#alma answers

[haus-mom]

8, 9, 16 :)

UNAAAAAAAAAAAA THANK YOU SM <33333

8. Common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

Gonna get my ass kicked for this, but Mizuki is not confirmed nonbinary and their arc is actually very far from being about that. "But they use they/them pronouns!" In the English translation, sure, but I feel like the translators have gotten themselves in some sort of loop they can't come out of. I understand that their gender is officially "?" but others referring to Mizuki with they/them doesn't make sense, since they're fem presenting.

It's so incosistent too! Kanade uses she/her for Mizuki to herself ONCE and then resumes using they/them

I think I've mentioned this a few times, but I would've done it very differently. N25 is not aware of Mizuki's genderfuckery, and they're fem presenting, so it's likely they'd use she/her. Same with people who are vaguely acquaintanced with them, like Tsukasa, Shizuku or Emu. Akito is aware of the rumours, but him not telling Ena means he couldn't care less, so it's likely he'd use she/her too.

What about An and Rui, who are aware of Mizuki's identity? That's the complicated part, since they'd give away Mizuki's gender. I guess I'd do my best to avoid using gendered pronouns? It'd be kinda hard, but at least it'd MAKE SENSE. If they're talking about Mizuki to other characters, they'd probs use she/her too regardless.

I haven't really read the new JP event, but they probably don't clear anything up when it comes to Mizuki's gender. I was hoping Mizuki's sister would say something like "oh mizuki's my sister/whatever" but in the summary I've read, as sweet as it seems, we're still kept in the dark. Oh well.

"But that'd be misgendering!" YES! THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR GENDER! PEOPLE TEND TO ASSUME! Plus, if Mizuki's not a trans girl not saying pronouns = gender, that's not what i'm going for here or nonbinary, and they're just an otokonoko (unlikely, but they can still pussy out, even though they had Mizuki singing villain, but whateeeeeeever), wouldn't they/them be misgendering them too?

It's frustrating, like, if you hc Mizuki as nb that's fine, but can people please stop going for the throats of those who use she/her for them? Not that hard, I promise!

9. Worst part of canon

Canon seems to be hellbent on having some duos as default, with little to no deviations. Leo/Need does this the least, but sometimes they do fall into Ichika+Saki/Honami+Shiho territory.

WxS also doesn't do this often, as it's very well balanced, but when it comes to mix events it's... Not that great. Rui+Emu is surprisingly lacking in content as well, I feel like they're in the background, which is a shame because I like them a lot.

MMJ is truly neutral. We have fun interactions all around, but Airi+Haruka is even worse than Rui+Emu. Please they are THE STRONGEST!!!! give them an event together. I'm sure they'd crush it.

N25 sucks so bad, like so, so, so bad. Most of the time it's Kanade+Mafuyu/Mizuki+Ena. I think they're trying to fix it, but since Mafuyu and Kanade are now roommates, it's... Not really working. Last Kanade event barely had Mafuyu on it, and that's something I really don't like about canon? N25 is overreliant on Mafuyu and sometimes it feels like the other member's problems take a backseat because Mafuyu's are more important. And that sucks. Kanade has it the worst of all because even in events where she miraculously gets away (? from her, she's still thinking of saving her. I get Kanade is very goal-driven and is determined to save her, but... Just Mafuyu? Like in Spojoy when Minori tells Kanade she should take time to herself because she's also important and that she'll be there for her, Kanade instantly thinks "Of course... I want to see Mafuyu smile!" and canon portraying this as a good thing and Kanade improving as a person SUCKS. SUCKS SO BAD. Thanks Kaito for telling her to snap out of it. Samsa is one of the greatest comm songs imo but it's about Mafuyu. The whole event was about Mafuyu's story.

I get it, but they've left Kanade's dad's plotline untouched for TWO WHOLE YEARS, it's what i said about the other member's problems taking a backseat. Mizuki I get, running away is their thing and they seem to be doing good by relating to Mafuyu, but... Augh.

VBS is the poster child for duos. They're the only group where the members don't all use their first names. Just look at their card cameos. And their mix events too... Free them please...

Once I saw someone say "VBS isn't just duos, they have dynamics!" and they sure have them! Wish they got moments to develop them besides card stories and area convos!

16. You can't understand why so many people like this thing

Unironically? Akito x Toya. They're the most milquetoast, boring ship imaginable and nothing interesting ever happens with them. Sometimes you need fluffy ships and I get it, but you can get the same dynamic better within the game itself. To me they're that kind of friends who are super close and thought of dating but they're just so close dating just feels out of the question lol

The way they met doesn't make sense. Like, Akito saw Toya singing and went "oh i want this one", even though he was doing street music just to piss his dad off. Then he sees Kohane and goes "i want that hamster OBLITERATED", because she "wasn't taking it seriously", it just doesn't make sense! If it was called out sure, but Akito being a hypocrite is never brought up ever again. Their conflict in the main story was pretty dumb too. And from then on they just. Go with the flow. I love Toya and Akito separately so please let them be apart.

