#do we ever find out what happened to this particular guardian who does not have a name and i cannot refer to properly T.T

[fumifooms]

I think Kui intended for Kuro's Touden party counterpart to be Toshiro, not Izutsumi as is commonly fanonized. Dia being the counterpart to Namari implies that Kabru's party are stunt doubles to the pre-dragon Toudens, not the new party comp, which shakes out Kuro = Shuro pretty easily. The Kabru/Kuro and Laios/Toshiro relationships invert pretty neatly too. Thoughts?

I do agree, but I think there’s stuff to be said about Kuro-Izu too. I think it’ll be fun eventually for me to try every way in which every party member parallels another in some way, but just casually spitballing for a bit here… With Kuro the first thing I notice when comparing to Toshiro is armor. The shape of the chestplate is pretty common, but the whole of it feels reminiscent, the silhouette, the pants... Also the way all three of them are similarly stanced up hah. Behavior wise, being quiet and stoic and devoted is a Toshiro thing. Kuro’s quite well spoken when in his native tongue and seems generally coolheaded, observant as well. He’s defensive and ferociously protective but otherwise very passive, friendly and gentle. He doesn’t seem to particularly care about morals, he bases what course of action he takes on Mick’s wants and needs.

Kuro is only there for Mickbell, up to a point Toshiro is mostly there for Falin (He did let himself get dragged in before he fell for her, and he’s searching for ways to prove he’s worthy to his father in the dungeons so). Quiet devoted guardian thing. Out of the three, Kuro is the only one without formal fighting training (assumedly), but he’s more of a warrior than a rogue I’d say.

Something else we can look at is their names. Kuro means black in japanese, in meta japanese is the original language of the work and is the "common" that the characters speak. Considering the backstory extra about him having lived in a cage, unable to speak common, I think Mick named him that. This does parallel more to Izutsumi, since she has a history of being given a name (Asebi) but then choosing her own for herself. Toshiro’s by comparison, but you could draw a parallel about the nickname Shuro, butchering his name. There’s a language barrier/culture clash theme for them two in particular. In any case, japanese is something they all share because of this. Kuro-shuro is also pretty close. If you want to dig at more into their name I recommend this paper, Izutsumi’s is particularly interesting.

Do they similarly struggle with identity? Eh. Compared to Izutsumi’s arc being about accepting her beastly half and herself as she is… Kuro is alienated from wider society by being a kobold yes but his character is more centered on unhealthy devotion which is closer to Toshiro 1) running himself ragged to save Falin and 2) being trapped in his noble role and duty to his household. ALTHOUGH you can argue that that’s the point, that Kuro and Izutsumi took that shared experience of being caged and kept as property and reacted in diametrically opposed ways to it: Izutsumi decided she never wants to rely on or get attached to anyone ever, meanwhile Kuro decided he just had to find the right person to follow unconditionally. Izutsumi has an arc but she ends it still being independent and she grew closer to the group in general, not just latching onto one person, so again I feel like this is more Shuro. But then the Laios-Kabru parties shadow doubles tend to both parallel and contrast a lot, so who knows what angle is more intended. It’s possible parallels to both are intentional, but then again parallels just tend to happen when you have a developed story.

Izu-Kuro wise the biggest thing is definitely their shared experience of poverty and slavery, and really yeah it’s less being poor and more being taken and treated as less than human & property. Being Servants. Having lived or grown up with the harsh bare minimum. They’re both barefoot. Cat & dog, black & white, etc etc. And then like we went into, obedience vs rebellion- obedience which is pretty Toshiro. So it’s truly a matter of well ok and now what do we do with these threads.

This can actually be a throughline: Characters from the Kabru party tend to contrast against their Laios party counterpart in weirdly specific symmetrical ways. Namari is more alike Dia than Senshi. Toshiro is alike Kuro whereas Izutsumi heavily contrasts against him. Holm is alike Falin. If we go by "the Kabru counterpart is alike the old Laios party member and dissimilar to the new one" I think that’s a fun angle. Dia’s the more ambiguous I think, I should make an analysis on her she’s so interesting…

Also, this scene is a direct parallel, and of course Toshiro isn’t around but Izu here is the Kuro to Chilchuck’s Mickbell.

And while we’re on the topics of Toshio and parallels, there are so many between Toshiro and the black haired half-elf Forva from Daltian Clan btw omg… Aka Marcille’s favorite character. Aka there’s so much we could dig into here. It’s interesting because general Hareus the character she simps for looks exactly like Mithrun and it 1000% has to be intentional, but it’s not like Marcille thinks of that when she sees him, so much like the Laios party-Kabru party parallels what it adds to the story is meta instead of in-world… And in this way it’s interesting to think of possible Daltian-rest of the cast parallels as well. Uriel the protagonist looks like Milsiril somewhat, she’s a bumpkin found to actually be from a noble house and becomes the protagonist at the heart of the romance political drama plot… A play on Milsiril being a recluse? Because if we go from Mithrun-Hareus parallels then to me the point of the parallels at all is to either joke about or do commentary on fiction vs reality, idealized vs real. Mithrun being part of the military like General Hagreus and having lost an eye like him but it’s not glamorous, it’s not chivalrous, Mithrun is not a figure to be idolized but one to look at and realise that ah, the elven military is a flawed system pushing people into unhealthy mindsets and death. So like with Toshiro-Forva… Similar case of "don’t meet your heroes"? Lonely doomed love hinorbound noble sad you can’t make this shit up……

[a-driftamongopenstars]

too much to ask; cayde & guardian

exploring some personal thoughts about Cayde through my Guardian :) been really looking forward to writing this ficlet! also on ao3

An equal measure of grief and accord settles around the small camp. A few empty bottles of wine sit by a folding chair, the Ghosts are quietly huddling together, giving space to their Guardians. Crow, after giving the Guardian and Cayde a small drowsy smile, has walked away to join Zavala and Ikora as they overlook the endless valley of the Pale Heart, contemplating. 

Cherish finds herself alone with Cayde. He comes to sit on the ground next to her, plucking a grass stem and fixing it in his mouth. 

“They are not very subtle, are they,” Cayde says. “Really want us to talk, huh.”

“Maybe we should.”

“Not to be all Crow-like, but I agree. We do need to talk, something important.”

Cherish looks at him, a curious sideways glance. 

It's been ages since they have shared a moment like this together. Never been good friends, not even as a mentor and mentee. A friction that neither could express or smooth out. But something companionable always tried to bloom between them. Maybe back then, she wasn't ready yet. And he didn’t want to push.

“You've changed,” Cayde says, and her spine crawls with a shiver. He notices and adds, “Hey, that's not a bad thing. If we all stay the same, what kinda world would that be? Change is beautiful. Painful, uncomfortable, but beautiful. And you turned it around. Look at you.”

Pride swells in her chest, tightening. At what cost is a question that hangs in the air. 

“It… wasn't easy. When you died.”

“Straight to the point, I see. Always liked that about you.”

“I mean it, Cayde,” she turns to look at him, meeting eye to eye. “You died, and I was meant to pick up the pieces. Go on a murder spree, stray from everything I've ever known, and when it was all done, I watched a man die - with a part of myself.”

Cayde's bright glowing eyes focus on her. She wants him to feel her desperate pain that still echoes from that time. Her confusion that muddled the thoughts, her headstrong intentions as she scoured the Reef for Uldren and for answers.

“It's a lot to ask of you, I understand.”

“It was expected as it was questioned. If I could become a vigilante overnight, then why couldn't others. And if I didn’t go and become one, then that would have sent the wrong message.”

Cayde sighs and moves a little closer. To her own surprise, she does the same, until their arms touch. And as another surprise, she finds her fingers encrusted with a layer of Stasis ice, crumbling at her notice. 

It's been too long since those thoughts surfaced quite so physically, and she suddenly feels drained. 

“I'm not gonna apologise,” Cayde prefaces, “but I get it. Maybe even more than you think. And I wish you weren't put in that position. And for that, I am sorry. The Vanguard always asks a lot of you.”

For a moment, they are quiet. 

“So… How did that happen?”

“What?”

Cayde glances over to Crow whose back is still turned, his cape softly flowing with the wind. 

Cherish huffs, rolling her eyes, but her lips are already smiling. 

“No, no, I'm not judging. Just curious. You keep giving each other those eyes and I keep wanting to push y’all into a tent and let you get on with it. Still, wonder how that came ‘round. Can't imagine it being all sunshine and rainbows after… Well.”

“Yeah... We did have some monster hunting, some Ascendant Plane racing, having the Traveler’s premonitions, being babysat by Savathun in disguise…”

As she numbers it off on her fingers, Cayde laughs.

“Well hold on there, tiger, not so fast. A who in disguise?”

“Don't tell me Crow didn't update you on that particular situation. He's efficient with his reports.”

“I'm well aware,” Cayde hums. “But I'd like to hear that from you. If you wanna share. Penny for your thoughts?”

Their eyes meet, and for a moment Cherish feels that maybe that camaraderie, long time in the making, can finally happen. She is different, she did change. So did Cayde.

He offers her an empty hand, and she squeezes it, holding on. But somehow, that handshake is worth a hundred thousand pennies - and a small pile of glimmer. 

[notwarriorswiki]

Why does Mudclaw have a connection to Sedgewhisker and if it's because she has powers then does that mean all of the PO12 have ghost cat buddies?

Specifically the "later additions" to the 12, aka Dovewing, Scorchfur, Sedgewhisker, and Larkfeather (Lark that Sings at Dawn) have a ghost cat buddy. These particular spirit cat guides are cats who weren't fulfilled in their past life and were chosen from their recent death to step up and guide these young ones to the older cats (aka - Jayfeather, Dawnpelt, Heathertail, Minnowtail, etc.)

Dovewing has Cinderpelt, which is my way of allowing her """reincarnation""" thing without actual reincarnation because I didn't really enjoy how it was done with Cinderheart in the books. Cinderpelt allows Dovewing to see great distances beyond what is in front of her, just as she can in the books. Dovewing's eyes turn blue when she uses her power, the same blue of Cinderpelt's eyes.

Scorchfur has Blackstar, who was killed in the battle between the clans that happened between Sunset and The Sight (take the Eclipse battle and move it here essentially). He wants to repent and do more to help the clans after all of the crimes that he helped carry out in his living life, hence him stepping up. He gives Scorchfur the power to know what cats have been in The Dark Forest the previous night, a rancid stench coming off of them. When Scorchfur uses his power and scents a Dark Forest Cat, his eyes turn a bright amber, the same amber of Blackstar's eyes.

Sedgewhisker has Mudclaw, who was killed in the WindClan civil war just as he was in the books. He feels immense guilt for how he harmed his clan and wishes to save them now more than ever. We get that first hint of him actually in my initial Po12 fanfic where he warns Harepaw, but his duty doesn't come until Sedgekit is born. He gives Sedgewhisker the ability to speak in the minds of all those "blessed", so all cats gifted with powers, no matter where she is. She can be all the way in SkyClan's gorge and chat with Jayfeather in his head, but not Hollyleaf as she doesn't have powers. When using this power, her eyes turn amber, the same amber of Mudclaw's eyes.

Larkfeather, who used to be knows as Lark that Sings at Dawn, came to RiverClan after her own power guided her. When Larkfeather wants to go somewhere, she knows exactly how to get there, regardless of if she's ever been. She has Feathertail as her guardian, the she-cat wanting to help RiverClan and her friends one last time after her life was cut short. Larkfeather sees an aurora path that leads her to her destination, and is how she finds RiverClan despite being just a 6 moon old cat traveling from the mountains without ever visiting the lake before. When this power is activated, Larkfeather's eyes turn a bright blue, the same blue of Feathertail's eyes. (Fun Fact - she chooses the nam Larkfeather specifically after Feathertail)

Grabbing this image again as I think it's fitting.

[sapphire-weapon]

Wait, has anybody asked WHY you like Leon so much? Both OG and remake? I know you said that you have nostalgia and good friendships through RE4, but what is it exactly about his character and story that you like so much? How about some tidbits that you don't like?

Personally, he's so... complex for me. I enjoy him. I empathise with him. He can make me laugh occasionally, but I also find him incredibly punchable and there's certainly traits and actions that I absolutely can't stand, lol.

I've talked about this before, but Leon Kennedy is the personification of the millennial experience.

