zan-blr-blog

[opens-up-4-nobody]

:-P

[dobadoo]

˗ˏˋ ꒰ YANDERE WANDERER ꒱ ˎˊ˗

yandere!wanderer/fem!reader

warnings - light mention of NSFW,slightly coercive attitude a/n - <3 suddenly got motivation to write for all main scaras..this character is so complicated..(that's why I love him lol) So there might be some discrepancy with canon

2.273 words

┆彡 How did he realize his feelings? How quickly did it happen?

You first crossed paths on the Street in Sumeru. Daydreaming, you accidentally bumped into the Wanderer. Automatically apologizing, you smiled slightly and walked on. You didn't see the face of the man who had the misfortune of crossing your path. But he remembered yours.

At another time, the Wanderer would have called out to the absent-minded passerby and expressed his displeasure at his inattention, but this time, for some reason, he didn't feel the desire to ruin someone's mood. Following his gaze as you disappeared around the corner, he was surprised to feel something strange, half-forgotten inside himself…

"No, I'm not going to get involved in this," - the former Number Six of the Fatui Harbingers shook his head decisively.

Yes, he decided to live like a human. But that doesn't mean he wants to go through the same pain as before. Perhaps the Wanderer would have forgotten this meeting over time… even the gods do not know the answer to this question. Or, on the contrary, they decided to remind him what it is like to love?..

The second time he saw you was at a doll-making workshop. You were not from Sumeru and decided to bring home such an interesting souvenir, and he just wanted to make a doll similar to the one he once had. The workshop lasted for several days. You did not even look in the Wanderer's direction, all the time thinking about something of your own, but he did not take his eyes off you. On the third day, the Wanderer began to get angry not only at himself, for making the same mistakes as he once did, becoming attached to a mortal man, but also at you, for not noticing him.

Although, unlike the other people he once loved, you did not give him anything, but for some reason your opinion of him seemed important to him. On the fourth day, the Wanderer could not stand such inattention to his person and began to cough loudly and demonstratively. You looked up at him in confusion:

Be healthy, - you said politely and again looked away from the young man. The Archons see that if the Wanderer were not a puppet, he would choke on this!.. On what?.. Even on the same air!..

For the first time, he saw that someone did not care about him so much. Especially someone he deigned to be interested in. The fifth day was the last day of the master class. Realizing that if he did not do anything now, it would never work out, the Wanderer approached and casually asked:

"Hmm… what is your name?" - You said your name.

"And yours?.."

"Wanderer."

"I see. Excuse me, I need to go." - You turned around to leave the place where the master class was being held. The young man who approached you, apparently to get acquainted, was very handsome in appearance: thick blue-black hair, indigo eyes, delicate features… it was hard to imagine a man as beautiful as Wanderer. But something about him repulsed you… perhaps his manner of speech?..

"Where are you going? hmh.I hope your majesty, you don't mind if I go with you..It wasn't a question."

"I don't need you." - you sighed, I looked at him questioningly.

"What, really?.. Just look at yourself. Thin arms, no weapon. Where are you going to stick your nose in?.."

"In any case, it's none of your business, and it's better to go alone than with a boor like you!.."

"Am I boor? I'm just telling the truth, and if someone doesn't like listening, that's their problem."

"You're right, of course, but if I don't like listening, no one can make me believe otherwise."

"I see."

Wanderer chuckled. His interest in you grew even stronger. The former "balladeer" didn't understand what it was about you that he liked so much, both the first time and now. The first time you didn't talk, so it wasn't the so-called "intelligence." Beauty?.. yes, you're quite nice, but he's seen many prettier ones. The human world is full of mysteries.

The old Scaramouche wouldn't have looked for answers to all these questions. Did he like you?.. great. If you don't want to follow him yourself, he'll kidnap you. He's the Harbinger, who has subordinates and a million ways to keep you locked up. But that's not the case now. It's not even that he's no longer a member of Fatui, it's just that he's become different. He decided that he wanted to absolve himself of all his sins, but how could he do that if he kidnapped someone, even if, one might say, out of scientific interest?.. he needs to think of something else. Maybe he would tell Nahida about it, or, if she was busy, the Traveler.

After listening attentively to Wanderer, the goddess of Wisdom gave him a book.

"All about etiquette: a complete set of rules for social and business communication,"

He read the book and found out that it was customary to address strangers as "you." It turned out that it was not very nice to start an acquaintance with rudeness even with a simple person, and even more so if you liked him… but it couldn't be that you rejected him, Wanderer, just because he was a little abrupt!..

┆彡 How jealous is he? How will he deal with his rivals?

He really doesn't like it when you care about someone more than him. However, the smart Wanderer will never arrange a massacre just like that. Although, is it necessary his given inclinations?.. Yes, he can knock a person down so much that it seems better to hit him a couple of times… In Sumeru, they talk about you as a strange couple: a dreamer with thoughts as light as the wind, and an angry kitten, ready to sink his little teeth into the throat of anyone who dares to look at her.

However, Wanderer may seem like a harmless kitten only to a person who has never encountered him. And soon it will become clear to everyone that the "kitten" is not as weak as he seems. Wanderer sharp tongue will quickly do its job. Your admirers will not dare to approach you. At least in his presence.

If someone bothers you too much, Wanderer despite having decided to start a new life, will go to extremes. Oh no, he won't kill that person. He'll just gouge out their eyes. If this guy doesn't understand that it's not nice to look at other people's loved ones, he'll have to show him that. Well, at least this way he'll never make the same mistake again!

┆彡 Would he kidnap you?

The old Scara, as mentioned above, would kidnap you without a second thought. But now he knows he can't do that. Maybe if your relationship lasts long enough for him to feel he has the right to control you, he'll restrict you a little: make you quit your job and stay home, demand that you come home by nine o'clock and not talk to people he doesn't like.

But if you kindly remind him that you're not his thing, he'll have no choice but to roll his indigo eyes and accept that you're not going to do his bidding.

┆彡 What are his rules?

First of all, you must not love anyone but him, just as he loves no one but you. That's the most important thing. He also wants you to accompany him wherever he goes - that's the only way he can be sure that you won't cheat on him. He's generally very fanatical about you being faithful to him as a lover should be. Wanderer knows himself well: if he's betrayed again, he won't be able to return to atone for his sins.

He will.never.let you.go.

┆彡 What does his behavior look like?

Everyone has a friend or acquaintance who likes to say nasty things, grumble, say that he will never help an idiot like you, and then help in a way that even the most polite and courteous people will not help. So. This friend is Wanderer

He can scold you a hundred times for allowing yourself to be deceived, but you will be sure that your offender will not get off with a light fright.

He can declare a thousand times that he doesn’t care about people, they have too many useless functions that only get in the way in life, but you will always find your favorite food at home. He can tell you a million times that you're a complete idiot, but if someone else says it… oh, man, are you completely tired of living?.. Wanderer believes that he is in a special position and has the right to tell you whatever he wants, but he will react extremely aggressively if someone else thinks the same.

┆彡 What happens if you get sick?

Wanderer will tell you a lot of things while you're sick. For example, that only an idiot could go out without a hat, knowing that it would rain, and she herself is quite sick and can easily catch something. And also that the human body is very weak in principle, so you shouldn't have gone anywhere at all, just like he said… but at the same time he will surround you with pillows, feed you with a spoon, buy you sweets and make you tea.

One day, when he will be adjusting the blanket at night, you will wake up and, in your sleep, say that such behavior makes him human…

┆彡 How much does he need your love?

Initially, Wanderer didn't want to experience feelings that usually hurt people, but when he admitted that he was in love, he realized that there was no point in being afraid anymore. Everything that could happen has already happened, and nothing can be done about it.

And since he loves you, it would be desirable for you to love him too. And if Wanderer can't open the door to your heart, he will try to achieve at least a tolerant attitude towards himself. However, this will never be enough for him. He wants his feelings to be reciprocated.

┆彡 Views on family

Girl!.. He's a puppet.. He can't have children with you, although you can adopt someone.. But he doesn't need it, he wants to live his immortal life with his beloved, and not babysit children. If you really get close, Wanderer will treat you like a family member. In order not to offend you, over time he will moderate his ardor and become less harsh in his judgments.

But if you don't need him, and you are simply forced to be near him… he will treat you not as a thing, no. If you put a thing, it stands there. And you, more like a pet. You tell him: don't climb there, and he climbs. You tell him: don't eat this, and he eats. You tell him: don't bother this person, and he bothers. Usually, of course, a pet is perceived as part of the family, but it is unknown whether Wanderer will put so highly someone whom he considers so inferior to himself.

┆彡 What kind of punishment does he use?

If you are too brazen and respond to his caustic remarks with aggression (in general, act like a brat), then he will ignore it for a long time, and believe me, he is very good at it. (but he still gave in after 5 minutes)

Do you like to be sweet?.. Great! In that case, why don't you, say, court him?.. He doesn't demand anything complicated: be silent when necessary, don't bother him and don't disturb him when he doesn't want to.