Whoever has talked to me about proseka for more than 5 minutes knows 2 things: I love Tsukasa Tenma and I really, really dislike Kanade x Mafuyu. The fact that they're the most popular ship for one another evades me. Kanade and Mafuyu aren't good for each other AT ALL.

"But Kanade is doing her best to save Mafuyu!" That's exactly the thing! At the beginning of the game, Kanade was constantly trying her best to save Mafuyu, and Mafuyu in exchange worried about Kanade... Because she's trying to save her. Kanade saw Mafuyu as a big wall, something to prove she's capable of saving others with her music.

"They got better! Kanade sees Mafuyu as a friend now!" ... And Mafuyu is still the same. Ena told her that the least she could do is thank her in Carnation Recollection, but did she? No, she but she was nicer... To Emu. Mafuyu, at least up until Ena's second focus, still wants Kanade to keep composing for her sake. I know she's been bending over backwards to please others since forever and N25 is her safe place to rest, but Ena is right. The least she could do is thank her.

"Since they're living together, Mafuyu is taking care of Kanade!" ... Is she really? She just cleans around a bit, but as for eating and having a better sleeping schedule, Mafuyu is just as bad. Does Mafuyu have to take care of Kanade? Not really, it's not her obligation. But Mafuyu never does anything to stop Kanade from indulging into her unhealthy habits, including overworking herself. Some people keep talking about toxic yuri and... There it is! I have no problem if it's being portrayed like that, but most portrayals have it be wholesome and good, and it isn't, not at all.

Like with Akit-ya I can see why people ship them! They're cute! Kan-mafu though... That's another story.

[thebramblewood]

Julia Zhao in The Mystery of the Copperdale Creep

Previous / Next

Julia's Playlist: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Location and music overlays by @pxltown

Julia: [lowers headphones] Double scoop of strawberry, please.

Elli: Dude, have you even read past the headlines? There's no way that thing's human!

Guy: Yes, I can read, and it doesn't sound like any animal I've ever heard of.

Elli: What is it then, some sort of eldritch creature of the dark?

Alma: Does it matter? The lesson, burnouts, is stop getting high as fuck in the woods at night.

Elli: Well, then where are we supposed to do it?

Julia: What the heck are you guys talking about?

Alma: Oh, hey, Jules!

Guy: We figured you were too cool for us lowly pier-dwellers.

Elli: Yeah, now that you're a style icon and all. [snickers]

Julia: Shut up! I'm never going to live that down, am I?

Elli, Guy, and Alma in unison: NOOOOOPE.

Julia: It was an online exclusive. Hardly anyone even saw it!

Alma: Your Social Bunny follower count says otherwise.

Julia: Whatever. So are the tourists making Sasquatch claims again?

Elli: Aren't they always?

Alma: It's the terminal brain rot, I fear.

Guy: Joke about the out-of-towners all you want, but I take the word of locals like gospel.

Alma: Especially when it's your druggie friends rambling about their bad trips.

Guy: It's not just them, okay? It's in the papers! Something is attacking people in the woods after dark. It comes from out of

nowhere. All anyone recalls is being tackled by a flying black blur then pinned to the ground with inhuman force and fucking pierced

by needle-sharp teeth. This thing takes enough blood to leave them just barely alive, and the crazy part is it seems sorry after, like it just can't help itself. It dumps them by the roadside where they'll be seen

so they don’t bleed out. They call it the Copperdale Creep.

Julia: [scoffs in disbelief] This town is nuts. And you guys have been watching too many scary movies.

Guy: If you don't believe me, just check the front page of the Courier!

Elli: Skate solo at your own peril, Jules!

Alma: It's broad daylight, cowards. She'll be fine.

-

Julia: Banjo, we’d better run inside before the Copperdale Creep snatches us up! Wait till Helena gets a load of this, huh, boy?

[knocking vigorously] Helena, open up! You'll never believe what I just heard. There’s some sort of violent maniac on the loose!

Banjo: [scratching and whining]

Julia: Helena, are you okay? [wiggles doorknob] You've been locked in there since last night.

Banjo: [aggressive barking]

Julia: Can't you hear how much Banjo wants to see you? Helena?...

Helena: Go away, Julia!

Julia: But-

Helena: Leave me alone. I'm fine.

[sokkas-first-fangirl]

Fluff prompt: The first time little Dolores said Bruno's name

I love them, your honour 💕

Dolores was a year old. She'd already lisped, "Mamí" and "Papí," and now it seemed that everyone was eager to hear what she'd say next. Would she say the name of an object, or another family member?

"Can you say Abuela?" Alma cooed, poking Dolores's nose. "Hm? Abuela?"

Dolores only squeaked and giggled. Pepa was preparing some lunch for her when Bruno walked into the kitchen. He looked exhausted and there was still a faint emerald shimmer to his eyes.