He started his adulthood bright-eyed and naive and really intending to do some good in the world, got fucked over by the government in ways that were far beyond his ability to control much less predict, and has been trapped his entire adult life in a life that he hates and a job that makes him miserable that he has no way of breaking out of because he'd only ever really been able to develop one particular skillset out of the necessity of survival.

Leon's monologue in the bar in Vendetta about the state of his life gives me the exact same feeling as two much older quotes from two completely different video games that have haunted me since the day I heard them.

In Final Fantasy X, Auron says:

"Legendary Guardian? I was just a boy. A boy about your age, actually. I wanted to change the world, too. But I changed nothing. That is my story."

And in AC:Revelations, Desmond says:

"There was a big dream floating out there, and every night, I saw people dreaming it. I don't know how they did it. It takes as much money to smile as it does to pay rent in this place."

The difference with Leon as opposed to Auron and Desmond is: Auron and Desmond give a quick punch to the gut and then move on. I basically lived out this experience alongside Leon in real-time. My life hit major milestones basically in perfect timing with new RE content being released, and we both seemed to go down the same spiraling rabbit hole together.

So, Leon is just very Special to me. I'm able to overlook major flaws with his character writing just because he's Leon; he's one of those characters who's always been there for comfort and catharsis in really dark times when I felt like I had nothing else.

I have openly and vocally hated other characters in other media for the kind of "machismo-as-a-coping-mechanism" thing that OG Leon has been doing on and off since OG RE4. But I forgive Leon for it because he's Leon.

The entire Ada thing is a fucking mess and has been a constant source of consternation for me since day one. But I forgive Leon for it because he's Leon.

His inconsistent character voice and the way that his character motivation and direction seems to meander aimlessly would probably drive me insane with anger if he was anyone other than Leon.

Real talk, if I hadn't grown up with RE and had instead come into contact with the series for the first time as an adult, I would probably fucking hate him. I would probably write him off as a fuckboy and be desperate for Capcom to end his story and get him the fuck off of my screen. I would probably be a Chris girl, 100%.

But that's not how it happened, so now I'm stuck rummaging around in the garbage with this fucking goblin.

That's why I didn't try to defend him when that anon sent that long-winded venting rant the other night. There is no defense for him. I just accept that the way his story was written is mostly terrible.

I could probably mount a good defense for Remake Leon, but OG? No. It's not possible. That anon's observations were correct. But I am a raccoon who has made my home in the garbage pile that is Resident Evil and Leon Kennedy. And if someone is not comfortable living in garbage, they won't find a home here with this series -- and they especially won't find one with him.

[ladystormcrow]

❄️Share a snippet from a WIP of your choosing.

☔Is there a fic concept you have that you'd like to just explain and share because you're not sure you'll ever write it? If so, what is it?

🌤️Share your favorite piece of dialogue from your WIP.

❄️From the currently-being-worked-on second chapter of Trio Sonata:

Meg laid a hand on her shoulder. It was meant to be reassuring, but as Christine’s anxiety started to rise, it felt like a threat.

“Please tell me what’s really going on, Christine.” Her dark eyes were wide, intense, imploring. “Are you in danger? Is the Phantom threatening you?” She paused. “Did he do something to the vicomte?”

“No!” She flinched away from Meg’s touch. “It’s not like that. No one’s in danger.”

“Then why won’t you tell me?”

~~~

☔ I've mentioned in past asks that if I were to go back to my Megamind fanverse fics (Life Is What Happens and The Storm And The Stars), there are a number of things I would change that would probably require rewriting the story from the beginning.

The biggest ones involve Wayne/Music Man's relationship with my OC Danielle Dymond. I know it's a popular headcanon that Wayne is somewhere under the LGBTQ umbrella, and I would want to incorporate that more into his thoughts and backstory, and how it continues to impact him now (since being involved with a cis woman like Danielle doesn't make him straight). I would also choose to keep the Scott parents alive, since I feel like killing them off pre-story as I did missed out on a lot of plot potential for them finding out their son is alive, and exploring how they'll interact with Danielle and her family (not just the racial and social class differences, but how the Dymonds are a loving and supportive family, while the Scotts are ... not so much). I also wasn't a believer in ACAB when I wrote the original fic, and I would change Danielle's ending so that, instead of rejoining the police force, she stays at the community center and starts training volunteers for a neighborhood watch-esque organization.

One other big plot idea for these two that I planned to explore in a future fic involves Danielle unexpectedly getting pregnant. She does want the child, so Wayne, terrified that a potentially superpowered fetus might kill her, goes to Megamind and begs him to find a way to shut off his powers so she can safely carry the baby to term -- including offering himself up for Megamind to experiment on. Megamind then has to deal with the awkward, complicated feelings of finally discovering how to weaken his former rival, but not being able to enjoy it like he once would have.

~~~

🌤️ From Katabasis (which is still technically a WIP, thought it really is almost done), the whole coversation between Kira and SilSol in Chapter 8 is one of my favorites, but these lines in particular:

“... No apology can undo the harm my kind have done,” he said, after a long and weighted pause. “But I want to offer one anyway. Kira, I’m sorry. I’m so terribly sorry. Not just for what my dark shard did. For everything.” 

Kira lowered her wings, her shoulders tensing as she looked up at him. “And what? You want me to say I forgive you?”

SilSol did not answer, but the way his corona flickered suggested that was exactly what he’d been hoping. 

“Well, I don’t,” she snapped. “You’ve done nothing to deserve forgiveness. You killed people, you ruined our world, and as soon as you were one again, you ran away and left Jen and me to clean up your mess.” 

His corona dimmed abruptly. “That was never our intention. We feared bringing more harm to Thra if we stayed! We believed you were the rightful guardians of your world’s Crystal.” 

She thought of the ragged, wheedling Skeksis who had confronted her and Jen, desperately insisting he only wanted peace. How, as soon as it was clear they wouldn’t fall for his lies, he had tried to murder Jen and had given Kira to the others to be killed. “Did you truly believe that? Or were you just too afraid to face what you’d done?”

“Would you have wanted us to stay?” His tone was still calm, but there was an edge to it. 

Kira’s eyes narrowed in anger. “You could have at least done something. All you did was go home and try to forget everything.” She didn’t know this for sure - it was a guess based on their earlier story - but from the way SilSol’s corona turned gray, she knew her words had struck a nerve. “And you’re only here now because your own world’s in danger. You don’t care about Thra, or any of us.” 

“That is not true!” The glow in his eyes brightened like a flaring ember. “You are not the only one who worries for Jen now, Kira. I may have been skekSil the Chamberlain, but I was also urSol the Chanter. I raised Jen with urSu and the others. I loved him like my own child, and I still carry that love now. I want to save Thra not merely because it’s right, but because it means saving him!”

[mejomonster]

Anon watching Love and Redemption here. OMG thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful response. On the topic of misunderstandings, people get so heated and I was really looking for a more measured perspective so thanks for that. Also, your reply has me HYPE so I wanted to share some of my thoughts (I'm till ep 9 now)- I adore the romance but I also love the space this show gives to friendship. Minyan and Linglong being excited about reuniting w Sifeng and being just as hurt as Xuanji by his aloofness.

Xuanji and Sifeng both saving/protecting each other is just something I'm absolutely loving. Also, the inversion of gender roles- this was something that drew me towards the show, like Xuanji being on a traditional (male)hero's journey . But what you said about Sifeng's lover's curse being about purity/chastity and comparing Linglong and Jiang Cheng has my mind blown! I can't wait to see more tropes being turned upside down, already we had Sifeng defying the notion of all demons being Evil. Lastly, here's some spoilery speculation- Hao Chen definitely strikes as someone with an ulterior motive, he has some connection to Xuanji probably in their past life?

Is Sifeng the star of mosha maybe? I know some spoilers about him being a demon. Don't tell me though!

I see and appreciate you, life is just busy ToT

Okay so I'm not spoiling star of mosha but would LOVE to hear what you think once you find out -3-)/

I'm also curious how you feel about who the villain/s are and how those feelings change as it becomes more obvious who the villains are.

Also Mickey He, who was a hottie in Jade Palace Lock Heart, plays Sifengs sect leader legendary drama queen <3 which is a fun fact

I do love rhe friendships in this show. I feel the whole core friend group cares a lot for each other. If you've ever seen Good Omens, the friendships in that and the way of solving problems with love and desire to help also drew me to Love and Redemption.

Something you'll notice about this show and demons is... demons are used in this a lot like dixingren were used in Guardian. Which is very unlike the usual trope. The more demon situations play out in LaR, the more apparent it becomes they're not actually evil in any particular way, not any more than any human generally is, with some bad leaders just like some Sects have awful leaders, and then well. Extend that realization to the Heavenly Realm. This story does a lot to critique absolute power, following leadership blindly and what it means to figure out morality based on your own experiences and explorations versus just believing what you're told, and it does quite a job of using what you Expect each trope to function as/symbolize/get treated in this type of romance three lives xianxia story to comment on such things. Like. Sifeng is a demon. In this type show, like say Eternal Love, typically the demon is the second love interest who never gets the heroine. Who is inevitably corrupted or evil or pitiful and can never escape ultimately that he Is the demonic lesser "bad" one role. (Love Between Fairy and Devil actually also subverts this trope with the "demon" as the main love interest and hero, but it's definitely not the norm it is the exception and I love when this particular trope is changed like this). To extend this, in Eternal Love the "ultimate" bad guy is the Evil Demon King who wants revenge and to destroy the world. His princess and prince demon children might be better and have good intentions, but as his kids they get an extension of his bad ultimate fate. That can be contrasted to what Sifengs story will turn into later: how much does he bear suffering because humans dislike demons, Heavenly realm dislikes demons, despite whatever Sifeng has actually done (good or bad). In fact which demons even committed the kind of evils they're being punished for in LaR, and does LaR paint it as inevitable and acceptable pain they endure. Or as something that should NOT happen and is morally fucked up (like when Xuanji defends Sifeng and starts realizing how much she's been taught that is actually perpetuating harm and not helping innocents). In LaR when the star of mosha is revealed, the Evil Demon King from Eternal Love parallel, is the star equally painted as evil without a backstory? Is the star evil at all, does LaR paint the star as evil like Eternal Love would, or does LaR do something else with the star? Is it fair to assume just cayse the stars role is "evil demon king" that the star is actually evil, or was that just an assumption audiences were likely to make based on the usual tropes of these shows, an assumption that will be shattered and used differently. (There's so much this show does in terms of trope you expect versus how LaR will actually be using the character, which involves expecting the audience to Expect the usual trope outcome then instead LaR veers in a way different direction).

I absolutely love that Liu Xueyi was cast as Hao Chen. He does such a good fucking job and made me feel a Lot

A (minor) spoiler I am giving you is:

The show ends happy. I just wanted to put that out there because I know one never knows with a show like this

[semper-legens]

197. Over Sea, Under Stone, by Susan Cooper

Owned?: Yes Page count: 175 My summary: On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children are bored on a rainy day when they discover a long-forgotten secret hidden in the attic. With their great-uncle Merriman, they are soon pulled into a world of legend, when great kings walked the land and did battle with their foes. But there are enemies after their secret. Will the children find the holy grail, or lose it forever? My rating: 4/5 My commentary:

Another year, another reread of the Dark Is Rising sequence. Look, I know that a limited number of people are interested in this series, or even have heard of it, but I love it. It's Arthuriana, it's impossibly earnest, it's experimental and mystical, and it features a bunch of weird little autistic children doing magical quests. What's not to love, really?

The thing that strikes me in this particular reread is how Merriman really, really should not be allowed near children. No, but for real, I was thinking about this, and I have a theory about Merriman's actions in this book. Merry brings the kids to the Grey House in the hope that they'll stumble over the plot, because he's not going to find it on his own. He then decides that it's their quest, and his part in it is to be their guardian, to help them from the sidelines but not to be involved. And then he runs off following an obvious trap and only comes in at the end to help the kids out. Now, in the next book, we see Merry and Will going back to the day when Merry's ward/servant Hawkins betrays him. Merry knows this, but cannot in the moment do anything about it, because it's what happens. I wonder if something like that is happening here? Merry lives out of time, he knows the past, the present, and the future all at once. He knows that the kids find the grail, so he can't do anything about it, all he can do is give the help he can. I'd call it Merriman almost trusting the kids' maturity, except he goes and nonconsensually erases their minds at the end of the series anyway, so what the hell man.

