#i miss feeling joy and creativity in cosplay

[oh-archivist]

(rattling cage noise)

[hellaverse-events]

What is this?

Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss is about the structure of Hell through Vivienne Medrano's mind. With the completion of the first season of Hazbin Hotel, we are excited to host a themed week to focus on Hell a little bit more. Through the themed week, we are hoping for more content from you guys, whether it is art (of any media other than murder, we'll keep that to the shows only), fanfic or anything else that makes sense to you to create!

When is it?

HellaVerse Week will take place between October 27th, 2024 to November 2nd to honor the release of the Hazbin Hotel Pilot which is October 28th, 2019, and @random-nerd-posts is hosting other events between that time and can't do two things at once it seems.

HOWEVER! This should not stop you from creating fan works for the fandoms either! But if you post before the week, we might miss you, so be sure to tag us when you do post so we can share the joy of creation with you.

Are there prompts?

Yes! There are four to choose from each day and some alternate prompts as well. This post has the final prompts and explains the tagging system. Many thanks to the discord mods for helping ensure the list looked pretty and readable.

The theme of the prompts is rainbows, rings of hell and the seven deadly sins, which in itself is a load of days you can use as well.

What can I make?

You can make or write basically anything: haikus, limericks, 100 word drabbles, ficlets, long fics, traditional art, digital art, gifsets, cosplay, embroidery, etc.

Just keep the killings to the shows please, I don't need to be arrested for accessory to murder.

What about existing fanworks?

Feel free to link existing works you have completed in the past, but they need to be tagged accordingly so we can share the works on the blog and you get credit for the day. You can also recommend other's works (obviously crediting to the rightful creator) so that they can get credit for the day as well.

What if I'm not interpreting a prompt correctly?

If the prompt calls to you one way, but not another person's, that's fine. This is what we call the creative process and encourage it.

Is NSFW Allowed?

YES! For sure NSFW is allowed. Yes, we will reblog nsfw content. Do we feel uncomfortable with the possibilities of minors participating, yes, but we also trust that they know not to post nsfw content online. So don't do it.

We are allowing NSFW works because... HAVE YOU SEEN THE SHOWS?!?! Have you seen Asmodeus, or Hazbin Hotel episode 4? Yeah, those are nsfw, so can the content. BUT TAG ACCORDINGLY OR WE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT!

Are there other events for HellaVerse?

Not that we know, but there is a @nimonabigbang happening. The writer applications close March 1st. Artist applications close April 1st and more information can be found on the blog, which is run by @random-nerd-posts and @zyrafowe-sny.

There's also a @nimona-week going on, which is run by Zyrafowe and you should give them a follow.

Feel free to participate in those if you liked the movie/comic or like shapeshifters!

Feel free to send an ask if you have additional questions. We will also be updating the FAQ as needed.

[miasiegert]

CATS Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre - Hudson, FL (with Pics)

Thanks to Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre for renting our set and having us for the past two weeks in the Junkyard. It's always a delight working with Chaz, and we got to know an incredible cast and crew. I'm not sure how many hashtags I can use so I am going to include the cast list here for pics that arrive since all of you are so talented at Tumblr (the cast is so intrigued by Superfans, btw!)

We had many challenges with a dinner theatre because the stage is very small in order to accommodate tables. As well, actors serve patrons so I needed to design an outfit to protect the costumes and suspend disbelief. And from patron reactions, we've been told this is one of the best openings, if not the best opening, and the best show/costume the theatre has had to date and hoped we'd be back, which was very, very kind of them.

Pouncival, played by Isaiah Mayhew

Electra (u/s Bombalurina) played by Rachel Knowles (so sorry for the bad photo quality--she's stunning!)

Misto played by Kory Randles

Pounce, and these two randos, what losers. :P

Mungojerrie/Macavity split track, played by Andre Spathelf-Sanders and yeah, this jerk who keeps showing up. I adore the whole cast to bits truly but we're planning on cosplaying Green Lantern together and he was the first to get my "Archer" references in the make up classes. If it's ever of interest, I'm happy to sometime talk about my make up classes and what to do when there are "mistakes" with what I call the Bob Ross Method.

Demeter by Iraya Catalina is making an argument that maybe all Demeters need to be Filipino because she slays!

Jennyanydots and her incredibly supportive husband. She was one of the most delightful people to work with, hilarious, fun, loving, amazing hugs, and just a joy. I've never had a Jenny almost refuse to take the Gumbie suit off (which is a huge compliment). What a joy.

David was the make up designer for all of the designs except Bombalurina's, and I taught about 5-hours of make up classes.

The magic of an incredible LED screen came into play as there were cool effects, such as a first person POV of a cat going to the junkyard (bringing YOU into the show) and the sky changing with the hours of the day, the moon, everything. The lighting designer Dalton Hamilton was wonderful and provided the following photographs. All costumes designed/created by David and myself (The Costume Asylum/Siegert Creative):

I am going to try to get some rehearsal pics and one of the funniest bloopers ever but I hope this is a nice start. Happy Sunday, I'm happy to be home, but I miss these kitties so much already!

