#But ultimately her revelation and connection to her mom IS VERY ONE-SIDED—

[who-is-muses]

[ ask moved from prior blog ] anonymous | Misc. Asks

Tell us about Jon’s paternal half siblings

Granted he's completely unaware of them, but Jonathan has six half siblings on his father Gerald's side. Jon's the eldest of all of them, but only by a few months. Below are a few details about his half siblings.

Levon "Levy" Theodore Cobb is also 38, only four months younger than Jonathan. He and his younger brother Oscar are mixed, their mother was black while Gerald is white. Much like Karen Keeny, Jon's mom, Gerald took advantage of Levy's mother's turmoil to get with her, then promptly disappeared. Unlike Karen, Gerald returned three years later to check in (and use them for a place to stay), unintentionally conceiving Levy's younger brother Oscar. After their mother died from illness not a year after Oscar was born, Levy took it upon himself to make him and his brother a good life, ultimately finding their way to Gotham where they were nearly seperated by the state foster system a number of times- until Levy turned 18, and took guardianship of his little brother. In present day, Levy rarely speaks with Oscar, putting most of his time and energy into his work at various soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Rye Lord is the third oldest at 36. His mother, Charlotte, was a semi wealthy real estate agent- until Gerald came along, tricked her into signing him over most of her savings and interest, and left her with their son to care for on top of trying to survive now suddenly with very little funds. Rye still lives with Charlotte to this day in poverty, helping his aging mother while trying to scrape by for both of them. Needless to say he's resentful of his absent father, like the majority of his unknown half siblings.

Oscar Cobb is a 35 year old transman, and a member of the GCPD. He's the only one of these siblings that has met Jon, albeit in a far less than friendly manner; Oscar was called to the scene of one of Jon's makeshift laboratories, the encounter ending with a bullet in Jon's bicep, Oscar gassed with fear toxin and missing a ring finger. Since then, Oscar has managed to avoid responding to any calls involving the Scarecrow- which is just as well, on the off chance their true relation is ever brought to light.

Austin Townes Crane (33) is the eldest child of Gerald and Louise Crane, Gerald's first and (surprisingly) only wife. Townes himself is married to Virginia, and they have two children, a daughter Iris and a son Rufus. Townes and his family live not far from Gerald and Louise, all in a small town in Georgia's Lower Coastal Plain. Unsurprisingly, Townes and his two younger siblings were treated harshly by Gerald their whole lives, something which Townes tries very hard not to replicate with his own children- but he still slips up and loses his temper every now and again, much to his disgust. He's endlessly frustrated by how sweet his father is with his grandchildren after terrorizing Townes and his siblings.

Amos Crane (32) is Gerald and Louise's second child. At 23, he attempted to kill himself with sleeping pills and whiskey stolen from his father to escape his family. Obviously this didn't work, Amos winding up in an asylum after he was discharged from hospital. He stayed there for three years, before managing to escape and disappear into the outside world again, far away from Georgia. He continues to roam to this day, never able to stay in one place for long without getting antsy and returning to bad memories.

Priscilla Crane (30) is Gerald and Louise's youngest, and Jon's youngest paternal half sibling. Despite this, she was the first to flee the nest at just 16, making her way cross country to Colorado at 23. Since settling down, she's started a small baking business with her girlfriend Allison, and revels in being accepted by her family. She's arguably the happiest of Gerald's children, with no connection to her blood family and years of consistent support to work through her trauma.

[unhealthyfanobsession]

I teased this in a previous post and people asked me to expand so...here’s my controversial take that Rhysand and Nesta are actually parallel characters in many ways and that they both hate each other so much because they ultimately hate themselves.

Alright ladies and gentleman, anti’s and stans, buckle your fucking seatbelts or hope off the roller coaster here because I’m about to learn you a thing or two about the most divisive characters in the ACOTAR world. 

Starting out very broadly- both characters are introduced as sort of confusing villains (Rhys is “evil” but he’s also helping Feyre. Nesta is an “awful sister”, but she also is protective of Elain and tells Feyre essentially to go and be happy), both have faced significant trauma and grapple with self-loathing and feelings of not being good enough, and both ultimately find redemption and healing with their mates who love them. They also both currently exist in a strange parallel coming out of ACOSF where Rhys is supposedly “chosen by the Cauldron” and Nesta is “blessed by the Mother”- the two sacred entities of Prythian.

Intrigued? More specifics and text analysis under the cut

Mommy (and Daddy) Issues:

Both characters were basically raised by their mother’s alone and then lost them at a young age and that had a deep impact on them. Rhysand had a far more positive experience of being raised by his mother HOWEVER I would argue that it was still “grooming” of a type since she took him away to train in Illyria specifically so that he wouldn’t be influenced by his father.

Rhys’ mother did this out of love and Nesta’s mother groomed her out of a social climbing agenda, but it had the same effect- they both lost the parent who was their primary caregiver at a young age and they were both not close with their father’s because of their mother’s actions  (again this was a good thing for Rhys, not as much for Nesta).

Parents Death: Rhys and Nesta both blame themselves for one of their parent’s death and are deeply affected by feeling like they failed someone important to them.

Rhys thinks that he is responsible for his mother and sister’s death because he gave Tamlin info

Rhys even says after this “It should have been me.”

Nesta feels that she was unable to save her father and she hates herself for it.

Rocky sibling relationship and Separation:

Rhysand and Cassian are obviously a lot further along in their sibling journey, but it’s stated that he and Cassian HATED each other and fought constantly essentially until Azriel arrived and then they decided to be “allies”.

Nesta and Feyre are also at each others throats but seem to put their differences aside in order to not upset Elain. (Even when Feyre first goes back to the human lands Nesta says NOPE NO FAE! But as soon as Elain asks her to do as Feyre says she agrees) and then Nesta states in ACOSF that she and Feyre were brought together by Elain to be allies in the war.

Rhysand and Cassian obviously grew into true brothers despite their adversarial, insulting, bitter beginning... and Nesta and Feyre after ACOSF have done the same. Obviously there’s still a lot of work to be done in that relationship, but the parallel stands (and is just strengthened by the fact that in both cases it’s the character with more power in the relationship- Nesta for being the oldest and Rhys for being the one whose family took Cassian in is then mated to the opposite sibling!)

Both have a parent who essentially separated them from their ‘siblings’ for their own benefit. Nesta’s mom isolated her as a child so that she could groom her and tell her how to maneuver her sisters when the time was right while Rhys’ father- afraid of his, Cassian, and Azriel’s combined power- separated them for 7 years through the first war to ensure they wouldn’t ally against him. Nesta was also separated from Feyre by Tamlin and tried to go to the wall to get her back but couldn’t get through- which is very reminiscent to me of the scene at the beginning of ACOWAR from the first war where Rhys is searching desperately but without hope for Cassian.

Shared Trauma and Learning to be “Evil” to protect their family:

both characters are sexual assault survivors who spend a chunk of their book (I’m counting ACOMAF as essentially Rhys’ book since that’s when we learn more about him as a character) grappling with that, coming to terms with it, and moving forward with a general attitude of “Never Again.” I would also argue that even their abusers are parallels as Rhysand was only ‘with’ Amarantha because he was trying to protect his family and Nesta was only ‘with’ Tomas because she thought his family might be able to take in and feed Elain (she says in ACOSF that she would give him whatever he wanted- her body meant nothing to her and Elain meant everything, which is essentially Rhys’ UTM mindset). In addition, both characters are able to escape their abusers out of love for Feyre. Rhys does so when Amarantha is about to kill Feyre, and Nesta does so because she realizes that Tomas would never go to the wall with her to save Feyre.

 Beyond this, both characters express that it is the lack of control over their own lives that truly haunts them. Rhys when he felt like he had no choice but to be Amarantha’s puppet and Nesta with a lot of her life, but especially when she is forced into the cauldron. Both of these are things that make them feel like failures for not protecting others. Rhys is haunted that he couldn’t protect Feyre under the mountain and Nesta is haunted that she couldn’t protect Elain from the cauldron.

This leads both characters to have a terrifying power-surge nightmare brought on by their trauma (Rhys from Amarantha; Nesta from the Cauldron) that terrifies those around them and can only be stopped by their mate.

In addition to this, they both have a “persona” that they put on and sometimes feel like they can’t shake off, a face that they made to protect themselves and their family. Rhys with his “Court of Nightmares” persona that he uses UTM, in the Hewn City, and with the other High Lords until the war. Part of his growth is letting people see beyond that ‘most powerful high lord of darkness’ mask.

For Nesta this is expressed by her “wolves” that she uses to put up a wall between her and the people who mocked her and her family, and especially Elain. And her learning to open up with Cassian and her found family was really important for her growth

HOWEVER, they both also keep that persona. Rhys has his mask polished for when anyone might threaten the people he loves and so does Nesta. Neither of them truly gave up that side of themselves, the darkness, they simply learned to stop it from consuming them. 

They also both LIKE doing this to their enemies. Rhys likes to toy with his enemies and torture those who would harm his family or betray him and so does Nesta- she revels in cutting down anyone who insults Elain and says in ACOSF that she’s felt the urge to do the same for Cassian. They both wield words like weapons and use their intelligence to ensure they are always one quip ahead of their enemies. Something that both Feyre and Cassian admire in their mates and try to emulate to a degree.

(Bonus points for the fact that in both cases their families did not ASK to be protected/sacrificed for.)

Found family and sacrifice:

Rhys calls Cassian and Azriel his “brothers” after becoming close while training and they conquer the blood rite together. Nesta calls Emerie and Gwyn her “sisters” after becoming close while training and they conquer the blood rite together. Rhys sacrifices himself to Amarantha in order to protect Cassian and Azriel (and Velaris). Nesta sacrifices herself to hold the path of Enalius to protect Emerie and Gwyn. There’s also a line in ACOMAF and a parallel line in ACOSF essentially about Nesta being willing to do anything- including “whore” herself- to protect Elain, and in order to protect his brother’s that’s exactly what Rhys did- “whore” himself to Amarantha.

Both are ‘saved by’ and feel not good enough for their mate:

I hesitate to use the word “saved by” because ultimately both characters have more agency than that, HOWEVER, both characters rely on their mate to a degree to pull them out of a very dark time and place. Feyre helps Rhys remember who he is and forgive himself for under the mountain and he even specifically calls her his “salvation.”

I don’t think I need to even say the Nesta part here, all of ACOSF is essentially Cassian helping Nesta climb out of a dark period so that they can heal together.

(Both also start connecting with their mates on a “just sex” situation.)

Both characters think that because of the things they’ve done and the darkness inside of them that they don’t deserve the people they have been mated to.

Obviously there are many differences, but the characters are similar in a lot of ways and what I think this really highlights is just how true that line is in ACOSF about Nesta being a wolf that was never allowed to learn how to be a wolf. Meanwhile Rhys is 500 years older and has always had power and agency of some kind even at his lowest point. Nesta didn’t have that power and wasn’t allowed to really unleash herself so she armed herself with a steel exterior to make up for that lack of power and control. Which is very similar to what Rhysand did when he felt he didn’t have power under the mountain- put on a cold face, not let anyone in, and act cruel in order to get through it.

Overall it’s an interesting character study because in a lot of ways these are very similar characters, but there is such a MASSIVE divide among the fandom of liking and hating one or both of them. Ultimately, I do think that a lot of the hate Nesta gets is because she’s a woman and female characters simply aren’t allowed to have the same flaws as male ones- which is kind of Nesta’s whole life story. BUT I think that Rhysand actually gets unintentionally screwed over by the narrative in one big way. Becuase my final paralell is that I think a lot of people came around on Nesta when they saw in her perspective that she knows she has problems and how much she was struggling… and I also think that Rhysand is so hated by those who dislike him because of Feyre’s ‘he can do no wrong’ perspective. I think if we saw more of Rhysand internally struggling and knowing that he made the wrong call sometimes and second guessing himself he’d be a lot more likeable character. We know he’s capable of this because when Cassian calls him out on the training roof for always thinking the worst of Nesta he just says “you’re right. I’m sorry” and he even *kinda* admits some wrong when he’s so shocked by how deep Nesta’s trauma is. Feyre and the rest of the IC constantly exalting Rhys as perfect when he so clearly isn’t and in fact has a lot of the same “flaws” as Nesta is probably the most frustrating thing about the character, which ultimately I think is kind of unfair because we know from his few perspectives that he doesn’t see himself that way.

[misssunflowersandsangria]

At Home with You

Happy @inoshikachoweek week and happy best friends day!  I love every incarnation of Team 10 so I really wanted to write something at least for the last day.  Thank you to @thespookymoth and @pewpewpew for hosting this week!  Hope that you enjoy! 

Prompt:  Best Friends

Summary:  When you’re best friends home and family can take many different forms.

*

**

At Home with You

**

Ino

“There you are!”  Curious brown eyes looked up hearing a familiar voice. Inojin grinned watching the deer trot over towards him excitedly. 

Inojin pet the deer’s fur affectionately, thankful that he seemed to still remember him.  “I’m sorry I haven’t been around a lot lately.”  The animal didn’t seem to mind and welcomed the loving touches.  

“Come on buddy, let’s take a walk. I’ve got some time before I have to go home.” Inojin could have sworn there was some understanding in those soft eyes as the animal fell into step with him.  

The peace and solitude the dense forest provided was much needed after so many difficult and grueling missions. He found solace in the twilight with his faithful companion by his side. 

The pair took breaks along their walk to eat and drink. Their gait relaxed and steady with no goal or end in sight. Inojin would feed the animal treats and pet his soft fur.  All the while the deer nuzzled in familiarity into his gentle hands. 

Coming to a stop they relaxed by the water. Inojin reclined into the deers side to sketch the landscape. Nestling into the deer’s soft fur and comforting warmth.  It was this quiet slice of heaven away safe from the noise. 

“So this is where you’ve been running off to?” 

Inojin looked startled, surprised by the amused looks on his Uncle and Aunt’s face. 

Subconsciously Inojin stepped forward placing himself between the deer and them. 

“We don’t mind you coming here but you need to let your parents know where you are.”  Temari gently scolded him.  

Shikamaru looked curiously behind Inojin. A familiar deer posed as though it was ready to defend its friend if necessary. 

“I assume your visits have to do with the deer behind you?” 

“I come by when I dont have missions to see him.”  Inojin admitted with a sigh.  There was no way to lie his way out of this. 

Temari and Shikamaru were surprised by the revelation.  Shikamaru recognized the deer as the injured one that Inojin had found and he had treated.  He remembered Inojin being terrified and distraught, hoping the deer might make it through. They didn’t quite realize how much of an impression the experience had made. 

Temari had seen him earlier heading towards the forest where he was able to walk about freely. It seemed odd though that he was going there alone. 

“Why didn’t you tell us?” 

Inojin shrugged, not really having a response. He thought it might be embarrassing to admit having grown attached to the deer.  

“I couldn’t…I couldn’t save Akkun. So when I was able to save this one I felt connected to him I guess.”  

They knew all about that little creature that he’d bonded with during the mission in Iwagakure. Ino and Sai had considered getting him a pet to help with his grief but worried it might be too soon. 

Shikamaru moved forward towards them, kneeling in front of him.  “Your grandfather used to love walking through here too.”  

“Really?”  Inojin asked surprised but always happy to learn anything he could about his grandfather. 

“The Yamanaka jutsu can be very difficult mentally and spiritually. He always found reconnecting with nature as a way to reset.  He even had his own favorite deer. Shikadai’s grandfather would complain that he was out here more than him.”  Shikamaru remembered when his father would go out into the dense forest to check on his friend. 

“Inojin attachments and bonds are a wonderful thing. Companionship and friendship make life meaningful.  They aren’t something you ever have to hide.” Inojin smiled up at Temari, her words having a lifetime of experience behind them. 

“Did you give him a name?” 

“Aki, I found him on the first day of Fall.”  

“Well thank you Aki for taking care of Inojin here.”  

Shikamaru kindly rubbed the deer’s head.  Sure the Naras were known for their connection with these animals but he was thankful that Inojin saw their value as well.

“Let your mom and dad know, okay kid. That way they won’t worry.”  Temari guided him gently.  She could understand his draw towards the Nara forest.  She would often escape there just to have some quiet.  

Inojin nodded, grateful that he didn’t have to keep his trips a secret.  That he could tell his parents and his teammates about his friend.  He’d been wanting his parents to come join him for a while now. 

“Let Shikadai know you’re coming out here.  He’s supposed to be guarding and keeping this place secure.  Seeing as you’ve been able to come in and out undetected means he’s not doing his job.”  He laughed but hoped his friend wouldn’t be too upset. 

The trio remained out there in the fading sunlight as more deer came forward recognizing the clan heads.  Enjoying the mystery and wonder of it all.

Inojin at times was just like his father.  He struggled with certain social cues and norms.  Often finding himself confused by some customs. But he found there in the quiet of the forest, with his faithful friend, and family a feeling of home. 

Shika

Shikadai took a tentative taste before a thoughtful look crossed his face. 

“It needs something.” 

Karui took a spoonful of the broth before nodding. “You’re right. Go ask your Uncle Chouji for more tomatoes.”  

Shikadai went into motion and made his way over to where the Akimichi was prepping the ingredients.  ChoCho would often complain about her parents but Shikadai found them to be warm and welcoming.  Always genuinely happy to see him. 

“We’re gonna need more diced tomatoes.”

“You got it, kid.” 

Shikadai wasn’t sure when it happened exactly. He’d been over at the Akimichi’s one night for dinner and had been roped into helping. Despite his silent complaints, he’d actually enjoyed the cooking process.  It was almost like a science experiment. Mixing the ingredients to get the perfect reaction. After that day he’d come by ever so often to learn more techniques and to try out various recipes. Who better than an Akimichi to teach him to cook? ChoCho loved it when he came over, as he often made enough for her to try a new dish.  

Today he had something special planned. His uncles had sent him a recipe for his mom's favorite dish from Suna. He wanted it to be a surprise so he’d made his way to the Akimichi kitchen. 

“My dad taught your grandfather how to cook,”  Chouji told him with a grin. Shikadai looked up, never having heard this story. 

“When they were younger your grandmother was just as good of a cook as she is now.  Uncle Shikaku wanted to impress her.  It was a complete failure.  Apparently, he managed to burn through not only the food but multiple pots and pans.  He was banned from cooking on Akimichi lands for a while.  After my dad forgave him he gave him a few less-flammable lessons.  It wasn’t too helpful but there was some improvement.  Your father is no better.  For being geniuses they sure are useless in the kitchen.  You might be the only hope for the Nara line.”

Shikadai smiled at the thought.  His mother had mentioned something similar to him when he’d helped her a few times.  It wasn’t a skill that Naras were known for nor would it be one that he advertised.  Still, it was a useful ability and oftentimes a needed distraction. 

Karui yelled a few additional items they needed and he stood next to Chouji prepping the additional items.  

They added the required ingredients, checking the flavor as he went along.  The two Akimichis watched him with a smile at his attention and precision.  Temari’s look of pure determination on his face and his movements were all Shikamaru.  Like the dish he made, he was a perfect mix. 

“I’ve got to hand it to you kid.  You’re a natural.  You’re always welcomed in my kitchen.”  Karui praised him after tasting the completed recipe. 

She affectionately ruffled his hair. “Your mom is going to love it.” 

Shikadai recalled those precious times together around a table with warm food between them.  

A home-cooked meal was the perfect reminder of home.

Cho

“Thanks again for coming by!  Your wife is going to love the flowers.”  ChoCho yelled out to the customer.

She then worked to spray down the counter then watered a few of the plants.  It was a quiet day at the store but she loved it nonetheless.  The Yamanaka flower shop was one of her favorite places in the village. She was getting older.  Their team missions were more complicated and layered. For her. working at a place that was so normal was a needed reprieve.

It started a few weeks ago.  Inojin had begged her to cover his shift while his parents were off on a mission.  She agreed only after he offered her a king’s ransom in snacks and a no-questions-asked favor to be cashed in the future.  After getting a quick training session and learning the ropes she thoroughly enjoyed her time there.  She was in the company of flowers and got to meet and interact with people all over the village.  It was a natural fit.  From then on ever so often Inojin would ask her to fill in.  She’d whine and complain which increased Inojin’s offerings but she’d ultimately agree.

“ChoCho!”  She smiled brightly seeing the Yamanakas walk in.  They knew that she was there for the afternoon but assured her they’d be back as early as possible.  

ChoCho idolized Ino.  The  Yamanaka Clan head was strong, wise, and beautiful.  ChoCho loved her mom but she was still an authority figure.  Ino was her cool Aunt.  Since she could remember the blonde had assured her that she’d be a willing confidant and support.  There were a few times that she elicited her help and advice.  

“We appreciate you coming by to help us,”  Sai thanked her with a soft smile.  He wasn’t a man of many words but he was always kind and welcoming towards her.  His smile reminded her very much of her teammate.

“I love it here.  I get to see so many people and hear a lot of different stories.”  Her favorites were always of nervous individuals hoping to find that perfect bouquet to impress a special someone. 

“It’s a pretty special place.  Your grandfather still buys your grandmother flowers every month on the 7th.  When I'd come here to help my dad I always loved seeing him come in.  I'd help him pick out the flowers to give her.”  ChoCho fondly thought about the blossoms that would consistently fill their home.  She couldn’t help but love how connected their families were.  

 Sai helped her move a few buckets of flowers to refill the shelves.  “When your father started dating your mom he didn’t know what her favorite flower was so he ended up just buying all of them,”  Sai recalled that day.  

He’d come to spend time with Ino when the Akimichi had come in a panicked state.  Their team had argued back and forth about the best arrangement of flowers until Shikamaru convinced Chouji to just buy them all and figure out Karui’s favorite later. 

ChoCho grinned surprised by the sweet story.  Surprised that the old man had some moves back in the day.  

Her father had come by earlier to her embarrassment but they had worked together to arrange a beautiful bouquet for her mother. She often wondered at their relationship but their love was something undeniable.  ChoChohoped that her teammates took notes about how to treat those they loved. 

ChoCho fell into step with the Yamanakas helping to clean up before she was set to leave.  And of course, she was on her way to see her team.  

“You’re always welcome here, you know that right?”  Ino assured her. She had a special bond with the Akimichi.  It wasn’t always easy being the female in their trio.