Speaking of the kids, it still makes me laugh how Susan Cooper does a reasonably good job at portraying three very credible children, but it's still the 1960s and they're posh, so it seems so weird to me. Did kids ever say 'golly!'? Like, actually? That said, Simon, Jane, and Barney are wonderfully characterised, it always amazes me how well they are distinguished from each other, to the point where you can still tell who is speaking even in dialogue without tags. And they're all just shitty kids at the end of it. Barney is autistic about Arthuriana and kind of out of it, Jane is a little stuck up, Simon is proud and thinks he's hot shit. It's cute, is what I mean.

Really, I think the Dark comes off the worst here. They can't stop three children? Hastings has Barney in his clutches at one point and not only fails to get any good info from him, but Barney gets snapped out of it by a literal actual dog. They can't outsmart kids? These are just normal kids! It's not like Will and Bran, who are magic, these are just three normal posh children! Come on, the Dark, you could totally have just murdered them and called it a day. The kids are unsubtle about having found a map, and the next day they find that the house has been ransacked. Did the Dark never...think to look in there before? A little breaking and entering? Do the Dark obey the fucking laws of the mortal world? Even Macavity doesn't do that, and he's a cat. Get it together, lads.

Next up, the Dark rises, and Will Stanton is there to meet it.

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Great Hunt! Chapter 22: Watchers

Spoiler alert: This post is not about the death metal band Draghkar or any other metal bands who are the kinds of nerds as to be fans of Wheel of Time, like Blind Guardian. It's about the books. Pretty sure that's all the spoiler alerts I need. Why would I even need to mention at this point that this post will have spoilers for the whole series?

This chapter has the dagger icon because Shadar Logoth is one of the subjects of Moiraine's research - and because it's the central revelation she has.

["]Nothing is happening as I expect,” Moiraine muttered, not expecting an answer from Lan.

Yep, delightful parallels between Rand and Moiraine.

No danger of pursuit here. No one would expect her to come here. Clear my head, and begin again, she thought. That is all there is to do.

And another parallel. Moiraine's just got twenty years of her epic quest to fuel her paranoia though, not all the craziness.

With the one equally aged Warder who remained to them, they lived quietly, still intending to write the history of the world since the Breaking, and as much as they could include of before. One day.

Yeah, the theme of this series means this particular mission is doomed to fail with another Age about to end. I wonder what all of the pre-Breaking history there is available to these ladies. Just the War of the Shadow, or anything more? Would any of it even be all that interesting, or just some random list of leaders pre-LTT, none of whom had anything to report in the glory days of the AoL?

This was a subject neither of them ever mentioned; nearly twenty years ago she had told him—with all the stiff pride of one still young enough to be called young, she recalled—that she would never speak of it again and expected the same silence of him.

So first of all, their first meeting is awesome and I can't wait to get back to New Spring to take a look at it...

But also, note another weakness of the Oath Rod. Moiraine really didn't intend to bring it up again at the time, so she could say that, but her mind has naturally changed since. She never lied, but what she said has turned out not to be true.

“I was young,” she repeated. “And does your bond chafe after all these years? You are not a man to wear a leash easily, even so light a one as mine.” It was a stinging comment; she meant it to be so.

I don't like this part. Moiraine's upbringing really made her casually cruel sometimes.

“Before we left Tar Valon I made arrangements, should anything happen to me, for your bond to pass to another.”

And I hate this detail too. People shouldn't have their relationships reassigned by someone else's whims. It's a good example of the casual sexism of Tar Valon and how things are forever changing but staying the same - plenty of real life women have been remarried without their consent on the loss of their first husband.

I will not allow you to die in a useless attempt to avenge me. And I will not allow you to return to your equally useless private war in the Blight. The war we fight is the same war, if you could only see it so, and I will see that you fight it to some purpose.

I get where she's coming from and why it must be done but also damn it's cruel to treat people like this.

“I had never thought,” he said slowly, “that I might not be the first of us to die. Somehow, even at the worst, it always seemed. . . .”

Sadly, bro is probably right, since both he and Moiraine survive to the end.

“What I do is for your own good, and perhaps it may be for another’s, as well. It may be that Myrelle will find a slip of a girl just raised to sisterhood—was that not what you said?—who needs a Warder hardened in battle and wise in the ways of the world, a slip of a girl who may need someone who will throw her into a pond. You have much to offer, Lan, and to see it wasted in an unmarked grave, or left to the ravens, when it could go to a woman who needs it would be worse than the sin of which the Whitecloaks prate. Yes, I think she will have need of you.”

Okay but Moiraine said all this happened before they last left Tar Valon and unless I'm crazy mistaken, they haven't been to TV since before book 1 started (if the timeline is right it's only 10 days since she left the party so it's not like she somehow outraced a boat and then got here), which was before Nynaeve was even in the picture. So at this point I have to wonder: did Moiraine's unseen encounters with Min inspire all of these decisions? She very specifically avoids answering Lan's question about foreseeing her death in a straightforward way.

“Why did you do as you did with Rand?” He blinked; it was obviously not what he expected. She knew what he had thought was coming, and she would not let up now that he was off balance.

It says a great deal about Moiraine's unhealthy Cairhienien worldviews that the real threat in her eyes is not Lan's affection for Nynaeve but for his helping the boy they've spent the last two decades trying to find and help. All because he's not helping according to the script. That's what makes all of this justified in her eyes.

“Ta’veren,” Moiraine sighed. “Perhaps it was that. Rather than guiding a chip floating down a stream, I am trying to guide a log through rapids. Every time I push at it, it pushes at me, and the log grows larger the farther we go. Yet I must see it through to the end.”

Honestly, I think it's a lot more about who Rand and Lan are as people than it is about a magic power manipulating Lan. A nudge from the Wheel, maybe, but... Not destiny outright cheating.

Much more likely Rand's ta'veren keeps Moiraine from ever realizing she can't play him until it's too late to matter.

“All men dream. But I know dreams for dreams. This”—he touched his sword hilt—“is reality.”

I wonder what the Aiel would say if they knew their much-respected Lan was saying something like this. Was Jordan setting up the Aiel worldview already with this contrast, or is it just a funny coincidence?

“So many subjects. The Trolloc Wars. The Watchers Over the Waves. The legend of the Return. Two treatises on the Horn of Valere. Three on dark prophecy, and—Light, here’s Santhra’s book on the Forsaken. Nasty, that. As nasty as this on Shadar Logoth. And the Prophecies of the Dragon, in three translations and the original. Moiraine, whatever are you after? The Prophecies, I can understand—we hear some news here, remote as we are. We hear some of what’s happening in Illian. There’s even a rumor in the village that someone has already found the Horn.”

Moiraine is not at all subtle; she clearly was counting on the privacy she requested. Vandene has probably put together a good deal more than she's admitting. Also note that the books on the Forsaken and Shadar Logoth are EQUALLY nasty, more foreshadowing for that.

“No. Except for the fact that the Horn must be found before Tarmon Gai’don and that the Dragon Reborn is supposed to fight the Last Battle, there is no link between them at all.”

And indeed, once this book is over Rand will have nothing to do with the Horn again.

But I believe it means the Dragon Reborn will appear somewhere above Toman Head, in Arad Doman, or Saldaea.

Vandene is of course confusing "above" with "north", which apparently means that 3A maps - and possibly AoL maps as well - have oriented north consistently for some time. Here in the first age, maps used to have "east" atop them (hence "the Orient" describing the east), so it's not a given as Jordan and Vandene assume.

In full, you will have to stay here a month and listen to Adeleas lecture—she has the true knowledge of it—but even I can tell you there’s nothing of the Dragon in it.

I think the reason that Shadar Logoth didn't show up in the prophecies is that revealing its true purpose to the Shadow would ensure Ish destroyed it prematurely somehow, if by no other mechanism than throwing massive armies of Trollocs in until the two evils canceled out.

“If I did,” Moiraine replied levelly, “would I be here, instead of in the White Tower? The Amyrlin knows as much as I, that I swear. Have you received a summons from her?”

Here Moiraine doesn't rely entirely on evasion because Vandene could see right through that, but she does mislead with her leading questions well enough.

“If I thought it would do any good, I’d pull Adeleas’s nose out of her book and set off for the White Tower. But I find I am glad to be here where I am instead. Perhaps we will have time to finish our history.”

It's always so sad knowing what's going to happen to these people.

An answer, or a hint to an answer, for a question she had not asked—but she could not bring the question to mind, either.

Presumably that Mordeth is looking for a soul to steal in Shadar Logoth - or rather, that he already has stolen a soul. Otherwise why would this chapter have the dagger icon specifically?

A shadow loomed dimly only a few paces from her, a shadow that appeared to be a too-tall man wrapped in his cloak. But the face caught the moon, gaunt-cheeked, pale, with black eyes too big above a puckered, red-lipped mouth. The cloak opened, unfolding into great wings like a bat’s.

Really I'm surprised that Moiraine let her guard down, even for a moment. I guess she was counting on being able to sense it and it not being warded, but again: she's actually properly paranoid.

But even as she began, Lan cried out, “Embrace death!” Jaem echoed him firmly. “Embrace death!” And the two men stepped within reach of the Draghkar’s touch, drove home their blades to the hilt.

It's so sad that Moiraine thinks she needs to test Lan at all when he's still got this going. Dude knows his job and he really is just as married to it as she.

It's also sad that this is what Lan's got at the moment.

Moiraine said the words none of them wanted to hear. “The Black Ajah.”

It's practically uncharacteristic of Moiraine to be so open. She must assume Jaem's good behavior proves their innocence even though proper paranoia would suggest that the most likely Black Ajah candidates are right in front of her. They're not of course, but still.

Adeleas turned to study the Draghkar as if it were a puzzling passage in one of her books. “Whether Aes Sedai are involved or not, whatever could have brought it here?” Vandene regarded Moiraine silently.

If you can't say anything but uncomfortable and revealing truths, don't speak at all I guess.

That's it for this chapter! Next time: A trip to off-brand McDonald's!

[apricusnights]

Chapter Seventeen: VNLA Vs. OLIV.

Location: Upper Docks.

Van: "I swear to you it wasn't me!"

Larsen: "I believe you."

Van: "You do?"

Larsen: "You may be a pain in my ass but you're not the kind of person you used to be. Besides, didn't you say you dated that bitch that was on the news?"

Lye: "Date is a strong word...more like she manipulated him and he followed her around like a puppy."

Van: "Annoyingly accurate. Why are you even here?"

Lye: "Saw the report. First instinct was to find you and punch you. Second instinct was that Amorette is a lying bitch and she's obviously trying to frame you."

Both Lye and Van are on guard as a PWSB vehicle pulls up but it's only Jae who steps out of it.

Jae: "Captain." Nodding to Larsen. "Commander Fisher got your message, she's going to get you as much information as possible. I'm afraid we can only buy so much time though."

Viridian makes his way down the dock followed by Nerys and Nava.

Nava: "Whatever she said isn't true. Except the part about me being removed from the company...bitch."

Nerys: "Of course it wasn't true, Van wouldn't do that kind of stuff again!"

Nava: "Again?"

Lye: "We'll go over this later, right now we gotta figure out how to handle the situation."

Viridian: "Let me make a call. I have a plan; it's just going to take a lot of cooperation."

Van: "Team VNLA rides again!"

Nava: "No.."

Van: "Oh come on!"

Location: Hubertus Memorial Lodge, Evergreen Basin.

Violet: "That's a pretty big bounty. Seems a little weird considering we don't even have clear visual of anyone."

Ivory: "I guess everyone is just taking her word for it. She's on the Bundles of Lavender board."

Lapis: "I don't trust her..."

Onyx: "Nor do I however I have to ask the question...why are we all here?"

Violet: "Because I still have your numbers in my aShine and we're all technically bounty hunters. Even if it's first level ones."

Ivory: "I don't mind but Dad is having a barbeque with Mr. Bell tonight, and he won't be happy if I'm not back for it."

Onyx: "Get to the point, what do you want?"

Violet: "I uh, think we should go after Van. Not to ya know bring him in but to talk to him."

Lapis: "You want to get to him before anyone else does, correct?"

Violet: "Well yeah."

Onyx: "Why should we believe he isn't responsible? You're aware of his past are you not?"

Lapis: "Everyone is capable of change."

Ivory: "Uh hate to break up the conversation but everyone else is heading out. We should go."

Onyx: "I want no part of this."

Violet: "Oh come on, we can't have OLIV without the O."

Onyx: "OLIV?"

