#I don’t know I have a special connection with characters if their STORIES resonate with me not their personality

[lieutenant-amuel]

This is probably not that common but I honestly rarely like characters who are like me personality wise.

[nuumbie]

KARMA’S A DOG.

Prompt: You’re a prized worker at the IPC Marketing Department. You spend your days waiting for that flash of black.

Trigger Warning: Reader is mentally ill and a little shit head. Curse Words. General Violent Terms and Reader Gets Ragdolled. Boothill is NOT into you!!! He actually hates you! Guilt! Etc, etc… it’s just all hurt no comfort.

Author’s Note: Written to celebrate his trailer. Save a horse. Ride a cowboy. Contains spoilers regarding his character story.

He’s resting peacefully. This should still count as sleep. You pose the question in your head if you replace the pieces of something, how far until the thing is something else entirely. But he’s still alive. You find relish in that. There’s something in him that still lives.

He still has his head. Maybe, that’s all he has left of his old self. You wonder how the surgery must have gone. Of course you’ve met people who’ve changed themselves so drastically with robotics that you couldn’t recognize them after the surgeries. It’s a rebirth in ways. When you change so dramatically that you’re a different person by the end. His body’s 90% metal. 10% flesh. So, wouldn’t it be the cybernetics that win?

Despite everything. You don’t think so. Perhaps, that’s all that he needs. I think therefore I am. There’s no doubt he’s alive. Not to you, anyway. He’s brimming with human life. He’s more alive than you. Not in the same way where the question poses in your mind with other beings or creatures that change themselves so drastically. Boothill is obstinately simple.

You like that. He’s simple. The Hunt and those that follow it is straight forward. A single path. A single road. You like that you don’t have to read his intentions. You know what he wants and why.

Boothill. Galaxy Ranger. IPC Hunter. The Man who just tried to sneak into your office and put a bullet through your head like he has with many of your employees, those who’ve worked directly under you no less. You know. Most criminals don’t get this far. Not far at all past Pier Point. Oswaldo will have a riot.

If he knew he would. You’re not going to tell him.

Boothill is special.

The cowboy opens his eyes. Your personal grim reaper.

“I see you’re awake.” You smile in a loving way. If you can even manage that. People who can control their expressions make it seem so easy. Laying across his chest. You’ve opened up his core to play with his inner circuits. He must not like that though considering there’s a burning hatred in his eyes which threatens to scorch you. You glance up towards his face and sigh and ignoring the lingering, simmering, resentment. His body is heating up beneath your touch. So, maybe it resonates with his feelings, you wonder if his body steams. “We need to stop meeting like this. You’re going to make me think you’re obsessed with me.”

It’s the opposite way around. You know that. But the very idea that it isn’t causes him to lunge at you. The cowboy turns into nothing more than a blur, all the wires connected to the body collecting samples that took at least a good thirty minutes pulled from him. Some ripped from the walls, and in instants he’s on you.

“You dang—“ his hands make its way to your shoulders, you’re flipped without hesitation. his hands grasping you down, he lays on top of you. breath heavy. robots don’t breathe, though, so you try to think of another word as he catches himself and tries to make it so he’s the one on top. “— you again!?”

“I’ve been meaning to get my hands on you… you oughta’… you ANGEL!” He screeches. Music to your ears as he shakes you more like you’re more ragdoll than person. “AEONS, it’s so freaking annoying! You absolute delight! How did I lose to…”

“Thank you so much for the compliment.” You smile back. Probably the only one getting anything out of this arrangement. Pinned against the floor hand pressed tightly against your waist so you can’t struggle. He should’ve pressed it against your mouth. But it isn’t like you’re going to scream. You’re certain. Lots of women would love to be in this position you’re currently in. But it’s you. And this is far from some sweet, pure, little romantic story. You’re not delusional. You act like you are purely because it annoys him. It’s good for him to build up his rage, his discontentment because it keeps him on his toes. “I was just looking over your upgrades since the last time you invaded Pier Point. As for asking how I beat you~…”

“The electronic upgrade was not the best idea.” You smile. “If we can control your language… your body isn’t hard especially for a renowned genius like me. Have to talk to your doctor about that. You’re lucky I’m the one that found you. Where’s my thanks? If it was anyone else. They’d have torn you asunder.”

“Aeons of COURSE you Market-Phonies have something to annoy the DANGNATION out of me.” he grinds his teeth, looking around for his pistol. making a point about how dead he wants you. you can feel his grip loosen and tighten. he’s likely processing which one would get you to be quieter. “Where’d you put it? My gun. I’ve decided. I’m killing you now. Puttin’ ya out of your misery, sweet-face! You think this is rough? Think of a 9mm lead in your skull will be?”

“Cabinet.” You put on your best smile. “Is it for me?”

“Of course for you. Love you.” You didn’t take away his ability to say hate. So, he must have said something something kike an insult. You just know it’s bad because he says it in a way that’s so vitriolic it almost hurts. “You knew this was coming. I’m not going to miss my shot again. You should’ve killed me when you had the chance.”

You did know it was coming. You wished he would get the one person above you first so you could witness your boss with his brains blown out, the outcries that an Emanator of Qlipoth killed. You could have gotten wine with Diamond and laughed about it and died happy knowing the world was washed clean forever of Oswaldo Schneider.

But you can’t be so lucky. You’ll have to wish him luck. If he actually manages to kill you that is. With how things are going? You’re not making it hard.

He grabs you by the neck so you can’t struggle away to call help. The iron hands encased over your neck like a shackle isn’t a bad feeling. You almost quote as such so he might grab you a little tighter. Sadly, it seems his finger is directly over your windpipe— making talking an impossibility. He really doesn’t want you to run. Not like you would. Dragging you as he goes towards the cabinet. He presses you against the wall one-handed.

Using his other hand to peruse through your belongings. Even if you struggled. You doubt you could make a dent against the material. You’ve always been more of a pen instead of a sword guy.

It seems he’s smarter than you thought. Since, he checks the bullets in the gun. Rather show-offishly, too. He clicks the trigger against your head and nothing comes out. He counts them out, too. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

You already knew that none of the shots would ring. But here’s a certain heart-pounding feeling even if you know it’s empty. He clutches the gun even tighter till it threatens to break between his metal appendages.

Obviously, you’ve cleaned them out. He glares at you. Of course you’re the one at fault. Of course you were smart enough to know the first thing he’d do when he woke up was try to kill you. Of course you wanted to see the look on his face when he got his gun back when he realized it was empty. “Don’t you have spares? You eat them, don’t you? Just shit them out.” You smile. It’s hard to talk with his hand on your throat.

The floor hits you. Hard.

Or maybe you hit the floor.

Either way. It hurts. Your head spins. But, you collect yourself. Maybe. Dizzy people often can’t tell they’re dizzy. “You going to kill me right? You don’t need a gun to do that. To make it painful. To get your little revenge.” You’re sputtering. Aeons. It be embarrassing if you didn’t say that. If you’re slurring. Though who are you to ask for a clean death? Innocent have died in uglier ways.

“I don’t get you.” Boothil’s boot presses against your chest and juts against your lungs— “make up your mind you wanna die or not? You’re seriously flip-flopping.”

You smile back at him from the floor. “I’d rather my employees not go down with me when you’ve got to escape. Jeremy just got a promotion. You won’t die here… will you space cowboy? So, you’ll have to make your way out.”

“Might as well limit the casualties.”

“You took everything from me.” Robots don’t stumble over their words. Robots are more precise. Everything about him is human. The way he’s so sentimental, emotional at your lap, while you can do nothing but watch. “What right do you have? You have way more blood on your hands than I do.”

“You’re not wrong.” you repeat, quietly. “It’s karma. It’s justice. I’m so happy you exist. So people like me get that just-dessert.”

“I could never ever dream of it. I could never do it with my own hands.” You smile remembering where you work. Your boss. The things you never had the confidence or strength to do yourself. “So I’m glad that you did. Thank you.”

He looks down at you.

He steps back.

You already know.

Too self-aware for your own good.

Maybe you should have shut up. You already know you’ve messed it all up. The way he looks at you is a look of disgust.

“Everyone here’s so fluffed up.” he grimaces. rubbing his shoe against the floor like he’s snuffing a cigarette out. so lowly. “Anyone the IPC touches get’s gosh-dang ruined.”

You know why he did. You ruined his life. You did. So, it was only fair he did the same in return—

Reaching out— before you realize it. “Hey, wait.”

“You’re not dragging me down with you! I want you to pay I’m not letting you off easy. When we meet again. I’ll have changed this place forever. And you’ll be forced to live with yourself…!”

He doesn’t even look back at you. You wish he did.

He lets you go and he runs out the door. You hear the sounds of loud screams. Shooting guns. It turns into a blur after a few seconds. They’re going to fail to apprehend him. You hope.

On the messy floor. Your lab a wreak. You’re sure. They’ll come here. They’ll question you.

And your life will continue as always.

You’ll lie. Jade can tell. But she won’t tell on you. You hope Oswaldo doesn’t notice. He’s the tricker.

“Fuck you, too.”

You put your hands over your eyes and you just ignore everything until someone comes and gets you. You’d use the word save. But, that’s what he was meant to do.

You’ll meet him again. You can wait. It’s all you ever do.

[lulu2992]

Greg Bryk was in episode 25 of Podcast141, co-hosted by Marwen Heni, Mars Lipowski, and Jim Boeven, to talk about his acting career in general, but also and mostly his role as Joseph Seed in Far Cry 5.

Since he’s already shared a lot of anecdotes in interviews and live videos on Instagram, I thought I wouldn’t learn anything new... but I did, so here’s a summary of what he said about his experience playing the Father.

We knew that the dev team (he specifically mentioned Dan Hay and Drew Holmes) had struggled to find the “right” actor for the role, but what I don’t remember ever hearing before is that, after two years of unsuccessful search, the project was almost cancelled for this reason!

Thankfully, that was when Greg Bryk auditioned. He had already said the script they gave him (and that he thought was “amazing”) was what became Joseph’s monologue in the mission “We Must Be Strong”, but he gave more details about what was originally in it. In this early version of his backstory, Joseph was 23 years old and working two jobs to support his family. One night, exhausted, he fell asleep on the couch as his pregnant wife went out to get ice cream. He was then awoken by a knock on the door, told she had been in an accident, and taken to the hospital. The rest of the story is what he says in Far Cry 5: when he arrives, his wife is dead, their premature daughter is “stuffed with tubes”, he hears God’s calling, and understands he has to make this sacrifice.

So he got the role, and when they called him again to record a sermon (my guess is it was this one, but I’m just speculating), he saw what the game looked like and thought everything and everyone was “incredible”. Over time, as they got to know him, they even changed the character and partly rewrote the Father specifically for him.

The team was also very accommodating. For example, the scenes are usually shot in the huge performance capture studio, but for the Heralds’ eulogies, which are much more intimate, they built a small room so he felt like he actually had something around him instead of a big, empty space.

A day before the game came out, the cutscenes were already available online and he watched some of them. He was very impressed by the last eulogy (or, as he calls it, “snot monologue”) in particular because of how “vivid” and “human” it felt. It brought tears to his eyes and he recalls his wife was “blown away”; it was “special”.

As for the fans, he thinks they’ve been very supportive and welcoming. Some have told him they felt heard and seen by Joseph, and he believes it’s because he’s a character who loves people for who they are. At this point, he and the co-hosts agreed that being an actor was a gift because it gives an opportunity to make people’s lives better, especially in video games because there’s a unique connection that doesn’t really exist in movies or TV series.

Marwen Heni mentioned that, while most villains want you to hate them, Joseph, on the contrary, wanted you to reflect and think that he might be right. Greg Bryk admitted that he believed everything he said, especially about family and technology. Sometimes, people are isolated or only have online connections, so having someone tell them, “I see you and I love you for what you are” is powerful. In his opinion, this message resonated with a lot of players because it’s a simple truth and we all want to be part of a family.

Joseph doesn’t control his followers with fear, Marwen Heni commented, but with devotion, and that too makes him compelling. As he was playing Far Cry 5, he started questioning whether or not he (as the Deputy) was right for opposing the Father, which is something Greg Bryk says he saw a lot in comments. He believes there’s “an intimacy to the relationship” between Joseph and the player, a “seduction” in the sense that we all want to belong. He’s humbled by the impact his work had on people.

When asked if he would be open to reprising the role, this time, he answered, “Absolutely”. In fact, and this is news to me, he revealed there were discussions about turning Far Cry into a TV show, and the different games would have been standalone seasons. That said, he added that, at a certain point, it’s necessary to let characters go and that he was grateful for what he had already experienced playing the Father.

Marwen Heni then asked if Joseph, who is very complex, was entirely fictional or if it was Greg talking through him. He answered his characters are always him, to a degree, because he wants to connect with the material so he never lies and can work from things that matter to him. He never judges them and tries to think about what he wants to express through them. He’s interested in their humanity and what motivates them. “We’re all broken,” he said. “Some are much more broken than others, and sometimes those broken pieces are very sharp and jagged, and they lash out.”

He also revealed he had “very specific rituals” to help him become a character and then let them go. He mentioned a few prayers that one of his friends, who is a Wiccan, taught him. In fact, and all the co-hosts agreed, it can be very hard to “disconnect” from a character sometimes because actors aren’t just pretending; they’re using real emotions.

He had already said his son Dempsey had done the mocap for John and Jacob in the Collapse DLC and that he felt carrying Ethan’s body in New Dawn was a way for him to honor his “boy”, his dead dog Lucky, since he deeply regretted that he couldn’t be there to take him to the veterinarian the day he passed. What I didn’t know, however, is that it was Greg himself who had asked if Joseph could carry Ethan, and the team made it happen. He also explained that, when it was time to play this scene, he tried to imagine what it would be like to actually lose his son.

But who is Greg Bryk’s favorite Far Cry villain? Well, when he auditioned and started researching the franchise, he was interested in Vaas because of Michael Mando’s performance. He still doesn’t know him personally but has a friend who worked with him and who spoke about “how electrifying his talent was”. There’s something “unhinged” and “primal” to him as a performer; he’s a “wild” and “special” actor.

Finally, when told he was born to play Joseph, he confessed he felt he was indeed “called” to play this part but wants to give credit to Dan Hay, Drew Holmes, and Jean-Sébastien Décant for creating such a “terrifyingly human” antagonist in the first place.

[happypot0001]

Hello everyone!!

So Art Fight has now ended...huh?? Gosh...I've only been posting stuff BECAUSE of Art Fight!! I'm really grateful I was able to find it. I wish that I could do more to support the team that's helping bring together thousands of artists but I can't really so i'm just going to talk about it reeeeallly quick!

To start off...I really wanted to make this post in order to thank the people who took the time and went through the trouble to draw my character!! I would like to thank these three people: @just-a-carrot 🥕, @sailingseals ⛵, and @boxxie-does-art 📦!!! All such amazing people that I find very admirable and take inspiration from almost everything they create!! 🥕 is the creator of a WONDERFUL game called "Our Wonderland"! Not only did they write and code the game...they also drew all the artwork for the game as well!!! And the game was PHENOMENAL!! You probably found this blog only because of the OW stuff...but I still like talking about it anyways!!!

The game includes such interesting and "real" characters that almost everyone could be able to relate to! The game has this special skill to make people so attached to these characters so that when they reach their demise...the players deep connection that resonated with them would quickly shatter. I'll try not to include spoilers in here in case anyone else feels that they want to try out the game as well!!!! (If you haven't played, then I highly recommend it!!!) Not to mention the community!! The people all affiliated with OW are sooooo accepting, never have I once heard a TRULY terrible thing come out of their mouths! I'm glad there's not a HUGE range of people here...it makes it much more easier to connect with other people who enjoy the game much like myself!! That's something that I truly don't regret from OW, all of the people it introduced me to!! Now...speaking of that...allow me to move to the next person...⛵!!!!!