"You okay, Bruno?" Pepa asked.

"Eh..." He blew a raspberry, ignoring Alma's sighed request to Please act his age.

At the sight of him, Dolores perked up in her high-chair. It was a typical sight; she held out her tiny fists, wriggling eagerly, her eyes bright and her smile wide. She squeaked again and again.

Bruno glanced at Pepa for permission. When Pepa nodded, he lifted Dolores up, cradling her close.

"Hola, mí luz," he said softly. "Have you been good?"

"B'uno!" Dolores cried in delight.

They all froze. Pepa nearly dropped the spoon. Alma stared in surprise, but her expression softened as Dolores once more said, "B'uno!" and tugged on Bruno's hair.

For a moment, Pepa thought her brother was about to start crying. His eyes watered, but his grin was as bright as the rainbow above Pepa's head.

"Yeah," he said as Dolores giggled and rested her little chin on his shoulder. "That's me."

"B'uno," Dolores said again. "Mamí! B'uno!"

"Sí, baby!" Pepa laughed. Her rainbow grew in size and brightness. "That's your Tio Bruno!"

[yellowcry]

For Garish AU, how does the dinner scene play out? Assuming, it still happens (if so, who is getting engaged? And what is Mirabel made to get/do, in place of Luisa?) or does something else happen in its place?

Dolores is finally getting proposed to Mariano without any Isabelas on her way. Camilo had sneaked into Julieta's room like Agustin just when Isabela was looking for a vision. Thinking that it's her dad, she was too existed to actually go out. Instead, she started to put the pieces in her parent's room with the help of 'Agustin'. Then it's her in front of breaking Casita. Camilo's bad at keeping his mouth shut.

Mirabel wasn't made to carry anything, as it won't really make sense without a gift. Instead, she just spots the cracks and yells to everyone about it. It's surely too serious to be ignored. Dolores is somehow aware that there's something that's going on, but she wasn't really listening to Isabela's adventure with the celebration preparations.

While people are either freaking out because of the cracks or because of a vision with breaking Casita, animals are collecting the pieces so Alma will see a vision where, to her suprise she sees Isabela. Because you don't think Bruno had no explanation of what he saw at the night of Mirabel's ceremony, do you?

[foreveranevilregal]

Hii! I just started reading ur stuff and love it!❤️❤️

So if u dont mind can u do one where antonio wanders off with his animals and its up to mirabel and the rest of the family to find him?

Thanks!! Keep it up love these😍😍❤️

Hi, thank you so much! I appreciate that a lot! I'm sorry this took so long...I've had some writer's block but hopefully it's over now. Hope you like this!

Dinnertime in the Madrigal family tended to be a chaotic affair. With the various family members busy helping around town or running errands all day, it was a wonder they could eat together at all. But Alma insisted, and Julieta agreed, that they should try to eat together as a family. So, one way or another, they’d find their way back to their casita by dinnertime.

Usually, this involved some level of hunting people down. The Madrigals would rarely all be congregated at home by the time dinner rolled around, as their gifts and abilities were useful around town. Demand for them to use their gifts for others’ benefit had definitely lessened since they got their gifts back; the townspeople had learned how to take care of many things independently in the intervening months and were trying to keep it that way. But there were always new parents who needed rest and appreciated Camilo’s babysitting services for a stint. Or farmers needing some intervention when inclement weather struck. Or people with grave injuries in need of healing (Julieta and Isabela had taken it upon themselves to teach people some more basic healing techniques using plants and herbs after realizing just how burned out the two of them were). Or those stubborn donkeys that just kept getting out…

By the time Julieta announced dinner was ready, the kitchen was usually abuzz with inquiries as to people’s whereabouts and requests to get them back home, all overlapping in glorious cacophony.

“Dolores, go find your brother.”

“Where is he, mamá?”

“I’m not sure…last I heard he was helping señor Gonzalez who threw out his back fix his roof.”

“Wait, why wouldn’t Luisa help?”

“I think she was dealing with some other crisis at the time- where is Luisa anyway?”

“I’m right here, tía, what’s going on?”

“We’re looking for Camilo.”

“Well you found him!”

“Ay, Milo, that isn’t funny! You’re gonna give your poor mamá a heart attack!”

“Camilo, stop changing into your cousins.”

“Sorry, papá…”

“We still don’t know where Luisa is.”

“I’m right here, tía.”

“That’s not funny, Camilo.”

“I’m over here, mamá.”

“Ayyyy, who else is still missing?”

“Well, Antonio was helping me with the donkeys, is he back yet?”

“Antonio!”

Everyone stopped running abruptly, bumping into each other. Camilo winced, rubbing his forehead which had unfortunately hit Luisa’s side in the mayhem. Isabela picked up the shards of the plate she broke after colliding with Dolores. The latter mumbled an awkward apology, cradling her own elbow gingerly. Mirabel was off to the side, assessing the damage. Thankfully, the food had been spared, but otherwise the kitchen looked like a tornado had passed through it.

