorated or exhausted, she threw back mouthfuls of the brown liquor.

The dark lord leaning forward to meet her as she grew closer. His ebony eyes narrowed from the heavy sunlight overcasting a hue around them from all the nearby snow. She was a mess. Blood across her armor and face, blade marks that were fresh, a bullet wound, and whatever the hell that was; maybe someones spleen? She and her blind associate would trudge through the snow marching right up to the Inquisitor and holding moments later.

“Well?” he said, looking up at them while resting his elbows against his knees. His open hand then swept across the scene to display the image Sennaris had created for them. The scene which she would notice. Boats burning, bodies laying across the shore.

“Dear brother. . .surely you do not doubt the Harbinger?” exclaimed the echoing frozen voice of his twin. The airways would be blasted by the sound of a cawing raven, as it swept overheard and landed on a nearby cliff edge just over the steward and dwarf below.

Lazarius turned and nodded at Sennaris, who in turn would begin destroying the vision she’d created. Instructing Rayne in a silent explanation of how and why, to help aid the girl understand what she was doing.

“I would never doubt your ability to cause havoc, sweet sister.” Lazarius said with a cunning narrowed glance. “Though a bit excessive. . .weren’t you?”

“Never, those who were eviscerated gave me dirty looks, they were first.” She exclaimed. “The ones that were beheaded were for good measure. The rest soon fell into line as I cut a swath through them.”

“I was talking about the pikes and disembowelment.” replied the dark lord as he grew very silent with a narrowed gaze.

“Eh. . . that was me. . .” answered the lizard scaled male in a scratchy voice, his glaives returned to their clips on his back while his palms pressed firmly against his hips.

Pyravari responded by outing the man, pointing directly at him with an outstretched finger.

“Get this fuckin’ bird away from me eyes!” Brox yelled cutting the tension.

“Peck them out, maybe then he’ll stop trying to undress me in his mind.” hissed Verzatea who was still nearby.

“Ya thin’ tha’s gonna stop meh!” cried the dwarf as Guntram continued to squawk overhead, the fat stubby arms would never reach the fluttering bird.

The trio continued to yell at one another, the Confessor, the blighter and the bird, while Kross remained silent nearby.

Lazarius had been silent for the moment, just watching the demon shift his weight. Clearly he was not ashamed of his actions, proud if anything, and he waited there in his cocky stance behind the Harbinger.

“Well done. . .” he finally answered, giving the man a nod.

“Fuck. . . “ said the demon, giving a sigh of relief. “Wait what, Really? . . here I thought you might be pissed. You look pissed, actually it may just be how you look. . .”

Though not amused; Lazarius gave a small snort as he hissed another response. “It was a good touch, dwarven ships and traders. . . impaled and beheaded near the town of Southshore on Horde pikes. . . it looks like a battle to reclaim the hamlet. . . very well thought out, keeps our trail clean.”

“Oh yah well, that was all Vari here, boss. . .” chimed the blind assailent with a laugh, giving her a sharp slap on the back from behind her. “All her idea, totally her idea from the get go. . .we landed on the shore and she said exactly that. . .nearly word for word. . .”

“No she didn’t. . . “ Lazarius responded in a dead pan, straight faced, and almost comedic fashion as he stood and stretched his back. “It was a good touch regardless.”

The demon mouthed a simple. “I tried. . .” to the lich fire woman, smirking and rolling his shoulder.

“That will be all. . . Koltun. . .” she said, trying to at least present herself as a “professional”, it was hard with him around. But once the demon would move to perch on a boulder, she would be free to speak to her brother in private. “Did you have any problems here?”

Lazarius shook his head with a confident stance. He would peer between his associates and smile, making a motion toward his twin. “Nothing prohibited us. . . Brox is free to continue moving our shipments without hassle, the competition is dead, we’ve successfully annihilated any and all involvement of Blackiron, and his fleet for transporting his mercenaries is burning into the ocean as we speak. . . “

“A success then on all fronts.” Pyravari exclaimed with a puffing of her chest and straightening of her spine.

