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[lilidawnonthemoon]

💯🪐✨

[sleep-deprivedracoon]

JJK Manga leaks - Heavy spoilers ahead.

Please do not read below the cut if you do not wish to be spoiled.

These are for chapter 237.

I repeat do not read below the cut if you do not wish to be spoiled.

The pacing of this arc has got me so anxious tbh. It's gotten to a point where people cannot even predict where the plot would head towards and I like it to be honest. It's refreshing (traumatizing) that something isn't predictable even though it follows certain Shonen manga tropes. JJK is such an outlier Shonen. This is a long read, I apologize in advance.

After reading the leaks, I have some thoughts and I have listed them below -

1. Gojo’s death seems kinda pointless right now with Sukuna's reincarnation and reverting to his true form. He literally healed all the damage done by the Hollow Purple. Gojo probably is gone for good and I have slowly come to terms with that. But I need to know what Sukuna's reincarnation to his true form implies for Megumi. From how Twitter and Reddit is reacting, it seems like Megumi also is gone for good now. Everyone clowns on Gojo for being hated by Gege but I truly think Gege hates Megumi the most. Poor baby cannot seem to be catching a break.

2. The fact that we don't see Gojo's body anymore worries me. The fact that we still haven't seen any of our remaining characters react/process Gojo's death also worries me. Worries me because it is giving me copium again and I just have started to accept Gojo's death 🙃

3. We now know Kashimo is going to die when he runs out of CE because he yeeted his human form to fight Sukuna. So Kashimo is not making it out alive in Kashimo vs Sukuna. I atleast hope he damages Sukuna enough for the rest to jump on Sukuna but I doubt that will happen (explained more in detail towards the end)

4. We finally get crumbs of Sukuna's backstory. He was an unwanted child (if the fan translation is believed to be right. I am still going to wait for an official translation because last time the fan translation made us all hope about Gojo's revival way more than it was hinted.). Knowing Gege, I think this is the maximum we will get to know about Sukuna before he became the king of curses. Gege once mentioned in an interview that Sukuna was beyond help and was pure evil. I mean this dude has Uruame cook humans for him. So I don't think Gege is going to give us a tragic backstory for Sukuna.

5. Also Kashimo's line about Sukuna's strength reminds me of Geto and Gojo's KFC breakup line.

6. Hakari vs Uruame. Let's fucking gooooooooo! Beat their ass Hakari!!! I am betting on Hakari winning this. The good guys desperately need this win. Please Gege, just be merciful on us for once.

7. We still don't know what Kenjaku is up to (stay the fuck away from Gojo's body you slimy fiend).

I honestly still do find it weird that Gege chose this route of let's kill the strongest character because he is a roadblock by creating an almost omnipotent character that is absolutely insane and a master strategist. At this point someone will have to turn into Buddha themselves to take Sukuna down. I think the last win we had (if we do not consider Gojo unboxing as a win and the culling games win) was with Yuji and Todo. And Todo retired/left? (I don't blame him though. STAY SAFE MY BOY).

But to summarize the good guys roster right now - Nanami is dead, Nobara is MIA, Yaga is dead, Yuki is dead, Todo has retired, Megumi is likely a goner, Gojo is dead and since we don't know what happened in the 1 month (because we didn't get a training arc), Yuji only has black flash, stamina and super strength right now. The higher ups were probably kiiled/dismanted by Gojo. Zenin clan got KO'd by Maki. Yuta is the only special grade in Japan that is alive. Mei Mei will switch sides like it is nobody's business. Maki is one of the only people who's had an insane shonen level power creep since Shibuya arc. Shoko and Utahime are not fighters.

Whereas the bad guys roster - Uruame with their icy powers, Kenjaku with literally all the curses that Geto had plus several more that he acquired and Sukuna. The fact that Sukuna has a binding vow with Kenny and Sukuna is almost omnipotent rn.

Sukuna abilities :

1) Can make himself immortal by putting his soul into cursed objects(fingers)

2) Can take over others bodies by making them ingest his finger

3) Can use the taken over body's CT proficiently with minimal training

4) Has twice higher CE than the next highest person (Yuta)

5) Has the best RCT on par with Gojo

6) Has a way to revive himself without RCT (such a possibility was not even considered possible in the power system uptil now )

7) Has/Had the 2nd best cursed technique (ten shadows)

8) Has a cursed tool that can shoot lightning

9) Has a flame arrow than can insta kill a special grade curse

10) A way to transfer damage he sustains ,to the soul of the body he inhabits

11) A way to enlarge his body parts (when he tries to eat angel)

12) Has the best durability (sustained 2 purples (probably the technique with the highest damage in the series besides the space-time cleave) a blue infused black flash punch, and unlimited void)

13) An unexplained CT that hasn't been revealed yet.

14) Crazy learning rate able to reproduce anything by seeing it only once

15) Has 4 arms and multiple eyes

16) A barrier less domain - idk if his reincarnation can now do DE

17) Cleave and dismantle for which he can modify the cursed energy output however he wishes.

18) No moral compass or emotional attachments that can be exploited against him.

19) probably has 2nd highest IQ (after kenjaku ) and easily highest battle IQ. Mans not only planned for Gojo but also for after Gojo.

Realistically our protagonists (Right now only Yuji and Yuta) need a dues ex machina moment to take down just Sukuna. And after Sukuna is dealt with, they need to plan for Kenjaku.

The odds aren't looking too good :(

I miss the goofiness that this Manga had lol.

[shiningwonderland]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translator: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editor: Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

True Love Ending — Musica that Transcends Love

The moment that Otoya-kun starts singing, the crowd goes wild.

Everyone's moving their bodies to the beat, clapping their hands, and having a great time.

I feel the core of my body heating up and my adrenaline pumping, so much so that I feel like I'm going to start moving at any moment.

That's the kind of song he's singing. Everyone in the hall beams with delight.

There were some performers who were breathtakingly good at singing. There were other songs where the audience would be so moved that tears would fall from their eyes. At other times, the whole audience would stand up in applause.

Everyone's giving it their all because we're all aiming to debut. The audience can feel that intense passion. 

But Otoya-kun… He's the only one who's not trying to put on airs. He's singing from the heart. 

In turn, the audience has livened up and are smiling. 

Of course, we'll be expelled and chased out of the entertainment industry if we don't pass.

But… That doesn't matter.

Otoya-kun is enjoying singing. He's thoroughly entertaining the audience.

Once he finishes singing, cries ring out and there's a roar of applause.

Otoya Ittoki: Thanks, everybody!

Otoya-kun answers with a bright smile, earning him another cheer from the audience.

Otoya Ittoki: Haruka! Come on, let's go! I want to hear the results together!

Even though he has just finished singing, Otoya-kun runs backstage to me and reaches out his hand.

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!

Without hesitation, I take his hand and run to the stage with Otoya-kun.

While waiting at the corner of the stage, we hear that the last person has finished singing.

We quietly wait for the announcement.

The winner of the graduation audition is decided by a group of nine judges, including the principal, and votes from the audience.

The nine judges can give up to ten points each.

The audience votes for the student they believe had the best performance. The student who receives the most votes from the audience gets 10 points, the student with the second most gets nine points, so and so forth until tenth place.

Then the person with the most points total wins. The winner becomes a new idol in the Shining Agency whose next goal will be to become the top idol.

For the students who don't get first place, any student who scores over 85 points can join Shining Agency.

Also, there are employees from other agencies who have come to watch the audition…

For example, even if there are students who don't get into Shining Agency, there's a chance they can be recruited into a different agency.

However, in our case, if we don't win, we can't debut at all.

I'm so nervous waiting that I feel like I'm going to faint from my heart pounding out of my chest….

The warmth from Otoya-kun's hand holding mine gives me strength.

Shining Saotome: The winner of this year's graduation audition is…

As he speaks, he surveys everyone in front of him.

Oh please, please let us win!

We grip each others' hands tightly and pray.

Shining Saotome: Otoya Ittoki!

Otoya Ittoki: YEEEAAAH!!! We did it, Haruka! We won!

Haruka Nanami: Yes! We… we won!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Congratulations! I was so moved by how good the song was. Your song was bright and open just like you, Oto-kun!

Ringo Tsukimiya: I felt warm from the bottom of my heart  and I wanted to support the love between you two. I could feel how much you love her right here in my chest.

Ringo Tsukimiya: For some reason, when I was listening to your song, I recalled my first crush. My love for her was so bittersweet.

Ringo Tsukimiya: But I couldn't stop feeling so excited! That feeling of pure love revived in me and I felt my chest getting hot.