Judging by Pepa’s erratic breathing, this wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. She leaned against the counter, gripping it so tightly her knuckles turned white, and squeezed her eyes shut. A breeze batted around the loose tendrils of her hair as she tried desperately to calm herself.

“Antonio was helping you with the donkeys?” She repeated weakly, fanning her face with her hand.

Luisa nervously shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Yeah. It was his idea actually. He figured it would be easier to corral the donkeys if he talked to them rather than having me carry them around town.” She stretched her arm carefully, groaning after a point. “I ran into him after finishing up moving the bridge, again, and he could see my shoulder was hurting me, so he volunteered to take care of the donkeys himself.”

Julieta let out a soft gasp, covering her open mouth with her hand. “You got hurt, Lu? Why didn’t you say anything, querida?” Turning around, she rummaged around the basket by the door and fished out a buñuelo. “Here.” She held it out towards her daughter.

Luisa shrugged, accepting the proffered food and taking a bite. She gave her arm another tentative stretch, sighing in relief when she could actually stretch it all the way. “Thanks, mamá. I guess I didn’t think it was that bad? I figured I’d just take some of your food later, like I always do,” she added as an afterthought.

“Like you always-“ Julieta started incredulously, but was interrupted by Pepa holding up her hand.

“Luisa, I’m sorry you got hurt, and you shouldn’t be trying to hide it, but right now my son is missing.” She clapped her hands to emphasize her point. “Can we continue this conversation after we’ve found him?”

Julieta nodded her acquiescence, but her lips pressed together in a thin line. “We’ll talk about this later, Luisa,” she said, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Let’s go find Antonio.”

Haphazardly, the Madrigals made their way outside and followed Luisa as she led them through town.

“Okay, last I saw him was by señor Martinez’s house, but he was heading towards the runaway donkeys, which were by the church,” Luisa narrated to herself, turning decisively to the right.

“It makes a lot more sense for Antonio to deal with them, seeing as he can just talk to them,” Mirabel commented. “Why did anyone even think it was a good idea to make you haul them around on your back when Antonio could just convince them to go home?”

“Because they are tontos who don’t think, just like they can’t fix that stupid gate once and for all so the donkeys stop getting out in the first place,” Pepa muttered under her breath darkly, nostrils flaring as she continued marching under her heavy cloud.

“Ay, Pepa, don’t speak like that,” Alma scolded halfheartedly. “We should be kind to our neighbors.”

“They can start by being kind and not sending my children on fool’s errands. Then I’ll reconsider striking their yards with a lightning bolt. Idiotas…” Pepa kept up a steady stream of curses and insults under her breath, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

“She has a point, mamá.” Julieta placed her hand on Alma’s shoulder gently. “That gate has been loose for ages and no one has bothered to fix it. Wouldn’t it be much easier to fix it once than to ask us to bring the donkeys back all the time?”

“The town has kind of been taking advantage of the Madrigal gifts now that they’re back,” Agustín pointed out quietly. “Running to the family for help anytime something goes even slightly wrong. I try not to, but even I go to Julieta more often than I should.” He looked down in shame.

“Shh, amor, it’s not your fault you’re so allergic to bees.” Julieta patted his cheek affectionately. “Or that you keep finding them.”

“They’re everywhere!”

“He is right though.” Félix spoke up. He held Pepa protectively in his arms as they walked. “How many times do people ask for Luisa’s help instead of trying to figure out another way? And how often would people beg Bruno for visions rather than just plan their lives? Or ask you to heal the smallest of injuries? I get that paper cuts can be annoying but they’re not so bad to need magical healing, ¿eh?” He raised his hands with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

“I suppose you’re right…” Alma trailed off, frowning.

“And what about Isa, having to conjure up plants all the time?” Mirabel chimed in. “Or Camilo, pulling babysitting duty constantly? Dolores, always having to keep an ear out for news? And poor tía Pepa! Anytime the weather isn’t what people want, she’s expected to make it up. ‘Make it sunny, make it rain, we don’t care how, just make it happen!’” She imitated mockingly. “Is it any wonder she made a hurricane on her wedding day?”

“I’m about to make a hurricane right now if we don’t find Antonio soon,” Pepa threatened. “Luisa, he has to have brought the donkeys back by now. Why don’t we check back there?”

“Good idea, tía,” she responded, but exchanged an uneasy glance with her mother, eyes darting towards the lightning now lining Pepa’s cloud. Clearly the two agreed that it would not be a good idea to bring Pepa within striking distance of the donkeys’ enclosure.

By this point, night had begun to fall. Pepa’s anxiety became even more palpable; wringing her hands and breaking away from the group, walking briskly in front of them. She stopped abruptly, narrowly avoiding another multi-Madrigal collision. “Dolores. Can you try to hear where he is?”

Dolores furrowed her brow. “I can try. It’s noisy tonight though. I’ll need to focus.”