Apologies if I missed tagging anyone, y'all know I'm really trying with Tumblr very hard. Oh! Rhagan Carter (Rumpleteazer) is the Dance Captain! Knew I forgot something.

Also... is there a way I can add text when I add a bunch of pics at once to name the actors? I cannot for the life of me figure out how. I keep clicking in between photos and hit return and nothing!

Each passing day, I become more and more of that "how do you do fellow young people" meme, I swear.

If there's anything specific you'd like to know, feel free to ask or comments in general. Not sure how long it'll take to get back because I got 2 hours of sleep last night, flew in, and today is a "fuck it, let's order dominos" day. ... but... ordering dominos... is hard. moving is hard. falling down the stairs... easier than anticipated. 0/10 do not recommend.

[miss-meri]

I’ve wanted to say this for months. Years? But it’s hard. I can feel myself losing my voice again. Fandom is important to me because in some ways I feel it’s the only way I can really connect with others.

My therapist said something interesting right when we met. After talking about my life and friends and worries, she said, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, “Oh, so you’re an extrovert.”

?????

I have been scolded for being too quiet and too private and too scared of speaking to strangers since childhood. An extrovert?

But she’s not… wrong.

I was lonely, weird only child with too much of an intense interest in things no one else was interested in. Meteorology: I watched the weather channel like other people watched cartoons. Books: I read the same ones over and over and over. Star Trek: I sort of lived in space with them and got the nickname “little miss vocabulary” because of all the language I mimicked.

ADHD explains some of this, now. Very intense fixations with zero interest in anything that doesn’t align. And maybe I’m a little on the spectrum too, although I will not seek that diagnosis and don’t score high on the RAADS test.

I feel like most of my childhood was spent searching for someone who cared about things the way I did, and then coming up empty handed.

That’s not to say I was without friends!

I’ve always had friends. Close friends, starting in kindergarten and continuing on, even when I was years younger than everyone else, ahead a grade and getting bullied, even when I was bad at hiding how weird my interests are. That’s really lucky, and I’m grateful.

But having friends did not mean sharing my intense interests with them. They’d let me chatter about it, just like I listened to things I wasn’t interested in (boys mostly later on, this is long before I realized I was ace), but it wasn’t shared, if that make sense?

Fandom and my best friends were the first place I felt that mirrored back. Anime conventions. Writing stories together. Cosplay. Watching The Show and then reading The Fic and then discussing, endlessly. It is the high I’ve chased ever since. All my close relationships are based on it. I met my spouse through cosplay.

I finally had people!! I finally had people who understood what I was trying to say!!! And I understood them too, deep and unambiguous. Fandom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s driven me around the world, brought me joy and creativity and self-worth and new skills. I love it.

And then, my longest, deepest, and going-on-eight-years-strong hyper fixation: Yuri on Ice.

Holy shit.

Nothing has ever hit so hard. I spent literally years talking about it with other fans, every day creating. I’ve published over 400,000 words of fanfiction and have much more yet-unpublished. Before writing this post I wrote 2k. I think about it constantly and enjoy it for its own sake, as evidenced by how much of it I just don’t post anywhere at all. I love sharing but in the end fic truly is for me.

But the fandom has slowed down, in the natural way things do. It’s no one’s fault. There are plenty of other interesting things to see and read and do. All my precious friends have been moving on, one by one. And we’re still friends, don’t get me wrong! Of course we are. I have spoken with most of them every day for years, and care deeply about their lives outside of fandom.

But what I’m trying to say is I’m an extrovert in a *very specific way*, and now I’m back in that place again. I can’t connect and have it reflected back, I can’t hear something new. There’s no end to it. Have been trying to have some space for grief. I have been getting quieter and quieter, and not feeling a lot to look forward to.

Been playing mobile games to fill the void and just feeling gray. I’m not sad, just. Faded out. It sounds so dramatic that I don’t want to even type all of this out. I want to say there’s no thesis, nothing I’m seeking, no end goal.

But maybe it’s the same as always: I want understanding.

So that’s what’s up.

[genericfangirlnumber4]

There's a part of me that still wants to theorize, roleplay, cosplay make fan works both written and drawn, make original stuff, learn new skills... but without the spoons to do any of it, that part of me feels like a missing part of my heart, like I'm a little hollower and running a little worse without it. I feel like the "creative" that I used to be was someone else, now, a previous life or separate person that I'm heartbroken after a breakup with.

I'm no longer sure she'll come back to me when I take better care of myself. Can medicine resurrect the rotted chamber of my heart? Bring back to life the "me" that was thoroughly crushed by my own mistreatment?

Is

Cassy

still alive, somewhere?

