#Non-Destructive Analysis

[gauricmi]

Advantages of Raman Spectroscopy for Nanomaterial Characterization

Raman Spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that offers numerous advantages for the characterization of nanomaterials. Its ability to provide detailed structural and chemical information at the nanoscale makes it invaluable for studying the properties and behaviors of nanomaterials in various applications.

High Sensitivity and Specificity: Raman Spectroscopy exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in detecting and identifying nanomaterials. It can distinguish between different types of nanomaterials based on their unique vibrational spectra, even in complex mixtures or matrices.

Non-Destructive Analysis: One of the key advantages of Raman Spectroscopy for nanomaterial characterization is its non-destructive nature. Unlike some characterization techniques that require sample preparation or alteration, Raman Spectroscopy allows for direct analysis of nanomaterials without damaging or altering their properties.

Get More Insights On This Topic: Raman Spectroscopy

[windcarvedlyre]

I've been following @druidposting's DR2 playthrough on discord and we just had a really good discussion about DR's Closing Arguments. Specifically the way the murderer is depicted as grey and featureless, which until now I found a bit annoying.

In Danganronpa it's repeatedly the case that we don't have the full picture until the talking actually stops- which always goes beyond the end of the trial. We generally vote first and come to understand what the murderer's actual motive was, sometimes filling in important pieces of the timeline in the process, afterwards.

But none of that matters for the killing game because characters' emotions aren't directly relevant to who was the 'blackened'- the only thing that matters to Monokuma- so it comes out afterwards and does nothing to change their execution. It doesn't matter how sympathetic they are (basically everyone) or whether other people share responsibility for the situation (eg. Hanamura, Pekoyama, Momota) or whether they intended to murder at all (Nanami). They objectively pulled the trigger and nothing else matters. Nothing about them as a person matters.

The Closing Argument mechanic might illustrate that problem- literally. They're a dramatic, conclusive summary of the entire case... constructed before the vote even happens, before we know if we're actually right, and they're missing something really important:

The actual perpetrator.

We quite literally don't even begin to see the real person behind the crime, any real exploration of their mental state, anything besides the cold, hard facts of the murder that are necessary to convict them, until the comic finishes and the protagonist makes their final accusation- replacing the grey figure with their real appearance in a shot that's often intensely emotional.

And these comics lack crucial parts of the case's timeline and sometimes important parts of the very scenes they depict that we only find out about afterwards. And those are what we know; characters may die with some pieces of the truth and prevent us from ever learning them. These aren't objective depictions of the murder, they're the protagonist's subjective attempt to connect the facts they have. A join-the-dots portrait of someone with missing dots and no colour.

Even characters' expressions may not match how they truly feel, with the grey placeholder potentially looking way more confident and sinister than they were in reality. Pasting Falter's commentary here since they put it well.

For obvious reasons this could especially be a problem for characters that die before the trial- the ones we never get a post-vote testimony from. DR1 chapter 4 really highlighted that in the way Asahina's huge misinterpretation of Oogami's feelings took up a lot of the post-trial discussion, only for Monokuma to reveal Oogami's real suicide note and recontextualise everything.

It might really be a problem for how Komaeda's depicted in DR2 chapter 5. While he isn't greyed out, we get panel after panel where he's either level-headed or maniacally evil, and even the depictions of his self-torture and death don't humanise him:

But we know that his real feelings were more complicated than that. We have his actual corpse to compare the last page to.

He died afraid.

If we approach the comic as Hinata's mental image of him instead of reality, he died without anyone truly understanding him. He was alarming, very hard to relate to, actively fought against people doing so, ensured even the killer didn't watch him die, and the survivors couldn't begin to understand his motive until a chapter later. The Closing Argument reflects that.

Early in DR1 Togami calls out the rest of his class for judging others by their own standards. However, he, too, is doing this, maybe more so than many other characters; his inability to view other people through anything but the cold, brutal logic of the killing game bites him in the ass in chapter 4. In DR2 chapter 2 voting without a good understanding of Pekoyama's motive or Kuzuryuu's involvement nearly got everyone killed. Komaeda's a walking embodiment of the problems with flattening people into caricatures and not empathising with them, suffered from people doing that back to him, and his case- the Closing Argument for which turned everyone else into grey placeholders- was impossible to solve with objective facts. It was only survivable because the survivors cooperated and one person tried to analyse things the way he would.

The games have always been a critique of the justice system and Japanese society and push us to care about others as individuals, not reduce them to- and judge their right to exist by- something they've done or their net impact on society. There are always consequences when someone neglects to do that, and the above might be yet another way the games explore that theme.

[vincivilworld]

Radiography Test: Key Techniques and Benefits Explained

Radiography test is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method. It uses X-rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of materials. This technique is essential for detecting hidden flaws without causing damage, ensuring the integrity and safety of components. Radiography test is widely applied in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace to inspect welding, castings, and…

[brandonjohnbarnard]

Production history around: Tinguely Feeling

Tinguely Feeling was one of the most complicated projects I have done so far. The seed of this idea was originally planted in June of 2024, when I started reading into Nouveau réalisme. Jumping down rabbit hole after rabbit hole eventually dropped me onto a page about Jean Tinguely and Métamatics.

Métamatics was a series of works started in the 1950s which used robots and automation to create works of art. Often, these works would use chance elements, meaning that each work created by these machines was unique in some capacity, with interesting results being churned out.

That really simplifies it, though. There were pieces that exploded, many water fountains, and pieces that evoked many of the themes that Duchamp’s readymades did as well. I really recommend reading further into the topic yourself.

At this point, I was still on a DADA high, so the similarities between the areas was compelling to me too.

I was really drawn in by many of the points made with Métamatics, and how they parallel a lot of the arguments currently around AI art and ownership, creativity, and the ‘soul’ present in art.

Métamatics also explores an aspect of chance which I am very interested in: destruction. Often Tinguely’s machines would destroy themselves in the process of being shown off, with this being part of the performance. Homage to New York (1960) and Study for an End of the World №2 (1962) are both examples of this.

I had explored destruction before with Eggistential, but like most chance investigations I want to explore them all more thoroughly. This destruction aspect of Métamatics influenced the dancing stages in the film having debris that got knocked around everywhere, like the buttons, rice, and sea glass.

It was also inspired by the works of Robert Morris, like his untitled 1968 piece. The way the work fell was inspired by chance, further amplified by the actions of non-human actors, which I thought was a fun idea.

This film is also an offshoot of my exploration into non-human agency. Previously I had explored that idea with animals in ‘Doggy Style’, with its medium article explaining the reasoning.

Having the robots decide what the narrative of the piece ending up being was actually a lot more fun that I expected, and not nearly as stressful. The robots did actions which would have been so difficult to plan, but ended up being the heart of the piece. Them dancing in the ring, both falling over at the same time. The comedy they brought was great. In a way, it feels similar to improv.

A week after this reading into Tinguely (July, 2024), I found a cosmojetz wind-up toy, created by the company Kikkerland, at the Children’s Hospice charity shop on Mutley. At that moment, I knew what I was making next.

This led me down the path of trying to see if I could learn more about these Kikkerland robots. I learned way more about the designer, how many robot variants and colours there were, and also about how hard they were to acquire on the second-hand market. The UK and Europe do not have many available compared to the USA.

I ended up getting: a pink Pea, a Cosmojetz, a Pintacuda, a Cranky, and two Katitas. I still look occasionally to see if any are listed, as they are fun to collect and play with.

Originally, I wanted to merge this Kikkerland robot idea with a separate found object idea. I used to regularly litter pick in Plymouth (this stopped after I got my dog Toffee — not enough hands when walking), and while litter picking, I would find people’s faces. Torn up IDs, polaroid pictures, key charms, etc. I saved these oddities, among others, as it was something fun to do. I was thinking of sticking these face to the robots to add a weird ‘look where you ended up’ type of energy to the film. The main one I wanted to use was found in 2021 at Freedom Fields Park.

Though, the robots moved around too chaotically for this to work, and I also worried about privacy concerns.

I bought the walking robots from Cancer UK charity shops. These were Halloween themed since it was October. I bought 2 of them, thinking I may use them for something. Early on in production, I wanted there to be some purity of only using Kikkerland robots, though this waned over time. After playing with them, decided to buy many more.

These robots meant the idea of attaching faces to the non-human actors came back, but in a different way.

The nodding sunlight cat was bought in Japan, back in April of 2024 during my honeymoon (when Gacha’nce was filmed). The cat normally sits on my wife’s desk, agreeing with everything she says.

Originally, I wanted the robots (bugs) to be dancing around in a vase. I bought one and tested it out, and while the sound was cool, it didn’t really have further directions it could have gone (feel free to play with the idea and prove me wrong).

The rule of three was there in the beginning, in terms of there being 3 dances, and 3 skits. Also, having a wind-up phase, a release, and the slow down captures was thought of near the beginning as well.

Recently, I have been thinking more about visualising chance, and why film is a good mechanism for its capture.

With an explosion, what do you capture? The object before it explodes? Well, that’s just an object. After, it is just a mess on the floor. In the middle, it is neither a mess, nor an item. There is no semblance of what type of transformation took place, just that one is taking place. That’s why I think its best to show pre-prompt, prompt, and post-prompt.

As such, I wanted to capture the wind up, the placement, the movement, and the eventual stop.

Before filming, one of my major initial stresses was trying to figure out where the dance scene going to take place. I decided on using a shelf in one of our under-used rooms.

It’s funny how engaging in an activity can transform a space for ever. Now whenever I see this shelf, I think about the film. The film transformed a mundane part of my life into something special. This is a reoccurring aspect of my filmmaking journey.

My wife and I had just finished watching Twin Peaks, so creating a red room felt like a fun idea. I’m very happy with how the curtains turned out.

I also wanted to reference my other films in some capacity. So, I made one of the rooms tinfoil and M&Ms to match Tinfoil Candy. I was also going to have a scene with the dogs that called back to ‘Doggy Style’, but I changed my mind as I worried about the robots either scaring or hurting the dogs.

Though, after making Disseminate, and how many self-references that had to my practice, I decided to tone back other ideas, and rather create something more original.

All of the buttons were a last-minute find, from the Barnardo’s charity shop in Armada Way. I really like how the robots kick the buttons around.

The Pintacuda robot (we called it the Snitch) broke during the dance. Interesting to think about items breaking mid-production as a chance event. It also echoes back to Tinguely’s robot’s destroying themselves mid-performance.

I knew I wanted to do three skits, but really struggled on finalising the final one. I knew that the boxing scene would look iconic, and that the painting scene would be a mess/potentially break a robot, so doing the former scene first was a priority.

Robot wars was an inspiration: gameshows where two robots would be put in a ring, and the last one to survive would be the victor. I used to watch these shows a lot as a kid, and they really stuck with me.

As a side note, I love that in robot battle events, often a ramp is the most powerful piece of offensive tech. The ability to wedge and flip. It does feel kind of judo in a way.

Seeing how crazy the Kikkerland robots looked bouncing around, I thought they could easily do a faux clash in the middle of a ring.

Making the ring was not too difficult. It was, and still is, a box which is being used to store some anime figurines. Madoka Magika x Bakemonogatari figures to be specific. The idea that they are hiding under the ring while the battle is taking place is kind of funny. I stuck some cut up sosatie (kebab) sticks into the corners, and surrounded them with string.

Someone on one of the Discord servers I frequent said that the boxing scene reminded them of Raging Bull but in colour. Another friend, Ocean, made a comment that when the boxers started holding hands, and going around in circles that it evoked thoughts of yin and yang.

I love these accidental associations people are making from my works — that they poke the brain and something else falls out.

