#and then… I found the howl’s moving castle fandom

[unalivenote]

I really… love it here. Everyone’s so chill. Everyone respects each other’s opinions. Headcanons, ships, interpretations… whatever. Nobody cares. Do what you want. It’s fun. People will reblog shit about death note they don’t even really agree with because it’s all fun. It’s all goofy and good. It’s all interesting and fun to consider even when it’s not your personal cup of tea. Nobody pulls any dumb moralizing bullshit. Nobody gets in stupid fights over ships or interpretations. I know I’m a relatively new DN fan and I’ve probably missed a lot of fandom drama. But it’s just… nice. Everyone in this corner of tumblr just truly loves to dunk on these goofy little dipshits. Nobody cares who you ship. Nobody cares what you focus on or gives you shit for what you like or value most about the story. Because it’s a story about murder. It’s a story about a fucked up guy and and another, differently fucked up guy and a fucked up girly and a couple surprisingly normal death gods. It’s serious it’s hilarious it’s weird it’s really good and it’s also not all that good and it’s absolutely ridiculous and stupid. And everyone is really nice. We’re having fun. I like you guys. I like it here. :)!!

[rebrandedbard]

How does the great Sandpiper successfully smuggle 130 children out of the Nilfgaard-occupied territory of Hamm? With the power of a forgotten story, a traditional song, and a masterful lie.

A piece for my upcoming fic, The Piper of Hamm, based on The Pied Piper of Hamelin, next in my fairy tale series.

[olderthannetfic]

This isn't a complaint, just sort of a musing-- Yeah, if AO3 allowed monetization, it would cause the whole platform to become way shittier, not just for legal reasons. But this kind of reminds me of something I've thought about a lot.

I'm someone who's not a very strong or attentive reader, but the ease with which I can find thousands of appealing works on AO3 means I have ALSO found dozens of writers who grip me enough that I would read ANYTHING by them. I also find reviews and recs for popular book series' to be... very unreliable, but I can consistently find interesting works by looking at user bookmarks and by trawling tags. And I don't even mean in a "oh, this user doesn't want stories, they want tropes" way, because I'm with everyone else that reading the exact same enemies to lovers romance gets kind of boring after a while (no shade on people who enjoy that sort of thing). I mean that sometimes I find an idea and think 'oh, this is a VERY cool literary theme; I wonder how other writers have explored the same idea?' - and then find out that there's a canonical tag that sees very little use, and trawl through people exploring the same ideas about the nature of freedom when you have a duty to family (or whatever it is this time) until I find one that just NAILS it and sets my brain on fire.

In other words, AO3 is the only place I can get the same reading experience that I had in school where there were teachers and mentors who would not only do just about anything to help me find interesting stuff, but also knew me personally and would help me find extremely specific concepts like "I want a story that captures the feeling of being completely owned by another person and the oppressive surrendering of will that comes with it, but which isn't about slavery, religion, or marriage" or "I want a story that's just like Howl's Moving Castle but specifically in these three ways."

I don't wish AO3 was marketplace, but I wish there was marketplace that gave me the experience of AO3. The fact that there is SO MUCH free user generated content on AO3, and that it's so easy to explore with great specificity, means it's the only place I KNOW I'll find something fun. I wish it served as a platform to find professional artists doing silly stuff on their down time. (In fact, last time I fell in love with a fic, I got to talking to the author, who sent me a novel draft with all of the same themes but original characters and setting. That unpublished work is now one of my favorite books.)

I can think of a bunch of platform ideas that would scratch this itch for me, but I can't imagine any of them working out as well since the fandom experience and culture is such an integral part of why fanfic is different from original fic. (And also since monetization makes platforms get shitty fast.)

--

[senualothbrok]

Feeling sentimental...

Today is my birthday. I have existed for 36 years, and am now officially older than Gale. (This makes me laugh a little bit because if I stood next to Gale, I think he would look significantly more mature. It's probably also the double edged sword of being an Asian woman, who will look 'young' until she is 60 and then suddenly transform into old Sophie in Howl's Moving Castle.)

Anyway, I wanted to say thank you. This past year has been pretty brutal, but the shining light of it has been my discovery of the Gale fandom. Within it I have found hope, strength, healing, and the joy of creativity. I have met kind and passionate people who I can be myself with in a way I haven't been able to for maybe ever. It has been the most wholesome, life-affirming experience, and it has quite literally kept me alive.

Thank you, Galemancer / Tumblr family. Of all the things I thought would happen to me at this stage in life, I didn't think it would be this, and I am so grateful.

And of course, all thanks and praise to our pixel husband Gale for making this possible. 🫂💜

(one of my favourite Gale shots, courtesy of @galedekarios )

[kaiser-author-san-iii]

In Pursuit of Happiness | Various Genshin Men x Reader SAGU AU

A/N: Hello everyone and sorry for the extremely late update. Real life has really decided to kick me in the butt. At this point, I’m not sure where the story is going to lead us because I don’t know where we’re going. I’m going to need a beta reader later or something. But in other news, I’ve been trying to make a discord server for anyone that’s interested in this story and sharing ideas, getting along, Simp for genshin characters share tips for the game. :3

Not beta read/proofed, we die like Signora

Word count: 3381

Tags/Warnings: Female!Reader, Child! nephew Reader, God!Reader, Cult AU, Fluff, Romance, Found Family, and many references to other fandoms

Masterlist

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Summary: The task of an aunt is no easy thing, especially towards a rambunctious and curious nephew who can not sit still. After a bad car accident, the two of them awaken in the world of Teyvat where Y/n must do her best to not only keep herself and her nephew alive to find a way back home but to also beat back all kinds of suitors and become the pseudo mother to every child she meets and her nephew befriends.

CHAPTER 3 – Meeting the Geo Archon

It wasn’t a good day to wear a skirt as the cool breeze was blowing more than normal. But that didn’t stop Y/n from wearing any shorts underneath. Little else mattered as she heard her nephew laugh, hearing it echo with the winds and making the lands of Liyue and Tevvat glow with joy as the two waltzed through the skies.

She had always wanted to try this out ever since she saw Howl’s Moving Castle, but it would be better to try it out with a handsome partner. One can only dream.

“Weee!” her nephew’s cries of joy and his glee were heard by Teyvat as it hummed. The land, skies, and seas were calm and watched their beloved creator and her heir slowly descending towards the ground, flowers and leaves moving to bloom fully to soften their landing. Thanking the plants and the winds, Y/n knelt to fix [Nephew’s name] clothes and hair, avoiding the childs playful swats.

“Auntie! I can do it myself!” he pouted and continued to push the young woman’s hands away as she smoothened the ruffled-up hair, earning a small chuckle.

“I know, but I want to. There’s going to be few chances left that I could do this when you grow up. You’ll grow big and won’t need me anymore.”

They might have struck a lot towards the child as he quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, enveloping her in a hug as his face reached only to her stomach, surprising the woman but welcomed the affection, gently stroking his hair and back.

“I think I’ll always need you.”