Kiss him when he wants and.. ah, you don't want to court him?.. Oh. For that, you deserve punishment. So, you'll have to sleep next to him and kiss your puppet for a long time before going to bed… If you don't agree to that either, the Wanderer will decide to gently caress you a little from below.. With his tongue, his fingers.. And you won't be able to avoid that!!

┆彡 What kind of pet-names does he use?

Well…he doesn't like to use pet-names like "sweety pie" or "my bunny", etc. (only sarcastically, and rarely).. Even the puppet like him gets sick of it. But the Wanderer often uses poetic nicknames towards you. He can compare you to characters from books or heroes of famous paintings.

And you have a surprisingly large number of such "second names": each time he calls you differently, depending on the situation and your behavior. For example, if you are a night owl and don't like to sleep at night, he calls you "Selena" in honor of the moon goddess, if you prefer airy, light-colored clothes, he can compare you to an angel, and so on.

The Wanderer is very protective of you, because he considers you the only person who can accept him as he is. And, you can be sure, he will do everything to not lose you.. Not after what he went through..

"But you are not angry, are you, my Persephone?.."

[mtkay13]

Gonna post TWO hoboxus today because I CAN! (still desperately trying to catch up with my twitter posts LOL help I'm terrible at this)

From a meme based on art by KOTTERI, the author of Veil (among amazing other things). Find them on twitter @_K0TTERl_!

More musing below, as per usual! (Be ready it's a LONG one again)

I really hesitated with how I wanted to do this. The original had this gorgeous red poster that seemed like a perfect fit for WKX:

(@_K0TTERl_)

Either I went for the imagery of ZZS wistfully gazing upon the mysterious and eccentric WKX, which would definitely have been more aesthetic and undeniably fitting, or I went the semi-humorous route of channelling the "WKX fell for that ugly hobo and his gorgeous shoulder blades" meme-ified side of their dynamic.

Well, clearly that's where I ended up going, but I feel like explaining a bit.

For me, this picture was three-folds:

First part is the meme; it's kind of funny, kind of ridiculous, and sets the tone of what TYK starts off as; rather absurd, with its reasonable dose of dark humor, and the (at first seemingly improbable) meeting and love story between a silly dying hobo and a strange, suspicious, hedonistic gentleman. It felt thematically appropriate for TYK to twist the original image and put the obviously uglier one on the poster since TYK relies heavily on genre subversion to begin with.

Secondly, there is WKX. So, controversial opinion (/jk) but I don't think WKX was necessarily convinced or even really thought that ZZS was "a beauty" underneath his alleged mask. It was probably a mix of various feelings and teasing/provoking which lead to this joke. First, everything he expresses throughout the book and in extra 4; the fascination for this man who seemed too hide great strength and was of no known identity--who was probably more than what he seemed.

(I'm gonna push it just a little bit ((but isn't that the fun of literary interpretation)), but the "beauty under the mask" is not only physical. It could be a way to say, I think that beneath your raunchy, ridiculous attitude, beneath your gross appearance, beneath the pretense that you're a nobody, that you're a peasant, you're probably someone of great importance and great accomplishments, someone much stronger than you pretend to be--someone like me, perhaps, even. The shoulder blades references are, besides of course WKX *actually* noticing them, the observation of how ZZS moves, of how agile his body is, etc...)

Anyway-- the entire point of this intro is to say that to me, this isn't actually referring to that whole side of their dynamic (or not entirely), but rather to that passage that I am STILL OBSESSED WITH where Wen Kexing recognizes ZZS just from the way he's sitting in a restaurant, and that makes him feel things not entirely positive:

Zhou Zishu stepped into an inn alone. He chose a seat by a window, ordered a few side dishes and a jug of mulled rice wine, and drank it slowly while soaking in the sunshine. As soon as Wen Kexing walked in, he saw Zhou Zishu from behind. He didn’t know why, but he thought that this view was quite special—he could always pick it out of a crowd. Zhou Zishu did not sit with his back straight. Most of the time, he lounged indolently at an angle that looked exceptionally comfortable. Wen Kexing thought that it seemed as though nothing weighed on him; seeing him was enough to ease the heart. Wen Kexing unconsciously halted his steps. He stared at Zhou Zishu’s relaxed silhouette for a while, with no trace of an expression in his face or eyes. His heart swelled with some strange feeling—strange, in that it was no feeling at all. He felt as though this man was mocking him with this wordless posture; he who rushed around for one thing or another, who was burdened with so many cares, yet obstinately put on a devil-may-care persona. Zhou Xu—as carefree as duckweed, he thought, with a body like willow catkins. In all the world, with its boundless perspectives, where could you find someone who walked their path alone and never allowed anything to trouble them? Yet he was not apathetic—he had his joy, his anger, his sorrow—and they came in a flash as quickly as they went. Within the blink of an eye, he had forgotten it already.

(Tian Ya Ke, chapter 18, TL by Lianzi) (have I quoted this already??? If not I should have I love this passage so much)

AND THEN QUOTING ANOTHER PASSAGE (LOL), TL by me this time:

From the moment he'd noticed his shoulderblades, felt this rush of excitement, to when he'd started liking who Zhou Zishu was, when he'd thought——so this is the Commander of Tian Chuang. Suddenly, he'd felt as if he'd met his other self. Both of them, lone wolves caught in a hunter's trap, struggling for freedom to no avail, until they had resolved to coldly gnawing off their own legs in the end. He'd felt compelled to follow him around, watched him, until he suddenly realised—if Zhou Zishu could live like this, then surely, so could he?

(Full passage in this other post LOL)

So yes, THIS. Those two things. That's it. Need I say more? HAH OF COURSE I DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO (help)

More seriously--the way WKX is captivated by ZZS' apparent carefreeness and freedom, all the different feelings (or absence thereof, as he puts it, which I interpret as so distant from what he's used to feel that it almost feels like nothing at all) is what I was going for here.... By not showing his face at all LMAO

The envy, the frustration--the impression of being mocked, but also the longing, how it inspired him to follow along and try to be free like he was.

-cough- yes, so that was point 2 out of 3.

Now lastly, about ZZS himself and my representation of him as hoboxu. I think (?) I've written enough about him that I think I can keep this succint. I love how priest often makes a point of expliciting, in the book, how he's so often smiling, and how he's always incredibly energetic in the morning, as if the night of pain had never happened. I like to think that hoboxu is both a carricature of a ridiculous character that ZZS has fun embodying---but also a liberated expression of his deeper self.

WKX feels like he's mocking him, but ZZS is also mocking himself relentlessly, when he feels like the outside resembles the inside finally, when he feels ridiculous in these new robes, when he allows himself the most outrageous behavior---and then there's mocking life itself, mocking jianghu, mocking everything that he nonetheless deeply cherishes. It's almost... gently mocking, affectionate mocking of everything because his own life has become a joke yet he's still going to enjoy it to the fullest--drinking to his heart's content, rolling in the mud and visiting touristy sites (or so he intended).

In the end... the world is still in his own hands. He chose everything, chose the way he lived, the way he (would have) died and still has the power to dissappear at will--but he stays. Stays and endures what he pretends annoys him, because he can't help himself, because he's ridiculous and is aware of it and may as well have some fun while being so.

I can't seem to ever have enough of this, of this vibe. I wanted to have him laugh at and with WKX, at and with the people seeing him, at and with himself, at and with the narrative.

SO YEAH HAH THATS HUM THAT'S IT. You know what they say, it's only a fun meme if there's an essay behind it (noone says that help 😭😭😭😭)

I hope you had fun reading it and have a nice weeked 🤪

[nerdy-talks]

Obey Me! Nightbringer Lesson 35

It might be a very unpopular opinion, perhaps I will be entirely alone on this, but...

Is anyone else not into this?

I consider Lucifer extremely old fashioned, which certainly isn't a bad thing. So I feel like this gesture came from a very thoughtful, sweet, even innocent place.

But I'm the type of person who likes to wear what I wanna wear. I definitely wouldn't want someone else choosing my outfit for me.

Despite that... I chose the blue outfit xD

You're damn right there is.

Choosing my outfit and my meal?

Lucifer, my dear... you're crossing into unfriendly territory ( • ＿・)

Mainly because I'm a picky eater, but I also like to make my own decisions lol

Not gonna lie though, the power struggle is a turn on~

I wasn't sure which choice I wanted to go with, so I tried them all.

The first choice resulted in Lucifer basically dismissing us/brushing off our comment.

The second choice earned a pretty snarky/lowkey hostile comment from Lucifer.

In the end, I chose the third option.

That's a very bold claim you're making there, Lucifer. Try not to be too overconfident~

Ugh, there it is... "In fact, I know you far better than you know yourself."

Realistically speaking, if anyone ever said that to me, I would instinctively respond with an annoyed "fuck you."