Surrounded by a melody of flowers and the warmth of family, this was just like a second home.  

“I know.”

* **

The 17th generation of InoShikaCho sat together in the cramped booth talking about everything and nothing all at once.  A similar scene of love and familiarity having occurred many times in the past.  

At times the pressure to uphold their family’s legacy could be suffocating.  Certain heavy expectations and hopes were placed on their shoulders.  But they knew at the end of the day they were luckier than most.  They were teammates and best friends.  Not just by circumstances but by choice.  No matter what happened in this life, because of that bond they’d always have a home. 

*

**

Did you see what I was trying to do here?  I love the customs that each family has but I like to see them interacting with each other.

Life got pretty hectic so writing needed to take a back seat.  I’m thankful that I was able to write what little I could.  I hope to be posting more regularly soon.  Thanks for your support and good vibes. 

 My sincere love, thanks and admiration for everyone who supported this week!  You are all amazing!  Love, love to you all!

[hopeymchope]

Wonder Egg Priority finale thoughts

My Tumblr has a lot of anti-bully content, so it was probably no surprise when I began to watch and enjoy Wonder Egg Project this past spring. The series famously hit production delays that forced them to put out a mid-series recap episode, and that decision in turn forced them to push the final episode until late June. But now that the series (or at least season 1) is out there and complete, I thought I’d talk about how it all shook out in the end as well as the questions it left me sitting with.

For the uninitiated, here’s a bit of the context: Wonder Egg Project deals with four middle-school teen girls who’ve undergone hardships either at home or at school or both. They all lose someone they care about to tragic suicides, and then they discover the titular wonder eggs. They get these eggs from a vending machine and then, when they fall asleep, they enter a dreamworld where these eggs hatch to reveal a young person who recently committed suicide. For that night, it is the duty of the girl who got that egg to fight and defend that suicide victim from monstrous enemies that represent their abusers and oppressors. The girls are told that if they protect enough of these victims over many nights, they will be able to resurrect the specific person they lost to suicide. But of course, if you get injured or killed in the dreamworld, it affects your body in reality as well. 

The squad: Ai, Neiru, Rika, and Momoe.

Obviously, bullying is among the topics most frequently explored here, but we also deal with so many other terrible things that people might experience during childhood and adolescence. Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse are all on the table. Coming to terms with one’s gender identity is raised. It’s a show that manages to tackle a lot of heavy subjects through the lens of what’s essentially magical girl combat. I mean, there are no outfit transformations or any of that stuff, but still.

With THAT out of the way, let me talk about how the series wrapped up.

It’s clear to the viewers that there’s a lot that doesn’t make sense during the show — it’s intentionally very trippy and ethereal at times — and there’s also a lot that raises obvious questions even if you grasp it. Where do the eggs and their connection to the recently deceased come from? How do the psychological traumas of the various egg-children manifest as monsters that can literally kill you? What’s the deal with Acca and Ura-Acca and their freaky dummy bodies? What are they getting out of this whole deal with the eggs and the girls? What do the repeated references to the “temptation of death” mean? How does access to the Egg Garden even work? Is it really possible to resurrect their dead friends? Is Mr. Sawaki a predator or a chill guy or what? Why did Neiru’s sister stab her? And so on. 

The writers could’ve opted to keep things mysterious and hazy and metaphysical for the entire run or they could’ve provided lots of explanations and tried to ground this weird story in some sort of strange logic, but I’m actually pleased that they opted to go down the middle. There are answers for many things, but not for all. And when those answers come, they typically just raise more questions as well as doubts to their validity. 

SPOILERS for the finale/”special episode” below the cut.

So, obviously the answers for Acca and Ura-Acca are centered around Frill. Frill is this interesting fusion between the artificial and the organic; her body can be injured like any regular physical body, but she’s actually an A.I. on the inside. Acca and Ura-Acca are the exact reverse of this — they’re human minds inside of completely artificial bodies. Exactly how Frill started invading girls’ minds to lure them towards suicide is kept incredibly vague, but she serves as the embodiment of the “temptation of death” that was so-often referenced in the show. Frill doesn’t really appreciate life or care about the finality of death, making her a pretty natural foe for the heroes who have spent the entire series learning to appreciate their lives and bemoaning painful losses.

Can you even believe this bitch?

Acca and Ura-Acca also have documents talking about how warriors of Eros need to battle against Thanatos, the embodiment of death, but what’s that all about? We don’t really get into it. Is Frill somehow Thanatos herself? I mean... I guess maybe you could go that route, but I sincerely don’t think that’s meant to be the case. I assume she’s just another player in the game, and she happens to have taken Thanatos’ side in things. Her artificial existence and resentment of her fathers leads her to treat death flippantly. She was programmed to be selfish sometimes, and that selfishness has ultimately manifested itself in the worst possible ways. Intriguingly, we see Acca and Ura-Acca act similarly selfish in how they drive our four heroes to risk their lives just to battle Frill. Acca in particular shows that he’ll risk anyone’s life to get to Frill, who killed both his wife and daughter. But Acca never has to risk his own life. He’s just risking other people. Both sides of the equation are treating human lives like disposable pawns in some kind of war game. 

Y’all are SUPER-SKETCH.

It’s never really clear how these eggs work. We’re told that the Accas created the eggs, and honestly, I could’ve figured as much on my own. But they don’t try to explain how the eggs can contain the souls of suicide victims or how they manifest those people into dreams, and frankly, it’s probably better not to try.

I was really shocked that the girls actually manage to resurrect their dead friends. I was 100% certain that was going to be a scam and the point was going to be about learning to move on and live for the moment and appreciate those bonds while you had them, etc. And there is some of that. Alas, the price of resurrecting those people they care about is that the people in question no longer know them or remember them. That was pretty brutal... having our heroes nearly die over and over in service of people who ultimately will no longer care about them at all. Although they did the impossible and brought someone back to life, they had to lose those people all over again. I suppose this, like much fo the finale, emphasizes that we should appreciate our relationships while they last, because you can lose them for so many reasons. Regardless, I’m not surprised that Momoe just wanted to quit and avoid getting hurt after that. It’s understandable.

There’s a lot of discussion around parallels in the last two episodes. Parallel worlds with alternate versions of the self are raised multiple times, Ai gets an awesome encounter with a parallel version of herself that really brought her emotional journey to a head, and we even have to deal with a doppleganger of Neiru at the end. This leads to the revelation that Neiru looks exactly like her formerly deceased sister... a fact that presumably was part of what drove the sister to attack Neiru in the first place. Given that we’ve already been told that they were both genetically engineered, their identical appearances don’ seem that strange. But then the finale tells us that Neiru’s one dream is “to be human,” and suddenly the characters assume Neiru was an A.I. just like Frill. That... seems like a leap to me. I mean, she was genetically engineered to lead her company and never had a family of her own; no wonder she feels inhuman! So I’m not sure if I should take this at face value.

Neiru real or fake challenge

Another thing that I don’t think we can take at face value is Mr. Sawaki’s explanation of Koito’s death. In episode 12, we meet a parallel version of Ai who actually killed herself. The big boss monster for Ai to fight while protecting Alt-Ai? It’s a dark, abusive version of Sawaki. And our Ai inexplicably assumes this monster was made from her own fears. A very bizarre conclusion to jump to when you remember that every single boss monster has been the abuser of the victim that the girls were defending in that episode. By all available evidence, the Sawaki monster should be a parallel-world Sawaki who is very much exactly the scumbag he appears to be! Notice how Alt-Ai never says a damn word about the Sawaki Monster - never asks who he is or why he’s like this, etc? She’s not even surprised. That just lends further credence to my belief. FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE.

So in the finale, when our version of Mr. Sawaki claims (via a VERY awkwardly inserted voiceover) that Koito’s death was an accident after she tried to ruin his reputation because she fell in love with him, why should I believe any of it?! The previous episode introduced me to Abusive Sawaki! Sure, we don’t have any reason to assume our Sawaki is That Dick, but we JUST learned that he’s certainly capable. Furthermore, how could Koito suddenly be the ONLY accidental death among all of the available suicide victims in the dreamworld? She shouldn’t have even appeared there if it was just an accident! Although I’d like to believe that Sawaki was someone who Ai and the girls were jumping to conclusions about based on nothing... but it sure doesn’t look that way from here. And given how the show ends things, I fear we may have a hard time learning anything else about Sawaki. Ai changes schools and runs away, there is zero comment on what happened to Sawaki’s relationship with her mom... he’s just gone now.

As the final episode winds down, we see Rika and Ai fall back into bad habits, as they all treat Neiru just like they treated the girls they tried so hard to save. Rika acts disgusted by a friend and abandons her, treating Neiru the same way she treated Cheimi. When Neiru finally reaches out to Ai and calls her, Ai ignores the call and throws her phone away, thereby ignoring her friend’s needs in the same way she ignored Koito’s when she failed to record the bullying Koito was experiencing. You might even be able to connect Momoe’s choice to walk away for the sake of self-preservation to her decision to reject Haruka and walk away, honestly. And to compound the bad news that the show gives us near the end, we skip forward months to learn that Ai, Rika and Momoe have all drifted apart. Ai is in a new school, but we don’t see her with any new friends. She’s back where she started the show.

The difference, however, is that she doesn’t seem hopeless and lonely. She seems wistful, sure, but she never seems beaten down. She still treasures the friendships she built even if they wind up fading away. So there’s still a message in here about moving on, because even if you lose a person or a connection, it will forever matter.

*insert engine rev-up noises*

In the final moments, we see Ai preparing to run in the exact same pose she used back in episode 1 when she first stood up to the abusers within the dreamworld. This time, she runs to grab her chance to reunite with a dear friend. She takes charge of her own future and her own self-worth, somehow gets back into the Egg Garden (even though Rika wasn’t even allowed to enter after she rescued her specified victim, so uh... how did Ai get back in exactly... ?), and insists she’s going to use the eggs to see Neiru... even though the eggs only let you see the dead up to this point, so uh, that doesn’t really make any sense either. Consistency, motherfucker — DO YOU USE IT?

Amidst all the uncertainty that the finale left us with, at least we can see Ai find herself in a more confident place. She spends much of the series learning to stop running from her problems in the real world. Even after she gains confidence in the battles of her dreams, she struggles to face reality. It’s a huge step when she returns to school. Yet even in the very last episode, she opts to run away to a new school rather than cope with seeing Koito each day. But at last, she decides to take charge of her reality and try to reunite with her new best friend, Neiru. She’s wavered on her path, but ultimately, she’s grown. Although you could simultaneously argue that she’s failing to learn the lesson that rescuing Koito should’ve taught her...

“Ai Ohto is BACK!”

I don’t think any of us expected this finale to be a cliffhanger coming into it.  And unfortunately, we don’t know if there will ever be another season or a movie or anything. Given how people reacted to this finale with such overt hate, I really don’t expect anything more. And I think that would be a goddamn shame. Even with a finale that doesn’t quite stick the landing, I still found it fascinating and engaging. The series is more than worth the trip for the characters, for the themes and topics it explores, and even for the fluid action scenes and music. And this is a series that was made by first-time writers and a first-time director! Yet I’d easily call it one of the best animes from the past couple of years. For total newcomers, that’s a goddamn TRIUMPH.

So I hope we reunite with these girls again. I hope Ai manages to get the band back together, find out exactly what’s going on with Neiru, and face down Frill. Even if they never wind up in some ultimate battle with Thanatos, I don’t know that that’s the point. All of us are in a battle with Thanatos every single day, after all. They just need to show how they’ve all gotten stronger together and truly overcome the “Temptation of Death” by beating back Frill (and her ridiculously powerful dreamworld bug-people) as a unit. 

But maybe that’s too obvious and simplistic of a message for a show like this one. Maybe this complex ending centered on the main protagonist’s self-actualization and the value of fleeing relationships is more in keeping with the melancholy nature of the series. 

... I still really want to see the more obvious happy ending, though. I think they deserve it.

[miasma-of-fear]

anonymous sent:

Tell us about them?

[ Granted he's completely unaware of them, but Jonathan has six half siblings on his father Gerald's side. Jon's the eldest of all of them, but only by a few months. Below are a few details about his half siblings. ]

Levon "Levy" Theodore Cobb is also 38, only four months younger than Jonathan. He and his younger brother Oscar are mixed, their mother was black while Gerald is white. Much like Karen Keeny, Jon's mom, Gerald took advantage of Levy's mother's turmoil to get with her, then promptly disappeared. Unlike Karen, Gerald returned three years later to check in (and use them for a place to stay), unintentionally conceiving Levy's younger brother Oscar. After their mother died from illness not a year after Oscar was born, Levy took it upon himself to make him and his brother a good life, ultimately finding their way to Gotham where they were nearly seperated by the state foster system a number of times- until Levy turned 18, and took guardianship of his little brother. In present day, Levy rarely speaks with Oscar, putting most of his time and energy into his work at various soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Rye Lord is the third oldest at 36. His mother, Charlotte, was a semi wealthy real estate agent- until Gerald came along, tricked her into signing him over most of her savings and interest, and left her with their son to care for on top of trying to survive now suddenly with very little funds. Rye still lives with Charlotte to this day in poverty, helping his aging mother while trying to scrape by for both of them. Needless to say he's resentful of his absent father, like the majority of his unknown half siblings.

Oscar Cobb is a 35 year old transman, and a member of the GCPD. He's the only one of these siblings that has met Jon, albeit in a far less than friendly manner; Oscar was called to the scene of one of Jon's makeshift laboratories, the encounter ending with a bullet in Jon's bicep, Oscar gassed with fear toxin and missing a ring finger. Since then, Oscar has managed to avoid responding to any calls involving the Scarecrow- which is just as well, on the off chance their true relation is ever brought to light.

Austin Townes Crane (33) is the eldest child of Gerald and Louise Crane, Gerald's first and (surprisingly) only wife. Townes himself is married to Virginia, and they have two children, a daughter Iris and a son Rufus. Townes and his family live not far from Gerald and Louise, all in a small town in Georgia's Lower Coastal Plain. Unsurprisingly, Townes and his two younger siblings were treated harshly by Gerald their whole lives, something which Townes tries very hard not to replicate with his own children- but he still slips up and loses his temper every now and again, much to his disgust. He's endlessly frustrated by how sweet his father is with his grandchildren after terrorizing Townes and his siblings.

Amos Crane (32) is Gerald and Louise's second child. At 23, he attempted to kill himself with sleeping pills and whiskey stolen from his father to escape his family. Obviously this didn't work, Amos winding up in an asylum after he was discharged from hospital. He stayed there for three years, before managing to escape and disappear into the outside world again, far away from Georgia. He continues to roam to this day, never able to stay in one place for long without getting antsy and returning to bad memories.

Priscilla Crane (30) is Gerald and Louise's youngest, and Jon's youngest paternal half sibling. Despite this, she was the first to flee the nest at just 16, making her way cross country to Colorado at 23. Since settling down, she's started a small baking business with her girlfriend Allison, and revels in being accepted by her family. She's arguably the happiest of Gerald's children, with no connection to her blood family and years of consistent support to work through her trauma.

[gypsydanger01]

THE STORM - Part twelve

Fandom: The Boys (Amazon prime tv series)

Pairing: Black Noir x OC

Disclaimer: I don’t own The Boys, only my OC characters and certain pieces of au plot.

Comments, reviews, constructive criticism, and other requests are always more than welcome!

  Posting new chapters on Wednesday and Friday!

 Under a nearly full moon

That same evening, Sarah received Dr. Roberts information and sent him an email. She explained that she needed to call him as soon as possible, signing with her birthname and nothing else. She was sure he’d remember her. He responded to her email about an hour later, suggesting she call him in the morning before eight o’clock.

Shutting her laptop, she looked around and sank further into the sofa. She felt lonely but didn’t want to call Martha who was already worried to death and likely to smother her in affection. Rising from the soft couch, she headed into the kitchen ready to brew some tea. As she filled a pot of water, she glanced out of the window over the sink at the miserable patch of land she called a backyard. At least it’s fenced, she mused. She’d tried to keep up with some gardening, but the grass wouldn’t stop dying and she wasn’t sure of what she was supposed to do.

A door from the kitchen led out onto the dying patches of grass and weeds, where she’d placed a small round table and two chairs. A couple dirt-filled pots could be found near the door. She’d bought flowers at a local greenhouse, but she’d never truly gotten the time to plant them.

The pot on the stove, she pulled the blanket tight around her frame, her arms crossed over her chest. She unlocked the door and moved the outdoor lantern onto the table. Sarah stared at the sad daffodils in their plastic vases, waiting for attention. Her mother, Tara Stacker, loved gardening. Sarah could sometimes smell the flowers, hear the buzzing bees, and see the most colorful butterflies in the office. It was a natural connection she made whenever thinking of her mom.

In the light of the lantern, she looked at the insulting, small excuse for a yard she owned. She could see her breath form small clouds in the cold air, but she’d already decided.

Sarah headed back inside, turned off the stove and slipped a tea bag into the boiling pot of water. She found an elastic and tied her hair back before slipping into her heavy winter coat.

Firmly decided, she marched back outside and stilled herself against shivering. She moved the lantern so she could see more of the yard. First, she busied herself with planting the daffodils into their respective pots. She watered them and mixed some coffee grounds in the dirt, as she remembered her mother doing. Then, she tackled the main issue with the yard: when she’d moved in, the most displeasing aspect of the space was the number of awkwardly positioned dead bushes. There were four to be exact, and she needed to uproot them.

And so, she set herself to it, pulling and pulling with all her strength. The first three took a while, but she ultimately tossed them to the side. The fourth, however, proved to be quite the challenge. She clenched her teeth and pulled. She wanted to finish what she’d started. Maybe she just wanted a yard where she could feel closer to her mother. She crouched over, breathing heavily. She felt the characteristic warmth fill her, enveloping her and guarding her from the cold.

Alarmed, she moved back and blew out some air. She waited until she was calm, and the cold came rushing back. She couldn’t help but let out a small angry imprecation.

And then she heard it. A small scuffle, maybe someone stepping onto unstable terrain. She slowly turned around to look at a dark corner, “Who’s there?”

The silence stretched for a few long seconds, until someone cleared their throat and stepped out into the light. Black Noir. He proceeded over to the bush she’d been having trouble with, and promptly teared it out of the ground with seemingly no resistance.

“I swear,” she accused, “you want to give me a heart attack.”

He shook his head no.

“No?” she shook her head incredulously, choking down her initial moment of panic. “What are you doing here?” she asked glancing at her watch. It was going on midnight.

He raised a hand and mimicked holding a pen and writing.

She stomped into the house and grabbed their usual notebook. Once back outside, she handed it over before taking a few steps back. Was he always watching her? How much did he know?

Wanted to make sure you were safe

She narrowed her eyes, “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Your ex

She watched him carefully, but it’s hard to distinguish the true from the false when the person is hidden behind a mask.

And I missed you

She looked at him in another light, feeling her walls come crashing down. If he were here to kill you, he would have already done so, she reminded herself.

“Ok,” she cleared her throat, “I’ll—,” she hesitated. “I’ll just get some tea. You can sit.”

She hurried inside and pressed her back against the wall. What was she going to do? Things were moving fast, and while she found herself enjoying his presence, she couldn’t help but feel dread. He was a threat, and yet she felt safe around him. But when he finds out who you are? Sarah knew he was Edgar’s personal hitman, a tool to eliminate any threat to the company’s success. She’d soon become another target.

She hurried and prepared a tray with the teapot and two mugs, plus a straw for him. She headed back out, balancing the items, and setting them onto the miniscule table. Honestly, it looked even smaller when compared with Noir’s large frame, as if a grown man had been invited to a twelve year old’s tea party.

She poured the scalding liquid into their mugs and sat down. Immediately she wrapped her fingers around hers, reveling in the warmth it provided.

You are cold

She smiled, “You’re very observant.”

We can go inside

“Ah no, I can take it—plus, the stars tonight are lovely,” she switched off the lantern and looked up at the nearly full moon and twinkling stars around it. They would come and go, alternately concealed by the dark clouds crossing the sky.

She took the dark as a chance to look at him and found him already watching her. The light blue hues folded over his mask’s hard edges and he looked dangerous, and otherworldly.

They drank their tea in silence, bathing in the moonlight and enjoying the companionship. While she hated that he’d surprised her in a moment of weakness, she was ultimately glad he did. It guided her mind away from her memories and reminded her to not get lost in her own head. These were the nights she didn’t sleep, the times when her mind conjured up butterflies in the air to cope with her loss.

When she finished sipping the drink, she almost whined in disappointment. Her hands quickly grew cold again. She saw him move within the corner of her eye as he moved his chair to the side of hers. He reached towards her.

She tensed, ready to lash out. All he did was reach behind her head and tug on the band holding her hair back into a puffy ponytail. Immediately after freeing her hair, his hand lowered and grabbed a hold of her own, lacing their fingers together. She was surprised when she found that he’d taken his gloves off, their skin rubbing together. She sighed, content with the warmth he provided.

Sarah hummed, “You’re like a walking heater—it’s delightful.”

His shoulders lightly shook as if he were laughing before he settled down.

And that’s how they stayed for a while until she went to sleep, and Noir headed back to the tower. They stayed quiet, her hands pulled to the side and into his lap, covered by his larger ones. At a certain point, he even began to trace pensive circles into her skin, watching the moonlight highlight her features, and the bouncy kinks in her hair.

That night he was something solid to lean against. Shielding her from the cold night, he kept her tethered to the ground, keeping her from blowing away with guilt. He kept her head above water, keeping her from drowning in her thoughts.

Somehow, they clicked. In her sketchy backyard, minds momentarily void of anxiety and stress, they silently accepted each other’s companionship and watched the moon cross the sky.

