#also. it was just nice seeing friede share his actual thoughts

[amelikos]

This exchange between Friede and Spinel is really interesting? Considering the fact that relying solely on data and analysis is exactly how Friede was before he met Cap.

Back when he met Cap, Friede quickly figured out how he was able to fly. But he couldn't understand why Cap was pushing himself so far to fly once a day at dawn. It's only when he stopped solely observing from afar and tried to see things from Cap's perspective by flying alongside him that he understood his feelings (Cap just wanted to see the sunrise every morning).

Friede learned to rely on his instinct and be more reckless after meeting Cap, but I wonder if he saw shades of his past self in Spinel, since Spinel currently has the same approach he used to have.

[ecargmura]

Pokemon Horizons Episode 21 Review: Did Liko Catch The Hatenna?

This was a cute and sweet episode. Liko finally catches her second Pokemon in Hatenna after forming a bond with her by understanding her emotional distress. It wasn’t exactly the perfect episode, but I still enjoyed it overall.

I do find it a bit amusing how, in the beginning of the episode, Liko mentions to Ann that she wasn’t interested in getting a second Pokemon. Then throughout the episode, the Hatenna came and ruined her entire career, causing her to catch it; it’s less aggressive than how I worded it, trust me. Anyways, Ann got a second Pokemon in Sandshrew. All these rookie trainers are getting their second Pokémon and it makes me wonder if Dot will get a second one too. Will the other members of the Rising Volt Tacklers get a second or third Pokemon too? I’d love to see their teams expanding!

While it was nice seeing Liko getting through to Hatenna and forming a bond with her, I do wish that it didn’t drag until the last quarter of the episode as most of the episode consisted of the kids trying to find Hatenna as she roamed around the Brave Asagi. I do get that it’s a Liko focused episode and that the searching is for Liko to understand Hatenna’s feelings, but I do wish it was handled a bit better, but that’s just a nitpick on my part.

Liko realizing that she wants to be a Trainer who understands Pokemon’s feelings might be perfect for her as she’s not a battler in a way. It also showed in the previous episode where her kindness was both a strength and a flaw and that she made light of Sprigatito’s feelings when she had forfeited the match. Hopefully, she won’t make the same mistakes as she did last episode and keeps going forward with her compassion for others. Though, it does make me wonder what this will establish for her. Will she have a specific goal in the future?

Hatenna is established as a shy Pokemon throughout this episode and it’s shown to the fullest here. She had a hard time getting used to the other Pokemon and got startled by the humans’ loud voices. It makes sense that she would get used to the nicest person on the airship, aka Liko. What I liked about Hatenna was the fact that she likes being in Liko’s hoodie. That was so cute!

Sprigatito was actually the one who persuaded Hatenna to join Liko. I’m quite surprised. Back around Episode 9, Sprigatito had a jealous side as it got jealous of Alex’s Fidough. Even in this episode, Liko requested Sprigatito to not get jealous over Hatenna, and it never did get jealous at all. Seeing how Sprigatito noticed Liko’s expression when she was releasing Hatenna back into the wild, I think that the cat might play a big role in toughening Liko. If Liko holds back, Sprigatito will be the one to push forward. If Liko hesitates, Sprigatito will be the one to make the first move. I think that dynamic between trainer and Pokemon will be an interesting one to see.

Everyone else in the Rising Volt Tacklers weren’t active aside from Mollie and Friede, but they had their nice share of screen time. Orla is rather short-tempered as she snaps at both Mollie and Murdock. Murdock is happy to have a conversation with Dot, even if it’s brief. Roy was Liko’s biggest hype boy and I loved it. Dot was active in helping Liko search for Hatenna, so she was seen outside of her room for most of the episode. Ludlow is just Ludlow with his words of wisdom. It was nice seeing them harmonious in a way. Even the Pokemon had their moment of screen time. Alcremie trying to offer Hatenna some food was easily the cutest thing ever. Since Sprigatito and Rockruff get along well, I wonder if Hatenna and Alcremie will get along afterwards.

With the reveal of Amethio and his gang’s return, it makes me wonder what will happen at the Galar Mines. Will they find Rayquaza? What will happen when Amethio confronts the RVTs? I can’t wait for the next episode. What are your thoughts on this episode?

[queenofthefullmoon]

An exhaustive list of Dark Souls 3 bosses I would or would not date

Iudex/Champion Gundyr

We’re starting off this list with a strong yes. Our boy Gundyr has had a hard, difficult life, and he deserves some good company. He’s tall, strong, and I trust him to protect us as we set a lovely camp site outside of the fire link shrine.