As can be seen in the film, my original plan of using Kikkerland robots for the boxing scene failed dramatically. They instantly shot off and got stuck in the ropes. So, from this I decided to use the walking robots instead. Seeing how well they did instead of the Kikkerland robots are what inspired the marathon scene, as well as broke me away from the idea of having the film being so ‘one type of robot’ oriented.

The participants of the marathon, from left to right, were Isobel (my wife), me, my friends Zoe and Louis, Chico Bicalho (Kikkerland robot designer), my dogs Toffee and Noodle, my PhD supervisor Dylan Yamada-Rice, and the creator of Métamatics and namesake of the film, Jean Tinguely.

Getting them all to stand at once and not run off from the starring line was quite difficult. I tired many times to somehow hold them all at once by myself but failed. So, my wife helped me with it the moment she came in the door from work (sorry hun, and thanks!).

My robot winning at the end was not planned at all — I feel like it actually looks quite bad! I did consider re-running the race to avoid this, but that would be completely against my ethos of embracing chance, so it is what it is.

I wanted to do this since the start. An homage to Tinguely’s own drawing robots, as well as a homage to many of the chance methods I have learnt about so far being focused on mediums like painting more broadly.

The moment where the one robot would not walk is so funny. They got stuck to the paint, which I guess completely countered their mechanics.

The ending of the film was the cherry on top in my opinion. Hanging a painting to say, ‘it’s done!’ is such a fun way to end something. The painting is a permanent fixture in our home now.

Originally, we wanted to use a music box as the backing of the piece. We bought a Kikkerland make-your-own-music box kit, and were working on producing our own three songs for the piece. This mechanical energy, and the doubling down on the Kikkerland brand I thought would be fun. Though, the energy of the songs produced did not match the fast energy I wanted from the robots dancing around.

For the dancing scenes, I ended up using the song Den Wölfen by Fania_Katz. I really like its chaotic energy, and it has elements which remind me of older machines twirling. Beeps and boops.

A note I got from my friend Abi has stuck with me a bit: “love that in all your films you have a distinct aesthetic and vision 😊 you’re really consistent with your work”. A week before posting Tinguely Feeling, I did a talk, and one of the lecturers after came up to me and said my works all have a cohesion to them, a shared style. This has been something I have thought about a bit. What are the hallmarks of my films. What is that intangible energy that I leave behind?

[marketresearchreportinsight]

Non-destructive Testing Market Strategy Analysis Report by 2030

The global non-destructive testing market size was valued at USD 20,019.5 million in 2023 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030. The growing manufacturing activities across the developing and the developed nations is estimated to drive the market over the forecast period. Furthermore, the increasing technological innovations pace have enable…

[integratedndesolution]

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune: Pioneering Positive Material Identification for Quality Control and Safety Compliance

In the modern industrial landscape, ensuring the integrity and composition of materials is crucial for maintaining quality control and safety compliance. Positive Material Identification (PMI) is an essential non-destructive method used to verify the chemical composition of materials. Integrated NDE Solution in Pune offers comprehensive PMI services, utilizing advanced technologies such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). This article delves into the intricacies of PMI, its benefits, and the cutting-edge services provided by Integrated NDE Solution.

Understanding Positive Material Identification

Positive Material Identification (PMI) is a non-destructive testing method used to verify the alloy composition of materials. PMI ensures that the materials used in manufacturing processes meet the specified chemical composition, thereby maintaining product quality and safety standards. This verification process is crucial for industries where material composition directly impacts performance, reliability, and safety, such as aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and pharmaceuticals.

Importance of Positive Material Identification

Quality Control: Ensures that materials conform to the required specifications, maintaining the integrity and quality of the final product.

Safety Compliance: Verifies that materials meet industry safety standards, reducing the risk of failures and accidents.

Material Verification: Confirms the correct alloy composition of materials, preventing mix-ups and ensuring proper material usage.

Regulatory Compliance: Helps industries adhere to stringent regulatory requirements and standards.

Cost Savings: Prevents costly material failures and recalls by ensuring the correct material is used from the start.

How Positive Material Identification Works

Positive Material Identification is typically conducted using two main technologies: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES).

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers

XRF analyzers use X-rays to excite the atoms in a sample, causing them to emit secondary (fluorescent) X-rays. These fluorescent X-rays are characteristic of the elements present in the sample, allowing for a semi-quantitative chemical analysis. The key steps in the XRF process are:

Preparation: The surface of the material is cleaned to ensure accurate readings.

Excitation: The XRF device directs X-rays at the material, exciting the atoms within the sample.

Detection: The device detects the emitted fluorescent X-rays and measures their energy levels.

Analysis: The energy levels correspond to specific elements, allowing for the identification of the material's composition.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)

OES involves exciting the atoms in a sample using a high-energy spark or arc, causing them to emit light. The emitted light is then analyzed to determine the material's composition. The key steps in the OES process are:

Preparation: The surface of the material is cleaned and sometimes ground to create a flat, uniform surface.

Excitation: The OES device generates a spark or arc that excites the atoms in the material.

Detection: The emitted light is collected and passed through a spectrometer.

Analysis: The spectrometer measures the wavelengths of the emitted light, which correspond to specific elements, allowing for precise material identification.

Benefits of Positive Material Identification

Non-Destructive: PMI does not damage or alter the material being tested.

Accurate: Provides precise and reliable identification of alloy composition.

Quick and Efficient: Delivers immediate results, enabling rapid decision-making.

Versatile: Applicable to a wide range of materials, including metals and alloys.

Portable: PMI equipment is often portable, allowing for on-site testing.

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune: Leaders in Positive Material Identification

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is a leader in non-destructive testing, offering a broad spectrum of services, including Positive Material Identification. Their expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to quality make them a trusted partner for industries requiring reliable material verification.

Comprehensive NDT Services Offered

Positive Material Identification (PMI)

Remote Visual Inspection (RVI)

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)

Eddy Current Testing (ECT)

Portable Hardness Testing

Ferrite Testing

Industries Served

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune caters to a diverse array of industries, including:

Aerospace: Ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft components.

Automotive: Inspecting critical parts to prevent failures.

Construction: Verifying the integrity of structural components.

Oil and Gas: Ensuring the reliability of pipelines and equipment.

Power Generation: Maintaining the integrity of infrastructure components.

Pharmaceuticals: Verifying the composition of materials used in drug manufacturing.

Positive Material Identification in Action

Case Study: Oil and Gas Pipeline Inspection

In the oil and gas industry, the reliability of pipelines is crucial. Integrated NDE Solution was approached by a leading oil and gas company to conduct PMI on pipeline materials. Using advanced XRF analyzers, the team verified the alloy composition of the pipeline materials, ensuring they met the specified standards for corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The inspection helped prevent potential failures and ensured the safety and reliability of the pipeline network.

Case Study: Aerospace Component Verification

A major aerospace manufacturer required PMI for critical components used in aircraft engines. Integrated NDE Solution employed both XRF and OES technologies to verify the alloy composition of the components. The precise identification confirmed that the materials met the stringent specifications required for aerospace applications, ensuring the safety and performance of the aircraft engines.

Advanced Positive Material Identification Equipment

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune utilizes the latest PMI equipment to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability in their inspections. Some of the advanced equipment includes:

Handheld XRF Analyzers: Portable devices that provide rapid, on-site analysis of alloy composition.

Stationary XRF Analyzers: High-precision instruments used for detailed laboratory analysis.

Mobile OES Units: Portable units that offer precise material identification in the field.

Stationary OES Systems: Advanced systems used for comprehensive laboratory analysis of materials.

The Role of Certified Technicians

The effectiveness of Positive Material Identification largely depends on the expertise of the technicians conducting the tests. Integrated NDE Solution in Pune employs certified technicians who undergo rigorous training and continuous professional development. Their skills and knowledge ensure that clients receive the highest quality of service.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. They adhere to international standards and best practices, ensuring that all inspections are performed with utmost precision and reliability. This commitment to excellence has earned them a stellar reputation in the industry.

Customer-Centric Approach

At Integrated NDE Solution in Pune, customer satisfaction is a top priority. They work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and tailor their services accordingly. Whether it’s a small-scale inspection or a large industrial project, they provide personalized solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Why Choose Integrated NDE Solution in Pune?

Expertise: Extensive experience and technical know-how in NDT services.

Technology: Utilization of the latest and most advanced testing equipment.

Quality: Commitment to providing accurate and reliable results.

Customer Service: Focus on building long-term relationships through excellent service.

Compliance: Adherence to all relevant industry standards and regulations.

Conclusion

In industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, Integrated NDE Solution in Pune stands out as a leader in non-destructive testing, particularly in Positive Material Identification. Their dedication to quality, use of advanced technology, and customer-centric approach make them the go-to choice for businesses across various sectors. By partnering with Integrated NDE Solution, companies can ensure the integrity and safety of their materials and components, safeguarding their operations and reputation.

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune continues to set the standard for excellence in non-destructive inspection. Their expertise in Positive Material Identification and other NDT services is pivotal in industries where safety and reliability are crucial. As technology advances and industries evolve, Integrated NDE Solution remains at the forefront, offering unparalleled service and support to their clients.

In conclusion, for businesses seeking the highest standards in Positive Material Identification, alloy composition verification, and comprehensive NDT services, Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is the trusted partner that delivers results. Their innovative approach, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to quality ensure that every inspection meets the stringent requirements of today’s demanding industrial environments.

[lanalace]

Caleb’s Odyssey

Student Caleb x Teacher Reader

Summary: A young, 27 year old teacher's carefully built professional life unravels because of a brilliant, fixated student.

Warnings: Non-con, NSFW, dub-con, Drug use, Inappropriate relationship, obsessive behavior 🔞

Word count: 6.2k 🍎🍏

A/N: This was meant to be posted yesterday for Caleb’s birthday. Unfortunately, it was also my birthday and I got too busy to proofread and post. Anyhow, please enjoy the late Caleb’s birthday celebration.

Ms. L/n felt it in her bones when the bell for last period rang. The shift in the classroom's energy, the subtle hum of anticipation that had nothing to do with Shakespeare or literary analysis. It was Caleb Chen, of course. He was always the first one in, a silent observer near her desk, determined to disrupt the order in her professional life.

She loved teaching. Loved the way a complex text could ignite a spark in a student’s eye, the satisfaction of watching a hesitant voice find its confidence. But Caleb was a different kind of spark altogether. He was brilliant, undeniably so, devouring literary theory and dissecting symbolism with an unnerving precision. He was also, to her endless frustration, relentlessly fixated on her.

Today was no different. Caleb entered, composed, his uniform crisp enough to cut glass. He didn't look seventeen, his build and mental prowess, a weapon she hadn't yet learned to disarm had never allowed for him to come off as just a typical student. He moved toward her desk, slow, deliberate. He stopped just close enough, a whisper of a violation against the unspoken rule of student —teacher distance.

“Ms. L/n.” he began, his voice a low hum that always seemed to cut through the classroom’s usual din. “I was thinking about our discussion on The Odyssey.”

‘Here we go, again. Alright, buckle up buttercup, for the daily dose of intellectual flirtation.’ She managed a neutral smile. “Oh? What about it, Caleb?”

“Odysseus’s devotion.” he began, his gaze deepening as if contemplating something profound and sacred. “Ten years of war and another of wandering. He slays monsters, blinds a Cyclops, defies gods… sleeps with goddesses. And still, he spends ten years clawing his way back to Penelope. His wife. All that blood, all that sacrifice just for one woman. Isn’t that… admirable? A testament to true love, the kind that reshapes reality?”

Ms. L/n felt the familiar tightening in her chest. This wasn't about epic poetry. "Caleb, The Odyssey is a foundational text, but we don't admire Odysseus for his ruthlessness. His journey is a tale of perseverance, yes, but also of flawed humanity and often brutal consequences." She paused, her voice measured. "He wasn't always a hero."