Ringo Tsukimiya: You're such an odd couple. I'm not saying that out of spite, mind you, you two are a great match. Your refreshing attitude came through the song!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Get along and do your best forever and ever, okay?

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

Shining Saotome: You pass for now! Ahh, your song was full of heart!

Shining Saotome: This song was meant to be first place! You're one impressive guy, but this is where the real challenge begins.

The principal pats Otoya-kun on the back.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, I know!

Shining Saotome: Come to my office later. I need to speak with you.

He whispers in Otoya-kun's ear, then returns to center stage to begin his speech to conclude the ceremony. 

Shining Saotome: Occupied!

Haruka Nanami: Excuse me.

Otoya Ittoki: Excuse me!

Shining Saotome: To start things off, congratulations on your victory!

Shining Saotome: Everyone in the hall could agree that MISTER Ittoki's song was fantastic, BUT you couldn't have achieved that alone.

Shining Saotome: MISS Nanami, you were able to bring out MISTER Ittoki's full potential because you composed the song! You are a great pair!

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you.

Shining Saotome: BUT it's still too soon to relax. This is where things start getting tough.

Otoya Ittoki: You're not going to tell us to break up again, are you?

Shining Saotome: … No need to worry, I won't say that ever again. I'm sure that you two won't end up going down the same path I did…

Ah, the principal is talking normally again…

Otoya Ittoki: I knew it. Something happened to you, huh?

Shining Saotome: Yes, but it was far in the past.

Otoya Ittoki: Will you tell us?

Shining Saotome: Okay, I'll tell you… Before I debuted, there was a woman I loved, and she loved me back.

Shining Saotome: But… when it was decided that I would officially debut, my agency told me that I needed to put my personal affairs in order.

Shining Saotome: An idol is not only meant to be looked up by people, they are also meant to fuel people's dreams. Most importantly, they must be every fan's lover. You understand that, right?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, I get it.

Shining Saotome: Yes… You can't exist just for one person. That restriction was much stronger back in the day.

The principal looks far off into the distance, as if his heart is far in the past.

Shining Saotome: I worried about what to do, and ended up choosing my dream over my lover.

Shining Saotome: At the time, I was engrossed in my songs, the heat of the spotlight, my connection with the audience… I just couldn't let go after getting a taste of it.

Shining Saotome: My heart fluttered every time someone would praise my music. I kept thinking how I wanted more and more people to listen to my songs. 

Shining Saotome: That's when I realized… she noticed too.

Haruka Nanami: What happened to her?

Shining Saotome: When she recognized that I chose my dream over her, she disappeared. I don't know where she is now.

Haruka Nanami: Oh no…

Shining Saotome: My debut song "Ai yue ni…" is about my feelings for her.

Shining Saotome: The composer was credited to be me, but she was the one who wrote it. She gave the song to me.

Shining Saotome: It was born from weaving our love together. The song was the miracle of love.

Otoya Ittoki: Is… that so… That seems like us…

Haruka Nanami: Yes…

Shining Saotome: I didn't want my students to go through the same pain I did.

Shining Saotome: When you are stuck between your dream and your love, you will suffer. No matter which one you pick, the only thing waiting for you is hell.

Otoya Ittoki: Hell…? That's how much pain you went through?

Shining Saotome: Yes… After she left, I tried to forget her by drowning myself in work.

Shining Saotome: But I couldn't fill in the hole that opened up in my heart and my heart still yearns for her.

Otoya Ittoki: Then why don't you search for her?! There's no one to stop you from loving her now!

Shining Saotome: Even now, I'm still looking for her, but there's only a slim chance that she's still alive. Fifteen years ago, she was in a plane crash…

Otoya Ittoki: Fifteen… years ago?

Otoya-kun whispers in shock.

Shining Saotome: There is some hope because her body was never found, but…

Shining Saotome: There's a very low chance she survived.

Otoya Ittoki: …

Shining Saotome: Why didn't I choose her that time? If I chose her, maybe she would've never ended up in that accident.

Shining Saotome: I kept regretting and regretting, and I'm still regretting my decisions even now. 

Shining Saotome: I don't want you two to suffer like me. Love creates dreams, but dreams obstruct love.

Shining Saotome: If that's the case, then one shouldn't love in the first place. You might as well not allow love until the situation permits it. 

Shining Saotome: I thought that I should prohibit love to prevent any blunders caused by young naivety like what I did in the past. 

Shining Saotome: But instead, you two faced that hell head on.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, it was no big deal.

Shining Saotome: Foolish little boy! But anyway, you did well.

Shining Saotome: No matter what trials I put you through, you defeated them all! … So that's why I wanted to gamble on you. 

Shining Saotome: If I had the guts to attain both my dream and love, then the result may have been different.

Shining Saotome: I realized for the first time, seeing you two, that there aren't just two choices–there are actually three.

Shining Saotome: It's not about choosing your dream or love, it's about winning them both. That choice existed from the beginning.

Shining Saotome: If you manage to overcome all of that and achieve happiness, I'll take away the rule that forbids romance.

The principal grins. 

Haruka Nanami: Principal…

Otoya Ittoki: It's a promise, old man.

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA! You better keep your promise!

Ah, he's back. It's the usual principal again.

Shining Saotome: AND this is a farewell gift from me!

The principal gives us an envelope.

Otoya Ittoki: What's this?

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA! It's a travel ticket!

Haruka Nanami: Travel…?

Shining Saotome: Once spring vacation is over, you're going to go on production.

Shining Saotome: Once you're a professional, you'll be too busy to go on trips. So…

Shining Saotome: You should enjoy your spring vacation while it lasts!

Haruka Nanami: Thank you!

Otoya Ittoki: Thanks, old man!

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA~! It's the springtime of life!

Shining Saotome: I think you two will be able to achieve the dream that I couldn't.

Shining Saotome: Achieve happiness and take hold of your dreams and your love! Understand?!

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah!

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

We depart for our trip the day after graduation.

In the early morning, the train is empty. There's no one in the car but us.

Otoya Ittoki: This train is so nostalgic!

Haruka Nanami: Ah, that time… You really saved me that morning before the entrance ceremony. Thank you very much!

Haruka Nanami: If you didn't save me then, I have no idea what would've happened…

Otoya Ittoki: I was so worried about you because you were acting strangely. I didn't imagine you were going through that.

Haruka Nanami: … But that was how we met.

Otoya Ittoki: No, that's not how we met.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

When did we first meet then?

Otoya Ittoki: Ohh, you probably don't know this, but I met you during the entrance exam.

Haruka Nanami: The entrance exam?

Hmm, I can't remember.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, it was a snowy day. I was so worried because I'm not that smart. I was about to give up.

Saotome Academy has a day for auditions for the practical exam, as well as a paper entrance exam.

I went to go take the exams but the snow piled up from the day before, so it was difficult to reach the exam site.

Otoya Ittoki: You were on the slope right in front of me, Haruka. You were clumsy back then, too!

Otoya Ittoki: You tripped on the snow and slipped back down the slope, but you weren't discouraged.

Otoya Ittoki: You kept trying and trying. Every time you took a step, you would trip on the snow and slip back down, and yet you still kept attempting to climb the snowy path.

S-so he saw me that time… I remember now that I kept sliding back over and over, and would end up stuck in the snow. 

I finally arrived at the Saotome Academy after a great struggle, but… Wow, I'm so embarrassed now!

Otoya Ittoki: I was inspired after watching you! Normally, I would go help immediately, but for some reason I kept watching.

Otoya Ittoki: As I cheered you on in my heart, you finally managed to make it up the slope by yourself.

Otoya Ittoki: I was so happy for you and felt so encouraged! Then that day, somehow, my worries cleared up and I managed to pass the test with flying colors! It's all thanks to you.

Otoya Ittoki: Usually, I'm completely hopeless with tests, but that time, I felt enlightened!

Haruka Nanami: No, I didn't do anything… That's all you, Otoya-kun!

Otoya Ittoki: No, you did! If you weren't there, I probably would've failed. I'd always wanted to meet you again, and that day…

Otoya Ittoki: I saw you board the train wearing the Saotome Academy uniform. I kept watching you, wanting to talk to you, but then that guy started groping you.

Otoya Ittoki: That's when I thought I had to save you! After that, I was so glad to find out that you were in my class!

Otoya Ittoki: You even became my partner! I was so lucky!

Haruka Nanami: Is… that so?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, it's kind of an embarrassing story. I assumed you didn't know all of this, so I kept it a secret…

Otoya Ittoki: I think I fell in love with you the first moment I saw you. Of course, I love you even now!