MASTERLIST

Tag list: @ateliefloresdaprimavera @ellejo @dust-bun @coco724 ​  @proximio-5 @damiminator @omegahighendpro @rpgluvr95 @sweetrabbitteamx

[calliecat93]

ST: The Next Generation Watchthrough Season 3 Episodes 1-3

Evolution: We’re at Season 3 folks, yippee~! We also have Dr. Crusher back! I’m kind of annoyed that they don’t os much as mention what happened with Pulaski, but considering everything,t hat may have been best. I’m just gonna assume that she took Crusher’s job at Starfeet Medical and Crusher decided to go back to the Enterprise to be with her son. Which I’m glad that the episode touches on the fact that Crusher doesn’t really connect with Wesley anymore and how she’s concerned that he’s more wrapped up in his studies and Ensign duties than… you know, being an actual kid. Whatever one feels about them axing Crusher last season, they at least acknowledged and worked with it now that she’s back. The issues with Wesley in the first two seasons is how he was an intelligent kid who felt like he got things handed to him and bolstered up despite having done nothing to earn it. S2 was a bit better, but the issue still lingered, just less in our face. But here? Wesley accidentally causes the problem with a nanite project he was working on getting loose and he tries to fix it without anyone finding out while also dealing with his mom being back and hovering over him after being without her for a year. I would like to point out that he made the choice to be without his mom so him going ‘how wold you know? You haven’t even been here.” is kind of his own fault, but I DO understand that he’s frustrated and it’s an understandable reaction from a tired, guilt-ridden teenager. That’s probably what I liked best, Wesley feels more like an actual kid who screws up and makes bad decisions but is good-intentioned and trying to both be responsible and make it right, which I think the other two seasons didn’t fully have. He doesn’t get punished or even scolded for almost causing the destruction of the ship and everyone on it, but he doesn’t get praised for admitting the mistake that he caused or directly save the day either like in The Naked Now and he did ultimately admit responsibility after talking to his mom so fair enough. The episode is overall a good one. There’s good tension and pacing with the nanite threat, Crusher comes back and gets right back to where she left off, Wesley has probably his best focus episode thus far, there’s the gap between mother and son showing them not ignoring the ramifications, the crew maintain their competence and managed to resolve the issue peacefully, and overall it’s a decent way to start off the season. A standard episode, but still promising for what’s to come. 3.5/5

The Ensigns of Command: We have Data on a planet to evacuate an upcoming invasion who do have the right to the planet due to a treaty… but the citizens won’t budge. We have a tense situation here. We have a bunch of stubbornness on both sides. The Sheliak’s DO have right tot he planet, but that doesn’t make it right to slaughter a bunch of innocent lives for no reason. But the colony leader won’t listen and refuses to go without a fight despite the land not being their’s and having the Federation ready to get them to safety. We have Data having t try and convince the colony… but he’s not really trained as a negotiator so… yeah. It’s nice to have Data in a role that he isn’t used to and him having to figure out how to navigate the issue especially with how he still struggles to understand human nature in a case where he very much needs it. The method he uses to finally convince them was not one I expected from Data, but damn it was an effective one and I loved how he got to get creative! I love it! Even his reverse psychology gambit was a good one even if it didn’t fully work cause the idiot leader is too good of a speaker, but the final attempt sure as Hell did the job. Picard’s attempts to negotiate with the Sheliak to buy time for evacuation were also freakin’ great especially at the end and I’m already liking him so much more than the first two seasons. The girl though who’’s really into androids? Yeah, while I give her kudos for trying to help Data and re-activating him after the leader took him out, I didn’t like her. She may like androids but it really seems that’s all she sees him as. And that just rubs me the wrong way. Also Dat saying he has no feelings of any kind… I really don’t get why the show is insisting on that cause that’s not true jut because it’s not the ‘normal’ way, thought he ending has Picard more or less point out that Data’s statement isn’t really accurate who who knows? Ultimately it’s an episode about how, as Data puts it, things can be replaced but lives cannot. Some fights aren’t worth the loss of life, and this was one of those cases. Also diplomatic negotiations and treaties aren’t a fun process haha. 3.5/5.

The Survivors: Well… that went nothing like I expected. Things start out kind of same old, same old. We have a couple being too stubborn to leave their home despite hostilities and the crew can’t convince them otherwise… then Troi gets some strange repeating melody stuck in her head. You know how addictive Earworms can be? Well imagine it never being able to stop and going over and over and over… and Dear Lord poor Troi didn’t deserve any of this. Marina Sirtis conveyed Troi’s growing desperation and pain because it just won’t stop extremely well. This and a hostile vessel raise a lot of questions. Why is all of this happening? It’s all connected to the elderly couple… and the reveal is utterly shocking and horrifying. I’m reluctant to even go into detail because I don’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone who may have not seen it. But lets just say that it’s not simple pride keeping that couple from leaving even when the danger returns. Oh not even close. This episode was freakin’ great. It’s pretty good but when we get the big plot twist? It flips everything on it’s head and the actor delivering the big revelation… the performance is utterly gut-wrenching. Their actions are sympathetic and the guilt and grief is so evident and heartbreaking, a being driven to despair that caused them to commit probably one of, if not the, most unforgivable act that one can commit. It’s an utter tragedy, plain and simple. IDT an episode of TNG has hit me this hard, I legit teared up. Just… damn. 5/5.

While I didn’t really watch the show as a kid, I did see scattered episodes her and there because my mom watched it 24/7. Seasons 1 and 2 of TNG just… din’t feel right. They weren’t bad, they just didn’t have that feel that I remembered from what I had seen. Now though? I’m starting to get that feeling again. The episodes, while not ground-breaking or anything, maintain quality and it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to replicate TNG or struggling to escape it’s shadow anymore. If this is indeed the season where the show truly found it’s groove, then I am excited for the other 23 episodes~!

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Chapter 27: Starlight’s Mother, Part 3 - Where Did She Die?

Starlight: But wait… if Sunset is both my mother… AND Sunburst’s Father’s little sister…

Starlight turns towards Sunburst

Starlight: Sunburst… that makes us cousins!

Sunburst: Oh my gosh… you’re right!

Starlight and Sunburst has always been close friends, Sunburst was Starlight’s only friend before getting his cutie mark brought him to Celestia’s school leaving Starlight behind that would end up practically being the final straw for Starlight who was already dealing with a highly secretive but well-intentioned father and no true mother figure to care for her when Firelight was working. As they just discovered now, they were related the whole time through a common link with Starlight’s mother who also happened to be Sunburst’s aunt.  Sunburst looks on over to his newfound Aunt.

Sunburst: I guess I should start calling you my Aunt… but wow… my father has been looking all over the world for you… I don’t know how he’s going to take it that his search has been in vain and you’ve really been dead for so long…

Sunset: Sunspot’s been looking for me this whole time...?

Stellar Flare: *sigh* Yes… though maybe not for the whole time you’ve been gone… he was with us for a good while, up to and including when Sunburst got his Cutie Mark... 

But once he realized you haven’t shown up at all for about a decade he decided to try to look for you, and he was so dedicated in trying to find you that he pledged he’d only come back if he had found closure. He still wrote letters to us every week or so to inform where he is, give us input if we had anything to ask of him, and/or to assure us he’s safe. But he obviously still hasn’t found the closure he’s wanted.

Looks like we just found it for him…

Sunset lowers her head

Sunset: Oh…Sunspot… he didn’t have to leave his family behind to try to find me… I guess I should have told him not to look for me either before I went…

Stellar Flare: And now that I know that you were her all along… now I understand why he never gave me or Sunburst your name… cause of a similar reason Firelight didn’t tell Starlight about you...

Sunset: Do… you know where he is right now?

Stellar Flare: I think in the most recent letter he sent, he said he was going to New Haven?

Twilight: New Haven? Isn’t that the small town in between Klugetown and… Nightmare Cliffs?

Time suddenly feels like it slows down for Sunset as she hears a mention of Nightmare Cliffs

Sunset: Nightmare… Cli-…?

*THUNDER BOOM*

Most of the Thunder strikes have been generally muffled now that they were in the house, but suddenly a close one makes a huge boom that startles the whole group. And at the same time, Sunset has her hooves on the sides of her head as suddenly she remembers something. She remembers a storm, but not the one currently raging above Sire’s Hollow, but one at the edges of Nightmare Cliffs. Two shadowy pony-shaped figures in front of her, and a 3rd much smaller figure up above her.

The rest of the group just watching as Sunset suddenly froze up, eventually Sunset heaves her chest as if heavily breathing despite no longer needing to as a spirit.

Starlight: Mother! What’s wrong?!

Sunset: I… remember… a little more…

Starlight: Huh? Remember what?

Sunset: It’s… not alot of details still… but... Nightmare Cliffs was where I died… I’m now sure of it!

Everyone in the room gasps that mentioning Nightmare Cliffs has resurfaced some memory of Sunset’s death. It seems it will just take mentioning a few key details about what happened in order to unlock Sunset’s full memory of how she died.

Twilight: Is that the only thing new you remember now?

Sunset: Unfortunately, yeah… anything else is information you already know or doesn’t entirely matter. The three anarchists just appear as shadowy figures, two were facing in front of me, and another smaller one flying above me… and that it was storming at the time. But if there’s more things that can point towards what happened, and what was at least one of their names… I might be able to get my full memory awakened.

Starlight: At least we know where you died now, that’s still a pretty big jump from where we were… so Sunburst’s Father is currently in a town near there?

Stellar Flare: He’s certainly been looking everywhere if he went to a small town like New Haven…

Sunset: Well, if you listened to our conversation… dedication to one goal seems to run in the family. I don’t think my brother was an exception, you could also say he wasn’t named Sunspot for nothing. He was pretty good at spotting/finding things out, he certainly never lost a game of hide n’ seek when we were kids. Sometimes I’d even enlist his help when tracking down some threats when I was still Princess Celestia’s Protege

Starlight: In hindsight, Sunset and Sunspot certainly sound like a solid pair of names for siblings. Not to mention we have Sunburst too. All ponies who happen to be named in some way after the Sun.

Sunset: Our family’s been deeply connected to service of Princess Celestia for generations. I’m not even sure how far back exactly, though I’m willing to guess our ancestors include some of Celestia’s most loyal guards or staffers. Don’t suppose you know who it may have been, Princess?

Celestia: I’ve had many wonderful staffers or guards over many generations, it’d probably take some time to find out which ones ultimately led to you, Sunspot, and now Sunburst and Starlight.

Starlight: I’ve alway felt like being named Starlight meant I was more likely former night guard or staffer related in my ancestry, but then again… the sun itself is a star, so it may be a little more vague then I realize.

Sunset: I suppose it’s a good time as ever to go see my brother, especially if he’s been searching for me for so long. I’ll be bringing him back to Stellar Flare and Sunburst for good too. Though it’s going to be a pretty long trip from here to New Haven...

Stellar Flare: Not totally… Princess Twilight actually has a little trick for us to get there quick: Portal Gum! She and her friends have been using them since yesterday and 2 weeks ago to get to and from all around the world instantly. We can get to New Haven pretty quickly... always pretty handy to have that genie magic of hers!

Sunset: Oh yeah, genies have some impressive magic given they’re stock full of soul magic aren’t they? Though first… we should probably discuss how we’re going to do this.

Stellar Flare: Hm… how about me and Sunburst go in together to see him first, and then at some point we’ll tell him that his search is over. And that’s when you’ll walk in

Sunset: Alright, that sounds like a plan…

Stellar Flare grins and winks

Stellar Flare: If there’s one thing you should know about me my dear sister-in-law... is that I’m always chock full of plans. ehehehe!

Twilight pulls out a piece of gum to allow Sunburst, Sunset, and Stellar reunite with Sunspot over in New Haven. She blows and soon an image of a rather rickety tiny town shows up

Twilight: Here’s your portal to New Haven. If you can, try to bring Sunspot back here too

Sunburst: Of course, he may even just want to use the portal to his advantage by simply bringing anything he wants to keep from wherever he’s staying. Seeing Sunset’s spirit will bring the closure he’s so sorely wanted, he’ll want to move in back with me and my Mom for good.

As Sunset, Stellar Flaree, and Sunburst get ready to reunite with Sunspot. Some of Twilight’s friends get in a comment on what’s happening thus far.

Applejack: Ah lot o’ reunions happening today, ain’t there Twilight?

Twilight: Sure is, Applejack. But they were all needed, once we discovered this. We’re getting a lot of answers about some important questions, not to mention bringing closure and a chance for friends to talk with beloved relatives and/or other friends of their own that are among the deceased.

Rarity: All these bittersweet, but also happy reunions… I’m starting to fear my eyes are going to have no more tears to shed, with so many of these happening in a row!

Rainbow: Even I’m getting a little emotional about what we’ve learned so far! Sunset’s seems like such an awesome pony... and thanks to her we understand why Starlight’s magic is so amazing!

Scootaloo: We sure do!

Sweetie Belle: Now we sorta have the full context for Starlight’s cutie mark!

Starlight turns toward the 3 fillies and smiles

Starlight: Yes, I now understand my cutie mark much more then I did even just hours ago. So I’d like to thank all three of you. Once we’ve figured out everything that’s happened to my mom... the next step is deciding what I’ll do now with these revelations...

((Story continues after the break))

Stellar and Sunburst go through the portal, Sunset just says behind the portal until they’ve found where Sunspot currently is. Though she stays behind because as Stellar planned, she’s going to come in as soon as Sunburst and her inform Sunspot that his search is over. Sunburst looks around the small town, and very few amount of ponies who don’t even bat an eye as strangers come through a portal. Sunburst looks around the small town, asking what few citizens there were of a light yellow, orange maned unicorn with a cutie mark of light blue clouds.

They point to one particular house, Sunburst and Stellar thank them for the directions. Stellar heads over just outside the door… or rather lack of a door since none of the houses in New Haven really had one, while Sunburst fetches Sunset to come on over from the portal. Stellar & Sunburst head on in, while Sunset waits outside. Stellar & Sunburst then find Sunspot sitting nose deep reading a book.

Stellar: Sunspot, dear?

The voice of his wife surprises Sunspot, and with the book down his appearance in full view. He doesn’t have the mohawk he once had, instead it’s a pretty disheveled and long mane, and he’s even sporting a large beard.

Sunspot: Stellar… Sunburst… did you really come all this way on the train just to see me?

Stellar: We… actually came through a different, and much quicker way. But we hope you have been well, I get all your letters. So I know you’ve been ok this entire time, certainly doesn’t look like you’ve kept up your hygiene though...

Sunspot: Aheheheh… yeah… I’m sorry... it’s just I’ve still been on this search for so long… but…! I think I recently found a major clue when I searched around the top of the Nightmare Cliffs...

Sunburst: Um, Dad… about your search… you have no need for clues anymore…

Sunspot: Huh? What do you mean by that?

Stellar: Sunspot… dear… your search is over…

Sunspot gets out of his chair to stand and looks puzzled

Sunspot: Just what are you implyi-

Sunset’s spirit then walks into the house right in front of her older brother’s view. He’s mouth agape at first, wiping his eyes to even see if this is real. Sunset takes this as a need to speak to help convince her she’s really there

Sunset: I’m sorry, Sunspot… I’ve been dead since barely a week after I last left Sire’s Hollow… I’m afraid your search has been in vain…

Similar to Firelight earlier, he falls to his knees at the confirmation that Sunset, his sister, has been dead all along. Though unlike breaking down like Firelight did, he silently tears up and quietly says...

Sunspot: …I knew it

Sunset, Stellar, and Sunburst all gasp

Stellar Flare: What do you mean you knew it?!

Sunspot: It… relates to the clue I mentioned…

Sunspot brings out a jar, and within it… a disembodied yellow horn. Sunset takes a look and just as suddenly as when Nightmare Cliffs was mentioned, she reacts putting her hooves on the side of her head again as more memory pours in. This time remembering a large rock that was dropped on her head at a precise spot that broke off her horn and gave Sunset a nasty head injury, preceded by and followed by, the sounds… of a child’s laughter.

Sunset: Aaaaagggggghhhhhh!

Sunspot: Sunset! What’s wrong?!

Sunset: Ergh… just… I… remember more… of the moment I died… this wasn’t what killed me exactly… but a big rock dropped on the base of my horn, and it was heavy enough to break it off and I got a brief concussion…

Sunburst: Then that horn in the jar…

Sunspot: Is all that’s left of her body… of course, it being just a yellow horn couldn’t 100% confirm it was Sunset’s... But… when I found it after carefully searching all around the top of the cliffs… I think my heart sank thinking it was hers… and now I know for sure it was…

Stellar and Sunburst both being unicorns themselves reflexively shiver at the sight of Sunset’s horn. The loss of a horn is many a unicorn’s worst fear.

Stellar: Sunset… did perhaps a stalagmite from the cliffs, fall and break your horn? Perhaps then you were fell down into the water not able to swim due to your concussion... and thus drowned…? Perhaps your death may have all been an accident?

Sunset: No, I was on top of the cliffs, I wasn’t down by the ocean where cliff stalagmites could fall on me. Somepony dropped that rock on me, on purpose, and thus crippled much of my control over my magic… it most certainly had to have been a catalyst for my death then… I still don’t have names or the exact moment of death made clear… but… I’m getting there… one more push could do it… if there’s something else that triggers more memory… I feel like it’s close.

Sunspot: A lot must of happened… but… can we begin with… how are you even able to appear after death? This seems like something out of Star Mares, but it couldn’t be that but for real… otherwise you would of been able to do it the moment of death…

Sunset giggles a bit hearing Sunspot mention one of his favorite book series.

Sunset: It’s… not quite the Star Mares force ghost thing… but basically Princess Twilight’s dragon son Spike summoned my spirit via a powerful gem called a Dragon’s Tear on Spike’s necklace. that’s how I was summoned here. It’d take a while to explain everything at once about our… let’s just say afterlife I guess.

Sunspot: I’m surprised there even is an afterlife at all… it astounds me. But I guess I did hear something about Dragon Tears having incredible powers in the hands of a dragon. Spike’s Dragon Tear is what saved Twilight’s friends in a battle in Saddle Arabia. Whatever the facts about our afterlife are though, I am so happy I get to see and talk to you again, Sis. I wish I could hug you again, but I bet I’d just go through you.

Sunset smiles, and decides to try to surprise him

Sunset: Go on, try anyway.

Sunspot: Why? What’s the point?

Sunset: Just do it, bro!

Sunspot: Well alright… but if I fall over…

Sunset: This is starting to sound like whenever I prank’d you when we were kids. But you can’t exactly tell Mom and Dad to ground a spirit *giggles*

Sunspot: That just makes me think that I will fall over *he spits his tongue out at his sister*

Sunset stretches her hooves out into a t-shape anticipating a hug with a smug look on her face

Sunset: Only one way to find ouuuuuut!

Sunspot anticipates he’ll fall over but even if he does, at least he’d be having fun with his sister again and make her laugh. So he gets in closer fully expecting to just slip through, but he is then surprised… with an actual, honest and surprisingly warm hug from his sister that he’s been searching for any trace of for just about an entire decade.

Sunspot: Wow… I didn’t expect Spirits to be so warm… can all Spirits actually hug anypony?

Sunset: Only those who were blood related, lovers, or close friends. I unfortunately wouldn’t be able to hug your wife for instance. But Sunburst probably could, he’s my nephew after all

Stellar shows that by trying to touch Sunset but her hoof simply just goes through like nothing was there. Sunburst approaches to ask for a hug

Sunburst: Mind if I give that a try?

Sunset: Of course!

Sunburst gets a warm hug of his own from his newfound spirit Aunt.

Sunspot: This is all quite interesting, I’d certainly like to know all about what’s been learned if I can

Sunburst: Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia, Spike, the rest of the Elements of Harmy, and a few other ponies are back in a portal back to Sire’s Hollow. If you have any stuff to bring back from this rather rickety home, you can move back in with us pretty much immediately. Now that we’ve found your sister at last, even if it was finding her spirit more then anything.

Sunspot: Of course, now that I know at least the conclusive part of my sister’s fate. I can finally return home for good.

Sunspot turns toward his wife

Sunspot: I’m sorry I made you wait, only for my sister to have been gone long before I even began my search…

Stellar: Oh it’s ok, dear… both me and Sunburst knew you were on a noble cause… and you at least kept us updated where you were, we missed having you at home, but we understood why this was important to you. Especially now that we know Sunset Shimmer of all ponies was who your sister was the whole time… she was a pretty important pony, not to mention she also turned out to be Starlight’s mother…

Sunspot: *gasp* Sunset, you were Starlight’s mother?! I remember Starlight from my time in Sire’s Hollow… but I never knew you married Firelight…

Stellar: I… can only recall that I saw Sunset visit Firelight from across town. But never really got any farther in knowing their relationship. it was before you moved in with me at Sire’s Hollow after our marriage in Canterlot. I didn’t even really get to know Firelight much until Sunburst became friends with Starlight. I’ve always wondered why Firelight didn’t have a mother around for Starlight, but I guess I didn’t realize that the time I saw Sunset may have been more then a random visit from Celestia’s protege at the time.

Sunset: I had a highly secretive wedding with just me, Firelight, and a trusted royal staffer in Canterlot to handle our vows and could keep a secret. They were allowed to mention it to Celestia, but only that I was married, and not who I married, but with some assurances that I wasn’t like… marrying somepony who was a threat to Equestria. I wish I could of gotten a normal wedding, but that was just too risky. I was still hot on the trail of many enemies.at the time. The next few years I managed to get most of them locked up or reformed, but who knows what the future held.

When I felt Equestria was likely to be safe in the time Celestia could find a new protege, I proceeded to start carrying a foal, step down from being Celestia’s protege within the first few months, give birth to Starlight about 6-7 months later… and unfortunately, ended up dying at Nightmare Cliffs while on one last job to save Equestria close to 3 weeks later…

Sunspot: I see now… Perhaps, I’ll have more of a reason to come back to Sire’s Hollow. I can reunite… with the niece that I didn’t even know that I had.

Sunset smiles

Sunset: I’d appreciate that very much, Sunspot. How about we get going back now?

Sunspot: Sure thing, I don’t actually have a lot of stuff to bring back, so you can probably close that portal once I’ve gotten through. I’ll certainly take back the Jar with your horn, the others will want to know the updated facts about your death, and the horn will be evidence. Anything to help you jog your memory, and figure out all that happened.

Sunset nods. Stellar gives her husband a smug look.

Stellar: Are you gonna do anything about your rather… disheveled look? *giggles*

Sunspot: Well… I’ll try to find a barber who can get me my ol’ mohawk back up, but I kinda want to keep the beard.

Stellar: I… guess that’d be ok… I do kind of like how rugged you are now~ Though can I at least ask you to trim it to a reasonable length?