“Please, Lola.” Pepa begged, shaking her shoulder. “I realize we ask too much of you, of each other really, but this is important.”

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it. I just said it’s noisy.” Dolores closed her eyes and screwed up her face, concentrating. “I can make out his voice. It’s coming from that direction.” She pointed.

“By the river?” Alma sounded doubtful. “Why would he go there?” A shadow passed over her face.

Dolores shrugged. “It can be a nice place to go think.”

“You like to go there too?” Isabela asked her curiously.

Dolores nodded. “Wait, ‘too’? You go to the river?”

“I like to look at the plants. Ones I don’t have to create. They’re beautiful.”

“It’s calm and peaceful there,” Julieta said. “Away from the hustle and bustle of town…”

“No one telling you how to feel...”

“No one telling you what to do…”

“You can just…exist.” Mirabel exhaled.

Alma stared at all of them in turn. “Are you telling me all of you like to go to the river? And you never ran into each other?”

“I’d go when I didn’t hear anyone there,” Dolores explained.

“I preferred to go in the early mornings,” Julieta admitted.

“And I’d go late at night,” Pepa added.

“I’d go when people were too busy to notice I was gone.” Isabela shrugged.

“Me too, except it was easier for me. No one really cared if I was gone.”

A heavy silence hung after Mirabel’s admission.

“Mira…” Julieta brushed the hair out of her face. “You know that’s not true, right? Of course we care. Ay, after Casita fell, I almost died of worry.” She shuddered at the memory.

“I know, mamá.” Mirabel smiled at her reassuringly. “Things were different before though.”

“As much as I love this touching moment, can we go find Antonio now?” Pepa cut in, a frantic edge to her voice. “It’s dark, and he’s all by himself.” She started walking again, and the rest followed suit.

“Maybe not.” Dolores tilted her head towards the river. “Someone is with him. I hear him talking with Antonio.”

“Ay, Dios…” Pepa ground her teeth. “Mi pobrecito Antonio, out there all alone with no one to protect him.”

“From tío Bruno?” Dolores laughed. “That’s who’s with him, you know.”

“Wait.” Everyone did a double take. “He’s not with us?”

“How did we all miss that?” Agustín wondered.

“He wasn’t with us at home either,” Félix observed.

“I guess we’re not used to him being back yet?” Mirabel offered in explanation. “Since none of us noticed he wasn’t here?”

“He also liked to sneak off before he…” Alma cleared her throat. “Sometimes I thought his gift was invisibility, the way he’d just disappear.”

Pepa pressed on, undeterred. “Come on, guys. We’re almost there.”

“You heard the lady!” Félix waved his hand as he bounded over the hill and joined Pepa in running down to the riverbank.

Antonio was indeed there, with some very strange company. Bruno sat on the ground, cross-legged, and an assortment of creatures surrounded them. Half a dozen rats danced on what appeared to be a makeshift stage. A couple capybaras were chilling in the water. And, as always, Antonio’s jaguar, Parce, lounged lazily nearby.

“Antonio!” Pepa exclaimed, nearly tackling the child as she enveloped him in her arms.

“Mamá! What are you doing here?” Antonio asked curiously.

“Ay Toñito, we’ve been looking for you for so long! You missed dinner, and it’s dark out now.” She peppered his face with kisses aggressively, pulling away suddenly. “What were you thinking?”

“I didn’t realize it had gotten so late,” Antonio defended, wiping his face off with his arm. “Tío Bruno and I came down here after I finished helping Luisa with the donkeys- which took like half an hour. Those donkeys sure are stubborn!” He shook his head in disbelief. “Anyway, I ran into tío Bruno who was coming down here and wanted me to join him.”

Pepa blinked slowly, eyes drifting from one to the other, trying to absorb all this information. “And the animals?” She asked weakly.

“They just follow me around wherever I go,” Antonio stated matter-of-factly. “Check it out, tío Bruno wrote a new play, and we’ve been rehearsing it together!”

“We?” Félix asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Me and the animals, of course. Well, I’m mostly helping tío Bruno direct, but I think the rats have a good grasp on their parts now.”

The older Madrigals stifled a laugh at his precociousness.

“That’s great, Antonio!” Mirabel smiled at him encouragingly.

“Do you guys want to see?” He looked up at them expectantly. Bruno swiveled around to join him as the rats continued tap dancing across the stage.

“We-“ Everyone looked around, unsure how to respond. Luckily, they were spared the trouble.

Camilo’s stomach gurgled loudly. “Antonio, hermanito, you aren’t the only one who missed dinner. We kind of all missed dinner looking for you.”

“Milo!” Pepa looked at him reproachfully.

“What? It’s true! I’m not supposed to say things that are true? Obviously we were gonna look for you if you’re missing, but we did all miss dinner.”

“He is right, tía.” Luisa spoke up, almost bashfully. “It’s way past dinnertime.”