“Indeed, everything is falling into place for the final push. Asphodel will have information on what Dargon will be doing in Stormwind when the announcement of his fleet and men being wiped out reaches him, this will prompt our next stage. . . Kross will intercept and return him to the Manor for interrogation. . . and when all of our pieces have been set before us. . .we will push into Grim Batol and locate the hidden Mogu artifacts. . .” Lazarius concluded as he nodded to his sister.

“And then?” she poised, giving him a look for guidance.

He would not respond though, it was a returned glance of confidence. A stern look toward her, as if saying not to worry, he would guide them.

And so, the Nine stood in that mountain pass. Enjoying the success of their ventures and the time they’d been given; for now, to enjoy their company. Clearly they were building toward something. Soon the trials of the mountain would test them. Soon the next phase of their plan would begin. Soon. . .

To be continued. . .

@lyvraynefloralis, @profound-amateur, @pyravari, @corrupted-priestess

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massielandnetwork · 4 years ago

Text

Thriving in an Economic Bubble during Anarchy

18. The Christian Succession – American Inflation amid a Chinese Financial Collapse

Three more Chinese real estate developers have joined China Evergrande Group (CEG) in not being able to service their debt (a total of $500 Billion). Combined with soaring costs forcing Chinese electrical producers to limit manufacturers to having electricity three days per week with ripple effects, China is now in a severe financial crisis. China’s ponzi real estate market is imploding from declining values of millions of empty speculative apartments (unbelievably overbuilt) reminded me of the old USSR joke where a bureaucrat in Moscow decided there was a need for more screws so they sent an order to the government factory for “one ton of screws”. The manager of the factory saw no description of the type of screws so he ordered his employees to make a one-ton screw. When the employees finished the single one-ton screw, they collected their pay and left work early celebrating their success. Marxism always fails.

Every week I enjoy numerous conversations relative to the land market. Many are in the new housing industry which provides me with a great insight into the most important economic leading indicator. Last week I had a conversation with the owner of a local manufacturing company that sources its material globally and serves customers around the globe. He described the daily supply chain crises he is experiencing because of plants being shut down, limited production capacity being shifted to only the most profitable products, a shortage of employees, raw material costs doubling with little warning, the lack of shipping containers, and overwhelmed ocean ports around the globe. Similar to conversations I hear in the homebuilding industry, this one offered a slightly different perspective on what is happening in our economy. It connected some data points in a unique way that you may find beneficial.

When our mostly capitalistic economy is functioning “normally”, every company is striving to maximize sales. They identify every possible niche of demand and create products for them while pricing each product or service as low as possible in order to reach every potential customer who will buy at a price that is profitable to the company. That pressure to maximize sales exerts downward pressure on the sales price of the goods or services. Downward pressure on price equals low inflation.

Under the Biden/Demented Marxists (DMs) administration, it seems the cost of most products have increased at least 50% while some have doubled. The Fed says this is “transitory” inflation. But last month The Fed sped up by one year their tapering of Quantitative Easing (QE) which is The Fed buying our national debt and mortgages to reduce mortgage rates thus stimulating new housing construction. Additionally, they moved forward their forecasted increase in the Federal Funds Rate by a year. Is The Fed worried? Yessir, and they should be.

But why are the prices of products increasing so quickly? What I realized is that companies today are not focused on maximizing the number of units they sell as they would in a “normal” economy as described above. Instead, because their supplies of raw materials and employees are insufficient, producers are focused on maximizing revenue so that they can cover their operating costs. The pressure on publicly traded companies is particularly intense because they need to show increasing profit so their stock prices go up even if their unit sales are stagnant or decline. In short, the prices of products are being raised to maximize revenue not unit sales.

This strategy is unsustainable long term. As the price of a product is raised, it eliminates some potential customers. Some homebuilders have told me that is now happening in the new home industry. How long can companies continue to raise prices to maximize revenue to keep their doors open? The better question, if a company continues to increase the price of its product and lose customers, when does it no longer have enough sales to cover its operating costs?