Sunspot laughs

Sunspot: Sure thing, dear. I’d be alright with that

Sunspot, Sunburst, Sunset, and Stellar all walk back to the portal. Another family reunited, and a mystery closer to being solved once and for all.

UP NEXT: Chapter 28: Starlight’s Mother, Part 4 - The Tragedy of Starlight’s Past

[linkspooky]

Eren the Slave

There’s a common misconception in the fandom that Eren’s turn in the final arc from hero to antagonist is due to character development. This is from a belief that Eren as a character, believes in freedom and therefore has been carrying that idea on his shoulders the entire time. 

There’s a confusion between the narrative which Isayama sets up for Eren which is told from a third point of view and therefore is objective, and Eren’s own personal narrative which is composed of Eren’s own personal thoughts and feelings. Basically in any story these two things will coexist and push and pull against each other, narrative the way the world sees the character and reacts to them and personal narrative the way the character sees themselves. Eren’s conception of himself is a one man army fighting for the freedom, and willing to become the enemy of the whole world in order to do it but just because a character believes that about themselves does not necessarily mean that it is true. 

The following post is a discussion of Narrative Identity that is a theory that postulates individuals for an identiy by integrating their life experiences into an internalize,d evolving story of the self that provides the individual with a sense of unity and purpose in life. The narrative is a story, it has characters, episodes, imagery, a setting, plots and themes which means the events taking place in it have to have meaning. 

Eren is a slave of many things, including narrative, and because of his own personal narrative he cannot change. Eren isn’t a character who has changed, moreas he’s a character we’ve had our perspective of him change as the story progresses and widens it perspective which is still development. All character development requires some kind of change or movement on the character’s part, but it doesn’t mean their characters themselves have to change, because the reader’s perspective on them can be what develops instead. 

So underneath the cut: Eren’s current development is about his failure to change, which makes him the least free character in the manga. I suggest reading my Eren and Reiner meta as a precursor to this. 

1. Eren has not Changed 

Character arcs in Attack on Titan are very longform in general characters change gradually over time instead of all at once. Which is why Eren’s ‘change’ after the timeskip seems so dramatic and abrupt at first. Until you compare him to the other characters, Jean is still angry but part of him likes Eren and is trying to be a decent person in the middle of a warzone therefore a foil to Eren, Armin is still hesitant and caught between taking the steps to make his lofty ideals a reality and the people around him, Mikasa still wants to believe in Eren while at the same time vying for her own independence. 

We see stagnation in other characters and yet such a pronounced change in Eren. Which is exactly the point, Eren is no different from his friends he is too stagnating on all of his worst instincts that have been set up from the beginning of the manga and he has been given moments to learn better several times.

The people who are commenting that Eren has changed are also the same people who had an idealized, almost narrative viewpoint of him in the first place. It’s not that Armin stopped understanding him, it’s that Armin the dreamer, chose to see the best in Eren rather than the worst. Jean even says so he was so damn cool. 

Attack on Titan has talked about special people  and narrative several times. While the idea of special people does not exist, people still get swept up in narrative and compelled by it because they want to be. Jean is just a normal guy, and yet he’s caught up in the idea of Eren being a special person that he both envies and admires him at the same time because he wants to be like Eren. 

It’s not Eren himself has changed, but rather the perspective of the characters around him. Which is why the two most important characters to Eren both experience the same thing, a recollection of their romanticized past with him shown in it’s actual light. Eren seriously remarking that if they destroy all the enemies on the other side of the ocean that they will finally be free. Eren brutally killing two people in front of Mikasa, and not even seeing them as human beings just dogs who lost their right to humanity. They both also react the same way, in deial about this reality at first. 

To believe Eren is strong, that he represents something, that he carries tremendous ideals on his shoulders, that he fights for something other than the sake of fighting is to fall for Eren’s own personal narrative the same way Armin and Mikasa have. 

As the story has changed the perspective of the world for each character has broadened, characters have slowly been sliding their own perspectives as well to make up for this scale, except for Eren. The reason Eren has seemed that he’s changed is that he hasn’t, his stagnation is so great that it’s at odds with scale of the story and the perspective of other characters besides those on the island that we now understand. In a story that is now about people on both sides of the conflict, Eren views things as similiar as he did at the start of the story, he is still one man fighting to destroy all of the other titans in the world. 

Yes, Eren does understand that there are other people on the side of the conflict that are suffering the same way he has, but at the same time his actions always directly contradict his words. What is most important are his choices, not the lip service he pays to other people. But to illustrate this point and further show who Eren is and what he’s refused to change from let’s go back to the two most important moments in his arc where he could have changed. 

The first is with Mikasa, the second with Armin, almost like they’re the two most important people to his arc or something. 

Faced with Dina’s titan after just being rescued from Eren and Reiner, Eren screams at how he’s failed to become any stronger, despite joining the scouting corps, despite being given a special power that helps him transform here he is watching helplessly again as the titan that devoured his mother is about to devour him and Mikasa.

Here is where Eren’s true beliefs of himself shine forth. Eren doesn’t perceive himself as someone strong, or even a fighter. Deep down he knows that he’s just a weak little kid that did nothing but watch as his mom died, and he hates that about himself. Eren’s biggest battle isn’t external, it’s not about fighting against other people, it’s always been about fighting against himself. He perpetually views himself as inferior and weaker to other people around him and not in control of his own life at all, so in order to fight against that he grasps desperately for any kind of freedom and agency he can have. 

Eren is right when he says he’s always had a conflict against Mikasa for a long time, as much as he cares about her, but he also completely lies about the reason for it. It’s not that she acts like a slave, in fact it has nothing to do with Mikasa it’s entirely Eren’s own personal feelings of inferiority. He believes Reiner and Mikasa are capable of doing things he cannot. That they are the special ones whereas he is a brat who is all talk. He hates Mikasa because when she tries to protect him, when she tries to stay with him, she makes him feel weak being around her. Eren’s ideal world is one where fighting all alone he could accomplish anything he wanted, and win his one man war against the titans. Literally, relying on anybody else, or the idea that he has to rely on someone even someone who has always been there for him since childhood contradicts the one man war or one man hero narrative. 

Eren’s real view of himself is a worthless person who is all talk and cannot do a single thing, especially when it’s important like when he needed to protect his mother. Eren believes he is not enough, not enough for anybody, and not enough for himself, which is what prevents him ultimately from being able to connect to anybody. Eren’s strongest driving force is not his strength, or his determination, ultimately it’s his inferiority. He has grand aspirations specifically because Eren views himself as someone insigificant, and he’s so desperate to be anything other than a helpless victim, to have his life mean something. Which is why what Mikasa says in this scene to him is so important.

What Mikasa says to him in this moment is that he is enough. Eren’s always been enough for her, not because he showed up and killed those bandits for her, not because he freed her, but because he reached out to her in a moment when she was alone.

The simple act of wrapping his scarf around her, a show of affection, meant more in the world than all of his attempts to be strong and fight on his own. She likes Eren because he was there for her in a moment of vulernability, it’s all to do with showing weakness, and supporting each other, all of these things that have nothing to do with strength. And we see Eren refuse Mikasa’s attempt at intimacy almost violently by shoving her off, and make a promise that we eventually see him break later. Because in the end, even if someone tells him exactly what he wants to hear, that he was enough for them, that their lives were meaningful because they had each other, Eren will always default to his narrative of strength and survival giving meaning over everything else. 

The second lesson that Eren learns but refuses to learn is once again when he almost loses Armin in a similiar situation.  It brings about a moment of shocking honesty and self awareness from Eren. 

Eren admits he forgot about the ocean, and all this time he’s only been fighting for his own personal hate. That he believes he’s not someone capable of doing anything other than fighting. 

It’s also Eren’s revelation that this is exactly why he was going to lose Armin in the first place. Armin feels worthless and does not believe himself to be an asset, and because of that he came up with a plan to sacrifice himself for Eren’s sake. Eren is completely devastated not only by this, but also by the fact that he did not make Armin understand his true feelings, that he always saw Armin as an equal, that he’s always believed Armin to be better than him. Eren neglects to make his friends understand the emotional value they have to him, and then he almost loses them, it’s a pattern throughout the series. This is where Eren realizes he needs something other than fighting in order to live. He needs to have something in his heart other than hatred. And this is also, a lesson he promptly ignores. 

Then, Eren once again says something that he is going to directly contradict later to show how he hasn’t changed. Eren calls him soft and makes him seem like a coward and second guess himself. He literally uses Armin’s own biggest insecurity against him as a way to sabotage him and make it harder for Armin to stand against him. When we know Eren thinks the opposite, that Armin is brave and that his ability to see past fighting makes him even stronger than Eren. 

Eren also directly goes out of his way to destroy the moment of him wrapping the scarf around her, which contradicts his promise that he would always wrap it around her again as many times as he needed it too. 

And in doing that he emphasizes once again, that he still is driven by the same hatred he has ever since he was a kid. Eren says it over and over again, since I was a kid, since I was born. Eren’s struggle is not against a world that refuses to change. Eren’s struggle is against his own self that refuses to change, he tries to change the world because he believes he is broken in a way that he cannot be fixed. Which is why ultimately this scene ends with Armin speaking the truth.

What’s so good about the freedom that Eren is apparently willing to die, or go to war with the whole world for, if he uses that freedom to hurt Mikasa? Eren’s way of protecting his own friends is to go out of his way to sabotage them, and limit their freedom to make them unable to act on their own. How is that any different from enemy forces hurting his own friends? Eren’s version fo protecting is to break Armin and Mikasa’s legs because he is so afraid of losing them he does not want them to be able to walk on their own or even make choices seperate from what he wants for them. How is that strength to protect his friends? It’s weakness. Eren is most likely not doing this because he wants to, but he believes he has to. He has to make Armin and Mikasa hate him in order for them to stay out of conflict and in the safety zone, because that is what he wants for them.

How is that freedom? 

It’s just control over them. 

2. Eren Does Not Believe in Freedom

A lot of people misinterpret the Eren and Levi’s corps scene. That if Eren had fought from the start that he would have been able to protect everybody and trusting his comrades was the wrong thing. However, the point of that scene is that Eren chooses to try to trust in people and they all die. He then changes his choice and tries to fight on his own and it’s the same result, he’s captured and more people die. What Eren had to learn to accept in that scene was his own powerlessness. That no matter how strong he becomes there are times where he’s going to be equally helpless because that’s how the world is, massive, and beyond our control. Eren’s ideal version of that scene is that he did not have to trust anybody, that he was so strong that he could fight on his own, kill all the enemies, and not have to endure the loss of everyone. Therefore his ideal is where he has enough power to control every single factor. What he wants is not freedom but rather control.

A brief tangent that is also why Levi is his foil, Levi’s narrative is continually about despite him having a miraculous strength he constantly has to learn to accept the loss of his comrades and his important people. Why? To disprove the idea that the strong are the ones who can protect their loved ones. This right of the strong idea is toxic and infectious, if I’m strong I won’t have to be on the losing side anymore, I can take instead of being taken from. The thing is even if Eren was the strongest titan he can’t stop from losing everything. In an attack that works basically perfectly according to his plan when ambushing Marley, Sasha dies for basically what amounts to random coincidence. Eren started a chain of events yes, but that chain is so convoluted there was no way Eren could have foresaw it coming or protected Sasha. Mikasa can catch a cold and die tomorrow, in a situation that has nothing to do with Eren’s personal strength. There are things that are genuinely out of his hands, and yet Eren will never accept that, instead he makes everything about personal strength and control.

That’s the thing Eren isn’t trying to solve the conflict or unfairness of the world, he doesn’t care about what happens to weak people who are taken by the strong. He just wants to be on the side of the strong, taking from others. His solution actually reinforces the cycle of the strong taking from the weak because all he does is try to climb to the other side, he still believes in the idea rather than figting against it.

In Eren’s foiling with Levi, this is what he is supposed to eventually come to accept. That the strongest person in the whole world, the person with the most freedom, is still going to be powerless. Because people are born for no reason, live meaningless lives, and die for no reason. This is an idea that can both be liberating, or restricting depending upon how you see it, but I will get into that in a moment. 

This is basically what Hanji says to Eren and Mikasa as well, that they have to accept that they’re going to lose people, and moving forward in spite of accepting that is true strength. That is the lesson Eren is set up to learn with his foiling with Levi, but does not. 

Instead we see Eren twist the meaning of those words to suit himself. He interprets those words the exact same way that Reiner does, which is why they are so similiar in the end and share the same weakness.

“Keep moving forward” is Eren’s arc words of this Arc. They’re grandiose words that make him sound like some kind of hero that is fighting all alone against the world and will keep fighting no matter what carried by his own determination, but once again that’s just narrative. Reiner has this flashback explicitly while he’s trying to commit suicide. There’s nothing more illustrative about how healthy and self destructive his mindset is, than Reiner literally being about to blow his brains out while thinking about how he encouraged Eren in the past to do the same thing that he is doing right now.

Eren and Reiner don’t move forward because they want to, because they see a way to keep living in that, they’re not accepting that the world is full of meaningless losses but trying to love and fight for the world anyway. They move forward because they want to run away for themselves, from the ideas that all of their actions are worthless and they cannot change a thing.

I have to keep moving forward is not a fight for freedom. They are being dragged along by their own chains. They believe they have to keep moving forward, that the world gives them no other choice but to do so. Eren literally never once sounds free or like he’s making this decision because he wants to when he talks about moving forward and fighting.

Eren also plays lip service to the idea that he wants something beyond the fighting, but once again this is where Eren and Reiner’s stubborn insistence upon living and also the way they act with suicidal recklesness contradict each other. Eren himself would have no place in a world of freedom created by his actions. His goal seems to be to make one massive movement to change the world, and then rather than changing himself, to die with the old world. Die hated by the world, or die a martyr for the Eldian people it’s exactly the same. He believes there’s nothing value of his life, so he’s trying to desperately make his death meaningful. Eren’s not fighting to live, but rather to die in a way he thinks will change things. 

Also look how the way Eren talks, there was something pushing us along, we have no choice, we were born this way. These ideas are opposed to any idea of freedom, if Eren were really free then he would also admit that his choices are his own. Notice also, Eren says this only after Reiner tries to take personal responsibility for his actions. To admit that he does feel personal guilt for what he was doing. 

Eren’s not saying this because he believes it, he’s saying that he was born this way, he has no choice to move forward, because he does not want to be doing these things. He is forcing himself to do these things because he believes he has to. If Eren were really believing he’s doing what he has to to change the world, then he would live with his choices rather than constantly try to avoid feeling guilty over them. 

Which is why Eren also speaks against the idea that he can change. Insisting that he was born a certain way and will always be the same, is the exact opposite of freedom. Eren chains himself to the idea that he has some divine purpose and he has to act this way. Eren is proplled, not by the idea of trying to make the world different than the one he saw, but literally a predetermined future. 

Eren believes in Destiny, Predetermination, things that are not freedom because those things give him meaning. We see Eren kiss HIstoria’s hand this chapter four times not as a gesture of affection but rather a callback to what he was thinking at this exact time.

Eren’s not doing this for a future with Historia and the rest, he’s trying to die in a way that will change something. Yet at the same time he contradicts himself again, it’s alright if Eren throws his own life away, but nobody else is allowed to sacrifice themselves. Eren has the freedom to kill himself, but nobody else has that freedom. 

Eren takes a long glance at Mikasa because she represents what he wants, a longing for connection, beautiful things in this ugly world, a place in this world. Mikasa’s always spoke of the acceptance that Eren cannot wrap his head around with his black and white thinking, that there are both ugly and beautiful things. That despite of the world’s ugliness the beautiful things are worth living for. However, when he flashes back to the Historia scene four times it’s associated with his a lack of freedom, a lack of living for the future, that he has to kill himself, that he has to make the future that he foresaw a reality. Ideas of destiny and predetermination are more compelling to Eren. Mikasa symbolizes what Eren really wants, a future, to be enough for someone, to be accepted. Historia symbolizes what Eren thinks he wants, power and control. 

Eren insists over and over again that both him and Grisha have no choice but to do what they did in the end. 

Nietzsche has an idea of the “burden of history’ it basically states that because things happened in the past a certain way, it absolutely had to have happened that way. Because the way the world is, it’s always going to be that way. It assumes events proceed in a meaningful order like a narrative, but once again let’s look at Eren’s influence on that scene. Once again, we need to keep moving forward. Even if we die. Even after we die. All Eren visions is fighting with no release and no freedom, and then look at the end result. 

Eren insists that they have to kill the children to get the result they desire, then literally none of Grisha’s actions in the end actually do that. He killed children to save Carla, but Carla died. He killed children because he wants his family to be safe, but Grisha in the end manipulates his son and forces him to eat him without telling him anything the exact same way he did with Zeke. 

Which is also, for a brief tangent why Eren’s ideas of himself are so patently fault. He’s not fighting to be a liberator. He’s fighting for the sake of fighting. Eren claims he’s fighting against the whole world but who have his targets been so far.

A civilian area full of children. The thing is Eren acts like he had no choice to do this but once again, the circumstances were created entirely by Eren. Eren cannot fight the Marleyan military alone, so he picks an area where he can infiltrate that won’t be able to fight back against him, and then makes his move and forces the Scout Corps to follow him. He deliberately chooses to exploit the weak, because that is the only way he will be able to be in complete control of the situation. 

Eren is not fighting for the sake of weak people, he is deliberately repeating the cycle of strong exploiting the weak just with himself on the side of the taking, the side of the strong. This is also why, when Eren fights on his own he loses. He fights alone against the Marleyan ambush and eventually corners, making him helpless on his own until Zeke comes to save him. 

Which is why ultiamtely, what Eren wants is not freedom but rather control. Eren is going to exploit people who are already exploited if it gives him just a tiny bit more power and control. Literally we see Eren beat to death two men who were willing to harm a child in order to get what they wanted, money, power, and then go on to justify himself and his father killing children because they had no choice to otherwise to get what they wanted. 

Eren is a hypocrite, what he says he believes in and what he actually believes in are two separate things and they always have been. Which is why the character that supposedly represents freedom in the series most often ends up in chains. 

3. Eren and Zeke as Foils

Eren wants to control other people. He manipulates them, he pushes them away, he takes their own choices away from them. Not just his enemies but literally his friends. The Jaeger Bros are both manipulative people who will utliamtely use others for their own ends, but Zeke in the end values the connections he doesn’t have, whereas Eren doesn’t value the connections he does have.

Freedom is also the freedom to fail. It’s the freedom to be weak. It’s the freedom to not get what you want. That is why Eren prefers control a reality where he can use strength to impose on others exactly what he wants. If he truly cared about the freedom of his friends, he would not put them in cages and control them. 

This is not because Eren is strong, or selfless, it’s because Eren is weak and can’t see people as other people. He only values them on his own terms. They cannot die because they are important to him, because he cannot stand the sadness of their loss. Eren’s own personal feelings will always trump the feelings of those closest to him. That is also why he cannot change, not because he was born that way, but because he does not listen to other people. He does not let anybody truly reach him. Because accepting another person is an individual who is truly indepedent from you with their own two legs means they can use those legs to walk away from you. 

Eren cannot accept the decisions that other people make. He is perfectly willing to put his friends through the pain of his own suicide, but he cannot accept that another of them might want to sacrifice themselves. Eren can put himself into danger and fight, but cannot accept that his friends may choose to do the same as well. That is why he takes their choices away from them. He does not let others understand him, as a means of controlling them. He refuses to talk things out, because if he lets people talk to him they might dissuade him, or influence his choice away what he wants. 

Which once again why Eren and Zeke are such strong foils, they both have these manipulative personalities in response to a life that has been mostly out of their controls. The difference being that Eren has experienced unconditional love and Zeke hasn’t. 

Zeke cares for Eren, even when he’s suspicious that Eren might betray him. He chose to trust somebody that might choose differently from the end. He keeps loving Eren, even when Eren despises him, even when Eren was just using him in the end. 

That is to say, Zeke loves Eren as a person. Even though Eren is capable of hurting him, or disagreeing him, Zeke does love him as an individual separate from himself. 

Eren deliberately abandons the two people closest to him, the ones he has left, the ones he wants to fight for. He leaves them all alone because his one man war against the world is more important. He manipulates them into doing what he wants and puts his own personal feelings and desires for them first. 

Zeke goes through Eren’s story and learns about him, and he literally tries to convince Eren to his side with words. Eren purposefully hurts the people who unconditionally love him. Zeke unconditionally loves someone else and cannot bring himself to manipulate this one person, even when they have been shown to be a ruthless and manipulative character in the first place. 

He literally cannot enact his plan unless Zeke is there, and yet here we see him. Eren complains that Zeke means nothing to him, that he was just a tool for him to use, that they have no connection as brothers and literally at the same time the only reason Eren did not die halfway through his reckless plan is because Zeke showed up to save him out of genuine affection for his brother. 

Eren goes out of his way to mock Zeke for this. He shows Zeke that he was unconditionally loved by Grisha in a way that Zeke never was, and then says he chooses to act like this anyway. He says Zeke means nothing to him and was just a tool in the end. 

Eren takes an oppurtunity to show Zeke that love and understanding, beautiful things can exist in this world, that people can learn from their mistakes, that their is a reason to living that makes Euthenaisa a terrible option. That the world is nothing but pain, and instead he just used it to manipulate Zeke.

Yet, Eren is not able to accomplish anything without Zeke. We saw him holding out on his own and he was completely cornered by the Marleyan ambush. Which is why Eren’s narrative is so patently false, he pushes other people away and acts like he’s not relying on other people, that he’s a one man army, the enemy of the whole world who can accomplish this on his own, but in the end he needs to be saved again, again, and again. And because it contradicts with his narrative Eren ignores that he was saved. 

Which is where we finally reach because I was born into this world once again. It’s a phrase that can be freeing, or it can chain you to an idea. 

Carla intended it to mean that Eren does not need to do anything to be alive, to enjoy life, just the act of being born gives him a right to life. That means that Eren’s birth is utterly meaningless. It’s a meaningless flow of events, why am I even alive? Oh, it was because I was born.

In Eren’s desperate search for meaning he twists the meaning around entirely. The beautiful sentiment that Eren was born, because Grisha and Carla had him as a child they want to love is forgotten because Eren wants his birth to have meaning. He wants to believe he has to do all these things because he was born into this world. 