Or am I left with just...

Casandra.

Technician. Ex-intelligent. Burnout. Ditz dazed by the simplest task. Unable to remember her own ideas. Disconnected. Disappearing. Unable to comprehend the "unnecessary," things that once gave her joy like asymmetry, layered outfits, finding new music, falling in love with a show or other format of fandom. Just go back to an endless stream of worthless noise. Shh. You're too tired to enjoy anything else.

[laocommunity]

Surprise Marvel Fans: Chris Pine Secretly Played a Superhero and Twitter Can't Keep Calm!

Surprise Marvel Fans: Chris Pine Secretly Played a Superhero and Twitter Can't Keep Calm! Surprise Marvel Fans: Chris Pine Secretly Played a Superhero and Twitter Can't Keep Calm! Have you heard the news? Chris Pine, the handsome heartthrob of Hollywood, played a secret superhero role in a Marvel movie, and Twitter is losing its mind! Fans of the actor and the superhero franchise cannot contain their excitement and are flooding social media with tweets, memes, and reactions. We all know Chris Pine from his iconic roles in movies like Wonder Woman, Star Trek, and Into the Woods. But, as it turns out, he had a secret superhero gig hidden up his sleeve. The actor recently revealed that he provided the voice for a character named Peter Parker in the Oscar-winning animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The news broke out like wildfire, and social media platforms were soon buzzing with hashtags like #ChrisPine, #Spiderman, and #Marvel. Fans of the actor and the superhero franchise were equally surprised and thrilled to discover that Pine played a superhero, even if it was a voice-over role. The Marvel Universe and Its Fans The Marvel Universe has taken the world by storm with its larger-than-life superheroes, intricate plotlines, and spectacular visual effects. From comic books to movies and TV shows, the franchise has captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The fan base of the Marvel Universe is a force to be reckoned with. They are passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated to the franchise, and they are never afraid to express their opinions and feelings. The fandom is renowned for its creative artwork, fan fiction, cosplay, and social media presence. The Chris Pine Effect Chris Pine is not just a Hollywood actor; he is a phenomenon. The actor has a huge fan following, and his every move and project are closely watched and anticipated. Pine has a charming and affable personality that endears him to both his fans and colleagues. With the news of Pine playing a superhero, the reactions have been nothing short of ecstatic. Fans have taken to social media to express their delight, with some even claiming that they will watch the movie again just to hear his voice. Pine's co-stars, friends, and colleagues have also joined in the excitement, congratulating him on his secret superhero role. Twitter Reactions Twitter has undoubtedly been the epicenter of the Chris Pine and Marvel craze. From memes to fan art, fans have flooded the platform with their joy and surprise. Here are a few Twitter reactions that caught our attention: - "Chris Pine in a Marvel movie? Is there anything this man can't do?" #ChrisPine - "I can't believe I missed Chris Pine's superhero voice in Spider-Man. Time to take the kids to the movies again #parentingwin" #Spiderman - "This just in, Chris Pine is secretly Tony Stark's brother, and we're all living in a Marvel movie already. #whoa #mindblown" #Marvel FAQs about Chris Pine's Secret Superhero Role 1. Who did Chris Pine voice in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? Chris Pine voiced the character of Peter Parker, one of the multiple Spider-Men featured in the movie. 2. Is Chris Pine a Marvel superhero? No, Chris Pine is not a Marvel superhero in the traditional sense. He played a voice-over role in a Marvel movie. 3. Which Marvel movie did Chris Pine appear in? Chris Pine appeared as the voice of Peter Parker in the animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. 4. Was Chris Pine's superhero role a surprise? Yes, Chris Pine's superhero role was a secret until he revealed it in an interview post the release of the movie. 5. How did fans react to Chris Pine's superhero role? Fans of both Chris Pine and the Marvel Universe were thrilled and surprised by the news. They flooded social media with reactions, memes, and tributes. 6. Will Chris Pine appear in future Marvel movies? There is no news about Chris Pine appearing in future Marvel movies, but fans are eagerly hoping for it. Conclusion Chris Pine's secret superhero role has created an uproar on social media, proving once again the power of fandoms and the allure of superheroes. The Marvel Universe and its fans continue to grow and evolve, and with actors like Pine providing their voices and charm, there is no stopping the craze. We can only wait and watch for what the Marvel Universe has in store for us next. #ChrisPine #Spiderman #Marvel #PeterParker #SecretSuperhero #SuperheroVoice #MarvelFandom #TwitterReactions #AnimatedMovie #SpiderVerse #SurpriseMarvelFans #ENTERTAINMENT Read the full article

[vampyrluver]

i cant wait to take my first aerial silks class

[facultyloungecosplay]