He briefly pecks me on the cheek.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, we're on the train, so…

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, I know. I wouldn't do this if there were people around, but… we're the only ones here!

Haruka Nanami: N-no, you can't. Someone might see us through the window… This is too embarrassing…

Otoya Ittoki: Ahhh! I want to hug you so bad! But… it's okay, I won't do that.

Otoya Ittoki: Once we reach our destination, I'll give you all the hugs, okay?

He cracks a smile.

"Okay"? What is he going to do to me once we arrive???

Otoya Ittoki: The sea at night is extraordinary… It blends into the sky, making it seem that it's part of the stars.

He whispers to himself as he gazes at the dark ocean.

Haruka Nanami: Yes, but… if I look at it too long, I become scared that my heart may be swallowed by the night…

Otoya Ittoki: I get it, but… the night doesn't last forever.

Otoya-kun gazes at me gently.

Otoya Ittoki: Dawn will cut through the darkness of the night and shine through. The heart is no different.

Otoya Ittoki: You light up my darkness and give me hope, Haruka.

He speaks to me in a melancholy, mature voice…

It's on the border of boy and man–as if teetering on the edge of adulthood.

Before me stands a youth with a mature expression. 

Haruka Nanami: I… I'm not a light at all. I'm weak and fearful…

Haruka Nanami: Even now, I'm a coward who's afraid of melting into the darkness…

Otoya-kun pulls me in by my shoulder.

Otoya Ittoki: I won't give you up to the darkness. If you're scared, I'll be your light…

He confidently reassures me and gently kisses me on the cheek.

His arm around my shoulder is warm–his touch alone comforts me.

I feel like as long as he's with me, there's nothing I'm afraid of.

Otoya Ittoki: If you're going to melt, melt into me…

He hugs me from behind, just like he did back in May… but his embrace is much stronger and warmer than that time.

Haruka Nanami: Ah…

Otoya Ittoki: I won't let you go. If we melt together, we'll become one of the stars in the night sky.

He whispers into my ear and buries his face into my shoulder.

Haruka Nanami: I believe one day you'll become a star… a famous star.

Haruka Nanami: You'll surely become a renowned star with your singing that is second to none.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah… I'll become a star… I want you to be by my side when that time comes.

He grabs my shoulders and turns me towards him.

Otoya Ittoki: But… only you… only your music can make me shine, Haruka.

Enveloped in Otoya-kun's tenderness, I gently close my eyes.

He softly kisses my eyelids.

Otoya Ittoki: Don't close your eyes… Always look at me… Don't look at anything else.

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

Otoya Ittoki: Only look at me from now on… Nn.

Haruka Nanami: Nn…

My heartbeat melts into the sound of the waves and plays a unique rhythm. The music is endlessly overflowing from my heart. 

Otoya-kun is the same. He sings into my ear as he embraces me.

I sing along with him. The warmth of his arms wrapped around me is comforting as well, but…

We are melting into the music, which feels so much better–a moment of time I'll cherish.

Otoya Ittoki: I feel so strange… Music keeps overflowing from me when I'm with you.

Otoya Ittoki: The best way for me to convey how much I love you is not through words or kisses, but with my singing, isn't it?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I think so.

Otoya Ittoki: We're connected by song… by our music. Let's keep singing together forever, just the two of us.

Once we become professionals, we may not be able to spend such a peaceful time together anymore.

There are so many obstacles we have to overcome.

But I believe as long as we're together–as long as Otoya-kun is with me–we can solve anything!

I LOVE YOU!

Thank you for playing.

Fin.

[indireneedofsleeeep]

Dreamling, Aladdin AU part 3 (part 1)

“Is there anything you wish for?” Dream asks, but doesn’t get an answer. The human who summoned him only looks at him, gobsmacked. Some of them do. Unfazed, Dream keeps going, trying a variation of his mandatory line, “Name your wish, Master, as it is my purpose to fulfill them.”

Seconds pass and the human gets out of his torpor. Enough at least for his lips to regain their ability to move and form words. Unfortunately, those words do not form a wish.

“It is... Do I... What?”

Dream refrains from rolling his eyes.

“I am the Genie of the Lamp,” he repeats, “You summoned me.”

“I did?”

“You did.” Obviously, this human has little knowledge of wish granting genies. Which was probably to be expected. The passing of time is hard to estimate inside a lamp, but Dream wouldn’t be surprised if centuries had gone by since the last time his services had been requested. “What you own is no common lamp, but a magical one. You rubbed it, and I appeared, as I will each time you do it again.“

Still hesitant, the human must have come to grips with at least some of what Dream told him, for he points at the lamp on the ground as if to make sure they are on the same page.

“This lamp is magical,” he starts, and, when his point doesn’t get refuted, he continues, “and you say I own it...as in it belongs to me...”

Humans and semantics!

“Whoever holds the lamp owns it. From their first summoning and until their third wish has been granted.”

“So, finding the lamp means you get to command a genie, eh,” says the human, who sounds like he’s just understood not only Dream’s explanation but some private mystery that has been bothering him as well. “And you mentioned three wishes, right? Does it mean... I can really ask for whatever I want?”

Disbelief, another human classic, but a somewhat refreshing one. The last people Dream’s been around didn’t question the existence of genies, nor their capacities. He can even remember a small town whose community had mandated a champion to find the lamp and bring it back. They had then waited in line to use it. Dream couldn’t tell how many wishes he did grant on that day, safe that it was a multiple of three.

The only advantage was that, in those times, he didn’t need to restate his powers’ restrictions constantly.

“You can ask for everything your imagination can convey, with four exceptions. I can’t kill, I can’t revive, I have no power over love and wishing for more wishes will do nothing but cost you a wish.”

The human doesn’t argue - which is a relief, really - but he makes a rather amusing pout.

“Were you planning on killing someone, Master?”

“Killing? No. ‘Wouldn’t lose a wish for it, anyway. It’s that ‘wishing for more wishes’ thing. Would have been damn convenient...” For a moment, the human’s eyes get lost in the distance as he muses on the fantasy of an unlimited number of wishes. Thought he’s quick to come back down to earth with a resigned sight. “But...yeah, I mean, I understand. Must be kind of boring having to work for the same guy again and again...”

“And Dangerous,” Dream can’t help but add, “that is, for the ‘guy’ who keeps the lamp. People have killed for it, more than once. Use your three wishes, Master, you’ll sleep with less worry.”

Dream is surprised when his ominous warning is only met with a big smile.

“You don’t need to worry about that! Oh, and it’s Hob, by the way. Well, Robert Gadling, actually, but really just Hob.”

Not every lamp user takes the time to introduce themselves. To be honest, Dream doesn’t care that much about their identities, but it is his role to serve them as best as he can; if he is given a name, he is to use it.

“As you please  , Master Gadling.”

At this, the human winces, as if he doesn’t like the sounds of it.

“No, the ‘master’, it...it’s really too weird. Just call me Hob.”

For someone who just had his first supernatural encounter, Hob Gadling accepted the concepts of genie and magic quite easily, all things considered, but it’s the term ‘Master’ on which he stumbles. It could almost bring the shadow of a smile on Dream’s lips.

“As you please, Hob Gadling.”

Hob opens his mouth, as if to add something, before he closes it again, shrugging whatever it was off and offering Dream another smile. Then something flashes in his eyes and his expression change into one of mid-panic.

“Wait, hey, that wasn’t a wish, right? When I told you how to call me?”

Dream does roll his eyes this time. Such a fright at the thought of losing something he didn’t even possess half an hour ago!

“No, it wasn’t. You are still to make your first wish.”

“Ok, ok,” Hob sighs, a hand on his heart to calm his heartbeat, “I’m going to make it now! I’m going to use my first wish!”

“Then you would want to hold the lamp, for that is a requirement.”

Dream watches Hob’s expression come from ‘what lamp?’ to the sudden realisation of ‘oh, that lamp!’. He promptly looks at his feet to spot the discarded artefact - just as Dream himself, the lamp emits its own light, so there is no missing it in the current obscurity - before he grabs it and clutches it to his chest.

“I am listening.”

“I want,” Hob starts, a bright smile back on his features, “to live forever.”

Dream closes his eyes, ‘Not this again!’ echoing in his mind.

To be fair, immortality is not one of the most common wishes. People tend to ask for riches, health, power or a peaceful existence more than for eternal life. Yet, it happens. And, in Dreams' experience, it never ends well. A couple of owners were able to come back on their ill-advised decision using a remaining wish. Those were the lucky ones. And since this Hob Gadling seemed rather alarmed at the thought of having wasted a precious wish...