Lapis: "Cheshire, what else are you going to do? Argue with your father? Watch the bank head eat an entire family size bag of cheese puffs?"

Onyx: "Never again."

Ivory: "Just this once Onyx, help us out and we won't bother you anymore."

Onyx: "Fine, this is the last time."

Violet: "Team OLIV rides again!"

Onyx: "No.."

Violet: "Oh come on!"

Location: Guardian District.

Fisher: "Something about this doesn't feel right."

Amelia: "Bundles of Lavender is being rather protective over their so-called security footage. I've requested it several times and only ever get sent small sections of it or I'm turned away with some legal threats about the military seizing their property or something."

Roland: "I take it this is why you haven't really dispatched anyone to track this guy down?"

Fisher: "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. We're rather busy right now and I'm dispatching our forces as needed based on priority. It just happens this particular situation is low priority."

Kelly: "Amelia, can you come with me? I need your help with a case."

Amelia: "Of course."

Fisher: "Take your time, we've got things under control."

Location: Smokey Gardens.

Nava: "I must admit I'm impressed we managed to get all the way out here without incident. Considering how many people in the city are looking for Van."

Lye: "Well that's easy. Van isn't here, just my twin sister."

Van is currently dressed up in Lye's clothes and wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Van: "I'd say I look ridiculous but look at me, I'm as hot as ever. The tights and the heels make my legs look fantastic."

Jae: "Did you have to flirt with me during the train ride out here?"

Van: "Have to keep up appearances."

Nava: "You don't look as great as you claim. The lipstick you picked is atrocious."

Jae: "We're in the clear, would you please go change."

Van: "Already trying to get me out of my clothes?"

Jae: "I swear if you keep this up I WILL turn you in myself."

Van: "Fine fine, just give me a few minutes."

Van grabs his duffle bag and steps behind a tree so he can change clothes.

Meanwhile, a good distance away.

Ivory is looking through the scope of her rifle.

Ivory: "I've got positive ID on the target."

Violet: "Good job but I have to wonder, how did you know they would be out here."

Lapis: "I work for the Union remember? You think we're not aware of who enters our main district? Especially people known to associate with a wanted criminal."

Violet: "Alleged criminal."

Onyx: "Nevertheless now that Lapis' sources have made our job slightly easier, perhaps you can have that conversation before anyone else arrives."

Ivory: "You know I could probably drop them from here."

Onyx: "Reynard, step away from the rifle."

Ivory: "Fine but if I'm late to the barbeque later you're taking the blame."

Lapis: "Where's Violet?"

Ivory: "Heading directly toward the target.."

Onyx: "Creator help me. Let's go before she does something stupid."

Van steps back out wearing his normal clothes.

Van: "Much better but I will miss the freedom of that skirt."

Lye: "Were you..wearing anything under that?"

Nava: "You need to burn that skirt."

Jae: "Did everyone bring your weapons?"

Van: "Obviously."

Jae: "Good because I think someone is making their way over here."

Van: "Hey Nava, where did you get the staff?" Nava: "None of your business." Van: "Your boyfriend give it to you?" Nava: "Fiancé." Lye puts her hand over Van's mouth before he can say anything else. Jae: "We don't have time for this."

Jae turns and raises his weapon.

Jae: "Halt! Identify yourself!"

Violet: "Whoa whoa wait! It's Violet Goodfellow, I come in peace."

Lye: "Ok but what about the bimbo behind you pointing a rifle at us?"

Ivory: "Bimbo?!"

Violet: "Ivory! Lower your weapon!"

Van: "And I thought Nava had some big ones."

Nava glances down at her chest and attempts to resist the sudden urge to hit Van.

Lye: "Van...now is not the time."

Van: "You're the one who called her a bimbo. She's not even blonde!"

Violet: "Hey!"

Ivory: "Can you stop talking before I put a bullet through you and bring in whatever is left of your corpse?"

Lye: "Why don't you try your luck tits for brains!"

Lapis: "Can you all just shut up for a minute!"

Onyx: "We just want to talk, rather Violet wants to talk. I was dragged into this nonsense."

Nava: "I know the feeling."

Lye: "Wow, he's kinda cute."

Jae: "Aren't you dating the guy from the theater?"

Lye: "Listen we're open to.."

Violet: "Ok listen, I have a feeling you didn't do what they say you did but everyone else at the lodge doesn't really care."

Van: "I didn't. The bitch you saw on tv is an ex..something of mine and she's throwing me under a bus."

Violet: "Oh my god, are you serious? This is one of THOSE situations. Ok ok we just need to get some proof of.."

Before Violet can finish talking a shot is fired. Jae barely manages to dodge out of the way. The shot is powerful enough to split a tree behind him in half.

Violet: "Ivory!"

Ivory: "I didn't!"

Lye: "So much for talking huh bitch!" Lye leaps into the air and kicks Ivory making her fall backwards into Onyx.

The two groups raise their weapons and back up. Violet and Nava are a bit unsure of themselves as they are the least experienced.

Jae and Lapis are the first to clash against each other. Ony squares off with Lye, Ivory faces Van, and Nava goes against Violet.

Jae: "You realize you're currently trying to assault a PWSB officer, right?"

Lapis: "A PWSB officer who is in the process of aiding a wanted criminal."

Lapis and Jae seem evenly matched, much like their clashes on the Hecaball field both find themselves unable to get past the other's defensive skills.

Onyx leaps back and flings out the wires from his gauntlets in hopes of tripping up Lye. Lye however spins around, ducking and leaping over the attempts. Wires whipping through the air as she effortlessly avoids them in a strange sort of dance. She gets close enough to kick Onyx, but he uses his wires to grapple on to a tree branch and pull himself away momentarily.

Lye: "What's the matter cutie, gettin tired already? Don't give up now, you're not a bad dance partner."

Onyx seems a bit flustered for a moment but shakes it off.

Violet tries desperately to create distance from Nava, but the other woman seems shockingly fast and keeps up with her relatively easily. Nava however isn't well trained, and her strikes are still a bit sloppy which leaves Violet plenty of opportunities to avoid them. Violet finally manages to use a smoke grenade to create distance, but the smoke also makes it impossible to aim at her intended target, letting Nava slip away behind cover.

Ivory realizes she can't get the distance she typically enjoys so she switches her rifle to its axe form and takes a swing at Van. Ivory's weapon is heavy and though the swings are powerful they are slow. Something Van takes advantage of, dodging out of the way and landing a few hits against Ivory. She winces as the wind is knocked out of her. Van moves in close but Ivory is able to slam her axe into the ground which sends debris flying toward Van. He shields his face for a moment which allows Ivory to land a strong punch to his stomach sending him stumbling back.

The clashes continue until both teams fall back at the same time to regroup.

Van: "Listen up, we need to switch things up a little. They are probably thinking the same thing. Lye, you go for Lapis. I think you can do better against that defense. Jae, you take Ivory. Rush her, keep her trapped in close combat and keep the pressure up. Nava, stick with Violet. You're both inexperienced here and it's your best bet. She's got pistols, I don't think she's good close up so try and keep to that. I'll go for Onyx. Remember, we're not trying to seriously hurt anyone here but we gotta take them out before anyone else shows up and this gets worse."

Onyx: "Ok everyone come closer. I've been watching how they fight and believe I have a strategy. Fighting them one on one is going to get us nowhere fast. The first thing we need to do is start switching opponents as quickly as possible. If we keep rotating it will catch them off guard. Secondly, we need to work together. They aren't used to each other yet. We may not be either, but I believe we have a better understanding of each other's abilities. Except the siblings of course. So, we need to pull off a few team attacks, listen up..."

Location: Bundles of Lavender Corporate Headquarters.

Kelly leans up against the wall as one of the security guards talks to her.

Kelly: "I know I know Frank but I have to ask again. We need to look through that footage. I know it's not your call but just see if you can do me a solid alright? At least bring it up with the bigwigs."

She waits until the security guard leaves the room before slipping a small device under one of the computer consoles.

Kelly: "No go? You know Commander Fisher is not gonna take no for an answer. I'll probably have to keep coming back here. Next time we'll get lunch or something. Yeah see ya."

She leaves the building and makes her way to a vehicle outside where Amelia was sitting with a laptop.

Kelly: "You good?"

Amelia: "Remote hacking into Bundles of Lavender wasn't something I expected to be doing today but yes, I'm good."

Kelly: "They won't find the device?"

Amelia: "It's designed to become useless after a few minutes. Even if they find it, they won't know what it did. Now let me sort through these files."

"I don't for the life of me know why they don't want us to see all of the footage. I know they claim they cleaned it up as best they could, but I could at least give it a shot."

"That's weird, seems they were in contact with the Lavender family's yacht relatively recently despite claiming they don't know where it is. We'll have to get this to Larsen, see if he can recognize anything they say about a location at the time."

"Here we go, security. Let me see if I can find footage from the supposed riots. Yeah ok, it is a little blurry but nothing I can't fix. Just give me a minute or two."

Kelly: "Hurry up, I need to drive in a minute. Pretty sure they are starting to suspect something." Starting up the vehicle.

Amelia: "Shit, the device is running out of power. I just need to...HA got it...wait that's not.."

Kelly: "Just send whatever you have to Fisher, we gotta go." She smiles at the guards before pulling out of the parking lot.

Location: Smokey Gardens.

The teams are once again in the midst of combat. Van's strategy seems to be working as VNLA gets the upper hand against their opponents save for Nava and Violet who both seem evenly matched. This doesn't last long as Onyx gives a signal and OLIV suddenly pulls away and switches opponents. Van tries his best to adjust, shouting out instructions to anyone who got caught off guard.

Onyx once again signals for a switch, VNLA struggles against the new tactic, but Van notices Onyx's tell. Right before the next switch happens Van instead signals a switch of their own, VNLA once again getting the better of OLIV. Onyx realizes this portion of the plan no longer works but tries to keep his team paired in favorable matchups.

Onyx pulls his team back for a moment before they all suddenly rush forward. Ivory providing cover fire while Violet tosses out a flashbang that forces VNLA to group together. Onyx uses his wires on the blinded VNLA and manages to wind them through the legs of the opposing team which lets Lapis rush forward and bulldoze through VNLA making them trip over the wires and fall to the ground.

Lye: "Ohhhh gonna tie me up now? Kinky.." Winking at Onyx.

Onyx stops and raises an eyebrow which gives just enough of an opening.

As the rest of OLIV approach VNLA Jae stabs his sword into the ground while it's touching several of Onyx's wires. Lye reaches over and sends a current of electricity through the sword and the wires shocking Onyx and blowing him backwards. Ivory and Violet are struck down when Van leaps up and strikes them directly in their weak points rendering them unable to move temporarily, giving Jae and Lye enough time to send them both down to the ground. Van seems slightly confused about how he was able to do such a maneuver.

Lapis is the only one left standing as he's now facing all four members of VNLA. Lapis' defense proves to live up to the hype as he's able to at least for a time fend off the attacks of four opponents. It does however quickly deplete his energy. He's finally disarmed by Nava who manages to use her staff in a way that catches Lapis' weapon and fling it away from him.

By this point Onyx, Violet, and Ivory are slowly making their way to their feet. The exhaustion beginning to set in on both sides. Ivory covers Lapis as he retrieves his weapon but he's barely able to hold it.

Van: "You wanna keep going? I could do this all day.."

Onyx: "No you can't."

Van: "Can so!"

Onyx: "No you most certainly cannot!"

Onyx and Van stare at each other as an alert is suddenly broadcast over the emergency network.

Fisher: "Attention any and all bounty hunters, and local law enforcement. Van Marigold is not responsible for any of the wrongdoing he has been accused of. We have obtained security footage and have cleaned it up. The video you are currently seeing clearly shows that the perpetrator was NOT Mr. Marigold. His bounty is officially cancelled."

Location: Bundles of Lavender Corporate Headquarters.

Amorette: "Damn it, how did that wench get ahold of the footage. Ah well, doesn't matter. They can't pin the blame on us for anything at this point. I'll just issue an official apology. Someone get the camera crew ready, and I need my makeup artist NOW!"

Location: Smokey Gardens.

Violet: "I KNEW IT!"

Van: "Well...this is incredibly awkward, isn't it?"

Another shot is heard. Everyone turns to Ivory but she's looking at the ground between the two teams. A container of sorts is sitting in a small crater. Before anyone can react, the container bursts open releasing some sort of gas. One by one OLIV and VNLA are rendered unconscious. Before he falls Jae manages to tap the PWSB tracker button on his aShine, sending out an alert.