Ohhh wooowww....⛵!!!! Gosh I really love the stuff they do!! They have such funny and creative ideas in their head and it’s very inspiring...especially because they seem close to my age!!! Their artstyle is very cute and pretty, I LOVE looking at anything they create! They don’t use anything fancy but they still have the ability to produce something FLAWLESS in literal minutes!! They’re also just very kind people, we’ve been talking with each other on discord and that’s where I can see how their humor expands to just simply talking with their friends! Whenever I’m around them I feel so open and can so easily talk to them about how I feel! I could never talk to them the ways that I have with my IRL friends! I’m so glad to have someone like that by my side! It’s been amazing having their company! Especially because we also make stories together as well! Oh we’ve made a good few stories together as friends and it’s been an awesome experience! Seeing a master creator with their mind at work! They come up with FANTASTIC ideas that make me sick…in a good way!! Ever since we’ve been friends…I’ve gotten to know a LOT MORE about their stories along with their characters! And HOW THEY HAVE CAPTIVATED ME AND STOLE MY HEART!!! I’m so serious when I say they’re the only things I want to draw now!!! ⛵️ has 5 main characters split into three separate stories…and EACH ONE OF THEM IS SOO CREATIVE AND UNIQUE!!!!! I don’t want to leak any spoilers about their stories, especially because I’m gonna guess they’re planning on posting anyways! IF THEY DO THEN BE PREPARED FOR GREATNESS HAHAH!! At this point it may sound like I’m a person who’s simply just easy to please but REALLY!! I ADORE THESE PEOPLE AND THEIR CHARACTERS SOOO MUCH! ⛵️ is so inspiring and the fact that I can call such an inspiring person that I look up to a companion of mine?? IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!! I APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE CONVERSATION WE HAVE AND I HOPE THEIR ARE MORE AWAITING IN THE FUTURE!!!! I WISH TO LEARN AND BE AS TALENTED AS YOU ARE SOMEDAY!!!! I CAN ONLY WISH!!!!! YOURE SO AMAZING I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! SO SO SO GLAD WE’RE FRIENDS!!!!! Hehehe WOOOOOO now I MUST move on to the next person…📦!!!!

📦!!!! Another friend that I find so inspiring!!! Ooohhh the way the color is one thing that I LOVE about their style!!! I like that they know what colors mix with others to properly get what color they desire…that’s a very important trait in an artist!!!! It’s so unique and it’s something that could never be possible for me in a LIFETIME! Just their style itself!!!! It’s pleasing to the eye but it’s also something that I can find from a mile away!!!! It’s very unique and not very easy to copy!! Also, the amount of effort and determination they put into everything is very inspiring!! Recently, 📦 had asked 🥕 if I was okay for them to make a mod using their characters. They mentioned in that ask that they were working with two friends to make the mod…THATS ME AND ⛵️!!!!! WE’RE THE TWO FRIENDS!!!! (they said “amazing friends” in their ask thank you so much 📦!!!! 🥹🥹) Haha but it was 📦 themselves who proposed the idea!!! At first it would seem like a simple thought, one that would be too complicated to actually produce…but with 📦 presenting ideas to us and really getting us hyped up for the project…it can really make a person compelled to work harder!!!! Also they’re making a whole WEBTOON as well???? That’s a lot of effort and dedication for a person to have!!!! It’s nice seeing a person willing to work hard on these projects!!!! It really gets me to take the project seriously and do more work than I would’ve done if I hadn’t seen the effort that my friends want to put into this project!!!! It’s also just very easy to talk to them as well!!!! The both of my friends! I can say what I’m thinking and they’ll respond with only kindness!!! They will find a way to help me and make me feel better than I had before!!!! I’m so happy that I’m not ridiculed and afraid to share my thoughts to someone!!! It’s so refreshing, so freeing to have someone like that there for you!!! The both of them provide that comfort for me, so I thank that so much for that!!! OH!!! Also!!!! From what I hear…they use their phone to draw???? With everything they create, that is just amazing!!! That is the work of someone with a TALENT!!!! If anyone follows 📦, they had recently posted an animation about them and a tiny Genzou…THAT WAS WITH THE USE OF A PHONE!!!! 📱 THIS THING!!!! A PHONE!!!! Hehe, I may be over-exaggerating it but I just personally think that’s a feat to be known!!!! Anyone can make wonderful art no matter what you have!!!! You just have to have skill really!!!! But that’s what I’m saying haha!!! 📦 you have a talent which I’m sure you’re already aware of but let me mention it once again!!!! IM SO GLAD TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU AND ⛵️!!! YOU GUYS ARE SOME OF THE NICEST PEOPLE I’VE MET AND I HOPE I CAN LEARN FROM THE BOTH OF YOU AND LEARN TO BE JUST AS TALENTED!!!! I HOPE FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP TO GROW FOR A LONG TIME!!!!!

Alright…this was a rollercoaster of emotions. If it looks like I wrote more for one person than the other…I apologize!!!! Especially for 📦 and ⛵️!!! I appreciate the both of you equally and I’m glad to have met you guys! Everything I’ve said so far about you is nothing less than the truth!! And to 🥕, if they are somehow seeing this, then I simply have to thank you for the amazing game that you have created!!! I will admire you for a very long time!!! You and your game help me in seeing from a whole new perspective!!! Thank you very much!!! Can never say it enough!! I hope that one day I can be as great as the three of you guys!!! Thank you guys for attacking me on Art Fight once again!! And thank you to Art Fight for giving me a chance to send art to these wonderful people!!! Gosh Art Fight was a blast while it lasted!!! I’m excited for next year…hopefully by then I’ll have more characters for people to draw!!! Also hope that I will have improved drawing myself!!! There was some more stuff I wanted to do in Art Fight but I don’t regret anything I DID do!!! I’m very happy with deciding on joining Art Fight!!! I have one more Art Fight attack for ⛵️ that I haven’t posted yet but I’ll be doing that later!!! Until next time!!!

Lots of love to 🥕, ⛵️, 📦, and anyone else who may be reading!! 💕💕💕

[sleepy-moron]

Super messy kingdom hearts feelings

Riku is genuinely one of my favorite characters in any piece of media full stop, and it’s really hard for most people to understand why I love him so much. To a lot of people who only really played kh 1 and 2, Riku is just a kind of generic rival character, and for a lot of fans of the whole series he’s one of the best characters in the franchise but nothing particularly special in the grand scheme of all media ever.

I think understanding that Riku is deeply in love with Sora is essential to understanding what makes Riku such a wonderful character. There is so much more to him as a character, but his primary motivation has always been deeply intertwined with his love for Sora, and that’s not something you can ignore.

Riku speaks to a very specific experience that most people probably have not had, but if you do relate to it he becomes so special and important. So I’ve got to get a bit personal here to properly articulate what I mean.

When I was younger, I was best friends with one of my neighbors. We had been friends for years and spent a lot of time with each other. Then, a new kid our age moved into the neighborhood, and my best friend was suddenly spending all their time with another person. I had a lot of very strong feelings about this, to the point I would feel physically sick from it all. I didn’t understand what I was feeling or why I felt it so strongly, I just knew it hurt and I hated it.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I am very much not straight and had a massive crush on my best friend when all this was happening. I was jealous, sad, angry, guilty, and legitimately disgusted with myself and my friend. Our friendship was never really the same after that. On top of all this I was also dealing with undiagnosed mental illness as a kid, so I was basically just an emotional wreck pretending everything was normal for a few years.

I also watched my dad and brother play a lot of kingdom hearts as a young kid. I didn’t really understand the games but I was entranced by them despite this. Flash forward quite a few years to right before kh3 came out, and I decided to start watching people play through all the games so I could actually understand what the story was. I had by this point mostly finished having a sexuality crisis and was starting to deal with the unaddressed feelings I still kept locked up.

And then I got to see Riku in all his messy emotional gay coded glory, and it just resonated with me in a way I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Watching this kid feel all these messy and ugly things that he couldn’t really understand and lashing out because of it, to get to see him atone for his mistakes and begin the long journey to not only forgive himself but also accept himself and all the things he felt, it was just so emotionally significant for me. I had never really thought about what it would be like to see this part of my life reflected by a character, but once I had it I was just overwhelmed with how strongly I connected to the Mickey Mouse anime games.

I finally had the time to watch the 6 hour Riku is gay and why it matters video the other day, and it emotionally destroyed me all over again. I don’t think I’ll ever really stop being emotional about Riku, sometimes you just consume a piece of media at the right time and it just stays with you forever. That’s really why he’s so special to me, I happened to get to fully see his character at the right time for him to be so important to me in a way very few characters are.

[littlemisspascal]

The Before

Pairing: Ruescott Melshi x Female Reader

Word Count: 4000+

Summary: There is a story before, when, and after Keef Girgo enters your life. This is the Before.

Rating: M (18+, minors please do not engage!)

Warnings: Prison/Narkina 5 storyline but an AU where woman inmates are assigned to each unit as 'peacekeepers', language, established relationship, non-descriptive smut + references of smut, possessiveness, rough handling, biting, references of violence + blood, non-descriptive suicide (not major character death)

- Reader has no official name and no physical traits described in detail. However, she is picked up twice + is implied to be shorter than Melshi (because I'm a sucker for height differences)

Author Note: So...Idk what happened, I just watched Andor and something about the prison arc really resonated with me. And I really loved Melshi’s scenes and his connection with Cassian (or, Keef, I guess technically lol) so I decided to give writing for him a shot. I am not a smut writer, it’s just not for me, but I wanted to also try to step outside my usual comfort zone a little bit too when writing and thus---this fic was born. Hope someone enjoys it 😊

Special thanks to @beecastle for beta reading and encouraging me 💜

The When

There is a scar across the top of Melshi’s hand that flashes silvery-white whenever the light catches it just right. You’ve been mesmerized by it for almost a dozen shifts now. His hands, in general, have starred in many of your dreams: the sandpaper quality of his skin, thick fingers covered in calluses, how they flex and fidget when he works. 

Once upon a time your mind used to torture you by fantasizing what those hands would feel like touching you. If he’d be rough or gentle. How lucky you are now to know reality is better than even your wildest fantasies.

From the other side of the table, where he’s twisting a bolt into place with a hydrospanner, Melshi’s eyes lift to meet yours. The sleeves of his uniform are rolled up, exposing pale skin rippling as his muscles tighten and slacken with every movement. You track the faint blue lines of veins along the tender flesh of his wrists, up his forearms, imagining you can follow them all the way to his heart. The whooshing of blood pumping in your ears is nearly loud enough to block out the ruckus of machinery sounds. 

Nearly.

Melshi’s brow twitches, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it show of concern. An unspoken question only you hear. What’s wrong? 

Other prisoners have described this place as hell, but you're not so sure. Hell is pain and anguish on an infinite loop—a fitting description to a T, except for one glaring exception. Narkina 5 has Melshi. So it can’t be hell, you reckon, because Melshi is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. He’s your everything.

Nothing, absolutely nothing can compete with what you have within these walls. Fresh air, sunshine, the smell of the dirt after it rains. You’d trade them all if it meant staying by his side.

You give the smallest shake of your head. Nothing. An even subtler quirk of an eyebrow. Thinking.

There’s more you could say. A whole book of dialogue exchanged in shrugs, facial tics, and flaring nostrils. Melshi would follow along with every nonexistent word. 

But you don’t need to say anything else. Melshi understands your silences too.

He winks, sly as a fox. 

Back to work, little dreamer.

—

The view outside the window is the same above as it is below, dozens of skybridges full of men standing in lines with a single woman spotted here and there amongst them. You press your forehead against the glass, reminiscent of your childhood days on commercial flights. Behind you, Melshi stands alert, keeping an eye on Kino shouting orders further up ahead, ready to pull you back in line at a second’s notice. He holds your hand, thumb absently rubbing circles.

For a moment, you contemplate stealing his attention. Look, Rue, you’d say, tapping at the window, gesturing to the gaps between the ugly facility where water pours down in torrents, breathtaking in its intensity. And Melshi would turn his head, dark eyes burning like a wildfire, and you’d forget the view immediately, discovering a far more beautiful sight.

But Kino opens his mouth again and you’re tugged back in line and the moment’s gone. 

—

One morning, Ulaf gives you a scrutinizing look, his aged eyes dark and full of knowing, and says, “He’s it for you, isn’t he?”

The two of you walk side by side to the work ring, your turn to make sure he doesn’t get pushed around by the other prisoners. Up ahead, Melshi looks back every other step, glaring at anyone who gets too close to you, softening when he catches you smiling. 

“Yes,” you say simply, feeling warm all over. “He is.”

—

You’ve hit another milestone. Your sentence is now in the double digits. It’s not the lowest on the level, that honor goes to Ulaf, but still, not everyone lasts this long. All the Table Five guys come up and pat you on the back when they hear. All of them, except for Melshi.

You get it—or you think you do, at least. Because your time together has felt like a bubble, a separate realm from the rest of the universe. This milestone is a ticking bomb threatening to destroy that.

This milestone is one step closer to a goodbye.

“It’s inevitable, dream. Our ending was written from the start,” Melshi says, and goes into his cell. Lights out is near. You’re standing on the floor, arms crossed over your chest, loathing the tense points of his shoulder blades beneath the white and orange scrubs.

“Don’t say that.” 

“Why not? We both know it’s the truth.”

You stomp your foot and Melshi shoots you a look, squinting like he doesn’t recognize you anymore. You meet his stare unflinchingly.

He turns away a beat later, sighing through his nose. “C’mon, get inside.”

And that should be the end of it. You should let go of your churning frustration and join him in bed. Both of you should just keep on pretending everything’s fine, fall back smoothly into the same routines, and when your final shift comes you’ll leave without hesitation, never looking back. Just like the woman who left before you and the woman who left before her. 

You’re not like those other women, though. Everyone’s said so—you still smile, still laugh. Still dream. So you remain motionless, even as the buzzer rings out and the floor lights blink. 

“Quit fooling around, dream,” Melshi snaps, eyes darting between the floor and your face. His nostrils flare, mouth hard, but you know him better than anyone, see the cracks of worry behind his steely anger. “Either come here or get in your cell.”

Your eyes narrow. 

“Dream.”

The overhead bulbs switch off.

“Dreamer.” His fear is blatant now, the whites of his eyes shining. 

He’s not the only anxious one. Inmates are leaning out of their cells all along the block, some shouting at you to move, others watching with bated breath for a possible show of sparks and your bloodcurdling wails. You can feel Kino’s gaze drilling holes into you, and you know he knows nothing he says or does will influence you to move.

The only person who has that power is right in front of you.

Melshi.

The floor lights flicker their final warning.

Melshi, who’s snatching you around the waist and hauling you off the floor, all but throwing you into the safety of his cell. Melshi, who’s crowding you against the wall, grip harsh enough there’s sure to be bruises in the morning. Melshi who doesn’t want to say goodbye either.

“There are no inevitabilities with us. All we can depend on is each other, Rue,” you say, tilting your head back to lock gazes. He’s breathing harshly, chest heaving, but his eyes, oh his eyes are shining stars.

Defenses torn apart, emotions ripple across his face, one after the other like skipping stones. Anger, misery, panic, but underneath it all, what has your heart threatening to burst, is understanding. His right hand leaves your waist, seizing hold of your chin, forcing you to stay still. As if you’d rather be anywhere else. 

“Don’t you ever do something so reckless like that again,” he says through gritted teeth, accent bolstered by his turmoil. His thumb ghosts over your bottom lip then, belying his temper. “I won’t always be there to save you.”

You lean forward in his hold, and the mere fact that he lets you sink into his personal space, hands winding around his neck, is proof enough of his devotion.

Your lips hover centimeters away from his, noses brushing, and a teasing smirk curls at the corner of your mouth as you peer up at half-lidded eyes dark with desire. 

“Liar.”

—

The scarlet beam of a welding laser scorches the tender skin of your knuckles. It isn’t a severe burn—merely a painful inconvenience—but Melshi frets over it the rest of the shift and even afterwards in the sanctity of your shared cell, cradling your hand in his with all the gentleness of handling a baby bird. 

“You need to stay focused, dreamer,” Melshi chastens, making a tsking sound with his tongue.

But you’ve been christened your moniker for a reason. Mind frequently drifting into the clouds far, far above, envisioning alternate lives beyond your underwater cage, making a home somewhere even the Empire and all its corruption cannot touch. 

You grin back at him. “I kind of like it actually. We match now.”

Melshi glances down at his scarred hand, almost like he’d forgotten the mark was there. Something dark passes over his face, a shadow of a triggered memory. A chapter of his life he’ll never tell you about.

“Just don’t make it a habit,” is all he says.