“Maybe we should all head back and eat,” Julieta suggested. “Then you can show us the play once all our tummies are full.”

“Okay…” Antonio started walking reluctantly. “Come on, Parce.” He waved the jaguar over.

“Oh, he is not coming back with us,” Pepa proclaimed. “Absolutely not.”

“But mamááá, he doesn’t want to be away from me. He’s like my pet.”

“Some people have dogs. You have a jaguar.” Pepa shook her head, rubbing circles over her temples. “Fine,” she relented finally. “But he is not sitting with us at the table.”

“Of course not,” Antonio agreed.

Pepa blinked, not expecting this to be so easy. “Good,” she said firmly.

“He’s too big to fit anyway,” Antonio reasoned. “Now the capybaras…”

“No animals at the table!”

“Not even the toucan?”

“Antonio!”

[m-kyunie]

I need you to love me more Love me more, love me more Love enough to fill me up

Love Me More [Mitski]

It's been you and me Since before I was me Without you, I don't yet know Quite how to live If I could keep Anything of you I would keep Just this quiet after you

I Guess [Mitski]

[alwaysspeakshermind]

Who was the worst in The Hunger Games, snow or coin?

Why?

Thank you. @curiousnonny

Oh, man.

I have a *lot* of feelings on this particular subject (one of my favorite things about THG trilogy is that it places in the antagonist role two good examples of my most loathed types of villains: politicians kidding but not really), so thanks for the ask!

Coin:

While I personally despise her subtle, lay-low/don't-strike-until-you-see-the-whites-of-their-eyes approach, I respect her commitment to winning, and I love that she was the one who got to unseat Snow.

That being said...I can't forgive her for the win-at-all-costs mindset that led her to use some of the most morally-reprehensible tactics I can think of when it comes to fighting (torturing citizens, trying to send a possible political rival to their death, sending the family member of said possible rival to an all but certain doom simply to eliminate the rival's will to live, treating The Other Side's children as expendable, etc.). I think she represents one of the most dangerous types of villains you see (both in fiction and in real life) because she presents herself as the sane, moderate, People's Champion type of leader who stands in opposition to oppression and brutality, but the regime she presents is simply severe and restrictive in different ways she's not advertising, and she is every bit as willing to sit back and watch people die as long as they are not her people...also, she truly doesn't care who she steps on, kicks aside, or ruins in her (quiet) quest for power.

[I also have this theory that she's named Coin because she and Snow have this two-sides-to-the-same-coin duality and we're meant to understand that while she's coming at things from a different angle than Snow, she has the same hunger for power and ruthless desire to maintain stability no matter the human cost.]

Snow:

[Another quick side note: I am a huge proponent of TBOSAS. It's my favorite villain origin story (Marissa Meyer's Fairest is probably the only other book that comes close for me), and I personally think it's Suzanne's Collins' best work and everyone should read it because it shows the fine line/slippery slope between a mindset of understandable self-preservation and the sort of arrogance-driven inhumanity that leads people into committing atrocities against each other or standing back and allowing the atrocities to happen. I will literally never NOT recommend this book but, that being said, I'm not going to reference Snow's actions in this book as they occur outside the realm of THG trilogy.]

While I allow a grudging respect for his logic, strategic efficiency, and commitment to being straightforward/open with Katniss about his dislike for her, I hate Snow's cruelty with a burning passion, and his utter contempt for people he deems "lesser" makes my blood absolutely boil. Yes, pragmatism is a thing. Yes, it is difficult being a leader. Yes, leaders do sometimes face a choice between saving the lives of many at the cost of a few.

But the thing about Snow is that he is simply intent on maintaining power whatever the (human) cost and to me, that crosses a line. No, he isn't the creator of the Games, but he does hold the power to end them. Does he end them? No. Instead, he not only chooses to keep them going, but deliberately finds ways to change the rules in his own favor, thus making an already-unfair, practically hopeless situation that much more unfair and hopeless. To intimidate the districts/instill fear in all citizens outside the Capitol, he makes sure they remember that they are only allowed to exist because of the Capitol's mercy, and that if they want to be allowed to keep that existence, they will have to abide by the Capitol's terms. Sending children into the Games as a form of punishment would be barbaric enough if it were just after the districts' uprising but, as we know from the books, that's not even the case...the children who are being killed in the games are the descendants of the original rebel districts, so forcing them to pay for the supposed sins of their grandparents/possible great-grandparents is beyond evil.