Living with him as made Y/n think he was a son to her. Out in public both back home and here, many thought they were mother and son. The amount of times she corrected people was laughable, but she couldn’t deny the warmth in her heart – how highly the boy thought of her.

Pulling away, she held his hand once more as they made their way back towards the Hilichurl camp hideout where the Hilichurls and Billy were waiting for them.

The first to notice their arrival was a Lawlchurl Y/n had affectionately called Mufasa. He made a slight noise that alerted the rest of the camp and saw the two as they all cheered and started to give out food even before the announcement.

“Well, it seems you’re all celebrating already but he’s in good health, everyone. Thank you so much for helping me take care of him.” The entire camp cheered, Billy the Hydro slime bounced up and down as he nuzzled against the young boy who was giggling. Teyvat showed their happiness by glowing and emitting more flowers that the boy enjoyed.

It was a blessing to hear the laughter and joy of the Divine Creator and their heir.

Amber eyes followed them, watching from a distance as he didn’t want to startle the Hilichurl camp. It was one of the biggest ones he’s seen, with towering huts and homes, platforms, and towers as tall as some cliffs he made during the Archon Wars. How was this able to escape detection, he wouldn’t know. He noticed that his camp was far from the main paths that led to the nearest villages and Liyue Harbor. It would have been easy to pass by the camp without knowing its existence. But he could understand the mass attempting to protect Her Eminence and her Heir.

For thousands of years, he has seen and cared for the numerous statues of the creator all around Teyvat (mainly Liyue) – one of the perks of being the oldest of the Archons. He has visited the shrines dedicated to their benevolent god. He had once been in their divine presence before and after so long of their absence, he could never forget the radiating warmth or the glowing of Her Eminence when she bestowed blessings or created life. He had seen her fight numerous times when otherworlders or even outer Gods attempted to take Teyvat for theirs – he wondered how it would be to fight alongside her.

He was Morax.

But…

How could he face her when he took part in the Archon Wars, the destruction of Khaenri’ah… events that he knew His precious Creator vehemently protested against. The death of so many of her creations by his hands due to misplaced grief…

“Auntie! Let’s play! Or we can go out again with the Hilichurls! Or better yet! Let’s hold a party!”

“Oh? What kind of party would it be?” Tilting her head to the side, the young woman decided to entertain her nephew, smiling as she knelt down to his height, right before he wrapped his arms around her, the woman picking him up with ease and spun around, earning a few laughs and giggles.

“A dance party! One with music and food! Lots and lots of food!” Though he was ecstatic, [Y/n] could see the sadness on his face and in his voice, looking back at the slimes and Hilichurls sensing the young boys want for friends to eat with them. This world wasn’t kind to monsters like them..

They disliked seeing the boy saddened by anything, he greatly valued their company and friendship from what the young woman noticed.

They’d have lived among cities and towns once but… she couldn’t accept how people treated the Hilichurls and slimes, some saying that they were simply monsters with no thoughts.. living among other people also meant that she accepted being a part of this world. Half of her did want to since she didn’t want to go back to such a mundane life where her life was just… average. Doing the same thing every day all year round and repeat. It wasn’t appealing. The other half wanted to go home as she missed many things, one of them being her family. And her nephew had to go back too for he sorely missed his parents even as he put on a brave face for his aunt.

Holding him close again, she hummed gently as Billy and a small Dendro Slime hopped alongside her as she walked towards their hut.

Zhongli smiled at the child’s desire. And frowned at the lucky Hilichurls and smiles that were around the Creator. It was natural for all creatures to gravitate towards the Creator, he was one of the lucky few that got so close long ago. He remembered her showing unconditional love and though some wished to be considered a favorite, she never chose anyone. These actions made everyone instantly love their Creator and dedicated themselves to follow them. He remembered during those times how he wanted to prove his loyalty to their World, their Eminence. What could he do to prove to them that he was faithful and loyal.

Some feared being selfish but would it really be bad to be selfish just once?

He saw an opening to get close and he made his move, making sure to be unnoticed as he had to have the two in his vision in fear of them leaving again.

“Auntie, why do we keep moving? I want to stay in Liyue.” The young boy laid his head against the womans lap, pouting as the said woman giggled, her hand running through his hair gently.

“Because soon people of this nation… the Qixing, the Millilith, and even possibly the adeptus will know that we’re different. Before we came here, I read stories where though some people appeared like their god, they were chased away despite being the real one. It’s my job as your guardian and aunt to keep you away from danger.”

He wouldn’t dare!

The thought that he or anyone in Liyue could turn away their Divine Creator would be preposterous. To dare harm or turn away the Creator was blasphemous!

“Do they think we’re bad people? Is it because we’re those Gods they talk about?”

“That’s part of it. But even if you are, don’t let it get to your little head. Remember, with great power-

“Comes great responsibility. I know, Auntie.”

The young heir was intelligent – a hope for the future. Though it was the desire of everyone to have him live happily, live innocently and never let him see the hardships that Teyvat has seen.

Seeing his chance, he made himself known as he quickly stepped in front, knowing that he’ll shock his beloved creator and her heir as they audibly gasped, the woman quickly holding her nephew close while the two slimes appeared in front and were waiting for their word to attack and defend – even going so far as to even let the Hilichurls know of the intruder before the man suddenly knelt to the ground, his forehead touching the ground.

This was his chance!

To show his unwavering devotion, his adoration. His love for the Divine Creator that helped him keep sane for so many years. And the glee to be the first of the seven to find her.

“Your Grace! Though I’m unworthy to be in your presence, please hear me out.”

[Y/n] held [Nephew’s name] close to her as the mysterious man appeared. Billy and the Dendro slime didn’t waver as they were serious in their job. [E/c] eyes stared down at the man that was basically kowtowing in front of her – the man was quite tall though she couldn’t be too sure just yet. His skin was fair, short dark hair with a long fringe to his right and amber tips. There was a section of his hair that ends towards his waist. But [Y/n] knew one thing….

HE WAS SEXY SEXY MAN!

He was handsome.

And [Nephew’s Name] knew it too as he was willing to hear the man out. Besides, he was a mission and he was sure that he may have found a worthy person to make his aunt happy. Wiggling out of his aunts grip, same as when they first met the Hilichurls, he hopped down and slowly walked towards the man as his head was still touching the ground. But [Nephew’s name] was quite certain that the mysterious man wasn’t going to hurt them. He raised his hand slowly and [Y/n] was behind him, watching with batted breath and to ensure nothing happened to the boy. The small hand gently touched the mans hair, curious as he ran his fingers through it slowly and patted him gently, the man moving to look up at them.

Seeing them this close, it was there that Zhongli finally shed tears.

His despair for many years have now been rewarded in seeing his God, his beloved.

Her glow, though dimmed by her mortal form, he could clearly see it – the envy of the stars and the moon in the night skies. Her stare – it was said to hold mass kindness and wisdom, a far away look that knew about the past, present, and the future and even beyond worlds.

Standing before him was the very God that he devoted his victories to in his younger years, the very God that made all of Teyvat and Celestia mourn from their disappearance.