—

It’s funny, in a way, how certain little elements of prison life start to feel comforting in their familiarness. A fresh set of scrubs every third day. Morning stretches with an ample variety of bedheads. Taga’s signing lessons. The boom of Kino’s voice. Flavorless mush in a tube. Feet padding along on chilled Tunqstoid tiles. The shrill whirs and whines of machinery. Melshi’s fingers trailing heat along your body, breaths and moans blurring together in the dark. 

You wish you could reach out and bottle these moments, use them as painkillers on days when Table Five finishes last and the floor threatens to burn holes in the soles of your feet.

Jemboc nudges your arm with his, wondering where you drifted off to this time. You nudge him back, then shrug your shoulders. “Nowhere far.”

—

The guards don’t give two shits about what you and Melshi do after lights out. As long as you hold out your arm for a contraception injection at the start of each month and your “womanly influence” continues keeping the men of Unit Five-Two-D coolheaded, they won’t even care if you fucked a different cock every night. 

They don’t need to care what happens to anybody dressed in white and orange—they’re not paid to care, only to press a couple of buttons and announce ominous messages over the intercom throughout the day. And you hate it. Hate them and the entire Empire manipulating the galaxy like a giant puppet on a string. 

But you’re also a selfish creature. 

What you have with Melshi, your messy and beautiful bond, has not only been allowed to grow in this gaping blind spot, but flourish. It’s like fate intertwined your paths. Like Narkina 5 was always in the cards from the get-go. And in the rare moments where Melshi looks at you with unbridled affection, that selfish part of you will sing joyously because this belongs to you, this is all you need to be happy. Nothing else.

The rest of the galaxy could burn to ashes.

—

You watch Melshi sleep, sometimes. Quiet, lower lip clenched between your teeth, not wanting to wake him up and lose the moment of indulgence.

You know what will happen if he catches you. It’s happened twice before and panned out the exact same way. He’ll give you a bleary-eyed look once he sees you staring. Followed immediately by unintelligible grumbling and a hand pulling you forward, burying your face into the nook between his neck and collarbone. A wordless command to go to sleep.

Holding his hand in the waiting lines and blowing him in the dark for three years, Melshi doesn’t mind at all. But watching him sleep, curled on his side with an arm slung over your waist, marveling at how much younger he looks while he dreams as the midnight hours tick by—that triggers the transformation of your strong and hardened lover into someone shy and wrongfooted. It does something funny to your heart, even funnier to your mind.

Makes you wonder how different he’d be if you’d met Melshi outside of prison, what would stay the same. Would he bring you flowers on your first date? Would he whisper mine in your ear and hold you flush against his chest while thrusting deep inside you?

Perhaps that’s the truth of why you keep watching Melshi sleep, to see glimpses of this alternate persona buried beneath the familiar layers. 

You look up when fingers close around your wrist. And for a third time, you find yourself looking into the eyes of a stranger.

—

You first kissed Melshi on your 1,352th shift in the semi-privacy of the refresher, taking his face between your hands and smashing your mouths together.

It was all clashing teeth and needy tongues, and you tried to sink into the experience for all its worth, to let yourself be consumed entirely. But your heart pounded like a wrecking ball against your chest, and a voice in the back of your head screamed stop it! He’ll take advantage of you, for fuck’s sake! 

The voice was momentarily drowned out by the wet heat of Melshi’s mouth, a teasing nip against your bottom lip, and a wave of pleasure rolled over you from head to toe, a dizzying and dearly missed sensation.

And then you forced yourself to pull away.

Melshi merely blinked at you, a little dazed looking, lips red and slightly swollen. Oh, Maker…

“Sorry,” you murmured, dragging your eyes away to look at a very interesting spot on the wall over his shoulder. “I-I wasn’t thinking. I just—”

“Liar,” Melshi cut you off, not unkindly. He smirked at your affronted look. “You’re always thinking, little dreamer.”

He wasn’t wrong. Your mind was always thinking, planning, imagining, drifting, analyzing. Still, you huffed and crossed your arms over your stomach. You’d rather he just reject you outright than continue exacerbating your discomfort.

“How often?”

You arched an eyebrow. “How often what?”

Melshi pinned you with a sharp look, like you were being purposefully difficult. He leaned closer then, and your breath caught as he brushed his fingertips over your temple, palm cradling your cheek. “How often do I cross your mind?”

You let out a shuddered exhale. You’d never been touched like that before. Touched like you were worth more than a quick fuck and a fake promise of calling again soon. 

“Melshi,” you began only to be silenced by a thumb against your lips.

“Ruescott.”

Something inside of you cracked wide open.

“Ruescott,” you amended, voice barely above a murmur. His breath was hot against your cheeks, sending your thoughts into a whirlwind. “You…”

Maker, why was it so hard to focus? 

You felt feverish all over. Every nerve ending ablaze. Melshi’s eyes never left yours. And he must have known. He must have.

“Ruescott,” you raised a hand, tentatively resting it over his, grounding yourself in the physical contact, “you never leave my mind.”

Something shifted in his gaze, a flicker of an emotion you couldn’t identify, and then Melshi lunged, swallowing your startled yelp with his mouth, lips colliding.

The sudden fierce moment had you stumbling backwards against the wall, but Melshi’s hand was quicker, protecting your skull from the hit. And you, you didn’t know if it were possible to pull him in any closer, hands fisted in the itchy fabric of his scrubs, his arousal grinding against your inner thigh, but fuck if you didn’t make an attempt. 

Seconds, minutes, hours later—time had no meaning anymore, you were drunk on the taste of him—Melshi was the one dragging himself away with a low groan. You made an attempt to chase after his lips, but his hold on your upper arms was impossible to squirm out of, fingers flexing warningly.

“Not here, dream,” he said before throwing a glance over his shoulder. 

Awareness of your surroundings abruptly came screaming back to you. 

Oh, shit, you thought, the heat in your core extinguished immediately. Kissing was one thing to be caught doing, but two inmates letting loose their combined pent up sexual frustration in a fit of raw, unbridled fucking was quite another.

“Tonight,” he muttered, an oath sworn with another searing kiss. “Tonight I’m going to take care of you. I’ll fuck you so good every man on every level will know.”

You barely stifled the whimper in your throat. Insecurity bit at you, a parasite you couldn’t squash on your own. “Promise, Rue? You won’t leave me high and dry?”

Or worse, wet and wanting. 

“Promise,” was the instant response; no hesitation, no thinking. And then, quieter, infused with such bleeding sincerity you felt the words like individual blows: “I’ll make you a second one, too. You’ll never have to worry about me leaving you.”

At the time you thought him romantic. Now you understand his real meaning: you’ll never know a day apart from him because your sentence is shorter than his. 

—

“I love you,” you whisper in the midnight hours. Melshi pulls you closer, lips pressing against the crown of your head. One of his hands rests on the back of your neck, fingertips gently rubbing at your pulsepoint. 

“When I…” he cuts himself off, and you can hear the quiver in his voice, the words catching in his throat. “When I dream about a life outside of here, you’re always there. Just you and me, somewhere warm…and...”

There’s a pause, a silence broken only by Melshi’s quiet exhale and faint snores from cells further down. 

Your eyes sting, tears spilling down your cheeks. “And?”

“And we’re happy,” he says softly. “We’re so fucking happy.”

—

Group showers provoke warring emotions twice a week without fail. 

On one hand, it’s nice to feel clean after sweating through your shifts. (Do you wish it didn’t require being tightly packed like sardines into a room with a bunch of unknown women and sprayed with frigid cold mist? Of course. But who’s gonna listen to your complaints? Nobody, that’s who.)  

On the other hand, you’re separated from your group, from Melshi. And it’s like there are thorns digging into your backside the entire time, from the second you’re hustled away by a guard all too happy to leer at you while his hand rests pointedly on his zaprod to the moment you’re reunited with Unit Five-Two-D in the work room. Only when you’re back in their sight again—each of your Table Five boys sweeping their eyes over you, looking for signs of harm, a single hair out of place—you feel like you can breathe easily again. 

You were brought here to be a peacekeeper amongst the men—negotiate with them, befriend them, be their punching bag or fucktoy, the method doesn’t matter so long as the conflict is settled—and on other levels you’d be expected to fulfill your duty to the utmost degree, but not here. Not here where Kino’s word is law and the men will suffer worse than a broken hand if they’re inappropriate with you. 

Inmates aren’t supposed to think of themselves as lucky, not on Narkina 5 of all places, but you do.

To the guards, you’re a sacrificial lamb in a den of lions. Rumors say more women leave in body bags than by walking. But they have it all wrong in your case. You aren’t a lamb and the men aren’t lions. 

You are a wolf, and they are your pack.

—

The odds are in Table Five’s favor today, resulting in a first place victory and flavored food waiting for you all in your cells. Between swallows the men banter and roughhouse like rowdy schoolboys, Xaul telling a crude joke about shaved banthas that makes you laugh so hard your ribs ache. Even Kino cracks a smile.

You lean back against Melshi’s chest, head tucked beneath his chin. Lucky, you think again, committing every detail to memory.

And you don’t know it yet—nobody does, not even the guards—but this is the last good day you’ll have at Narkina 5. 

Tomorrow, everything will change.

—

You wake up to shouts ricocheting off the walls, nearly falling off the cot out of alarm if not for Melshi’s fast reflexes. The morning buzzer hasn’t rung yet, floor still electric, but the whole block is an enraged swarm, an overwhelming cacophony of cursing and bellowing. Even more worrying, Kino won’t make eye contact when you look to him for answers.

And then you see it.

Melshi’s number has increased.

There’s a loaded moment where you can’t believe what you’re seeing. You tap at the screen with trembling fingers, thinking it’s a glitch, it has to be, because if it’s not then that means—Oh, Maker, you can’t even finish the thought—but the number doesn’t change, doesn’t flicker. Your insistent taps become slaps, palms aching, and you don’t realize you’ve joined in the shouting until Melshi’s pulling you backwards with an arm around your stomach.

“It’s not just me. Everybody’s tabs have gone up. Even yours, dreamer,” Melshi says hoarsely, holding you up when your knees go numb, sobs wracking your body.

“Why?” you whimper, shaking your head. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Rue. We didn’t do anything wrong.”

Through your tears, Melshi’s eyes hold more worry than you’ve ever seen, and you can’t stand it. You want him to reassure you, to tell you there’s been a mistake and everything will be okay.

He doesn’t. Instead, even worse, his arms tighten around you and he says nothing. 

Not one word.

—

Later, you’ll learn there was an attack on one of the Empire’s garrisons (a suspected rebellion strike, but you, along with at least half of Five-Two-D’s men, are still on the fence whether these so-called rebels even exist or not). 

Later, you’ll learn the Empire invoked the Public Order Resentencing Directive as a result. The reason why everyone’s numbers spiked overnight without warning. The reason why slight mishaps previously disciplined with a verbal dressing down are now punished with a zaprod to the gut, spine, head—wherever the guards think will hurt the longest. 

Later, Melshi will rub your back while you empty your stomach contents into the refresher, the sight of blood gushing from Ham’s busted and charred nose seared into your brain.

There’s tension in the air, every day intensifying a little more, squeezing your neck just a little bit tighter. There are nights where Melshi paces the length of the cell, fists clenched at his sides, and mornings where Ulaf can barely stand from his cot, gritting his teeth against the aches and pains of a weathered body pushed to its limits. 

You were brought here to be a peacekeeper. But there’s nothing you can do to quell this amount of rage. A rage you feel simmering beneath your own skin. 

There is a bomb in the heart of Narkina 5, ignored by the guards who shield themselves behind their electric floors and weapons. But what the fools fail to realize is it’s not a question of if this bomb will go off.

It’s a matter of when.

—

“We’re never getting out of here,” you whisper, pressed against the cot.

“Don’t talk like that. Not you, little dreamer,” Melshi scolds, breathing against your neck, and you fall silent, shuddering with every touch, teeth sinking into the meat of his shoulder to muffle your moans.

In the morning you’ll trace the bite mark with your fingertips, thinking that the thin line between animal and human has never looked blurrier.

—

You first notice Tress’ twitchiness during the third hour of your shift. Eyes just a bit too wide, gnawing at his lip like he’ll receive a reward if it bleeds. Panic attacks happen from time to time, but usually to newbies who haven’t adapted to the routine yet. Not to longtimers like Tress.

He gets worse with each passing hour, dropping his tools, practically vibrating with an abundance of nervous energy. You’re not the only one who’s alarmed by his strange behavior now. Melshi casts subtle glances in Tress’ direction after every finished droid piece, while Kino stares him down like he’s ready to tackle him in the next breath if Tress does something remotely dangerous.

You lose track of him when everyone lines up to return to the sleep block. No matter how much you twist and crane your neck in either direction, you can’t spot a single glimpse of his blonde curls. Melshi squeezes your hand, and to everyone else he appears indifferent, staring straight ahead while waiting for Kino to give the order to keep walking, but you see the pinch between his eyebrows immediately. He’s just as concerned as you are.

Passing him safely in his cell has you breathing a quiet sigh of relief. Still, you can’t quite bring yourself to fully relax, a sense of impending dread lingering in your bones. You don’t say much during dinner, just sit on the floor of your cell next to Melshi, half-listening to his conversation with Taga—something about a new guard on the third level nearly frying a man to death accidentally—and half-keeping an eye on Tress who looks only marginally less weasley-looking than he did earlier. Marginally.

“Sleep, little dreamer,” Melshi tells you later on in the night, pausing your tossing and turning. His eyes are closed when you look at him, but you can tell by his wrinkled brow he’s hanging onto consciousness by a mere thread. You don’t understand how he’s able to sleep. Doesn’t he feel the wrongness? Like the walls are closing in, stealing the room’s oxygen?

Your mouth opens to ask him just that, but the agonized wail that pierces the silence doesn’t belong to you.

And you know, even before you’ve slid off the cot, before you see the body lying motionless on the floor at the end of the hall, that Tress is gone. 

—

The next day, a new inmate named Keef Girgo arrives.

And little do any of you know, he’s going to bring Narkina 5 to its knees.

[omgfloofy]

State of the WIPs

A lot of my writing has stalled due to work, chronic pain in my foot, and Tears of the Kingdom. It’s really hard to be creative on stuff.

But I figure it’s time to give some progress reports on the WIPs I’ve got going at the moment. Especially since I’ve not talked about them in awhile. Everything will be behind the cut.

dal segno al coda

This is the monster fic. Of course. I’m currently at 99,462 words currently in the draft files for the three sections. This does not include the out of place snippets that haven’t been written into the main story or content from the original draft file that I want to keep. All in all, I’ve written over 200k words for this story, but not all of it will be kept in the long run.

Currently about 95% of the story is outlined, though. Which makes life much easier for me in some parts.

There are sections for Lunafreya that I’ve been writing in part 1 that lean heavily in the spy / political thriller type genre. This is a type of story I absolutely love but feel a little overwhelmed dabbling in. So part of my ‘research’ for this has included reading stories in this genre.

Additionally, I’ve been working on sections of part 3 that I can’t really post any WIP content for, since I need to keep as much of it as secret as possible. However, I’ve also written the last chapter and the epilogue. Those were things I couldn’t shake. And there’s a Meanwhile, Elsewhere... chapter that is post-story. On top of that, I’ve also written a post-segno side story that may, or may not be published some day.

I’m clearly having too much fun dabbling around in the mental images I’ve got of the post-story time period for Eos. I don’t know if I want to publish these things because I don’t want to color what other people end up imagining post-segno Eos to be like.

Additionally, the story ended up needing the creation of an original character. I’ve named him Valens.

I was able to get an incredible commission from @teapots-and-hats​ for his design. And while I don’t want to post the whole art yet for reasons, I do at least want to post this portrait at the very least and a small snippet that features him that may, or may not, be kept in the final version of the story.

That chill ran down his spine again as the swordsman looked towards his advisor. Somehow, despite not being able to actually see his eyes, Noctis just knew that he could tell where the man was looking. This meant that somehow - impossibly - this man had magic. To make matters worse, it was somehow resonating with his own.

"You're impossible," Noctis mumbled softly, as he started to make some connection over this black haired, black leather clad stranger. This drew the attention of the swordsman and this time, Noctis felt like his breath had simply been taken from him. All of that magic he could feel was turned on him in an instant.