But that's not an option here. And I can agree that staying in the Devildom would be the best choice, since I would be happiest in the Devildom.

Only problem is that we have to return to the "present", a detail that Lucifer is still unaware of.

Still.... Claiming to know us better than we know ourselves... for some reason, that statement makes my skin crawl.

It feels soooooooo manipulative to me. And declaring it as "fact" makes it even worse.

And yet... there's something about manipulative Lucifer that I really like~ (≖⌣≖)

I know, I'm fucked up and have equally fucked up kinks lol

Then we reach this part :

You supposedly know me better than anyone else, myself included, yet you laugh when I say that I feel depressed?!

He really is a sadist... (˶ •̀⤙•́ ˶ )

As someone who actually does have depression, this would have likely pissed me off while also making me feel super sad/gloomy lol

Though I know Lucifer probably didn't mean it in a bad or negative way. I think he's just enjoying the challenge that comes with our stubbornness. It may seem like I'm making excuses for him, which I absolutely am. And that's because I love this sadistic old man, so it's all good xD

[nonomives]

Alright- glad that it ain't seen as rude then! And I already have an au with the suggestion that I'm gonna give, just doesn't have as much detail as I am gonna give.

This suggestion is actually also based on one or two of the lines from their cutouts as well! Perhaps the two could be sorta like a duo in a way? From what I can tell in your au with what happened to Bobby, and think of Bobby in general. She seems like she would need some help considering how she lost her arms and kinda seems like she would know a bit of first aid. And Kickin seems like he would be good with just that-!

For like- protecting her, fighting for her, or just going out and looking for stuff for them both to eat or something to replace her arms. Or something like that. While Bobby can give instructions/tips on how he can fix himself up if he ever has/had to fight someone off. Espeshally since Kickin seems like he would be an equal match, in my opinion, in a fight against Hoppy if he ever has to fight her for whatever reason if Hoppy and Crafty found Bobby again.

I've based this on the lines from each about how Kickin was scared to go alone and Bobby not wanting to be left alone. Both just being the whole not wanting to be alone in some form or another kind of thing.

-FA

Lowkey

But actually highkey im shocked you idea aligns with what I have in mind. Although they wont always be together. Like kickin acts as a scout while bobby takes charge in a base of sorts thtas hidden somewhere there. Possibly a refuge for smaller toys. A neutral ground separate from either poppy or the prototype. Hold on I gotta draw this lol

[2n2n]

Do you think Yashiro has a sad past? I mean we still don't know anything about her childhood. We know even more about the Minamoto family than she does. I have the impression that aida Iro is going to drop some bomb in relation to her past. In my opinion I think that her parents are probably either divorced or argue all the time, maybe that's why she desperately seeks a fairytale love. But I would love to hear your opinion 👍

I am not personally under that impression ....but it's true Nene-chan's youngest childhood is very well hidden from us, and I do think it will be a kind of 'drop' to see young, young Nene-chan.

This is the glimpse we've gotten of her parents:

While it's Not, Like, Impossible A Divorce Happened Before Or After This, or her parents are in some way unsatisfactory..... I do not personally see how that would advance our understanding of Nene-chan's complexes. Unlike Amane, I do not think Nene-chan's cheery attitude in younger life is a facade ... we see plenty of her attitude, anyway, at many ages (though we also see that her only friend seems to be Aoi, and we do not see her BEFORE middle school for more than a single panel).

middle school girlie...

I also think Nene-chan's bedroom and the frivolousness with which she can buy herself some clothes and toys, isn't really particularly signifying struggle.... her parents seem nice to her, and she can enjoy her weirder interests or aesthetics all she pleases. At the same time, it's a small bedroom, and a humble apartment complex.

Here, you can see younger Nene-chans.

I think her biggest fear in Hell of Mirrors is very real, very Nene-chan. You have to take it to heart I think, that the Hell of Mirrors itself is honest. I think if she had something like miserable parents arguing all the time, her fear would be something like getting into a bad relationship, being an unhappy wife, romance betraying her, or something, I don't know … (considering her abusive boyfriend this would be not very good thematically lol.... it is. already happening,,)

(in Japanese she says, "Domestic Violence Boyfriend" lmfao)

but Nene-chan's biggest fear is simply that nobody will ever want her. And given how few friends she has, and how none of her peers will remotely vote her into a nice role in a school play, I think that's Nene-chan's actual, for real, biggest problem! Crushing reality that she's just not hot!!!! Nobody would have you in that way! You'll be alone forever-- so what if your parents 'love you'?

[PS: please laugh with me that it's all boys in the portraits mocking her .... even Lemon is here ... that is so sad Nene-chan. The idea even Lemon would not have you. O-or a male Mokke,,]

I think THAT is her struggle, and it sets her apart from characters like Teru or Aoi (well-admired and considered attractive), Akane (who is well-liked broadly by the student body)-- people whos problems are not remotely 'Am I Desirable and Hot?'.

and yet continues the general concept of lonliness and pining we do explore again and again (Teru hides his pain while desperately loving his family, Kou is trusted with nothing important & is not taken seriously, Aoi hides her true self for disdain and mistrust of others, Mitsuba seems to PLATONICALLY pine for company and love, Sakura feebly reads books, hamfistedly attempts at proper socializing, embarrassed to do it wrong)....

I don't personally think a girl needs a 'reason' to be a romantic ... it can be tragic enough that a girl can want something so helplessly and be so bad at it. So beyond fail at it. So inexperienced socially she bombs over and over and over. We OPEN THE MANGA with Nene-chan being ludicrously bad at it....

I think Iro-sensei pities this immensely lol...

Personally? I think the spoiler is that young Nene-chan was very weird, worse than she is now, and perhaps even ... overtly strange and even... boyish?

As the Queen of Hearts, Nene-chan was raised as a boy:

In the Monster Nursery AU, Nene-chan is a very scrappy, rowdy kid:

We know Nene-chan made a conscious choice to become more feminine, when a boy she liked in early middle school, was into feminine girls:

I'm kinda hoping when we see young, young Nene-chan, that she is like, incredibly offputting to her peers, to other girls, to boys ... enjoying her strange scary ghoul plush... loving ghost stories ... rowdy and kinda annoying. Kind of a terrible rat?

an utterly undateable girl, who made her efforts come middle school to try to be a little different... a girl who, I like to think, Aoi saw being rejected, and, didn't want to reject like everyone else (even despite how determined to be alone Aoi typically is!! I think Nene-chan was special!)

It would be cute... if she was just so Tsukasa-like (: I would like Amane... to see her as a younger child, and feel kind of like .... "noooooooooooo... what... no.... why.... what ... this is a picture of a boy, isn't it? This ... can't..... . be. Yashiro... nooooooooo *so horny he's going to black out*" . make him feel weird and funny and kind of terrified by how alike to the rowdy, annoying Tsukasa she is. S-s o cute ... ghh-!

Voted Least Likely to Ever Have a Boyfriend

[mostthingskenobi]

20!

Thanks for the ask 💜

Here’s the list of asks.

20. 4 sentences from your work that you’re proud of

Oh my, this is fun and difficult...I can't pick 4 sentences, so is it ok if I share 4 moments...???

I've been rereading some of my fics for a project, and I have to say, some of my early stuff pains me LOL. I feel like I've grown a lot as a writer. My most recent fic, Cassian's Reckoning, feels like my best work so far (I'm sure in a few years it will make me squirm). There are a lot of parts from it that I'm proud of.

Cassian's Reckoning

“You swallow your pain.” Tarkin’s brow arched severely with amusement. “You almost never scream.” He strode forward until he was towering over the rebel. “What kind of man endures relentless torment with nary a sound?” He hooked a finger under Andor’s chin and forced his head up. “We created you, didn’t we? Hung your father in the town square. Sent you to prison as a child. Let your mother die as our suffocating grip tightened around Ferrix. And countless other perceived wrongs not in our official records.”

Cassian burned with rage at the mention of these painful memories and the casualness with which the Grand Moff paraded them out like afterthoughts. His youth had crumbled with each loss, a childhood, a family, stolen by the Empire. Andor began to shake with emotion, with a fire he had never been able to fully stamp out. He couldn’t hold it back any longer.

His father had hung in the Ferrix snow for weeks. Cassian had to walk by the body nearly every day on his way to school.

And his mother, her love as sharp and enduring as her pointed opinions, had died cold and alone, without her son by her side for comfort.

The Jedi and His Duchess

He was desperate to make her see reason. “They won’t just kill you, Satine.”

His tone made her pause, and she finally looked into eyes as he spoke the brutal truth.

“The insurgents don’t just want you dead, they want you destroyed. They’ll make an example of you. They’ll shame you, rip you to shreds, destroy your legacy before they murder you in a public square so all of Mandalore can watch. You won’t die a martyr, Satine. You’ll die for nothing.”