Hey I’m the anon from yesterday and *sigh* I think I figured something else and I feel really bad about it. So I have good ideas when I’m not sad but they just don’t turn to reality as easily, that’s to say I can’t put them into words where when I’m usually sad or at least melancholic my hands just work on their own that’s my problem with consistency... well with inconsistency. My new problem is kinda disgusting... I like being praised? Let me explain quite a few months ago powered by some horrible things that didn’t even affect me directly (I don’t want to get into it, it’s still sore let’s just say parasocial relationships were disgustingly abused) and I not even really wanting too make something I made some of the best poems in my life... I shared on anon with another blog and they loved it they thought it was beautiful and I remembered the other times I sent random blogs anonymous poems when I was drunk or something and how they liked it so I made a tumblr for my poem and I made a few poems I liked and I made a few I didn’t (I even posted some of the ones I didn’t like) but it was all silent and that’s what made me loose interest I wasn’t liking them and others weren’t but at the same time I’m paralyzed at the thought of sharing my poems I could be off anon but I’m terrified you’ll think I’m manipulating you emotionally or trying too. I want to share myself but I’m afraid of something, something I don’t even know what... I’m the type of person I hate the most someone that doesn’t fight

Good morning and welcome back. 🤍

I’m going to level with you right away: we all want praise for our work.

I don’t mean that in a general sense either. I mean that as creative people, most of us thrive on praise and attention for our ideas, words, art. And it’s addictive! We thrive on it, we wither without it, and that causes us to slump in creating more. I can’t think of a single artist who hasn’t experienced it.

At some point, you need to ask yourself what your expectations are and why you’re writing your poetry. The issue with praise is that eventually it’s no longer enough; we need more! How come I got 100 notes on that last piece and only 25 on this one? Why aren’t people reblogging this instead of just liking it?

The problem, my dear, is that Tumblr really is an awful platform for artists these days. I’ve been here for...well, a very long time, and the dynamic somewhere in the last few years has changed. People really don’t reblog the way they used to. I get less asks, I see less interaction. And for a while, that bummed me out! I withdrew, refocused on other things, and now I’m getting to the point where I post with zero expectation. Here’s a stone bird I bought. Here’s my garden because I worked hard and it looks pretty today! Here’s what I’m reading!

I’m still working on cosplay and writing fanfic, of course. I was extremely fortunate to get quite a lot (for me) of attention when I started doing both on this platform. Now? I’m lucky to get 50 notes on cosplay (47 likes, 3 reblogs, one rb mine) and a few comments on fic. Is that disheartening? It can be. It really can! The difference between who I was when I started and who I am now, however, is in my motivation. I’m not trying to impress people. I’m sharing what has brought me joy to create.

I’m not saying I don’t miss the praise. It’s something that all artists love to hear. But the thing is - public opinion is fickle. People move onto to new artists or new fandoms or leave platforms. We can’t rely on or guilt trip people into engaging with us no matter how badly we want it (and for the record, anon, I don’t think that’s what you’re doing either). We have to learn how to create for ourselves and to find the joy in that first. Praise, if we get it, is a happy bonus.

I can’t tell you how to find the joy in creating for yourself. It took me a long time after my taste of online attention, but I know I had it before that, when I spent nights frantically writing stories no one else read (and still haven’t read). I wrote because I had stories in me that I needed to tell. I still do. And that is a tremendous kind of power, one that doesn’t exist because others told me it makes me worthy.

It’s up to you if you want to keep posting your poems online. Original work is notoriously difficult to promote on Tumblr in particular, but not impossible. You have to decide if that’s the route you want to go. Either way, I would implore you not to stop writing, no matter your choice. It sounds like you have stories to tell.

[coll2mitts]

Super Mario Bros. (1993)

Thanks to the awesome people who donated to Extra Life (you still can, btw!)  y'all will now be treated to a retrospective on the 1993 classic movie, Super Mario Bros.  When I took on this milestone, the first (and only) person I messaged for ideas on terrible (but wonderful) films based on video games was my friend Max, who has a history of viewing and talking about bad movies.  He suggested this, and while I was aware of this magnificent piece of cinema history, I had not had the pleasure of viewing it myself.  He hooked me up with a copy, and to say this film lived up to my expectations would be an understatement.

I couldn’t help but be charmed by this movie.  It is filled with so many questionable creative choices that were fucking ridiculous.  Mario and Luigi not being blood related?  Sure.  Cheesy Italian accents replaced with a New York ones?  Yeah, why not?  Having all the enemies in Super Mario Bros. be canonically dinosaurs?  I mean... It's a choice informed by the great media dino wave of 1993, but whatever.  Yoshi is a dinosaur, if we want to extend that to goombas and Koopa for whatever reason, I'm down.  Having these dinosaurs live underneath New York City in a parallel dimension?  It's based on a video game, why the fuck not?  Everything is so goddamn bonkers.