"Am I?" As the swordsman approached, Noctis began to feel his legs buckle again. It was not from a physical force this time, but instead the sheer overwhelming presence that buried itself into the very core of his being.

Noctis just wanted to shout for Luna and Ignis to stay away! Stay far away! However, he found himself frozen within the stranger’s overwhelming power and he was unable to even speak a single word.

Once he was near Noctis, the masked swordsman settled onto a knee and reached out with a gloved hand to gently wrap leather-clad fingers around Noctis' chin and force the prince to look up at him. Noctis fought hard to keep his eyes forward and not recoil under the magic being pressed against him.

"I'm not the one who is out of time," the swordsman's words were heavy and cleanly punctuated.

Of course, Noctis thought angrily to himself. Of course he knows.

Oh yeah. I’ve also got a set of special dividers integrated into the workskin I’ve been working on for segno. It’s not the ones I’ve used here, but they do use this same style. I might as well use this as a preview as well, right? They have a very special purpose, and I’m eager for those to be seen as well. However, I want to keep the actual dividers a bit of a secret still.

Last, but not least, I’ve been in the process of designing and planning a ruins to kind of serve as a ‘final dungeon’ of the story. Sort of. It’ll make more sense down the line, I promise.

Speaking of the ending. That’s actually written. I know exactly where I’m going in segno now. I just need to get there.

You can find other stuff I’ve posted about this story under the tag ‘#dal segno al coda stuff’

Twilight

This little AU that has the chapter by chapter ‘end of life’ story for Noctis in an AU where he survived the end of the game. An important aspect of the story is that he gave up his royal title and has begun living a hermit-like lifestyle in Duscae while hiding his true identity.

I promised a bunch of other side stories and I finally got Granting Another Light out not too long ago.

There are multiple shorts that I’ve got outlined and need to finish. They have the following titles:

A Quiet Morning - This details Noct’s morning routine late in the story. Just a simple bit of fluff with no real direction. It just adds color to the whole story.

A New Restart - This is the short about the “incident” that was mentioned in the main story where Noct blew his cover, and how it forced him to change his lifestyle.

The Puzzle Box - The making of a certain puzzle box that has an important role in the main story.

Some Things Never Change - Noct runs into Sania after a job. The worst part is she recognizes him.

There are still three more stories worked up that don’t have titles yet. And a fourth that’s just going to be a bunch of random texting shorts between Noct and his friends.

Inconvenient Blessings

This will be a small pre-canon one-shot that is Regis-centered, following Regis and Clarus at a special event for a Children’s Day celebration, where little 6-year old Noctis is with them due to the holiday.

It features a very clear moment of “kids say the darnedest things.” And when that kid is the Crown Prince, those little things can be more troublesome than normal.

This may be the final outcome from an incomplete and untitled story that I finally posted to AO3 sometime ago. This little short explores the idea that the general public likely has superstitions around the Lucian royalty and their divine connections with the Crystal. And children mucking that up.

Nothing is fully written on it, but this has been outlined and it’s ready to start. I just need to get it more clearly in my head so that I can begin writing on it.

Untitled Psych Horror Story

This 5-chapter jaunt that I’ve started working on delves into psychological horror, which I’ve never played around with in writing before. I’m a little excited with the idea of the story, but a bit nervous on it at the same time. This is because it’s a genre I’ve never written before. However, once the idea for this story got into my head, and the more I played around with ideas for it, the more I found myself wanting to actually write the damn thing.

The most important thing that has me very daunted on this story is that I feel like I’m invoking stuff I’ve come across from other fic writers like @breakfastteatime​ and @every-lemon and I’m a little terrified and hope I can do their works justice. (by the way, read their fics, they’re amazing.)

---

"Iris," Gladio mumbled as he walked into the living room and saw her lounging on the sofa with a magazine. It looked very... off from the kind of thing she'd read. Cover lines on it included topics such as Increased Spam Calls to Insomnian Citizens Require Legislative Intervention and The Ideals of the Lucian Royalty: A Bygone Dream.

"Hey, Gladdy," she said cheerfully from behind the magazine, but yelped as he abruptly pulled it from her hands.

"What's got you reading this kind of shlock?"

"What are you talking about, give that back!" It wasn't too hard for the older of the siblings to hold the magazine out of reach.

Gladio looked at the magazine to show her the cover lines, when he stopped short after glancing at it again. The cover was now different from what he had seen before. It had originally looked like some sort of business magazine, but now? It was just a local fashion magazine. He quickly flipped through the pages to make sure he was seeing things. When he convinced himself that he was, in fact, imagining it, he just tossed it back onto Iris' lap.

"What's gotten into you, Gladio?" Iris sat up on the sofa as she snatched the magazine into a hand.

Gladio rubbed at the side of his head. "I'm not sure. Today's been a very odd day."

---

So there you go. A bunch of stuff on works that I’ve got on the sidelines and the monster fic itself. I’m always happy to answer questions in my ask box for these stories, as well. Especially since some of them are now playing with canon and stuff that was never really fully fleshed out in the original game.

[twilightmalachite]

Altered - Heaven and Hell 22

Author: Akira

Characters: Tsumugi, Rei

Translator: Mika Enstars

"I suppose I’ve become emotionally unstable after everything that’s happened to me. My mother would also cry or lose her temper without warning if things went badly, am I like that too?"

Season: Winter

Location: Yumenosaki Academy Library

⚠️ This is an import from a unproofed Twitter Livetweet!

2 years ago in the winter. Shortly after the subjugation of the Five Eccentrics that marked the end of the war…

Tsumugi: —and then everyone lived happily forever.

Happily, ever after.

… …

Rei: O~i, what’s up, Aoba-kun? You’re looking rather melancholy.[1]

Rei: Hold on, could it be that you’re crying?

Tsumugi: I-I should be the one saying "what’s up". Whats up with that grandpa-like way of speaking, Rei-kun?

Rei: Just thinking about retiring for a while, so I’m searching for a suitable character for that.

Rei: I’ve gotten real bored of this “Superstar Sakuma Rei” character.

Tsumugi: The incongruity is amazing.

Rei: Yeah. I feel surprisingly at ease with it, I like it.

Welp, I guess it’ll take some time t’ease into. I cant help but feel uncomfortable in the end, ‘specially in front of people who already know me.

Tsumugi: Mhm. Your typical tone of voice suits you better, Rei-kun.

When you use such a grandfatherly tone like that, it’s like I’ve suddenly become a stranger, and I feel uneasy.

Rei: Hmm~. It sounds like you’re sayin’ that from the bottom of your heart.

What’s goin’ on with you, Tsumugi? You’ve become quite the emotional person, havent’cha? Even now, it looked like you were cryin’ from gettin’ emotionally involved in that book!

Tsumugi: Yeah… I’m a little surprised, myself.

These days, I’ve been really enjoying reading.

Rei: Oh?

Tsumugi: I’ve been very captivated by books that before I’d simply skim through. I feel thrilled by the adventurous tales within, feel heartbroken by the tragic loves, and cry.

I wonder why. I don’t know why, but all of a sudden I’ve been like this.

I suppose I’ve become emotionally unstable after everything that’s happened to me. My mother would also cry or lose her temper without warning if things went badly, am I like that too?

Rei: Nahh. You, emotionally unstable?

That ain’t it. You’re just finally startin’ to experience those emotions.

Tsumugi: … …

Rei: Typically, humanity is learned naturally through contact with your parents and friends when you’re a child.

You’ve finally got yours after a miserable war.

Babies learn the concept of “laughing” when their parents laugh at them.

You were never able to have that opportunity, though. Your family ain’t a functioning family.

Yet, despite such an environment, you’ve been playin’ the role of the big brother at a training school since you were young, and had to be always takin’ care of lil’ kids.

Ya don’t need emotion in that work. As long as you fulfill your function, that’s all that matters.

So ya continued to operate solely as a convenient machine, while you, who should’ve been at the back of it all, were ignored.

But, at Yumenosaki, even someone like you has to expose yourself.

Inspired by those who truly live, you’ve been forced to pull yourself out.

During the war, you’ve had many upon many heart-to-heart clashes with others. You cried, laughed, and got angry together with everyone…

Those emotions sprouted, grew steadily, and took root inside of you.

Now you’re able to laugh and cry, and empathize with the tragedies and comedies in stories that never resonated with you before.

Since it’s somethin’ you experienced before, somethin’ you felt before, you can understand it from experience.

The reason we are moved by a story is because we can connect it to our own experiences.

And you’ve had quite a lot of those “experiences” through just the short duration of the war.

That’s why these stories are able to move ya.

That’s all there is to it, Tsumugi.

You were finally born as a human being, after becomin’ a highschool student.

…Congratulations on your birth, my friend.

Tsumugi: ? It’s not my birthday today, though~?

Rei: Hahah, guess you’re not quite there yet. Take your time growin’ up, lil’ baby.

Tsumugi: Hah… Anyways, Rei-kun, do you have something to do with me? Or, did you just happen to be passing by?

Rei: Right, I’m jus’ here to check up on the school.

There’s been a strange rumor goin’ around lately. That the Five Eccentrics are gatherin’ and are plannin’ to strike back at the student council.

Tsumugi: Ah, there is a rumor like that, yeah.

Something about… the Five Eccentrics forming a unit, so they can challenge and defeat the fine that had subjugated them.

But… You’re clever, so I’m sure you already know this, Rei-kun, but it’s just a baseless fabrication put out there by the student council.

Rei: I figured it would be somethin’ like that but… Hm~, is that true?

Glad to hear. There was the possibility of Natsume seriously considerin’ a plot of revenge. So I came all the way over here, just in case.

Seems I was worryin’ for nothin’. Good, that’s a relief.

Tsumugi: Natsume-kun does seem to be in a bit of a dangerous spot. I can’t help but worry about him.

We had a bonfire together the other day, and he was looking like he had reached his limit. I tried to tell him this and that for the time being, but…

After hurting him, I feel anything I say will only add fuel to his fire.

Rei: The fact he feels bothered by your words I’m sure just means that he feels your presence has weight to him.

If it were anyone else sayin’ it, he would ignore it.

Tsumugi: Is that so… I wonder if my existence is still at least a bit significant in his mind, then.

If so, it’s a terrible thing to say, but, it’d make me kinda happy.

Because I like him. I really do.

Rei: You seem to really like him, despite the fact he keeps hittin’ and stompin’ on ya mercilessly for some reason. It’s kinda unnervin’, he your abusive boyfriend or somethin’?

If ya don’t correct those sorts of misaligned feelings, you’ll have a hard time livin’, ya know.

Tsumugi: Hmm~, I guess that’s a part of myself even I don’t know what to do about.

It’s something that’s not easy to do right away.

Rei: Welp, it’s fine to take your time growin’ up, lil’ baby.

Tsumugi: I’m not exactly red though, if anything, I’m blue~?[2]

Rei: Ahaha, that misalignment of your personality there is exactly what makes ya so both so interestin’ and so irritatin’!

← prev | story directory | next →

Rei’s speaking in the “grandfather”-esque fashion that we’re used to in this and the following line here. He drops it after that.

A difficult one to translate smoothly here; the word for baby is “akachan” (赤ちゃん), the “aka” meaning “red”. It’s derived from how red appears. Tsumugi jokes that he’s more of an “aochan” (青ちゃん) here. He just swapped “red” out with “blue”. It’s the same ao as in aoba, or aotori (bluebird).

[singularattitudeofasafetypin]

Oh oh tell me about Dance Magic Dance because I think about that fic a lot

Really??? Oh yay, I’m so glad! The coolest thing ever as a writer, as I’m sure you know, is to hear that someone’s been thinking about your work after they’ve read it!

I hope you’re ready for an essay! You don’t know what you’ve unleashed!

Wow so where to start? I freaking LOVE this movie! My mum showed it to me when I was really young, just randomly remembered it as a film she used to like and bought it to show me and my sister. I was enchanted!

Sarah the main character is really like me. Loves dressing up and theatre and dramatic, emotional storytelling, and I also found my little sister really annoying at the time. Perfect, right?

I also loved watching all the behind the scenes stuff on the special features! The practical effects were so so cool and I love the way the set designer was like just cover EVERYTHING in glitter!

So when Eddie Munson burst into my life in all his fantasy-loving, dungeon master glory and I realised the movie came out in 1986, what else could I do?

I was listening to the song ‘Dance Magic, Dance’ on the bus to work which then prompted me to watch the movie again after ages. Midway through I just had this vision of Eddie bursting through the door with a look of horror on his face uttering the words, ‘Are you watching our movie without me?’ The fic kinda spiralled from there.

Listening to the same song a few days later and I thought, Eddie is 100% the type of parent to try and throw his child in the air like David Bowie.

The flashback with Eddie asking Reader on a date is honestly one of my favourite bits to write! It was short and sweet and practically wrote itself. I pictured Eddie, still fragile, only just healed but having harboured a crush for so long. His recent brush with mortality having hit home that there’s no time to lose but in the moment getting flustered and reader having to finish the sentence for him.

I wanted to keep the playful nature I’d already established with their relationship largely to convey how young they both are and how not much time has really passed yet they’re still moving on and finding new life and happiness with each other.

Happy endings are just it for me and while I do enjoy a good tragedy every now and then, I always prefer it all to turn out right.

Now the masked ball scene! Oh this scene! Phantom of the Opera has quite literally from birth been my favourite musical of all time (but that’s another story for another time!) so you throw anything remotely resembling a masked ball into a piece of media and I will go wild! Add in ‘As The World Falls Down’ sung by the one and only David Bowie himself while dressed in a jacket literally encrusted with sapphires and I’m sold!

Also, as a cosplayer/fashion history/theatrical costume enthusiast, THE DRESS!!!! Aaaagghh!!! That dress is the dress of my dreams! I’ve always wanted a wedding inspired by this scene from Labyrinth so thus, reader got one!

The most romantic thing in the world in my humble opinion is dancing together! Even more so if it’s in a domestic situation!

I really feel like Eddie Munson is the one to make everything feel magical. I know I crave adventure and romance like in stories and I really think he does too! I really wanted to show him as a person who brings that fairytale feeling even after coming home from a hard day’s work with nothing more than a song and a memory. Ultimately, it’s my absolute dream to find someone like that in real life, but until I do, I’ll settle for writing him!

Oh my gosh that was long! Sorry if it was too much. Again, I’m so pleased you liked this one. I’m always afraid when I write something so specific to me that it’ll be too niche or personal that no one else will enjoy it but I’m learning that often the more personal a work is, the more people resonate with it because it has heart.

Like how Taylor Swift’s music works! It’s so personal and true to her yet it connects with so many people on such a deep level. I can only dream of being as good a storyteller as her one day.

But anyway, that’s it I think. Sorry it was long, my high school English teacher had to force me to stop rambling in my essays but here we are!

Thanks for asking about this one and thanks for reading if you got this far!

Fanfic Directors Cut

[thepermanentrainpress]

THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH JASON KARMAN OF GOLDEN DELICIOUS

An Asian-Canadian coming-of-age film about family expectations, sexual identity and peer pressure, Golden Delicious is all that and more. It is charming and sentimental, with family at its core. Jake Wong’s (Cardi Wong) story as he navigates his final year of high school is all too familiar in one aspect or another, and a look inwards into how we define and perceive stability and happiness is much needed. 

I watched Golden Delicious when it first premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival in October, and it was a special night. Since then, the film has screened at many festivals (including Seattle Queer Film Festival, Reelword Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Rainbow Visions Film Festival and Mardi Gras Film Festival).

Does each new festival bring about a new excitement for you & your team?

Watching this film with diverse audiences is exciting and invaluable because one can see which moments transcend different groups and resonate strongly with specific identities. When making a film, one is often in a silo, making creative choices that feel true within the world of that story. I want viewers to empathize with my characters, so it is enriching when strangers come to me and say they are moved by the film.

How has the reception been? Have you been able to connect with many of the viewers as well as other filmmakers?

Many viewers, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community, appreciate the uplifting tone of the film. Many come away feeling empowered. Golden Delicious is a coming-of-age story, but it's also a family drama. In fact, I frequently hear how surprised viewers are that they are rooting for the sister or how much they can relate to what the parents are going through. Other viewers who are filmmakers, they are often interested in how I made the leap from shorts to features and what the most significant differences are. Managing your subplots and not cutting corners in post-production are some of the most critical differences between shooting a feature versus a short film.