Several individuals in rabbit masks emerge from the woods.

White Rabbit (Biker): "Huh, was kind thinking they'd take each other out but whatever. This could be fun too."

White Rabbit (Scythe): Tilting her head and shifting her rifle back to its scythe form.

White Rabbit (Biker): "Ok, you know what the Queen wants. Load em up and get em out of here before anyone shows up. Let's go sis."

White Rabbit (Scythe): Nods her head and watches VNLA and OLIV get loaded into a vehicle before heading off.

To be continued.

[pesterloglog]

Karkat Vantas, John Egbert

Act 4, page 1667

CG: I KEEP SCROLLING BACKWARDS THROUGH YOUR ADVENTURE.

CG: TRYING TO PIECE TOGETHER HOW YOU BOTCH THIS UP SO BADLY.

CG: AND I KEEP FINDING THESE STRIKING POCKETS OF FOOLISHNESS.

CG: LIKE WHAT YOU'RE DOING NOW.

CG: RIDING YOUR LITTLE RED ROCKET.

CG: LIKE YOU ARE A FRESHLY HATCHED HUMAN LARVA AND THIS IS JUST ALL A BIG SCHOOLHIVE RUMPUS RESPITE.

EB: humans aren't hatched as larvae dummy.

EB: we don't hatch at all.

EB: we are born as these like little pink monkeys called babies.

CG: BULLSHIT.

CG: THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU JUST TOLD ME.

EB: what did i say?

CG: I'LL PASTE WHAT YOU SAID.

EB: i thought you didn't like going down that road?

EB: copy-pasting future/past conversations...

CG: WHY WOULD I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT.

EB: i dunno, that's what you just told me.

CG: WHATEVER, LOOK:

CG: EB: this is really weird...

CG: CG: WHAT'S SO WEIRD ABOUT IT.

CG: EB: well, normally humans hatch...

CG: EB: from like these slimy pods.

CG: EB: then we wriggle out as a little pink larva.

CG: CG: OH REALLY.

CG: CG: HUH, MAYBE WE HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN I THOUGHT.

EB: hahaha!

EB: i was punking you dude!

EB: or at least i will be in our next conversation.

EB: thanks for the great prank idea.

CG: ARGH.

CG: WHY WOULD YOU TRICK ME ABOUT THAT, WHAT IS EVEN THE POINT.

EB: i don't know, it was just a friendly prank.

EB: don't you ever play pranks?

EB: i mean, of course you do, one of you just tried to prank me good.

CG: WHAT, WHO.

EB: pffffff, you'll find out.

CG: WELL FINE.

CG: I GUESS YOU GOT ME BACK, SORT OF.

CG: FOR MY TROLLING, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVEN'T EVEN READ MY WORST TROLLING EFFORTS YET.

CG: BECAUSE THEY HAPPEN IN YOUR FUTURE.

CG: AND EVEN THEN YOU DIDN'T EVEN MIND MUCH, ALMOST LIKE YOU WERE DELIGHTED TO HEAR IT.

CG: KIND OF PERVERSE REALLY, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?

EB: well, we're friends by then, aren't we?

EB: or sort of like, uh, reverse anti-mutual friends.

CG: WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT EVEN MEAN.

EB: look, you're going to have to face it at some point...

EB: that you're learning the meaning of this human emotion called friendship.

CG: IS FRIENDSHIP REALLY AN EMOTION?

EB: yes, absolutely.

CG: I GUESS IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW WE BECOME FRIENDS.

CG: THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING.

CG: EVERY TIME I GO FURTHER BACK INTO YOUR PAST AND TALK TO YOU, YOU SAY STUFF THAT PERTAINS TO MY IMMEDIATE FUTURE.

CG: AND THEN YOU WON'T EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT'S GOING ON, BECAUSE IT'S ALREADY OLD NEWS FOR YOU.

EB: dude, you've been doing the same exact thing!!!

CG: I'VE DONE NO SUCH THING.

CG: I'VE BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL.

CG: IF JUSTIFIABLY ACRIMONIOUS.

EB: you never answer my questions, though.

EB: how am i supposed to know what's going on, or what you're alluding to?

CG: THIS GAME IS KIND OF A GAME OF A MILLION GUIDES.

CG: EVERYWHERE YOU TURN THERE'S ANOTHER WAY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON, SO PLEASE, GO SECRETE ME AN EARTH RIVER THROUGH YOUR STRANGE HUMAN TEAR DUCTS.

CG: YOU'VE GOT SPRITES, EXILES, GUARDIANS, CONSORTS...

CG: TIME HOPPING FUTURE SELVES, MYSTICAL DREAM ORACLE DOPPELGANGERS...

CG: AND IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, YOUR PARTICULAR GROUP OF PLAYERS IS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE US TO GIVE YOU THE SCOOP ON STUFF.

CG: THROUGH A SORT OF SUBVERSION OF THE WHOLE DAMN THING.

CG: EVEN THOUGH WE HATE YOU.

CG: AND EVEN THOUGH THE FACT THAT WE HATE YOU

CG: IS AN IMMUTABLE FACT AS UNALTERABLE AS THIS WRITHING KNOTTED HELL OF A TIMELINE CHOKING US ALL TO DEATH

CG: IT DOES NOT MEAN WE HAVE ANY REASON TO WITHHOLD ANY INFORMATION FROM YOU

CG: OR DISH IT OUT THROUGH CRYPTOBAFFLING MIND FUDDLERY.

CG: SO GO AHEAD, ASK ME ANYTHING.

EB: ok...

EB: what's the point of the game.

CG: ASK SOMETHING ELSE.

CG: ALREADY TOLD YOU THAT.

CG: IT WAS THIS WHOLE BIG CONVERSATION WE HAD.

EB: augh!

EB: fine.

EB: where are you now?

CG: IN THE MEDIUM.

CG: A SEPARATE SESSION FROM YOURS.

EB: no no, i know that!

EB: you already told me.

CG: I DID?

EB: yes, in your future.

CG: DAMMIT.

EB: what i mean is...

EB: are you in your house right now, or in one of your magical lands, or what?

EB: just curious cause you can see me, but i can't see or know anything about you!

CG: WE'RE HIDING IN THE VEIL.

CG: WHAT'S LEFT OF IT.

EB: what's that?

CG: IT'S A HUGE BELT OF METEORS

CG: ORBITING WAY OUTSIDE SKAIA, BEYOND THE ORBIT OF THE PLANETS

CG: DIVIDING THE MEDIUM FROM THE FURTHEST RING

CG: WHERE DERSE ORBITS.

EB: derse?

CG: THE DARK PLANET.

CG: PROSPIT'S THE LIGHT ONE NEAR SKAIA.

EB: well jeez, how am i supposed to know any of this??

CG: YOU'D PROBABLY FIND OUT SOONER OR LATER FROM YOUR DUMB GRANDMA.

CG: BUT BY FUSING WITH THE SPRITE SHE HAS TO WITHHOLD STUFF AND BE MYSTERIOUS AND ALL.

CG: TO MAKE YOUR ADVENTURE SEEM MORE "MAAAAAAGICAL!!!!"

CG: IT'S INFURIATING.

EB: ok, so the veil is a bunch of meteors...

EB: what do you mean "what's left of it"?

CG: OK, THERE COMES A TIME WHEN BLACK INEVITABLY BEATS WHITE

CG: ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN THE CENTER OF SKAIA

CG: THE WHITE KING IS CAPTURED OR KILLED OR SOMETHING

CG: THAT'S WHEN THE RECKONING STARTS.

EB: ok...

CG: THE RULERS OF DERSE

CG: THE BLACK KING AND QUEEN

CG: GET THE POWER TO SEND THE VEIL TOWARD SKAIA

CG: TO DESTROY IT

CG: THAT KIND OF STARTS YOUR BIG "COUNTDOWN"

CG: WHEN SHIT GETS SERIOUS.

EB: so then it's up to us to save it?

CG: YEAH, YOU HAVE THAT LONG TO KILL THE BLACK QUEEN AND KING

CG: AND SKAIA ITSELF SORT OF BUYS YOU SOME TIME

CG: BY ACTIVATING ITS DEFENSE PORTALS

CG: TO CATCH SOME OF THE METEORS

CG: THE THREAT GETS BIGGER THE LONGER YOU TAKE THOUGH

CG: SMALLER METEORS COME FIRST AND THEY GET PROGRESSIVELY BIGGER AND BIGGER

CG: AND THERE'S ONLY SO MUCH OF THEM SKAIA CAN ABSORB FOR YOU.

EB: ok, but it sounds like we've got plenty of time before that happens, right?

CG: THAT'S JUST IT.

CG: YOU DON'T.

CG: ORDINARILY YOU WOULD BUT

CG: YOUR RECKONING STARTS MUCH SOONER

CG: BECAUSE OF SOME DUMB THINGS YOU'VE DONE

CG: YOU COMPLETELY BLEW IT ALREADY AND YOU HAVE NO CHANCE OF WINNING ANYMORE

CG: WHICH ORDINARILY WOULD BE FINE

CG: JUST ANOTHER BUNCH OF LOSERS TO FAIL AT THIS GAME

CG: IT'S WHAT YOU DO LATER THAT CAUSES SO MUCH MORE TROUBLE THAN THAT

CG: AND NOW WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT TOO.

EB: oh no...

EB: what is it?

CG: ALREADY TOLD YOU.

CG: IT'S INEVITABLE AND COMPLETELY POINTLESS TO TALK ABOUT ANYWAY.

EB: yeah, well...

EB: maybe you're wrong!

EB: maybe there's something we can still do to stop it, if you just help us?

CG: I'M NOT WRONG, IT'S ALL RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF ME, YOU FUCK UP ROYALLY, END OF STORY.

EB: ok, we'll see about that, mr. sourbulge.

EB: hey, aren't you kind of uncomfortable sitting on a meteor?

EB: are you all huddled in a crater or something?

CG: NO, THERE'S ALL KINDS OF CRAZY SHIT IN THE VEIL.

CG: A LOT OF THESE METEORS ARE KIND OF LIKE...

CG: BIG SEEDS.

EB: seeds?

EB: um...

EB: well, what kind of crazy shit is there?

CG: STUFF LIKE...

CG: BUILDINGS

CG: FACILITIES

CG: LIKE LABS AND STUFF.

EB: weird.

CG: YEAH, THE VEIL IS KIND OF LIKE NEUTRAL GROUND FOR THE KINGDOMS, LIKE OUR PLANETS.

CG: SOME PLACES ARE USED TO GENETICALLY ENGINEER SOLDIERS AND AGENTS FOR THE TWO SIDES.

CG: USING GENETIC MATERIAL FROM THE EXOTIC MENAGERIE OF CHESS PIECES ON THE BATTLEFIELD.

CG: TO HELP FUEL THE WAR AND KEEP RAISING THE STAKES.

EB: wow, i don't think i'm following this.

CG: YEAH NO SHIT!

CG: BUT YOU'LL FIND OUT WHEN YOU GET THERE

CG: SINCE YOU WERE IN THE VEIL WHEN WE LAST TALKED.

CG: ANYWAY THAT'S MORE THAN ENOUGH INFO FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT AND BE LESS STUPID IN TIME FOR CONVERSATIONS WE'VE ALREADY HAD.

CG: I'M OUT OF HERE.

EB: ok, but wait...

EB: can you give a message to GC for me?

EB: tell her nice try.

CG: WHAT

CG: WHY WOULD I GIVE HER A MESSAGE FOR YOU

CG: DO IT YOURSELF, I'M NOT A RELAY SERVICE.

EB: oh, well i thought you'd be cool with it since you asked me to give her a message for you last time.

EB: but whatever.

CG: I FIND THAT HIGHLY IMPLAUSIBLE.

CG: I'M NOT FALLING FOR ANY MORE OF YOUR HUMAN PRANKS.

CG: "NICE TRY" JOHN

CG: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

-- carcinoGeneticist [CG] ceased trolling ectoBiologist [EB] --

[covertblizzard]

okay was anybody going to tell me that for like 1/3-ish of the hard travelling heroes journey, they were accompanied by a guardian learning about earth, or was i supposed to find about that myself by reading it when lowkey trying to pressure the local library to renew it’s digital copy

bonus: hal hugging the guardian

spoilers: nothing changed because this guardian then got stripped of his immortality and banished by the other guardians and so the guardians continue to be assholes or whatever

[sugamamacustard]

🍢 🍡 (A/B/O) Menu 🍡🍢

My A/B/O verse ↦ Here! My rules ↦ Here!