I miss my America where the manufacturers are looking for all of the market niches and producing a plethora of products at the lowest price at which they could make a profit. That is capitalism and sustainable. What we are experiencing is a form of Marxism and it is not sustainable. The transition back will be bumpy and bring some short-term pain. But the rewards are worth the pain if we do it. We need honest elections to get there.

Talking about the goal of honest elections, there were some notable happenings last week:

1. Delaware joined the growing list of states that are considering a forensic audit of the 2020 “election”. Is it now seven states that are preparing for forensic audits?

2. Nationally the number of state legislators supporting election audits more than doubled.

3. Virginia only has one legislator with enough testosterone to demand a forensic audit, Senator Amanda Chase of Chesterfield County. She makes the other Republican legislators look like eunuchs. Virginia does not need a Recount. Virginia DOES need a Forensic Audit. Only those who committed vote fraud should oppose a forensic audit. We put men on the Moon, we can have honest elections.

4. Mr. Durham issued more subpoenas amid rampant speculation about the potential outcomes. There are few tangible results publicly but I bet there is a lot of drama occurring. Watch for a spike in the number of unexplained deaths.

5. Some commentators have celebrated that the Demented Marxist Show (aka DMS) failed to pass the two massive “infrastructure” bills last week. I believe it is delayed until the DMS has enough dirt on some politician to remove the barriers. “Build Back Better” is a misnomer for the financial crater those bills would create.

6. “Let’s Go Brandon” became popular.

Economic Forecast:

It appears that the Federal government is intentionally creating a constant series of crises even so bizarre as labeling parents worried about their kids’ education to be “Domestic Terrorists”. The DMS have the FBI tracking soccer moms but not Antifa. Getting Momma Bear mad does not seem a good idea to me. But the result of the incessant crises is that shortages are everywhere – employees, computer chips, various products. I believe American managers deserve accolades for their success to date of minimizing the impact of the DMS Pandemic Bubble Economy.

As mortgage interest rates increase because The Fed begins tapering their QE in November, all real estate markets will be impacted - residential, commercial, and land. Some segments of the commercial market are already in distress - retail because of the inability to operate profitably and office with some projections of future occupancy being reduced by 50% due to remote work. In any event, the highest probability is an ugly real estate market unfolds next year.

Despite the experience of Germany who committed to all green energy only to see their electricity prices SOAR and become UNRELIABLE leading to their demand for natural gas (Nordstrom II Pipeline) and building coal fired electric generation plants, Biden/DMS has made us dependent on OPEC for oil and wants to force us to “Green Energy”. That means we face a combination of higher energy prices, higher mortgage rates, and higher taxes of a magnitude that each individually would cause a recession. That is a disastrous combination.

Add to this toxic mix the collapse of the Chinese Evergrande Group (CEG) and three other developers, compounding the Chinese economic crisis. Yes, the Chinese banks owned by the CCP will take the direct hit from the default by CEG. Yes, the CCP has bailed out their banks three times in the last 20 year, and here comes bailout number 4. But the economic ripple effects will hit the world including the USA. Keep one eye focused on the ripple effects from the collapse of China Evergrande Group and the other eye focused on the coming Biden/DMS stagflation.

Slashing taxes, decreasing the size of government, and providing tax incentives to re-build the American manufacturing economy is the proven way to increase the size of the American economic pie allowing more assistance to those who need it. America prospered under the hand of God because our country enjoyed the combination of Christianity, capitalism, and democracy.

Biden and the DMs have us on a path that is a self-destructive and decreases the size of the economic pie. Everyone loses except the “Elites”.

Pray that our Lord and Savior raises up and protects the Patriots that demand forensic audits of the 2020 election in every state. Honest elections are the fulcrum of our American experiment. It is not vengeance to demand honesty and that everyone play by the same laws. Men make plans, but God ALWAYS wins. Every portfolio should contain some cash and a great piece of land remains The Best investment long term.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of the prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) New Revised Standard Version, Oxford University Press)

Please allow me to also share these words from Lin Wood:

“If you trust God, when there is chaos, you will see a plan. When there is fear, you will be fearless. When there is anxiety, you will be calm and at peace.”

Stay healthy,

Ned

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