"But his goal," Caleb countered smoothly, his eyes fixed on hers, unblinking, "was pure. To return to his rightful place, to his fated love. Doesn't that make the 'flaws' merely... obstacles? Necessary detours on the path to what's meant to be?" His gaze dipped to her hand resting on the desk, a silent, almost possessive appreciation of its vulnerability. She lifted it and placed it atop a stack of essays, a silent repositioning of control, a desperate attempt to wall off a part of herself.

“Devotion,” she said coolly, her voice firm, “is only admirable when it respects the people it claims to serve. Odysseus may have loved his home, but his path back to it was riddled with destruction. Loyalty without conscience isn’t noble, Caleb. It’s dangerous. It’s monstrous.” His private smile deepened, a knowing grin that Y/n doesn't understand, but she will.

“Perhaps. But doesn’t the depth of the love sometimes demand such a journey? Isn’t that what makes it grand? When the stakes are so high, Ms. L/n, that one simply must overcome every barrier?” He leaned a fraction closer, a movement almost imperceptible, yet she felt its invasion. “And to think, some people only see the monsters, not the magnificent destination.”

Ms. L/n’s jaw tightened. "The destination doesn't excuse the atrocities committed along the way, Caleb. There's a line. A fundamental difference between perseverance and obsession."

"Is there?" he murmured, his gaze holding hers, brimming with an unsettling blend of admiration and challenge. "Or is obsession simply perseverance, elevated? When you know something is right, when you feel it in your very core, isn't it logical to pursue it with every fiber of your being, regardless of trivial... lines?"

The bell screamed before she could respond, a sudden, startling her. The room filled with students and noise, a welcome disruption. Caleb drifted away, his hand brushing hers in passing. A brief, deliberate contact. Not forceful, but meaningful. She pulled away immediately but still felt the phantom touch lingering like a brand.

This had gone far enough.

She couldn’t afford to make it a scandal. His parents sat on the school board. Old money. The kind that turned misconduct into donations. The kind that could end her career before it ever really began.

But she wasn’t going to let this continue.

~🍎🍏~

Caleb's attention had become a persistent hum in the background of Ms. L/n's days, growing louder and more brazen with each passing week. It was a risky game he was playing, and she, by turns, felt both exasperated and acutely aware of the precarious position it put them both in. She always rebuffed him, but that didn't stop him.

"Just a little longer." She'd silently plead with herself, a mantra she repeated multiple times a day. The end of the school year was a rapidly approaching finish line, a beacon of relief she clung to. All that remained was prom tomorrow night, and then, finally, graduation the following week.

Every morning, walking into her classroom, she felt a prickle of anticipation, a bit weary, wondering how his escalating "attention" would manifest next. She'd developed a habit of scanning her desk, her chair, the space around her, bracing herself for the latest unwanted gesture.

And this morning, there it was. The ceramic mug sat on her desk, nestled amongst her graded papers like a silent, unwelcome guest. It was a rich, forest green, precisely the shade she'd once mentioned liking, though she couldn't recall to whom. Inside, nestled on a bed of tissue paper, was a single, perfect white orchid. No card, no note.

It was just the mug and the flower. It felt less like a gift and more like a marker, a claim laid on her personal space. She quickly tucked it away in her cabinet before the first bell, a shiver running down her spine despite the warmth of the room. She'd deal with it later. She had to.

The final bell rang, releasing the last students into the noisy hallway. Ms. L/n waited, her hand resting on the smooth wood of her desk, until the only presence left was the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights. Then, as if on cue, Caleb materialized in her doorway. His very stillness seemed to suck the oxygen from the air.

He leaned against the doorframe, all grace and calculated charm. His uniform was immaculate, his tie slightly loosened, as if he'd already begun shedding the trappings of studenthood.

"Caleb." She said, her voice calm, professional, but with an underlying firmness that she hoped conveyed her absolute resolve. "Could you close the door, please? I need to speak with you."

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes then transformed into a composed look of triumph. He turned and pushed the door, the latch clicked shut, a soft, final sound in the suddenly heavy silence. He took a step forward. His eyes, usually so sharp, held a dangerous softness, as if he genuinely believed this was the moment she would finally unveil her true feelings and reciprocate his twisted affections.

“Ms. L/n.” He began. "Did you like my gift?" He spoke, tilting his head. His gaze dropped to her lips. "I thought of you the moment I saw it."

Another step. Too close now, towering over her much smaller form.

"Tell me you didn't think about me too." He whispered, his voice demanding. Y/n's instincts were slow to react. The suddenness of his advance stole her breath. That was all he needed.

He moved with the practiced ease, closing the space between them in two fluid strides. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against his body while his other hand gently. cradled the back of her neck.

He lowered his face to hers and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was warm and surprisingly soft. It was a kiss he bestowed like a lover, tender and possessive, as if longed for this moment for years. He did. Y/n was stunned, completely frozen for a moment.

As soon as the shock wore off, a surge of disgust slammed into Ms. L/n. She shoved him back hard. He released her instantly and she stumbled backward, hitting her chair as it scraped loudly, putting as much distance as she could between them.

Her composure shattered, replaced by pure outrage. Her hand flew to her mouth, wiping furiously, as if she could erase his kiss. She stared at him, breathing heavily. The silence was deafening, save for her ragged breaths.

Caleb stood still, his expression a fleeting mask of genuine confusion, quickly followed by profound disappointment. For a fraction of a second, she saw it… the glimpse of a boy utterly crushed, his carefully constructed fantasy crumbling.

Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by an unsettling, almost chilling calm. His eyes, though still fixed on her, were devoid of any readable emotion, like dark glass reflecting nothing but her own frantic reflection. Inwardly, a quiet, cold rage began to simmer, unseen.

"I called you back here." She managed, forcing herself to speak, her voice trembling at first then hardening with a desperate resolve. Her career. Her job. She couldn't let emotion control her.

"Because your behavior has become not just inappropriate, Caleb. It is completely unacceptable. You just assaulted me. The 'gift’… it’s not welcome. Your comments, your presence… all of it. This is a school. I am your teacher. There is absolutely no basis for this kind of... attention." She gestured around the empty classroom, her voice rising slightly with frustration and mounting desperation.

"This needs to stop. Immediately. Do we understand each other?"

Caleb's arm dropped to his side, his face settling into a mask of complete indifference. The smile vanished.

"Yes, Ms. L/n." He finally said in a flat tone. "I understand."

He turned on his heels and walked to the door, opened it, and stepped out without another word. Ms. L/n let out a shuddering breath she hadn't realized she was holding. He was gone.

But as the silence settled, she didn’t feel relief. No, instead an unshakable feeling of dread seeped in. The way he had just shut down... it felt off. She didn’t realize that she hadn’t deterred him. Her actions had the opposite effect, she taught him something and he was a quick study.

🍎🍏Prom 🍏🍎

The bass throbbed a relentless pulse through the gymnasium, shaking the floor beneath Ms. L/n's sensible heels. Fairy lights strung haphazardly across the basketball hoops cast a glittering, fractured glow over a sea of sequined dresses and awkwardly rented tuxedos. The air was thick with the scent of cheap cologne and the nervous energy of teenagers on the cusp of something.

Ms. L/n circulated, a forced smile plastered on her face, exchanging pleasantries with other chaperoning teachers, trying to look busy. Other supervisors chatted in small groups, their attention divided. Students laughed, posed for photos, and gravitated towards the music.

She scanned the room, her gaze darting around, unconsciously searching for him. He hadn't been in her classes today, which was a small mercy, but she knew he'd be here. No one misses prom.

She tried to push it away, focusing on the eager faces of her students, many of whom she genuinely adored. Prom was always a chaotic flurry of spilled drinks and awkward dances. It made her smile, watching the children create fun memories.

Whether it was from the overly crowded area or the lack of proper ventilation but the gym was quickly becoming unbearable. Ms. L/n felt a sudden wave of heat, the close air of the gym suddenly stifling.

'A little fresh air.' She thought, her gaze drifting towards the propped-open emergency exit at the far end of the hall, usually used by staff for quick breaks. She hadn't seen Caleb all night, and a small, irrational part of her hoped he just hadn't come. She excused herself from the party, making eye contact with one of her colleagues and nodding to them, gesturing to the exit before leaving.

Y/n sighed in relief as the cool night air washed over her. She leaned against the brick wall, closing her eyes for a moment, letting the gentle breeze clear her head. The music from inside was muffled now, a distant thrum.

It was peaceful, she could feel herself relaxing but it was abruptly disrupted. A voice, low and familiar, cut through the quiet. “Taking a breather, Ms. L/n?”

Her eyes flew open. Caleb stood a few feet away, leaning casually against the doorframe, bathed in the soft glow from the gym’s exit sign. He wasn’t wearing a tuxedo, but dark slacks and a crisp black button down shirt, sleeves rolled to expose forearms that had gained a surprising amount of definition. He looked less like a student and more like… a man. She quickly shook the intrusive thought from her head and reminded herself that this was her student.

He held out a clear plastic cup, condensation beading on its sides. “I believe that I owe you an apology.”

Her brow furrowed and she tilted her head slightly. “An apology, Caleb? For what?” She'd half expected him to avoid her, or perhaps offer a final, snide remark. This was an unexpected turn of events.

He offered a disarmingly charming smile, the kind that had probably won him over countless teachers in his academic career. "For being a nuisance, Ms. L/n. For pushing boundaries. I understand now. It was inappropriate, and I crossed a line." His violet eyes darkened as they locked onto hers.

"I truly am sorry for my behavior. Please, a peace offering." He gestured with the cup. "It's just punch. The real stuff is still behind lock and key." He chuckled.

She hesitated. It was so… mature. His direct, humble apology disarmed her more than any of his previous advances. She was tired, her guard was down, and the sheer audacity of his previous behavior had left her utterly unprepared for genuine contrition. She’d always prided herself on seeing the best in her students, even the challenging ones. ‘Maybe he finally understood. He was graduating, after all.’

With a soft sigh, she took the cup. "Thank you, Caleb. Apology accepted." She took a long, grateful swallow of the sweet, fruit-flavored liquid. It was cool, refreshing, and entirely innocuous.

Caleb’s smile deepened, a tasting victory on his tongue but she was too slow to catch read into it. "My pleasure, Ms. L/n." he murmured, his gaze lingering on her lips as she drank.

The pleasant sweetness of the punch dissolved, replaced by a strange, metallic tang at the back of Ms. L/n’s throat. A wave of dizziness washed over her, making the concrete beneath her feet heave and spin. But beneath the disorientation, unfamiliar and terrifying. Heat began to bloom low in her belly, spreading like wildfire through her veins. Her skin flushed with an unnatural warmth, her muscles tingled and weight down.

‘What… what is going on?’ Her vision swam, the faint glow of the exit sign began to blur out. Every sound from inside the gym, every distant car, every beat of her own frantic heart, amplified. Her body felt foreign, lit with fever she couldn’t control.

She shook her head, trying to clear the haze from her mind and lost her balance, stumbling on unsteady feet. She hadn’t even seen when Caleb moved. He was suddenly there, his presence just too close. His arm encircled her waist, gripping her arm as her legs buckled, preventing her from swaying.

He pulled her close, her head lolling against his shoulder, her mind struggling to form a coherent thought. All she registered was the overwhelming sensation of him, the intoxicating heat radiating from his body as she mentally battled with the primal urge to touch him.

"Easy there, Ms. L/n, just lean on me." He murmured, his voice soothing against her ear. Had she been of sound mind, she'd be able to pick up on the chilling hint of satisfaction.

“You're a little lightheaded. Too much dancing, maybe. Let's just get you somewhere you can breathe. Your classroom is closer." He began to guide her, away from the distant hum of the prom, into the darker, quieter recesses of the hallway.