[Nephew’s Name] was cheering in his mind as the man was indeed handsome. Gorgeous even! If he wanted to, he could set him up with his aunt! He had to play his cards right!

“Mister, are you okay?”

It wasn’t the words of his beloved but the voice of the child that brought him back.

The Heir.

The Divine Creator talked constantly about their relatives, about their siblings and how one of them gave birth to a child, the very child that was in front of him. A child that everyone agreed to be the God of Youth and Innocence.

He truly fit the role as he was bestowed with perfectly as there was childlike innocence in his eyes but he could see a hidden mischievousness too. How easy it was for him to see through his sorrow and the Divine Creator just standing behind the child and looking at him with concern. Concern for him, a lowly Archon that has worshiped her for millennia.  

The Geo Archon felt tiny fingers wipe away the tears from his eyes as he stared gently at the boy who smiled widely.

“There now! Hey, do you want to hear a story? Auntie always said that the tears always turn to gems or even become stars. I like stars so when I cry, I wish that they soon go so high up and hope that they shine the brightest so people can wish on them or even be homes to others!”

This wishful thinking earned a giggle from the woman, making the two slimes then relax a little as they then nuzzled against the boy who giggled as well.

“Well, its bad for a growing boy to hold back your emotions. Ah, sir, you may stand. I’m sure it must hurt your knees being in such a position.” Her Grace was benevolent just as he remembered!

He stood just as he was told, though amused by the child’s pout before he went back to his place beside his aunt, holding onto her skirt and hand as the two slimes stood at each side of the two.

“I’m sure you have plenty of questions, oh man of Liyue. Or… could I call you Morax? Or… what name are you comfortable with?”

In the year of being in Teyvat, there has been access to public libraries like in Mondstadt, and Sumeru. There was also the people of Liyue talking animatedly about the history and culture of the land and even the Gods that once roamed everywhere, but not so much as the Lord of Geo, Rex Lapis. But others tend to call him Morax as well and if her research was correct, the Mora of Teyvat was named after him.

One other thing that [Y/n] learned was that the Geo Archon was known to have many disguises but one tell of his was that each disguise had his signature Geo Amber eyes.

“Your Grace…” Though it shouldn’t surprise him, Zhongli was speechless. But then again, she was the Divine Creator. The Lady that created All should be the last one he should be surprised in their actions.

“I am still the governing Archon of Liyue. Rex Lapis will do. But I also go by the name of Zhongli.”

“I see. Well then. Zhongli, there is something I must ask of you.” [Y/n] smiled gently, the Geo Archon looking almost hopeful.

“Anything.”

“You must pretend you never saw us here today.”

He didn’t think it was possible to hear one’s own heart break until today. Could he have done something wrong? Surely not. He couldn’t have when he has been a faithful follower all these centuries. Could Barbatos and Baal say the same? Or even the others? Well, he could see the Dendro and Cryo Archons, but to his degree of devotion?

“Your Grace. I can’t do that. The people of Liyue… the people Across Teyvat. They are searching for you and the young Heir. Surely, someone of your stature and his deserve comfort and a safe haven other than in the wilds!”

[Y/n] sighed as she held onto her nephew, closing her eyes to think for a moment. She was sure now the Hilichurls heard their voices but she didn’t want a fight to break out.

“Yes. I understand that but…” Could she play around with the people’s faith here? This sounded sacrilegious. It could be just a coincidence that she happened to share the same face – the same likeness – as the great God of this world. If she waited long enough, maybe the real one will come and she could even ask if they could send her and her nephew home.

“But… I am not ready to take the mantel of being Teyvats God. It has been a year, yes. However I must think of my nephew. He is still young and confused of the responsibilities he will have one day. I don’t want to rush him towards that blind. Though I have full faith in all of you, there are just something where it needs to be me to tell him.”

‘Okay, that sounded mature and reasonable. Not sacrilegious either. Maybe he’ll take this answer.’

“But, Your Eminence! We are your faithful creations. Your burdens are our own and if there’s any way we can help, then we’ll gladly do so!”

‘Fuuuuuck!’

Faith is said to be strong, also depending on the person or being. Reading more, Morax or Rex Lapis was said to be one of the most, if not the most, faithful of all the Gods that still live among Teyvat. If anyone that was still alive in the time of the first appearance of the Creator that was faithful to the God, it would be Morax.

“And I am grateful for such loyalty. However, my nephew is my top priority. As I said before, pretend that you never saw us. But, that doesn’t mean that I have forgotten you and the others. May we meet again, oh Great Geo Archon.” Carefully holding onto her nephew, [Y/n] swiftly ran out of the hut, Billy and the Dendro slime following behind as the two soon took to the skies like earlier.

It didn’t seem right to give the Archon hope, but it were the words that might give him comfort. The following days, she has noticed that some powers were coming to her. And though she was in denial, that first day with the Hilichurls starting in Mondstadt with her blood being gold was an indicator that she was who the people of Teyvat say she is.

“Auntie, why did you leave him? He seemed so nice!” [Nephew’s name] cried out as he climbed onto her back and held on tightly. She glanced back and smiled gently.

“Because what he was asking of me was something I’m not ready for. Besides, the day that we must go home might be here sooner than you think.”

Isekai anime and manga taught her much to be weary of who to trust and how much to reveal. And if worse comes to show that she must be cunning to enact revenge. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but it never hurts to prepare.

“We’re going far away, nugget. We’re going to have to work on a disguise for each other. Think of it as Halloween all over again.”

“Yay! Halloween!”

The next stop of their adventure was the nation of Sumeru, where the green forests met with their vision and made them audibly gasp. They have been here before but every time they step foot in the forests, there was a singing being heard either by Teyvat themselves or the beings that inhabit the forest.

Unbeknownst to the two, a certain amber eyed Archon was running around Liyue in hopes to find the Divine Creator and her nephew. How could he take his eyes off of them and let them leave after he just discovered them?! Though he wasn’t in touch with Celestia, he was certain the higher powers that his beloved God was a part of would surely punish him.

He hasn’t been this frantic since the Archon wars, protecting his people and sheltering more ever since Havria was killed and her followers fearful for their lives. Every second mattered, every second with every action meant the difference between life and death as sought protection for the mortals he was caring for as well.

Though he was certain that Teyvat would care for his beloved God, there was the voice in his mind that spoke of the untold dangers that might come from extreme devotees or even, dare he say, sacrilegious zealots – people that were adamant that the Creator never existed. To them, he would show them the Wrath of the Rock. How dare they when he himself has seen Her. And he has seen Her with the Heir this time.  

He will remain hopeful of seeing her again. And the next time he will come across Her path, he will be sure that Liyue will be the home that they deserve – for it is said that wherever the Creator decides to descend will be showered with grand favor other nations will gladly go to war for.

A/n: Zhongli is going to be a simp but that's okay UwU What will happen next? Btw, I just now made it to Sumeru sooo~ will we meet Al Haitham? Cyno? Nahida? Kaveh? Who's to say~ We still got the men in Mondstadt, Inazuma and Childe. And the rest of Liyue cause we only met Baizhu and Zhongli. Everyone, good luck pulling for whoever you want! I'm pulling for Al Haitham~!