Appetizer (🍚)= Angst Dessert (🍪)= Fluff Breakfast (🥞) = Social media! AU Lunch (🍙) = non-specified AU! (Other than social media; Mafia! Werewolf/vampire!, angel/demon!, etc) Supper (🍘)= Smut/ NSFW Happy hour (🍸) = Yandere Specials (🍮)= My personal favorites 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 Order up!

↳Reach so high ( 🍪)

Summary: You’re used to the world around you not being kind to the vertically impaired, but you and you’re alpha get through it.

Ingredients: Alpha! Tendo Satori, Alpha! Nishinoya Yu

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Sweet Little Chick ( 🍸, 🍙(Mafia! AU))

Summary:  The Karasuno Crows fell to the will of one person and one person alone. You were expected to do the same to the mama crow.

Ingredients: Alpha! Mafia boss! Sugawara Koushi

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN-- But Reader ends up in a dress and thigh highs, so take as you will)

↳ Come see me (  🍚, 🍪, 🍮 )

Summary:  Being a manager for Nekoma was a thankless job, but one you were proud to do. You were surrounded by alphas who wanted what was best for you and in turn, you wanted what was best for them. However, sometimes what’s best for them…may not be best for you or your omega.

Ingredients: Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Knock me out ( 🍪)

Summary:  When your omega demands to see your alpha, you can’t help but oblige, but unfortunately, someone else see’s you before he does.

Ingredients: Alpha! Hajime Iwaizumi

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Fire man ( 🍘 )

Summary:  Your heat hits unexpectedly and it’s up to your alpha to help you through it. How is he doing it?

Ingredients: Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo, Alpha! Toru Oikawa, Alpha! Kotaro Bokuto

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem!)

↳ Double Trouble ( 🍪)

Summary:  Inarizaki is known for many things above the surface, but only few know what great treasure lies deep within the pack.

Ingredients: Alpha! Osamu Miya, Alpha! Atsumu Miya

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem!)

↳ Level Headed ( 🍪, 🍘,  🍮 )

Summary: Betas were known for one thing and your alpha loved you all the more for it. So he shows you his gratitude.

Ingredients: Alpha! Hajime Iwaizumi

Serving: Beta! Reader (Fem!)

↳ Please don’t let me go ( 🍚, 🍪 , 🍘 , 🍙 (Shifter! AU))

Summary:  You were excited when the other packs joined yours, even finding solace in one of the alphas of one, but suddenly, you weren’t needed. Wanted. Not what he desired. And that hurt. So you do the only thing you can think of. Try to find someone who will comfort your poor omega heart.

Ingredients: Alpha! Kuroo Tetsuro

Serving: Omega! Reader (Pretty GN, but I said the word c*nt, so take it as you will)

↳ Please don’t let me go (Part 2!)   ( 🍪 , 🍙 (Shifter! AU))

Summary:   Thanks to Kuroo, your place in the pack has been cemented. But what made it waver in the first place? How can the rest of the pack change what has already happened.

Ingredients: Alpha! Kuroo Tetsuro

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Feral animal ( 🍪, 🍮 )

Summary:  You just wanted to get the boys to practice on time. You weren’t prepared to deal with this.  Good thing you had a guardian angel- or should we say, dog.

Ingredients: Alpha! Kentarou Kyoutani

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ One more time ( 🍪, 🍮 )

Summary:  You loved your small little family, but your alpha felt there was something missing.

Ingredients: Alpha! Toru Oikawa

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN, but a baby is born, so take it as you will)

↳ Puppy ( 🍘, 🍮)

Summary:   It wasn’t supposed to hit you as hard as it did, but when your heat came and blindsided you, you were left staggering for a way out. Luckily, your alpha knows you better than anyone else.

Ingredients: Alpha! Kentarou Kyoutani

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem! Reader)

↳ Two for one special ( 🍪 )

Summary:  You weren’t even a manager. You were a medic for the Nekoma team and yet, you still caught they of not one, but two, powerhouse alphas. What could go wrong, right?

Ingredients: Alpha! Satori Tendo, Alpha! Yuu Nishinoya (Poly)

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Rut ( 🍘)

Summary:  You and your alpha have been through so much together, but how are the reacting when their rut hits?

Ingredients: Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo, Alpha! Atsumu Miya, Alpha! Kiyoomi Sakusa

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Helping hand  ( 🍘, 🍙 (Mafia! AU))

Summary:  You were always so good for your alpha. There are some things that fall out of your control however, things that may put a wrench in your good behavior.

Ingredients: Alpha! Mob boss! Kenma Kozume

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem!)

↳ Spare some?  ( 🥞, 🍘 , 🍮)

Summary:  You simply ask for Daddy’s Cummies. How are these alphas reacting?

Ingredients: Alpha! Satori Tendo, Alpha! Toru Oikawa, Alpha! Wakatoshi Ushijima, Alpha! Kenma Kozume, Alpha! Yu Nishinoya, Alpha Keiji Akaashi

Serving: Omega! Reader

↳ Let me help you ( 🍚, 🍪) (Now with Part 2!)

Summary:   Because of unseen circumstances, you drop, and you drop hard. How does your alpha help you/redeem himself?

Ingredients: Alpha! Toru Oikawa, Alpha! Hajime Iwaizumi + Part 2 includes Mattsun and Makki.

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ All Mine (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 ) ( 🥞, 🍪, 🍮)

Summary:  You alpha sees someone flirting with you, he’s not happy/ This time you see someone flirty with your alpha and your not happy.

Ingredients: Alpha! Hajime Iwaizumi, Alpha! Issei Matsukawa, Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo, Alpha! Osamu Miya, Alpha! Atsumu Miya, Alpha! Suna Rintaro

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ After hours ( 🥞, 🍘)

Summary:   Some spicy messages between you and your alpha~

Ingredients: Alpha! Atsumu Miya, Alpha! Osamu Miya, Alpha! Wakatoshi Ushijima, Alpha! Kentaro Kyoutani, Alpha! Rintaro Suna, Alpha! Eita Semi

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Keeping you close ( 🍪, 🍘)

Summary:   Your alpha catches some low-bit, pathetic excuse of an alpha trying to get with you and he’s determined to but a stop to it.

Ingredients: Alpha! Rintaro Suna

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN, until the smut)

↳ Lips like Sugar~ ( 🍪, 🍘,🍙(Sugar Daddy! AU))

Summary:   Toru Oikawa had no qualms about paying a pretty little thing to hang off his arm, but he expects you to be at his beck and call for the price tag you come with. And if you aren’t? He’ll put you back into your place real quick.

Ingredients: Alpha! Toru Oikawa

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem! Reader)

↳ Back me up ( 🍪)

Summary:   Pregnancy can bring out both the best, and worst, in any and all alphas, and yours is no exception. Life, however, is unpredictable in every sense and sometimes, the worst and best parts get melded into one– and make you fall in love with your alpha all over again.

Ingredients: Alpha! Kotaro Bokuto, Alpha! Wakatoshi Ushijima

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem! Reader)

↳Baby, it’s cold outside ( 🍪)

Summary:  After waiting for your parents to come pick you up, only for them to never come, you can’t seem to get warm. Lucky, for you, your alpha is there to help you get warm!

Ingredients: Alpha! Takanobu Aone

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳Kiss it Better (🍪)

Summary:   You love spending time with your alpha in the kitchen, unfortunately it’s a little bittersweet for him.

Ingredients: Alpha! Osamu Miya

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳Again ( 🍘,🍮 )

Summary: How much can you take before your alpha breaks you?

Ingredients: Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem! Reader)

↳Feed Me ( 🍪,🍮 )

Summary: Some times, people do things because it’s what they think is best. You don’t tell your alpha about some weight gain you’ve noticed, and try taking care of it yourself because of this.

Ingredients: Alpha! Keiji Akaashi, Alpha! Wakatoshi Ushijima, Alpha! Rintaro Suna

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳ Day and Night (🍘)

Summary: How do you and your gamer alpha spend heats and ruts?

Ingredients: Alpha! Kenma Kozume

Serving: Omega! Reader (Fem! Reader)

↳ Crash Course(🍪)

Summary: The relationship between Iwaizumi and Oikawa is always a confusing one. No one is quite sure what it is and where exactly you fall into it. Well, you guys do and that’s all that matters.

Ingredients: Alpha! Hajime Iwaizumi, Platonic! Alpha! Toru Oikawa

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳✨Intimidating✨(🍪)

Summary: Alpha’s are scary creatures. Going up to them is scary, and honestly, you were never sure you would ever be able to look one in the eye. Unfortunately, your omega was dead set on one particular alpha– one who seemed so much more intimidating than any other alpha you had seen before.

Ingredients: Alpha! Issei Matsukawa, Alpha! Satori Tendou

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN)

↳✨Daddy cats✨ (🍪, 🍘)

Summary: What’s life like with not one but two alphas at your beck and call?

Ingredients: Alpha! Kenma Kozume and Alpha! Tetsuro Kuroo (Poly)

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN until the smut, then it's fem! Reader)

↳✨Olympic level✨( 🍪)

Summary: Sometimes your air-headed alpha makes you question your sanity. Luckily, you have some back-up to get him back in line.

Ingredients: Alpha! Yu Nishinoya

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN!)

↳Time Bomb ( 🍚,🍮,🍙(Non! A/B/O) )

Summary:  Anger is an ugly emotion and can bring out the worst in all of us. Mid-argument, it pushes your boyfriend into dangerous waters, threatening your very relationship. Is your relationship strong enough to survive?

Ingredients: Koushi Sugawara, Wakatoshi Ushijima

Serving: Reader(GN!)

↳Paparazzi ( 🍪)

Summary: Fangirls are nice, yes, however they tend to get in the way of simple things such as passing your classes. You won't take their harrassment laying down though.

Ingredients: Alpha! Toru Oikawa, Alpha! Yuji Terushima, Alpha! Atsumu Miya

Serving: Omega! Reader (GN!)

More to come!

[minzart]

For Baby au, I think Chernabog would take baby Yuu to the meetings because they are his heir and need to see how dad does business. Also, he IS Chernabog. What others gonna do? Stop him? Maybe the only person who can kinda stop him is Mickey Mouse; since these two share child custody. Maybe that how Yuu met other kids?

That's exactly how Yuu met the others!

But I'm in a mood right now, so allow me to try and describe the first impressions~

It was a normal meeting day like all others, the seven were reunited and slowly toking their seats, the only diference is the little ones they brought along

Riddle sat like a very polite boy in the Queen's lap, he doesn't understands most of what the adults are talking but he looks interested. While Scar put down a groggy Leona, who just awoken from another nap, the kid was still deciding if he wanted to stay with him or go to the nearest sofa and make himself comfortable there, probably sleep again

Azul was concentrated in the meeting, he was understanding some parts of it, looked realy interested in Ursula's propositions most of the time, nodding to things he agreed and frowned upon things he didn't get. Jamil was bored of the metting, but hadn't better place to go, not paying attention to anything in particular, really close to finding a phone to entertain himself with

Vil is not interested in the meeting, he's doing his homework and reciting the lines of his next play in his head. Idia really didn't wanted to come, but Hades insisted for some reason, he's immersed in a video game he brought, in a sit in the corner of the room

Malleficent is the last one to arrive with Malleus by her side, he looks stoic, his place is floating besides her looking realy bored but most couldn't tell, lucky him Diablo stayed in the meeting for his sake, so he's mostly petting the rave

And then the lights flickered, waking Leona and startling Idia, all kids looked curiously around for their guardians were tense, nothing like this happened before, they heard the wind talk and their shadows grow in sizes, the door flys open revealing the biggest creature, demon, they ever saw

Chernabog arrived in the only way he knows how, indiscretly and full of flashes, besides the children of his... henchmens? Underlings? Coworkers? Whatever they call themselfs were here, so of course he needed to keep a reputation

"What do we own the pleasure of our dearest patron personal visit?" Malleficent asked not getting up from her sit

"... I'm not here to supervise today" his voice echoed in the chamber

"Oh?"