Her legs felt like rubber. She swayed from side to side as she did her best to keep up with Caleb’s long strides. Had he not been holding onto her, she was sure she would be face down on the cold tiled floor.

He steered her expertly, past closed doors, his gaze sweeping the empty hall to ensure no one saw their departure. The cold knot of fear filled stomach, conflicting harshly with the artificial heat in her veins. Y/n could vaguely discern his whispered words.

"That's it, love. Just a little further. I've got you." He coxed sweetly.

They reached her classroom, the familiar number plate blurring on the door. It clicked open, then shut behind them, sealing them in near silence. He didn’t release her immediately. Instead, he pulled her fully into the room, pushing her against the cool surface of the blackboard, her own professional space now his stage. Caleb leaned in, his body pressing intimately against hers, forcing her to meet his smug gaze.

"So pretty." His thumb traced her jaw, then slid lower down her throat, over her pulse. A convulsive shiver wracked her body.

"Even in this state, you are stunning.” he murmured, tilting her chin up, forcing her glazed eyes to meet his. "Dazed. Desperate. Mine."

Her breath hitched, a weak protest dying in her throat. The drug was a living thing inside her, twisting every sensation into something molten and unbearable.

"Happy birthday to me." Caleb smiled saccharinely, his lips grazing her ear. "I’m finally eighteen. And in a week?" His teeth nipped at her earlobe. "You won't even be my teacher anymore. Why don’t we celebrate early?"

Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion, her thoughts having trouble picking up what he implied as her body continued to heat with desires. She could only whimper, a raw, helpless half protest, half something else entirely.

"You taught me so much about The Odyssey." He mused, fingers tightening in her hair. "Now let me show you what I’ve learned."

That was all he said before his lips crashed onto hers, devouring hers. It wasn't a kiss. It was claiming. Possessive. Demanding. She couldn't fight the way her body arched into him, her fingers gripping his hair. She could stop herself from kissing him back.

He groaned against her lips, finally getting the response he craved. "Knew you'd feel like this." he rasped, pulling back just enough to watch her gasp. "Knew you wanted me."

Her head lolled against the blackboard as his mouth moved to her neck as he sucked and nibbled little bruises into her exposed skin, tasting the frantic pulse at her throat, enjoying every sigh and whimper he pulled from her.

"C-Caleb… s'wrong—" Her voice slurred, barely audible.

"Shhh, baby." His hand slipped under her dress, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of her thigh, seizing her right leg and pulling her hips to meet his as she shuddered. She could feel the large bulge grind into her and let out breathy gasp. The friction was delicious, she instinctually jerked her hips to meet his. "Good girl. Just let go."

She whined when his palm cupped her breast, thumb flicking over her nipple. A broken noise escaped her.

"Look at you.” he purred, tilting her face toward him. "All those years playing professional. But I saw you." His thumb dragged over her bottom lip. "Always biting your lip when I answered questions right, always adjust your skirt when I stared a little too long."

Y/n whimpered and shook her head weakly, denying his claims.

Caleb laughed, low and dark. “I always get what I want, Y/n.”

His free hand yanked her leg around his hip, pulling her flush against him. She could feel him, rock hard, insistent and her body responded, heat pooling in her panties as her hips lifted to meet his.

"Fuck…" His grip turned punishing. "Even now, you're begging for it."

He pulled her head back slightly, just enough for her glazed over eyes to meet his. He found her docile demeanor to be so appealing, that he wished he could frame this moment. Then a smile played on his lips as an idea struck him.

Caleb reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, angling it in her direction. The bright flash momentarily blinded her as he snapped photos of her.

"Gotta remember this." He said, snapping another picture of her flushed face, his hand under her dress. Compromising. Damning. "My perfect little teacher, coming apart for me."

"N-no—"

He kissed her again, swallowing her protest. His fingers dipped lower, beneath the waistband of her panties.

“Ahh~” She jolted, grabbing his shoulders as if to ground herself as his long fingers slid up and down her slick petals.

"So wet for me, Y/n." he breathed against her mouth, a mixture of surprise and satisfaction.

"All for me." He curled his middle finger, pushing past her folds and into her heated core.

“D-don’t..!” Her vision fractured. light, shadow, the cold press of the blackboard against her back. His touch was everywhere, too much, and yet her body arched for more. A sob tore from her throat.

He groaned as she clamped down on his finger. "So tight.” Caleb forced another finger into her, making her shudder as he began to scissor her, opening her up for him. “Gonna have to stretch you out a bit.”

"I dreamed about this." He growled, fingers working her with cruel precision. "Every night, I imagined bending you over this desk, fucking you dumb—"

Caleb stilled. Then, with a slow, filthy smile, he lifted her effortlessly as if she weighed nothing. Wrapping her legs around his waist on instinct as He moved with her, carrying her towards her own desk. He lowered her onto it, scattering books and papers, the soft thud of textbooks hitting the floor barely registering. The cool surface felt amazing beneath her all too hot skin.

"Let's make it real, yeah?"

Caleb stood over her, his breathing heavy, eyes alight with a terrifying intensity. He took a moment, surveying his patchwork, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. He ran a hand through his dark hair, then reached down, his fingers finding the hem of her dress once more.

Caleb’s gaze, a burning, unblinking intensity, drank in Ms. L/n’s dazed, disheveled form. The satisfaction on his face was absolute, tempered by a dizzying adoration that made his movements almost reverent.

"Christ…" he breathed, dragging a fingertip over the damp fabric. "Barely touched you and I’ve already ruined you for anyone else, huh?"

Her vision blurred. The drug was like a living thing inside her, twisting pleasure from panic, heat from horror. She couldn't tell if the moan that escaped was protest or surrender.

Caleb stepped back, drinking in the sight of her-hair fanned across graded essays, chest heaving, thighs trembling. He unzipped her dress with torturous slowness. The fabric pooled at her waist, baring her to the chill air and his ravenous gaze.

"Perfect." His eyes tracing every curve with pure admiration. "Every single part of you."

He moved to the front of her desk, a predatory grace in his movements, pulling out his phone once more. Not for a photo this time. He set it carefully on a stack of books, angling the camera to capture the scene.

"I want to remember this, Y/n." he explained, his voice gentle, as if explaining something vital to a confused child. "The moment you finally become mine. The moment you finally became mine."

He gathered her dress and underwear, slithered them down her body like a dying breath, falling at her feet that dangled above the desk. Cold air licked her exposed skin, raising goosebumps contrasting from the warmth that came from the shame she felt. She tried to cover herself, but her arms might as well have been filled with lead.

‘No. No. No.’ The plea never left her lips.

Caleb knelt before her, his dark head pressing against her belly as if in prayer. His lips tracing a path down her trembling abdomen with soft kisses that burned like brands. Then his hands gripped her hips, wrenching her forward with terrifying ease. The edge of the desk bit into her back as he forced her upper body down, bending her like a bow.

"Look at this." He breathed, staring between her splayed thighs with hunger. She didn't need to look, though. She could feel the slick heat there, the evidence glistening reflected in his dark eyes.

"Just like I dreamed." His voice trembled with something worse than lust-reverence. A fingertip grazed her swollen flesh, feather-light. Her body arched into the touch on reflex, a broken sound bleeding from her throat.

"Shhh.” he soothed, even as his fingers delved deeper, parting her with clinical precision. "Your body knows what you won't admit."

The first deliberate stroke sent lightning up her spine. Her hips jerked. A moan clawed its way out-half agony, half something unspeakable.

“More… please. C—caleb.”

Caleb's eyes lit up from her acknowledgment. "There she is." He smiled all too pleased, circling her aching bundle of nerves with torturous patience. "My perfect girl. Dripping for me."

She squeezed her eyes shut, but the darkness only amplified the obscene sound of his fingers moving through her wetness.

"Uh uh. Open those eyes, baby." A command, not a request. "Watch what I do to you."

When she refused, he pinched her inner thigh-sharp enough to sting. Her eyelids flew open in time to see him bring glistening fingers to his lips, sucking them clean with a groan.

Without warning he sealed his lips over her clit and suckling hard. White heat exploded behind her eyelids. Her thighs clamped around his head instantly, heels digging into his back as the first wave crashed over her. Caleb groaned against her, the vibration sending fresh spasms through her abdomen.

"C-Caleb—!" His name tore from her in a broken syllable, half protest, half plea. She whimpered, her nails scraping uselessly against the laminate as her thighs trembled. A hot, wet stripe along her slit, licking into her around his own fingers.

"Fuck, baby." His groan vibrated against her, filthy and reverent. "You’re even sweeter than I dreamed."

Y/n's back bowed off the desk, a shattered cry tearing from her lips as his mouth latched onto her clit again sucking with ruthless devotion. Her fingers, without conscious thought, tangled in his dark hair, pulling him closer.

He reveled in it. The way her thighs trembled against his cheeks, the helpless little noises she couldn't keep down, he drank her down like a man starved, fingers pumping in time with his tongue, pistoning deeper into her gummy walls.

"That's it." he rasped between laps. "Let me hear you."

A scream built in her throat, morphing into a wanton moan as his fingers crooked just so, striking some hidden chord that sent white-hot pleasure searing through her veins. The orgasm hit hard, violent, devastating, tearing through her with such intensity that her vision whited out. For three terrifying heartbeats, she ceased to exist beyond the pulsating aftershocks wracking her ruined body.

Caleb didn't relent. His tongue worked her through the convulsions, eating up every twitch and tremor like a man starved. When she weakly tried to squirm away, the feeling becoming too much, body too sensitive, he gripped her thighs hard, pinning her in place.

"Shhh, shhh." he murmured against her quivering flesh, the vibration wringing another broken whimper from her lips.

He worked his fingers into nonstop, dragging out every last shuddering aftershock until she was limp, gasping, tears streaking her temples. When he finally pulled back, the obscene pop of his mouth leaving her skin echoed in the silent classroom.

He wiped his glistening chin with deliberate slowness, dark eyes locked on her ruined form-the flushed skin, the tear-streaked cheeks, the way her legs still trembled helplessly wide. His beautiful galaxy eyes sparkled with triumph.

"Perfect. You came so beautifully.” He breathed, pupils blown black with hunger. "But we're just getting started."

Caleb stood and began to unfasten his pants, the rasp of his belt buckle cut through the classroom's silence like a knife. He slid his pants down, freeing himself slowly, his arousal glistening with precum. When he pressed against her slit, the heaviness of it made her whimper as slid his cock between her folds, coating himself well.

Even drugged, her body instinctively tensed. Some conscious part of her recognized her predicament, understood how her that the weight of his cock was indicative of his well endowed size without even looking.

"Shhh." He soothed, kissing her trembling eyelids as he notched himself at her entrance. "I'll be gentle." A lie, he knew, as sweet as the poison.

The first breach was searing, a slow, agonizing stretch. He watched entranced, his dark eyes burning with a possessive fire, as her body stretched to accommodate him, inch by excruciating inch. Her choked gasp morphed into a shuddering moan when he bottomed out, his hips flush against hers, locking their bodies together.

"Perfect." Caleb breathed, the word a hot puff against her ear. His thumb, surprisingly gentle, swiped at the tear tracking down her cheek, cool against her flushed, fevered skin. Her pussy fluttered around him, clenching and releasing rapidly as she tried to adjust to him. To his credit and his extreme restraint, he allowed her a moment to, despite the intense urge compelling him to fuck her like the starved beast that he is.

"Taking me so well. You’re body was made for this. Fated to take me."

Y/n’s lip trembled as she laid there. With one particularly hard clench, Caleb hips snapped forward involuntarily, stealing both their breaths.

“Fuck, baby. I need to move.”