TAGLIST:

I tried tagging most of who I could but it wasn't letting me qwq

@axolotlboo

@crazypriestess

@gallantyss

@catjsjs

@lonelysoup

@yuii-v

@memema-exists-here

@sweetbills

@catjsjs

@shizunxie

@esthelily

[hed-romancer]

the owl house is about being in fandom

i watched all of the owl house recently with a friend who isn't/has never been really in fandom and hasn't read fanfiction. and their reactions really made me realize, the owl house as a show is about being in fandom. it's about a fangirl and made for people in fandom and can't be fully understood if you aren't involved in fan culture.

from the start, our main-pov character luz is so obviously a fangirl. she loves azura, gets extremely into making her book report on it accurate, and refers to the boiling isles as being "not a g-rated fantasy world". she keeps referring to things as though they were from a story, which would come across as breaking the fourth wall if it weren't how any fan would be speaking in her shoes.

but then, not only does luz refer to the boiling isles like how she'd refer to fictional story, but the owl house itself clearly references other fictional fantasy worlds. Hexside references Hogwarts and winning a grudgy match is done by catching a "rusty smidge" (clearly parodying a golden snitch). Hooty's Moving Hassle is a direct play off of Howl's Moving Castle.

The show also deconstructs tropes in these other fantastical fictional worlds. In season 1 episode 2, Luz falls for a chosen one scam, and learns that destiny isn't something that can just be given, it has to be chosen. In the finale, Luz ends up dead/in-between worlds and is asked by the Titan whether she chooses herself to be the one to defeat Philip. This is the moral of the show- that no one is destined to do anything, that you just have to choose to do the right thing when you have the option to.

TOH also gets into some of the more social aspects of being a teenage fangirl. In episode one, Katya is imprisoned because she writes fanfiction about food falling in love, and that's not accepted by the rigid emperor, so she's sent to the conformatorium (and isn't that how it is- you write something fun that you enjoy and doesn't hurt anyone, and people call you weird and expect you to conform to what they think you should be?). Luz herself is also expected to conform when she's sent away to Reality Check Summer Camp.

Contrasting to that, at one point in season 2's Yesterday's Lie, Luz becomes worried as Vee goes up to other teenagers, afraid that she's going to get mocked for being strange, only to find out that Vee is friends with these kids and these kids are strange themselves. On one hand, Luz ditching summer camp and going to the boiling isles is how she finds friends; on the other, vee going to camp and interacting with other people who were also sent to camp is how she finds friends. (it reminds me of how in high school, i befriended all the other weirdos even when we were weird about completely different things, but when i went to college i found people who were more specifically like me, and both are amazing!)

to conclude, luz is a very amazing example of fangirl joy. she starts out the show as a fangirl, and ends the show as a fangirl with friends, and more family than she had before. she starts out falling for being called a chosen one, and ends up choosing herself. she starts preforming a monologue as the good witch azura, warrior of peace, and finishes with proclaiming herself the good witch luz, warrior of peace, and customizing the dialogue to fit her. still a fangirl through and through.

[xanthippe74]

The mood this year, as this header photo demonstrates, was Le Tired. Just physically and emotionally slogging along. Brain stuck on perpetual static. A pull-the-covers-over-my-head sort of year. I read a few books, watched a lot of shows, found new songs to listen to on repeat, and spent way too much time futzing around on Tumblr.

But that's not what this post is about! This is to remind myself that I did accomplish writer-ly things this year, even if it didn't feel like it sometimes. So here's my 2023 Fandom Year in Review:

Drarry

🐈 A Dreadful Invasion (of the Feline Persuasion) rated G | 6K words

Most of the time, it’s easy for Harry to forget that Draco Malfoy is his next-door neighbour—until the night Malfoy seemingly goes round the twist in his back garden. Of course Harry has to investigate. A birthday gift for @caroll-in.

🍷 Under the Table rated T, 4K words

A string of nearly-insufferable dinner parties has made Draco acquainted with Harry Potter’s completely insufferable, social-climbing boyfriend. But tonight it seems like Potter’s finally had enough, and Draco’s more than happy to watch it all play out from across the table.

Microfics: Different  |  Thalassophile  |  Role play  | Careless |  Mama’s Gun  |  Raven  |  You Should Probably Leave  |  Afraid of the Dark  |  Eerie

WIP progress: I added about 25K to my Drarry retelling of Howl's Moving Castle. The working title is "Skybound" and it will be about 55 to 60K words when complete (by spring 2024, god help me!). Featuring: lots of banter, secret identities, adventures and misadventures in a floating house, a plucky house-elf, and (of course) a fire demon who wants to make a bargain.

9-1-1 fics, HP recs, and 2023 highlights under the cut!

9-1-1/Buddie

🌧️ It pours, man it pours rated T | 11K words

An endless rainstorm. A head-on collision on a dark canyon road. Eddie and Buck find themselves stranded with a woman in labor after they’re cut off from the rest of the 118 by a flash flood. With the fate of their team unknown, can they weather the night ahead—and mend the rift Buck caused by trying to kiss his best friend?

💣 A Few Good Pranks rated T | 4K words

The firefighters of the 118 decide to give Bobby a turn at pranking them after seeing how disappointed he was to be left out. And since two heads are better than one, why not three? Or four? If only they could figure out who's pranking and who isn't, and who the intended victim is. It's all in good fun, though—as long as everyone is too distracted to notice that Buck and Eddie keep sneaking off alone.

❤️‍🩹Let It Be Me rated T | 1.8K words

After another Buckley Family reunion-turned-disaster, Buck makes a decision about his parents. Of course the 118 has his back. Or, Bobby employs some LAFD equipment to help Buck out—and tell him something he needs to hear.

Episode codas/fix-it ficlets: 1x01 | 1x03 | 2x01 | 2x03 | 6x10 | 6x11 | 6x12 | 6x13 | 6x15

WIP progress: First chapter of a season 3/canon divergence Buddie fic. Featuring: angst with a happy ending, a secret marriage of convenience, and pandemic bed sharing.

HP Rec List

I was inspired by this post to rec twelve favorite fan works from 2023 in twelve days in December. It actually took fourteen days, but I did it!

💖 12 Favorites from 2023 💖

(after posting those twelve, of course I thought of a few more faves that I missed. I'll try to share them soon!)

2023 Highlights

I'm so very grateful for the wonderful, funny, imaginative people here who shared their creative works, the memes that made them laugh, photos of their pets, gif sets of shows I didn't know I needed to watch, and insights into the characters we love. You all got me through the year, honestly.

I had a good time doodling some Halloween treats for Inbox Trick-or-Treating. I hope it will become an annual Tumblr event! Thanks to the folks who rang my doorbell that night and the other blogs who gave out treats.

I truly treasured every kudos, comment, and rec I received this year. I was also very fortunate to receive a few special gifts:

🎙️ EllaMcSmellBella recorded a Podfic of "Spooked in Salem," my Drarry 'Round the World fic.