The opening credits roll, and we’re told that 65 million years ago, a meteor created said underground parallel universe dinosaur land.  We witness a human-looking woman, who is really a dinosaur, leaving an egg baby on a church doorstep.  Don’t think about it too hard, the logistics of a human giving birth to an egg that size are just... it’s gross to think about.

We’re then introduced to the titular characters, Mario Mario and Luigi Mario.  Yes, their last names are Mario.  Making them the Mario brothers.  Because this movie is interested in answering the important questions.  Mario is the owner of a failing plumbing business, while Luigi is a conspiracy theorist who would have really enjoyed modern-day YouTube.

While they’re out trying to find work, they run into Miss Amy March herself, Daisy, who is an archeologist in charge of digging up dinosaur bones from a New York City construction site.  She’s being forced off the property by the mob, who apparently are annoyed that a blonde lady in cargo shorts is coming between them and whatever the fuck they’re building.  

They try and intimidate her, she storms off to use a payphone to call for security, and is almost picked up by two inconspicuous bozos in a cab who apparently are stealing Brooklyn women off the street for no reason.  Their plan is quickly thwarted by a random moving pane of glass.

Instead, Daisy runs right into Luigi, who forgets how to human once he sees her pretty face.  He asks her on a date, where she reveals even more exposition.  She believes the meteor that destroyed the dinosaurs landed in New York City.  Oh, and also, she’s the abandoned egg baby.  Luigi is also an orphan, and this shared trauma apparently gets them both hot and bothered.  They wander off to the dig site, because an underground pit attached to a sewer is so romantic, and it is also where Daisy feels the most comfortable.

What if we made out at the bone pit?

Their touching moment is cut short when the mob sabotages the plumbing in the sewer and water starts flooding the area.  They run to get Mario, because he is a plumber, to fix the pipes, which is so fucking clutch, I love it so much.

While the Mario brothers are distracted, Daisy is captured by the weirdo twins and dragged into the alternate dinosaur universe.  Mario and Luigi follow, and we’re treated to the most fucking amazing transition scene of Bob Hoskins spinning wildly through colorful rocks.

Turns out, parallel dinosaur world, or Dinohattan, is fucking lit as hell.  I am convinced that Futurama based their sewer city on this movie.

King Koopa, who is a dinosaur with badly bleached hair gelled back in an effort to look like Michael Douglas in Wall Street, has taken over Dinohattan.  He is the one who asked the goons to kidnap Daisy, because of the tacky crystal necklace she wears.  Apparently, it is a piece of the meteorite that crashed into earth, and once he puts the piece back into the original space rock, the dinosaur world will merge with the mammal world after 65 million years of his people being sequestered underground, and Koopa will have endless resources at his disposal.  Also, Daisy is a princess, and her dad is a giant fungus taking over the city, so that’s totally normal and not at all weird.

Problem is, the two idiots he sent to grab her didn’t think to check if she was wearing the necklace.  Turns out, Luigi has the necklace, or had the necklace, as they are quickly mugged by a granny, who is then robbed by a lady with a bright red spiky latex coat and springy robot feet.  The brothers are then arrested by the dinocops and are grilled by Koopa for the whereabouts of the rock.  When they play dumb he uh... reacts in a proportionate way.

I am not even going to attempt to explain the devo process...  It is a combination of insane and fucking disgusting.  Whoever in the costuming department looked at the cute fucking mushroom Goombas in the video game and decided to translate them into this scaly, jagged-teethed nightmare fuel deserves to be committed.

Also, there’s only one lizard king, and that’s Jim Morrison, so back off, buddy.

What is hilarious to me is this is the story the screenwriters came up with.  Super Mario, as a video game, doesn’t have much lore, right?  You slide down pipes, you jump on mushrooms, and you save the princess from a spiky turtle.  They took that game and created... This.  A parallel underground dinosaur universe that has a sentient fungus as a king, taken over by a human-like t-rex that devolves other lizards into tiny-headed night paralysis demons.

The middle of this movie alternates between a slog of expositional scenes about Daisy being a princess, and pretty entertaining action scenes of the Mario brothers running from Goombas while trying to find and save Daisy.  Mario and Luigi steal a cop car and drive it off a cliff Thelma and Louise-style; They cosplay as Ketchup and Mustard to steal the necklace back from Big Burtha while asking her to stomp on them; They jump off a bridge into a garbage truck; They break the pipes in Koopa’s building to freeze everything, and get past an elevator full of Goombas by making them dance.

Watching Daisy damsel-in-distress-it in Koopa’s high rise office building and fend off advances by a long-tongued dude who devolved her father into a mushroom was pretty boring and disturbing.  Alternatively, witnessing Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo pretend to jump on giant sheets of fungus really sold this movie for me.  It succeeds when it tries to be ridiculous and fun, and fall flat when it attempts to integrate any sort of drama that I’m assuming was added to make this story more appealing to adults.