And so he did. Slow, shallow thrusts at first, each one a calculated violation of her most intimate space, an invading pressure that consumed them. Her traitorous body, slick and willing, began to respond. his control fractured.

“Hn… Ah~” it was soft, barely a whisper, but he heard it. Soon those meek little noises came quicker, louder and he couldn’t hold back.

His pace picked up, turning punishing. The wet, rhythmic slap of skin on skin echoing off the walls of the classroom combining with their shared sounds of pleasure.

"You feel that?" He growled, his grip tightened, leaving stinging imprints on her hips. His teeth grazed her collarbone, a prickling sensation sending electricity through her body.

"Feel how perfectly we fit?" He pulled back slightly, then slammed back in, the impact made her bite lip. "This was always going to happen. It was destined."

“No matter the obstacles.” He groaned, fucking her hard, his cock digging into her soaked channel repeatedly. “No one could stop this, not your job, not the school, not even you.” He breathed out.

“Fuck, I’m close!” He was, but he needed her to climax first. He needed to feel her milking his length, to ensure her pussy molded to the exact shape of his cock, needed to ruin her completely. With that chilling thought, he lifted one of her legs, hooking it in his arm, and began to drill into her with renewed, brutal force.

Y/n cried out in shock and pleasure. The bulbous head of his cock rammed into her, battering her cervix with merciless, rhythmic force as he moved like a wild man. She gripped his biceps, her nails digging in for purchase on his taut skin. He fucked her so primally that she could no longer find her voice. All she could do was hold on-feel everything as the building pressure pooled, hot and urgent, in her abdomen.

“Gonna fill you up, baby. Fuck you so full.”

Before she could even attempt to comprehend what he was saying, her climax hit. Her orgasm rocked her on a seismic level, a white-hot tremor. Wave after wave of pleasure wracked her body, each convulsion milking him deeper, drawing a sharp, surprised gasp from him.

Caleb's groan vibrated through her chest as he followed her over the edge, a thick, guttural sound, spilling hot, viscous ropes of his seed into her, whispering her name almost like a prayer. He emptied his load into her swollen hole, cursing at the way the aftershocks of release continued to grip him for a few agonizing moments longer.

Y/n sighed in content. Her drugged mind cleared a fraction, a brief, horrifying window of clarity, as her breath began to stabilize.

"You wereamazing." Caleb smiled down at her, brushing a few wet, clinging strands of hair from her face with a hand that now felt sickeningly gentle. She couldn't respond, not even sure what to say. He didn't mind; he was content watching her post-orgasm, glassy eyes, so beautiful, so needy.

His cock twitched inside her, still perfectly hard as if he hadn't just climaxed. She involuntarily tightened, squeezing him, a small, helpless whine escaping her lips. Caleb gasped, resting his head in the column between her neck and shoulder as he tried to regain his composure.

To no avail, he tightened his grip on her hips and began to roll his hips into hers, unable to resist the call of her body. Y/n protested, her hands flying to his chest, pushing pathetically with her diminished strength. She was too sensitive, only a moment had passed between the last orgasm before he started pumping into her again, each thrust a fresh jolt of agony and alien pleasure.

But he didn't stop.

“Shhh. Be good baby." He pecked her lips. “You can take me. Mmm~ You’re so good for me. You can take it.” He whispered to her in such a loving tone, sharply contrasting sinfully deep, hard pace he set. Her core was a sopping mess, allowing him to glide into her without the slightest resistance.

“Damn it. You feel so good.”

~🍎🍏~

After what felt like an eternity, Caleb finally stilled, his breathing ragged against her ear. He remained buried deep inside her, the heavy weight of him almost suffocating her. He had learned everything that made her gasp, cry out, shudder and beg for him. He committed the unique taste of her sweat against his tongue, her juices, over and over again until she couldn't remember where she ended and he began.

The classroom air grew heavy with the stale scent of their arousal. The only sounds were the distant thumping of the bass from the ongoing prom filtering through the door and their panting. He shifted, and she felt the slow, deliberate withdrawal, enjoying his last moments within her. Slick seeped out of her abused cunt, emptying onto the floor beneath her.

Caleb didn't move far, quickly gathering his phone and slipping into his pocket before he reached down, his fingers finding the scattered scraps of her dress and panties on the floor. With disturbing care, he began to redress her, his touch methodical, almost tender, as he pulled the fabric over her still-slick skin.

She was limp, unresponsive, her limbs heavy and unwilling to obey. He settled her back onto the desk, her skirt smoothed, her top pulled down. Presentable. Almost. He took a moment, his gaze lingering on the faint marks blooming on her neck and collarbone. A satisfied smile touched his lips.

"That's better." He murmured, his voice a low, satisfied hum. He leaned in, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. Her eyes, still wide and glazed from the drug, flickered, a tiny spark of something, a nascent fury, trying to break through the haze. He saw it. His smile widened, a chilling triumph.

"Three things will happen now, Y/n." He whispered, each word a hammer blow of control, soft yet absolute.

"One: You'll walk back into that prom like nothing happened. You'll smile. You'll say goodbye to your colleagues." He paused, letting the silence stretch, letting the weight of his command settle over her.

"Two: At graduation next week, you'll give me a very special thank you card. In front of my parents." The audacity of it stole the air from her lungs, but no sound escaped.

"And three..." He leaned closer, pressing his lips to the corner of her mouth in a chaste, possessive kiss. "When I come to your apartment tonight, you'll answer the door. And you'll be wearing nothing but that pearl necklace I've seen you wear to faculty meetings."

He pulled back, his eyes, dark and unwavering, holding hers. "Do we understand each other, Ms. L/n?"

A/N: I’ve been absolutely obsessed with EPIC: The musical. If you know, you know. 😊

[baldudiable]

The Moon signs

Aries moon: Possibly the most impulsive and impatient Aries placement there is. They usually are very open with their emotions, even the most destructive ones. They aren’t afraid of confronting people, even if they are somehow less powerful than the person they are facing. The child of the Zodiac has strong feelings that are hard to contain, but as they grow, they learn to tame them and communicate them in a non-violent way. They are ambitious and self-starting. The blessing of this placement is that its natives aren’t afraid of failure. Hell, they don’t even consider it. Whenever the feeling of desire arises, they go after it.

Taurus Moon: Taurus Moon is all about being present with one's emotions. It’s hard to get them to change their mind about something or to get them out of a rut, because they want to process their feelings organically. To them, taking their time is the easiest thing to do. They hate being rushed or pressured. They might appear stubborn, but it’s just a need that these Moons have. Since the moon is exalted in this Earth sign, it's paramount for them to savor experiences, even the negative ones. Being able to feel—the good and bad—is natural and divine. This Moon's downside is that it can make you addicted to pleasure, which makes sense considering it is Venus-ruled. These natives are often attached to something that isn’t healthy: food, sex, alcohol, relationships—you name it. They know how to pleasure themselves, and they intend to delight in it. 

Gemini Moon: These moons are mooody. You never know what you’re gonna get with them. One day, they are extremely talkative, nonchalant, and goofy, and the next, they decide that it’s their serious, deep, and probing side that they want to show. They usually love meeting people, but can wake up one day feeling insecure and decide to be silent. Gemini is mutable & the moon is about how you process and express your emotions. In this changeable sign, the way you feel and decide to show it constantly changes. You might expect them to be detached because of their airy quality, but that is far from the truth. Mercury—the planet of communication—rules Gemini. Hiding their feelings is nearly impossible because they're given away by their words or absence. Their most noticeable trait is their indecisiveness. It's even worse than Libra. With their big imagination, they see all the possibilities that come with their options, making it difficult to pick one and actually stick to it. Their stance changes according to their feelings, so pretty much all the time.

Cancer Moon: Cancer moons are most protective of their emotions. They don’t talk about them as openly as other placements. They might be open about their experiences, but it’s only through analysis that you understand how they are actually feeling. With the moon being at home in Cancer, these natives are very sensitive. I cannot help but notice how avoidant they are. They don't face their feelings and put on this hard front because they fear drowning themselves. Cancer is represented by the crab, an animal that crawls into its shell when threatened. It knows how vulnerable it can be and hides to prevent an attack.

Leo Moon: Leo moons struggle to keep their emotions or thoughts under wraps. Sometimes, they will tell their whole life story to a stranger because they feel like it. They place a lot of pride in themselves and their experiences and feel compelled to share them with the world. Logically, they are always shedding light on their inner world since this Moon is Sun-ruled. They can often pretend to be more confident and capable than they actually are. They have a hard time accepting their flaws. They can become boastful and arrogant when threatened. They can, of course, become as great as they pretend to be, but only once they have accepted that they aren’t perfect and that there is room for refinement.

Virgo Moon: Virgo Moons often end up placing other people’s needs above their own. It’s hard for them to say "no" even when struggling. While they need to be of service, it can sometimes lead them to forget their needs and responsibilities. They hate feeling unhelpful. These Moons have to learn about balance, otherwise they're always going to feel unsatisfied. Another noticeable thing about them is that they cannot help but see the negative in a person or situation. Instead of appreciating them as they are, they think about how they can be improved. They can lose a precious thing because they couldn't see its value. They then blame and criticize themselves for taking it for granted, and the cycle continues. 

Libra Moon: These airy, relational Moons were brought up to consider how their actions affect others. Acts of assertiveness and independence were often dismissed, only to cater to others' desires. They try hard to please other people and make them feel at ease. These Moons need love to flow freely. They usually come from families where affection was openly given and resources shared. they are die-hard romantics. They are often involved in unsatisfying dynamics as they are scared of being on their own. Celibacy can make them feel lonely and insecure as they aren't receiving someone's validation.

Scorpio Moon: This Plutonian Moon loves hard, so much so that they are blind to the pain they are enduring at someone else's hands. We often hear about how they are unforgiving, which can be true. But it takes a long time before realizing the other person won't change and stop treating them poorly. Once they finally do, they leave that person behind as if they had never existed. More than most, Scorpio Moons are aware of the darkness that lures within, as they often have been exposed to it. Their traumatic childhoods have made them compassionate and understanding, to the point that they gladly endure it in adulthood. These watery Moons need to realize that it's not their job to save other people, and that they don’t have to stick around to see if a toxic person will get better, because they may not. When encountering possibly dangerous individuals, they should withdraw. Unless they want to lose themselves in the process of loving them.

Sagittarius Moon: For Sagittarius Moon, home is where the heart is. These people are always on the move. They don’t remain in the same place, relationship, or job for long. When it feels stagnant or sterile, they disappear. These Moons need to grow: staying in the same position and not learning makes them feel caged and depressed. However, going after new experiences all the time can also lead them to feel unstable and exhausted. They may not have a solid support system, but they can always make it on their own; they are skilled in many things that can bring them success. 

Capricorn Moon: It's hard getting to know this Moon. These people don’t just let anyone into their hearts. Saturnian energy makes natives grow up early and take on heavy burdens. Maybe they were the eldest and had to take care of their siblings Or their caregivers were just demanding and harsh with them. In any case, their seriousness and drive to accomplish follow them into adulthood. They put a lot of pressure on themselves to become successful. Since the moon is in detriment in Capricorn, it's harder for them to be open, vulnerable, or at peace. They usually distract themselves from their unproductive emotions by staying busy. The good thing about this placement is that they are determined and focused, they can become masters at any skill if they put their mind to it.

Aquarius Moon: These moons are profoundly curious. They like getting to know people and forming deep relationships. As a sign of fellowship, Aquarius has a need to connect. For them, friends are like family. We often hear about how they are detached and distant, when they react logically to situations and need time to process (or to think) about how they make them feel. Like Gemini Moons, they can talk about their feelings without being overwhelmed. They can indeed become avoidant when it comes to romantic situations. They can reject them because that person doesn't match their ideals. But often, these ideals are just an excuse to prevent them from getting vulnerable and giving someone else the power to hurt them. 