🎙️ Spades/bumblingbees recorded a Podfic of "Crimson Neon."

📕 @cheriecherishchen wrote a lovely rec for "Vortex" and designed gorgeous book covers for that fic and its sequel, "Riptide."

✏️ @saijordison drew this incredible piece of art for "Riptide."

And finally, if you read all the way to the end of this post, I'm grateful for YOU. 😁

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and an excellent 2024!

[asticassia]

im ngl i dont particularly care for howl's moving castle that much...like i enjoyed it but ive always thought it was one of the weaker miyazaki movies.

i think part of why it's so popular on this site because it lends itself exceptionally well to tumblr's particular brand of fandomization. youve got the found family. the ship. the attractive gnc male character. talking about this movie like this makes me feel like some kind of terrorist HGKLASDHKL;DF

[wetcatspellcaster]

For the Truth or Dare post, if you like, would you answer any or all of the following 🌵🥤🦷☁️ (particularly curious about that last one!)

🌵 ⇢ share the link to a playlist you love

This was my OG go-to Astarion playlist back in early access days, and it still fucking slaps tbh.

🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love

So, as I've said before, I don't tend to read for the pairings I'm writing for (bc of imposter syndrome more than anything, and to avoid muddying my own ideas) but!! I do read a lot of bg3 for other pairings!!

one of my absolute favourite authors currently writing is @pouroverpaloma, and her rolan/tav smut one shot is so fucking good and so fucking sexy!!! who knew rolan was capable of such energy? Good for him!!!!

🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

(answered here and here)

☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

so.... my first tumblr blog was a Once Upon Time/Captain Swan blog, back in the day, but I struggled to engage with media fandom as someone who wasn't a gifmaker/fic writer at the time. I started a book blog as a sideblog, found I was enjoying myself much more there and making more of my own content without fear, in an almost entirely text-based fandom, and so I started a new blog. that was when I came up with 'howlsmovinglibrary' (big fan of Howl's Moving Castle, obvs). i liked the username so much that it became my username on literally everything, and same for when i got AO3 (I've renamed my twitter and my insta since, bc those are my professional platforms lmao)

as for wetcatspellcaster.... this was originally my dragon age sideblog, at a time when my fic was really super popular. it had a dragon age name and then I username switched in preparation for bg3 full release...

LITTLE DID I FUCKING KNOW-!!!

Truth or dare ask!

[booksooks]

𝑵𝑨𝑽𝑰𝑮𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 - <𝟑

𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝑴𝑬:

Hi there, the name's Booka and I like writing! I'm 19 years old, use they/them pronouns, and I'm a November scorpio in my second year of college.

This post is going to include my rules, my masterlist, and just in general be a navigation post. I'm currently on a Shigaraki and Dabi kick, so that's who I'm going to be writing for mainly, but I'm always down to talk about/write for anyone from my fandom list (shown below). If there's anything you'd like to know about me, feel free to ask, and thanks for reading!

𝑾𝑰𝑷𝑺: I'm currently writing Lecture Hall Laughter, a Shigaraki x reader fic, which can be found here.

I'm currently working on a request from an anon, also for Shigaraki x reader.

I will be working on a series where Dabi, or more appropriately, Touya Todoroki, gets hit by a quirk that turns him into a cat. And when what should be a gorgeous, dark russian blue cat, but actually looks like a burnt piece of paper, appears on your doorstep and practically bullies it's way into your apartment, who are you to say no? Dabi/Reader.

I will be working on a one shot of comforting Shigaraki during a panic attack.

My requests are OPEN.

𝑹𝑼𝑳𝑬𝑺:

I don't mind if you interact with my work as a minor, as I'm not a specifically NSFW blog, but when i do post smut, please do not read it as a minor. It will be tagged appropriately, and there will be a banner that says MDNI on it. If I find ANY minors/ageless blogs interacting with my NSFW work, you will be blocked. Please respect my boundaries 💙.

I will tolerate absolutely no bigotry or hatered of any sort, that's nasty and not the kind of vibe i want on my blog.

I will NOT, EVER write for children of any age (aka, anyone under the age of 18) unless it's in a STRICTLY parental/familial way.

If I feel the need to create more rules, I will, but for now please use your best judgement when interacting with me.

𝑭𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑶𝑴𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑳𝑰𝑺𝑻:

Howl's Moving Castle

My Hero Academia

Jujutsu Kaisen

Star Stable Online

Aphmau

House MD

Blooming Panic

Genshin Impact

Marvel

Into/Across the Spiderverse

Six of Crows

Arcane

The Great Pretender

The Blue Eye Samurai

Castlevania

High Rise Invasion

Kakegurui

Cowboy Bebop

Enola Holmes

SHERLOCK (2010)

If there's a fandom that you would like me to write for that's not on this list, please let me know and I'll see what I can do 💙

𝑬𝑿𝑻𝑹𝑨 𝑰𝑵𝑭𝑶:

My writing will be under #booka writes, and anything else will be tagged as #booka shut up. Recommendations will be tagged with #booka recs, and all my posts will include the character and fandom tags for easy navigation.

My AO3 can be found here.

Again, if you have any more questions about me or my blog, please feel free to ask, I love talking + interacting with people and I want my blog to be a friendly place :). Thanks again for reading!

-𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬, 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑨 <3

𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑫𝑰𝑻𝑺:

Navigation banner made by me.

Heart divider made by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[idiopathicsmile]

Howl's Moving Castle!

my familiarity with the fandom: i've seen the movie many years ago, and found it charming and lovely and a real good time. my exposure to the fandom is just the jokes and gifsets that occasionally circulate.

something nice i'll say: i love that sophie reacts to being cursed to turn into an old lady by essentially saying "lol cool." i appreciate that seemingly everyone who's read the book is like "you don't understand, book howl is a horribly overdramatic lazy vain gremlin-man who also plays rugby and is terrible, it's the best <3"

[uselessheretic]

in fandom, often see people mention that izzy is an antagonist and that people need to accept this which always feels very vague. usually coupled with a mention that ed/stede are the main characters and references to the fact that the show is a romcom and izzy the villain of it.

always think that's interesting though because what does that actually mean? that because izzy's an antagonist you're not supposed to sympathize with him? or that you're supposed to ALWAYS view the actions of the protagonists as correct if it's against the antagonist?

beyond the general "it's fandom so who cares what fans do with a character" i feel like it shows a really distinct inability of viewing media with nuance, and upholding genre standards (without even understanding those standards!)

izzy's an antagonist but that doesn't mean you're not supposed to sympathize with him by that fact alone. plenty of things have antagonists within it where the expectation is for the audience to empathize with them, or where that position of antagonist can shift. something like team rocket from pokemon, for example, often has them in a b-plot outside of stealing pikachu. there's whole episodes dedicated to showing their backstories where the expectation is to view them as victims within their own narrative. they don't stop being antagonists, but they're ones that we're fond of. where we don't root for them to beat the main characters, but we do cheer when they triumph against their own villains. it's not a static position even within children's media.