The Dark Side of Obi-Wan Kenobi Part 2

Obi-Wan searched his heart, hoping to convince himself that his theory was wrong, but no argument was strong enough to dissuade him. The Council had isolated him, starved him, forced him to relive torture and explore the darkest recesses of his mind. Perhaps their true intention was to force him to confront and defeat the Dark Side that resided in him, but they were sorely misguided if they thought such a simple approach would destroy something so powerful. Whether it was intentional or not, the Jedi Council had led him down a darker path than they realized. They had provoked him, provoked the evil that lived inside him. And now it had grown so big and so powerful that he was no longer certain where he ended and it began.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Loth Wolf

So, whether or not it killed him, he would accept his fate. At least this way his death would be part of a larger, exquisite cycle that was more meaningful than his personal triumphs.

And here's a snippet from a fic I've been working on that I am SO EXCITED to eventually share with you. It doesn't have a name yet.

Because you cannot move forward until you are honest with yourself.

Obi-Wan didn’t know where the thought came from; it just seemed to pop into his head.

He suddenly felt a rush of emotion like a dam breaking. It wasn’t doubt. He did not doubt. He knew with all his heart that he was meant to be a Jedi.

It was fear.

Deep, pressing, suffocating fear.

Fear of the unknown. Fear of loss. Fear of not being good enough or strong enough. Fear of failure.

He feared history repeating itself.

He feared failing Anakin.

Obi-Wan began to shake uncontrollably as his pulse began to race. Did a man full of fear have the right to call himself a Jedi? Throughout his entire life he had been able to control his fear, but now he had been taken to the brink, right to the exposed edge where his master had slipped into the abyss, leaving him standing alone in a waking nightmare. And Kenobi was left with fear dripping from him like a residue, like a toxin that had no antidote.

[besiegedhunter]

You mentioned Lappland being "lone wolf", but it's interesting how in the end of Siracusana it said that she's no longer can be called one, and that makes me think about that contradiction in her character where she's the representation of wilderness, but in the same time the thing she despise the most is mafia aka wild part of Siracusa.

Also that part in the end with "Never again will Siracusa have a place for her" makes even wonder if she actually will be in next Siracusa event or if she suddenly will appear in some other plotline.

Oooh. Honestly I didn't remember that but yeah, it's quite interesting and I honestly really like how it plays into her character. Like, she despises Siracusa and everything about it because of how her Father showed her no affection and cruelly raised her to become the next Don of the Saluzzos, which he succeeds in.

I'll have to reread Il Siracusano again as well as her files etc to see how this impacts her character but I think that Lappland seeing Siracusa as a swamp and Texas telling her that she needn't be leashed to Siracusa herself and then Lappland going to her Dad for the last time is due to this.

She is the "perfect Siracusan" because her Dad seared Siracusa into her very being. She couldn't escape Siracusa because she is Siracusa. This makes her integrally tied to her family which doesn't want her, making her a Lone Wolf defined by being apart from her Pack and why she goes to her Dad to cut ties for good she's no longer a "lone wolf."

Which is just a thought I've not ironed out.

One thing though is she seems to be following Texas's steps exactly. Her in IS-ST-4 is the period of time where Texas left Siracusa and was alone in Columbia till Emperor met her, which perhaps Zaaro meeting Lappland is meant to mirror.

Idk. Tis but another thought lol but I am curious, cause translate this into the civilization vs wilderness allegory and yeah. Lappland hates the mafia, the wilderness and is herself the wilderness, an overgrowth in Zaaro's words but is finding herself in the pure, unfiltered wilderness now at the end of IS-ST-4 so who knows what they're doing with that. Unless Lappland's heading towards an acceptance moment like Texas finds in Il Siracusano, if we continue that.

Also on the second part, I am of two minds. Like I think it'd be really interesting to see Lappland doing things in another place like Higashi but on the other hand I kinda don't think that they'll do it.

Like, she could find her own PenLog but I feel there's so much history and tightly knit bonds in PenLog that'd be hard to just recreate in an event and it feels like they wouldn't try to make a new group for Lappland to fit into when she already has an established connection to PenLog and most notably Texas.

Also perhaps more importantly is the themes of Siracusa, Lappland, Texas and Zaaro's presence. Take her from Siracusa and she loses so much themes. Texas despite being exhausted of the mafia and resentful like Lappland returns and accepts Siracusa. And Zaaro, while interesting if he is taken elsewhere I feel that a lot of things significant about him and that he'd have an opinion on would be lost.

Buuuut to go back to "Lappland following in Texas's footsteps" they could do something hilarious: Zaaro following in Emperor's. Him leaving Siracusa and learning more of the world, opening his eyes to new opportunities and putting the swamp that is Siracusa and the Signore dei Lupi's rigid game behind him would be interesting.

And it's not like they wouldn't have a 6* foreign to the setting. Prime example is Ideal City. Will we get Durin operators? We'll get one and instead, the six stars will be from Sargon and Ursus lmao. So it's certainly possible.

I also would love to see a Lappland in Higashi event but only time will tell where she goes.

[camelia-phoenix]

So I just needed a place to let my thoughts out on Infinite Wealth. It is likely going to have a bit of controversial opinions and certainly a lot of spoilers about the game itself. Or perhaps just the story.

The first thing I want to say is I am going to be honest...I do not like the new cast of characters from LAD7. While others may enjoy Ichiban and Nanba and etc etc etc and all of them as is WELL within their right to do, I hate having to slog through dealing with the Ichicrew to get to the actual character beats and characters I actually CARE about in the franchise.

I also hate that Kiryu apparently, though he LITERALLY HAS FRIENDS, its decided that oh...he'd rather pal around with people seemingly much younger than him instead of going and seeing the 3jimas or something.

Yes, he does meet them later in the game itself and they initially rebuff coming to his aid, but I honestly am flabbergasted they never came sooner aside from just. Oh big reveal and then they aren't interacting again.

Like why isn't the 3jimas with him in the hospital, why does Haruka only visit? It is baffling to me.

I'll be honest, I consider the end of the series around Yakuza 3 because that was meant to be the end of the franchise [I believe] but then they kept going and the story seemed to just get repeated...several times but in different flavors. Kiryu should have rested then...

In general, it also hurts to just see Kiryu abandoning his friends for this new blood. And I'm well aware he isn't actually abandoning them but goddamn does the writing surely make it seem that way especially with how, despite you know....the bonds of brotherhood with Saejima, the bonds of fatherhood with Daigo, and the bonds of lovers with Majima [my own opinion lol]...those three just get shafted time and time again.

And we are meant to believe that Kiryu is a good person? That he cares about the people he cares for? When he can just go 'lol bye' and dip out?

Listen, I understand that isn't what was meant to be portrayed at all but I can't help but feel that is what it is like when RGG just seems to have him come by, dip out, come by, ask favors, dip out again. One could argue hes trying to keep people safe but it doesn't work and hasn't worked...

I mainly hate him doing that to Daigo and Majima in particular. Especially Majima who does and would do anything Kiryu ever asked of him and had done so time and time again. They are just so inexplicably tied together by red strings of fate, only for Kiryu to just bounce. [Not to mention how RGG just seems to have some sort of issue with realizing just how popular Majima is but then only bring him out as DLC or you know, ways to get money all the same.]

The Kashiwagi and Kiryu scene at the bar just broke my heart too, now the playthrough I was watching, I don't know if you can go back to talk to him but just the brief like...two minute meeting and then the rest being karaoke, it just...idk man. I wish I could have seen an actual cutscene of them truly speaking with one another in private or SOMETHING. You haven't seen each other in YEARS.

Even if you wanted to play off the pretend names and all that, at least if you are alone, have that conversation. Something. ANYTHING. A crumb.

Then Kiryu going to the 3jimas to ask favors and stuff of them to help with the situation. I'm glad we learned why the fuck the Security company fell apart but if I was the 3jimas, I would be reluctant in helping too like...you constantly leave us and dip out on us and the only time you come to us is when you need something? Wtf Kiryu?

Because you know the 3jimas would welcome Kiryu with open arms if he would just commit to actually being their...idk...friend? Maybe that is why I get annoyed with that Ichicrew because...you had three other people right there that Kiryu could have been running around with but no.

I love Kiryu, deeply, but damn if the writing isn't frustrating to no end at times but well, I guess it is because he is meant to be something the player can project on even if it makes his actions so idiotic at times.

Also, I don't wanna get into the whole cancer bullshit, the ending image of Kiryu looking like a goddamn person on death's bed was heartwrenching enough. I understand that Kiryu wasn't meant to be strong forever but did the writers really have to do the cop out of getting cancer while he was trying to help that one dude? Couldn't Kiryu just grow old and go the Komaki route of training the new crew but otherwise be left alone?

And now once again the 3jima's fates are also a bit nebulously up in the air...and at this point, I just wish they would let all the OGs rest. You now have like 6-7 people for the ichicrew and gang and all of that, stop shoehorning them in for a fanservice that serves for like 5-10 minutes in a 50 hour game or what have you.