Pisces Moon: Like Scorpio Moon, Pisces Moon's compassion knows no bounds. They are understanding and love listening to those who need it. People often grow dependent on their selfless energy. They can find it hard to establish boundaries, since they want people to depend on them. But listening to people complain often exhausts them. They then disappear for long periods to recharge. It’s hard for these natives to realize they are being taken advantage of, which pushes them to stay in unhealthy dynamics for longer than they’re supposed to. They might silently leave or detach from these relationships because they don't want to confront the issue. They can also be self-destructive. Their emotions are sometimes so powerful that they escape them in any way they can: through substances, sex, or television. These watery moons need a creative outlet to express what they are feeling inside, unless they want to get lost in their addictions. 

[cryptotheism]

So, Moses is a cleric, Solomon is a wizard, Joshua is a paladin, David is a bard, Jesus is a sorcerer, his apostles and Paul are warlocks, Elisha is a druid, Elijah is a monk, Samson is a barbarian, Tahkemonite along with Eleazar and Dodo are fighters, John the Baptist is a ranger, Jacob is a rogue

I'm really cautious about using DnD terms to describe nuanced historical metaphysics like this. DnD's cosmology is a mess. I don't know how it works because the writers don't know how it works. It's very easy for readers to come away with the wrong impression, and tbh it often comes off with this corny-ass "hello fellow kids did you know the Buddha was literally a hecking druid" type energy.

I wanna stress: This is fun to think about, but please don't treat this as meaningful analysis of real-world religions. I wanna demonstrate how quickly these terms break down when you're looking at actual historical metaphysics.

If we wanted to analyze biblical characters with DnD terms, every Charismatic Jewish Holy Man would be classified as a warlock. Moses is not a nebulous intermediary between gods and mortals. The man famously had a covenant. The whole covenant thing is a pretty important part of Judaism. But then again, that brings up problems for what the destruction of the first temple would mean for the classification of Judaism. Does the development of the rabbinical system suddenly turn everyone from warlocks into clerics? Within Judaism, the word of God is the law under-girding the whole of the world, including nature. Does that make every Rabbi a druid?

Jesus certainly wouldn't be a sorcerer, hes just a God. His power isn't hereditary, he is literally God. Calling Christ a sorcerer would be heresy.

Solomon is a wizard. The DnD wizard archetype is quite literally based on the biblical character of Solomon.

Samson is kinda a paladin? I'm not entirely sure what he would be classified as.

The Apostles are tricky, because their classification would probably change as the doctrine developed. Initially they would probably be classified as warlocks who "inherited" the laws and works of the new covenant with God, which is warlock metaphysics. But, several of them were kinda in charge of writing the new laws of the covenant, which I guess would be cleric metaphysics. Several of them also have priestly vows, which is paladin metaphysics.

John the Baptist is the only one on this list who could be considered a DnD Druid. Baptism as a rite probably has non-jewish pre-christian roots. I guess its the closest thing Christian metaphysics has to "nature magic." But my even suggesting that the power of baptism stems from a source other than God would be heresy.

[splonk-fox]

The Chosen One's actions in Animator vs. Animation 11: A Mini Analysis

Recently, with the release of the latest Animator vs. Animation episode, I have seen many people begin to view Chosen's character in a more negative light. Now I can't lie and say that this episode doesn't exactly do him any favors, however I think people need to hold their horses a bit when it comes to assuming how he actually feels about the Newgrounds rampage.

First off, the big one, Mitsi's death. Chosen is framed to have been the one who killed her, and it's clear that Agent, and the narrative, believe it was him who did it. But if there's anything I've learned about red herrings, it's the fact that what seems like the obvious answer might not be so obvious after all. We don't actually know if Chosen was the one who killed her, all we see is a a flurry of fireballs raining from the sky, one of which hits Mitsi and completely incinerates her, then we see Chosen flying down from above. Considering that Dark is also shown to have flown in from above, it could've just as easily been him who killed her.

As a matter of fact, Dark would probably make more sense seeing as his most common form of attack is fireballs. Regardless of who did it or not, I do think it's important to remember that Chosen isn't the only culprit and that we shouldn't immediately assume it was him.

But let's say, for a moment, that Chosen was the one who did it, I still don't think that frames him in as negative of a light as the fandom portrays.

For starters I should say that we don't know how Chosen feels about what he has just done, at least not in this episode. However we see the exact same Newgrounds rampage from his perspective in Season 2, and there it's pretty clear that this is the point where he starts having second thoughts, and his body language in this episode actually reflects this.

When we first see him, Chosen is just sort of... calmly descending upon the destruction, there's no indication of what emotions he is feeling at this moment, but I honestly don't look at this and see "yeah, he definitely enjoys this"

His movements are slow and non-aggressive, there's no real energy in his actions, no sign of pride or enjoyment, he just sort of flies over the the Newgrounds tank and lands on top of it. To me this doesn't come off as someone who is enjoying this, this is coming off as someone who is taking in all the destruction around him and simply trying to process it. It's not positive, nor is it negative.

But I think the most telling thing about it is how his body language contrasts Dark, take a look at this shot. Notice anything?

For one, Dark is centered while Chosen is the one standing off to the side, portraying him as almost a secondary threat, a person standing alongside his much worse partner.

Moreso than this however, look at their poses. Dark has his hands on his hips, clearly taking pride in the much destruction he and Chosen have caused. Chosen by comparison is just sort of... standing there, there is no clear show of pride in his posture, as a matter of fact, this shot here almost reminds me of this one.

In both cases, Chosen is seen off to the side, staring down at the destruction while not showing any real emotion, and in this case, it was clearly trying to communicate that Chosen was not enjoying this as much as Dark was.

He's even seen seemingly pleading with Dark to stop what he is doing, and you wanna know something really interesting about this shot?

Chosen and Dark are both shown on top of a tank, just like we see in AvA 11. I'm not saying this is the same scene, but I am saying that the parallels here are likely not meant to be a coincidence. In both cases Dark is clearly taking pride in the destruction, Chosen meanwhile looks a lot more unsure.

Now for the high-five scene. People have already pointed this out but Chosen almost seems to hesitate before giving Dark a high-five, as if he's unsure about it.

Another detail I also wanted to bring attention to is how Dark initiates the high-five. It may seem small at first until you remember that this isn't the first time we have seen such a gesture between the two characters.

We also see this happen in The Flashback, and ya wanna know the interesting thing? Chosen was the one who initiated it. Keep in mind that the context of this seen was that Chosen finally escaped Alan's abuse and was clearly happy about it. It should also be worth noting that unlike Chosen, who took a few seconds to reciprocate the high-five in AvA 11, Dark does it almost instantly.

This is all to say, while this episode does not portray Chosen in the most favorable light, I don't think this is as simple as "he killed Mitsi and enjoyed it".

I want to make it clear that I do not think Chosen is innocent in this scenario, whether he enjoyed it or not, he still actively took part in this rampage, all I'm saying is that we don't really know Chosen's feelings during this moment or if he was even the one who killed Mitsi in the first place, and with how he was previously portrayed during this exact same rampage, I have more reason to believe that he didn't actually enjoy it at all. So before you raise your pitchforks and call Chosen the worst person ever, consider that maybe, there is more nuance to this story than first meets the eye.

[lych33dragoncookie]

Only the masterpieces that survive the fiercest flames earn their place in history.

(Analysis post)

Alright, they absolutely cooked this update. Like, undeniably so. I was admittedly not that huge of a fan of the last 2 beast yeast chapters we got; they had really good ideas, and Mystic Flour is a wonderful character, but... Dark Cacao hasn't really been done enough with for it to feel like it had the amount of weight it could have, and it really doesn't feel like much about him actually changed at all. Combine that with a complete lack of interesting dynamics and you have a lot of very good and genuinely pretty well thought out story concepts with extensive cultural research, executed in a way that feels more like a traditional old-school story that weakens the attachment the audience feels to the components of said story.

Here, though? I have no complaints so far. It was absolutely wild in fact, to the point where I don't think it's gonna happen again (nor am I entirely sure it should ever happen again). This was back to back, non-stop, smack to the face one after the other. The moment the first point of conflict came up, it was just shit happening left and right; even in the mandatory moment of rest where we chill out for a bit, it's revealed that hey, these sandstorms? Yeah the sand is actually ashes. It's the remains of all the people that live here. Whether they died off on their own or were killed by someone else.

And if that wasn't enough, very shortly after;

... It's fucking crack.

So, people die and kill each other here very frequently, and not only are their remains visibly on display, their ashes also become sandstorms that make it near impossible to navigate the land; on top of being something that people snort like cocaine to become more energetic and aggressive.

We started fucking wild, dude. This whole thing is pulling no punches.

Though, I do wanna note; I really, really enjoyed the interactions between Smoked Cheese and Golden Cheese. It shows not only how forgiving she is, but how these two have known each other for an incredibly long time, and know each other well. They're incredibly comfortable around each other, despite it all, and despite how brazen and Very Much Not Strategic the queen here can be. I really, really enjoyed them.

Always fun to see a recovering villain do things for good, but in their own unique way that's still not exactly heroic but definitely effective and, at times, very gratifying.

Though I enjoyed all this, there's one thing I wanna talk about above all else.

The star of the show. Note that every single part was enjoyable, of course, and he wouldn't be half as interesting without Golden Cheese Cookie to serve as a parallel, but they've cooked up something special here.

So far, Burning Spice's extent of onscreen appearance is very, very short, but... I don't think I need to tell you that he's already made an impact and a half.

Christ, that's violent. With the sound effects and everything too, god damn. But, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a pretty superficial source of judgement for this character. It's very very telling of what kind of person he is now, what he's all about, what he's willing to do, what he likes doing, but...

More than anyone else in recent memory, the devil is in the details. So let's look at those details.

Nothing too much so far, other than how much he absolutely loves destruction, but there's already a trend; namely on "Nothing lasts forever. It's as simple as that", "In the end, everything becomes dust.", and "You, too, shall see that destruction is the only way.". There seems to be an infatuation with the natural process of everything fading away, turning to dust and dying out. An entirely honest one, believing that there is just about nothing else to life. These will be important to keep in mind.

Here, we see a bit of his current relationship with his own immortality. He doesn't seem to mind the idea of losing it, finding something that may eventually take him down, but he still takes great pride in it. These lines, in text, seem somewhat miserable (and trust me, they definitely are), but the voicework in just about every language conveys that they are said in a more neutral, even potentially proudly manner. Again, not much on their own, but...

Here's where we get into the fun part.

This. This is the crux of their character. At the start, him and Golden Cheese cookie were more or less the same. Benevolent royalty, close and personal with their subjects. Beloved, and loving.

And then, they lost it all.

One way or another, their kingdoms were lost, reduced to almost nothing. They were overcome by grief, desperate, unable to cope with their loss. One tried to latch on as hard as possible. Preserve what she could, blindly, replacing the harsh truth of reality with an idealized, constructed world, where no one would ever have to know pain ever again. She shut herself off, and retreated in the safety and peace of a false reality. She would rather have lied to both herself and all her subjects than face reality. And eventually, she had to learn to move on. Let herself and her kingdom heal more naturally, facing reality. The other, meanwhile, was desperate to let go. He detached himself, trying to move past the pain of loss. But, of course, he couldn't force it to happen. No one can. And so with the grief of losing that which he held dear, continuing to be faced with the reality that nothing is forever, over and over, while he endured, the world slowly turning to ash around them again and again... It's no wonder something in there eventually cracked.

What will it take to destroy me. Nothing is forever, and yet, I am.

Nothing is forever. And yet, I am.