Tell me about collaborating with the film’s writer Gorrman Lee and producer Kristyn Stilling. Were you always on the same page in terms of bringing Gorrman’s script to screen? How did you work through any creative differences?

Each of us had areas we were responsible for, and I understood these areas because I have also been a writer and producer. These roles take work. When collaborating, it is about understanding intent, so if Gorrman or Kristyn had a note, it is about understanding what their intentions are and respecting that, but also really know your interpretation of the themes well so you can defend it. Both Gorrman and Kristyn were great at articulating their notes. On the rare occasion, a creative difference comes up, we would discuss it privately with the other person and allow them to respond while recognizing timelines. Fortunately, we were on the same page regarding bringing Gorrman's script to the screen.

In your eyes, how did the script appeal to you? What about Jake’s story were you keen on exploring?

I liked how the script explored relationships through comparisons. We compare Jake’s relationship with his girlfriend with that of his parents. We see how his parents' treatment of his sister differs from their treatment of him. Even Alek's relationship with himself compared to how Jake sees himself is a commentary on how happy you can be if you don't regularly suppress an aspect of yourself. Through contrast, we reveal a hidden truth that must be addressed to move forward. This is what appeals to me about the script.

Regarding Jake's story, I was keen on exploring how Jake could be different from his Dad. I analyzed identity and whether it can be chosen and earned.

I thought the film was both charming and bittersweet, and with the strong family aspect, can appeal to multiple generations. On the coming-of-age spectrum, it drew similarities to a film I enjoy, Alex Strangelove. What films or projects inspired you when making Golden Delicious?

Thank you so much; I know Alex Strangelove. I was inspired by Beautiful Thing, Spa Night, Front Cover and Love Simon when making Golden Delicious.

I found myself drawn towards Jake’s family - mother Andrea, father George and sister Janet - and their own narratives with expectations, happiness, and identity. How did you hope to define family, and what did you seek to question about an Asian immigrant family in this film?

Saving Face is a core value in many Asian immigrant families: it is a strategy to avoid embarrassment to survive. The Wong Family use this and keeps activities that they find fulfilling separate and hidden, except for Janet. This is one of the reasons why many people love Jake's sister, Janet because she is not ashamed. I was looking at the notion of shame in this Asian immigrant family and what happens when you suppress an aspect of yourself. Can you reach your maximum potential? How does that affect others in your circle?

I want to define family by the different people we relate with, not just biological ones.

While Jake is the central character, Janet has her own dreams of entering the restaurant industry while being dissuaded by her parents. How does her story, voice and personality differ from her brother’s?

Janet's story differs from her brother's because she knows what she wants and likes. Janet embodies the theme of the film. Her parents constantly dissuading her while supporting her younger brother creates questions about Asian parents preferring sons over daughters.

Cardi Wong (Jake) and Chris Carson (Aleks) had been friends for years prior to being cast. Did you notice a natural chemistry between the pair and in how they interacted with each other?

I noticed a natural chemistry between the pair when I did a chemistry test on Zoom during auditions. They were very comfortable and open with each other in their communication. Both were charismatic on screen, and it is essential to have this balance.

What can you say about Cardi and Chris’ performances as their characters, and how they contrasted each other?

Cardi and Chris's performances as their characters were authentic. Both have good instincts. As actors, they were brilliant to work with; they were curious and open while also protective over their characters’ needs and wants.

In terms of how their performances contrasted, Chris’ character is proud of who he is, but he could be more empathetic. In contrast, Cardi's character has incredible empathy for others but feels ashamed because of his secret. You put these two characters together, and they naturally want to complement one another.

Did you have a lot of one-on-one discussions with your cast members to shape and define their characters?

Gorrman wrote a great script, and the characters felt clear. I didn’t have a lot of one-on-one discussions. The cast members were all professionals, so they did their homework.

You worked with intimacy coordinators Karyn Mott and Megan Gilron. Had you worked with intimacy professionals prior?

Megan Gilron, Phay Moores, and Karyn Mott were fantastic to work with. They made the process very easy and made me aware of some steps I had taken for granted. It was my first time working with intimacy professionals prior.

What guidance and support did they provide on-set and for the actors? How important were they for the production?

They could articulate an intimate moment through choreography, deconstructing the actions regarding escalation and consent. They also created a safe space to talk about intimacy and mental health. They helped set a precedent for safety, which was very important since we were shooting at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The pitfalls and fascination with social media were used throughout the film. Did you have discussions on how you wanted it used as a mechanism? Were any teenagers consulted on how social media is used, as it is constantly evolving?

In the past, I have made short films experimenting with frames and containers and knew how much I could push it without not confusing the audience. I regularly discussed with my cinematographer Alfonso Chin, art director Stafford Matthews and Production Designer Jordan Bent how I wanted to portray social media in the film. Yes, teenagers were consulted, and yes, it is constantly evolving.

The movie was based in East Vancouver (we can’t not recognize the exterior of local Chinese staple, Pink Pearl!), and you also shot in New Westminster and Burnaby. What can you share about the locations you used and any challenges you faced? Was it important to embrace the city and not glamourize it?

Yes, it’s the Pink Pearl! We shot in March 2021 before anyone got vaccinated, so locations had to be big enough to accommodate social distancing, amongst other things. We wanted to shoot at a smaller Chinese restaurant but could not. Location scouting relied on connections and what was available online. The Pandemic made the process very uncertain, and rehearsal space took a lot of work to come by. Fortunately, I had a great location manager who loved the script and worked tirelessly to lock down locations.

Queer stories and ones that focus on male fragility are important, but not a constant in mainstream cinema. How has the film/TV landscape changed in this respect since you’ve been a filmmaker, and what progress still has to be made?

I see more male fragility in mainstream cinema with projects like The Whale, Banshees of Inisherin, and White Lotus Season 2. The characters are more diverse, which is excellent, but there is still this association with queerness if one is fragile. You can be straight and cry, and it doesn't mean you are queer. Men should be able to express themselves however they want, independent of their sexual orientation.

What do you hope viewers take away from Golden Delicious?

I hope viewers, especially from underrepresented communities, use this film to discuss more complicated things holding them back.

I also hope viewers, especially older ones, can empathize with the younger generation and what they are going through with social media being so prevalent in their lives. Being inundated with imagery on who to be, how to be and when to do things can be anxiety-inducing, especially during one's formative years. It is vital to not instantly judge someone until we understand the context of what we are looking at.

You’re currently working on a second feature film. What are you excited about, and is there anything you can share?

I am working on a couple projects that will grow into my second feature. I am excited to explore legacy and sacrifice in my new works while still working with the idea of diminished role models.

-

Thank you to Jason for answering our questions, and Touchwood PR for coordinating this interview.

For more information on Golden Delicious, visit their official website and Instagram. Purchase your tickets for their Canadian Film Fest screening at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto on March 30.  

Photo credit to: Syd Wong (film stills)

[prosegalaxy]

"Unraveling the Ancient Secrets: Aria and Kael's Quest to Defeat Evil"