Eren was born and raised unconditionally loved, he was born as a child to be loved and he takes that entirely for granted. 

Zeke was not born as a child to be loved, but as a tool to be used in Grisha’s plan. Ironically, this is what Eren wants to believe about himself. That he was born to be a chosen one in this conflict, that there’s meaning in his birth, that there’s a terrible burden he was given just by being born. 

Whereas, Zeke who was actually in that situation is warped into something that is barely a person. Zeke sees no value in life, and the world as just a miserable painful place that it’s a curse to be born into. 

Yet, what Zeke longs for and values more than anything else is the connections that he’s never had. Eren says he fights for his friends around him, and yet he throws those friends away easily, and doesn’t value them at all over his own desires. Which is why we witness Zeke’s priorities actually change, because he still wants to see something beautiful in the world whereas Eren is on the path for destruction.

Which is why the end result is Zeke, the most heartless and cruel character in the series, the main antagonist for this arc has come off in the end more empathic than Eren. They’ve completely switched positions where Zeke is now trying to misguidedly stop Eren, and Eren has superceded Zeke as the main antagonist. 

Eren does not carry the ideals of the series on his shoulders, he is now the antagonist working directly against those ideals. Because of his failure to change, the Protagonist has journeyed to become the Villain. 

Eren is not fighting for freedom, but rather against the notion of freedom for other people. That is why the manga is calling for him to be stopped. 

[powderseal]

my re-write of maria’s s2 arc

Brought to you by the principles of: “Maria was established as a thoughtful, caring, intuitive character what the fuck are you writing”; “Michael is in no shape to be in a relationship with anyone holy shit”; and “Liz is allowed to still care about people other than Max why is this happeninggggg”

Part One: Maria the friend

-Instead of the writers having Maria (and Liz) assuming that Alex is just a sad, pathetic gay boy who’s spent the last decade in unrequited pining for the only guy who ever showed interest in him in high school, so why have any conversations about it really, Maria (and Liz) treat Alex’s feelings with respect and don’t minimize the significance of Alex and Michael’s 10-year relationship. Instead, Maria’s conflict over whether to prioritize her friend’s feelings or her own inspires her to reflect on her friendships and how she defines herself by them. 

-It seems clear that Maria was the heart of their social group: Rosa, Liz, and Alex all seem to consider her their best friend. Maria has been shown to take that responsibility very seriously, especially with Rosa’s memory. Maria works through how she has placed herself in the “fun friend” role in her mind’s own narrative, specifically as how that relates to her being a Black woman, in conversations with her mom and Liz. This results in Maria strengthening her resolve to find ways to center and prioritize herself in her own life and in Liz realizing she needs to tell Maria the truth about Rosa.  

-In the aftermath of these revelations, Maria has an honest conversation with Alex about her conflicting feelings, how hopeful she felt about a relationship with Michael and how badly she feels about possibly hurting Alex, and how the alien/Rosa reveal has made her question Michael. Alex is allowed to express his hurt feelings about the dissolution of his and Michael’s relationship while still supporting Maria and advocating for Michael as a good person. Maria ultimately decides she owes it to herself to see what could grow between her and Michael, and since the way Alex talks about Michael makes it clear that he is still in love with him, she remains conscientious and considerate of Alex’s feelings and doesn’t involve him emotionally in her relationship or engage in PDA with Michael in front of him.  

Part Two: Maria the girlfriend

-Throughout the events of Part One, Michael has continued to show interest in Maria and insist that he and Alex are over. Once they start dating, Michael is super attentive and caring but very avoidant of opening up about himself and very concerned about losing Maria. The cracks we saw in their relationship in canon are there, exacerbated by the fact that Maria is actively trying to get to know Michael better and genuinely connect with him but he just wants to focus on her. It becomes clear to Maria that while Michael wants to be good for her, he is not in a good place for himself and the relationship isn’t necessarily what she thought it would be.  

-The tipping point comes when Alex is in a dangerous situation and the way Michael reacts and the way they look at each other after makes it very clear to Maria that Michael is still in love with Alex and things between them are far from over. She tries to confront Michael about his feelings, and he uses the excuse that he and Alex have just been working together to find out about Michael’s mom, which only makes things worse because Maria didn’t know about that and Michael has never turned to her or opened up to her about those issues. Maria is understandably angry at Michael for using her/their relationship as a distraction and avoidance technique for all of the problems in his life and for not being honest about his feelings for Alex. She ends their romantic relationship and asks for space before they can be friends again.  

Part Three: Maria the psychic

-In pain from the breakup with Michael, and feeling uncomfortable around Alex after things with Michael didn’t turn out to be ‘worth’ the pain it caused all of them, Maria turns to Isobel (as a fellow psychic) and Liz (as a scientist) and dives into an exploration of her powers and her family history. Maria recontextualizes her earlier resolution to center herself in her own life and divorces that goal from pursuing a relationship with Michael. Instead, she works with Isobel to strengthen her powers and with Liz to prevent side-effects. This leads to her heroic actions at the end of the season. Michael comes to visit her in the hospital and they start to rebuild a friendship.  

-In terms of what Maria actually discovers about her family history, I’m a little torn on what I’d prefer. The show offered us two explanations for her power, one about her grandmother being experimented on at Caulfield and one about her great-grandmother being an alien. I didn’t love either of those for different reasons but I think the first one makes more sense (and doesn’t result in Isobel and Maria being related) but I’m not crazy about the show evoking that particular cultural and historical trauma (especially since they went nowhere with it). I also like that Maria’s family, particularly the women, is a source of pride and strength and I’d hate to see that darkened. So maybe an alternate take on that would be that Maria’s family helped save/protect Isobel’s mom and were given powers, either as a gift or an accident from the close contact? But I’m open to other thoughts.  

[lilacmoon83]

Finding You Always

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 215: The Adventure Begins

Dione caressed her sleeping daughter's face, as her husband stood behind her and held her close.

"She's been through so much…" Dione mentioned.

"I know...and much of it is my fault. I am sorry, my love...I failed you and our precious daughter," Zeus apologized. It sounded incredibly foreign coming from him, because Zeus was not known for apologizing to anyone for anything. But Dione was different. He had been a different man with her and without her had become something she didn't recognize.

"I forgive you and it's not all your fault. We know now that there were those determined to hurt our daughter, simply due to their hatred of us and desire for the power I gave her," Dione responded.

"Where is Hera now?" Zeus asked the Goddess of the Underworld.

"In Underbrooke...as you can imagine Hera has much unfinished business," Nyx answered.

"I don't care...bring her down here. I want judgement!" Zeus hissed, but Dione stilled him.

"She will receive it...but our daughter deserves to confront her with all that she has done to keep her from her true love," she reasoned. Zeus' anger dissipated slightly and he conceded her point for now.

"The Collector...is he in Underbrooke as well?" Dione asked.

"He is...sitting in the cushy Mayor's seat. If you'd like them both brought down here...it can be arranged," Nyx said.

"Yes...they will face my daughter when she awakens and then receive judgement," Zeus replied.

~*~

Flashback

Aphrodite hummed to herself, as she passed her time in her mother's garden. Now that she was gone, she was determined to take care of the flora her mother loved so much, especially since Hera had no interest in it. Her mother's chalice sat atop a pedestal in the center of the garden, surrounded by the most beautiful display of flowers one could ever imagine.

"Aphrodite…" Blue said, as she appeared and the blonde smiled. The Blue Fairy, loyal to her father, had always been kind to her.

"Hello Blue," she greeted.

"I think I have found a pair worthy of your mother's chalice," Blue revealed in excitement.

"You have?" Aphrodite asked.

"Yes…I will show you," she replied, as she took the young Goddess' hand and brought her to the viewing pond.

"Did they have a spark?" Aphrodite asked.

"A spark?" Blue asked in confusion.

"Mother said that I would know the pair to bestow the chalice to when they shared the first spark of true love. It is very rare and only happens to the truest of loves. It is sparked and creates life, usually in the form of a true love sapling," Aphrodite explained, recalling her mother's stories.

"Oh...well, I don't know about that, but I assure you that this pair is deeply in love like I have never seen," Blue lied, as a couple appeared in the waters.

"Oh...who are they?" Aphrodite asked.

"The man is an explorer named Sirius Clayton and the woman is from a noble family from Thebes. Her name is Beryl Tsaoussis," Blue replied.

"Can I meet them?" she asked.

"You know how leery your father is of you interacting with mortals. You are the Goddess of beauty. Mortal men and Gods alike clamor to make you theirs," Blue warned.

"But I must meet them if I am to determine they are my champions," Aphrodite insisted.

"But I can be the messenger for you...and present the chalice to them," Blue offered.

"Ohh...you don't know, do you?" Aphrodite asked.

"Know what, dear?" Blue asked.

"Mama feared that some would try to take advantage of the chalice's power, so she put protections on it," Aphrodite replied. Blue frowned.

"Protections?" Blue questioned. The blonde beauty nodded.

"Besides Daddy and me, only those I choose as my champions can touch the Chalice. Anyone else will be incinerated, because mama knew that some would seek its power and if it fell into the wrong hands...then evil would reign and doom the entire realm," Aphrodite replied. Blue was seething inside. This was a complication neither she nor Hera had foreseen and the latter would be livid as well.

"But now that you've brought them to my attention, I can observe them for a spark and if they're the ones...I will deem them my champions, just as my mother would want," Aphrodite declared. Blue forced a smile and nodded.

"Of course dear...I will go now and observe them from afar as well," Blue said, as she shrank into her fairy size and left Olympus. Hera would be furious when she learned of this complication in their plan and they would have to come up with a way around this road block.

~*~

Present Day

Rose closed the book and sighed, digesting all that she had read. Her husband looked at her, as he had been reading along with her.

"I had no idea the Collector's family went back so far," Fandral mentioned.

"It makes sense though. His ancestor was promised the power of the chalice and he obviously never got it," Rose said.

"Yes...that would explain Clayton's obsession with it," Fandral agreed, as she put the book aside for the night.

"I had no idea Blue's deception went back so far and so deeply. I almost fear to learn what she did to Aphrodite, but I know we must. She deserves justice," Rose said.

"And she will have it. The Blue Fairy will not evade me forever. Zorro has enlisted Maleficent's help to track her," he replied. She smiled at that.

"Can you believe that Zorro had a child with Maleficent and didn't even know it?" she asked. He chuckled.

"With Zorro...yes, I can believe that. He considers himself quite the catch," he joked. She looked at him slyly.

"Perhaps, but for me...you are the ultimate catch," she said, as she climbed into his lap and straddled him.

"I am the man I am, because of you, my angel," he assured her, as she kissed him passionately.

"I love you...so much," she breathed, as their lips parted briefly, before meeting again. He took her in his arms and gazed up at her with love shining in his cerulean eyes. Their lips met again and passion consumed them well into the early twilight hours.

~*~

They boarded the Jolly Roger early the next morning. David stood at the side of the ship, with Snow in his arms, still brooding a bit about everything that had happened, while the agents brought the two prisoners they had taken into custody on board.

"Ugh...travel by sea. I guess we should expect nothing less from such cretins," Malina complained.

"Hook...can you show them the brig, please? If I have to look at either of them more than necessary, it won't bode well for their health," David said.

"Aye mate...this way," he said to the agents.

"Your attempts to be menacing are weak at best, Prince Charming...you'd retch if I told you half the things I've done to people," Dr. LaGuerra leered.

"Ah...and you, fairest one. I would enjoy making you scream…" he continued. Charming snapped at that and his fist connected with the sick doctor's nose at that, knocking him head over heels.

"You...uncivilized brute!" he cried, as blood gushed down his face.

"You broke my nose!" he accused.

"You're lucky that's all he did, mate. In my days as a pirate, I would have tossed your bleeding arse into shark infested waters for much less than what you just did. Trust me...threaten one of ours and you will meet a gruesome end," Hook warned, as he led the agents and their prisoners below deck to lock them in the brig.

David's glower on the monster of a man continued until he was out of sight and Snow gently caressed his face, regaining his gaze on her, which instantly softened.

"Letting a monster like that keep breathing is looking like a worse idea by the moment," he feared.

"He can't hurt me...you'd never let him," she said confidently.

"People in this circle have hurt you before...and I couldn't stop it. Clayton...Dr. Facilier…and Jekyll," he rambled, but she stopped him with a finger to his lips and shook her head.

"No...you always saved me and I know you always will. You're my hero," she said, as she kissed him tenderly and pressed her forehead against his.

"You're my Prince Charming...and when I am in your arms, I know that I am safe and loved. Please know that...please know how safe you make me feel. How loved, how beautiful...only you, my love," she added, as their lips met again, with more heat and passion this time. He relaxed a bit, as Hook took them into open waters and Snow rested her head against his chest, reveling in the feeling of his arms around her as always.

~*~

"Hey...you okay?" JJ asked, as Summer cast a glance at her parents. She smiled at him and nodded.

"Yeah...just a little worried about Daddy. We're not really used to seeing him angry. I mean, not that he'd ever take it out on us or Mom...I'm not worried about that. It's just hard to see him and grandpa at odds," she mentioned. Nora snorted nearby.

"If that's your biggest problem, sweet cheeks, then you're more privileged than I thought," Nora commented.

"Maybe I haven't experienced the hardships you have, but my family has been through a lot," Summer said defensively.

"So when you had a bad dream when you were a little girl...what did you do?" Nora asked. Summer blinked.

"I...I went into my parents room and Daddy would lift me into bed with one arm and put me between him and Mom. She would dry my tears and cuddle me close, while Daddy would light a candle to chase the nightmares away," Summer answered.

"Wow…" Nora scoffed.

"That's even more perfect than I thought it would be. If your Dad is mad at your grandpa and that's your biggest problem, then you're doing better than ninety nine percent of people," Nora said, as she walked away. JJ sighed.

"I'm sorry about her," he apologized.

"She had a bad childhood?" Summer asked.

"Yeah...her parents were drug addicts. The state took her away from them when they went to jail when she was ten. She came to live with me and my Mom. Things were good for her then, but she never really got over those first ten years. She's had a chip on her shoulder since then," he explained.

"Wow...no wonder my problems seem stupid to her," Summer said.

"Hey...that's not true. She still doesn't have the right to dismiss your problems, no matter what. Besides, it's not really that. Nora just has that kind of complex. No matter who it is, she'll make a case that she's had it ten times worse," JJ replied.

"Maybe…I still feel bad for her though. I mean, I have great parents and I'm so grateful for that," Summer said.

"And you should be and I think it's really sweet and wonderful that you still worry about them when they're facing adversity," JJ replied, as they shared a smile.

"Ignore Nora. She could be in the room with a victim of the most unspeakable crime and she'd make a case that she somehow has it worse," he explained.

"She's not very nice...but I still feel bad for her. I hope she can find love someday," Summer said. He smiled at her.

"You're probably the kindest person I've ever met and I hope that for her too, but she has to stop getting in her own way," JJ replied. Summer nodded.

"Well...my parents did eventually win over the Evil Queen and helped her learn to love again, so I wouldn't count them out yet," she said. He smiled.

"I hope you're right...but Nora is a piece of work," he replied, as they continued talking and getting to know each other.

~*~

"Wow...that guy is a huge douche-bag," Leo commented, as he saw his twin shiver.

"He's pure evil...I always hoped I'd never meet the man on the other end of those screams we heard in Atlantis," Eva said.

"He even looks at Mom again...then I doubt he'll live to see another day," Emma replied.

"You think Dad will forgive gramps?" Leo asked.

"Of course he will...he just needs time," Emma replied.

"Are you angry at him?" Eva asked.

"I mean...he could have helped you get to Dad sooner," she added and the blonde shrugged.

"Not really...I mean, yeah he probably could have. But if he defied Clayton...he also could have died," Emma said.

"Dad will see that...and soon, I'm sure," she added.

"Yeah…Mom has her ways of getting through to him," Eva agreed. Leo sighed.

"I can't believe we're headed for Peru. You think this Cibola really exists?" he asked.

"We're the children of Snow White and Prince Charming. I think at this point we need to be asking ourselves what's not real, because that's a way shorter list," Emma replied.

"Of all the things Clayton found though...it was never this," Leo pointed out.

"Maybe he didn't have the right key," Eva mentioned, making her siblings look at her.

"What do you mean?" they asked, almost in unison.

"Well...okay, so there has been a few books and movies on this subject in pop culture and in some of them, there has always been a key or puzzle of some kind that needs solved," Eva explained.

"In the 1980's, there was an anime about the cities of gold, which was loosely based on a book called the King's Fifth. And in the anime, there were two special medallions that were needed to open the gates," she explained.

"So you think the reason he never could find it was that he never had the right item or key?" Leo asked. She shrugged.

"Could be. I mean in the movie National Treasure, they needed an ancient map in the form of wooden, carved planks and in the Road to El Dorado, they needed a legendary map as well," Eva replied.

"Do you think that quipu Natalie wanted so badly is the key?" Emma asked.

"It's hard to say, but quipus usually store information. It's more likely that it's directions to a map or key of some sort," Eva replied. Leo looked around and stepped closer to his siblings.

"Have we considered that the chalice might be the key?" he asked in a hushed tone. His sisters looked at him in surprise.

"I guess...it's definitely possible," Emma surmised.

"Everything always comes back to it...and we know Clayton was obsessed with the chalice," Eva agreed.

"Which means, once again, Mom and Dad are going to be in the middle of this crap again if that turns out to be true," Leo sighed.

"It would make sense if only those deemed worthy could find it or enter it," Eva agreed.

"Okay...but none of us, least of all Mom and Dad, care about gold or riches," Emma said.

"Which probably makes them worthy," Leo reasoned.

"True...but my point is that we're going to stop Junior from murdering people for this information. That's the whole point of this mission," Emma said.

"And?" Leo asked.

"I think she means that we carry out that part of the mission and be done. We stop him from hurting people, neutralize him and our wayward Aunt we just found out about and then we're done," Eva replied.

"Exactly and we get permission to take the quipu back for safekeeping in Milo and Kida's museum. If it's really the key to some kind of treasure, then it should probably be locked away somewhere that it can be protected," Emma said.

"I like that idea...none of us need treasure and usually that kind of treasure just breeds trouble," Leo agreed.

"We know that if that quipu reveals that the Chalice is the key that Junior will do whatever he has to in order to force Mom and Dad to find that treasure for him. I say we shut it down and stop him cold," Emma said.

"Then we better hurry. The Jolly Roger is fast...but they still went by plane. They're going to beat us," Leo replied.

"Yeah...but not by much. I'll see if I can offer some more magic in the sails," Emma said, as she went to tell her husband their plan.

"I just hope we're not too late to help the people he's after," Eva fretted.

"We'll make it...like Emma said, this ship is almost as fast as a plane would be," Leo offered. She nodded and decided to call Paul to give him an update, while Leo decided to do the same with Elsa.

~*~

Flashback

"This is a disaster!" Hera raged, as she stormed around her Temple.

"I know it is a setback, but I have already informed our subjects that they will have to meet directly with the Goddess and be very convincing," Blue said.

"Oh, it's just like that sanctimonious bitch, Dione, to pull something like this," Hera hissed.

"Yes...it appears she foresaw something like this. But giving it to her naive daughter is foolish and we will prove that," Blue assured.

"We had better. Without it...I cannot dethrone Zeus and gain full power over the skies," Hera said.

"You will be supreme Queen and Zeus will fall. And the best part is...that we'll use his precious daughter to orchestrate his demise," Blue replied.

"Go...make sure nothing goes wrong during their meeting," Hera urged. Blue obeyed and shrank into her fairy size, before returning to Thebes to do as instructed.

Beryl and Sirius kissed passionately, as Aphrodite observed them in the woman's home.

"I cannot tell you what an honor it is to host you in our home, Goddess," Beryl gushed, as she poured them more wine.

"You have been a very gracious hostess," Aphrodite agreed, as she tried to discern the feelings she was getting from them. On the surface, they seemed very in love and genuine...but there just seemed to be something off that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Oh mother...please give me your guidance," Aphrodite prayed silently.

"We plan to get married in the garden in just a few days...would you honor us by attending?" Sirius asked.

"I would love to attend, but I must be perfectly honest with you. There has been no spark between you. While I don't doubt your love...there must be a spark to take on the mantle of my champions," Aphrodite replied.

"Oh...you mean a sapling?" Beryl asked. Aphrodite was surprised by her knowledge. No one but she and her parents were aware of the true love sapling, save for Blue, of course.

"You created a sapling?" Aphrodite asked.

"Yes...it was the most extraordinary thing. We were in the gardens and it grew before us. Would you like to see it?" Sirius questioned.

"I would very much like to see it," Aphrodite said, as they led her into the garden and to a baby tree and had clearly just been planted. Her heart sank and she felt that she had been made a fool. They must have thought her to be stupid and that she wouldn't know the difference. Mother had warned that there would be those that would try to deceive her for power and that she would instantly know an imposter from the real thing. But she did not let on yet.

"Extraordinary," she lied, as she looked at them and saw the hunger for power in their eyes.

"So...we can be given the Chalice, correct?" Beryl asked. Aphrodite nodded.

"There are some preparations I must do...but we can meet tomorrow for the formal presentation," the Goddess replied.

"Excellent...we shall see you then," Sirius said, as Aphrodite disappeared in a puff of orange smoke and then reappeared in her father's Temple. He was away at the moment, with Hermes, to another realm. They were observing some other Gods, one named Odin, and his battle to lock his destructive daughter, Hela, away and stop her slaughter. She couldn't rely on him to help with this one and therefore, she had to expose them herself. Fortunately, her mother's looking glass would help her gather the Intel she needed and if they really were imposters, then it would not take them long to show their true colors.

~*~

Present Day

"You know, I should have known," Tink mentioned, as she looked up from her copy and she lounged in one of the comfy chairs in Rose's library.

"Should have known what?" Rose asked, as she looked up from her copy.

"Wow...you're further along than me," Tink mentioned. Rose smirked.

"I read...a lot," she said.

"You have a point. Anyway, I mean that I should have guessed that at least part of Blue's hatred stems simply from being found out by Aphrodite and being denied power," Tink replied.

"It certainly looks that way. She tried to create her own true love couple to get the chalice and I imagine it ended up blowing up in her face," Rose said.