Also, there's this other thing his actions ultimately engineer/shape, and that's the twisted Capitol reality. Like all smart-but-evil dictators, he doesn't just rely on the weeding out of his enemies/the intimidation of the group he has declared "lesser." He also uses the Capitol citizens and their (very natural, very human) desire for peace and prosperity to create allies for himself by reinforcing this idea of Us vs Them, by drawing a distinction between Capitol children (precious, must be protected at all costs) and District children (expendable, animalistic, Other™ ). It's not a new tactic; it's one all kinds of groups/armies/organizations/governments use to engender hate and distrust, but it's a highly effective one in a world like the Capitol, where everyday life is so shiny and fun and distracting that it's easy for people to detach themselves from the reality that they're watching 24 children murder each other every year. And the thing about that, even if the Capitol citizens don't know it (or pretend not to know it), is that Snow encouraging them to celebrate the Games and view the districts as less than human is also costing the Capitol citizens their humanity in return (aka, panem et circenses, where you shelve or hand over your morality in exchange for food/comfort/entertainment etc.). So, altogether, while Snow is not actively getting his hands dirty by killing people himself (excluding those poison deaths, possibly), he is routinely arranging the murders of innocents, recruiting and corrupting (or destroying) everyone he possibly can, and he's doing it all in the name of peace.

All of those things combined pretty much enrages me, so ultimately, my opinion boils down to this:

Both Coin and Snow are effective leaders and terrible people whose desire for power and control push them into crossing lines that should not be crossed. But out of the two, Snow is the worst.

[isaksbestpillow]

It's 5 am and I'm trying to sleep but it's bright outside and the forest is so loud and I have a huge dog in my bed that thinks I need to be passionately protected from a screaming pheasant, send help

[prophetic-hijinks]

Love your stories. <3

When Bruno is explaining Elena to his mother, Alma seems hesitant about her until Bruno mentions that they have twins in the future. Does Elena ever get the vibe from Alma that she doesn't like her?

Back when my story had more grit, I did play with the concept of Alma being an antagonist, a woman insistent in her ways. But as the story came along, and became a lot cozier and softer, so did Alma.

Alma is hesitant with a lounge singing, divorcée woman being her future daughter in law it’s true. It’s kind of a reasonable position for an old-fashioned woman, in a traditional Catholic village. Also, a position Elena is used to from other matriarchs in the city, who would praise Elena’s temperament and goodness, but also advise their sons away from her. She bore a scarlet letter of sorts, which is also why she kept on ending up with men from the club. men from church would be hesitant to start a relationship.

But Alma in Hijinks has had two years to learn a valuable lesson. To stop worrying about perfection and how to be mindful how she expresses criticism.

Alma knows her opinion on Elena doesn’t really matter, the marriage and babies will come and the vision tablet proves it. And she is careful not to be critical of Bruno and his choices, after how much she has hurt him in the past.

So Alma’s hesitancy is usually in the form of questions or comments, that are definitely skirting around the elephant in the room.

“The Encanto is so far from the city, I hope you’ll avoid such a stressful drive and choose employment closer to home.”

“Oh you hate the smell of cigarettes? Julio has a stage in his restaurant and he doesn’t allow smokers in the building. Isn’t that perfect?”

“Padre Flores has accepted your story about the anullment so you can have a proper Catholic Church wedding! Isn’t it wonderful?”

So Elena catches these comments of mild disapproval, but she also catches how Alma has tempered them. And as is Elena’s nature, she assumes the best in Alma and let’s her annoyances go.

Eventually, Alma feels a kinship with the only Madrigal in the family that has experienced the strife of the world outside the Encanto. A child without parents, who experienced hunger and poverty, and understands war both locally and abroad. In turn, Elena has a healthy respect, and understanding of why Alma is so protective of it, and how that can make someone controlling.

Eventually, Alma forgets all her quibbles and is fairly maternal towards Elena, and is delighted Elena comes to her for advice with handling multiple babies.

—————————

[toaverse]

What about an AU where Antonio is actually the son of Dolores and some guy from the village (not Mariano) but was raised by Felix and Pepa, with nobody (or nearly nobody) knowing the truth?

O.O

When Dolores was 15, she met a guy named Omar. He was kind, handsome, and payed far more attention to her than her parents and family ever did.

So, naturally, Dolores fell for him.

They started dating behind the family's back, and Dolores couldn't be happier. Finally, someone who actually cares about her.

Well, until she found out she was pregnant a week before her 16th birthday...

When Dolores told Omar, he accused her of lying and that the baby isn't his, before breaking up with her...

Feeling extremely alone and having nobody, Dolores decided to tell the family, who immediately want her to marry the father...

"Dolores should be wed to the father." Alma decided with the whole family in the room, not even bothering to discus it with Dolores.

But the worst part? Pepa and Félix agreed in an instant.

The marriage itself didn't go through in the end, because Omar left the village to start a new life in the city.

So, Alma suggests another solution...

"Pepa and Félix should raise the baby." She decided. "Sorry Dolores, but you're too young to raise a child."

"But I wanna keep it..." Dolores says, already bonding with her child. She may just be 16, but she feels ready. "I want to care for him or her-"

"You're too immature!" Pepa snaps at her daughter, thundering. "You're gonna give him or her to us, and never discuss this again. Or you're not welcome in this family anymore!"

Having absolutely no choice in the matter, Dolores agreed...