With time, misery turned to mania, and in an attempt to overcome their grief, they embraced it, in the worst way possible. A coping mechanism gone horrendously wrong. That destruction, that loss, the inevitability of death... It's not painful, no. It doesn't have to be. It can be thrilling. Exhilarating. A new reason to live. If all you care about turns to dust anyways, if that's really the only logical destination... Why not have some fun with it? Why not embody that inevitable, unstoppable force? Why not become what you fear, so you no longer have to be afraid anymore?

... You know, at least that's what I think is going on here. The next chapter could contradict this reading, but... From what all we have right now, it seems like Golden Cheese and Burning Spice are two completely different paths for the exact same type of pain. They are, in a way, the same, but diverge in almost complete opposite ways where it counts.

Spice is genuinely equal parts absolutely terrifying and absolutely miserable; a balance that is incredibly hard to strike in writing, but always absolutely fascinating and wonderful to observe when it happens. I have to say, the more I found out about them, the more I couldn't keep my eyes off everything they have going on.

I'm loving every little bit of this update. Mad props to the devs for cooking something up here that I am genuinely incredibly invested in, almost to the same degree as White Lily and Dark Enchantress. Banger update. Absolute S tier material.

TL;DR: Burning Spice is terrifying, miserable, and ridiculously cool. Everything about this update was an absolute merciless flurry of consecutive gut-punches. And I loved every second of it.

... Now we sit and wait for Shadow Milk's release next year.

[faineantgrl]

roaring knight character analysis

note: i will try to use they due to the fact we do not know the character yet, but i will be using "she" to break up any repetitiveness. at the end i will be talking about why this all points away from carol but i will not implicate anyone else.

video sources: x x x

we're going to skip over chapter 1 and 2 mentions & before tenna's destruction because ngl I don't think they're very important to this specific analysis i'm doing. that would moreso be plot/intentions and i want to analyze the knight themself.

Pre-CHP3 battle

so already just the way that tenna is sliced is interesting.

as others have pointed out, this is nigh impossible of a pose. so either the roaring knight somehow perfectly hit tenna whilst facing the other way, or hit tenna, then turned around to strike a foreboding pose. either way, we have already been given a flare for the dramatic.

they then hit this pose. now i've heard it's crying but when they're turning into this pose they're seen smiling for a few frames.

so, if they are doing some sort of crying thing, it's definitely on purpose to creep out the lightners more.

im not gonna flood this with screenshots but susie interrupts them trying to take toriel. they back off, but as seen in later chapters, and even later on in the boss fight, they didn't really have a reason to. they could have just blasted susie or something.

then they do Whatever This Is. if we didnt already establish the above you'd think this means they're Pissed, but the lightners aren't really a threat. they never do this again so it seems... it's just to freak out the lightners again.

Non-attack options

any action that is done to try and talk to the roaring knight does, essentially, Jack Shit. the roaring knight does not respond. i do not think this means the knight doesn't care to, as shown above they LOVE being a Freak, but rather that they... kinda can't! this should be kept in mind as we continue.

the everything else in battle

during the attack where the knight splits the Battle Box™️ they continue to strike poses

and then theres this attack

which i can only describe as Entirely Unnecessary. theres leftover code for more combination attacks like these which i can only imagine were left out because they were a little too batshit crazy to survive.

they also overkill the characters, up to -999 hp. you simply just don't gotta do that, mx knight.

and then...

they do. That.

"KB, didn't you just say they don't do the weird body contortion thing again-" yeah! they didn't! if you look closely That Is An Entirely Different Form Than Before (mostly in the "ribs")

and that final dramatic flair! they're not just putting on their best performance for the lightners, but you too!

and then they go "ougofhf... im so Weak,,,,,, you should HIT ME. it would be REALLY BAD if you HIT ME"

"oh no im dyingggg oh gosh-"

"-SIKE."

susie here makes a mistake of falling AGAIN for it

and then gets hit SO HARD that there isn't even an animation

then they get ralsei

and then we get darkness before seeing them "knighting" kris

this change in the pattern intentionally tricks the player into thinking "oh well they're not going to kill kris, maybe they're working togeth-"

SIKE AGAIN

i cannot express to you how funny it is in retrospect how many times the roaring knight tricks the player in one cutscene. like, they know exactly how the player is seeing everything and is using that to not only be super dramatic but to trick them several times IN A ROWWW thats CRAZY

once again we have another moment of the knight letting susie interrupt for unknown reasons. not only is my girl not a threat to the knight normally but she is DOOOWN. either the knight is trying to once again trick the viewer or she has a soft spot for susie. i mean who can blame her everyone does

and now here's her perfectly dodging attacks to show how much of a farce that battle was

and then the roaring knight turns into a bird. i dont know what thats about im not going to lie.

CHP3 conclusion

in conclusion of chapter 3: the knight is a dramatic af trickster who loves a good pose. not only are they putting on a show for the lightners, they're also putting on a show for the player. i almost wonder if they were spending all of chapter 3 getting antsy like "i gotta. i gotta get my freak on. whats taking so long i need to get silly with it"

CHP4 first cutscene

they are, quite literally, waiting for the player. theyve just been standing her this whole time, presumably.

their mouth turns into an eye because of course it does

and then they do THIS. which is entirely unnecessary. as i've said many times.

also note the change in color: before their overlay light thing was pink, but now its red. either they decided pink wasn't threatening enough, or thought pink overlay on blue wasn't gonna fly, and either of these show just how much WORK they put into the act.

and they also just attack susie here for fun i guess since she doesn't actually get downed

and once again they're on that PLAYER TRICKING GRIND

one sword at a time, even if fast, is possible to deal with

nevermind.

the knight also tricks the lightners and player AGAIN because they actually made TWO DARK WORLDS in the church and put a LOCK on the DOOR. IDIOT.

this is also an important moment for the knight's character. it seems they were entirely not planning to make the titan until susie says this. this is SO EXTREMELY PETTY. it's SASSY. it's FABULOUS.

they literally smirk and wait for ralsei to BEG like a cat about to push an item off a counter, waiting for their owner to get upset about the incoming doom before actually doing it.

ive also heard that the titan battle is harder if you end up defeating the roaring knight in chapter 3. the pettiness. the trickery. i literally have no choice but to stan etc etc

IN CONCLUSION

this roaring knight is a DIVA. she is WORKING IT. they are SASSY, DRAMATIC, A TRICKSTER, AND PETTY. they are PERFECT.

...that's also why it can't be carol. carol is the literal antithesis to whatever THIS is. she is no fun allowed. and there is only fun in the roaring knight's ball-court. carol is the harshness of a deadly winter storm, the roaring knight is the snow day spent throwing snowballs at your friends.

minnesota girl i'm incomprehensible daisy dukes winter coat on top ice-kissed skin so cold i'll freeze your popsickle oh woaoaooa oh woahahahah

[blackstarlineage]

The Hypocrisy of Fake Love for Black Revolutionaries: A Garveyite Perspective on the Betrayal of Our Icons, Leaders, and Ancestors

From a Garveyite perspective, one of the most dangerous betrayals in the Black community is the false admiration for Black revolutionaries, icons, and ancestors. Many Black people praise these figures publicly but refuse to embody their teachings, sacrifice for the movement, or apply their wisdom in daily life.

Marcus Garvey himself experienced this hypocrisy: he was celebrated by millions but was ultimately betrayed by his own people, leading to his persecution, imprisonment, and the destruction of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

This false love for Black revolutionaries is a form of empty hero worship—where Black people:

Wear the names of Black leaders on their clothes but refuse to carry their ideologies in their hearts.

Quote Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, and Garvey but live according to white capitalist values.

Praise the ancestors but continue the same behaviours that kept Black people in chains.

This analysis will explore:

How Black revolutionaries are romanticized but ignored in practice.

The betrayal of Black leaders in their own lifetimes.

How the system benefits from keeping Black leaders as symbols rather than applying their teachings.

The failures of modern Black movements to truly follow Garveyite principles.

How we must break the cycle and truly honour our icons with action, not just words.

1. The Romanticization of Black Leaders While Ignoring Their Teachings

Many Black revolutionaries are treated like celebrities rather than serious leaders.

A. Turning Black Leaders into Symbols Instead of Following Their Actions

People wear Malcolm X shirts but still believe in integration and white validation.

They post Garvey quotes online but refuse to build Black-owned businesses or invest in Pan-African economic power.

They celebrate Dr. King but ignore his late-stage radicalism against capitalism and imperialism.

Example: Malcolm X rejected integration and white liberals, yet today, many of the people who claim to admire him fight for assimilation into white institutions instead of Black independence.

B. The Empty Worship of Black Ancestors Without Change in Behavior

Many Black people claim to honor the ancestors, but still:

Use their resources to enrich non-Black communities.

Reject African traditions and spirituality in favour of white religions.

Teach their children Eurocentric values instead of Pan-African principles.

Example: The same Black people who praise Queen Nzinga and Shaka Zulu will still vote for anti-Black politicians, neglect Black-owned businesses, and refuse to defend their own communities.

Key Takeaway: Garveyism teaches that honouring our icons means CONTINUING their work—not just admiring them from a distance.

2. The Betrayal of Black Revolutionaries in Their Own Lifetimes

Throughout history, many of the same Black leaders we celebrate today were rejected, attacked, or betrayed by their own people when they were alive.

A. How Marcus Garvey Was Betrayed

Garvey built the largest Black movement in history, but many of his own people helped destroy him.

W.E.B. Du Bois and the NAACP opposed him and worked with the U.S. government to undermine the UNIA.

Many Black elites and integrationists mocked his call for African self-rule and repatriation.

Example: When Garvey was arrested on fraudulent charges, some Black leaders celebrated his downfall, showing their loyalty to white power structures over Black independence.

B. Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam Betrayal

Malcolm X risked his life for Black people, but when he started exposing the weaknesses of the Nation of Islam, he was abandoned and ultimately assassinated.

Many of his former supporters refused to stand with him when he needed protection the most.

Example: After Malcolm X was killed, Black people mourned him—but where were those same people when he was alive and fighting alone?

Key Takeaway: Too many Black people only recognize greatness AFTER a leader has died—but real support means standing with them while they are alive and fighting.

3. The System Benefits from Keeping Black Leaders as Symbols, Not Teachers

The white power structure wants Black leaders to be icons, not active ideologies. They understand that:

A dead revolutionary is harmless; a living one is dangerous.

A Garvey shirt is acceptable; a Garveyite movement is not.

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is promoted; his speeches about fighting capitalism and imperialism are ignored.

Example: The U.S. watered down Dr. King’s radicalism and now uses him as a symbol of “peace” rather than a fighter against white supremacy and economic exploitation.

Key Takeaway: The system promotes a version of Black history that is safe and non-threatening—true Garveyites must reject this watered-down history and embrace the full revolutionary teachings of our leaders.

4. The Failure of Modern Black Movements to Apply Garveyite Principles

Many modern Black movements:

Focus more on representation in white spaces rather than building independent Black power.

Seek validation from white liberals rather than unifying with Africa and the global Black world.

Celebrate Black icons without practicing self-reliance, cooperative economics, or Pan-Africanism.

Example: Some modern Black activists claim to admire Garvey but spend more time appealing to white-owned corporations for funding than building their own economic power structures.

Key Takeaway: Black liberation can not come through white money, white validation, or white institutions. Garveyism teaches that true power comes from self-reliance and unity among Black people worldwide.

5. How We Must Break the Cycle: Honouring Black Icons Through Action

To TRULY honor our ancestors and revolutionaries, we must:

Practice Pan-Africanism – Work with Black people globally, not just within colonial borders.

Build and support Black-owned businesses – Keep wealth circulating within Black communities.

Teach Black children about REAL Black history – Not the whitewashed version.

Protect Black revolutionaries while they are alive – Not just mourn them after they die.