“Are you sure? This is not a wish one should made lightly.”

“Well, yes, I am sure,” Hob answers, unwavering. If anything, Dream’s intervention only managed to irritated him. “Is it my wish or not? You said I could ask for whatever my imagination could convey. Well that’s it. I don’t want to die. Ever.”

“It was not my intention to question your resolve”, Dream explains more than he apologies, “Others before have asked to escape the gift of Death, only to end up trapped in a life they could never escape. You would be the first not to regret it...”

“Let my surprise you, then!” Hob offers. No, challenges, and isn’t that an unconventional exchange... Anyway, it isn’t Dream’s function to preserve owners from idiocy.

“As you please, Hob Gadling. Wish it then.”

“I do!”  

“You have to use the word, to differentiate your wishes from other expressed desires.”

Hob nods in understanding, takes a deep breath that puffs out his chest and,   as if he’s been ready for this his entire life, he pronounces the fateful words.

“Genie, I wish to live forever!”

“Your wish is my command, Hob Gadling.”  

And, as he must, Dream grants it.

It takes him less than a second and requires no burst of glitter, no dramatic show of lights, not even a snap of his fingers. All Dream has to do is will it. Of course, as most humans, Hob is visibly waiting for nothing less than being struck by lightning as raw power rushes through his body. He manages to wait 9 full seconds.

“So, huh...is it done?”

“It is. Your first wish has been granted.”

“Oh, great, thank you! It’s just that, well, I don’t feel very different...  How do I know it worked?”

“When you realise you don’t age, or when you get killed and survive, should it happen first. Suicide could make a good test but I don’t recommend it. You are immortal, not invulnerable, and you can be hurt.”

Dream has realised a long time ago that the life of a genie consists for a good  part in giving warnings that won’t be taken into account. And indeed, if Hob’s next actions can not strictly be regarded as a suicide, it isn’t too far either.

After making the lamp disappear inside his jacket, he fumbles around in the direction of what Dream can only assume was once the exit of the cave they are confined to. If Dream may have briefly found him refreshing, amusing, surprising even, he now knows it without a doubt: Hob Gadling is a fool.

The way out is blocked by an impressive pile of mud and rocks and the man has visibly decided he was going to unblock it himself, in the dark, with his bare hands for only tools.

“Mast- Hob Gadling, if we are trapped, a wish could safely get us out of here...”

“It’s fine. All I need to do is make those rocks fall further down. Nature is working with me.”

As far as Dream is concerned, it is part of the problem.

“You risk being buried under the rubble.”

“I can’t die, right? I’ll un-bury myself. Or someone will, eventually. I have nothing else to do anyway and I sure can handle a little pain - especially if it means saving a wish!”

When he had been summoned, Dream had hoped to fulfill his duties and go back to the seclusion of his lamp in the shortest possible time. Things didn’t seem to be heading that way...

Hope you liked it! Just wanted to tell you that since this thing is becoming longer (and will take me longer ) than expected, I’ll post it on AO3 from now on ;)

[vikingnerd793]

David Jaffe being a complete shitbag AND deciding to tell everyone that he, as the original creator of God of War, hates the development of Kratos because he's weak and soft now is why I don't respect the idea that original creators of fictional stories should dictate a single thing beyond anything they wrote.

Because guess what? Sometimes they're trash and also, sometimes their vision just isn't that good for the long term of the fiction they created.

This is also why the "original AC creator hates the trilogy" opinion holds even less weight, considering there's basically a different team on every game and that original concept almost killed the franchise after the 13th cookie cutter version of it, where everyone just wanted Ezio every game and it was never going to be possible.

Sometimes it really is OK to let things evolve and others to take the wheel. Sometimes their ideas refresh or even, when it comes to AC, revives a dead franchise that tanked in sales and had everyone bitching about how boring, redundant AND buggy it was.

Kratos in GOW 2018 and Ragnarok is someone I care about. Early God of War Kratos is an incredibly one dimensional murder machine who could only repeat that cycle for so many games before people kind of got bored. Kratos in the new games is fantastic. And anyone who says otherwise, well, sorry they took GOW further than you did bud. Here's that attention you ordered.

[sercphs]

About Seth: In-game Kit

Verse || Honkai: Star Rail

tl;dr Seth is a Five Star Wind Hunt unit, focused selfishly on crit chance and rapidly escalating his damage output. He has an in-built revive that permits him to be more aggressive and less focused on durability overall.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The first part of Seth's Core Passive is "Beyond Death", an innate all-type damage reduction that is fixed regardless of his current HP or other buffs. While he can receive buffs that would provide supplemental damage reduction, it cannot alter beyond his innate reduction. Upon receiving Lethal Damage, Seth will instead be reduced to 1 health and nullify all further damage. After the attack that activates this effect, he heals to full health and gains the buff "At the Boundary" for one turn.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The second part of Seth's Core Passive is the unique debuff "Marked For Death," which is applied by his Normal Attack, Skill, and Technique. "Marked for Death" is a stacking debuff that increases the target's damage received from all sources, and when attacked by Seth increases his crit damage.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Technique, "Preemptive Strike" is an impair technique. When used to engage combat, it deals Wind Damage to all enemies and applies 5 stacks of "Marked for Death" to all enemies.

Seth's attacks and skills involve various strikes with his blade.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Basic Attack is a single-target attack that applies 1 stack of "Marked for Death" to the target. If the target has more than 10 stacks of "Marked for Death", it also advances Seth's next action by 10% in the combat order.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Skill is a single-target attack that applies 5 stacks of "Marked for Death" to the target. If the target has more than 20 stacks of "Marked for Death", it will deal a portion of the damage dealt again to the target. This effect is repeated for every 20 stacks on the target.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Ultimate Ability is a single-target execute ability, dealing more damage the lower the target's current HP percentage. If the target of this ability has at least 30 stacks of "Marked for Death", this will consume 30 stacks of "Marked for Death" to refresh "Beyond Death". This effect will also be triggered if this ability kills the target, regardless of how many stacks of "Marked for Death" they have.

Unique Effect Information

"Beyond Death" - Prevents lethal damage once, before fully healing the user. Limit one charge.

"Marked for Death" - Increases damage received by 1%. When attacked by Seth, increases Crit Damage received by 2% in addition. Stack limit 50.

"At the Boundary" - Increase Speed by 20 and Attack by 20% for 1 turn.

Eidolon Information

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's First Eidolon increases the amount of "Marked for Death" applied by his Basic Attack, Skill, and Technique by 100%.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Second Eidolon increases the maximum stack count of "Marked for Death" on enemies from 50 to 99.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Third Eidolon increases the current and maximum level of Seth's Basic Attack and Sill.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Fourth Eidolon makes Seth's technique "Preemptive Strike" ignore Weakness Types and reduce Toughness of all enemies. Additionally, the Technique Point cost is removed.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Fifth Eidolon increases the current and maximum level of Seth's Skill and Talent (Core Passive).

⠀⠀⠀⠀Seth's Sixth Eidolon makes all of Seth's attacks ignore Weakness Types and reduce Toughness on hit. Additionally reduces the "Marked for Death" threshold for the echoing damage on his Skill from 20 stacks to 10 stacks.

[jetstarred]

what i listened to in january 2024!

total: 9 albums top three: i didn't mean to haunt you (quadeca), good kid, m.a.a.d. city (kendrick lamar), colourmeinkindness (basement)

click below to see full reviews ^-^

colourmeinkindness - basement (2012) - fav song: covet - this is a really solid early emo revival album. it captures the emotion that was extremely prevalent in emo music and kinda lost in the mainstream emo that had dominated before this album came out. the vocals are great at conveying the lyrics, sometimes feeling vulnerable in a really relatable way. the guitar is solid and very fun to listen to. easily one of my favorite emo albums from this era. - rating: 8/10

everyone everywhere - everyone everywhere (2012) - fav song: the future - this album clearly takes a lot of inspiration from 90s emo, especially midwest emo. some guitar riffs sound really similar to american football riffs. the singers voice is very lovely and i love the use of trumpets in some of the songs. the lyrics are also perfectly nostalgic and almost whimsical, like someone wondering about their surroundings and future. it almost makes me wish this band had stuck around longer and had been able to evolve their sound more. - rating: 7/10

feels like you - whirr (2019) - fav song: wavelength - this album is very dreamy, with the noise a pleasant hum rather than loud and intrusive. every song blends into the next track seamlessly, there were multiple times where i didn't realize a new song had started. the album largely sounds the same, with all the songs being difficult to distinguish from one another. this is good if you like this kind of music (which i do) but it makes it hard for any of the songs to be real stand outs. - rating: 5/10