"I have permitted your children's stay at this place while the meeting happened, however I hope all of you know that things comes with prices"

The children got closer to their respective guardian, that doesn't sounds good

"But the price may be more reasonable than you all think of me" he continued "for I have only one simple request... you can come out now"

The villains eyes grew and their children looked fascinated at the tiny child that stepped out of the demon's closed-Cape-like-wings hugging a little monster cat that looked "fiercely" at them

"This is my heir, you can call them Yuu, they will be staying here in the days I can't look after them"

________________________

The demon left soon after, but not before kneeling to the child's height and whispering something to them, letting the seven villains and their children shocked, they ... they never thought that he, of all people, would have a child as his heir and much less treat them like a child

"Thank you for looking after me" the child said, holding the cat's mouth for good measure oh for the forces of evil they are polite on top of being Chernabog's heir, what the actual fuck is happening to the world these days "I may need to go to the kitchen next door if you any excuse me? my companion is hungry"

They left the second they excused the little one, the villains could only hear a flicker of their conversation:

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR??? I WANTED TO GIVE THEM A PICE OF THE GREAT GRIM'S MIND!"

"You were going to insult them and I don't have patience to deal with that now Grim"

"hmpf... will you get me tuna?"

"Yes Grim" said Yuu exasperated "I will, but you have to promise me to stay quiet"

"Ok!"

The villains decide to come back to their meetings nd the children... "sneaked out" they let them to watch this new kid that just arrived

"Now that that's settle we may continue the meeting" the evil queen said

Translating: [what the fuck was that? Since when did he had a child? A child of all things!]

"Yes we may" malleficent replied

[That was the strangest thing that I ever saw in my hole 3000+ years, and I thought I saw everything this world had to offer]

"I propose a new topic" Ursula intervened

[Finaly some action in this place]

"Who do you think is going to be the little one best friend by the end of this day?"

________________________

Riddle met Yuu at the kitchen, he couldn't stay put when he notices them going for the tart and couldn't help but proclaim a rule of the Queen of hearts about tarts and that they shouldn't be eaten before noon, Yuu convinced him that it was noon at were they came from so technically it was noon right now at some place else, meaning they could eat the tart... Riddle ate a piece with them

Leona met them when they were looking for Grim, the little raskal had run off and Yuu was looking for him, and then they tripped on Leona, the boy was annoyed at that, but soon his mischievous side kicked in and he pounced on Yuu, who returned his mannerisms, by the end of it both were looking for Grim

Azul was hiding and observing until he lost Yuu from his sight, only for them to appear right next to him, asking for help to find the tiny ball of furr, he said he would help for a price and Yuu said ok, gave him a peck and moved on, that's usualy what father asks so why would this time be diferent?, Azul-ex stopped working, please reboot

Jamil met them again at the kitchen, he was occupying himself with something to eat, simple enough like chocolate or something, Yuu came in exhausted and prised him for know and having permission to cook something, they talked and Yuu learned something's from him, he liked the compliments...

Vil found the hair ball and confronted Yui himself, only for Yuu to thank him... weird kid... and the they said he had a good voice, he asked if they didn't recognized him form somewhere and that's how he learned that Yuu never went to the theater and started to give reviews in some of his favorite musical that he promises to show Yuu one of these days

Idia bumped into Yuu and almost had an heart attack, everyone was leaving the room so he thought to do teh same, thinking it was the adults too, only to get lost, Yuu helped him come back and in the way they discovered a room with table gamez, both end up forming a duo and by the end of it all children are playing together

Malleus was actualy the first to met them, even before Riddle, he had met them roaming around the building, this was Chernabogs mountain after all, so he wonders why now that they are being introduced properly, he teleported to the kitchen the moment Yuu excused themselfs, it was a happy reunion to him, his strange friend is now properly introduced and he can talk about them to his grandmother now too! He's the second to find Shroud and Yuu at the game room

____________________

At the end of the day it was great for the kids!

Mickey: YOU LEFT THEM WITH WHOMST?!

Chernabog: calm down mouse the kid is fine

[introvertguide]

Abuse of Children Portrayed in Film

I like to use movies as an escape from the harshness of the real world and one of the things that I have learned about in my education is the effects on children when they are mistreated. I have a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology and one of the hardest classes for me to handle was Abnormal Development in Children and Adolescents. We covered everything from dealing with dyslexia and ADHD to surviving severe abuse and loss at a very early age. We had guest speakers that ranged from people who had escaped genocide as children, to individuals who had been sold into prostitution by their parents, to people who had suffered severe abuse from their parents or guardian. I have heard stories that will stick with me forever and that is nightmare fuel that I don't want to share.

Because of my background education, I take note of the treatment and behavior of children and adolescents in the movies that I watch. There have been many great movies over the years that have depicted the suffering of children and it has always been difficult for me to deal with. There are more well known examples of films that focus on suffering but throw in more of a "sometimes we all suffer, even the children" message that demonstrate that kids aren't immune to great travesties (basically any film about The Holocaust). There are also well known films that show children "coming of age" through hardship (Annie 1982, Oliver! 1968) but end perfectly. There is a more current series of films that focuses entirely on a boy discovering a fantasy world that was robbed from him when his parents were murdered by a tyrant (Harry Potter series). But in this list I want to review some lesser known films that show examples of abuse. Even after all that I have seen and heard, the following list of films have affected me personally for one reason or another. Sometimes the children in these films endure and overcome their situation in the end. Sometimes these children do not survive or sadly remain in their misfortunes. To me, this can make the movie all the more powerful because of the incredible amount of pathos that endangering a child character can add. It can also make it a heart wrenching experience that is painful to watch. Here are some powerful films in which children suffer and the struggle is one of the main plot lines of the movie:

SPOILER WARNING AND VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISORY!!! I AM GOING TO GIVE AWAY THE PLOT TO THESE FILMS AND IT SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING THAT SOME OF THE PLOTS ARE DISTURBING!!! EITHER WATCH THE FILM IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS OR CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIES IF YOU WOULD RATHER JUST HEAR WHAT HAPPENS SO YOU KNOW IF YOU WANT TO WATCH OR NOT!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sybil (TV Movie) 1976

I just recently saw this film after I had heard of the story in my abnormal development class almost 10 years ago. It is the story of a woman who developed multiple personalities to deal with a childhood in the care of an undiagnosed schizophrenic mother. The movie stars Sally Fields and is based on a true account of Shirley Ardell Mason and her treatment by psychologist Cornelia Wilbur. The acting in the film is overdramatic at times, but it definitely reminded me of some of the actual old videos of Shirley Mason and her sudden strange switches in personality when she was scared or anxious. Dr. Wilbur used hypnosis to actually introduce Mason to her alternate personalities and she was able to recognize her disassociative identity disorder and overcome it. It still hurts me to think that this person was mentally wounded so deeply by her parents that it basically shattered her into pieces in an effort to make sense of things.

Leon: The Professional 1994

I mention this film a lot because it is a heartwarming story of an assassin teaching a young orphan how to murder. It is the breakout role for Natalie Portman and it is just amazing. Leon is a "cleaner" that lives next door to an abusive and addictive family with a troubled girl named Mathilda. The father gets in trouble with the mob and some enforcers come by and slaughter most of the family while Mathilda is getting groceries. She returns during the massacre and realizes what is happening so continues next door and pleads for shelter. Leon takes her in and teachers her the trade and protects her from the men who want to finish her off. The movie was written and directed by Luc Besson and stars Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Natalie Portman. The suffering that this girl endures because of her parent's addictions hurts me, yet I have seen and enjoyed this film many times. I recommend watching when in the mood to be deeply affected by the trials of a little girl and the killer who protected her.

Kids 1995

This film came out when I was early in high school and bothered me greatly. It is a story by Harmony Korine, and one of his many attempts to capture the hopeless lives of unmotivated and unsupervised teens. These are young teens having unprotected sex, stealing money to do drugs, and attacking people in the park. I did not really go to these kinds of parties when I was that age (or ever really) and it has bothered me to think that adolescents would partake in this kind of behavior. It is hard for me to believe that these kids had the ability to mentally comprehend the consequences of their actions and some of the characters end up contracting HIV from each other. I would not recommend the film because it is a depressing day in the life that no youth should have.

Gummo 1997

I would not call this a good movie and I wouldn't really recommend it. It is another work by Harmony Korine and really details the depravity that can occur with unsupervised youths living in low socio-economic conditions. This movie is just depressing and motivated me to find something to motivate me into action. I got into both psychology and teaching, which has served me well for the past 20 years. It was this film that showed me how low the bar for quality of life could be, and I guess for that I am thankful. However, I still wouldn't recommend it.

Happiness 1998

This movie I didn't see right away but noticed it at the video store on many occasions. I final watched it when I was about 25 on the recommendation of a friend and one particular storyline greatly disturbed me. It is basically the story of 3 sisters that feel they should be happy and project a face of happiness, yet they are miserable and have horrible lives. One sister in particular is married to a psychiatrist who turns out to be a pedophile that rapes the friends of his young son. At one point rather early on in the movie, this man confesses to his son that he raped the boy's friends and that he would do it again. The son is so confused that he asks his father why he never raped him. It is so disturbing to me because I know the boys that were assaulted will be forever damaged and this boy who was not actually raped will be mentally scarred as well. The fact that there are people in the world that would harm children that way, recognize what they had done, and then know they didn't have the self control to stop themselves from doing it again is horrifying to me.

Lilya 4-Ever 2002

This film is deeply disturbing and I highly recommend never watching it. I will spoil it for you now so you never have to see it if you don't want. A 16-year-old girl named Lilya lives with her mother. The mom gets a boyfriend and the couple move to America and abandons Lilya with a neglectful aunt. The aunt movies into the old apartment of her sister and Lilya is forced to move out and become a prostitute to make money. A boy comes along and convinces her to move to Sweden to escape her life. When they arrive, this boy sells her to a pimp and she becomes a teenage sex slave. She almost escapes, but is then captured and beaten almost to death. She escapes again and this time commits suicide so she won't be recaptured. This movie is awful and changed my mind about giving every film a chance. I wish I could forget this film, but I can't. Perhaps it is just not for me, but this film presentation is definitely an experience that you won't soon forget.

The Kite Runner 2007

I read this book in my twenties and saw the film in my thirties and both affected me greatly. A well-to-do boy and his friend are in a kite battle competition and the friend is beaten and raped when he goes to retrieve a fallen kite. The well-to-do boy denies knowing what happened to his friend (he does know) and basically shames and abandons him. This action haunts the well-to-do boy for the rest of his life. How the boy who was raped is basically falling prey to blaming the victim is heartbreaking, and the lifetime of guilt of the other boy is pitiable. Neither boy was the actual attacker yet they both were the ones that suffered.

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There are many other examples of movies along these lines and could be found if you feel like suffering. I can't say that I would recommend them because they are very difficult to watch. Beyond just dealing with the content, it is rare to find child actors who can actually portray somebody who has truly suffered. The mix of bad acting and a depressing plot can make for a terrible movie going experience. The genre of movie involving suffering does exist, though, and it could be enjoyed (?) by some. Just not generally by me.

[mordigen]

Unpopular opinion: Christians are not witches

I said it. Fight me.

There has been a trend that has been growing ever more problematic recently: overbearing, hyper-zealous, hyper-vigilant "acceptance" This means the pagan community is an absolute free-for all, and you are not allowed to so much as even feign the possibility that you do not agree with absolutely 100% of everything, lest you be named a gatekeeping, ignorant bigot.

Whether you like it or not - there ARE paths out there that have specific rules...regulations...stipulations...tenets - whatever the hell you want to call or classify them. End. Period. There's no other colour that comes in - that's it. Sorry for you, but they DO exist. In fact, there are many of them.

If you do not follow those rules, tenets, etc..., then you are not of that path. Point. Blank. And there is nothing wrong with that - it simply means that you are of some other path. That's it! That's all that means! It may be *nearly* identical to the path in question - but it is not, hence the 'nearly'.

If you happen to be a part of one of these paths, there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying so. If someone claims to be a part of one of these paths, but are absolutely, blatantly not - there is nothing wrong with saying that, and explaining why that is. Some people just honestly don't know there is a difference, or that these certain prerequisites are indeed a definitive factor - so they learn something, they broaden their horizons. Everyone seems to be all about educating themselves about being sensitive to other cultures and customs - except the pagan community, apparently, because this mentality does not translate across that pagan/witch line. Instead of taking it as a learning experience, you are immediately pounced on with notions of 'there are no rules!' 'you can't tell someone what to do on their own path!' Or, simply, the name calling. Well yes, while all of that is true - it still remains that how ever you want to practice or whatever you personally decide to do, may just simply not be what you are claiming, or calling it. It may just be semantics - but semantics matter when dealing with nuance. And paganism is extremely nuanced.