Mario and Luigi eventually find Daisy, and she introduces them to her father - a giant dripping blob suspended from the ceiling.  Luigi wants in her pants badly enough that he pretends this is a reasonable thing to do.  Mario heads further into the building to free the other ladies kidnapped by tweedle dee and tweedle dum that they initially thought were Daisy, but weren’t.  The newly assembled group are able to escape by sliding down the frozen pipes on a mattress before they are green-screen launched out of the pipe and back into the greater Dinohattan area.

The amount of times Mario and Luigi use their plumbing skills to overcome obstacles may be my favorite part of this movie.  The plot goes out of its way to justify a really bizarre character trait for the original game.

Anyway, the end of this movie comes at you fast.  First, the sentient fungus king gives Mario and Luigi a bomb, and they decide to wind it up and aim it at Koopa.  This takes about 10 minutes of screen time to matter again.

Koopa’s second-in-command tries to merge Daisy’s stolen necklace with the meteor, and instead gets skeletoned to bits, prompting the best line delivery reaction from Daisy, a deadpan “Yikes”.

Because the necklace has now been returned to its resting place, the worlds start to merge Infinity War style.

“Mr. Koopa, I don’t feel so good.”

Koopa and Mario end up back in Manhattan, and Koopa just starts shooting his devo guns at human mobsters, turning them back into primates, and giving their wardrobe a whole new literal definition of monkey suit.

Luigi uses his super plumbing powers to drill the necklace back out of the meteor, separating the worlds again.  The bomb finally goes off, they devo Koopa into slime, and the citizens celebrate by immediately painting over his ever-prevalent propaganda.

The king evolves back into a mushroom person or something, and Daisy stays in Dinohattan to get to know her father better.  Mario and Luigi return to their lives in Brooklyn as plumbers, and their heroic acts make them conspiracy community famous, as they now refer to our heroes as the Super Mario Brothers.  Roll Credits.

Except not, because Daisy returns to ask for the help of a couple of great plumbers, setting up a sequel that will never, ever happen because there is no god and we’re not allowed to feel joy.

Honestly, Super Mario Bros. is great.  It owned every bold plot and visual choice it made, and I have to respect it.  I could listen to John Leguizamo say Mario like 700 more times.  Y’all are missing out if you think you’re too cool to watch this movie.

I’ll be back to musical reviews later this month.  I have a few seasonally appropriate movies in my big red sack waiting to be placed under the tree...  Yes, I meant to phrase it that way.

[gemsonaresources]

A Thank You to Steven Universe

     I’m really sad. I feel so emotional. Realization is washing over me as I sit here and think about the last few years of my life with Steven Universe in it. How the show came at a time where I was really struggling mentally and emotionally in high school. How I started my blog when I wasn’t doing anything else with my life post-graduation besides sleeping and watching TV all day, isolated at home while my friends were at college. I was miserable, but this show and blog gave me joy and a sense of purpose. So much has changed since this blog was made.      Again and again, I am amazed at how far this blog has come in the last four years. You have all contributed to my success, and for that, I am honored beyond words. I am going to miss all of this so much: the story, the characters, the relationships, the creativity, the collective fanning in my inbox after new episodes, the fun we shared on this blog with our own characters, and so much more. I know at some point my ask box will remain open, but empty. I know I will start to lose followers. I will eventually lose my own drive to run this blog. The fandom will dwindle in size. Nonetheless, I will always be grateful, so grateful, for everything this show and fandom have given to me.      I won’t erase this blog much like I won’t erase the memories this whole experience with Steven Universe has given me. I have made SU fan art, created my own gem characters, got the courage to cosplay for the first time, hosted events for the fandom, ran my first zine, and just held my first SU themed live stream- the list goes on and on because I decided that I was inspired enough by SU to click “create blog.” The rest is history. I hold these things precious to my heart. I don’t want to that let go. So, thank you, thank you. I love you. No words are enough to encompass everything I’ve been given. This is an experience I won’t ever forget.

[cosplayinamerica]

SHEIK-CHAN

It was 2006 and I was attending my first convention, Anime Expo. I had no clue what to expect but I was overwhelmed with so much joy that I had a bit of anxiety! Thankfully I was with my best friend so I knew all would be well and we’d have a lot of fun. Once we got there I felt in awe being in the presence of so many people in cosplay! My mind was blown at the creativity they expressed. It was then I said to myself, “Next time I need to be in cosplay!” I didn’t know how I’d do it or afford it but I was determined.

Thankfully my mom knew how to sew. She helped me sew my first costume and I took it to Anime Expo 2007 in Long Beach, CA. It felt so cool to be part of the cosplay scene and even have people ask my friend and me for photos. I was finally on the other side of the camera and part of the scene! I got to meet many cosplayers I followed online and they were super kind. This continued and every year I began to make more intricate costumes. I was even able to save up and afford multiple conventions. I gained my own little following and started to make more friends within the community. It was such an escape from everyday life (school, work, etc.)