hatemail - in lieu (2019) - fave song: pin up - i didn't really vibe with most of this album. its exciting to hear more female vocals in the post-grunge and more noisy punk space. there's definitely potential here and id be interested to listen to their more recent releases. - rating: 4/10

good kid, m.a.a.d. city - kendrick lamar (2012) - fav song: money trees - this album immediately put me in the exact setting that must've inspired it. it makes me feel nostalgic for the black american experience i never had, even with all the ugly parts. besides that, i love the through-line of the voicemails and phone calls, some of which introduce the following song. the samples are really beautiful and i want to go listen to the original songs. i can't imagine how exciting it must've been when this album came out to see the beginning of one of the greatest rappers of this generation. - rating: 9/10

i didn't mean to haunt you - quadeca (2022) - fav song: don't mind me - i listened to this album on repeat for a week after my first listen. it's really refreshing to listen to a concept album that actually fully follows through with the concept. this album being about a ghost and his experience with dying and having to watch how his family deals with his death is so interesting and lends to a lot of very heart wrenching introspection. also sonically this is such a beautiful album with the choral voices, static, with a good balance of heavy and dreamy parts. shout out to picking up hands and fantasyworld for making me cry. - rating: 10/10

goblin - tyler, the creator (2011) - fav song: radicals - i like the concept of the album being tyler having a “therapy session” with his own consciousness. but a lot of the content in the songs is very offensive, gross out, shock humor that i don't really vibe with. i know that that type of rapping was what was commonplace and popular at the time but it's really aged poorly imo. the beats and flows are pretty decent and i could vibe with them more if it wasn't for the lyrics. also tyler baby stop saying a bunch of slurs! - rating: 4/10

from me to you - quadeca (2021) - fav song: candles on fire! - this album is a great transition between quadeca's earlier youtube rap inspired music and his newer more atmospheric and melodic music. the production is grand and electronic in a way that's really enjoyable. while i'm not a great judge for rap, i think this is a step up from his earlier stuff and much more accessible to me as a more casual rap fan. honestly it's difficult to judge this album as anything other than a transition from rap to more artistically driven music that still keeps rap elements and influence. - rating: 7/10

my back is killing me baby - car seat headrest (2011) - fav song: no passion - this album is half rough versions of songs that would be redone in later albums, half songs that weren't revisited. it's very rough and full of the diy sound that was more prevalent in cshr's earlier stuff. i like it more for background noise than something i can strongly focus on. - rating: 5/10

[caressthosecheekbones]

Bestie (in the spirit of reviving Tumblr ask culture), I was listening to Ohne Dich (Schlaf Ich Heut Nacht Nicht Ein) again the other day. Any other song recs you want to share with me and anyone else who likewise appreciates your excellent taste in music? <3

Sarah, this ask is so lovely, I've been staring at it for hours now. First I felt like Oh, I don't know Any Music At All. But then I went on an hour long treasure hunt and had a lot of fun composing this list for you and anyone who might appreciate German Music or even only feels in the mood to give it a try. <3 Thank you so, so much. <3 So in the spirit of Ohne Dich (Schlaf Ich Heut Nacht Nicht Ein): here's a (not anymore) small list of my favourite german songs, most of which have actually accompanied me since my childhood. <3 (In no particular order but with youtube links you can click bc some of these videos are just pure Gold.)

1. Reinhard May - Über den Wolken (live is the only way to listen to this song. I cannot not cry when I listen to it.) 2. Blümchen - Nur geträumt (sorry for the whiplash) 3. Die Prinzen - Alles nur geklaut (I've loved this since I it came out when I was seven. Actually I've just found the music video and they're copying motherfucking Queen's I Want To Break Free Look (amongst others) which I never knew and now I'm crying?!??!!! &lt;333333) 4. Echt - Du trägst keine Liebe in Dir (I was a bit in love with the singer guy lololol also I didn't know until now the video was kinda interesting for the time.) 5. Die Ärzte - Männer sind Schweine (surely a statement and big hit at the time) 6. Die Toten Hosen - Alles aus Liebe (it felt wrong not to include one of their songs (⊙_⊙;) 7. Die Ärzte - Schrei nach Liebe (arguably the most important title on this list) 8. Tic Tac Toe - Ich find' dich scheisse (partly very misogynistic, normal at the time and branded as "girl power" but it was so refreshing for a young girl to see/hear this and feeling validated in expressing negative emotions instead of being all girly, fun, cute and positive all the time) 9. Matthias Reim - Verdammt, ich lieb Dich (um. I have no explanation.)

10. Lucy Electric (whom I've just now learned is actually spelled Lucilectric wtf lmao) - Mädchen (another "girl power" song, but rather ironic I think now. Well. Probably one of my first girl crushes I had as a kid, I just realised.) 11. Fettes Brot - Emmanuela (I wanted to put "Jein" by them but omg I've never seen the video. Brown facing as "Mexicans" that's so embarassing... shout out to "Schwule Mädchen" - Gay Girls - by them though which is to be found here) 12. Pur - Abenteuerland (Crying. 90s german kitsch my beloved. Shoot me I guess.) (here is a sneaky sneak title of a party compilation during which I always shout and cry when it comes on lmao) 13. Oli P. - Flugzeuge in meinem Bauch (He used to be one of our prettiest TV boys at the time and the song is still played today. It's a cover. Which is better than the original in my opinion lmao) 14. Die Ärzte - Junge (I cannot put less Ärzte on this list which was supposed to be ten titles long. They're just. (One Of) The Best German Music Has To Offer. also: tw g*re for the video. Not the lyrics.) (okay lemme sneak another one of them in, its just so good and tw depression in a great way) 15. Ben & Gim - Engel (what a visual snäck <3 still think he's super pretty, christ. I loved that song and lived it when I was sixteen. <3 wanted to get wings tattooed on my back ahahahha the video is absolute bullshit and must have cost about 9€. good for them.) 16. Die Prinzen - Küssen verboten (hah! its THEM again! &lt;3 they've been my main german song influence when I was in primary school.) 17.) Wise Guys - Wo der Pfeffer wächst (this is clearly the most obscure title on this list. They're a local a capella band which I grew up listening to. Survived my first break up listening to this on repeat lololollll) 18. Bodo Wartke - Da muss er durch (okay, maybe this one is the weirdest one though. Poor amphibian.) 19. Peter Fox - Schwarz zu blau (almost forgot the song which contains my favourite lyric in German Lyric History since Freude Schöner Götterfunken: "Ich seh' die Ratten sich sattfressen im Schatten der Dönerläden." LOVE THIS SONG!!!) 20. AnnenMayKantereit - Oft gefragt (super melancholic and hurtful memories connected to this band & song. I know them personally but cannot go into details.)

BONUS: Wir sind Helden - Nur ein Wort (A FAV 4EVER. I'm 99,99% sure I recommended this already but it HAS to be on this list. Love the Bob Dylan homage) Thank you, betsie, again for this ask. It was a pleasure. If you or anyone even remotely interested in doing something similar would tag me I'd be super happy! Love music, love experiencing new songs through recommendations! <3 Take care, mwah! <3 PS.: I'm So Sorry the links are all fucked! But there should be one possibility to click in every single title + test. The more I touch and try to fix them the worse it gets apparently. TT.TT Sorry.

[sisterssafespace]

How I can stop laziness and procrastination especially in my Deen studies. Like memorizing Quran and Hadith. How to have high enthusiasm? How to be zealous?

Assalamualaikum wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuhu dear, thank you for bringing up such a critical topic that I am sure most of us if not all relate to and are concerned about.

A.N: contrary to popular belief and to my own nature I did not procrastinate this answer, I genuinely did not have time 🙈😅

So before I start, it is really important to differentiate between laziness and procrastination as they are completely different things. As an established professional chronic procrastinator Muslim woman I allow myself to say that calling my procrastination laziness could be offensive 😅🙈 (please note the dark humor)

But yeah, on a serious note, I found a very simplified article on solvingprocrastination.com that could really be helpful. What to keep in mind is that laziness is to willingly not do something or not fulfill a task whereas procrastination is unintentional, and it is often associated with stress and anxiety. A procrastinator basically knows that delaying this task will have negative consequences in the near or far future yet they can't help it, they can't bring themselves to do the task even if they tried. My therapist always says that procrastination is just the other face to anxiety. So it is a bit more complex than laziness.