"It's all starting to make sense. This has to be why she tried to worm her way into Snow and Charming's good graces back in the Enchanted Forest," Tink replied.

"That does make sense. Without the curse, they would have ruled two Kingdoms in Misthaven. And she would have been an adviser, trying to use and manipulate them at every turn," Rose surmised.

"Thankfully...her lies about the wardrobe made Snow and David doubt her or she might have retained her place of trust at their side," Tink said.

"Hera could have ended up being a problem too. Never thought we'd thank Seth for that small favor," Rose replied. Tink scoffed.

"That's for sure. I still say Snow should have just left her as a garden gnome. We'd all be better off," the blonde said.

"Is that so?" a voice said, as Blue appeared in the room and they jumped up.

"Well...come out of hiding finally, murderer?" Tink asked snidely.

"You always did have a wicked tongue," Blue hissed back.

"Oh, she's not the wicked one...that's you," Rose assured.

"You're going to give me those books now," Blue demanded.

"It's too late to stop the truth from coming out. Aphrodite and James are finding out everything they need to know in the Underworld right now," Tink boasted. Blue frowned and she became enraged, as she used her stolen wand to vault blasts of magic in their direction. Rose dodged, while Tink countered with her own wand.

"You can't win against me…" Blue said smugly, as one of her blasts hit Tink, knocking her down.

"No!" Rose cried, as the fairy turned to her.

"I guess I'll be adding you to my kill list, Rose Red, unless you give me that book," Blue threatened. Rose was silent in her refusal and Blue raised her wand.

"Then so be it," she hissed. Rose gasped and closed her eyes, but the blast never came, as Fandral deflected the magic expertly with his sword.

"Drop the wand, gnat…" Fandral warned.

"Or what?" she challenged.

"Or we'll find out if your magic is a match for an Asgardian warrior," he responded. She smirked.

"Magic is always far superior to brute strength," she boasted.

"Oh, I'd put my money on Fandral in a battle, but we don't want you dead," Zorro said, as he surprised her by sneaking up from behind and pouring squid ink on her.

"You tricked me…" she realized.

"I didn't like it when my lovely angel suggested that she be the bait for you...but as always she was right and it worked," he said, as he put his arm around Rose's waist.

"She is a genius, as usual," he boasted, as they shared a tender kiss. Tink walked up to her with a smug smirk, took her wand, and put a magic suppressing cuff on her.

"Enjoy prison...because you're never getting out," she promised.

"You hope," Blue growled, as she was led away by Fandral's men.

"Well...now that she's finally caught, I'll keep reading since I'm behind and let you two enjoy this victory alone," Tink said, as she made her exit.

"You were amazing, as usual, my love. Always my hero," Rose boasted, as they shared a tender kiss.

~*~

There were choked sobs in the room, as Johnny used his fists on the man. Things had started off peacefully when they arrived in a small village near Cusco, the village of the Golden Condor, which was tucked away in the Andes Mountains and on the path to the famed Machu Picchu. Ancestors of the Inca dwelled there, but none still spoke their dead language. None but one teenaged girl. A prodigy in many languages, including the one of the Inca people that was very nearly lost for all time.

Natalie had tried to peacefully persuade her family to allow her to translate the quipu, but the girl's father had seen right through her and knew exactly what she believed the quipu to be. A path to an ancient treasure that, if it belonged to anyone, it would be their family and people. When he refused, Johnny had stepped in, despite her protest, and began to use his grotesque methods to force them into submission.

"You can make this very easy, mate...all your daughter has to do is translate the damn knots and strings for my lovely companion and we will be on our way," Johnny said. The man coughed up blood, while his wife cowered in the corner, holding their crying teenage daughter.

"Never...you could never be worthy of the secrets of our ancestors," he refuted, earning him another vicious punch to the gut and more crying out from his family.

"Johnny stop...this is sick. He's not going to tell us anything," Natalie implored. He smirked.

"You're right...let's go right to the source," he said, as he grabbed the young girl's arm. Her mother cried out and tried to grasp her daughter, but he pulled her away.

"You are quite the young beauty," he mentioned.

"Now...all you have to do to keep your parents alive is translate this for us," he said. She looked at him fearfully and then relented, as she took the quipu in her hand. She spread it out on the table and studied it for a moment.

"Well?" Johnny asked impatiently.

"It's very complicated to translate. I need time," the girl replied.

"Well...we don't have a lot of time and neither do your parents if we don't get this translation," he warned.

"Easy...she's right. These things are not easy to read or there would be more people that could do it. And she's just a kid," Natalie chided. He was silent, as the young girl tried to decipher the hidden message. She gasped, getting their attention.

"What is it?" Natalie asked.

"Um...this quipu was created by an ancient Inca Princess...one that I'm named after," she revealed.

"And of what significance is this?" Johnny questioned.

"This Princess...she left our homeland for another and became a Queen. The Dragon Queen," she revealed. The greed practically bled from Johnny's eyes at that point.

"Then...this is it. This will lead us to a massive treasure, yes?" he asked. Before she could answer, a portal appeared and Snow and David walked through. Thalia drew her gun, but Regina tossed a fireball at her, causing her to drop it and she found her wrists restrained in zip ties with a wave of the former Queen's hand.

"Don't move," David warned, as he leveled his gun at the Collector's son, while Emma confiscated his gun. Rumple restrained him as well and Xander approached Natalie, as their eyes met.

"You gonna tie my hands too?" she challenged.

"Only if we need to," David interjected, as Snow turned her attention to the young girl and her family. The girl looked at her in astonishment, as she set the chalice down.

"Don't worry...we're here to help," Snow said.

"That...that's the chalice of Venus!" she said.

"You know what this is?" Snow asked. She nodded.

"My family...we are descended from the Inca Princess that left our homeland to become the Dragon Queen…" she revealed, as Eva knelt beside the man she assumed was the girl's father.

"It's okay...I can heal you," she assured. He looked wary, but then nodded, as she healed his minor wounds. He looked at her in amazement, as he felt instant relief from the pain.

"You are the ones the legends speak of…" the girl's mother said. Emma sighed.

"Boy...you were on point with this one," she told her sister.

"Believe me...I wish I wasn't," Eva said.

"Your ancestor was the Dragon Queen?" Snow asked curiously. The girl nodded.

"Can you tell us about that?" she asked.

"We can...but not with them," the girl replied, as she looked at the others, mostly Johnny. Snow smiled.

"Don't worry...that's why we came. To stop them from hurting you and stealing a legacy that doesn't belong to them," she said.

"I'm Snow White," she introduced herself.

"My name is Zia. Zia Ramos," she replied, as she was instantly trusting of Snow's warmth and kindness. She stood up and started to stumble, but felt someone catch her. She looked up, seeing a boy about her age.

"Careful…" Bobby said. She smiled.

"Thanks," she replied, as they shared a long gaze.

"We'll put these three in the brig and then come back. Then you can tell us about the legend," David said.

"Wait!" Natalie called, as they looked at her.

"I've searched my entire life for Cibola...I deserve to hear this," she said.

"You deserve it? The same way they deserved your harassment and assault?" David countered.

"Believe it or not...I protested that part of it," she insisted.

"If you stand by while he abuses people, then you're no better than him," David argued.

"Wow...it must be so nice up there on your pedestal. I thought you at least understood that things aren't always so black and white," she countered.

"She's right...she's not part of them. She's part of us," Xander interjected. David scoffed, but didn't protest further, as he felt Snow slip her hand in his.

"Well...that didn't take long. You've known you're a Charming less than a day and you've already betrayed me," Johnny accused.

"I'm not betraying you...but if this is real, I need to see it, even if I can't touch any of it. Trust me...they clearly don't want me," she replied.

"Natalie…" Thalia started to say.

"Save it mother...you're not changing my mind," she said. Rumple waved his hand and Johnny and Thalia disappeared, having been sent to the brig aboard the Jolly Roger.

"Okay...now you can speak freely," Snow said. Zia nodded.

"These are my parents, Santo and Irina," she said.

"Thank you...for saving us," Irina said. Snow smiled.

"I'm just glad we got here in time," she replied.

"This is my husband David. Our children, Emma, Leo, Eva, Summer, and Bobby. And these are our friends," Snow said.

"There is somewhere we should show you...since you are the Queen's successors," Santo said.

"Yes...it is a bit of a trek, if you're able," Irina added.

"That shouldn't be a problem," David agreed, as they followed them through their village and onto a mountain pass way. It would seem that their journey here had just begun.

~*~

Flashback

"You were right," Sirius said, as he poured a drink.

"She bought our story," he said, as he sipped at the amber colored liquid.

"Just don't mess this up or let your guard down. Zeus is away for another day or so. We must get the chalice before he returns and becomes wise to our plan. He'll know instantly that you could never be worthy of his precious dead wife's chalice," Blue said. Sirius smirked.

"So Zeus knows of me...I must be doing something right to have such a reputation," he boasted.

"Oh he knows of you and doesn't approve of anything you do. Fortunately, he lets mortals have their free will," Blue replied.

"And if he were to find out? I imagine the penalty for deceiving his precious little flower would be horrific," Beryl said.

"That's why he can't find out," Blue replied.

"Don't worry...everything is going according to plan," he said.

"Now...if you'll excuse me, I have another deal to tend to," Sirius said.

~*~

Aphrodite watched through her mother's magic looking glass, seething the entire time. She was watching Sirius Clayton, the man that claimed Beryl was his one true love, kiss a random woman he had met in a tavern that evening. But that wasn't the full scope of it. Thanks to her mother's looking glass, she had discovered Blue and Hera's plot to obtain her mother's chalice by deceiving her with this mortal pair. If she chose them as her champions, then they would have access to an incredible power that would rival her father's. He would be furious when he found out and likely punish all involved in the plot. But not before she had her own say in their punishment by confronting them.

She disappeared in a puff of orange smoke and reappeared at the entrance to the tavern, before bursting inside.

She drew instant attention, of course. She was the Goddess Aphrodite, after all, and was well revered for her beauty and kindness in Thebes. But she was not feeling kind at the moment, as she stormed over to Sirius Clayton's table.

"You must take me for quite the fool, Mr. Clayton," she hissed.

"Goddess...this isn't what it looks like," he stated.

"Oh, I think we know it's exactly what it looks like. Don't play dumb...I know all about your plot with the Blue Fairy and my devious step-mother," she growled.

"You and your impostor fiance will never touch my chalice or have its power. And when my father returns...he'll most surely punish all of you for your attempted coupe," she said angrily, as she disappeared in a storm of orange and reappeared on Olympus, where her step-mother sat in the Throne that once belonged to her mother.

"I know everything…" Aphrodite said angrily.

"So it would seem. Do you plan to tattle to your father?" Hera challenged.

"That you're plotting to get my mother's chalice and overthrow him? How can I not?" she questioned hotly. Hera smirked.

"That's unfortunate," she said.

"I'm sorry...but my father must know the woman he has married," Aphrodite replied.

"No dear...I meant unfortunate for you," Hera said, as Blue appeared and distracted the younger Goddess.

"And you...father trusted you, but I will make sure he knows where your loyalty is. And you will never have the power of my mother's chalice," Aphrodite warned.

"Don't cross me, you little tramp. If I can't have that power...then I'll make sure you suffer...eternally," Blue growled. Aphrodite saw the sneak attack out of the corner of her eye, but it was too late to dodge it.

Hera hit her with a massive blast and she screamed, as she fell from Olympus and to the Earth. Blue and Hera looked down to where she fell with pleased smiles.

"What if she survives?" Blue asked.

"Oh, she'll survive, but she won't remember the last few days. I laced that spell with the evaporated waters of Lethe. She'll awaken confused and when Zeus returns, he'll retrieve her. We can blame her peril on the mortals in Thebes. Zeus will react with fury and ask questions later," Hera said.

"And what of the chalice?" Blue asked.

"There will be another opportunity. She'll choose her champions eventually and we'll do everything we can to manipulate them. We will have the chalice," Hera replied.

~*~

Aphrodite whimpered, as she lay semi-unconscious at the bottom of a mountain in the Greek countryside. As she opened her eyes, a shadow fell over her and she looked up to see a handsome, shaggy haired man above her.

"Help…" she croaked, before passing out again. The young man put down his shepherd crook and lifted the beautiful woman into his arms, before carrying her back to his farm to get her the help she needed…

~*~

Present Day

Snow and David trekked along the mountain pass, following the other family, hand in hand.

"You seem a bit more relaxed," Snow said, as she nudged him and he smiled over at her.

"Well…Johnny Clayton is locked up, which means the world is automatically safer," he replied.

"And you didn't lock your sister up," she mentioned.

"No...Dad did that. I would have," he replied.

"Mmm…I know you better than anyone, Charming. You love your family...and she is your blood. That means you're going to help her when she needs it," Snow countered. He sighed.

"What if she doesn't want this family? What if she doesn't want my help?" he asked.

"It's obvious to me that she has a bit of an obsession with finding this supposed fabled city...but she doesn't seem like she wants to hurt anyone to do it," she replied.

"No...she's content to just stand by and let her evil boyfriend do the dirty work," he complained.

"David…" she chided.

"She made bad choices, but I know you...and you want to show her a better way. That's all she needs," Snow reasoned. He sighed.

"You just can't let me be mad and brood a bit longer?" he half joked. She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"You're not an angry person. You have to try really hard to stay mad...even at your father and while the brooding can be sexy, I think it's time all come together," she said.

"Think about it...if we're the only ones that can access this mysterious place, then that means we have the power to give a piece of ancient culture back to the people it is intended for," Snow said. He slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her hair.

"No one is as good as you...and the fact that you're mine still humbles me every day," he whispered.

"If I'm good...it's because I have a man that loves me so deeply and incredibly that it still takes my breath away on a daily basis," she replied, as they stopped and he took the opportunity to kiss her passionately.

"This is it," Santo said, as they arrived at a flat plane along the mountain path, which had oddly shaped rocky outcroppings.

"And...what exactly are we looking at?" Leo asked, not seeing anything of significance.

"We cannot see it...but the Chalice of Venus will reveal it," Irina replied.

"Our Princess, Zia Troyano, was the Inca's brightest star. She was set to bring peace to our people and out of our bloody past. With her as Queen, the Inca would have become peaceful. There would have been no more war or conquering of other tribes," Santo said.

"But then the conquistadors came and the Inca were conquered. Her father, King Upanki, used the secret sorcery of the Inca to force Zia to escape this land before they were overtaken by Pizarro's army," Irina explained.

"Let me guess, that secret sorcery was a portal," Eva deduced. She smiled.

"You are very bright and correct," she praised.

"So that's how the Dragon Queen ended up in our home realm," Snow realized.

"Yes...she left for a short time and returned periodically to tell her story to those that remained. She became a legend and used the power of the chalice to conceal our people's remaining knowledge and treasure," Irina said.

"So...this is where the city is? Inside this mountain?" David asked.

"No...but the answers are likely here, in the place she called home when she was here in this realm," Irina replied.

"And once inside, I can read the quipu," Zia added. Snow and David raised the chalice and it glowed. They all watched in amazement, as the rocky outcroppings formed a gate with a giant golden colored bird above it.

"Her husband's symbol may have been the Dragon, but hers was a golden condor," Santo said, as the gates swung open. They walked through the gates and found themselves in a luxurious castle. Among the items with an ornate, golden Throne were shelves filled with scrolls, stone tablets, and various other artifacts, including dozens of quipus.

"And...you've never seen any of this?" Snow asked.

"N...no," Irina said in amazement.

"This is...all thought to be lost to our people," she uttered.

"She was protecting it from conquerors and outside governments," Regina realized.

"This is amazing…" JJ mentioned. Summer smiled at him.

"I mean, I thought it was cool when you said you'd been to Atlantis, but this is better," he said, as they looked at the collections of jade statues. Summer smiled.

"Trust me...it is. Atlantis could have been great if Clayton hadn't made it into a prison," Summer said.

"But this...is better," she agreed.

"But it's still not Cibola...so what's in that quipu?" Natalie asked impatiently.

"You can't have any of it...it's not yours," David countered.

"Doesn't mean I still don't want to see it," she said.

"This stuff isn't going to fulfill your life…" he warned.

"Oh...so you have a sister for five minutes and I'm already getting the big brother lectures," she said sarcastically.

"He's right...you have a family. One that's willing to fight for you," Xander said.

"That's rich, coming from you," she countered.

"I made a lot of mistakes. I'm trying to make up for them with David and I'd like to do the same with you," he confessed, as she gave him a long look.

"No need...I've gotten along just fine without a father and a brother. I want to see it and then we can be done," she replied.

"I'm with her. Let's get this over with. This story will get me a decent payday once I report it," Nora said.

"If we let this get out, people wanting a payday will come out of the woodwork," Belle reasoned.

"She's right...and that begs the question on what your government will do for this, Major Donovan. We know that it has killed for far less than this," Rumple interjected, as they looked at Patricia.

"He's right...they can't be in on this," David said.

"David...it's not that simple," she argued.

"It is that simple. I'm willing to help you take down people like Clayton. I will not have you or anyone else destroying a culture that doesn't belong to them," he replied. She sighed.

"Well...it sounds like I can't get to any of this without the chalice, so there's no need to report any of it," she relented.

"Are you serious? If I can't report any of this...then why the hell am I even here?" Nora asked.

"Good question," Leo deadpanned.

"Go ahead...no matter what, we have ways of protecting you," Snow assured the girl, as she spread the quipu out on the floor and began attempting to decipher it once more.

"To be read only in the presence of my successors. Only those chosen by the Goddess Aphrodite can be trusted with the legacy of my native people and will make sure the treasure is protected," she recited.

"When the Conquerors were coming, we used the ancient sorcery of our people to conceal the city. Only those chosen by true love can find it among the ruins of the lost island of Mu. The island was destroyed by an evil man, bent on collecting the culture for his own and used the powers within the vast city of Atlantis to destroy most of the island," she recited.

"Clayton...or his ancestors," David realized.

"But some survived and I sustained them with magic. Only the chalice can reveal it," Zia said, as she looked up.

"The quipu has coordinates," she added.

"Then I guess we're going to this island. Can you translate the coordinates?" Snow asked.

"Yes…I just need something to write it down with," she replied. Regina poofed her a pen and paper, which she proceeded to use. When she was done, she handed the paper to the former Queen, who then handed it to Hook.

"I need a map…" he said, as Rumple conjured one for him and he used it to plot the location.

"Here…" he said.

"In the middle of the Pacific ocean?" Emma asked.

"There are no landmasses in this location, at least that can be seen," Hook replied.

"It must be hidden like the quipu said," Regina surmised.

"We encourage you to go...if our Queen entrusted this to you, then we trust you as well," Irina said.

"Yes, unfortunately, we are needed here and cannot go," Santo added.

"But Papa...we have waited for something like this for a very long time," Zia argued.

"And that's why you can go with them...this is your destiny, little one, though we will worry endlessly," Irina fretted. Snow stepped in.

"We'll take care of her and bring her back unharmed," she promised and the other mother nodded.

"Then we should go and get back to the Jolly Roger. Looks like this adventure has just begun," David said.

[homestuckexamination]

The format of that description looks to 100% like the real thing :O Did you spend a lot of time making it look as similar as possible, or is it part of a fan adventure or something like that? (Because I would totally want to read it if it was real)

I kinda wrote it on the spot back when I made it! She’s actually repurposed from an older OC of mine that I’m using for other things, so I had a solid idea about how she was already, and simply adapted it to an Alternian setting.

I HAVE considered making a Fanadventure in the past, but noooo way, I don’t have a team of people and it’d be way too much work for a side project X3. I would love to get involved in something big and Homestuck-y, but as a hobby, running four different blogs and doing art keeps me busy enough as is. Most of my OCs are either for Fun, or for planned Fan-Session RPs I’ve had with my friends, so there’s nothing really public around!

Also, I found my documents, so I now remember their Classpects and have all of their descriptions here!

Rhoxym - Seer of Doom

Jamita - Thief of Rage

Your name is JAMITASELKEE.

You think everyoneshould TAKE A STEP BACK and CHILL THE FUCK DOWN. Born as one of the rare JADECASTE, you have no shame in admitting your status as a RUNAWAY, and in fact,REVEL IN IT. You hold a PROFOUND BELIEF that everyone was put on this world fora purpose, and you are OUT TO FIND YOURS. Everything in nature, everything inlife, has a CONNECTION, a MEANING, and the more time you spend searching forthe MISSING PIECES IN YOUR LIFE, the more you have come to notice how ABSURDYOUR ENTIRE SOCIETY IS.

Everything from theCASTE SYSTEM to your SOCIETAL CONVENTIONS make absolutely no sense to you,which is why you’re lucky to be part of the ONLY CASTE IN YOUR SPECIES able towithstand the SEARING HEAT OF THE DAY, allowing to wander when NO ONE IS OUT TOFIND YOU. Furthermore, ever since your awakening as a RAINBOWDRINKER, you havehad no problems scaring away PROSECUTORS and even occasionally IMPERIAL DRONESthat wandered too close. You like trying to make others SEE THE WAY YOU DO,preferring REASON over VIOLENCE. However your INTENSE, OCCASIONAL THIRST FORBLOOD makes it hard to keep encounters CIVIL all the time. But that’s okay,your LUSUS helps you trap unsuspecting Trolls and Lusii for you to FEED ON. HerQUICK SANDS were the first thing that taught you patience and calm in diresituations, and for that you are EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO HER, allowing her todevour the CARCASSES OF THE DECEASED, DRAINED BODIES YOU LEAVE BEHIND. LususCarcasses. Not Troll Carcasses, God dammit, you TRY TO NOT DRAIN THOSE OF YOURSPECIES COMPLETELY.

You are as much of aROOKIE PHILOSOPHER as you are a CONNOSIER OF FINE BLOODS, and without manymaterial possessions, some of your favorite past times involve HEATEDPOLITICAL, RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES. These are the only times youtend to get CARRIED AWAY with more long winded messages and stronger emotionalresponses. You believe any ARGUMENT or GRUDGE can be solved with aHEART-TO-HEART, and often AUSPISTICE BETWEEN YOUR FRIENDS, even when they don’task for your help. SPECIALLY when they don’t ask for your help. You tend toKNOW BETTER than they do after all.