Also RGG, stop killing off characters too early...RIP Hanawa....Have you not learned yet...Or if you kill off characters, then explain why others are alive. I am looking at you Andre Richardson, where the FUCK is Mine then [Who RGG also killed off way too soon.]

Anyway, I'm sure I have more to rant about but agh.

At the end of the day, I do hope people enjoy Infinite Wealth and I think people that adore the Ichicrew will enjoy the fuck out of this game, but for me and what I was looking out for...well it was disappointing to say the least.

[tayfabe75]

your thoughts on the leaked collab on Slut well the lyrics at least the vocals not leaked. See Itsthebml on TikTok and it appears that it’s not fake as Target is pulling all the tangerine versions of vinyl from stores

My preemptive apologies, as brevity is not my forte… and I have many, many thoughts about this leak!

On authenticity:

There have been enough separate instances of people posting clear photos (1, 2, 3) of the lyrics and credits for the "Slut!" collaboration, that I lean toward it being real. And, when it comes to things like this in the realm of Taylor Swift, I'm more inclined to believe that "nothing is accidental" and that a mistake this significant wouldn't make it to shelves at all (while that might be giving Taylor too much credit, I spent most of my life never giving her enough credit (new fan!) and I have since amended my ways) Indeed, it is very strange that Target pulled the vinyl from its website, perhaps lending further credence to the leak's authenticity.

Another thing to consider when it comes to authenticity is - who would fake this and why? There are a few ways I'd categorize 75 fans & Swifties. You have:

Fans of one or the other who just want new music and are open to a collab with whoever (likely don't care enough to fake it)

Fans of both who would probably like the collab but aren't super invested (likely don't care enough to fake it)

Fans of both who are sad about the implications of a pulled collab (unlikely to create something like this without specifying it was wish fulfillment)

Fans of one who hate the other artist, their fans, and anyone who supports the union (bingo!)

So, even though there are like, a hundred 'Maylors', tops, the people we annoy get great satisfaction from attempting to emotionally wound us. I know from experience lol So, since I have had the extreme displeasure of speaking with some of them, I'm not sure they have the wits about them to make a convincing argument, let alone convincing 1989 album art (graphic design, especially a recreation like that, can be a pretty tedious and complicated process - this I know from experience) but you never know! Unfortunately for all of us, hate can be quite a motivator, and if human history is any indication, the sky's the limit!

Apart from that, though, there are so few people who have any incentive to fake this two months later. Now, the alleged audio leak is another story. Since the 'anti-Maylor' crowd has now seen how upset we were and no doubt reveled in our misfortune, I could easily imagine them whipping up an AI version to bait us so they could point and laugh. I have heard the alleged leaked audio - and while it sounds like Matty's voice, something seems a bit off to me. Considering Brad Troemel has a full AI report coming in a matter of days, I am keeping my defenses up!

For what it's worth, I believe that I hear Matty's voice accompanying Taylor on the last line of "Slut!", on just the word "drunk". Someone then found or made stems for arguably clearer audio. To me, it still sounds like Matty (perhaps wishful thinking), but the user who found this audio thought it didn't sound like him. Figured I'd share both opinions and links and see what you think!

On why we didn't and might not get it:

I was shocked that, when the leak happened, most of Twitter seemed to have one of two takes: 1) "Matty ruined this for Taylor and what a no-good bad horrible man, just like we said!" and 2)" Taylor and Matty are immature children who can't speak like adults and need to grow up."

Genuinely, I couldn't and still can't quite comprehend how anyone came to those conclusions based on what happened in May, or that these were the widely accepted takes. There was a whole campaign by Taylor's fans to get her to break up with him, as well as a media storm (including social media) that did everything imaginable to demonize Matty, right down to choosing the most unflattering photos of him for every article. Speaking of AI, does anyone happen to remember the disturbing AI images depicting Matty's death with Taylor standing happily over his body? My god. Absolutely shameful behavior. And that was as late as October, you know, the same month 1989 released. All because of Matty's involvement in two relatively offensive jokes in February that were apologized for. I truly pity anyone who harbors that level of irrational hatred.

I've said that, at this point, releasing the collab would be like giving your dog a treat for peeing on your favorite Cardigan. So, while I've never wanted to listen to a single song more than that one, I am at least happy that it was (most likely) real! It means we weren't reading the signs incorrectly, and that the collaboration was for 1989, as foreshadowed by both artists (1, 2). The pair co-writing a song called "Slut!" has much wider implications about the muse of 1989 (who is often perceived to be one singular entity - judging by the linear nature of the album's liner notes and perhaps even confirmed by Taylor, herself, with a like).

Lastly, I'll say this: Taylor has several songs in her catalog that seem cyclical ('Love Story', for instance), and "Slut!" feels like one of those songs to me. We'll see!

Thank you for the question!

[pinkprimrose05]

3 choices. Arc V (Fandom) for 2 and 10. Yuri (Character) for 5, 6 and 7. Yuya (character)for 2 and 15. If you take on all 7 of these questions I will tie you upside down and play whale noises until you chill. Take care!

Put that rope away, yes, thank you- aaaand here we go!

2) my three favorite characters and why I love them so much:

I should preface this by thanking you for my most recent microcrisis, AKA the abrupt realization that somehow, somewhere along the line... the Theatre Kid Agenda™ has discreetly overtaken my top 3 list.

Speaking of the list:

1- You thought this would be Yuuya, but as it turns out... it's Yuuya! lol.

I'd go ahead and wax the usual poetry about the layers and symbols and all that jazz, but you've already seen me gush about that several times over, so I'll just focus on the babyboy factor for once instead. Yuuya may not have wet kitten energy even at his angstiest, but he sure is a sunshine bean of debatable genuity, and that's just as adoptable!

Looking at him alone is enough to make me want to offer comfort ok. I'm stuffing him in a blanket burrito and shipping him off to my place for a long, long break and some overdue therapy. We can cope with life together, cry a little, cry a lot, bake sweets to recuperate, melt into happy little puddles after a good treat, and then nerd out about theatrics and play a few duels to test silly strategies! This kid is my Son and he deserves all the best things in the world, so for every bit of pain he goes through I'm giving him a truckload of comfort.

______

2- You may have noticed this in ARC-V Month, you may have picked up on it through my sporadic, scattered mentions of the guy, but if not, then here's a fun fact: I have more than one ARC-V blorbo.

Introducing the central piece of a great many of my conflicted thoughts, confused feelings, paradoxical opinions, abrupt perception shifts, and eventual (semi-)begrudging affection that had me questioning my taste in pixels for like a whole year:

...Zarc.

I've known this fucker for 5 years, hated him for a solid 3, and then woke up one winter day in 2023 and realized that oh shit, he managed to land himself a spot in blorbo tier. Is this what people mean when they say a character grew on them? Were my feelings playing the most long-winded joke on my mind for 4 years? Trust me, I don't know. What I do know is that maining his deck was definitely an endearing factor, and so was the 3rd ARC-V watch (this is where I started uncovering most of the easter eggs I know about the show, so perhaps the build-up made me a touch biased over time, but I genuinely found the 136-139 marathon more entertaining than annoying for once. We speak not of 140).

TL;DR: I think the lettuce clown is neat. Past me would have a stroke if I told her I'm a Zarc apologist now tho.

______

3- Super Duper Ultra Hyper Extra Mega- ok I'll stop now.

Sawatari is actually the one surprise in this list to me because, huh, I didn't realize how much I liked him over other nearly as cool characters until I put them side by side and pondered who brings me more joy when on-screen. I thought 3rd place would be someone like Yuugo, maybe Serena, but it seems I've taken a spontaneous shine to the banana peel?

(Help how does this keep happening why am I weak to clowns lmao)

See, Shingo's character may be on the simpler side by virtue of being the... designated comic relief, but that simplicity is part of his charm! The mix of charismatic and pathetic aura is a also rare thing, you know- It's not easy to be so cool and cringe at the same time and make it feel natural. That takes skill.

And speaking of skill, Shingo has my respect for always putting up a good fight, even in the games he loses to all sorts of jobber bullshit. He's a genuinely good duelist and a great entertainer, and I love that for him!

______

10) how many fics I've read that are set in it (approximately and making exaggerated guesstimates):

Guesstimate: Around a thousand. I've been around the fandom long enough to read all sorts of fics on ff.net and Ao3 (among other sites), and it sure feels like I've seen a lot, looking back.

Actual number: Approximately 600, rounding down. On Ao3 alone. Huh, I was expecting the number to be like, 200, so this is not too far off, actually! Maybe the reason the fic count feels higher than it is because the memorable reads tend to be REALLY long multichapters. Why are these so common in the ARC-V tag, by the way? Is it the allure of crossovers? The canon divergence AUs?

(The answer is both, and a few other factors as well. Good for us, I say! Longfics are a serious test of commitment, and I'm glad to see and follow so many talented and dedicated authors!)