With that being cleared out of the way, here are three tips that can hopefully help you in your battle:

Pray for guidance, ask Allah swt for help, for guidance, for steadfastness, for courage, for energy, for patience. In fact, you can ask Allah swt all that you want for He swt is the most generous, the ever-giving, the all-knowing.. you can make any duaas you want, let your heart speak for you. And Allah swt will answer 🤍

On the same note, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to say this great duaa in the morning and evening adhkar which includes seeking refuge in Allah swt from laziness:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

‘O Allaah indeed I seek refuge with You from anxiety and sadness and weakness and laziness and being miserly and being cowardly and having a burdensome debt and being overpowered by people.’

Renewing or refreshing your intentions is also an excellent idea. As humans we tend to perform better when we are highly motivated. Although motivation differs from one person to the other, it works the same or it affects us all the same way. So if you spend quite the time reminding yourself of why you wanted to do that certain task in the first place, setting the right intentions, linking it to ikhlas and being loyal to Allah swt in your intentions, foreseeing all the khayr it could bring on your life or the people around you, considering it as a good deed or as an act of sadaqah, making the intention that whatever you are doing is for the sake of Allah swt, that could be quiet the motivation that's gonna fuel you and give you high enthusiasm like you asked.

May I offer you another perspective as well? One of my sisters forward this to me today thinking it could help you:

"لو شاء ربك لجعلك تحفظ القرآن بوقت وجيز، لكن لله الحكمة البالغة...

If your Lord wanted to, He could have made you memorise the Qur'an in a short amount of time; however, Allah has an all-encompassing wisdom. Perhaps there is goodness in the delay. Maybe in the difficulty, you are elevated. Perhaps Allah wanted you to increase in repeating it, so that you may earn more rewards. Perhaps Allah tested you in memorising it in that manner so that you're constantly & continually looking into it & trying to understand it. As such, your heart is revived, your soul is repaired, and you're elevated in rank & in rewards.

Finally, I want to end my answer with one word: DISCIPLINE. DISCIPLINE. DISCIPLINE. That's what makes a difference between successful people, the one who go after their dreams, the one who make things happen, the ones who truly change their lives, vs. the ones who don't. We have to learn how to discipline ourselves. Mind over matter. Sübhanallah, when you really think of it, life is indeed too short to waste it and to not try. Eventually, on judgement day, Allah swt is going to ask us about our youth and our time, how did we spend it. May Allah swt allow us to have a pleasing answer that day. Ameen.

Bonus tip: you better start small and not put so much pressure on yourself because that would only cause more stress, frustration, anxiety, and eventually leads to deeper procrastination. You can have a clear plan, make a daily to-do list, set short-term tangible goals, set your intentions to serve Allah swt, and have tawakkul, Allahu al mustaān 🤍

I hope this answer has brought some peace to your heart and a bit of enthusiasm! May Allah swt protect you from the outcomes of laziness and help you get back on the right track. And do not forget, the adhan calls five times a day " Hayyi alaa al falah " that's a call for work, for taking initiative, for getting things done, for achieving success in shaa Allah.

All the love,

- A.Z. and the girls 🍃

[goatsandgangsters]

Favorites of 2022

I was tagged by @inkdrawndreamer (thank you!) 

there’s no rules, but I’ve decided to give myself parameters of “read/seen for the first time this year / had a new season” for books/movies/shows to narrow the scope and not drive myself bonkers with indecision. songs is a free-for-all of whatever I was boppin to 

Favorite books: A Marvellous Light and A Restless Truth, both by Freya Marske

I read AML in the spring and it’s single-handedly responsible for me not meeting my goodreads goal, because I loved it sO MUCH that I wanted to bask in it until the sequel came out instead of reading anything new 

Favorite movies: the new West Side Story (SO well done), Glass Onion (accidentally saw it in theaters despite not knowing when it came out or that it was a limited release), The Sea Beasts, Fire Island 

Favorites songs: MCR’s entire discography because this was The Year of MCR, Finally. the overwhelming majority of which is not New or even New To Me, but shoutout to Foundations of Decay for dropping out of nowhere and being an absolute banger. and to the b-sides I didn’t previously know but immediately put on repeat in the pre-concert lead up

Favorite shows: Interview with the Vampire, Gentleman Jack, A League of Their Own (good year for gay period TV) 

Favorite Memories: a mostly chronological recap: getting my boobs gone, seeing the Into the Woods revival, going to the MET a bunch of times,  refreshing and updating some of my wardrobe for the first time in a while (I’m excited about it tbh), getting new blorbos to obsess over (see above: favorite books), going to a museum by myself for a particular exhibit and spending 2+ hours just in the exhibit because I decided to read Every Single Plaque, a friend from Australia visited for a month and it was nice to do activities with her and show her the sights, enjoying summer with No Boobs and sitting around my sweltering apartment in an open bathrobe, feeling newly at home in my body and really just reveling in that in all kinds of ways both big and small, getting new glasses for the first time in ages, going to botanical gardens, exploring new places because my partner moved to [redacted], ogling architecture, seeing MCR, seeing MCR again, seeing MCR some more, going to an emo night, taking time off for a birthday staycation in november, and capping it all off with some chill time with my family for christmas and a fun new year’s eve with friends 

tagging: @meyerlansky, @adriansfrombrooklyn, @notgrungybitchin, @opheliaintherushes, @platoapproved, @holy-muffins, @esssteee, @darkolaism, @louisdelac and any of you lovely followers who feel like doing this (you can use whatever parameters you choose—I just picked Mostly New To Me for my own ease) 

[your-eternal-nightmare]

The revival book truly seems like an interesting thing. I’ll be curious to know how your endeavors go with testing. I haven’t met many people who are willing to make these types of sacrifices for the purpose of learning. It’s quite refreshing.

🔥 anon

Oh, that's good to hear, anon :) Y'know, another thing about the revival book that I haven't mentioned yet is an interesting little effect it has on the user after repeated use of it. I'm not sure exactly why it happened, but I have glowing green eyes now :) That's the only effect it has though, as far as I can tell :)

[superectojazzmage]

It’s really interesting how the context of the real world or larger franchise that a story is written in can make a huge difference in its quality and how it’s received, and depriving it of that context can utterly ruin it.

I say this in regards to X-Men with the whole Krakoa Age which is fantastic for the most part and probably the best X-Men has been in years, but which can ONLY exist and be good in the specific context in which it was created; as a return to form making the best out of decades on end of X-Men as a series getting horribly mistreated and subjected to near-endless terrible stories with only pockets of hope between long stretches of shit.

Jonathan Hickman’s refreshing of the X-Men is built entirely around taking all the absolute rancid garbage the Merry Mutants have suffered through since Decimation and making something out of it — the repeated mutant genocides, the mass slaughter of beloved characters, the pointless revivals of characters that should’ve stayed dead, the derailments of heroes into villains, the woobification of villains into heroes, the snarled and convoluted or abandoned plotlines, the incessant misery, the demonization of humans, the refusal to let the X-Men progress in their goals, the constant spamming of Sentinels, and above all else, the general victimization the comic suffered from people like Ike Perlmutter and Joe Quesada for daring to have its film rights owned by somebody else or wavering off the status quo respectively.

Hickman took all the terrible writing decisions and awful point-missing revamps and stagnant status quos and he fixed them by taking them all to their logical conclusion.

The constant deaths and resurrections was reworked into the mutants conquering death, leading to all the crap deaths being undone and stories examining the logic of a world where death is a revolving door and even the most major of X-Men have lost all fear of it because they just come back when killed brutally. The Sentinel spam was developed into a brilliant larger idea of robots and transhumanity being the “third side” of the mutant-human conflict, then deconstructed by showing how the robots only become antagonistic because of how humans and mutants both mistreat them. The genocides are taken to their logical endpoint; the constantly-victimized and demoralized mutants are manipulated by amoral, power-hungry mutants who exploit the hate crimes and evil humans to get control over their people, luring them into embracing mutant-supremacist viewpoints, turning against humanity, and joining the creepy, radicalizing cult island where the manipulators are on top of course — all mutants equal, but some more equal then others. This, in turn, is used to make the derailments work, as the divide between mutant hero and mutant villain starts to break down, and the X-Men find themselves increasingly divided between those who reject this awful new path and those who embrace it out of despair and anger, creating the horrifying image of once loving and noble heroes like Cyclops or Storm happily standing next to mass murderers like Apocalypse and spouting the same anti-human bile that Magneto used to. Meanwhile, the demonization of humans is reversed and explored, with humans being manipulated with bigotry by amoral, power-hungry members of their own kind in the same way, led to believe that mutants are evil and seek the destruction or subjugation of “baselines” (and some are and do), which is what stirs the pot of tensions and drives humans into creating robots and cyborgs to defend themselves, which backfires and creates the three way man-mutant-machine conflict.