even within romcoms, it's like? within the genre standard, a lot of romcom antagonists aren't villains. sometimes they are sometimes they're not! but it's pretty common for an antagonist in the genre to not be a bad guy at all, they just happen to be against the protagonist. or even if they are mean and bullying to the protag, it's very common in the genre for this to be resolved by talking out their differences and coming to a mutual understanding that often involves the protagonist confronted their own flaws. traditional romcoms rarely have the main conflict that the audience is supposed to care about the most be external factors. they're important and they push the narrative and shouldn't be devalued, but romcoms are general character driven. plot is secondary to the characters' own growth where within the genre, flawed protagonists are common. it just means we get a lot of antagonists who are no worse than the protagonist who occupy a rival position instead of a villainous one. the character isn't always "defeated" sometimes they're just understood.

even characters in media who do objectively bad things as antagonists aren't universally condemned as unforgivable. howl's moving castle is a good example of this! the witch who curses sophie and wants howl's heart is the most clear cut "evil" character in the show. but she's not the main antagonist, and she isn't defeated by the heroes. she's extended kindness and empathy where there's never a moment where the characters ask her to repent to be afforded humanity. by the time we reach the end of the story, she's already a part of their found family. when she gives up the thing she wants most, howl's heart, it isn't from threats or even "nobody will love you if you're mean." she gives it up because she's shown love and that love is something she reciprocates.

none of these have to fit izzy as a character, none of these are the exact same piece of media as our flag means death. but "he's an antagonist and you need to accept that" is always thrown around when it just? doesn't mean anything? he's an antagonist but that doesn't mean that antagonists are barred from sympathy. it doesn't mean you should refuse to consider the story from his perspective or that you should accept the idea that whatever stede/ed does is going to always be right and you're supposed to always agree with them over izzy. even shows made for kids aren't universally this black and white with its roles. i mean, plenty of shows for kids are fully about "sometimes the person doing bad things just needs a friend." this doesn't mean it's an applicable lesson to izzy, but that the role of an antagonist isn't a strictly defined space with strict parameters on how that character can behave and what reactions we're supposed to hold towards them.

but "izzy's an antagonist" okay but to who? towards stede, obviously. at ed, on and off. but those aren't the only perspectives we're meant to take on when viewing the show, and both these perspectives are from flawed people. stede is the antagonist in mary's story. ed is the villain from merchants' worst nightmares. even within the main cast, what position ed holds as the love interest isn't static. ed going against stede would make him an antagonist as well by strict definition, but the role of an antagonist doesn't exclude him from being able to be empathetic or to blur those lines of his position within the narrative.

it's just very? simplistic? childish? acting like "this character is an antagonist" as a statement alone is meant to dictate how we're supposed to engage with their story.

[teecupangel]

Hey Tee! I did an ask about this for The Witcher fandom a while ago now it popped in my head for AC and-

Studio Ghibli AUs. All the Studio Ghibli AUs!!! Which pairing do you think fits best with each movie?

I was wondering if you meant Desmond pairings or if you meant like… non-Desmond pairings but, fuck it, my default setting is that you meant Desmond pairing so here’s some Desmond pairings for you XD

(I will try to add a spin to it or something, we’ll see)

AltDes: Spirited Away

In this setup, we’ll change the parents to Shaun and Rebecca and the idea is Desmond and the two of them are on their way to their next mission. This one will not have any Animus BS in it but they’re still all Assassins.

The same setup as the beginning of Spirited Away but I kinda wanna make them into turkeys instead of pigs so we can have a reference to the Assassin Turkey XD

Anyway, Al Mualim would be the owner of the bathhouse that Desmond works with and Altaïr would be the mysterious employee whose name nobody knows. 

One of the main themes of this movie is losing one’s identity so we’ll have Desmond only be called 17. Every employee is only called by number and Altaïr would be called 1. The other main characters would take the other numbers (2 for Ezio, 3 for Ratonhnhaké:ton, etc) with Clay being 16 because he’s 16. 

Altaïr will be one of the employees helping Desmond but he’s the most distant of them. Maybe that would be the reason why Desmond would notice him because he can feel a familiar loneliness clinging onto Altaïr and he’d be ‘curious’ about it. Their budding closeness would be the reason why Altaïr would be the one to go ‘fuck all of this’ and leave his ‘post’ to help Desmond and Desmond would realize who Altaïr is because of the small details he could remember (and how Desmond had learned about the Assassins of old)

Anyway, it ends in a similar way as Spirited Away with Desmond realizing that all of the employees were Assassins and the bathhouse is meant to be a stop point between living and afterlife. Al Mualim used a POE he found using the Apple that was one of the failed solutions to the Solar Flare to create that pocket dimension and he’s been hoarding these Assassins as a way to have his own army (with defective memories that would make them easier to control) and the pocket dimension would pierce reality and revive them into the current timeline.

Everyone had been helping Desmond because they believe Desmond could still leave if he remembers he’s Desmond, not knowing that only meant that Desmond would pass to the afterlife and not actually return to his old life.

Desmond being Desmond fucked that up because his very existence and his belief that all of these people (employees + Al Mualim and the guests which are actually just passing ghosts that Al Muliam didn’t take) are real jumpstart the reality bending power of the POE but that also meant Desmond has become the singularity, not Al Mualim.

Then the twist would be the reason why the three got into the pocket dimension is because the car they used exploded thanks to a bomb that Lucy placed (orders from Vidic) and their mission had been to investigate Clay’s death.

So… either go for the afterlife peaceful life ending or the ending where the reality bending POE does success thanks to Desmond. 

EziDes: Honestly, I was thinking either Howl’s Moving Castle or Castle in the Sky but I decided to go with Howl’s Moving Castle instead

In this one, Desmond would be Howl so we can have AC Revelations!Ezio hahahaha

No, seriously.

Anyway, the witch is Juno (of course), Calcifer is Clay and Turnip Head would be Suleiman who does fall in love with Ezio but… yyeeaaahhh.

So, Desmond is cursed to not have a heart by Juno (and it’s shaped like the Apple of Eden and is Juno’s main ‘weapon’) and he can transform into a similar bird creature but this one is bathed in white and have gold lines all over (Ezio would realize the gold lines are very similar to the gold lines of the Apple) and he does transform to keep the two warring side in check even if it’s taking a toll on his body. The more toll it takes, the more golden lines appear on his body, all originating from the scar where his heart had been taken.

Clay tells Ezio he can free him from his curse but he wants to be freed first. This is all a big gamble because Clay knows the only way to free him from the life connection he has with Desmond is if Desmond regains his heart before Clay’s fire is completely snuffed out.

The ending is similar to Howl’s Moving Castle but Ezio would steal Juno’s Apple because he knows it’s connected to Desmond but don’t know how while Juno is punished by the king she ‘sided’ with. (Lorenzo, maybe?)

ConDes: Princess Mononoke

I’m going to be completely honest here, Princess Mononoke is my favorite Studio Ghibli film and I was tempted to make this the AltDes one but ConDes just fits soooo much more so, yeah, let’s start this.