[rise-my-angel]

I am an avid fan of your work!

Seriously, the Dany fans are worse than militant Swifties sometimes lmao. (I also feel it necessary to point out that I’m referring to the deranged swifties) Don’t let them bother you (which is easy to say, I know)

It’s clear from some of the hate you’re getting that there is a particular culture of Dany fans who have no skills in engaging with texts critically - in that sometimes they have to consider both sides of an argument. If they see anyone disagree with their ‘absolutely right opinion’ then they throw huge temper tantrums.

There’s nothing wrong with people who like her and I’m not saying they’re stupid at all but that little microcosm of people who are obsessed with her and actively go out of their way to harass you clearly lack any sort of decorum and make it so very clear they don’t understand the series lol.

Or better yet, if they don’t like seeing posts that are anti Targaryen then perhaps they should consider not interacting with that post.

In my opinion, I think it’s daft to feel so passionately about a character who is clearly extremely power hungry, because if a Dany stan was magically transported to Westeros they likely would have been burned because let’s face it, she doesn’t care about her people to the extent people suggest she does, she only cares about power.

Basically, I think you’re great and your writing is beautiful and keep it up!

It sort of just baffles me at this point how often they feel the need to defend her against any and all criticism. I see criticism of characters I love, but I ignore it. I see a lot of Ned Stark criticism from Rhaegar stans but I simply instead make my own post about my own views and opinions on that matter rather than engage in arguing. I am fine with the fact that I probably haven't changed anyones mind on Dany as a character, I am here to just explore my interpretations and why I got to them. Not to debate her fans on their own personal enjoyment.

I've had a surprisingly high number of even random one off anons tell me to just "shut up about her keep her name out of your mouth" and it's like, I never tag her name alone. I only ever use anti tags so that people who disagree or like her don't have to see my stances against her but it's like they seek out ways to get angry when I never post my thoughts to the tags I know normal Dany stans will be in. I can be a snarky smart ass sometimes in my tags but I don't actually go out of my way to upset these people.

Blindly defending everything a character does to me, seems nonsensical when we are talking about a character with a violent streak for cruelty and uses her dragons as a threat for mass death. I feel like on a very surface level analysis, those are things which naturally deserve criticism about her as a character. Even with my favourite characters, I can explain WHY they did something negative but I won't blindly defend them as being correct or in the unquestioning right about the matter.

I had someone yesterday send me an ask claiming I was being disingenuous and blaming Sansa for something by pointing out a bunch of things I write literally did not say, because they were just mad they disagreed with my point.

It just doesn't make sense to me, going to someones blog or adding onto someones own post JUST to tell you they think your interpretation of something is backwards and wrong or stupid and mean.

That is not a productive way to convince someone that you have a point worth listening too.

[livlepretre]

Okay so I'm in love with this series!!!!

It's funny bc I just finished it today and didn't know the 2nd season was out on the 1st lol I had some good timing there.

I'm very sad however that they had to recast Mat for whatever reason.

I'm not quite into Rand yet. Maybe will take a bit more time as I quite like everyone else.

I'm a bit confused as to one thing in the last episode: that one dude that showed up on bel tine and then to take the horn, said all 5 of them essentially are needed to take on the Dark one. Does that mean they are all the Dragon reborn? Or is it still just Rand?

Anyway, wheeeee! L of time hehe

YOU ARE SO IN LUCK!

(but!!! when you finish gobbling up season 2, and are eagerly awaiting season 3, remember that the books are PHENOMENALLY FUN and are waiting to be read or listened to! Rosamund Pike even narrates the first book!)

Hmmm I'm actually relieved Mat was recast 😅 The actor himself did a fine enough job in terms of acting, he just did the poorest job of the main cast of capturing the essence of the book character in my opinion. Like, he just doesn't seem like MAT to me at all. (There are so many character moments in the show that aren't in the books that would make me shout HA! SHE/HE WOULD!) Perhaps that might have changed in time, but as things stand, I'm actually looking forward to seeing if a different actor can get a truer grasp on the character I love so much. Like, I understand that lots of plot points have been changed for the show, which I am cool with, I just didn't recognize Mat Cauthon in season 1 practically at all. Probably only in the scenes where he was talking to children and you could see the kinder side of him.

AS FOR RAND. Wow. Let me tell you. Hang on. He's not my special favorite for nothing. (Really hard for me to decide whether he, or Elayne, who will be introduced in season 2, is my favorite character-- I flip back and forth constantly!)

But that did get me thinking-- the first book is mostly from Rand's POV, except for when they are all split up after Shadar Logoth and we get Perrin and Nynaeve telling the story as well, but then once they reunite it reverts back to solely Rand's POV again. Book 2 has a lot more POV changes in it, but is still Rand POV heavy. So, we simply get to know him really, really well right off the bat. In the ensemble-- especially with all of the stuff in the show trying to build mystery over who the Dragon Reborn is, and also, giving us lots of scenes and moments with characters who did not get POV time in the first book, perhaps he just doesn't have the same time-- ESPECIALLY because he is such an "interior" character-- so much of who he is is about what he is thinking and how he is feeling as opposed to what he is saying. We get a lot of moments in the show of Rand quietly looking out over the horizon, or watching his friends in concern, and that is very him.

And of course, he is on the path to the most gruesome and devastating hero's journey of all time. Being the Dragon Reborn in no way saves him from the horrors of being a male channeler, or from the horrors of the actions he will take. Part of why I love Rand so much as a character is that he goes through trauma and depression and PTSD and mental illness and physical disability with so much realism and there is just so much empathy in me for that journey.

So, to answer your question:

Rand is the only Dragon Reborn, but that doesn't mean that the others don't all play an integral role in facing the Dark One.

What's great about this is that this directly references something Min (the seer they meet in Fal Dara) tells Rand in the first book-- that all five of them are essential if they are to have any hope of winning the battle.

Moiraine herself contemplates early in the series that she was wrong to place so much importance on Rand alone; although he is the most important, in terms of winning the Last Battle, the others are also extremely important. This plays into how Rand is not the only one who is ta'veren. In the books, only Perrin and Mat are confirmed as also ta'veren, and the idea that maybe Egwene is too is played with but never confirmed (she's probably not, but there is enough gray area there to speculate). Making the female characters ta'veren as well is something that works well for the show, I think, and helps drive in this point that it is about the teamwork of these 5 young people (as well as the teamwork of many, many more).

(Interesting that you should ask if a soul can be split on reincarnation-- I remember this being a question that would come up back in Ye Olde Fandom Days 20 years ago. The answer is no! But the mechanics of reincarnation are probably going to get fleshed out further in season 2!)

[mingiswow]

I was rewatching the Halazia MV to write my Seonghwa brain rot smut (and perhaps become a series?) and there are some things that I didn’t notice before that I don’t if makes sense but I decided to put here to hear your opinions.

Each one of them have an specific background they only appear in that alone, except for Hongjoong

Seonghwa and Mingi are the o Lu one that share the same scenario: the center of this place full of people.

Seonghwa looks like the leader, and he mocks (?) the position of the hala hala scarecrow

Sometimes this scarecrow looks like a person, it’s a bit morbid but reminded me when ancient warriors would keep the heads of their enemies on stakes

Yunho is one of the two who appears alone, with no crowd and he appears to be a kind of time bender?? The way the scenario is built and the sand reminded me of an hourglass

Yeosang looks like a prisoner and also appear alone. there’s a specific scene that he arrives at that place that looks like a mall and it seems to have a crowd waiting for him, which reminded me a lot of gladiator fights

Wooyoung is the other that appears alone and he seems to not be part of that world, like he is an entity waiting for the things to burn (may that’s why he has the red hair?? Just tripping here)

San also looks like a gladiator

I am 100% sure that their white and black clothes have something to do with past mvs and who they represent in the timeline

Jongho also appears to be a leader of some sort but he looks like she’s preparing some plan, some attack (I think that’s why he’s hiding underground, to not be found)

Both Mingi and Hongjoong seem like they are not part of the story, they are just there, watching everything

Mingi is the only one that appears alone at the room where woosan are fighting and the hat hides most of his face, I think he might be a time traveler?? Not sure

I still couldn’t identify where Hongjoong appears on his last verses (where he’s singing with the microphones) because the shot is really close but it seems to be the same fight room

I never been able to understand their story and timeline but I think halazia is the one that kinda connects them all together

But I think Seonghwa might be the leader behind it all? Idk the confident way he poses in front of that crowd and how he stands tall and how the camera always film him from a low angle, like he’s looking down on us

And Yunho is almost always recorded from a high angle, like he’s small, maybe he made a mistake he regrets and that altered the course of things (remember the scene that he gold those stones/crystals/broken glasses? Maybe he broke the hourglass of life? Idk again, just tripping)

Anyway, just small things that I haven’t noticed before and may have some sense. Or maybe I’m just tripping really bad here lol

[kanmom51]

Can we discuss bout some 2019 jikook.