In order to create a dialogue-heavy scene, we must first establish the characters involved and the context of their conversation. Here is a possible scene from the story: "In a hidden cave deep within the heart of the mystical forest, two siblings stood face-to-face. Their eyes locked as they recognized the family resemblance they shared. The elder sibling, Aria, wore an expression of disbelief, while her younger brother, Kael, seemed to be filled with determination. 'I can't believe it,' Aria whispered, her voice echoing through the cavernous chamber. 'I never thought we would meet like this.' Kael glanced around nervously, his eyes darting between shadows and hidden corners. 'We don't have much time,' he said urgently. 'The forces of darkness are closing in on us, and we must be ready to face them together.' Aria crossed her arms defiantly. 'I won't stand by while our world is threatened! But I need to know, how can we possibly defeat the evil that seeks to consume everything?' Kael leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur. 'Our ancestors left us a secret – an ancient power that can turn the tide of this war. We must find it and use it before it's too late.' The siblings exchanged solemn glances, their resolve strengthening with each word. As they began to plan their course of action, the echoes of their dialogue resonated through the forest, a promise that hope would not be vanquished by darkness." In the dimly lit library of an ancient castle, Aria and Kael stood face-to-face for the first time since they learned about their blood connection. The air was thick with tension, as both siblings knew that their lives were about to change forever. Aria couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She had always known she was special, but now she understood why. Kael, on the other hand, seemed more at ease with this newfound knowledge. He had always been a fighter, and he knew they would need every ounce of courage to face the evil that threatened their world. Aria started the conversation, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kael... I can't believe we're actually related." She hesitated for a moment, then continued. "I've always felt like something was missing in my life. Now I know what it is – our family's ancient power. And it's our duty to use that power to save our world from the darkness that threatens to consume it." Kael nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with determination. "I've been training for this moment my entire life. I know what it takes to face evil, and I won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to protect our people." The siblings exchanged a look of understanding, and Aria spoke up again. "We need to find the ancient power before it's too late. There's a hidden chamber in this castle that might hold the key." Kael's eyes widened with excitement. "I know about the chamber! My father showed me its location when I was just a child. It's somewhere deep within these walls." As they began to search for the chamber, Aria and Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose and belonging that they had never experienced before. They knew that their lives would never be the same, and that together, they could face any challenge that stood in their way. The battle against evil was just beginning, but with each other's support and their family's ancient power, Aria and Kael were ready to fight for their world. Aria and Kael sat side by side, staring at the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. It was filled with cryptic symbols and clues, hinting at the location of an ancient chamber that held the key to their family's long-lost power. Aria spoke first, her voice trembling with anticipation. "Kael, I remember Grandmother telling us stories about our ancestors. They were protectors of a great power, weren't they?" Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the map intently. "Yes, she said it was something that could protect us from the darkness that threatened to consume our world. But where is this chamber? And how do we unlock its secrets?" Aria bit her lip, lost in thought for a moment before speaking again. "There must be a hidden message within the map itself. Perhaps if we study it carefully, we can find the clues Grandmother spoke of." Together, they began to pore over the map, deciphering the symbols and patterns that lay hidden within its pages. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as if years of separation had never occurred. They discussed their family history, the impending threat, and their plans to find the chamber. As they delved deeper into the mysteries of the map, Aria's eyes widened in realization. "Kael, look! This symbol here... it's the same one Grandmother showed us when she spoke of the chamber. It must be a clue to its location!" Excitedly, Kael traced his finger along the lines of the map, connecting the symbols as they led them on a path through treacherous mountains and dense forests. They discussed their strategies for navigating the challenges ahead, their determination growing with each new discovery. As night fell, Aria and Kael sat together once more, the fire casting dancing shadows around them. Their conversation turned to memories of their childhood, laughing at the mischief they had gotten into and reminiscing about the love their parents had for each other. The bond between them only grew stronger as they shared these moments, a testament to the unbreakable connection that bound them together. With renewed energy, they set out on their journey, eager to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were united by a common purpose and the knowledge that they had to protect their world from the darkness that threatened it. And as they embarked on their quest, they knew that nothing could stand in their way. This is the summary of your work so far: Aria and Kael meet for the first time since childhood and discuss their family history, impending threat, and plan to find an ancient power to defeat evil. The siblings exchange understanding and determination as they set out to find the chamber holding the key to their family's ancient power. The old map lay before Aria and Kael, its worn edges revealing a wealth of history. Their fingers traced the cryptic symbols and clues, leading them ever closer to the hidden chamber that held the ancient power they sought. Aria leaned in closer to the map, her eyes scanning the intricate details. "Our ancestors were brilliant, weren't they?" She gestured to the symbols etched into the parchment. "They knew just where to hide their secrets." Kael nodded, his own gaze locked on the map. "And they passed that knowledge down through generations. It's a legacy we must now continue." Aria's eyes met Kael's, and she could see the same determination reflected in both of them. "Our family has faced darkness before," she said, her voice firm. "But this threat... it's unlike anything we've ever known." Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We have no choice but to face it head-on, Aria. We have the power to change the course of our world, and we can't let fear hold us back." Aria took a deep breath, her resolve strengthened by Kael's unwavering faith in their shared destiny. "Then let's find that chamber," she said, her voice steady. "And together, we'll harness the ancient power to defeat evil once and for all." Aria and Kael stood before the dusty old map, their eyes scanning the cryptic symbols and clues that had been passed down through their family for generations. The room was filled with an air of anticipation and excitement, as they knew this could be the key to stopping the darkness threatening their world. Aria traced her finger along the lines, pointing out a particular set of markings she recognized from their childhood games. "I remember playing this game when we were kids," she said, smiling at the memory. "It was our grandparents' way of teaching us about our family history." Kael nodded, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Yes, and they always told us that one day these markings would lead us to something important. I never thought we'd be using them for real." As they continued to study the map, Aria noticed a hidden message in the symbols, revealing a secret passageway. "Look," she whispered, pointing to the passage. "I think it leads to a hidden chamber." Kael leaned in closer, examining the message more closely. "It does indeed," he agreed. "And I have a feeling that's where we need to go next." They discussed their plans, deciding on the best route and strategies for navigating the hidden chamber. As they spoke, Aria realized how much stronger their bond had become over the years. They were not just family; they were partners in this quest. With a renewed sense of determination, Aria and Kael set out to find the ancient power that would defeat the evil threatening their world. They knew it wouldn't be an easy journey, but with each other by their side and their family history guiding them, they felt ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. Aria and Kael stood side by side, examining the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The cryptic symbols and clues etched into the parchment hinted at a hidden chamber containing ancient power. As they discussed their shared past, the darkness threatening their world, and their strategies for finding the chamber, their bond grew stronger. "This map has been in our family for as long as I can remember," Aria said, tracing her finger along the intricate lines. "Our ancestors must have known something was coming." Kael nodded, his eyes fixed on the map. "I've heard stories of a hidden chamber where an ancient power resides. It's said to be the key to defeating the darkness that threatens our world." "And now," Aria continued, her voice full of determination, "it's up to us to find it and use that power to save everything we hold dear." As they spoke, Aria and Kael felt their bond strengthening. They knew that together, they could face any challenge and overcome any obstacle. With renewed energy, they set out on their quest, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. The two siblings stood side by side, staring at the ancient map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The cryptic symbols and clues were etched into the parchment, leading them towards a hidden chamber that held the key to an ancient power. Aria's voice trembled with excitement as she spoke, "I can't believe we finally found this map, Kael. It's been a part of our family for so long, and now it's in our hands." Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the intricate symbols on the map. "It's like we're following in the footsteps of our ancestors, Aria. They must have been incredibly brave to embark on such a dangerous quest." Aria sighed, looking at her brother with a mix of admiration and concern. "Our family has always been strong, Kael. But the darkness that's threatening our world now... I fear it's unlike anything they've ever faced before." Kael's expression grew serious as he continued to study the map. "We have to find that hidden chamber, Aria. The ancient power it houses is our only chance to defeat the evil that's growing stronger every day." As they stood there, discussing their shared past and the impending threat, a sense of purpose and determination began to fill their hearts. Aria reached out to touch Kael's hand, her voice filled with resolve as she spoke. "Together, we can do this, Kael. We are the descendants of warriors, and it's time for us to become legends ourselves." Kael squeezed her hand, his eyes locked on the map. "We will find that chamber, Aria. And when we do, the darkness will be no more." With their bond strengthened by shared history and a common purpose, Aria and Kael set out on their quest with determination and renewed energy. They knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but they also knew that they were ready to face whatever challenges lay before them. And so, armed with the ancient map and the spirit of their ancestors, they embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. Aria and Kael stood in front of the old, dusty map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The map was filled with cryptic symbols and clues leading to a hidden chamber, a place where an ancient power lay dormant, waiting to be unleashed. Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed their shared past, the darkness threatening their world, and the strategies they would use to find the chamber. "You know," Aria began, tracing her finger along one of the symbols on the map, "I never realized how much our ancestors valued this power. It's amazing how they kept it hidden for so long." Kael nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the intricate details on the map. "It's a testament to their wisdom and foresight. They knew that someday, evil would rear its head again, and they wanted to make sure we were prepared." Aria looked at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Well, I think it's time for us to take up that mantle. We need to find this chamber and unleash the ancient power hidden within. It's our duty as descendants of those who came before us." Kael smiled, his voice filled with conviction. "I couldn't agree more. And we won't be alone in this quest. Our ancestors left us clues to guide us, and together, we can find the chamber and harness the power it holds." As their conversation continued, the two of them discussed the impending threat and how they planned to confront it. Their bond grew stronger with each word, and their determination to protect their world only intensified. Finally, they set out on their quest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead of them, knowing that they had the strength and wisdom of their ancestors guiding them every step of the way. Aria and Kael stood in front of the dusty, old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The room was filled with the scent of history and the weight of untold secrets. They were both well aware of the impending threat looming over their world, a darkness that threatened to consume everything they knew and loved. Aria traced her fingers over the intricate symbols and cryptic clues etched into the map's parchment surface. "This must be it," she whispered, her voice echoing through the dimly lit room. "The key to finding the hidden chamber where the ancient power lies." Kael leaned in closer, studying the map intently. "Our ancestors were clever, weren't they? Hiding such a powerful secret right under our noses." He ran his fingers along the winding path of symbols, trying to decipher their meaning. Aria looked up at him, her eyes filled with determination. "We're all that's left now, Kael. Our entire family lineage is depending on us. We have to find this power and use it against the darkness." Kael nodded, his face set in a grim resolve. "I won't let our family down, Aria. Together, we'll bring an end to this evil once and for all." Their conversation flowed like water, each word strengthening their bond and resolve. As they discussed their shared past, the impending threat, and their strategies for finding the hidden chamber, their determination grew stronger. They knew that time was of the essence, but they were ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. With renewed energy, Aria and Kael set out on their quest, the map clutched firmly in their hands. The darkness may have been closing in, but they had hope - and each other - to guide them through the shadows. And deep within them burned a fire that would never be extinguished: the fire of family legacy, love, and the unyielding desire to protect everything they held dear. Aria and Kael stood in front of the old map, their eyes tracing over the cryptic symbols and clues that filled the parchment. The air was thick with anticipation as they discussed their shared past, the darkness threatening their world, and their strategies for finding the chamber. "Our ancestors must have been onto something," Aria murmured, running a finger over one of the strange markings. "Do you think this map will lead us to the hidden chamber?" Kael nodded, his eyes focused on the map. "It's the only thing we have to go on. If our family history is any indication, it could be our key to unlocking the ancient power we need to defeat evil." As they spoke, their bond grew stronger, forged by the shared weight of responsibility and the knowledge that they were each other's only hope. They discussed their families, the legends that had been passed down through generations, and how those stories had prepared them for this moment. "Our ancestors fought against the darkness once before," Aria said, her voice full of determination. "And they won. We can do the same." Kael nodded again, his eyes never leaving the map. "We have to find that chamber. The power we need is in there, and it's our only chance to save our world from the encroaching darkness." Together, Aria and Kael set out on their quest, their hearts filled with renewed energy and a sense of purpose. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but they were ready for whatever challenges lay in store. Their bond strengthened by shared history and a common goal, they moved forward, eager to find the hidden chamber and unlock the ancient power that could save their world from the darkness that threatened to consume it. In a small, dusty room at the heart of their family's ancestral home, Aria and Kael stood side by side, poring over an ancient map. The symbols on the parchment seemed to shimmer in the candlelight, as if they were trying to communicate something important. Aria traced her finger along a path that led from their village to a distant mountain range. "Our ancestors must have been explorers, Kael," she mused. "They traveled far and wide to discover new places." Kael nodded, his eyes fixed on the map. "And they left behind clues for us to follow. It's as if they knew that one day we would need to find this chamber." The two siblings exchanged a determined look. They were well aware of the impending threat looming over their world. Darkness had been encroaching for years, and it seemed to grow bolder each day. The ancient power mentioned in their family's legends was the only hope they had to defeat the evil that threatened to consume everything in its path. "Our family has always been strong," Aria said firmly. "We will find this chamber, and we will harness the power within it to save our world." Kael's eyes flashed with resolve. "And we won't stop until we've vanquished the darkness forever." Their conversation deepened their bond, strengthening their resolve as they prepared to embark on a dangerous quest. They knew that they had no choice but to face the unknown and risk everything for the sake of their world. With renewed energy and determination, Aria and Kael set out into the night, ready to follow in their ancestors' footsteps and uncover the secrets hidden within the ancient map. Aria and Kael sat together in the dimly lit study, ancient maps spread out before them. The air was heavy with anticipation, as they knew they had to find the chamber soon or risk losing everything. Aria's eyes traced the intricate symbols on the map, her fingers following the lines that connected one cryptic image to another. "Our ancestors must have been incredibly skilled to create something like this," she whispered, running her fingertips over a mysterious marking that seemed to shift under her touch. Kael leaned in closer, examining the map alongside Aria. "They were protectors of the world," he replied, his voice low and filled with reverence. "They knew the darkness was coming and they wanted to make sure it could be fought." Aria looked up at Kael, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination. "And we're their last hope," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "We have to find that chamber and harness the ancient power before it's too late." Kael nodded solemnly, his gaze returning to the map. "Our family history has prepared us for this moment," he murmured. "The legends, the stories - they all point to this very moment. We must find that chamber and unlock the power within." Aria's eyes met Kael's, the shared burden of their duty heavy between them. "We can do this, together," she said, her voice filled with newfound resolve. "Our bond is stronger than any darkness." Kael smiled, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "Together, we will face any threat and protect our world," he agreed, his voice full of conviction. And with that, Aria and Kael stood up, their hearts filled with determination and their minds set on their mission. They would not rest until they had found the chamber and unlocked the ancient power - for the sake of their family and their world. Aria and Kael stood together, examining the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The cryptic symbols and clues hinted at something hidden, and they knew it was their only hope against the darkness threatening their world. "This is incredible," Aria whispered, tracing her fingers over the intricate lines. "I never thought we'd find something like this." Kael nodded, his eyes focused on the map. "Our ancestors were smarter than we gave them credit for. They knew this day would come." Aria looked up at him, a spark of determination in her eyes. "And they're counting on us to save their legacy, and our world." Kael smiled, a mixture of pride and worry on his face. "Together, we can find the hidden chamber and harness the ancient power it holds." As they continued to discuss their shared past, the darkness looming in the shadows, and their strategies for finding the chamber, Aria and Kael felt an unbreakable bond strengthening between them. They were more than just friends or family members; they were partners in a quest that would change everything. With determination burning in their hearts, Aria and Kael set out on their journey, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. The ancient power they sought was their only hope against the impending threat, and they knew they had to find it before time ran out. Aria and Kael sat together, their eyes locked onto the ancient map that had been passed down through generations of their family. The cryptic symbols and clues seemed to dance before their eyes, urging them forward. Aria spoke first, her voice filled with wonder and anticipation, "I can't believe we finally found this, Kael. Our ancestors must have been so clever to hide it from prying eyes." Kael nodded in agreement, his own eyes scanning the map for any hidden secrets. "Yes, and now it's up to us to unravel its mysteries. The darkness that threatens our world won't be defeated easily." Aria sighed, the weight of the impending threat pressing heavily on her heart. "Our family has faced many challenges in the past, but this...this feels different. It feels like the end of everything we know and love." Kael reached out to squeeze Aria's hand, a reassuring gesture that belied his own fears. "We won't let that happen. We'll find the chamber, unlock its secrets, and use the ancient power within to defeat evil once and for all." Aria looked into Kael's eyes, her heart swelling with gratitude for their shared history and determination. "You're right, we have to. And together, we'll do it. We'll face any danger, overcome any obstacle, because our family has always been stronger united." With that, Aria and Kael set out on their quest, their hearts filled with courage and hope. They knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but they were prepared to face it together, as their ancestors had before them. And deep within them, they carried the strength of their family's bond, a force that could not be extinguished by even the darkest of threats. Aria and Kael stood side by side, examining the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The cryptic symbols and clues led them to believe it was the key to finding a hidden chamber containing an ancient power capable of defeating the darkness threatening their world. As they studied the map, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. "Do you remember the stories Grandpa used to tell us about this map?" Aria asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Kael nodded, his eyes still focused on the map. "He said it was created by our ancestors, who sought to protect their family and world from an imminent threat. They believed that one day, their descendants would need to uncover this power to save everything they held dear." Aria traced her finger along a winding path etched on the map, her mind racing with excitement. "And now it's up to us to find that chamber and use its power," she whispered, a sense of urgency in her voice. Kael's eyes met hers, his expression resolute. "We'll do whatever it takes, Aria. Together, we can face this darkness." As they continued to study the map, they discussed their shared past and the challenges they had faced growing up. Their bond only grew stronger as they realized how much they meant to each other in these trying times. With renewed determination, they set out on their quest, ready to confront the darkness that loomed over their world. Aria and Kael sat side by side, poring over the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The room was dimly lit, with only the glow of the fire casting eerie shadows on the walls. The cryptic symbols and clues adorning the parchment seemed to tell a story of an ancient power hidden away in a chamber, just waiting to be found. Aria leaned closer to the map, her eyes tracing over the intricate lines as she whispered, "I can't believe we finally found something that could help us." Kael nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he touched the parchment. "It's time for us to put our past behind and face whatever darkness threatens our world head-on." The siblings exchanged glances, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at sharing her family history with Kael. Their ancestors had been protectors of the realm, guarding the secrets of ancient powers and using them to keep evil at bay. "I remember Grandfather telling us about the hidden chamber," Kael said thoughtfully. "He always warned us that one day, we would need to find it." Aria nodded, recalling those stories from her childhood. "But I never thought we'd be faced with such a threat so soon." The siblings discussed their strategies, piecing together the clues on the map and planning their journey. They knew they had to act quickly, lest the darkness consume their world entirely. With newfound determination, Aria and Kael set out on their quest to find the chamber, their bond stronger than ever and their resolve unshakeable. Aria and Kael sat together in their family's study, surrounded by ancient books and relics that had been passed down through generations. The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows on the walls as they spoke in hushed whispers. Aria: "I remember Grandfather telling us stories about this hidden chamber. He said it held a power strong enough to defeat evil itself." Kael: "Our family has guarded its location for centuries, but why would they keep such a secret?" Aria: "Perhaps it wasn't meant for everyone. Only those with pure hearts could wield the power within." Kael: "I hope so. The darkness that's been growing bolder... we need all the help we can get." Aria: "Grandfather left us a map, filled with cryptic symbols and clues leading to the chamber. We must decipher it before it's too late." Kael: "I've studied the symbols for years. I think I know where to start." As they poured over the ancient document, Aria and Kael found themselves immersed in a conversation that touched on their shared past, the impending threat to their world, and the strategies they would employ to find the hidden chamber. Their discussion strengthened their bond, and with renewed energy and determination, they set out on their quest to uncover the ancient power that could save them from the encroaching darkness. Aria and Kael stood side by side, examining the old map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The cryptic symbols and clues were etched into the worn parchment, hinting at a hidden chamber filled with ancient power. As they discussed their shared past, the darkness threatening their world, and their plans to find the chamber, their bond grew stronger. "Do you remember Grandpa talking about the day he discovered this map?" Aria asked, running her finger along the intricate lines. Kael nodded, his eyes locked on the map. "He said it changed everything for our family. It was the key to protecting our world from evil." "And now," Aria continued, "it's our turn to protect what's left of our world. The darkness is growing, and we must find that power before it's too late." Kael grasped her hand tightly. "We'll find the chamber, Aria. Together, we'll face whatever evil awaits us." As they shared stories of their family's past triumphs and failures, a plan began to form in their minds. They would follow the clues on the map, uncovering hidden truths and facing dangerous challenges along the way. Their determination only grew stronger as they realized the weight of their mission. "We have to be smart about this," Aria said thoughtfully, tracing a finger over one of the symbols. "But we also need to be brave." Kael nodded in agreement. "Let's go then. We'll find that chamber and harness the power it holds. Together, we'll save our world." With renewed energy and determination, Aria and Kael set out on their quest, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead. They knew they had a long journey ahead of them, but they also knew that their family's legacy was in their hands, and they were ready to fulfill their destiny. Aria and Kael stood in front of the old, dusty map that had been passed down through their family for generations. The map was filled with cryptic symbols and clues leading to a hidden chamber that held an ancient power capable of defeating evil. Aria's eyes traced over the intricate patterns, her mind whirring as she tried to decipher the meaning behind them. "I can't believe we finally found this," she murmured, running a fingertip lightly over one of the symbols. "Our ancestors must have been incredibly resourceful to hide it so well." Kael nodded, his eyes never leaving the map. "They were, and they knew that someday someone like us would need to find it. They left us clues, little breadcrumbs leading us right to this moment." He pointed to a set of symbols that seemed to form a spiral pattern. "I think these are directions. It looks like we're headed underground." Aria frowned, trying to make sense of the patterns. "But why would they hide it underground? What could be down there that's so powerful?" Kael smiled softly. "Maybe it's not what's down there, but who. Our family has always been protectors, Aria. We were chosen for this purpose, and we need to fulfill our destiny." Aria looked up at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Then let's get started. It's time for us to find that power and protect our world from the darkness that threatens it." Kael took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Together, we'll face whatever comes our way. Our bond is strong, and there's no force on earth or underground that can break it." They began their journey, following the clues on the map, their hearts filled with courage and hope. They knew they were destined for greatness, and together, they would find the ancient power that would save their world from the encroaching darkness.

[criticalbennifer]

Ben Affleck on the pain and catharsis of ‘The Way Back’

By:  Jake Coyle

February 27, 2020

NEW YORK (AP) — Of the many stories that have stuck with Ben Affleck from his Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, one has especially resonated for the actor. Recovery is often described as a process of removing a damaging habit from your life. One man articulated it in a more positive way. He said he quit drinking so he could be a free man.

“That’s one of the most moving things that’s stayed with me,” says Affleck. “The desire for that freedom, and so I can be accountable to my kids.”

After a turbulent few years, Affleck, 47, is trying to reclaim his life and reorder his career. In Affleck’s new film, “The Way Back,” both missions converge powerfully. He plays a former high-school basketball star brought back to coach his alma mater’s team in Gavin O’Connor’s movie, which opens March 6. The film has obvious similarities to Affleck’s life. It’s about a man struggling with alcoholism, divorce and midlife disappointment. It’s about the hard road to recovery, a path that Affleck has been walking, with a few stumbles along the way, the last three years.

“I don’t know all the answers. I’m only an expert in my own failings,” Affleck says. “But the more expert you become in your own failings, interestingly, the less likely you are to repeat them, I’ve found. That is how my life has been getting better. I have a better relationship with my kids today than I did three years ago. I have a better relationship with my ex-wife, I think, than I did three years ago. I think I’m a better actor. I think I’m a more interesting person because most of the growth that I’ve had has come from pain.”

Affleck smiles. “You notice how you never succeed and all your wildest dreams come true and you go: ‘I got to change something!’ It’s when you hit a stumbling block that you say: ‘OK, let’s be really honest.’”

And honesty is what Affleck is now practicing, to a degree rarely seen in Hollywood, let alone for someone whose personal ups and downs have been such regular fodder for tabloids. In an interview early last week, Affleck was candid and clear-eyed about his battle for sobriety and the roots of his drinking. He met with The Associated Press at a New York high school after taping a special with Diane Sawyer and shortly before The New York Times published an intimate profile on him. Occasionally his voice quavered but mostly Affleck spoke earnestly and straightforwardly. He seemed freshly unburdened. Making “The Way Back,” he said, helped him.

“Sometimes just feeling those feelings again purges them a little bit and frees you a little bit,” says Affleck. “This movie was hard to make. Sometimes it was painful. And sometimes I was embarrassed. And sometimes I couldn’t believe my life had any similarity to this.”

When Brad Ingelsby’s script came to Ben Affleck, it was titled “The Has-Been.” Affleck was being pitched to direct. Coming off the best picture-winning “Argo,” he last helmed the Prohibition-era crime thriller “Live by Night,” an ambitious gangster film that made a modest impression at the box office. Affleck immediately connected with the character: Jack Cunningham, a former star athlete whose alcoholism, isolation and grief is lifted by a reluctant return to basketball.

If he made it, Affleck knew he’d get questions about parallels between the film and his life. “But, frankly, I get asked about that stuff, anyway,” he shrugs.