Vordt of the Boreal Valley

Vordt is big and he is feral which are truly the only two qualities I look for in a man. Together we’d be unstoppable. I mean, think about how easy it would be to go around with him: just climb on his back and let the rodeo begin, baby. This argument alone should be enough to convince you that Vordt is a suitable boyfriend, but here’s another one: if you get too hot in the summer, worry fucking not for your gigantic man can hold his equally gigantic hammer over you and cover you with snow like an italian man covering his pasta with parmesan.

Cursed Rotted Greatwood

Now while I’m certain it would be a perfect partner for some people, the Cursed Rotted Greatwood isn’t for me. For one, I am not fan of curses, or rot, or weird sticky balls, or strange orange acid, or pale white and slightly viscous hands bursting through a living tree. Secondly, I feel like the crowd of Hollows who group up around the tree would be a big impediment to our intimacy, and I’m not ready to be the mother of 20 Hollows.

Crystal Sage

No offense but you’d be an idiot for not wanting to date the Crystal Sage. All wrapped up in one package, you get a super competent sorcerer bf, who wears the coolest hat in the galaxy and an equally cool cape, and who overall looks like the upgraded version of a plague doctor. In addition to that he also has a pretty rapier so you can both engage in some sparring (which we all know is the most romantic couple activity).

Deacons of the Deep

Probably one of the worst options on the list, they’re all crusty, rotting men moaning around a biggass coffin. There are many technical questions. If I dated a deacon, would I have to date all of them? Can we go out on dates or are they obligated to stay next to the coffin at all times? Can I even date them at all?? Not that I would, because I have standards. The only pro to entering this relationship(s?) would be that I’d probably get one of their robes for free, but the cons are so numerous that I’d rather buy it myself.

Abyss Watchers

Let’s be real and honest even if it hurts. Would I date an Abyss Watcher? Yes. Maybe I’d even date two. However, would an Abyss Watcher date me? No, because they’re all in love with Artorias, and I can’t blame them for that.

Old Demon King

At first I considered dating the Old Demon King like a Russian Instagram model dates an old, rich American man: with a great deal of fake love but above all great patience in order to be the only person on the will. But then I thought about it more, and what does the Old Demon King have to offer, really? A big firework show that will leave him exhausted like the old creature he is, and maybe some pyromancies. Truly, it is not worth it, especially since I’d have to take residence where he lives, in a big old room filled with the corpses of his kin.

High Lord Wolnir

I’ve got nothing against Wolnir personally, but I have no interest in skeletons, nor in his army of skeleton children. As stated above I’m not ready to be a mother. I feel like if we got in an argument and he sighed, he would poison me with his awful breath and I would die a horrible death. Also, living on the brink of the Abyss doesn’t appeal to me that much. However I would like Wolnir to be a good friend I can talk jewelry with because let’s be honest, the man (skeleton?) is blinged the fuck out even in death and I respect that.

Yhorm the Giant

Yes, I would date Yhorm. He was nothing but a sweet, misunderstood giant who always tried to get people to trust him and he convinced me. I would put my life in his big hands. Think of the possibilities. Just like with Vordt he could carry you everywhere but in a less reckless way if you prefer proper manners. You’d never have to worry about not seeing anything at a concert. Also, may I add that waiting for you to show up while sitting on his biggass throne is an absolute power move? Yhorm is a Lord of Cinder, but above all, a Lord of this heart.

Pontiff Sulyvahn

Would I date him because of his appealing aesthetic? Yes. Would I date him for anything else? No. Sulyvahn is absolutely terrifying, completely unhinged in the most frightening way, which is that he doesn’t look bat shit crazy. I could be thinking that everything is going well in our relationship then suddenly he’d lock me in a dungeon then would feed me to his weird friend because I put a fork in the knife drawer. He could pretend to propose and give me a weird fucked up ring with his eye in it and the next thing I know I’d be running in a field on all fours. I don’t trust like that.

Aldritch, Devourer of Gods

I’m so sad about Aldritch because literally everything about him is completely unappealing, unacceptable, unnatural, unholy, abhorrent, but he has the delicate and beautiful face of Gwyndolin. While our lovely Gwyndolin looks gorgeous as ever it doesn’t make up for the fact that Aldritch devoured people and probably wouldn’t find love to be a good reason to not eat his partner. The only reason I can find to have a friendship (not even a romantic relationship) with him is if you really like experimenting with cooking and you really, really need someone to taste your inventions.