You can call a tomato an orange all you want to - but that thing will never be an orange, no matter how much you believe in it. And people are not wrong for informing you that you may have the wrong name, that is in fact, a tomato. If you go on deciding to call it an orange, you can do that - but that is willful ignorance. So, in your fight to be unapologetically accepting of every ridiculous notion, you are perpetuating willful ignorance - whilst being directly in opposition of your goal and being, *GASP*, unaccepting to those who follow a path where distinction and definition matters. You are completely invalidating those people's paths and beliefs while trying to defend another's (another who may, in fact, actually be wrong) and actively using their path & beliefs as the very reason to berate and ostracize them. Pretty fantastically hypocritical of you. Now...on to the second problem. I do not, at all, in any form, believe in "ritual magick" - as perpetuated by Aleister Crowley hardons. And no, that is not a knock on Crowley, just the idiot followers that don't understand half of what he taught and latch onto the superficial.

When you look at the origins and make up of magical beliefs, and magic itself as a separate entity - no matter which particular branch - they were all created by religion. They all have roots in highly spiritual cultures and customs. So, I absolutely do not believe for one second that you can believe in magic without SOME form of religion - whatever one you adhere to is your choice, but you cannot have the first without the latter. You cannot. Even if you claim that you have no religion, or spiritual faith, your practices absolutely do. You are calling on elements and agencies that absolutely have divine ties and connections one way or another. Oh, how many atheists I see calling on the seals of Arch Angels.... are you fucking shittin me? Really?? So let's bring it all together now - with the fact that many faiths DO have prerequisites, AND the fact that magic is religious/spiritual -- Christians are not, and cannot be witches or pagans. They are mutually exclusive. Not only because so many various paths have such prerequisites, and very define religious/spiritual beliefs that are contradictory to others - but simply because Christianity DOES, very much, have very clear and stringently defined Do's & Don'ts, and obviously the religious aspect itself clashes with the religious beliefs of others. Their religious beliefs clash with people who believe in their same god - so how could they not with those who believe in other gods?? Considering this, no other path would even need such stipulations themselves for them to be mutually exclusive, as Christianity already covers that issue so completely, but the fact that so many pagan paths do only exacerbates an already existing problem. That being said - that does not mean you cannot believe in the Christian 'god', by whatever name you know him by - or that you cannot believe in Jesus, and also be a witch or pagan. In fact the latter has an even bigger argument for believing in both, as paganism, generically, in itself is polytheistic, so it is very fitting to simply have the Christian god and Jesus amongst the many deities being worshipped. But those two things alone is not what makes Christianity. A good start, yes, but that is not all it takes - in fact, there are many that are shunned, excommunicated, banned, condemned and moreso whilst having those very two qualifying factors. You can find this in *every single* sect of Christianity, so...the proof is in the pudding, as they say, that it is much more than simply believing in 'God' and Jesus that makes a 'Christian'. And if you take that to heart and follow all those rules - you cannot be a witch or pagan, many times over, as you would be in direct opposition, or violation, of a number of their teachings - both on the aspect of simple 'rules', but also on a much deeper spiritual level of the entire foundation of their faith. Cannot serve two masters, and all that... If you do not follow those rules, then sure, you could be a witch or a pagan - but then you cannot be a Christian. That is just the facts.

Many people like to argue the use of magic and mysticism in the bible - but the issue is what parts of the bible they are found, and all the amendments of the further books. Again, what really carves out being a Christian vs. any of the other sects of Abrahamic beliefs. As, news flash - there is far more than just Christianity. And some of them, do, in fact, do hand in hand with magic. The Kabbalah is an astounding example of that - and, in fact, where a lot of the so called *ahem* 'non'-religious 'ritual magick' comes from. In this same vein, I would like to note that I have never had any issue or seen conflict with the Hebrew or Jewish take on shamans, mystics and witches, as they really do go hand in hand - They have their own very in depth, detailed, spiritual and sentimental form of mysticism that was a natural progression from pre-Abrahamic religions and culture, and grew into their teachings and belief system, so it does not go against their core beliefs the same way it very stringently does in Christian theology. Considering their ethnical histories and cultural heritage - this is a brilliant example of the natural evolution and progression of faiths - not simply ripped from the hands of the brutally oppressed and rewritten as a mockery to wipe out the preexisting notion of faiths -- as the Church has a history of doing. The Book of Enoch is another shining example of Biblical magic, or Angelic magic. But, this also also turns my point into a self fulfilling prophecy, as in the fact that it is accepted amongst all denominations as heresy, and it is taught that these magics - though they do, in fact, exist, were for the angels and completely forbidden from mankind. So, thusly, if you are a follower of Enoch, you are not a 'Christian', by name and membership, as you are outright going against it's teachings. You are a heretic, a blasphemer. Perhaps you may be one of the many other forms of the Christian god's followers - but not a Christian, as being Christian denotes a very specific set of beliefs and tenets - end of story. Magic, and paganism, is in direct conflict with those teachings, and therefore, cannot coexist.

On top of the logic - there is also the emotional issue. Christianity has a long history of abuse towards various pagan, tribal and indigenous faiths, while stealing our beliefs as their own, and demonizing those they couldn't successfully acclimate into theirs. To now be expected to be OK with this faith, yet again, latching on to *our* sacred rites and practices as being a part of their own is a hard pill to swallow at best, a slap in the face to most, and flat out perpetuating trauma at worst. Once upon a time, people sought out these very same communities and groups within their pagan circles as an escape, a safe space, and a shield and guardian against the Christian onslaught, torment, oppression, or just exhaustion - and now, we must not only tolerate them invading our private spaces, but must now welcome them with open arms and expected to be happy about it? Forgive me if I don't sympathize....

If we are going to now be forced into being shoulder to shoulder with them, the very least you can offer us is neutrality. You can be accepting of all and still be neutral grounds - not taking any one side anywhere, all you have to do is be respectful to each other. Disagreement is not disrespectful. Could someone who disagrees with a certain viewpoint *become* disrespectful? Sure, of course they could. But simply the act of disagreement is nothing hateful or hurtful in any way shape or form - in fact, good discourse is how progress is made. So we need to remain neutral grounds and normalize the acceptance of different viewpoints - we need to recognize and accept that, yes, there are paths out there that do have specific requirements, expectations and limits - there are paths that are going to disagree, or just flat out not believe in something. Instead of name calling, when someone of those paths decides to speak up and enlighten and elaborate on information that may be inaccurately described or depicted, you need to LISTEN and learn, and not just bludgeon them with presumptive judgement. You also need to accept that there are many, various different closed practices out there - beyond Native American & Voodoo practices (as those seem to be the only ones the pagan community recognizes) and if someone of those closed faiths tell you - no, you are not xy or z, that is also not being judgmental or hateful or hurtful - that simply is. ....a very important side note here is that acknowledging closed practices is also not a carte blanche for screaming about cultural appropriation. Please shut the fuck up about cultural appropriation. Not being of a specific faith is not equivalent to cultural appropriation - Telling someone "no, you're not xyz" is very different from telling someone "no, you can't practice xyz" (looking at you smudge-Nazis) You can enjoy, practice, learn or celebrate anything you want of any faith you want while not actually being apart of it - that's the beauty of sharing and learning. And I think that is where all the trouble boils down from:

Yes, you can do whatever you want and can create whatever path you want for yourself...just don't misrepresent it, don't call it something it is not, and don't deny those who are more educated & experienced in that particular department. We get enough of that from outsiders to start doing it to each other.

[adrinoir]

We should talk about Master Fu

I feel like Master Fu isn’t talked about enough, yet there’s a lot of questionable things he did that created issues going on in the show now. So I’m gonna talk about this man.

Disclaimer: I don’t hate Master Fu (no joke, my best friend and I cried during Miracle Queen after he lost his memory). He’s a sweet old man. I can’t hate him lol. I just personally noticed a lot of things he did poorly in his position as a guardian and feel they should be said.

Giving away the miraculous

This man gives the two most powerful miraculous ever to two random teenagers who happen to help him after he falls. But we never fully learn a reason behind why that was his way of finding his new holders.

There’s a line he says to Wayzz about how he’s never been wrong in who he’s given the miraculous to. So, does this imply he’s a bit psychic? It’s strange but I wish I knew more about what he meant by that.

Him meeting with Marinette and Adrien

This in particular is something I’ve never seen talked about. Maybe it has, but if so, it’s not enough.

Master Fu did not even meet up with either of them to help them learn about the lore behind the miraculous and what they should be doing.

It took Marinette finding the Grimmoire at the very end of Season 1 to figure out who Master Fu is. It took Marinette directly telling Master Fu to talk to Cat Noir to get him to meet up with Adrien.

What would’ve happened if the book was never found? Would Marinette and Adrien ever learn who he is?

And why did he continue helping just Marinette for so long and not Adrien? He claimed it would be too risky, but also, they each could’ve just had one-on-one sessions with him instead of both seeing him at the same time. Was it because the Grimmoire belonged to Adrien’s dad? Even if that’s the concern, Master Fu knows Adrien is Cat Noir, not a bad guy. And it would’ve been important to talk to him about why his dad has this book.

He pushed this idea to Marinette too that Cat Noir needs to be kept in the dark. So, it’s partially Master Fu’s fault for making her feel this way, and she probably assumed anyhow that he’d actively talk to Cat Noir about this stuff because it was his job as guardian to do so.

(And, what completely made her lose this trust in talking more to Cat Noir and letting him know the heroes’ identities is Chat Blanc because she has absolutely no real idea as to what actually happened. It’s real sad.)

It seems Master Fu had this bit of favor over Marinette. Between not meeting up with Adrien in the first place and not letting him take any bit of guardianship, there was some lack of faith and/or trust.

(A lot of Adrien salters will say he’s not entitled to be told these things, which is insane because it’s his job to be Cat Noir, and he’s supposed to be Ladybug’s equal. He absolutely has the right to know this information about the lore and identities.)

Stopping the reveal in its tracks

So, I honestly don’t like the whole reasoning behind why Ladybug and Cat Noir can’t reveal their identities to one another. I obviously love the suspense behind this big reveal happening between them, and them having this conflict over having to hide their identities. It’s the main plot point of their dramatic romance story.

However, the writing behind why it’s not happening and why it keeps being pushed back isn’t very good, and I’m definitely not the only person bothered by it.

The whole reason was brought on by none other than Master Fu. There was this wishy washy narrative he created that it’s “too dangerous” to have a reveal or that they can’t do it without their powers being taken away. The second reason doesn’t even make sense…

I agree with the part that yes, it can absolutely be dangerous. But I feel it should’ve been part of Master Fu’s job to teach these two a healthy way to have a reveal with one another. And I feel there’s no excuse of him not trusting that they’ll screw it up - this man entrusted two random teenagers with the most powerful jewels in the entire world.

Then, I feel like trying to tell them he’d take their powers away if it happened was either a scare tactic or a really bad change in plot on the show writers’ part.

Giving away the guardianship

This one still boggles my mind. In a moment of emergency, he gave Ladybug his position.

So, it could be that this was his best thought option for the horrid situation. However, he could’ve also done this because he genuinely didn’t want to be a guardian anymore, and being attacked by Hawk Moth was a way out.

I wanna credit YouTuber Cyrus the Great for this point. (I know a lot of people don’t like his over exaggerated saltiness - sometimes I don’t. But he made many good points in his Master Fu video analysis.) Master Fu told stories about not wanting to be a guardian when he was younger and how he made all these horrid mistakes. But then he gives the guardianship to Ladybug who is also the age he was when he got his position.

Something about that definitely seems off. If he knows it was bad and he couldn’t handle it when he was a teen, why would he put all that responsibility on Marinette? That was really unfair. And I’m not saying that because I don’t think she’s a strong person, I’m saying this because being a guardian is no cake walk, as we all witnessed in season 4.

Bonus: his age

This isn’t a problem relating to him being guardian but why is Master Fu 186 years old? That’s humanly impossible. But it’s never once explained how he reached that age.

I’ve been wanting to know so bad since season 1 why he’s so old lol. They never tell us, but it’s gotta be from some source of magic.

Can someone please write a fanfic on his backstory?

TLDR: I feel Master Fu is a nice man, but I just wish he had been a better guardian. Sorry if this sounds like a salt post. Enjoy life without the chaos, Master Fu.