“Unfortunately, I had actually lived that life and done the research. I brought a certain perverse expertise because I knew what it was like to feel in thrall to a compulsion that wasn’t good for me,” Affleck says. “I knew how hopeless that can feel. And I knew how enormously frustrating it is. But I also knew something really important which is: People get better. You can get better.”

Affleck appealed to O’Connor to direct. The two previously collaborated on the 2016 thriller “The Accountant,” and O’Connor (“Warrior,” “Miracle”) has proven adept at channeling larger themes through sports dramas. But until they began working on “The Way Back,” O’Connor didn’t know the extent of Affleck’s problem.

“Once we started to prep the movie, he went into rehab. He sort of fell off the wagon. So now we were prepping the movie while he was in rehab and we thought it was going to fall apart,” said O’Connor. “But he still wanted to do it. When he got out, he was incredibly raw and vulnerable and I think a little lost just in regard to having to confront the demons.”

Affleck says his drinking worsened around the time his marriage to Jennifer Garner was falling apart. Garner and Affleck, who have three children together, separated in 2015 and divorced in 2018. In those years, Affleck has made several trips to rehab. Last October, he was captured drunk on camera, which he then granted was “a slip.”

“The times that I’ve relapsed, personally, have been not been because I’ve had some bad thing happen. It’s been when I thought I had it licked,” Affleck says. “I’m fixed! I’ve been fine! It’s been a year and a half, who cares! I can have a glass of wine! And the next thing, you’re on TMZ and it’s a disaster. That teaches me that it’s just not something I can do.”

Coming to terms with that has been a humbling journey for Affleck. His track record, he grants, hasn’t been perfect. “But for the last three years, 99% of my life I’ve spent sober,” he says.

“It takes time to learn all the things you need to learn. And it also takes time to suffer enough until at some point there’s something inside you that says, ‘No mas. I give,’” says Affleck. “What it really is, personally in me and what I’ve seen in others that I want for myself, is a profound sense of humility. You are not stronger than the thing you’re addicted to. It is stronger than you. It will always be stronger than you.”

All of that pain, and then some, went into “The Way Back.” For a scene in which Jack makes amends to his wife, O’Connor told Affleck he was just going let the camera roll.

“It was probably the second take, Ben just had a breakdown. I’m getting chills thinking about it. It was like the dam broke and everything came out,” says O’Connor. “I just remember the crew, everyone was frozen, watching him bear his soul. It was obviously real. A lot of things that he probably had to say in his own life, or maybe he had said, I don’t know.”

The scene remains in the movie but O’Connor didn’t keep it all. It was too raw. “It would be too hard for an audience to watch, too personal,” says O’Connor.

For Affleck, making “The Way Back” wasn’t just about dealing with his own alcoholism, but also his father’s. He got sober when Affleck was 19, but that childhood experience had ever since colored Affleck’s impression of his dad. Affleck realized that he had been carrying a big chip on his shoulder from that time. “And it wasn’t doing me any good,” he says. “It was doing me harm.”

“He was what you call a very low-bottom drunk. He needed to get really, really far down before he could get sober,” says Affleck. “Unfortunately, those were really formative years for me. So I know how important these years are right now for my kids. These are the absolute most critical, vital years. I want to be there for absolutely as much of it as I possibly can.”

Affleck has come to realize his father was just doing his best. His grandmother, too, he says, killed herself with barbiturates and alcohol in a hotel on Sunset Boulevard. His uncle, his father’s brother, was an addict who shot himself in the chest. “Less and less do I see any real distinction between what the substance is that you’re using to medicate but just the fact that you’re medicating,” says Affleck.

O’Connor credits Warner Bros. Chairman Toby Emmerich with green-lighting “The Way Back,” a rarely seen thing in today’s Hollywood: an intensely personal, adult-driven studio-made drama. It was made relatively inexpensively, with a budget of $25 million, and it marks a clear pivot for Affleck. About a year ago, Affleck left behind Batman after several “Justice League” films. The standalone Batman film, once to star and be directed by Affleck, is instead being made by Matt Reeves with Robert Pattinson in the role.

“When I had the opportunity to direct and star in the Batman stand-alone movie, I realized I wasn’t passionate about it. And, A, if you’re not passionate about it, you’re probably not going to make a good movie. And, B, that movie absolutely deserves to be made by someone for whom it’s their lifelong passion and dream,” says Affleck. “My tastes have changed. I’m interested in different kinds of movies.”

His new course, which he jokes is “obviously not the most profitable path you can possibly be on,” is making human stories with pain and redemption. He’s been busy. Affleck’s brief stop in New York followed shooting “Deep Water,” a Patricia Highsmith adaptation co-starring Ana de Armas, and preceded production on “The Last Duel,” a medieval revenge drama directed by Ridley Scott. Affleck wrote it with Matt Damon (their first script together since “Good Will Hunting”) and Nicole Holofcener.

Battles with alcoholism are never over, but they can get gradually easier to win. For now, at least, Affleck feels like he’s grown. He’s humbler. More honest. And closer to feeling free.

“I would not wish it on myself principally because of my children and because it has caused them pain, which I would give anything to change,” says Affleck. “But I can’t change the past. I can go from today. I can make sure today I’m good. That’s what I’ve got. I’m a guy doing good today.”

[thewit11]

The Hidden Love Story between Brand and Content

Or not so hidden Love Story?

The main love story of today’s age is not Romeo and Juliet or Raj and Simran. It’s the sweet, undying love story of the relationship everyone interacts with daily. In the digital age, where people are constantly attached to their phones and electronic devices, the biggest love story lies at the crux of this, at the point where the consumer meets and creates a connection with a brand and the story they are sharing. At Wit Agency, a growth marketing services in pune works to create a perfect amalgamation between Content and Brand Design. You probably know this expression: “A brand is made in the customer’s mind.” So far so good — we can understand that. But how exactly does it happen? How does a consumer form his opinion of a brand? To do so, he doesn’t merely evaluate the product quality, but also the social habits of the company, its design, and advertising. He also checks how compelling the content is. The content a brand puts out is the most important of all of these aspects.

Content shapes the brand image:

To make it perfectly clear: Content has a brand-shaping function. Its power should not be underestimated and goes well beyond quick conversion success.

The true power of content can only be harnessed by appreciating it as a whole — as a company asset that benefits all departments (not just marketing). For this to happen, all underlying structures and processes must work smoothly, internally and externally — much like financial flows. Many organizations don’t even know how many content offers they communicate with every day. That number can easily go into the hundreds.

But does bad content kill the Brand?

Yes, absolutely. Think about it: Would you ever buy or subscribe to a brand with a message that you didn’t resonate with?

I doubt it. To make people actively invest their time and money into a brand takes a lot more than a few words strung together.

Your company content needs to be catchy, interesting, and stimulating.

Brand style and consumer wishes — content unites them Company content must address the needs of people and at the same time preserve the brand’s character. Finding a healthy balance between the two: That is the true challenge of brand communication. Ideally, consumers appreciate the content and at the same time recognize what brand they are dealing with.

Try and create content that is:

Empathic & Emotional: Does the content show sensitivity, and understanding of customer needs? Does it stir emotions?

Energetic & Elegant: Does it radiate the brand-typical energy and elegance

Unique & Memorable: Does it stand out from the crowd with special themes? Does it have a pioneering role and a chance to be remembered? Does the product take a back seat?

Simple & Efficient: Does it compel with clever clarity, does it forego the unnecessary and appear efficient?

Showcasing Commitment & Insight: Does it promote commitment, the communication between brand and consumer? Does it demonstrate that the brand likes feedback, even if it is in the form of criticism?

The Wit Agency, a growth marketing services in Pune, is here to help us with any of your marketing and branding needs.

Reach out now!

Website: https://thewit.agency/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewitagencyglobal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewit.agency/

[emblemxeno]

Sped through the rest of XC2 for the game again and watched the rest of the cutscenes for the story again, now I’m all cried out 😭

I love the plot and characters more as a whole, the music is beautiful, the gameplay systems are intricate and satisfying, just extremely newbie unfriendly given the bad tutorials. The navigation and world experience being chained to field skills-therefore being chained to gacha-does knock it down a peg, but on the whole I still think it’s tied together with XC1 as my favorite games.

Spoilers for XC2′s plot under cut

-Rex is a fantastic protagonist and I will fight anyone on this. I think the dichotomy between his naive yet genuine compassion and love for people opposes Jin and Malos’ worldly experiences, hatred for humanity, and wanton destruction very well. Some might say his role as main character is undeserved, that he’s too OP for who he is, but idk, you gotta suspend a little disbelief for the sake of enjoying a story.

-Likewise, Pyra and Mythra’s wish to die parallels Jin’s self same desire, especially since the former case is fear of their own power bringing pain and misery to the world, whereas the latter wants to die because of the pain and misery the world inflicted on him. The end result for both of them is extremely bittersweet considering they were so similar in the end.

-Nia is such a breakout character and such a personal favorite. While maybe not intended, she very much resonates with me as a queer person, with the whole “what’s the point of living if I have to hide” and fearing persecution from a world that has already shown its ugly side to your true self. Having her be unabashedly true to who she is was such an amazing arc, especially with her having a found family and the repeated message of “this is where I belong”. I wager the message Nia’s arc in this game resonates even stronger with trans people given the circumstances around her true self being related to the happiness in regards to her Blade form, too.

-Hot Take, but Tora’s neat! He’s just a kid with dreams beyond himself and is really insecure, but meeting Rex and the others really did wonders for his self worth and his connection with Poppi only furthers that. Speaking of which, Poppi is also such a fucking great character. So endearing, so entertaining, and damn did she make me cry during the last chapter.

-Morag and Zeke are both great members of the party for the role they play as experienced adults who help guide and-sometimes unknowingly-encourage the kids to follow the right direction. Unlike Jin or Amalthus, who saw the worst in humanity and chose destruction and nihilism, Zeke and Morag have seen their fair share of hardships yet pressed on being good people regardless. Special note to Morag for noting that she herself feels like she hasn’t found the meaning to her life, and the story itself giving validity to the fact that sometimes adults don’t have it all figured out, but even with that, their life still has value.

-It’s par for the course for Xeno games, but the methods of storytelling in XC2 is top notch. Even shit like the damn chapter titles do so much in hindsight, my favorite example being Chapter 7, “The Fear She Carries.” It’s attributed mostly to Pyra and Mythra, given the chapter name itself is said in reference to how they fear their power, but what’s great is that it also applies to Nia (fear of persecution due to her being a Flesh Eater) and Pandoria (fear of losing the Driver she has known and loved for a decade). This game is chock full of stuff like that, and replaying it knowing what happens gives you lots of insight and “Ohhhhh” moments when you connect the dots again.

-Also, another thing I really like is how the game started out explaining its backstory/history with a not at all subtle adaptation of Abrahamic myth and creationism, but the big reveal is that god was a scientist who went too far, and began reconstructing the world with an evolutionary process. A great way to incorporate both opposing beliefs of how life started within the plot.

-I greatly like how this game connects to XC1. Personally idk why some people felt it was handled poorly, given it was forshadowed back in like... chapter 8? And the connection between the two has been in the works from the start, given what we now know of XC3′s development and how the basis for that game’s plot started before XC2 even began conceptually. Regardless, I like the parallel dimension twist, and I greatly await to see how XC3 connected the two worlds.

-Shoutout to Jin and Malos for a relationship that is so homoerotic without the story saying outright that you’re lovers. I love destructive boyfriends.

[greysfall]

My 4444-word review of NEO TWEWY (with personal illustration + heavy spoilers)

My overall critical score for the game is 7.5/10, while my personal enjoyment score is 8.5/10. This review is posted as I have 80% completed the game, got the secret ending and achieved the Angel psychic rank. I’ll first start with the main pros and cons as follows.

PROS:

-        Enjoyable as a whole, still upholding the first game’s spirit in world building and sharing the same backbone - which was mostly revealed in the Secret Reports, it’s impossible to grasp the story without reading them.

-        The new cast and new game is charming in their own way

-        The old cast’s return is one of the biggest highlights for sure, it was fun and impactful. Everyone stays true to themselves and also had their own stories wrapped up nicely.

-        Boss designs are cool, new pins are fun to use and collect

-        The connection between the old and new cast is well written and executed, including but are not limited to the tension between the old and new protagonist, the weird but fun interaction between the 2 Composers, the new friendships revealed and formed

-        Sho being in the main cast is something so uniquely TWEWY and uniquely Sho

-        Still good music

-        Still many fun side quests, some of them really uphold the same quirky spirit of the old game and some are surprisingly touching

-        Many new nice stores and yummy looking foods to explore

-        The map is really easy to memorize for me, it’s fun to travel around the “current” Shibuya to see all the differences compared to the past

-        The social network is crazy and interesting to read through

-        Has an anti-frustration system to help 100% complete the game more easily and earn money faster, so post-game is relatively managable.

-        Overall, I really feel the efforts the team poured into making this as their passion project, not just during the development process but for all the last 14 years. They showed the vision of what they wanted to make, at the same time giving something to both the old as well as new fans.

CONS:

-        The biggest problem with the game is scenario writing. The story is so heavily back-loaded. The director himself thought it would be better to balance out the tension flow by adding more at the beginning but gave in to the scenario writer in the end, probably due to time pressure. This results in an underwhelming execution of characterization and lots of wasted potentials for the first half of the game.  

-        I struggle to view it as a stand-alone game, since the backstory and the old cast both play such an important role in the core of the game. If someone plays this game without having played the OG, they can only enjoy it on surface value at best.

-        The new cast is nice but most of them aren’t quite as intriguing as the old cast, maybe it’s cuz they’re all too nice deep down that they lack a little bit of an edge, of that batshit craziness that everyone in the OG used to have? I think some characters (Fret, Nagi) ended up weaker in terms of characterization because the writer is too afraid of making them unlikeable – which kind of backlashed cuz they only became likable in the most expectable way to cater for a specific group of fans. I would have wished for the other team leaders to be more crazy too, had they not suffered 30+ loops of the Game…

-        The CAMERAWORK IS HELL.

-        Gameplay does get tedious at certain points with all the time travels.

-        Shiba is so badly written as a villain, some Shinjuku characters should be given more screentime cutting into Shiba’s– like Hishima or Kaie or even, Hazuki (though his limited presence also solidified his importance).

-        Some of the main character designs, for example Beat’s hairstyle and his food reactions are hilariously bad. What’s the point of covering up most of his unique facial features?

-        Some of the minor/side characters’ design are too cool for them to have such a small role (eg: Ayano, Eiru). Ryoji did get much screentime but is nowhere as fun as Makoto was.

-        Overall the scope of this game is made a little too big for the team to handle as perfectly as the last game that was very compact, it felt somewhat rushed in development too so the missing pieces are clearly there in the final picture

The entry fee versus paying for it all in the end

An important difference between the Neo game and the original Shibuya game was that the Shibuya rule asked for an entry fee that is the Player’s most important asset, stated as a chance the Composer gives them to reexamine themselves. Meanwhile, the Shinjuku rule neither encourages nor allows personal growth and ultimately aims to erase as many Players as possible. It’s a pity we were never introduced to the full Shinjuku rulebook, as it seems like the system there focuses more on building up power and a grand government to compare with the individuality-driven system of Shibuya.

When you have to compare the new game and the original game (OG), this is an important factor to consider. Also, the OG has a serious storyline running through and through, locked with a different partner/GM creating unique atmosphere for each week and you don’t get to see your old partners again until the end. NEO’s team system does not allow such deep insight and communication between the Players. All of your teammates are always there throughout, the dynamic does change with each new addition but it is not as prominent as a partner change.

Another important factor is how the OG was built from scratch for a new platform as “something no one has ever seen before”, while Neo recycled a lot of old unused ideas from the previous development (check out this interview for more details). The development team for NEO lacks 2 key members and had a change of writer so the final product is not as strongly bound together as the last game.