Your search for newENLIGHTENED HEIGHTS and your PURPOSE IN LIFE has led you to the occasionalconsumption of PSYCHOSOMATIC STIMULANTS, but with your lifestyle, it has becomeincreasingly difficult to find any of the GOOD STUFF around. You’re so closethough. You have been tracking your BLOODLINE for SWEEPS, and have spent DAYSIN DEEP MEDITATION over the plan PARADOX SPACE has for you, and you just FEELlike something is just about to UNLOCK YOUR CHAKRAS AT ANY MOMENT. But untilthen, you will just KICK BACK, RELAX and LET THE ECHOES OF NATURE FLOW THROUGHYOU.

Your username is transcendentMediator,and you kind of. don’t care about small talk. until you find something you careabout™.

Shikra - Bard of Doom

Your name is SHIKRAOMYINE and you have been VERY, VERY BAD.

Those of your blood,at the bottom of the HEMOSPECTRUM, are often treated with disrespect, and madeto face all sorts of ABUSE AND HUMILIATIONS, but out of all rustbloods you’repossibly the one with the MOST ROTTEN LUCK out there. You must have really donesomething extremely wrong in a past life, because KARMA is always a BITCH whenit comes to you.

As such, you’ve oftentried to SEEK REPENTANCE in order to sate the FORCES OF FATE ATTEMPTING TO DICKWITH YOU. And somehow, every single time, it BACKFIRES TREMENDOUSLY. But it’sokay. You’ve gotten USED TO IT with time. You have learned well that fate issomething you can’t stop. That NO ONE CAN STOP. Karmic destinies,predestination, they’re shackles tying civilization down, leading it down thepath of inevitability, and you’re pretty much just ALONG FOR THE RIDE ASEVERYTHING BURNS AROUND YOU.

You have NOCONVICTION when it comes to fighting fate, but if you believe it to be yourdestiny to do something, or see someone resisting their own fate, you will GOFUCKING NUTS and PUSH THEM THE WAY THEY ARE MEANT TO GO, no matter what thatfate of theirs may be.

Your room is aCOMPLETE AND UTTER MESS, you don’t remember the LAST TIME YOU CLEANED IT UP,but then again you also barely remember the LAST TIME YOU TOOK A SHOWER. Whybother after all? Everything is going to end up the same way in the end.

While some may callyour outlook on life FATALISTIC and OUTRIGHT WRONG, you have been using thisdemeanor of yours to HELP OTHER LOWBLOODS, specially other rusties, to ACCEPTTHEIR ULTIMATE FATE. You have held several congregations in your hive for thosewho have given up, and HELPED SPEED UP THEIR DEMISE. It feels good relievingsomeone of their SUFFERING.

…

Yeah.

You may be a bit of aFUCKING PSYCHOPATH.

Your username isominousEntropy, and you come across… as somewhat manipulative at times… haha…?;)

Tiamat - Page of Breath

Your name is TIAMAT SAAVAN, and you can’t remember the last time you TOOK AN ABLUTION. 

Not that there’s anyone around to MAKE YOU DO IT- And even if they were, what COULD they do about it? You’re probably one of the BIGGEST TROLLS YOUR AGE in just about every way, from the IMMENSE MANE that rivals that of HER IMPERIOUS CONDESCENSION’S, to your POWERFUL LEGS, which you have cracked QUITE A FEW LUSUS SKULLS with. You like HUNTING PREY, but if there’s anything better than that, it has to be MESSING WITH IT FIRST. OTHER TROLLS make particularly fun targets, when they find a SEEMINGLY LOST GIRL, alone in the JUNGLE. You get FREEBIES by TAGGING ALONG with them, but occasionally, you have also DRAGGED THEM BACK TO YOUR HIVE or ATTACKED THEM depending on the circumstances.

The area you live in is YOUR TERRITORY, which you inherited from your CHOLERBEAR LUSUS when you BESTED HER IN WILD, FERAL COMBAT. She was an overbearing burden either way, but taking your ONLY PARENTAL FIGURE so early in life, and in such an isolated location, had… CONSEQUENCES. DRONES don’t patrol this far into the Jungle, which also means you’ve spent a good chunk of your life ISOLATED FROM CIVILIZATION. Your Hive isn’t even in Imperial Records, having been CARVED through the years from a FALLEN, ANCIENT TREE, first by your Lusus and then by you. You have NO EXPERIENCE with social interactions, and yet, ironically, because of this, you possess a MATERNAL, NURTURING INSTINCT practically UNSEEN in most of Trollkind.

It was only last sweep that you got your hands on a PALMHUSK from one of the Trolls wandering too far into the woods. TURNING A NEW PAGE in your life, realizing that there’s more to the world than you thought it was, you’ve been… Trying to make friends. But sometimes you just need to STEP BACK and CATCH YOUR BREATH before you burn yourself out. 

Your trolltag is untamedPersuasion, and you. not really good. with big words yet. :( but you. try. :3

Lilith - Lord of Void

Your name is. 

Your name- 

… 

You have some PROBLEMS. 

Your name is LILITH MIRREA and you’re a completely AVERAGE TEALBLOOD.

You cannot exactly RECALL how most of your LAST WEEK has gone, or your ENTIRE LIFE for that matter. Everything BLURS together when you spend most of your waking hours in AUTOPILOT.

Your peers know you as an EXEMPLARY LEGISLACERATOR IN TRAINING. You have been STUDYING ALTERNIAN LAW from a young age, got yourself a NICE HIVE for you and your BLIND ANACONDA MOM, and proceeded to… Wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Night after night, you READ ALTERNIAN LAW. You TALK TO YOUR PEERS. You present yourself as the PERFECT ALTERNIAN CITIZEN, PERFECTLY RUTHLESS when needed, PERFECTLY COMPLIANT when required, PERFECTLY AVERAGE, PERFECTLY FINE. 

PERFECTLY DEAD INSIDE. 

You swear hardly a SINGLE ACTION you’ve done in your life has been your own. You STRUGGLE ENORMOUSLY with concepts regarding IDENTIY and WORTH, in a world that has proven to encourage keeping this SOUL-CRUSHING DAY-TO-DAY of yours. You have NOTHING you care about. You have NO ONE you trust enough to TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS, and you lack any semblance of WILL or DRIVE to accomplish anything in your life.

So you just keep going. The PERFECT ALTERNIAN ROLE MODEL. You KEEP WAITING. So that maybe something will eventually FILL THIS VOID inside of you. But… GOOD LORD.

You don’t know how long you can keep this up.

Your trolltag is listlessConduit, And you really talk in a sort of disinterested manner because like I dont know I guess some conversations are okay from time to time maybe

[thepropertylovers]

Feature Friday with Matthew Chaffee

Happy Friday, friends. Though the weeks are running together and what day it is means almost nothing anymore, we’re so happy it’s finally the weekend. The last few weeks have been some of the busiest for us (feeling grateful for that) and we’re looking forward to relaxing just a bit this weekend. Do you have any fun plans?

This week’s Feature Friday is Matthew, who shares what it was like growing up in a conservative environment, the response he got from his senior high school class when he came out in front of them by reading an essay (!), and his advice for those struggling to come out. We enjoyed getting to know Matthew and we think you will, too. See what we mean below…

What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to and why? Unfortunately, my answer to this question isn’t very exciting. Growing up, my family never had a lot of extra money to spend on traveling, so most of our vacations consisted of road trips around the Midwest. Don’t get me wrong, I got to see some fascinating places and make great memories with my family, but I haven’t been anywhere particularly exotic. I have been to New York City twice, both times for a music department tour in high school, and I’d have to say that it’s probably my favorite place I’ve traveled to. It was so much bigger and so much more cosmopolitan than anything I had ever seen or was used to, so it was quite overwhelming. The sheer vibrancy of it all – the lights, the smells, the languages – was intoxicating. Attending a performance of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway would probably have to go on my list of top ten life experiences thus far. It’s definitely not somewhere I could live for any length of time, but for somewhere to visit, it was phenomenal. 

Where did you grow up? What was your environment like? I’ve spent the entirety of my life living in West Michigan, which, as you may or may not know, is pretty traditional and conservative. More specifically, I’m from Grandville, which is a city of about 16,000 located in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Dutch heritage and Reformed (Protestant) Christian values play a big role in shaping the culture of the circles I grew up in. I attended a Christian Reformed Church, and I was educated in a private Christian school where my graduating class consisted of approximately seventy students. My family consists of myself, my mother, my father, and my brother, who is five years younger than me. I am very close with my parents, and I’d say my relationship with my brother is typical of siblings with our age gap. Family and faith have always been central parts of my life, and I don’t foresee that changing. 

How did your environment growing up shape who you are as a person? Growing up in a pretty conservative area definitely had an impact on my younger years. I remember in elementary school, like many children, I would parrot my parents’ political views when “discussing” politics with my peers. However, with the growing revelation about my sexuality that came with puberty, my views slowly began to change. Another catalyst for my shifting views occurred in middle school, when a good friend of mine was deported to Guatemala due to an error in her parents’ paperwork. The injustice of it all really impacted me and opened my eyes to a world that before had been largely hidden. High school gave me my first opportunity to connect with international students. As I have always been interested in learning about different cultures, I quickly befriended them and even helped start my high school’s International Club, which provided opportunities for American and international students to interact and attend various cultural events. Finally, my Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tim have played a major role in exposing me to issues concerning social justice. Although both of them grew up in West Michigan – just like my parents – their life circumstances have provided them with opportunities not experienced by most of my other family members. Because of this, they have always stood out to me as being somehow “different”, more engaged and more vibrant and passionate than most people I know. As I grew older and began paying more attention to the things my Aunt and Uncle would talk about, I began to realize the value behind the causes they were advocating. When taken together, my friends, my family, my sexuality, and my desire to continuously learn and expand my horizons have shaped me into who I am today. 

What’s one interesting fact about you? Besides English, I’m speak conversational Spanish and basic French and Korean. I also can play piano and trumpet, and I love to sing (though I don’t know if I’m any good or not, since I’m too shy to sing in front of anyone). 

What is one thing you love about yourself? Learning to love myself hasn’t been easy; it’s a process, and definitely something I’m still working on. But one thing I’ve always been proud of is my imagination. I’m a dreamer, and my mind is a wild place. I keep a running note on my phone of all the random, crazy things I think up so that maybe someday I can make them happen. 

What brings you the most joy in life? Oh boy. There are so many things I could talk about here. I love being outdoors. In particular, I love to bike. Bike trails are plentiful where I live, and Grand Rapids has begun to install bike lanes, so getting around and finding new places to ride is a cinch. My favorite ride is from Grand Rapids out to Lake Michigan, which I do a few times every summer with my best friend. Other outdoor activities I enjoy are hiking and hammocking. I firmly believe that everyone should own a good hammock. In addition to outdoor activities, I love to cook and bake. My specialties are ice cream and gourmet mac & cheese. Someday I hope to write a mac & cheese cookbook and title it “MAC: The Complete Guy to Everyone’s Childhood Favorite” (M-A-C are my initials). I also make a mean hummus. I love to learn. I’ve spent countless hours on Wikipedia reading about the most arbitrary topics. Whether it’s German political parties or the Japanese folklore, I’ve probably read about it. Nothing is off limits. As a result, my mind is a veritable treasure trove of random and mostly useless facts. Finally, I find joy in spending quality time with friends and family. Whether it’s playing ultimate frisbee, exploring a new city, dumpster diving at Krispy Kreme (a tradition at my college), or having late-night campfire talks, I’m down for just about anything as long as I’m with the right people. 

How old were you when you came out? What was your experience like? My coming out experience was a rather long process. Pretty much as soon as I began to have romantic feelings toward people, I realized that I had them for both guys and girls. This was around fourth or fifth grade, and I told myself that it was normal, that I wasn’t actually attracted to guys, but that I just knew that some guys were really good-looking. Once I reached middle school, I started to come to terms with the fact that maybe I was attracted to guys. But I continued to tell myself that I was more attracted to girls. I did the whole “percentage” thing, where I was like, “okay, I’m eighty percent straight, twenty percent gay.” I first came out as bisexual to my friend Carly. Freshman year of high school I told a few more friends that I was bi, and it went over pretty well. Sophomore year I briefly dated a girl, then junior year I began dating another girl. That lasted for about a year until we broke up early spring of my senior year. The breakup gave me a lot to think about, but even while dating her I realized that something never really felt right; I could never really imagine myself with her – or with any girl for that matter – for the long term. After much soul searching, I finally accepted that I was gay. One of the last big projects senior year was the “Where I Stand” paper. This was an essay written by every senior for English class, and it was basically an opportunity to say whatever you wanted and to be really open and vulnerable and reflect on your life leading up to that point. I decided to incorporate my coming out into my paper. It wasn’t the central focus, rather more of a side note. Thankfully, my English teacher, Mrs. Hoeve (now Dr. Hoeve) was extremely supportive throughout the process. On the day when everyone shared their papers, I concluded mine to thunderous applause, which was especially remarkable considering the fact that most of my classmates came from the same conservative, Reformed Christian background as I did. On the whole, I couldn’t have asked for a better coming-out experience at school. 

How did your friends and family take it? Did you face any backlash? How did/do you deal with that? I waited to come out to my parents until after my graduation and open house in order to not burden them with the news. Finally, after the celebrations had ended, I let them read my paper. The fifteen minutes or so that I waited in my room while they read it downstairs were the most agonizing of my life, because I knew how earth-shattering the revelation would be to them. When they finally came up to my room, their expressions were pretty much what I’d expected – reassuring, yet somehow disheartening at the same time. They assured me that they still loved me, that they were proud of me, and that they were glad I had told them. Since that time, we have only discussed my sexuality on a few occasions. When I first told them that I was dating a guy, it was almost like coming out all over again; I think that revelation finally made my sexuality real to them. In the intervening time, I have seen my mom making definite strides in becoming more open-minded not just toward me but in general, which is great. My dad, though he accepts and loves me, is very set in his ways – though, to be fair, I have had fewer conversations with him regarding my sexuality. My dad’s parents disowned me when I came out to them, though that hasn’t had much of an impact on me due to the fact that I was never very close to them. My mom’s parents, on the other hand, have always been incredible grandparents to me, so coming out to them, especially knowing their stance on other issues, was pretty nerve- wracking. Incredibly, the news didn’t seem to affect them at all, and their treatment of me since that time hasn’t differed in the least; they are still the loving, generous grandparents I’ve always known, and for that I’m extremely thankful. My friends have all been very accepting as well, though this was to be expected considering I have always associated with my more relaxed, open-minded peers. 

What did you learn about yourself in the coming out process? One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned about myself in the coming-out process is truly understanding what I value and stand for. I was raised as a Christian, and my faith is still very important to me. If anything, it’s actually become stronger as I’ve navigated the ups and downs of my journey with my sexuality. I’ve talked with numerous gay men who, at one point or another, renounced religion for various reasons, but often those reasons involved the church’s negative treatment or exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. To me, this is heartbreaking. As someone who identifies both as gay and as a Christian, seeing the false dichotomy that has been constructed around these two identities is challenging and frustrating, because I personally don’t believe that such exclusivity has any place in either institution. At its core, Christianity is about love. Sure, there are endless theological arguments to be made, but I don’t believe that these are necessary in order for a Christian to be accepting of another’s sexuality. Indeed, many of my friends are Christians; these are the same friends who accept my sexuality and wholeheartedly support me. Furthermore, the professors at the private Christian university I attend vehemently assert that Christianity and social justice go hand- in-hand, and that this includes advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Seeing this kind of support coming from within circles that are often viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community has been so incredibly encouraging. Not only has this served to reinforce my identity as both a gay man and a Christian, but it has also provided me with confidence when speaking about these issues. 

What would you tell today’s LGBTQ youth who are struggling to come out in fear they won’t be accepted by family, friends, society? You just might be surprised. People you’d never expect to support you will rally around you and love you. It’s also possible that people who truly care about you, but who may not be supportive right now, will have a change of heart when they find out. Sometimes it takes time. Case in point: my own parents, who are still processing and learning about what it means to have a gay son. Know, too, that family can mean more than one thing. Friends are the family you choose, so seek out and surround yourself with people who will love and accept you for who you are, especially if your actual family doesn’t. As cliché as it sounds, it does get better. Sometimes you just have to put in the effort to make it better for yourself and accept the challenges along the way. 

What is a difficult or challenging obstacle you have overcame in your life, or hope to overcome? By far the most difficult obstacle I’ve had to overcome in my life has been my struggle with mental illness, namely anxiety and depression. I was extremely anxious as a young child, to the point where I would induce vomiting before any sort of performance or sporting event so that it wouldn’t happen while on stage or on the field. Looking back, I think my anxiety was to blame for a lot of missed opportunities. For example, I don’t view myself as a particularly athletic person. But is this actually true? Or did I just never really try for fear of failure? Anxiety also manifests itself in my relationships. Elementary school friendships were rocky at best, and college presented its own challenges with meeting people and putting myself out there. More recently, depression has been a major struggle in my life. As I mentioned, I struggled initially to make friends at college (though this has since changed), and as I result, I became very depressed. I saw all the people around me getting settled into their friend groups while I felt alone. There was a point where my loneliness led me to seriously contemplate suicide, and I believe that perhaps the only thing that stopped me was when a friend checked in on me and gave me a hug. Since that time, I’ve been working on slowly but surely moving my center of identity to within myself, rather than placing it in other people and their judgements of me. I am focusing on pursuing my hobbies and interests, taking time to care for myself, and accepting my emotions as valid while simultaneously analyzing them through an objective lens. By doing this, I have become less worried about maintaining relationships and instead have been able to be present and actually enjoy them while also feeling more comfortable in the times when I’m alone. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration is my mom’s sister Dawn. She is one of the wisest, most thoughtful, and most gracious people I know. I actually came out to her before I told my parents; due to her close relationship with my mom, I knew she would have some good suggestions for how to break the news to them, and that she would be able to help my mom process the news after the fact. To give an idea of the type of person Dawn is, here’s a little anecdote: When I worked as a Resident Assistant in college, I had a resident come out to me. I was thrilled and honored to have him entrust me with such a significant part of his identity, and I really valued the opportunity to walk alongside him in his journey. I mentioned to him the role Dawn had played in my own coming-out process, and he asked if she might be willing to offer some advice to his mom. I reached out to Dawn, and she willingly agreed. I came to find out later from this resident that his mother and my aunt had talked for over an hour on the phone. I don’t know very many people who would go so far out of their way to help and support a complete stranger. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? Oh boy. Honestly, I try not to plan too far ahead, because that can be dangerous for an overthinking dreamer like me. But if I had to say, five years from now I actually hope to be doing exactly what you guys (PJ & Thomas) are doing. I joke that my dream is to have my own HGTV show, and while the odds of that happening are slim to none, I’d be happy to flip houses and develop property even without a TV show. I also hope to meet the man of my dreams, get married, and start a family, though this might take a little longer than five years down the road to happen. My greatest fear is actually never finding love. I know it seems a little ridiculous for a twenty-one-year-old to be worrying about that sort of thing, but it’s hard when you have friends who have been in serious relationships for years or who are getting engaged. I have to keep reminding myself that people find love at different times and in different places, and that I shouldn’t compare my own journey with others’.

Any last words you want to leave people with? Feel free to share! Feel free to message me! I always love getting to meet new people and hear their stories.

Thank you so much, Matthew! You can follow him on Instagram here. Hope you have a great weekend, friends!! xx

P&T

[raging-violets]

A Character Study of Cadence Nash

Cadence Nash, at the start of the series, is a 24-year-old fire-metahuman who is tasked by the Assassination Bureau to not only kill Barry Allen, but use his connections with STAR Labs to get information on Harrison Wells and the Particle Accelerator explosion.

Cadence is on the shorter side, at five feet, four inches. She was originally an even five feet tall, her short stature due to her gymnastics and cheerleading background, but I changed it to her being taller simply because of how visually (though mentally, since we can’t actually watch fics, lol) hard it would be to have certain things happen later down the line. She has long, dark brown hair that she either straightens or leaves wavy, depending on her mood. She has hazel eyes that tend to look bluer or greener depending on the lighting. She has a thinner, athletic body due to her background in sports, and has a scar on her left cheek that becomes more noticeable when she’s smiling, often off-setting her outgoing personality with a hint of mystery.

She was born in Metropolis, Kansas to her parents Kent and Maya Nash, who came into their wealth from their advertising company. Cadence grew up as a spoiled, only child who was granted anything she asked for. In return, she had to keep up the appearance of being the ‘perfect family’ in the public eye of the socialites with the likes of the Luthers in Metropolis, and the Queens in then Starling City. As she grew older, Cadence easily balanced the life of being the ‘perfect daughter’ who didn’t talk back and did as was asked and the ‘perfect student’ who aced all her classes, was co-captain of the cheerleading team, a social butterfly, and the most popular girl in school along with what her parents didn’t see; that she regularly drank and partied, and skipped class with her friends and boyfriend (though she was careful not to get drunk unless knowing she wouldn’t get caught). However, it wasn’t the biggest secret she held; she was a fire metahuman—a Firestarter—and had been since she was eight-years-old. Keeping so many secrets made it easy for her to juggle the different parts of her life with ease, though it slowly started to eat away at her.

She met and started to date Ryder Moseley after he moved to Metropolis from Savannah, Georgia. The two fall in love and ultimately fall pregnant when Cadence is 16. They keep it a secret from everyone until she starts to show, which results in her alienation from her peers and being kicked out of school until she gives birth. Ryder steps up and wants to be there for the baby, but his parents, out of embarrassment, send him to Coast City in California. On her own, Cadence decides to name the baby boy Braden Michael Nash—Braden after her name, Cadence, and Michael as Ryder’s middle name is Michael, and raise it on her own. Her parents are hot and cold about her pregnancy; extremely upset at first, but then adore the baby when it arrives. However, it isn’t long until Kent determines that Cadence needs to move out, leaving her baby behind to ensure he gets the proper care while she makes a life for herself, but Cadence refuses, takes her baby, and moves out on her own, cutting off all ties with her family.

She eventually finds her way to Central City where she slowly starts off her life in homeless shelters while caring for her baby, and making her way through school until she receives her degree and goes through residency until the fateful day she runs into Barry Allen in the waiting room of the office she was doing residency in.

However, it’s not until later that she (and readers) realize that all isn’t as it seems.