None of this could have worked prior to the rock bottom low point the X-Men were in when Hickman came in. If any prior X-Men writer in any prior time period had tried this, it would’ve been probably the worst X-Men story ever, something completely out of nowhere. But in this specific context of responding to and making the best out of years of mismanagement and bad writing, it ends up being one of the greatest X-Men stories ever instead.

It’s utterly fascinating.

[frenchtipnailart]

How To Properly Use Dry Shampoo

READ MORE: https://mstdn.social/@French_tip_nail

Dry shampoo has become one of those must-have beauty products. This sort of stuff didn’t exist when I was in high school, or even college. Instead, we either put our hair in a big messy bun, or took a damn shower.  

READ MORE: https://pawoo.net/@French_tip_nail

Times have changed and dry shampoo is part of my beauty routine. I just can’t imagine not having this in my beauty arsenal. Dry shampoo is great to help combat excess oil and can also revitalize your hair and help make it smell great. But my question to you is, are you using it correctly?

READ MORE: https://www.stylevore.com/user/French_tip_nail

How To Properly Use Dry Shampoo

While restocking my favorite dry shampoo a few months ago at Sephora, the saleswoman sat me down and showed me the right way to use it. Sure you are just spraying dry shampoo in your hair and rub it in, right? Sorta.

There are a few key steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of this product and really making sure your hair looks its best. Plus, since it’s so pricey, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the can and not wasting any product.

How To Put On Dry Shampoo Step by Step

First, let’s chat about HOW to use dry shampoo. There’s definitely a way to use it to get the best results and so you aren’t going through can after can of this stuff.

Don’t make these common mistakes like applying it too close to your scalp, or only using it on dirty hair! You can use it to revive clean flat hair too to add some volume.

Here is my step by step tutorial on how to properly use dry shampoo for refreshing your hairstyle.

Step One – Shake The Can

Shake the can vigorously to mix it up. Almost every bottle I’ve ever used requires this. This ensures that all of the ingredients are properly mixed and will spray more evenly and effectively into your hair.

Step Two – Section Your Hair And Spray

Section your hair around your face to spray dry shampoo into your part. You’ll then spray about 8-12 inches away from your hairline in small bursts. You don’t want to get TOO close to your scalp so be sure to leave some space.

Also, you don’t need a TON of product. Apply dry shampoo, then move on to the next section. Repeat!

Step Three – Repeat With Other Sections

Move to the next section and repeat these steps until each section has basically turned white. Most dry shampoos will turn white, it’s totally normal.

I have dark hair and although you can buy dark dry shampoos for various hair colors, I don’t like them one bit. I’ve had only bad experiences with them as they can dye your skin or clothes with the color. If you’re using dry shampoo correctly, as in following steps 4 and 5 below, you won’t mind the white on your dark hair.

Step Four – Let It Sit

Leave it! Yup, don’t touch it. Just let it sit there and wait a few minutes for it to settle in to your scalp.

Step Five – Tap The Dry Shampoo Into Your Hair

Tap it in with your fingers. You want to tap your head with your fingertips until the dry shampoo has been absorbed. If tapping doesn’t get all the white residue absorbed, you can gently rub it in. However, I always recommend tapping it in first.

You can also brush it out if you like to remove any residual white powder. For someone with nearly black hair though, Klorane doesn’t leave any white residue after I follow these steps.

When Should You Apply Dry Shampoo?

It’s a common misconception that dry shampoo is to only be used on dirty hair. Not true! Especially with volumizing dry shampoos, you can apply this on clean hair to revive and add volume. While I would personally keep this to a minimum, as living on dry shampoo isn’t GREAT for your hair follicles (more on that below), it can be a good volume boost.

You’ll also benefit the most from absorbing oil in your scalp by applying dry shampoo at night for optimal results. Spray it before heading to bed so it soaks up the oil as you sleep. This way, you wake up looking refreshed with cleaner looking hair.

My Favorite Dry Shampoo

Over time I’ve tested and tried out lots of dry shampoo brands and have a growing collection of favorites.  You can check out this post on some of my favorites as they vary from price point and results.  I will tell you though, there is one stand-out brand that I swear by, Klorane Dry Shampoo.  As in, if I was stranded on a deserted island and I had to pick one dry shampoo, this would be it. It does the best job of absorbing oil and smells amazing.

While Klorane is my go-to dry shampoo, there are several others I do like and use. I have this entire post on some of my favorite dry shampoos at every price point. I really love Living Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo, and for a good drugstore brand, Kristin Ess is also a great option for oily hair!

Klorane Dry Shampoo Review

There are several different types of Klorane dry shampoo you can buy. I go with their basic one. They do have a dark hair one but I just prefer the regular and have never had issues with white residue lingering.

They also have a volumizing dry shampoo and even a detox dry shampoo for super oily scalps. There are lots of options to choose from. But I’m an originalist and love this classic one.

I always keep a full size bottle in my hair drawer. And when I travel, I love their mini travel size one. And if you’re heading to Paris, yes, you should buy some while you’re there because it is significantly cheaper!

Why You Don’t Want To LIVE On Dry Shampoo

You’ll hear some people say that their life is just dry shampoo and coffee. Right? They use it every single day and rarely wash and blow dry their hair because of it. They think that they’re practicing better hair care by saving their ends and growing them out. Wrong. Adding a ton of dry shampoo to your hair every single day is actually DAMAGING your hair. Here’s why.

You Need Oil

Your hair and scalp need oil. It’s there to hydrate your skin, nourish the follicle and keep your scalp from getting dry and itchy. If you use dry shampoo every single day, you’re just drying out the oils.

Which, yes, it’s what the product is supposed to do and is fine to use to extend a day or two. But using it every single day in place of hair washes with a heavy hand over time will do more damage than good.

Dried Cuticles Aren’t Fun

Because you’re removing all the oil with dry shampoo, your cuticles will get dried out. When the cuticle gets dried out the hair isn’t as healthy and strong and it can break off. So the whole thought process of less washing, and more dry shampoo means longer hair since I’m not putting heat on it is totally wrong! Just wash your hair and try a no heat hairstyle to keep the heat off. And let’s not forget a good DIY overnight hair mask to help nourish your hair and scalp!

My hairstylist’s tip…

My beautician recommends you should wash your hair every 3-4 days. So if on day 3 you need a little dry shampoo that’s fine. But she doesn’t recommend adding it for 3 additional days so you can go a whole week out of your style. This will help ensure your follicles stay healthy and you aren’t stripping your scalp of those essential oils.

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Finding the Perfect Deep Shampoo for Natural Hair

Caring for natural hair can often feel like a quest for a hidden treasure, especially when it comes to choosing the right shampoo. Natural hair has distinct texture and moisture requirements, and not every shampoo fits the bill. To keep your natural hair healthy, vibrant, and shiny, you need a deep shampoo that addresses your specific needs—whether they involve growth, scalp What Is A Good Deep Shampoo For Natural Hair health, or moisture retention. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best deep shampoo for your natural hair.

Best Shampoos for Natural Hair Growth

For those prioritizing hair growth, especially when wearing protective styles, shampoos enriched with biotin, castor oil, vitamin E, and rosemary are ideal. These ingredients help stimulate the scalp, support healthy follicles, and improve circulation, all crucial for hair growth. Look for a deep shampoo that combines biotin and peppermint oil to invigorate the scalp while cleaning and refreshing your hair. Opt for sulfate-free formulas to avoid harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils and hinder growth.

Top Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Natural Hair

Sulfates, common in many shampoos, can leave natural hair dry and frizzy, making them a poor choice for curly or coiled textures. Sulfate-free shampoos, on the other hand, clean without removing essential moisture, resulting in softer, more manageable hair. Brands such as SheaMoisture, Mielle Organics, and As I Am offer sulfate-free options that cleanse deeply while maintaining hydration. These shampoos often contain natural oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil to replenish moisture and keep your hair hydrated.

How to Deep Wash Natural Hair

Deep washing is essential for a thorough clean, especially after heavy product use or exposure to environmental stressors. Here’s how to deep wash natural hair effectively:

Pre-Treatment: Apply a natural oil or pre-poo treatment to protect your hair during washing.

Saturate Hair: Wet your hair thoroughly to help the shampoo spread easily.

Shampoo Application: Apply shampoo to your scalp and roots, massaging gently with your fingertips to remove dirt and buildup.

Detangle: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while the shampoo is in, reducing breakage.

Rinse and Repeat: If necessary, repeat the shampooing process to ensure all buildup is removed.