The new cast is definitely inspired by today’s teenagers (from the view of creators), compared to the old cast they’re more sociable and always seem to take whatever works for them despite feeling unstable inside. They are all innocent and genuinely nice kids, avoiding to hurt each other to a degree that they end up keeping some sort of distance. They’re also unable to communicate at deeper levels, always stagnant at this half-baked stage of equilibrium without any motivation to get to the core of things. That is the cost of entering the game without an entry fee, without even dying or having a reason to be there/to fight seriously. These kids were stolen from the RG into a Game that was decidedly the worst environment for them to change or develop, just wandering around cluelessly to find a way “out” until tragedies started to unfold one by one and they ended up being charged the total sum of the price for their actions – ultimately losing everything in the end.

That is, I believe, a story arc which can resonate more to the youth of today rather than of my generation. If the message of the old game was to “listen”, enjoy life to the fullest and accept to trust others, the message of the new game is to “speak up” from the inside, trying to understand yourself and take actions instead of just going with the flow and finally, to take responsibility for such actions.

If Neku was handpicked by the Composer for being the special one with an all-dense soul to ensure victory of the game then Rindo was just a normal kid chosen out of random by Kubo to be his back-up plan, who just happened to have a high enough imagination to awaken the incredible power from his pin. Rindo was then officially chosen by the Composer as Josh picked up and handed the pin to him again, this time not as Josh’s personal Proxy – but as the Proxy to represent the normal people of Shibuya and via whom he could gamble if humans can fight for their own fate.

The underworld heroine and the hero with little of his own

Shoka is for me a refreshing and layered heroine. She’s the kind of character that took at least 3 trials of creators to form as a complete individual – that included Nomura who gave her the base design and Reaper background, Gen who gave a more cunning touch and the writers who made her English dialogues more punchy. Dishonesty equals “tsundere” is such a cliché, so the English writers tried really hard to avoid that trope in my opinion, while still letting her good intention come through.

She serves as the character who is informed of everything the players should have known, and there was almost nothing she could do about it. Almost. Until she met Rindo.

They were drawn to each other by sharing a state of “not having anything of their own”. They both started out with not being able to truly know themselves, Shoka even hated her RG life but also managed to mature from that stage before Rindo. She must have vibed with Shiki’s love and passion in the Gatto Nero threads, initiating her connection with Shibuya and understanding herself more. With Shoka as Swallow, they were able to open up to each other and offer mental support… but was still not getting to the centre of their problems because for all this time, Shoka could not tell Rindo the most important things about herself.

How did Shoka feel when she met Rindo at the UG? She probably didn’t want to hope that he would live the day until she witnessed the Twisters’ potentials. From the very beginning, they were both incredibly conscious of each other and also constantly frustrated that the person they happened to “notice” was such a condescending bitch/a clueless loser. The Shinjuku Reapers are overall quite drunk in power and uncompassionate to Players, Shoka included. She is also a master of dissociation, which results in her constant boredom, tone swings, haughtiness and subconsciously distancing herself from the friend – the boy she cares about – from false hope, as she judged from facts that it was a hopeless situation where nothing could ever be. Maybe she is naturally a bit of a chameleon just like her name suggests (Shoka 紫陽花 = hydrangea, the color-changing flower), so putting on an act and always dissociating herself from what’s important was easy, while hiding her contradiction was impossible. It was the ex-Reaper Beat who broke it out to her, that she should decide whether she really cared and wanted to do something for a change. He knew how it felt like to cross that line, and knew she wanted to too.  

Shoka is endeared by many of the Shinjuku Reapers and has shown independent acts of kindness (the Shinjuku ghost), proving that her kind and truthful side is as real as her harsh and dishonest side – which makes her a nice mirror to the previous heroine Shiki, who also embraced a dichotomy of self-complex and self-love within her character. In the end, she was the first of the new cast to ultimately accept all that is important to her and independently made the decision to help save Shibuya despite all costs.

She was jealous at Rindo’s interaction with Tsugumi and Kanon but remained silent cuz she wasn’t at a place to have any say about it. She also didn’t reveal about Swallow because that would only add an awkward irrelevance to their current situation, as she was too ready to face erasure at the end of the Game. She only wished to “play a game” with him, be it FanGo or the Reapers’ Game. The tension that the team could only feel at the end, she’s felt it the entire time. The song “DIVIDE” is applicable to not just one bond in the game, but it always makes me think of theirs. There is always a “divide” between her and Rindo throughout the course of their journey, as the living and the dead, as a Player and Reaper, as someone who has a place to return to and someone who doesn’t, someone who knows little but wields too much power and someone who knows a lot despite not being able to do much.

“If only I had the chance to connect with you on the other side

But time goes on, and without us realizing it

The battle is getting heated

Time goes on, and without us realiazing it

Divided again”

To be honest, maybe I didn’t grow any affection for the new main cast from Rindo’s perspective but from Shoka’s. Since I started to sympathize with Shoka, I started to see the boy in a more “real” way. The real Rindo, behind his peaceful façade with others, would lash out on Shoka for her unfairly harsh attitude while none of the others cared. He could also subtly feel that mantle of unspoken secrets from her, her own contradictions, the unresolved chemistry between themselves – and not knowing what to do with it rather than to feel angry with all the unfairness he could not process. (As a Libra too, he’s triggered the most by unfairness!)

It is actually a positive development as he’s at least “reacting” to something strongly now rather than to keep evading his problems. During my replay, I clearly saw the difficult situation Shoka was in, her remaining harshness after the Motoi incident was due to her internal struggle with a mission to save her own life, versus a chance to really be with the team. Her decision was to do both at the risk of losing favour from both sides. Rindo started to accept her layer by layer, as the person who resonated the most to her contradicting nature from the start and knew that via learning her resolve, he has learnt his too.

Later into the game, she even got too much of his attention. Maybe even without knowing she’s Swallow, he’s familiar with her thinking direction and Swallow had always been closer to him than any other friend. It was only after she had to betray her important ones twice that she could start being truly honest. The scene when she died a 2nd time left a strong impression in me, the little reveal let Rindo know that he is also losing Swallow as he’s losing Shoka – and that only death could drive the last secret out of her. Her final “Later, loser” echoed through Rindo as it was the final truth, with only him remaining to hear it: they had actually, already lost everything.

Rindo was the boy who never dared to face all that matters to him until he lost it all, fighting an unfair battle in the faith that they would somehow still win. Shoka was the girl who always knew what was dear to her, but never dared to think she could be together with them ever after and still threw her all into a battle she knew was losing. I think they stir each other on naturally to fill out their gaps, similar to what the Shibuya game partner systerm would have aimed for. The end reward was a little divine intervention to help close up the divide between them once and for all.  

During the game there was not enough space to process anything personal so at the ending when they officially became “friends”, it was an important affirmation of their bond. Some people complained it was friendzoning but it’s not, they just have arrived at the perfect place to start something more. “From now on, we will truly be together” – I read it as that kind of message.  

The heroine from a lost battle, with her story taken away

After reading the secret reports and playing the game to be surprised of how small a role Tsugumi had in the main game despite being the “Hype-chan” thought to be a major character of the next TWEWY installment, many fans would feel sad at a missed opportunity to see the Shinjuku arc in full depiction.

It was shown clearly that, a Shinjuku arc was very carefully planned out and is a vital part of the whole story, yet it could not be made due to various circumstances behind the development scene. I would assume, that the team were not able to make a TWEWY game that ended on a despairing note, but it already happened in their mind, thus becoming a mental burden that forced them to break away from it and started the game anew with NEO. A significant part of NEO became the healing arc for the Shinjuku characters, especially for Tsugumi though I really wished more emphasis should have been placed on her rather than Shiba. We didn’t even get to see her brother – Shinjuku’s Conductor who had a vital role and instead was given the clueless Shiba, who had absolutely no idea what’s going on all the way until the last day in NEO. It’s as if Tsugumi has had her story stolen away from her, because her own battle ended with a saddening loss.

I think every time the game creators look at Tsugumi, they would feel that sadness too. Maybe to them, she is a bigger character than what is seen by the fans, as despite their failed effort to depict her story, she’s lived in their mind for all these years through periods of destruction, healing and rebuild.  Though it is a pity we could not get to experience the full scope of the Shinjuku story, the creators was clear about the place they wished for it to arrive at.    

Individuality, connection and the social network

The team system adapted from Shinjuku rulebook does not allow much room for personal development, as the team dynamic is closer to a work relationship forced to bear results, than a spiritual bond to max out all corners of understanding as found in the partnership system. The old Shibuya system allowed only 1 winner and 1 week limit per game, while the new rule declares for a 1 winning team and only the team at last place will be erased – the other teams will enter another loop. Furthermore, whichever team to challenge the unwinnable Ruinbringers will face the risk of ending up dead last followed by erasure. As a result, the longest-standing teams are most likely not the strongest ever recorded, but the ones who have figured out a strategy to simply survive until something changes, enjoying their newly found social constructs while they are at it. Basically, it is a system to hypnotise players into the illusion that they are still “living”.

Therefore, we as players would not get to the core of each Player individually as fast and directly as we did in the last game. The Twisters were able to stand out not because they’re powerful, they only started to have a real chance after growing enough to each form a meaningful and personal connection to another teammate. It did not come as a team, nor did it intiate from the existing friendship between Rindo and Fret. In fact, I did not find much solidity or anything truly note-worthy about the main team and new characters within themselves until they started clashing with other team members, Reapers and new recruits from week 2 onwards. Rindo found his personal development with Shoka (via a clash with Motoi and pretty much a mini dating sim between them), then via the confrontation of his role with Neku; Fret found his with Kanon then Nagi, the team learned about the real Neku via Beat, Neku entered the UG via Coco’s wish to save Tsugumi… it was not the team but their personal links that empowered them to fight and solve each of their problems.

The other team leaders may have failed because they did not form such personal links, after 30+ hopeless loops Fuya’s team all fell apart to pursue their own interest even at the cost of erasure, Motoi quit his KOL façade to work like a dog for the Reapers (probably to save just his own ass not his team), while Kanon dropped her tricks to find changes via honest cooperation in acceptance of a fair loss. The despairing note in that is huge without making much of a scene because their failure didn’t happen at their best effort to “win”, but in their last attempt to find a way “out”. Even Shiba got his way “out” in the end thanked to his personal friendship with Hishima and Tsugumi.

Something has shifted in the mindset of the game creators in the last 14 years, as both games are about “connection vs individuality” but the last game focuses more on connection between just individuals and this one on the overall network that is formed out of those individual connections.

The introduction of Beat into the main cast was truly the bridge between old and new, they helped each other out in several turns before officially recruiting him. Beat is a character whom a lot of fans including myself have felt somewhat concerned about after Neku disappeared from the RG, so when the new kids welcomed Beat with warm and organic interaction and Beat seemed happy, I started to feel like I wanted to help them out too! I think the overall team chemistry is enjoyable enough for new players, but I could warm up to the new kids more from the pov of a returning character – whom I’m glad to be Beat, as the older brother figure who is genuinely kind, fun, serious and upbeat at the same time; who is needed and needs the kids in return.

The social network is a fun and refreshing feature. You can read all of the crazy tidbits about Shibuya and the links each character have formed with the town people, it’s also fun to visualize how the characters act off screen. Characters’ profiles provide extra insight into their background too, like how it reveals Tsugumi has been friend with Coco during her time in the RG. During the game when not all characters have showed up, you can sometimes guess which empty spot will belong to whom. For example there is a 1 character linking to Neky that is not linked to anyone else, so I could guess that was Joshua, and that another character linking only to Joshua was probably Hazuki, hinting that the 2 Composers are related before either of them even showed up.

Hazuki only showed up for 5 minutes, but his presence is so vital and true to the game that I think he is the most memorable out of the new cast. The two Composers have such an intriguing bond, with their yin/yang or phoenix/dragon themes, opposite color design, the sempai/kouhai tone and the way they keep some sort of distance/work relationship as if it’s mandatory between Higher beings, yet at the same time they can talk so casually because they are truly equal – and different from one another. I have written a separate meta on them here.

Some people pointed out, that all Shinjuku characters’ names and themes are based off Hanafuda cards and the Phoenix in Hanafuda belongs to the Paulownia suit – which is Joshua’s name flower. This is so interesting because it feels like the creators somehow saw it as a sign to interweave the Shibuya and Shinjuku storylines together. Though it doesn’t come out much on the surface, it’s fascinating nonetheless considering both Josh and Haz had at some point interfered with the other town’s affairs.

“Shibuya tour with Haz” was such a special scene, as it happened between 2 characters who do not/no longer have a reason to care about Shibuya, on the subject of what is worth saving about Shibuya. Hazuki carried out the purification of Shinjuku and stepped in to restore Shibuya just as part of his job and unlike Hanekoma or Joshua who both possess profound understanding of humanity, he really didn’t know humans at all. Rindo’s irrational wish invoked in him a sense of curiosity, to try gambling on something irrationally and learning a bit of what his senior have experienced. With all the pieces put together, it provides an overview on Higher beings as a whole, and that Joshua and Hanekoma are really the odd ones out with Hazuki being somewhere in between them and the rest.        

The old friends

It’s easy to have returning characters overshadow the new cast as they have already matured out of their personal story arc and stayed in our hearts for all this time. In the end, I have managed to enjoy both the old and new cast separately and altogether, and they will both find their own place in our memory of this game for the long term.

Sho is truly as crazy as ever, the game wouldn’t be the same if Sho is any less of what he is. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like Neky or Beat is younger than Nagi at all, with moments when it seems like Neky has aged 14 years instead of 3 years. His friendship with Coco surprised me pleasantly, and their interaction together with Beat was fun to watch. Rhyme’s found a new dream and her friendship with Kaie is precious too, especially considering that she can still talk to him online after the game ended. Josh and Neku’s interaction suggested that they have resolved the past and are on equal terms now, they even parted ways in good spirit and I don’t feel any worry about them like I did before.

Neku and Shiki’s reunion scene was beautiful, theirs is such a special bond that it has grown and supported them even without being able to see each other. I am so happy to see them all again and that they stay true to who they are, albeit looking more grown up, cooler and happier than ever before.  

Overall, NEO can’t become a classic on par with the OG, but is definitely a good sequel and a good game in its own rights. I’m happy with whether or not there will be a 3rd game to complete the 3 monkeys theme, but if there will be – I hope the creators can really find the time to learn from the last 2 games and start over with a fresh mindset and strong core.  

[thespectralvision]

Behold the (Spectral) Vision turned 1 today!

Yeah, I’m reusing my birthday boy sketch from Vision’s in-universe birthday because I didn’t know today was the anniversary of this blog until Tumblr told me and I don’t have time to paint something special. It feels like it has been so much longer than a year, probably because I started writing Vision in private RPs and fics while WandaVision was airing, but didn’t actually create a place to collect all of that until this blog. I didn’t expect it to shift my life as much as it did, but here we are.

One day I will write a long, sappy thing about why Vision (especially the White Vision) in particular means so much to me as a character. When I watched WandaVision with a friend the night it premiered I had no idea how much it would impact my life. He may not be real, but anyone who says these characters are just dumb stories for kids has never understood why comics resonate with so many people.

Vision helped me find friends and community. He helped me love comics again, and dive back into these stories and characters that used to mean so much to me before I burned out. Before I started writing ScarVis content, I hadn’t written any form of fiction in probably about 20 years. I hadn’t done art in almost 8, aside from technical sketches. I felt isolated, and alone. These new friends started calling me Spec...and over time that’s the name that feels the most like ‘me’. I hadn’t used a new screen/nick name since at least High School (which was about 15 years ago for context). In the past year I’ve rebranded myself as a fan-content creator, and a comic blogger, and an encyclopedia of knowlege about Vision. I’ve become (at least I hope) someone other people in the fandom feel comfortable reaching out to when they have questions about the insanely complicated lore that is Marvel comics and the MCU. 

Getting back into Marvel helped me re-connect with IRL friends that I was drifting apart from and sad about. I go to small comic and collector shows a few times a month with friends and it’s alway a wonderful outing where we get to be nerds and talk with new people about these stories and characters. I was involved in starting a new chapter of The Avengers Initiative, a charity group who cosplay as Marvel characters to make people smile and do good work. All of this is because of Vision.

I don’t know what the next year holds. Things are shifting around me and there are days where this blog and these characters are the only thing I have to cling on to. What I do know is that I’ll still be around, writing and painting and talking about this synthezoid for years to come.

Much love to any and everyone who has followed this blog, or liked/reacted/commented on something I’ve created. 

-Spec