Reject the trap of white validation – Stop seeking approval from the same system that destroyed our leaders.

Final Takeaway: Garvey warned us: Black people must stop being spectators in their own liberation. If you love our leaders, SHOW IT by continuing their work—not just praising their names.

Conclusion: Time to Put Respect in Action, Not Just Words

If Black people TRULY loved Garvey, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, and our ancestors:

We wouldn’t be begging for acceptance from white society.

We wouldn’t be spending trillions on white businesses while Black communities remain poor.

We wouldn’t be waiting for white governments to save us instead of uniting with Africa.

True love for Black revolutionaries means:

Practising their teachings.

Building the systems they fought for.

Sacrificing for the future of Black liberation.

As Garvey said:

"We must canonize our own saints, create our own heroes, and elevate our own history."

Words are not enough. The time for REAL action is NOW.

[mesetacadre]

why exactly are anarchists so detached from communism? I feel like they might have somewhat similiar goals but clearly theres some issue that makes them unable to cooperate

is it just the anarchist's rejection of even socialist states as bad?

The line of thinking that anarchists and communists share the same goals, namely the destruction of class oppression, money and the state, is a superficial but nevertheless common and easy mistake to make, one which I think most communists have made at one point. The disagreement seems to merely have to do with the question of the state and how to use it (or not use it), and the velocity with which those abolitions should be sought. But this disagreement is not the real core of the question, it's the main symptom of the actual difference.

The difference lies in the use of two completely different frameworks of analysis. Let's continue using the argument around the state to explain the difference. Anarchists believe¹ that the state itself is simultaneously the cause and perpetuator of class oppression, or oppression in general. Therefore, abolish the state, and everything else comes tumbling down by its own weight. Marxists, on the other hand, hold that the state, while it is a perpetuator of class oppression, it is not a cause, rather, the state fits into a larger relation between the superstructure and the infrastructure. The latter contains everything directly related to the mode of production and its associated processes and relations. The former contains everything else in a society, including the state, but also the police, the media, education, etc. The infrastructure supports the superstructure, while the superstructure protects and justifies the infrastructure. The state protects the mode of production, which is the actual source of class exploitation, but it's the mode of production that supports the existence of the state.

By destroying a state in any practical sense, you destroy the best tool the proletariat has to protect its own interests during the process of completely transforming society into a communist one. The state is a tool of class oppression, of any class unto any class. If the proletariat as a class take control of the state, after having replaced the mode of production to a collectivized one, then the state will serve to oppress the bourgeoisie as a class to protect the now non-exploitative mode of production. If you destroy this tool, the proletariat is left defenseless against the still powerful external threats and the extant internal threats.

Identifying the state as a source of oppression in and of itself comes from a liberal framework, in which any expression of oppression becomes the oppression itself, and in which tails wag their dogs. Beyond this superficially narrow but deeply broad difference in frameworks, the actual practical instances of that flawed liberal framework are inefficient, counterproductive and at times dangerous actions. Cooperation is possible, nothing further from the truth, but it benefits no one to do so under the impression that it's a cooperation born of similar outlooks on the world. It's a contextual cooperation born of a common opposition, which is not a sufficient requirement to define a useful and progressive course of action.

because of reasons I could be very mean about, it's nigh-impossible to come up with a deeper definition of anarchist ideas without some anarchist or other popping up about how the anarchism they believe in does not actually contain that definition. For the sake of this post, I'm not going to placate this by amending every statement with "most anarchists", "almost all anarchists", and other such expressions.

[utilitycaster]

So I am someone who hasnt been on Tumblr very much since C2 ended. I followed a group of story analyzers who were more or less very fond of C2, and of the critiques they had; most were minor or “matter of opinion differences”. This changed a lot with C3, where many of that same group have issues relating to the themes, character and worldbuilding of C3 in terms of Divinity, Empathy, Power Dynamics, “The Status Quo”, and Responsibility. Where the conclusions the story draws clash with a previous understanding of the world and its themes in a way that appears incoherent to many of these Analyzers.

Personally I found most of these analyzers to be very intelligent, so when most all of them view the bells hells and their actions, as them being a selfish and destructive, even possibly evil, force on the world. But the cast and matt frame it as “they are the heroes” how is there such a disconnect that doesn’t lead to “wow if only matt and the cast were smarter” type conclusions.

Matt and crew nailed a lot of C1/C2, and these same analyzers praised both campaigns, so why is this campaign, the one where so many fans here and the cast view the world, characters and the themes so tremendously radically different? What possible reasons exist to explain these divergences? And are these things that could rear their head again in C4?

(I kept this non-anon to show good-faith)

I can only speak for myself, and I suspect a desire to avoid a barrage of anon hate and accusations of arrogance is why no one has said this in so many words but as someone who doesn’t give a fuck if people think I’m arrogant, because I am and it’s justified, actually yeah I do think the cast should have been smarter, or at least more thoughtful, in this specific work. In discussing this with mutuals who are also meta writers, one of them pointed out that the structural critique is, ultimately, us saying to the cast "you should have been smarter about crafting this aspect of the plot/themes/narrative." It’s not phrased as such, but it’s the obvious implication.

As for what’s different: it is a campaign that has a much more narrowly focused plot, which required a stronger DM hand on the reins than in Campaign 1 and 2 (and did not have that). It is much more centered around one specific PC leading the entire time, which is different than Campaign 1 and 2, which had more balance and I think led to bolder decisions. It’s that Campaign 1 was crafted around the characters the cast made, and campaign 2 was a dialogue between characters made for the intended plot and setting and said plot, and campaign 3 had a vast disconnect that was never addressed due to poor planning in the earliest stages. And as for the lack of consequences, I honestly cannot tell, but I think it’s that it’s a combination of the characters being so reluctant to make choices that you sort of had to shuffle them forward without consequence in order to actually make any plot happen; and that was the big wrap up of a trilogy and Matt is, to put it tactfully, a rather more sentimental person than I am and his desire to grant everyone a happy ending won over a desire to tell a good story. I really do understand that actual play as story involves a unique and difficult dimension of people feeling very attached to their PCs, but if a DM and players are dedicated to a happy ending that fails to feel earned by the narrative, that will be a detriment to the quality of that narrative. And if you are someone who analyzes, it will fail to hold up to analysis and feel very empty and unsatisfying. This serves as perhaps an alternate interpretation for those who find it hard to stomach the statement of "the cast should have been smarter," namely "the cast should have been more willing to make risky choices and kill their darlings."

As for a Campaign 4: a narrative with similar problems could very well emerge. I think the general informal consensus among meta writers is that it feels like Matt is (understandably, but again, to the detriment of storytelling) overly precious at this point with Exandria, at least with the “modern” era and the C1-C3 characters, but a fresh start far in the future or in a new setting feels like it would mitigate the problem. But yeah it’s 100% possible this could be a problem in the future. I’m hoping this was just a “it’s our tenth anniversary and the last longform campaign of my imagined trilogy, let’s give everyone a happy ending” problem that won’t carry over to future works, but it could be a turn towards general self-indulgent fluff. Wouldn’t be the first time someone started out strong and ultimately became a coward who sanded off all the edges, for various reasons. But because of the strength of, frankly, everything but campaign 3 CR has put out, including concurrent works, my attitude is that I’m still here for a hypothetical campaign 4. It is however undeniably true that the vast stores of goodwill I had at the end of C2 are much smaller now, having been drawn on extensively to carry me through C3, and I’ll be less patient with any potential flaws in a hypothetical C4, particularly if they follow a similar pattern.

I guess to end this: if you are someone who follows me or other meta writers or people you consider smart, first off thanks, second off you are allowed to enjoy a story that I think is not very good. I think defending this story as structurally and thematically sound is a bad idea and I have yet to see a coherent argument in that vein, but there is no counterargument, no matter how intelligent or insightful the writer, to someone else’s “well I liked it.” You can like and dislike what you want, and that’s the end of it, and honestly my issue with so many of Campaign 3’s loudest advocates is that they demonstrated a bizarre incapacity to understand the difference between media analysis and personal opinion, and took all criticism of something they loved as personal attack whether or not it was. Speaking only for myself, if you look at my meta and your response is “well I had a good time,” I respect that (and most of us even agree, even if the good time was had more in the analysis than the watching). But if your response is to say “no, you’re wrong, this is narratively well-crafted,” well then you best come correct.

[shanblackrx]

So I've been seeing (and saw in real time) comments of people saying

--Either that it doesn't make sense that Joke feels so strongly about Jack when they had only briefly met 2 times before the time skip when:

1- …..bro. It was love at first sight. FOR BOTH OF THEM. Are you fucking blind? Didn't you see all the flirting at the bar and after the bar???? Also for all that's sacred What is the fucking non-romantic heterosexual explanation for this?

2- This is more of a character analysis of mine, but I think Jack gave the positive enforcement Joke never got from his family. That created not only a bond between them but also kind of an emotional dependence from Joke. I honestly don't think Joke's feelings for Jack were super healthy at the beginning, especially with how self-destructive for him he is. And that's precisely why, although all those things he does for Jack after the time skip might seem too much if it was anyone else, it's still reasonable for him. He's so guilt-ridden that he fucked Jack over when all that Jack has ever offered was kindness and something Joke never had before, that he needs to overcompensate.

And especially because he's been marinating in guilt for 5 years, with only his thoughts and his self-deprecation as company, and then seeing how things escalated for Jack in a way he never imagined, that he feels the need to fix everything for him. That is the real meaning of the "100 ways to apologize".

-- OR when people say Jack and Joke's love is unbalanced. Like it feels Jack doesn't love Joke as much, that it's too sudden, that it doesn't have romance, yadda yadda.

Let's go back to the bar scene and afterwards. This is episode 1. This is the past. This is the first time they met. They literally left out the girl (poor Rosé I'm so sorry baby you fell for a homosexual) because they were in their own little world. The world they created on that bar when they shared bad experiences and made each other company in their sadness. The world that cheered both of them up in a day of misery. Also for all that's sacred What is the fucking non-romantic heterosexual explanation for this?[x2] (underage Jack is smooth as fuck)

Not even counting the scene at the bank when Jack was so happy to meet Joke again, and then even writing down his number for Joke and saying he'd love to go drinking with him again before he vanished.

Here's another character analysis: Jack is methodical, he doesn't act on impulse, and keeps everything to himself. This, added to the fact we don't often see things under his POV, makes him a bit hard to read.

Alright but damn, no one is caught daydreaming about the face/lips/closeness of someone they're not attracted to lmfjhsfd please. This is episode 4, c'mon.

There's also this (ep 6)

and this (ep 7)

(both of which I also made an analysis of from Jack's side in this post)

and this (ep 8)

So do you really think he just pulled everything that he did that night when they get together out of his ass instead of, after him and Joke reconcile, having actively nurtured this feeling THAT HAD ALWAYS BEEN THERE???? Damn, right when they met again Jack kept Joke from signing a loan contract with Boss because he knew it would be a point of no return. Because despite all the rage and bitterness, even then he still cared about Joke and didn't want that life for him.

Jack and Joke are opposites. Joke wears his heart on his sleeve while Jack has the necessity of hiding away anything that can be a weakness. It's all in between the lines for him. But that doesn't mean the feelings are not there. It's called nuance.

Also, shit, the mutual pining is so obvious idk these people might've watched it with their eyes closed or something. like?? Things start to get messy in Jack's life mostly because Joke came with his chaotic energy trying to make things right for Jack - and if Jack didn't, little by little, allow him to, Joke would've never succeed on being by his side. Jack starts losing control of things, of himself, because he's always being pulled by Joke, gravitating towards him, and he lets it happen because he wants it. Subconsciously or not.

Anyway Jack and Joke love each other and had always loved each other, period.