After about 5 or 6 years I began to slow down. I had finished college and began working more. I had to cut down on conventions so I focused on doing commissions as well as creating a YouTube channel to share tutorials. I started getting asked to guest as a cosplay influencer and do panels explaining how I made my costumes. I had moved up a bit in the scene. I was still nothing compared to super popular cosplayers but I definitely was influencing others. It felt good to know I could help others enjoy what I loved so much! I especially loved helping those who were new to cosplay and had no clue where to start.

As I changed, the scene changed as well. Cosplay became a bit more competitive as materials were more accessible and it became more exposed to the general public. I’ll be honest, I began to feel that I wasn’t fitting in as much. I just cosplayed for fun and the competitive side was affecting me. I found myself comparing my costumes to those of others. So, I decided to take a hiatus which lasted for almost two years. I think I may have attended one con during that time just because I missed it a little.

Eventually, I found myself really missing the scene and felt I had come to peace with my feelings towards the community. I wanted to be someone that showed cosplay is still just for fun and you don’t need to compare yourself! So I jumped back in with a few new costumes and started guesting at a few local cons as well as making con vlogs to share my experience with the world! It helped keep my mind focused on how fun it was just cosplaying with friends and being a complete dork. You can now find me teaching during the day and working on costumes every few months. As I’ve grown older and focus on just living my life I don’t do as much as I used to but I still have not given up my costuming. It still has a place in my heart and I still hope to inspire others.

(Top: 2018 / Bottom: 2009)

[funkymbtifiction]

I’ve been going back and forth between infp and isfj for ages (bought books, scrolled through your blog endlessly) but your recent infp post gave me pause.

‘INFPs have trouble wrapping their head around what most of the other types “settle for” – finding a job that pays the rent, even if it’s crap, and doing what you love (like write) in your spare time as a hobby. Their idealism and need to do what they love for work makes it hard for them to cope with the idea that realistically, that may not work out.’

I could barely relate to that. Even when I think I can incorporate my creative side I’m very realistic about it. I could be a hairdresser at a friend’s salon but I’m very sensitive to smells and have horrible allergies. I wonder if Ne would instantly be trying to figure out ways around that not just be ‘yeah, that’s off the table’. I’m a (almost forced) problem solver and do try to find loopholes in things but that’s more fear based than anything else ( that sounds so 6 XD ). Plus I keep wondering if I followed my passions as a career would that kill my joy of them. Would business and deadlines kill the creativity? Would people even like and respond to it (this ways heavily on me. The fear of disappointment and rejection).

Add a critical view of my talents and I’m going ‘settling’ is more than okay since you need to survive and keeping passions alive is needed as well so find time to do that during the day. Make it the best part of your day. A reward for making it through and if you can make some money from it then great.

Long story short if someone can’t relate to that is it a red flag that you’re not infp or you can be and my Ne decided to send me down rabbit holes - again.

Since everyone is different, you will relate to some things about your type and not others, and you can always factor in your Enneagram type (being a 6 tends to make people less risk-taking, more concerned with how others feel about them / considerate of others in general, and more practical) … but ultimately, you should be able to recognize your dominant function given your blind spots (lower functions). Being unable to detach from their strong need to do what they want to do, and not do what they don’t want to do, is an issue for INFPs. Most of the ones I know either work for less money, or took a pay cut, to leave a job that makes them miserable in order to do one that fulfills them in some way. The ISFJs learn the system they are working with, and do it, because there is no Fi-dom need in them to be “authentic” to themselves, and their stronger Si is aware that some jobs are boring. That’s life.

Given that nothing you said here has a strong sense of “I see things through how I feel about them,” and that still bleeds through even with 6s, I’d say you have your judging axis in the middle of your stack rather than at opposite ends. Your careful, meticulous questioning suggests perception > judgment. That would support ISFJ, if you are sure of being an introvert.

I suggest reading the “learn mbti page” and reading all the dominant function posts carefully. An INFP should somewhat relate to the ENP post (at least in the sense of “yes, that’s how I am… fanatical with an interest and then it disappears… and I no longer care about it… I want to change the world with my ideas / idealism / beliefs…”) AND the IFP post. IFPs are rather famous for shutting down anything they don’t want to talk about, whereas IFJs are more willing to discuss it, as perceiving dominants (less instant NOPE). If you are an ISFJ, you should somewhat relate to the Fe-dom post (in terms of seeing others in terms of “we” and wanting an emotional consensus, for others to agree with you, etc) and also Si (in your own interests, points of expertise, and the way you learn).

Just an example – I know two artists. One is an INFP, the other is an ISFJ. The ISFJ, being a Si-dom, is willing to meticulously work on one area of her art, until it is perfect. Si-dom artists are the ones who create the teachable art books, which tell you to keep drawing an eye until it’s perfect, then learn the nose, and so on… in so doing, their meticulous repetition establishes a base of learning that is an ‘expert’ not just in fingers or toes, but all elements of the face, and then of the body. That is Si learning. Methodical. You do it over and over, until you get it perfect. You learn it a piece at a time, to make the whole.