Ratonhnhaké:ton would be our Ashitaka and he’d be ‘banished’ from his village because he was cursed after killing a demon before it could reach his village. His grandmother (the clan mother as well) tells him to go west where the demon (which they had realized was a corrupted boar god) had hailed from.

Along the way, he meets George Washington who suggests that maybe the Great Forest Spirit could cure him… if he was to find it anyway.

So Ratonhnhaké:ton reached Iron Town that is under the control of the Templar Order with Haytham Kenway as the leader (up to you if we’re keeping their familial relationship or not)

He also sees the town be attacked by wolves and a man in a hood and a mask that rides one of the wolves and attacks the townspeople as well. 

Okay, for this one, Desmond is obviously the San of this AU and his wolf brethren would be Altaïr and Ezio. 

Can we keep Gillian Anderson as Moro? No? Fine. Maria Auditore or Minerva gets the role of mama!wolf god. Take your pick.

Yeah, George Washington’s gonna steal that head. XD

Alright, so those are the main three done and here are some more Studio Ghibli AU ideas that I’m just throwing out there:

Fuck it. I want a Castle in the Sky one so here: Arno x Desmond with Laputa Castle in the Sky with Desmond being the mysterious man everyone wants to abduct and Arno helping him try to escape and also looking for the mythical Laputa that his father had been searching until his untimely demise.

My Neighbors the Yamada with the Kenway family. Either this is a sweet AU where nothing bad happened to them OR this is like the exact opposite of My Neighbors the Yamada and is just pure Kenway Family Drama all the way. Either way, the fic would be set in Desmond’s POV who is neighbors with the Kenways and it’s up to you if this is gonna be EdDes, HayDes or ConDes (or even JenDes)

Kiki Delivery Service with Desmond being Kiki, Clay as Jiji and Leonardo being that kid that is absolutely enraptured by how Desmond could use a broom to fly. The bakery is absolutely owned by the Auditores with Maria Auditore pregnant with Petruccio. (this can either be EziDes or LeoDes)

Only Yesterday AU where Jacob returns to his childhood rural town after a very bad breakup and tries to ‘repair’ his relationship with his sister that shattered after their father’s death. She’s married and has a child and her husband’s cousin, Desmond, is also a distant childhood friend. 

The Cat Returns would be so fun for Desmond and I kinda want it to be Eivor x Desmond with the Cat King being Odin. I don’t know why, it sorta kinda fits? Baron could even be Basim and Toto would be Hytham, why not?

I kinda wanna make a joke and say Graves of the Fireflies with the Frye twins but just remembering Graves of the Fireflies makes me wanna cry so no, we are not using Graves of the Firefly in this one unless the AU has Desmond save the kids. 

I gotta end it there because if I don’t, I’ll be stuck here thinking of AU ideas for every Studio Ghibli film I’ve watched and I’m pretty sure I watched almost all of them. God, I wanted to make a Nausicaa Valley of the Winds AU but all I can think of are the Templars using ancient weapons to control the world and Desmond being Nausicaa. That’s as far as I got.

[millimononym]

TAG GAME!!!

tagged by @cerisia76 thank u 4 the tag!! I didn't know who i should tag so I'm just gonna be answering this one

3 ships:

this is gonna be hard I'm in so many fandoms lol I'm gonna try to be diverse. Also this is super long

1. Eritav (Homestuck)

OUGHHH where do i start with these 2. Ok so tavros is my fave troll so naturally during the period i was reading Homestuck a lot i stared having dreams about him. And for some reason one time Eridan was also there so i was intrigued and looked into their ship tag on AO3 and found the best fic ever with like the best characterization, writing etc... Before i literally didn't give 2 shits about eridan but it made me love his character as well. It's called "Black sails, Black romance" by mtjester and it's about Tavros and Eridan developing a kismesissitude(which is basically hate love, for those that don't read hs). The reason i put a pic of them down there as moirails is because i can honestly see them in any quadrant, despite them never talking in canon.

For moirallegiance, i feel like it would start out rocky but eventually develop into something better. Tavros would actually be allowed to speak his mind and develop more confidence since i dont think Eridan would shut him down constantly like Vriska, as Eridan is desperate for his quadrants to actually work. And Eridan would obviously benefit from having someone to keep his ass in line.

I can see them developing into matesprits later from that as well.

And as for kismesissitude, well it's already getting too long and i already gave a fic rec for it.

image by urfavsarequadranted

2. Toxic4Toxic/Socket/Rocket x Sinedd whatever they're called (Galactik football)

Must i say anything. They give each other undiscovered mental illnesses and are horrible for each other and i love that for them. Rocket is my favorite character and so his arc in season 2 was most interesting to me, which includes his relationship with Sinedd. I feel like they could have done more with them in s2, but i already made a post about that.

3. Hinadam (Super Danganronpa 2)

AHHHH THEM. Contender for fave rarepair of all time and fave Danganronpa ship overall. Best fics on ao3. 0 fandom toxicity surrounding them. Should be shipped more than k0mahina. Is more canon than k0mahina(I'm gonna get torn apart for this opinion but idc!!!)

like the entire freetime events with Gundham ends with him letting Hajime hold his hand, which he never let ANYONE do due to his touch aversion. He never develops a relationship this strong with anyone, not even Sonia who is his friend in the game. Hajime is the only person he feels safe and comfortable letting down his walls with due to Hajime's genuine effort to understand him better and be his friend. It's genuinely touching to me idkk i think i cried a bit first time i saw it. I'm not going to go into spoilers but good god man...the chapter ....if you know you know

and also in the island mode ending, Gundham asks Hajime if he wants to live a quiet life with himself and his animals. How is this not shipped more they're literally so in love it's not even funny

And NO i do not ship it because gundham is the best character and Hajime is the character i relate to most. but that could be part of it

IDK who made this artwork I'm sorry

Last song:

Okay it's technically not these ones but its the ones i remember listening to most lately. It's rainbow factory and Terrible Things. Fun fact a childhood song of mine called Erase The Underground (undertale fansong) just. Straight up used rainboe factory's music and i never knew so when i listened to RF i got the biggest jumpscare of my LIFE

Last movie:

The last movie i remember watching fully was Howl's moving Castle bcz my sister forced me and i enjoyed it even though it's not one of my favorite ghibli movies or anything. It was cool

Currently reading:

Still reading Watership down! (I have no time for anything lately otherwise i would have finished it) and if Manga counts I've also started reading NANA !! and i love it tbh my favorite thing is the fashion i could feel myself getting more cultured while reading it i think

Currently watching:

There's nothing im really focused on atm but i have a list on my pinned. The big ones i would say are Adventure Time and MAR (for nostalgia purposes). I'm also watching the justice league cartoon but tbh I don't really enjoy it that much despite people saying it's great. It just doesn't hit the same heights as BTAS or have as enjoyable of a superhero team as LOSH 2006. To me. But idk maybe it gets better later

Currently drinking: waterrrrrr baby

Currently craving: school to end to end tbhhhh

[meggannn]

Megan's Blorbo Bracket

I got sick of my favorite characters getting knocked out of random tournaments and then me not caring about any of the possible winners. @perihelions suggested I make a bracket of just my favorite characters instead. So I present 32 blorbos: No matter who wins a poll, I will win because my blorbo wins, and no matter who loses, I lose because my blorblo loses. But the people who will lose most will undoubtedly be my followers, who have to sift through more junk posts from yours truly. Without further ado:

"You like so many things. How did you pick?" I limited myself to two blorbos per fandom and every pairing was randomized. I have other favorites that I left out for lack of blorbo energy, or I just wasn't feeling it, or I hit my "two per fandom" maximum. Maybe if I'm bored later I'll make a bracket of just the rejects.