For the remaining 8 months, she bonded with the baby while basically being forbidden to leave Casita, while her mother pretended to be pregnant and getting all the congratulations instead...

And in may, her son was born. Dolores didn't even get to hold him, let alone name him...

Her parents named him Antonio, and he will be raised to think she was his older sister...

[haus-mom]

AUGHF 🥺 THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS IN THE TAGS MEME. I GOT A BIT EMO OVER THEM you're so sweet, I'm glad you're enjoying my clowning in the tags!!

Also Chibita can bite the Pope for all I care, he has a permit. (The permit is a napkin where I scribbled "Chibita can do whatever he wants — Mar Maraierba")

YEAH OF COURSE!!!! siempre estoy ahí para apoyar a mis compas hispanos 😎💪specially since, as i said, you're super funny and kind!!!

also the reason why i lost it at the chibita-yuuichi accidental comparison because chibita is just. unhinged. he bites people. he commits tax evasion but it's okay, we forgive him, he has a permit!!!

yuuichi on the other hand is a child who killed an entire town minus a few other kids, and planned on killing them too but decided to basically have them fight for their life at a death (? game because why not you know? (his reasoning verbatim) and when the protag was like "oh wow you went through a super fucked up thing but you know what. i can help you. all you need to do is literally just do better and keep living." and he went "haha don't feel like it. i'm killing you instead <3"

he's also the funniest, he would rather explode than take anything seriously and talk about his feelings, he would rather explode SO HARD he split into two different people. he's canonically gay and his first actual appereance has to be seen to be believed. that sassy latin song plays whenever he shows up no matter how serious the situation is. his catchphrase is "vamos cantar!" because he saw it on tv. he got asked why he was doing all those murder and bad stuffs and he replied by quoting an ad. he's literally a fucked up baby. but he's my fucked up baby

[cannibalthoughts]

The rain began once the shock wore off: when the frightened questions rose and Mirabel, freshly five, started to sob. A town’s worth of guests departed early, damp and nervous. Casita’s doors closed gingerly behind them, as if she, too, felt uncertain, and the warmth of the party gave way to chill quiet.

The night after Mirabel’s gift ceremony goes from bad to worse.

For Encantober day 7: storm

[willyhoos]

cdi zelda when link pays attention to something that isn't her for 5 seconds (he's not allowed to do that)

(still beneath cut)

[sokkas-first-fangirl]

Mirabel Birthday prompt: Mirabel watching as the entire family does a horrible job of acting normal while they plan a surprise party

🙂

Her family were terrible actors sometimes. For a family of people who were so good at hiding their feelings, thoughts and stress, they were terrible at hiding when they were planning something.

Mirabel could admit, that included her. When she was planning a surprise, she knew her giddiness hinted at something. But she couldn't help it! She just got so excited!

And so it went for the rest of her family. Her birthday was coming up, two weeks away now, and it was painfully obvious they were hiding something. Conversations stopped when she entered the room. Dolores squeaked frequently and refused to make eye-contact. Luisa giggled at random. Antonio kept giving her a beaming smile and asked her questions like, "Do you want a new dress?"

Yeah. Obvious.

The front doors opened and Casita suddenly rattled the floor, hastily pushing Mirabel towards Abuela.

"Ah, Mira!" Abuela's smile was a little too wide and she looked worriedly at the doors as Félix came running in, doing a poor job of hiding the armful of wrapping paper rolls in his arms, and a big bag of what looked like balloons. "Perhaps you could help me with something in town, amor?"

"Sure, Abuela," Mirabel said with an amused smirk. "What is it?"

Abuela plainly hadn't thought that far ahead. She gave an undignified, sputtering cough and quickly steered Mirabel towards the back doors. Casita rippled, hurrying them along. Mirabel could hear Agustín calling, "Pepa, did you get it?" and Pepa practically screaming back, "Keep your voice down, idiot!"

"How about we just take a walk instead?" Abuela said with a sigh. Laughing, Mirabel linked her arm with Abuela's.

Her family was obvious. So terribly, horribly, ridiculously obvious.

It was a good job she loved them so much. Anyone else would tease them mercilessly.

[yellowcry]

So... is Luisa upset that Mirabel gets no attention despite working as hard as she is?

In a sense, yes. They aren't close, but she notices that Mirabel works hard.

They both do relatively the same amount of job. The only difference that Mirabel is giftless. And she's ignored no matter how hard she works. As time went on, it lead Luisa to believing that Abuela cares about her only because of her gift. If Mirabel, being helpful as well gets ignored, why would it be any different for Luisa without her gift? Luisa feels that she would receive the same neglectful treatment if she doesn't have her strength anymore.

[guidingthulite]

guys you should totally check my fic's new chapter. mizuki drew this. aren't they cool? i think they're cool. mizuki and their girlfriend saki are the coolest!

oh, akito is there too. and his boyfriend tsukasa, he's cool also. akito... akito's on thin ice