In 2019 jimin did a vlive in busan and many were claiming someone was with him.

We can hear a knob or something like chair noises and jm looking that direction asking a suddenly what or why to that person.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n7uho_eiWl0

I don't agree with this whole analysis. Also i don't think these are same room. I think jk did his vlive in his own room. But he did said he was with jm before .

But in min 0.23 and 1.00 of this analysis we can hear the noises from same direction and jm looking.

What are you opinions.

The Busan Vlives.

Your link.

These lives were done day after day.

JM’s on 16 June 2019 at around 2 am, and JK’s on 17 June at around 12:40 am.

Both beds have the one pillow on left side (when we are looking at the bed) and 3 on right side.

Now, we all know that in an interview not so long ago JM divulged that he sleeps with 3 pillows while JK said he needs only 1.

Saying that, and I hate to be the party pooper here, wouldn’t the pillows be fixed that way anyway even if they were sleeping alone? JM taking the extra pillow and JK moving the extra pillow to the side? If you look closely at JK’s live you can see that the single pillow side looks like the only side where someone lay down there.

In JM’s live we can only see one side of the bed and it looks pretty messed up.

Both beds have 2 chargers connected on bed side table.

Rooms seem to be identical, but many hotel rooms are generic, so that doesn’t really mean anything.

Blinds are down in JK’s live, so you can’t see if the view is the same from both rooms, but even if it was similar, also wouldn’t have to mean anything if both rooms were placed side by side.

So, from all of that we can't conclude, not really, that the two were sharing a room.

Now to JM’s live:

It seems like JM is alone in the room at the start of the live, although the door to the bathroom is almost shut and you cannot know if there is someone in there.

JM’s chair is making soooo much noise. It’s hard to determine if the noises heard throughout the live are coming from that or somewhere else. Saying that, at the 6:40 min. mark there seems to be a louder noise, JM moves around more in his chair and looks towards the entrance of the room. The more I listen to it the more it sounds to me like a shutting door, perhaps someone entering the room.

And then JM starts looking sideways once in a while.

Not “I am looking to the side while I’m thinking” kind of look, but more “I am looking at someone and finding him amusing” kind of look. Around the 7 min. mark.

He keeps looking sideways.

And then at 8:55 min., when talking about JK, yet again turns and is looking to his left.

JM turns the camera again to the window, and he seems to be alone in the room, again, bathroom door almost closed.

And once again a story about Jungkookie – 15 min.

Even if JK isn’t physically there, he is constantly on JM’s mind…

There’s pretty much nothing for quite a while and then at around 25:30 min. there is a clear sound coming to JM’s left. Even he looks to his left, but then tries to cover it up by looking up.

Not smooth JM. Not smooth. Lol.

What’s funny is that it’s always their reactions that give them away. Yes, the sound was out of place, but if JM wouldn’t have tried to over compensate it could have been written off as something coming from outside the room. The reaction was overkill, and that’s the giveaway.

At the end of the live, around 37.40 min. yet again JM turns to look to his left, after saying he’s going to wash and sleep.

And then yet again, JM trying to cover up for himself, realising he was staring in that direction, so he points there and says that’s where he’s going to have a shower. Lol, JM, really?

So not smooth, lmao.

At the end he turns the camera one last time to see the view, and gets up and blocks the view in the reflection of the bathroom door. Was that the purpose? I don’t know, but it did feel slightly strange.

I don’t think JK was in the room itself. At least not for most of the live.

I think that at some point someone came into the room (the sound at the beginning), supposedly JK. But then, if he didn’t go he was waiting perhaps in the bathroom for the live to end. That’s why JM wasn’t distracted too much during the live, like we’ve seen him tend to be when we think JK is actually in the room with him.

That sound at around 25 min. could have come from the bathroom, and that’s why JM reacted the way he did.

It's possible that JK (I do suppose it is JK) popped his head out once in a while to see what's going on and maybe to nudge JM to end the live (it was after 2 am), and that's when JM turns in that direction (especially funny was at the end staring dreamily in that direction only to laugh that that's where he'll be washing up).

We need to remember this is Busan, SK. Even if they spent the time together, even if BTS had a floor to themselves, I don't think they would take the risk to actually share the hotel room for the night. Appearances have to be kept up.

[cherry-gemz]

Open Book: Part I

Summary: As the Assistant Librarian for a small town in Florida, you find yourself intrigued with an extraordinary little girl and her charming uncle. As each day goes by, you teach the girl about adventure and mystery with your love of books. Little do you know what's in store for you next.

Pairings: Y/N and Frank Adler

Rating: PG, all fluff

Word count: IDK, failed at the assignment 2k+ lol. So I split the fic.

Challenge Prompt: Write a story about someone trying to find the perfect birthday gift.

A/N: Happiest of birthdays dear @a-little-counter-esperanto. You are the bees knees and really a true gem! I'm so happy we've become friends - we have so many things in common it's cray. I'm wishing you all the love and happiness, sunshine! May you continue to have a fantastic birthday sleepover and enjoy being loved by all! Hope you enjoy the fic xx - Cherry

"Did you get the flowers?" Mary asked as she sat on the couch flipping through the tv.

Frank patted his chest and then his jeans in search of his keys.

"What?"

Mary kept changing the channels without a beat,"Frank. You're supposed to buy a girl flowers on the date."

Frank furrowed his brow, "Uh...no. Have you seen my keys? Really?"

Mary rolled her eyes, "She's not gonna kiss you goodnight."

He searched on the kitchen table and rummaged through old mail when a knock at the door interrupted his concentration. As he bee-lined to the door, Mary turned off the tv and hopped off the couch to grab her latest book she'd chiseled her way through for the week.

Frank swung the door open abruptly and started you as you stood at their doorstep.

"Hey! You made it, great!" Frank exclaimed. "Sorry, my head's a mess."

Mary now situated herself at the kitchen table and shouted over her shoulder, "It's because he hasn't been on a real date in over six months."

Frank turned red," What? No...I mean yes, but jeez, Mary. Remember we talked about how to read a room?"

He turned back to you, "Come in, come in. I'm just trying to find my keys."

You chuckled and nodded to the doorknob which held his set of keys and he smacked his forehead.

As you walked into the house, you noticed little knickknacks here and there on shelves. And books. Mountains of books everywhere. Piling on top of each other.

"Hi Mary," you smiled as she kept her back to you, nose deep in her book.

"Mary…" Frank scolded as he put his hands on his hips.

"Hi, Ms. Y/N."

You smiled as you approached her, "May I sit?"

She nodded in agreement and you pulled out a chair.

"I brought you something…" you say as you rummage through your canvas bag for your book on crabs. "Well, actually I was hoping you could help me...see…"

Frank smiled as he saw the two of you bonding. He caught himself admiring you more than he'd like to admit as he needed to head off to his date soon. He appreciated your assistance with babysitting Mary as the two of you first met at the local library. His date, Justine, was a waitress at the bar he would visit from time to time. While there was a chemistry between them, it was really just through vanity. With you, he had come to know you at a deeper level: the way you’d squint or furrow your brow when reviewing your clipboard. Or how adorable you’d look chewing on the cap of your pen when trying to finalize an email at your desk. He saw that you loved the color yellow, considering how many skirts and cardigans you’d paired together. And that you were a romantic at heart - the classics were your fave to read and how’d you get lost in historical facts when he had first asked you what your hobbies were. Seeing how a beautiful person you were, inside and out, he now regretted asking Justine out with you on his mind.

Mary's eyes scanned the books of quantum physics and mathematics. At first you thought perhaps she had another book instead, but as you watched her day in and day out, you were astounded at the tiny prodigy and her ability to ascertain such knowledge at her age. You'd correct the cataloging errors for the day and find her reading for enjoyment it seemed.

Then one day Frank arrived. Mary had always left on her own, but as if it were any old regular day, the handsome uncle came to retrieve his stellar niece. He had a warmness to him. His dark brown hair and beard complemented his face, one that was obvious in an overall attractiveness. And he was kind, he showed that by adopting his niece after her mother had passed away and truly nurturing her gifted talent. You learned he fixed boats for a living and lived not too far from the library. You smiled at the odd pair together, they somehow seemed to work however.

As you checked their books out, Mary tiptoed over the large walnut desk and glanced at you.

"You're pretty," she stated.

"Mary. What did we say?" Frank tsked, embarrassed, but didn't disagree with her observation.

"What? Frank, you told me that I need to state facts, rather than assumptions. And I am stating a fact that Ms. Y/LN is pretty. Do you think she's pretty, Frank?"

Frank coughed into his fist and blushed, you smirked, half wanting to know his answer, half laughing inside of how Mary was so blunt.

"Yes, Ms. Y/LN is very pretty," he replied and gazed at your eyes. He licked his lips and you had to turn away feeling flushed. You closed the last book and placed it in Mary's backpack.