Dancer of the Boreal Valley

I feel attraction, which means that just like any other being who feels attraction, I would date the Dancer. She is beautiful, graceful, a bit feral, and would not hesitate to put a flaming knife to my throat, which is the description of my dream woman. Imagine walking the streets with her, trying to hold her hand while it dangles 3 feet above you and she insists on holding her sword, actually, so she might slay anyone who tries to approach you, which she communicates through icy breaths and murmurs. The date of a lifetime.

Oceiros, the Consumed King

Another awful choice on this list, Oceiros is RABID and also, as far as we know, still a married man. You really want to date a man that hasn’t even gone through his divorce but already looks like this? Me neither. I’m already not big on dragon fucking but the fact that he’s all viscous and has weird growths all over him is not helping. Also, he has children, and we know how I feel about that — although, given how he treats them, he probably won’t have kids very soon (too far?).

Ancient Wyvern

So I’ve stated that I’m not very big on dragon fucking. With that said, do I think the wyvern is sexy and beautiful? Absolutely so. You’re probably like « Blue you’re sending mixed signals, are you gonna date the lizard or not? » and to that I say, date? Perhaps not. I would however like to form a lifelong bond with this wonderful force of nature and fight by its side, live a long and fulfilling life travelling along with it, only to die at the same time atop the tallest mountain in the world, where our skeletons will be discovers hundreds of years in the future by brave explorers, who will confirm that the legendary songs that were written about us were in fact not just a myth.

Nameless King

You’ve just read what I said about the wyvern. I feel like the Nameless King really understands me and would respect me for that. We could bond over our love of dragons and other flying scaly beasts and perhaps share some chaste kisses while soaring the sky on our companions. It’s nice to date someone who loves pets as much as you. I feel like he would be a fun guy to hang around in general, maybe he’d let you braid his hair or try on his crown. He can arrange personalized fireworks shows for you with his lightning powers. I don’t think you’d ever be bored around him.  

Dragonslayer Armor

Dating an empty suit of armor has never bothered me (see: ds2 Ruin Sentinels), however I have beef with the dragonslayer armor. Is it a beautiful armor? Perhaps a bit worn off, but the reply remains affirmative. However, it is controlled by Pilgrim Butterflies, which basically means I’m dating one to multiple of these things in the shape of an armor, and I’ve gotta confess that I’m not down for that.

Lorian Older Prince and Lothric Younger Prince

Here comes the delicate moment where we have to make a choice without offending anyone. I personally, speaking for myself, in my own opinion, would rather date Lorian. Reason: he is big, strong, and a bit rabid, which I’ve made very clear is my type. I don’t dislike Lothric, but I feel like we’d be better off as best friends who have a really snarky group chat where we shit talk the entire kingdom. That’s pretty good because if I even just slightly disliked Lothric I’m pretty sure Lorian would sense it and would not hesitate to murder me on sight.

Champion’s Gravetender and Champion Greatwolf

Well the full name is just a formality here, I’m not completely insane so I don’t want to date this rabid wolf. I feel like the Champion’s Gravetender is just a normal dude who’s a bit in over his head and it’s not his fault but he just seems a bit boring compared to all my other options. Instead of a date I think he’d be more of an awkward flirt I had when I was bored and then I came to my senses but didn’t know how to disengage, but in the end it worked out because he was more interested in his work anyway.

Sister Friede and Father Ariandel

Again a choice has to be made and I will have to be predictable and say I’d date Elfriede. Just like Dancer she’s what the woman of my dreams is made of. She’s graceful and could easily take my life and I think it’s awfully sexy of her to be like that. I think I’d be accepted into the family pretty easily, which is important since Father Ariandel cares about Friede so much. I’d go visit him sometimes, play chess with him, bring him his flail, normal interactions with your girlfriend’s dad.

Soul of Cinder

I’m gonna be a tiny bit freaky here and say I’d date the Soul of Cinder. Dating it is just like opening a Kinder Surprise egg, you never know what you’re gonna get (sorry Americans for excluding you here). That makes life exciting and doesn’t let routine stall your relationship. Every day you can wake up with the question « What weapon will my darling walk around with today? The flaming sword, or the sorcery staff? » and be surprised by the answer. Truly ideal, but I understand it’s not for the faint of heart.

Demon Prince

I’m gonna go with a maaaaaaybeeeee? leaning towards no. I mean yes, the Demon Prince is a weird fleshy flaming demon, and that may be a bit gross, but I’ve gotta admit I admire his style, the drama of it all. The care he puts into his entrance, the attitude in his moves. If we don’t date I’d at least want to be friends so he can teach me his ways.