Cadence is a very outgoing girl, to the point that it’s no surprise to anyone she used to be a cheerleader. She loves to have fun and will do anything for a laugh, even harmlessly tease those closest to her. To that extent, she is blunt and likes to potentially embarrass others though her mild teasing. On the other hand, due to her past and being a teen mom, she can be very serious in contrast to others who are her age. She is dedicated, loyal, and courageous, all seen as she decided to take the risk and take her baby with her as she moved from her home with nothing but the clothes on her back. However, on the negative side, she can be closed-minded, ruthless, and dishonest. Her greatest fears are losing loved ones and being hated while the things she wants most out of life is respect and love from those around her. She is deathly afraid of insects.

Cadence’s parents are Kent and Maya Nash; as much as she loves them, she also hates them for having kicking her out of her house after becoming pregnant and giving birth. Over the course of the series, their relationship strengthens though Cadence does continue to make comments that her parents are ‘insane’. Kent is a strong corporate man who will stop at nothing to crush his opponents, however he is very loving to his daughter and grandson. Cadence was so much a daddy’s girl that he was intensely disappointed when she became pregnant (it is this disappointment and his growing brain tumor, unknown to Cadence, that causes him to push his only daughter away). Maya, on the other hand, is a woman who loves her socialite life and tends to come across as naïve due to her view of the extravagance the world has to offer her.

It is later reveled that Kent and Maya are Cadence’s adoptive parents while her birth parents are Harrison Wells and Tess Morgan, of whom Cadence knew to be her parents’ best friends. Kent and Maya suffered numerous miscarriages before being told they couldn’t have children due to the danger that is posed on Maya’s life. Harrison and Tess are pregnant, but find that they don’t have space for children in their lives and decide to allow their best friends to adopt their baby girl (who they named Cadence due to their love of classical music) so long as she doesn’t know they’re her parents. A tough decision that Harrison and Tess struggle with over the years. Cadence doesn’t have a relationship with Harrison and Tess until after the revelation of Tess being alive and her true parentage. She is angry at both sets of her parents for a while until deciding to allow them all into hers and her sons’ lives.

Her relationship with Team Flash are her biggest relationships throughout the story. Originally, she doesn’t tell Team Flash that she’s Brady’s mother, but when she does, they receive the news with respect and understanding (until Barry is whammied, anyway).

Barry Allen is her target within the Assassination Bureau, a mercenary group who is hired by others to kill their targets. She’d killed numerous targets before meeting Barry, finding herself at odds with being able to kill him as they grow closer, sharing their experiences of being a metahuman, not knowing many others. It isn’t until the Assassination Bureau go in to capture Barry that she finds out they used her and brainwashed her to get to him. Barry is angry with her at first, thinking she’s betrayed him, but Cadence manages to earn their trust when fighting back against the group. They were real close friends since their meeting before falling in love and ultimately ending up engaged by season 3 and married in season 4.  She and Barry are partners in every sense of the word, they complete each other within their own shortcomings and their powers work together offensively in attacks and defensively to “recharge” each other.

Cisco Ramon is Cadence’s ride or die buddy, they both love to have fun and considering themselves the more entertaining duo of STAR Labs. They don’t have much of a relationship at first; he makes her suit for her after Harrison’s insistence, and they bicker over her superhero name, but their relationship doesn’t grow much further until the break between seasons 3 and 4 where they’re the more senior members of Team Flash.

Caitlin Snow is Cadence’s best friend, encompassing fire and ice. Cadence holds the fire and Caitlin the ice, both complimenting and contrasting each other. It doesn’t hurt that as much as Cadence likes Barry, she also likes Caitlin. Being the only girls in STAR Labs and with a shared medical background, they quickly fall in with each other and become best friends; often quickly defending each other and supporting each other when needed.

Joe and Iris West are the ones of Team Flash that Cadence are the least close to, to the point that Cadence hardly interacts with them. Cadence only knows Iris as the woman Barry loves, until Barry gets over her, and Joe as one of her co-workers at the CCPD. That relationship continues to develop at that slow place throughout the series, with only Barry as the anchor between them. However, there are times where Iris and Cadence will team up when trying to figure out journalistic mysteries and to tease Barry. Their relationship, due to Barry, becomes strained in season 4 when Iris is excited for Cadence to join the West Family, and Cadence coldly telling her that they aren’t and won’t be family as Barry isn’t a West and Cadence and Brady will never be Wests either. It is hinted that Iris loves Barry as well, and despite Barry never telling Iris he loved her and fell out of love with her, that Cadence knows it and is uncomfortable due to it.

Cadence’s past with the Assassination Bureau follows her through the first four stories (which was originally going to be the first three seasons/one fic per season, before I split Flash Fire and Crossfire in half)/her first arc through the series. She struggles with knowing she worked with them for the money to give a better life to her son, and leaving the past completely behind her. Breathtaker and his followers, Stratos, Mindboggler, Incognito and Brigade (Cadence) are very much like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. All until Cadence finally breaks through the darkness within her because of the Assassination Bureau, engages her full potential through the Fire Fall, and finally kills Breathtaker.

Starting in season 4, Cadence deals with the consequences of her action within the Assassination Bureau as well as coming into her own as a hero.

Cadence’s superhero name is Flare, though she’s also been known to go by Flash Fire at the very beginning of the series.

[sanoiro]

Lucifer Meta: Let’s Talk Powers

Linda back in 3x09 asked Lucifer how do Angels are assigned their powers to which Lucifer shrugged and delivered a very vague reply as he didn’t even know himself. 

Linda: Okay, so, how do you angels work? I know Amenadiel can slow time, and your other brother Uriel could predict patterns. So why is your gift desire? 

Lucifer: Look, if you must know, we were all born this way, each with our own God-given abilities. 

Linda: But what came first? Do angels' powers shape their personalities? Or are your personalities shaped by your powers? 

Lucifer: Haven't a clue. Look, all I know is that my powers are perfect for me. Desire is the ultimate expression of free will. I help people do whatever Or whomever they want. 

Linda: But that's it? There isn't more to it?

We could have left it at that and moved on but Season 4 offered us a tiny revelation over angel powers which we chose to ignore. That along with 3x26 and Dad’s perspective can help us do a small meta on this. 

In 4x07 Amenadiel reveals he has lost his powers to Remiel and his explanation fits pretty well...

Remiel: But you You don't even have your powers anymore, do you? 

Amenadiel: No, I can no longer slow time and I'm glad. My powers, they kept me at a distance, kept me disconnected from humanity. And I think that's why they're gone now. Because I don't want that anymore.

In 3x26 at its end, Dad had said about Amenadiel that:

Dad/God: And sometimes, it isn't the right moment in someone's life to make a certain choice. And no matter how badly you want to nudge them in the right direction you know they need to find it on their own. That was when Amenadiel tried to approach a human woman but hesitated and drew back. 

The thing here is that self-manifestation goes beyond what we had thought. 

Why Azrael takes the souls of the dead and why did she make just one connection? With Ella? Because her detachment with humans and her siblings as it appeared was hidden behind her job?

Azrael: I didn't abandon you. I've been busy. 

Lucifer: Oh. 

Azrael: I mean, you try being the Angel of Death. A lot of people die, Lu. 

Lucifer: You're telling me. 

Azrael: Okay, I get it, you're pissed. I should have reached out to you when Dad kicked your butt down to Hell. And I was going to, but, you know, a day turned into a week, which turned to, you know, a thousand years, and then it just seemed weird.

In a way, Azrael disconnected from her family and humans by using her assigned power whatever that was which is connected to death. 

In Uriel’s case we all believed that the unpredictability of patters was also what had Uriel killed while we can now assume it was more than that

Lucifer: Well, you didn't see that coming, did you? 

Uriel: Eh? Actually, I did see it coming. (grunting) I mean, I knew you were gonna attack. I just wasn't sure how. Patterns are tricky like that. Takes time to get a real sense of them. I needed to study you a bit. Took much less time than I expected. Aah! You're lucky I'd never use Azrael's Blade on you, brother. 

Maze: Why don't you pick on a girl? 

Uriel: But I have no qualms about using it on a filthy, scum-sucking demon. You haven't disappointed, Mazikeen. Your patterns were tough to see. Aah! But still predictable nonetheless. Because you made it so difficult, now I'm gonna take out Mom and the detective. You can't stop me, brother.*stabbed* I didn't see that coming.

In Uriel’s case, he is hidden behind patterns because he is so self-assured that patterns are like a divine truth he does not care if he is actually right or wrong in his thoughts and actions. The patterns will happen and that makes them right and connected to fate if you like. Still what he cannot see is his own ending. 

The patterns also disconnect him from the rest and again from his family like Azrael’s did. Lucifer and the rest do not really like him due to him being annoying but they still love him as a sibling. Yet the power of seeing the patterns also disconnected Uriel from his love for his mother and from the emotional connection Lucifer had found with Chloe. 

Uriel never gained a connection but the fact he didn’t see a pattern might have been a flattering of trying to connect with someone in that fight. He actively refrained from using the blade to Lucifer so that was perhaps why for a little while Lucifer was absent from the pattern world and succeeded to kill Uriel. 

At the end of 2x04 Uriel then revealed to Lucifer a different pattern with just one word thus perhaps revealing to us that he had finally made a connection with Lucifer. 

All of the above can now lead us to 4x09. 

Why no one addressed the fact that an angelic power goes crazy and out of control in 4x09? I’m talking about Lucifer’s mojo about his ability to draw out desires. 

First, we need to realise that Lucifer always searched for an emotional connection. Even with his lovers, he was disappointed in 2x11 to be viewed as a meaningless encounter. 

His power gave him always the ability to draw people in without getting out of his shell and safe corner to show fully who he was and be exposed to an all-consuming connection. That is what is happening with Chloe. 

It is not a trivial thing that Deckerstar has had 3 kisses, two of the initiated by Chloe and only the one in S4 where Chloe tells him she loves him and also she knows and accepts him as he is when Lucifer leans down for a chaste kiss. 

Some ask why does Deckerstar has not moved to the sex part as Lucifer is clearly amorous. Because that would require the commitment of staying and as we have seen in S4 Lucifer always expects Chloe to run away. Even at the very end, he is afraid of that. 

Sex for Lucifer is a physical pleasure which tests his body’s limits, not his emotions. 

And what has all that to do with the above?

Well, here is the thing Lucifer’s power is helping him connect by disconnecting him. In the case of Chloe, the exact opposite happens. He disconnects with the only person his powers do not work on in order to connect on a deeper level. 

Many fans complain that there is no Deckerstar in the seasons but in my opinion, that’s not true. The seasons are about Deckerstar even at their worst times like with Marclo and when Eve comes. 

With Chloe, Lucifer’s inability to mojo her have formed a bond that cannot be sustained on desire and the best part? Lucifer’s power is actually an act where he cuts himself piece by piece to please others. 

It’s like having a kid that is willing to share all his./her toys in order to be accepted and in Chloe’s case Lucifer resists in S4 and that is what is healthy for once in his actions. He takes a stand, 

So what about his power of drawing out desires? 

It is alarming that his power got out of control when his Devil side came out as it might be connected to his self-loathing. Like a person who externalises his self-hatred see: Devil Body and what position in Hell that represents along with the desperation to also be accepted. 

In my opinion, Lucifer’s powers also tell us something we could have not realised yet. 

The whole Devil and Angel appearance is an illusion. Lucifer is a man where his feelings are manifested on his body that is all. His appearance is not controlled by his nature or his actions but how he feels about himself through them. That is all.

Therefore even if he never has wings or a Devil face that will not change him. I still believe the eyes is his light bringing power and not a Hellish flame connected to his Devil face. 

In conclusion, we see that what we perceive as powers are but a way for Angels to cope with what they cannot deal with. Perhaps even Dad does the same thing. 

In the end, all their powers are but a shield which when it drops or is non-existent, their true personality comes shining through. That connects them to what they always wanted and where they will go from there is their choice. So Angels do have free will but their path to self-realisation is a hard and long one. 

[wondr18360]

Thoughts on Goro Akechi

Okay I admit that my initial opinion of Akechi wasn’t that great when I was watching the P5 playthrough, but after seeing his last few scenes and thinking it over, he actually kinda grew on me as a character… Which is why I am pretty disappointed that he kinda got tossed to the side after the Shido arc.

Warning: Long rant analysis and spoilers ahead

Throughout the game Akechi does play a pretty big role in the story, first as the Ace Detective who challenges the Phantom Thieves’ sense of justice, then as an “ally”(?) of the Thieves, and finally as one of the primary antagonists that the Phantom Thieves have to defeat, yet after Akechi had his painfully short redemption arc scene (which didn’t totally redeem him partly because it was so effin’ short) and died, he literally only gets a few seconds of mourning from the Thieves right afterwards, a brief discussion about him in the group chat once they go back to the real world after his death, Shido asking his men where he is and calling him a “useless brat” when they can’t find him after Shido’s calling card is broadcast, a short dialogue mention before the Shido boss battle, and finally a mention from Sae Nijima when she says that he’s “missing,” and apparently the Thieves can’t straight up tell her that he’s dead. I get that storywise the Thieves aren’t obligated to forgive him and really feel horrible about his death given that a) he was the culprit behind the mental shutdowns, b) he did murder Futaba’s mom and Haru’s dad and attempted to do the same to Akira, and c) he attempted to place the blame on the Phantom Thieves and get them all arrested and killed, but I still feel like his existence and his death, particularly the way he died and what happened right before, should have had a bit more of a lasting impact on the Thieves and on the story.

Let’s face it, Akechi did some pretty horrible things and he deserved to be held accountable for them, but one of the reasons he ended up the way he did was because he had to endure both the loss of his mother and the lack of a father figure due to said “father” being a selfish asshole who would willingly get rid of anyone and everyone in order to get what he wants. Not to mention that because he had no parents, Akechi was passed between foster homes quite often, and this made him feel both lonely and as though he was unwelcome everywhere, something he tells Futaba and Akira when he visits Leblanc for the first time. It’s no surprise that having these experiences would make Akechi resent Shido once he figured out that he was his father, and there’s no doubt that they’re at least part of what fueled Akechi’s twisted desire for revenge. However, there’s also a part of Akechi that desperately seeks acknowledgement from Shido because he’s his father, which is probably part of why he decides to help him by causing the mental shutdowns before carrying out his own revenge, rather than working against him from the very beginning like we sometimes see other “heroes” in similar situations do. His desire for acknowledgement is also what drove him to become a detective, since he thrived off of the public’s support. Though that being said, Akechi most likely doesn’t necessarily enjoy working with Shido and killing people; to him it’s just a job, a necessary stepping stone to get him closer to Shido so that he may ultimately bring about his downfall. And it’s clear that that is his plan; he says so to the Phantom Thieves when they meet in Shido’s palace, and he curses them for interfering, albeit unknowingly.

But, when Akechi first began to interact more with Akira in particular, he took an interest in him, and as he also got introduced to the rest of the Phantom Thieves and eventually “joined” them (quotations cuz he technically wasn’t a bona fide mona fide Phantom Thief), he got exposed to something he never really experienced before: strong bonds of friendship, camaraderie, and even love to a certain extent, since the Thieves all care for each other quite deeply. Moreover, he felt a certain connection with Akira and greatly admired him, while simultaneously envying him for being surrounded by friends he can rely on and for being able to freely walk a path of his own choosing despite the shackles that others have tried to place on him (his criminal record and the related stigma from others). This envy is what causes Akechi to choose his personal mission over a possible future with the Thieves in the hopes that he can become a hero himself, and the resulting conflict between his obsession with revenge and acknowledgement and his yearning for friendship unhinges him to a certain extent, so much that while he seems to revel in killing Akira and the rest of the Thieves, he also is slightly hesitant to do so, and especially during his boss battle he alternates between these two attitudes.

It is only when Akechi is finally defeated for the second time that he loses the will to keep fighting and says, “I’ve had enough,” which is honestly quite heartbreaking because you can practically feel the exhaustion and despair that he’s experiencing as he accepts that he’s not only failed his personal mission, but he’s effectively destroyed what chances he may have had to experience true friendship and acknowledgement, which leads to him pouring his heart out to the Thieves and finally musing that he “couldn’t be special.” And that’s when the Phantom Thieves, who practically despised Akechi since the time they met him and possibly even hated him after finding out his true identity, feel for him. Because he’s at his lowest point now, all secrets bared, ready to call it quits and give up, and they recognize that because they have all been in similar positions at different points in the game, normally right before they awakened their Personas. Moreover, they see where he’s coming from, as each of them have their own troubled backstory that isn’t too far off from Akechi’s, but they also take it to heart when he reveals how he envies their bond as a team because they’re able to recognize that they lucked out when they found each other, and that Akechi didn’t have that same fortune. This is why Ryuji, who constantly ragged on Akechi before, assures him that he is special, and why Makoto admits that they needed to work as a team in order to be able to match and defeat his wit and strength. It’s why Haru and Futaba, despite not being able to forgive him for his previous actions, find a way to sympathize with him and see things from his perspective. And it’s why when Akechi tells them to kill him, they refuse, and instead want to give him a chance to redeem himself at least somewhat by working with them to take down Shido.

So when Akechi's cognitive clone appears and Shido's true intentions to eventually dispose of him become clear, Akechi decides to entrust his mission with the Phantom Thieves, opting to sacrifice himself to aid in their success not just because he doesn't want to weigh them down in his weakened state, as he tells them before he dies, but also because he has "had enough." He knows that even if he does decide to join the Phantom Thieves for real this time, he'll still be somewhat of an odd one out because of how he's hurt them before, and in the end regardless of their success or failure he still won't be a hero because his justice - and justice itself - won't allow his crimes to go unpunished. The public will shun him after finding out what he did, and at this point Akechi is too tired, too jaded to even imagine undertaking a long journey to redeem himself and regain acknowledgment after that, especially since he knows that unlike Akira, his crimes are real and that he will always have to live his life atoning for them. In that case, the least he can do is attempt to make up for everything by giving up his own life for the sake of the Phantom Thieves, who he now trusts to carry out justice in his stead.

So here’s where my problem begins. I think that the Thieves should have given more remembrance to Akechi later after they defeated Shido and even after they put an end to the Metaverse, since by doing so, they ensured that Shido would be brought to justice, and they fulfilled the promise they made. Yeah I get that right after the Shido boss battle they had to try and get out of the palace alive and then Ryuji “died” and came back to life, and that after the final battle not only did Morgana disappear but Akira also went to juvie, but at least after Akira and Morgana returned and things settled down, there should have been more dialogue or other story material that indicated that the Phantom Thieves hadn’t forgotten about Akechi and still kept him in mind at least somewhat. At the very least, Akechi’s story and how it could have been any one of them should have had some sort of lasting impact on the Thieves and their views regarding good and evil, teaching them that people aren’t always inherently good or bad; they’re often the product of the events and circumstances in their life, and without guidance and support from others, they can stray down the wrong path.   Instead, Akechi is basically treated as a mere stepping stone in the plot that lays the foundation for Shido being the more important villain, and he’s practically forgotten once Shido is defeated.

As I said before, the Thieves are visibly saddened after they hear the gunshots that indicate Akechi’s death, and later on when they return to the real world and begin the group chat, they discuss what happened, and they make some important points:

Haru says that it was sad what happened to him, and that while she honestly has mixed feelings, she thinks that he was a victim too (to which Ann follows up by commenting that he was a victim they couldn’t save).

Yusuke says that if he had not met the other Phantom Thieves, he may have become like Akechi himself.

Ryuji says that he personally cannot forgive Akechi, but more than that he can’t forgive Shido for warping his mind so much.

Starting with Haru’s statements, they’re especially poignant because she was an indirect victim of Akechi’s since he killed her father. She has every right to be angry at him, to hate him, to want him dead. But instead she has “mixed feelings” because while she struggles with some of those emotions and the overall resentment towards him for his actions up until his last moments, she takes his story into account and realizes that he wasn’t all evil, that like her, he was used by his own father as a tool, and despite his conviction that he was doing things by his own will in order to ultimately betray and kill Shido, he was slightly forced into it because deep down he wanted his father’s acknowledgment, something he never had before. This also ties in with Ryuji’s comments because he also recognizes that ultimately if it hadn’t been for Shido, Akechi may not have gone so far down his dark path and had such a tragic ending.

Now onto Yusuke’s statement. This is really important because it actually can apply to everyone. If they didn’t have their friends, their loved ones, and their team, and if they had to go it alone even through their toughest moments and darkest days, they may have ended up like Akechi. Just think: imagine Ann didn’t have Shiho and had to deal with not just bullying and harassment from her peers, but also harassment and abuse from Kamoshida and other adults like him, and eventually she became determined to make them pay for everything they did to her. Imagine if Ryuji had lost his mom in a similar way that Akechi lost his because she couldn’t take the abuse from Ryuji’s father anymore, or worse, if his father actually killed her, and Ryuji then became consumed by hatred and desire for revenge against not just him, but even all those who later treated him like an outcast. Imagine if Yusuke had discovered the whole truth about Madarame on his own and as a result became consumed by revenge like Akechi did. Imagine if Makoto was even more detached from her sister and became obsessed with avenging their father and fighting against the burdens and expectations that others placed on her. Imagine if Sojiro didn't adopt Futaba and she eventually either succumbed to her guilt over her mother's death or discovered the truth and became fixated on finding and killing the people who killed her mother. Imagine if Haru, like Akechi, remained unable to form any close bonds with the people around her and eventually grew to resent her father and ultimately focused on nothing else but betraying him and bringing about his downfall. Imagine if Akira, fueled by the sheer injustice of his situation, sought to rebel against society and get revenge on not just Shido, but everyone who ever shunned him and treated him like a criminal, alienating almost everyone around him. All of the Thieves could have ended up like Akechi or even worse, but it was only because they were lucky enough to have each other that they were able to come through their difficult times and avoid a fate like his.

In summary: Goro Akechi was a pretty complicated antagonist with regards to his backstory and the motivations behind his actions, and it’s a shame that he was effectively reduced to a pancake-loving psychotic hitman detective-turned-martyr with a relatively minimal impact on the story’s characters and message.

Thanks for reading this long-ass essay rant and I hope you liked it! Feel free to share your own opinions too, I’m always down to discuss stuff :D