"All set," you replied. "These are due on the 23rd."

Frank zipped up the backpack and slung it over his broad shoulder. "Thanks, we'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh?" You replied as Mary looked at you both attempting to assess the flirtation occuring before her eyes.

"Well, yeah, she loves it here, I mean. And we have a few other books to return."

"Yes, we'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Mary."

"Bye," Mary replied and skipped off.

Frank showed up every day after that. You found it endearing, but not wanting to read into something that wasn't there, you focused your attention on Mary. That only seemed to peak his interest further. While he had a knack for attracting women, his heart was never in it for the long haul since the minute they found out about Mary, they'd either run away from the possible responsibility, or Mary would run them off herself. But with you it was different. You were genuine and kind to Mary. Knowing quite well of her mathematical abilities, you would challenge her in other areas: art, zoology, history. You found that while she could read more college level books than any person you met in the small town, she still was a child wanting to learn about all other aspects of life. You'd sit together at a table: you, reviewing inventory spreadsheets for the latest book fair and her, immersed in some book that would put you to sleep at night.

"Frank, you should ask Ms. Y/LN out," Mary stated one day as the three of you sat at a table together. Frank practically choked and you shook your head, secretly wanting to say yes.

"Aw, Mary. Well, I bet Ms. Y/LN has guys lined up at her door every night."

"No, she doesn't," Mary replied as she turned a page of her book. Frank laughed and placed his hand on Mary's shoulder, pretending to shake her.

"Well, actually Ms. Y/LN…" he said as your heart skipped a beat.

"Y/N," you interrupted. "You can call me Y/N. I feel we're on a first name basis now considering you're here everyday."

“Y/N,” he smiled. His hair was more combed today. You had noticed that he seemed to be disheveled when you first met him, however either Mary’s tactics were rubbing off on him, or it was your pure imagination.

“Yes?” you piped. You haven't been regularly dating lately. There just weren’t many prospects these days. Not ones that could keep up with conversation, let alone intellect. So instead, you found yourself immersed with your favorite fictional characters in the sea of books you’d grown to know and love.

His brow furrowed, he seemed nervous and he picked at the edge of a book as he attempted to gather his thoughts.

“Do you have a favorite book?” Mary interrupted as Frank turned to her, but seemingly glad she saved him from embarrassment.

“Do I have a favorite book? Hmmm...” you thought and a childish smile appeared on your face. “I have many favorite books, Mary...The Velveteen Rabbit, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe…”

“Yeah, but what’s like your most favorite book?”

You extended your hand out to her and she willingly accepted. Frank perked up his interest as he watched the two of you scamper off into the fiction area. Curious, he stood up and decided to follow. The two of you giggled quietly as you made your way around the columns, your free hand lightly ghosting over the spines of the books. The subtle scent of paper and dust permeated Frank’s sense of smell. He was more of an outdoorsy person nowadays as he had left behind his scholarly days teaching in Boston. It’s where Mary learned most from, his appetite to keep learning, vernacular, and wit . You slowed down and perused a row until you found your favorite book.

“Aha!” you exclaim and hid the book behind your back as Mary jumped up and down with excitement. “Now, I’m not sure if this is something you’d be interested in, it’s more for ten year olds in my opinion. However, I know you’re a very mature young lady and I find that you’d quite enjoy the story if you give it a chance.”

Frank smiled, perplexed as to what book could possibly be your favorite. You pulled the book from behind and showed Mary.

“Little Women,” she stated. “By Louisa May Alcott.”

“Yes. It’s a beautiful story, really. About sisters and the trials they endure during the American Civil War. There’s friendship, love, and growth.”

Mary bunched her nose, you could tell she was on the fence about whether she’d enjoy a story about fictional sisters and yucky love stuff. You started to pull it away, however she grabbed it from your hands. You laughed and looked at Frank who leaned onto the columns and folded his arms.

“Seems someone is wanting to expand their horizons,” he chuckled.

“So it seems,” you smiled back as Mary skipped off to return to the table leaving the two of you behind.

“I’m more of a Lord of the Rings man myself.”

“Really?” you responded playfully. “The Hobbit included, right?”

“Of course,” he scoffed. “I think I actually just read that one to be honest, I just wanted to impress you. I spent my time reading Calvin and Hobbes more, probably how Mary learned my sarcasm.”

You laugh and touch his forearm as a reflex, but quickly realize and pull away. The spark that you felt when you connected was undeniable. You felt butterflies with him standing next to you and you hoped he hadn’t noticed your inability to remain calm.

“Y/N…” he started to say nervously. “Would it be alright if I called ya? Maybe we can get together sometime?”

“Oh, umm,” you replied, caught off guard. While you definitely had caught feelings for the handsome man, you never would have thought it’d be reciprocated. You stuttered, trying to gather your response.

Your hesitation threw him off, and he quickly replied, “I mean...like to sit for Mary or whatever. She really likes you.”

“Of course...yes,” you reply defeated in hopes that he would have asked you out. Instead of asking why he didn’t, you started to walk back to Mary. Frank scrunched his face in frustration in knowing he missed his shot with you and blurted out the most platonic question instead. He realized as well and quickly shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and followed your lead.

Frank watched as you comfortably plopped yourself next to Mary on the couch, dreading that he had to meet up with Justine. He’d much rather relax on the couch with you and the rugrat, enjoying some silly kids movie together.

You peered over the couch, “Is it okay if she has popcorn?”

“What? Yes,” Mary said flatly and jumped off the couch to the kitchen.

“Okay, miss. But not too much sugar. Bedtime is still at 9,” Frank replied as you shrugged your shoulders.

“It’s the weekend, Frank,” Mary called out from the kitchen.

“Yes, but-“

“Will you be late?” you asked.

He looked at you in surprise, “Um, no. Probably before ten?”

“Okay, have fun.”

“It’s Y/N’s birthday,” Mary replied, carrying two coke bottles and a bag of jelly beans.

You shook your head in regret of ever telling the child when your birthday was. She was so inquisitive that day, asking about all your favorites: food, animals, books, and now birthday.

“It’s your birthday?!” Frank asked.

“Yeah, no big deal.”

“How old are you?” Mary asked as she set the drinks on the coffee table and then remembered how Frank would scold her about leaving water rings. She grabbed the coasters and placed them under the bottles.

“Mary!” Frank detested and placed his hands on his hips.

“How old do you think I am?” You tease, waving off to Frank that it was okay.

“Older than Justine, that’s for sure. She said she was 24, but looks 34. But she acts like she's 12. She hasn't even read anything on quantum physics, she thought wave mechanics was something Frank was working on with a boat,” she said coolly and popped a few jelly beans into her mouth. She nestled herself back into the couch cushions and wiggled her feet.

“Mary Elizabeth!” Frank’s voice boomed as he entered the living room.

Mary leaned over to whisper to you, “Frank says I'm not supposed to correct older people. Nobody likes a smart-ass.”

“And a busy body,” he huffed.

You nodded and laughed quietly, entertained at his expense.

“Well I am 32,” you smiled and looked at your watch, “As of one hour ago as a matter of fact.”

“That’s good. You’re much more mature than Justine and a better fit for him. Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you.”

“Mary…that’s it. You’re on your last warning,” Frank bellowed. “Don’t make me let Y/N go home and then you’re stuck with me tonight.”

“What? No! Okay. I’m sorry,” she lamented and folded her arms.

Frank’s demeanor changed as he turned to you, “I hadn’t known it was your birthday. Don’t feel pressured to sit for her tonight if you have other plans.” Secretly he wanted to cancel on Justine and spend the night celebrating you instead.

“Oh it’s okay! It kind of appeared out of nowhere. I usually go back home and celebrate with friends and family, but my schedule didn’t permit it this year. Next year, perhaps.”

“What’s your favorite dessert?” Mary asked as she chewed on another handful of jelly beans.

“Red velvet cheesecake,” you smiled. “I have a sweet tooth.”

Frank couldn’t concentrate on his date with Justine. His mind was elsewhere. On you. Justine grazed her hand as they sat next to each other at the bar. He seemed unfazed by her gesture and looked at his watch, 9:14pm. Would it be too obvious if he cut the date short that he was into you? He coughed and took a swig of his beer.

“Do you wanna come back to my place?” She cooed and bit her lip in anticipation.

“What? Oh actually I was gonna head out. The sitter needed me home by 9:30,” he lied.

“Oh, sitter?”

“Yeah, Mary. Remember? My niece?”

“That’s right. How old is she again?”

“Seven,” He said, annoyed. He recalled they had met once before. The bartender approached them and handed Frank the receipt.

“Hey, do you have any desserts on the menu?”

Justine’s ears perked in curiosity of where he was going with asking about dessert.

The bartender grunted slightly and threw a mangled tri-fold menu and Frank grabbed it quickly.

“Buddy, ring me up for the red velvet cupcake.”