Darkeater Midir

I have very intense and contradictory feelings towards Midir. In one hand, holy shit, absolutely epic dragon, the spirit of companionship is growing in me. On the other hand, this beast is RABID and pretending I could tame him is foolish, and pretentious. I guess in the end the answer remains that I don’t date dragons, I just want to adopt them as my extremely exotic pets.

Halflight, Spear of the Church

Yeah I’d date Halflight, I know it’s the easy answer but look at him. I mean shit he’s walking around like a little thotty with his shirt open and you mean to tell me I’m not supposed to wanna date him because he looks pretty much like a regular dude? My boy Halflight WANTS me to date him or else he would not show up with his tiddies out to a sword fight, which as an activity already has enough erotic implications on its own.

Slave Knight Gael

I’m gonna say it unashamedly and I’ll say it again: I would date Gael. He’s been nothing but helpful and when he tries to attack you it’s to help his little lady that he’s adopted as his niece. We love a chaotic parental figure. Maybe he’s a tad bit old and dirty but there’s nothing a good bath can’t fix and I’m sure he’d appreciate having someone taking care of him for once. Again, he’s got that slightly unhinged quality to him that makes him delightful. When I walk around with my partner I want us to instill both fear and fascination in people which we would be able to accomplish perfectly well.

Dark Souls 1: Remastered date list // Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin date list

[amelikos]

Some character and episode notes from HZ006, writing them down for future reference! I wrote a separate post regarding Amethio.

- Liko called Amethio by name during her narration at the beginning of the episode. It’s the first time she does and I’ve been really curious about how she would address him. Amethio called Liko “Liko-san” in HZ001 and that was also the only time he called her by name. Keeping track of how characters refer to each other.

- Amethio takes Liko and Roy seriously as opponents (he doesn’t taunt them about their difference in power), which I like. Liko doesn’t feel like she could win just yet (and I like that this is something she actually thinks about and that she doesn’t overestimate herself), but she still wants to battle together with Roy and tries to think up of a strategy. I think they’ll want to grow stronger to be able to protect themselves against The Explorers in the future, so I hope they’ll improve together. 

- Friede doesn’t like being called a professor but he said in this episode that as a professor, the mystery around Rayquaza intrigue him so he wants to investigate. Also, Roy’s grandpa found the Ancient Pokeball on the beach when he was young (so it was a coincidence) but didn’t really seem interested in finding out more about it? Meanwhile, Roy was always curious and had the mind of an adventurer. I am also curious about how Liko’s grandma got the pendant: did she find it randomly or was it passed down on to her?

- It was cute how Lizardon gave Hogator the Pokeball to encourage it to become Roy’s partner! I like the dynamics between these two. Hogator looks up to Lizardon and in turn, Lizardon really watches over Hogator. I wonder if Roy and Friede will have this kind of dynamics as well. They had nice bits already: Friede congratulating Roy for becoming a trainer (and encouraging him several times), and including him in the crew at the end by giving him the task of raising the Brave Asagi flag.

- I liked the whole scene with Roy telling Hogator his feelings, that he doesn’t want to say goodbye yet and wants to keep singing together. And Hogator giving Roy the Pokeball, showing that it wants to become Roy’s partner too. The way Roy sings Hogator’s song in joy after catching it too! It was heartwarming. They are both so genuine and I’m looking forward to their growth. Liko was so happy for them too. Also, I guess Roy is the first trainer on his island? 

- Roy felt unsure whether his grandpa would let him go on a journey. I actually like this kind of hesitation since usually it’s rarely questioned to let kids go on a journey like that in the anime. Roy’s grandpa could see through him and knew that Roy would want to go on a journey, he just wanted to hear Roy’s resolve clearly. He is supportive! Roy used the word “dream” too (when he used the word “plan” before that). I also like the distinction between Roy’s dream and Hogator’s dream. Roy has his own dream of finding Legendary Pokemon, and Hogator has his own dream of becoming stronger like Lizardon. It’s neat when Pokemon have their own wishes like that. Trainers and Pokemon both helping each other reach their respective dreams. 

- It stood out to me that Liko attributed her meetings with everyone to her grandmother’s pendant at the end. Perhaps she sees it like fate? It’s interesting because she takes into account the positive meetings and we know that she is going to meet other people (like Spinel) who are after her because of the pendant. And she met Amethio through the pendant too. There are many types of connections through the pendant. Also, I like when Roy corrected himself and said “our adventure starts here” (and not just “my adventure”), like he is including Hogator and Liko too. Overall, I enjoyed the setup of Liko and Roy’s dynamics. Liko was more assertive than I thought she would be by encouraging Roy to take a step forward and sharing what she learned with Nyaoha with Roy and Hogator. They click together well.