"What's the schedule?" The first eight polls of Round 1 will go up this Friday, May 5. The second eight of Round 1 will go up on Saturday, March 6. Polls will have a 24-hour time limit. (But I'm not sure what tournament courtesy is; I can be convinced to make them a week long if there are strong feelings otherwise.)

"I'll just vote for my favorites and then skip the other polls if I don't recognize anyone." Please participate in every poll you happen to see. Really!

"But I don't recognize/am sick of seeing some of these people." You are welcome, nay, strongly encouraged, to participate if/when you do not know any of the contestants. Pick whomever's design or name or vibe you like the most or flip a coin. I also encourage spite-voting AGAINST ones you dislike. I want this tournament to be as chaotic and petty as possible. I do not however make any promises to change my blogging behavior based on the results.

"I don't know you. You're just some stranger I found in the search/tags." Perfect. Please vote.

"How will this affect your daily content?" My queue will continue running amidst this chaos. I will aim not to reblog poll posts while they're still live, to avoid spamming your dashboards. This means you have to set your clocks if you want to vote or just get lucky seeing a post. If there are any propaganda reblogs, I will only reblog them if I see them/find them funny, again to avoid spamming dashboards.

The tag is #MegansBlorboBracket if you'd like to follow or block it. A full list of Round 1 contestants and their fandoms are under the cut.

Round 1

Claude von Riegan (Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Hopes) vs Fujimoto (Ponyo)

Fenris (Dragon Age 2) vs Jin (Samurai Champloo)

Therem Harth rem ir Estraven (The Left Hand of Darkness) vs Howl Jenkins (Howl's Moving Castle)

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) vs Yangchen (Avatar: The Last Airbender/Chronicles of the Avatar)

Kurisu Makise (Steins;Gate) vs Venom (Venom)

Chell (Portal) vs Petra Macneary (Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Hopes)

Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki (Everything Everywhere All At Once) vs Johanna Mason (The Hunger Games)

Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn) vs Peter B Parker (Into the Spider-verse)

Greedling (Fullmetal Alchemist) vs Bigby Wolf (The Wolf Among Us)

Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect) vs Makoto Niijima (Persona 5)

Inej Ghafa (Six of Crows) vs Hawke (Dragon Age 2)

Atem (Yu-Gi-Oh) vs Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist) vs Miles Morales (Into the Spider-verse)

Shepard (Mass Effect) vs Yusuke Kitagawa (Persona 5)

Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) vs Kim Kitsuragi (Disco Elysium)

Sun-King Avad (Horizon Zero Dawn) vs Aloth Corfiser (Pillars of Eternity)

[ultramarine-spirit]

Of all the parts of the novel that never appeared in the manhwa, which one would you have liked to see?

Well, the lucathy kiss scene is a given. Not only it is super romantic and cute, but we get to see Athy reach 18 years old and achieve her original goal of surviving until then.

Other than that, in no particular order:

- Lucas and Athy walking on air à la Howl's Moving Castle at their market date. One of the vendors calling Athy Lucas' girlfriend, Lucas wanting to deny it but Athy shutting him up so they got free food.

- Athy asking Lily if she wanted to get married and have a child, but Lily answering she loved Athy as a daughter and that she just wanted to stay by her side forever. Athy then replying Lily was like her mom to her.

- Lucas gifting Athy Nox. It's cute, but it also addresses how Athy felt incredibly lonely without Lucas and after Blackie's death (she didn't get over it as easily as in the manhwa), and having something truly of her own, not of the "character Athanasia". She also called Nox "the child you gave me" in front of Lucas which is so funny.

- Felix freaking out about getting old and offending Claude in the process because he is older than Felix. Claude forcing Felix to drink gross soup to "stay healthy" (torturing him) but Felix not catching on and being moved because Claude "worried so much for him".

- Athy inviting Lucas to see the stars while laying in bed.

- Every Single Cabel Scene. His duel with Lucas was especially hilarious. Him gifting Athy flowers from her own garden and Athy being offended parallels manhwa! Athy being charmed when Lucas did the same. Double standards much, Athy?

- Lucathy's second market date when Lucas doesn't deny being Athy's boyfriend.

- Lucathy's tea party over the lake. It wasn't anything special from a narrative point of view, but it was super sweet and fun.

- Athy insulting the men that harassed her and Jennette when they visited the market (using very colorful slang) and kicking them in the nuts with a candy powered by her mana.

- All of LP!Lucas' scenes. This was always impossible because Spoon wouldn't (and didn't) include the LP extras in the manhwa (I understand, it would make the fandom hate like 75% of the characters), but LP!Lucas was so great OTL.

- Athy defending Lucas in front of Claude and Claude saying he must have cursed/bewitched Athy lmfao.

- Athy shutting Roger and the foreign nobles up (who called her a weak and fragile princess and tried to choose a husband for her) by bending a silver spoon in two.

- Ijekiel rejecting Jennette. It was much more compelling in the novel, expanding on their relationship in a way the manhwa didn't at all, making it a lot less interesting. I wish the manhwa would have kept it as it was, I think both of their characters changed for the worse without that added depth.

- Jennette actually getting upset over literally everyone lying to her. Her reaction in the manhwa is just so unrealistic. Jennette showing her ugly emotions in general, Spoon really didn't let her and it made her character flatter.

- Duchess Alpheus making a small appearance. Ijekiel, are you an orphan in the manhwa?

- Aety being his own character separated from Ana. He was way funnier like that and his motives made more sense, even if he was a clown. Everyone recognizing he was just a fucked up dude.

- CHIEF GRANDPA ASKING FOR ATHY'S HAIR AND BLOOD. Claude exploding half of the tower in retaliation, and then Lucas exploding the other half when he found out.

- Lucas' whole relationship with the royal wizards (who were all ikemen, including Chief Grandpa, by the way). Lucas torturing them, the wizards hating his guts, them not believing Lucas could be in love, Chief Grandpa trying to sell Lucas as a groom to Athy.

-Lucas stabbing Claude AND Athy with the World Tree's branch. Yeah, I know it would have clashed with the more dramatic tone of the manhwa, but it was so good. Athy calling him a murderer was hilarious.

- Athy hiding Claude's identity with magic when they visited the city making him look super ugly and the local men making fun of him. Claude then teaching Athy how to gamble and crushing said men at their own game. Poor Athy thought he was trying to teach her a moral lesson lmao.

- Athy's 18th birthday party, her dance with Lucas and Helena's POV of the whole thing. Yes, it was as hysterical as it sounds.