Natural Shampoos for Dandruff

Dandruff can be troublesome, but natural shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and salicylic acid can help. These ingredients soothe the scalp and tackle flakes without irritation. A great choice is Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, which detoxifies with charcoal and nourishes with coconut oil.

Best Drugstore Deep Shampoos for Natural Hair

Quality deep shampoos don’t have to be expensive. Affordable options from drugstore brands like Cantu, Aussie Moist, and OGX offer excellent hydration and cleansing properties for natural hair. For instance, Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, enriched with avocado and jojoba oil, delivers nourishment without a hefty price tag. Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is another great drugstore pick known for its gentle cleansing and deep moisturizing qualities.

Top Shampoos for 4C Hair

4C hair, known for its tight coils and tendency to dry out, benefits from thick, creamy shampoos packed with emollients. Look for products containing coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil to lock in moisture and prevent breakage. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Conditioning Shampoo is ideal for 4C hair as it moisturizes while cleansing. Pair it with a deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair soft and manageable.

Best Shampoos for Hair Growth and Thickness Without Chemicals

If you’re aiming for hair growth and thickness without harmful chemicals, choose shampoos free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrances. NatureLab Tokyo’s Perfect Volume Shampoo, with rice protein and apple stem cells, promotes natural growth and thickness. Another excellent option is Pura D’or Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo, rich in biotin and argan oil, which strengthens and supports hair growth.

Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Natural Hair Growth

For optimal hair growth, use a shampoo and conditioner duo that strengthens and hydrates. TGIN’s Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Duo is an excellent choice, offering cleansing without stripping and deep moisture replenishment. Alternatively, SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner provide reparative ingredients that support growth and thickness.

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Restore Freshness With Professional Deodorisation Services Melbourne Offers

As you walk into your home or business, the first thing you notice is a musty odor that seems to linger in the air. No matter how much you clean or air out the space, you can't seem to get rid of that stale smell. Don't let unpleasant odors bring down the ambiance and comfort of your property. Restore the freshness with professional deodorisation services that leading Melbourne restoration company Melbourne Flood Master provides. In just one session, their expert technicians can thoroughly clean your ducts, vents, carpets, and fabrics to eliminate unwanted scents at their source. With powerful tools and solutions, they can tackle even the toughest odors so you can once again enjoy clean, odor-free air. Don't settle for living with unpleasant smells. Discover how deodorisation services Melbourne from the provider can revive the air quality and refreshment of your home or workplace.

Why Hire Professional Deodorisation Services in Melbourne?

Highly Trained and Experienced Technicians

Professional deodorisation services in Melbourne employ technicians with extensive training and years of experience in odor removal. They understand the science behind odors and know how to fully eliminate the odor source, not just mask unpleasant smells. Their expertise and proper equipment help restore freshness.

Use of Advanced Technology and Products

Reputable deodorisation companies utilize industrial-grade products and equipment designed specifically for odor control. From ozone generators to fogging machines to sealants and primers, these technologies are able to penetrate deep into affected areas, oxidize odor molecules and create a barrier to prevent the return of smells. DIY odor removal attempts often only provide temporary relief.

Safer and More Effective Methods

Professionals are able to employ methods that fully remove odors in a safe manner without the use of harsh chemicals. Their techniques neutralize smells at the molecular level. Amateur attempts using over-the-counter sprays, candles or bleach can be unsafe, ineffective and release toxic fumes. It is best to trust odor removal to the experts.

Save Time, Money and Hassle

Hiring a professional deodorisation service to restore freshness and eliminate unpleasant smells in a residential or commercial property is often less expensive than repeated failed DIY attempts. Their experience and effectiveness get the job done right the first time, saving you money, time and hassle in the long run. Your satisfaction and a fresh-smelling property are guaranteed.

The Deodorisation Process - How It Removes Odors for Good

Deodorisation is an effective process for eliminating unwanted odors in homes and commercial spaces. Professionals use industrial-strength deodorisers and scrubbers to fully remove odors at their source. ###The process begins with locating the source of the odor.

Technicians will do a thorough inspection of the area to pinpoint where the odor is originating from. This may involve using moisture detectors to identify any water damage that could be causing musty smells, or using specialized odor detection equipment to track the scent to its source.

Once the source has been found, the area is pre-treated. Technicians scrub, clean, and apply deodorizing agents to the location where the smell is strongest. They may scrub carpets, vents, baseboards, subfloors and other areas to lift the odor from surfaces before main treatment.

Main deodorization treatment is then applied. Powerful odor neutralizers, counteractants and enzymes are used to eliminate smells at a molecular level. These are applied in high concentrations, often as an aerosol spray, fog, or with scrubbers. The area is then sealed to allow the treatments to fully absorb and neutralize the odor over 12 to 48 hours.

A follow-up visit ensures the odor has been eradicated. Technicians will re-inspect the area to determine if any residual smells remain. Additional treatments are applied as needed until no odor can be detected. The area is then unsealed, allowing the space to be used as normal once again odor-free.

With professional deodorisation, even the toughest of smells can be removed completely and permanently. Homeowners and business owners can rest assured that their space will be fresh and odor-free for the long term.

Finding the Best Deodorisation Company in Melbourne for Your Needs

Experience and Expertise

When choosing a deodorisation company, look for one with extensive experience in the field. An established company will have the expertise to handle any deodorisation job. They will be familiar with the latest techniques and equipment to eliminate even the toughest odors. Melbourne Flood Master, for example, has over 20 years of experience providing deodorisation services in Melbourne. Their technicians are highly trained and certified to remediate various odors from smoke damage, sewage spills, animal droppings and more.

Range of Services

The top deodorisation companies offer a range of services to meet any residential or commercial need. In addition to eliminating odors from fire and water damage, they should handle odors from mold, pets, trash and general mustiness. Melbourne Flood Master, for instance, offers air duct cleaning, carpet cleaning and dryer vent cleaning in addition to standard deodorisation services. They use hospital-grade deodorisers and disinfectants to sanitize the source of odors and leave spaces smelling fresh.

Reliability and Responsiveness

When odors become overpowering, you need a deodorisation company that will respond quickly. The best companies provide 24-hour emergency service and same-day response times. They show up on time with a fully-equipped truck and the necessary tools and supplies to complete the job efficiently. Melbourne Flood Master guarantees a response within 60 minutes for emergency calls in Melbourne. Their technicians remain on-site until the odor issue has been resolved and customers are satisfied.

Choosing a deodorisation company with a proven track record of experience, expertise and reliability will give you confidence that your odor problem will be resolved effectively. After the technicians have deodorised and sanitized the space, your home or office will once again smell fresh and inviting. Melbourne Flood Master’s deodorisation services aim to restore spaces to their pre-odor condition and provide customers with a sense of comfort in their surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional deodorisation services Melbourne offers can restore your home or business to a fresh, clean state. By hiring a reputable company to thoroughly clean your carpets, furniture, and ductwork, you can eliminate stubborn odors and improve your indoor air quality. Don't wait until odors become overpowering. Schedule deodorisation services today to nip smells in the bud. With the right equipment and solutions, professionals can tackle even the toughest odor problems. Give your space a deep clean and breathe easy again. Deodorisation services provide an effective solution for revitalizing stale environments in Melbourne homes and offices. Take control of unwanted scents and enjoy the benefits of a fresher, healthier indoor atmosphere.

[shesgabrielle]

Doctor Who #2

Just finished (nearly) Season 1. I forgot Ecclestone was only there for one season, it feels like longer when you watch the normal non-internet way of once weekly, as I did at the time. The plot twists in the newer seasons particularly feel extremely fast, but I think if it was viewed the traditional way (which streaming services actually punish - binge watching is seen as the only good metric) the build up and payoff is more rewarding. I skipped the second episode of the gas masks one because I remembered the ending (and the character(s) saying mummy 1000 times was getting annoying, though I appreciate the repeated sound being an effective and simple technique to create an ominous atmosphere which Doctor Who uses frequently), and skipped the third slavine one (I might return to it). I like Billie/Rose's temporary anime transformation into an all-seeing time being at the end, but I couldn't tell you what happened in the rest of that episode since I tune out when it gets too daleky (I swear they shoehorn cybermen and daleks into plotlines solely for copyright-refreshing reasons, like is anyone out there hooting and hollering when they see a dalek or cyberman?) Tennant looks like a fresh-faced 80s baby in his leather jacket here in his first episode, I remember I took a while to warm to him at the time, since he had played a bad guy in some tv show broadcast recently prior, but I like him now - he's very endearing and intense in the newest (plot wrapup/revival) three episodes.