The INFP artist refused to use the book that taught drawing techniques through that repetition, since “I don’t WANT to draw that way.” She refused to use any books at all. She had to do it her own way. She drew for awhile. Then she made / decorated fandom hats. Then she painted doll faces. Then she went into sewing. She doesn’t really use patterns, either, that much. She just  looks at it, draws a design based on what she knows she wants, and makes up her own pattern to get it to do that (often just by eyeballing it, cutting it, and then moving fabric around). Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But she did not methodically learn to draw. She moved on to making Rey’s staff for Cosplay, used it for awhile, then sold it and went on to Victorian stuff. Because as an NP… she loses interest and moves on to other things. ;)

Low Si finds repetition boring and just tends to intuitively leap into things. So, for example, they may be a gifted writer with zero awareness of how writing as a technique (grammar, sentence structure, avoiding certain words at the ends of sentences) actually works – and they may not even care, until it in some way impedes them getting published. Then they will learn too much all at once, in the process skim-reading / not learning it properly, and missing half of it, as opposed to the ISFJ writer who carefully studies writing techniques, reads 20 books on writing by successful novelists, does the practice work, and then has all the knowledge in place to move forward and do it.

Not everyone is going to do this, obviously, but I’m illustrating how SiNe is much more methodical in how they learn something, vs how NeSi just haphazardly does it – often well, but it neglects learning the important fundamentals, and then later has to go back and fill in gaps in its knowledge.

- ENFP Mod

[poliwhirl42]

Earlier today my sister sat down to watch the Wallace Cup with me, which is our mutual favorite arc in the entire show (she loves Dawn and DP a lot). We continued later on last night and even got my mom to join in since she wanted to spend time with me and said we could watch whatever I wanted! Stuff like this is so important to me and all the birthday messages I’ve received today make me feel so loved.

Sidenote- because watching Pokemon is often a reminder of this- but I’m so glad I can finally enjoy Pokeani stuff again without associating it with bad, triggering situations and toxic people who no longer matter in my life. I was struggling for such a long time, literally feeling sick to my stomach about certain things that have happened, and even though some of it lingers on to this day, I’m so happy and grateful to have friends who support me as a person and my creative endeavors, including the new Pokeani rivals-centric podcast I’ve been running over the last few weeks! It’s been incredibly fun and we’ve had some awesome discussions. I feel like I’ve grown and opened up a lot more and feel much freer in giving my opinions on things, even if I haven’t played all the games and gotten through the entire series yet. It’s all supposed to be for fun, and I’m beginning to re-experience everything in a new light. It brings me so much joy and freedom. I love Pokémon with my whole heart.

Speaking of the podcast- I would link my Twitch account here, but I’m not quite ready yet for the Public to associate this longstanding username with my new one (I’ve got a lot of cleaning and deleting to do lol). I also realize if I want to build a bigger following, I’m going to need a Twitter account again, but that’ll come in time, when I’ve officially healed from the wounds of several awful past experiences. I think I’ve already come a long way, and I’m striving to just accept things and keep moving forward. ❤️

My birthday was actually pretty fun despite it being spent in quarantine! We got takeout from PF Chang’s, my mom gave me a mani-pedi, I FaceTimed my grandparents and one of my best friends, and my sister made chocolate lava cake for dessert (the real cake is coming tomorrow for a Specific Reason 😏). Two years ago I was sick, had work, and it snowed on my birthday, and last year just sucked all-around I don’t even remember the actual day because I was a half-asleep zombie lol. So compared to those two, this was actually pretty great. 

Not everything is 100% hunky dory, but I’m pushing through it. It’s obviously a pretty miserable time for everyone and my heart still goes out to all those affected by the virus and people on the front lines who are so burnt out from back-to-back shifts. I wish I could do something to help, but I’ll continue to pray for the world to heal. I’ve felt a little guilty harping on my own issues in the state that the world is in, but then again, it’s not right to compare problems either. School is still stressing me out and I have a big project coming up in a few weeks that I haven’t started yet. I really miss my job at the mall and all my coworkers. It hasn’t been the easiest living with my entire family living back here again, but I’m also not the easiest person to live with, either. And to top it all off, everything I was excited about this time of year has been canceled. A week from today, I would’ve been sharing an Airbnb and getting drunk off frozen margaritas with my best friends, cosplaying our favorite characters at Anime Boston and celebrating my belated birthday with them. It really sucks, but I guess it is what it is, and it’s more important to stay safe and healthy. At least AB’s honored our tickets for next year!

One of the upsides of all this, though, is connecting with people I haven’t in awhile! My high school friends all kinda came out of the woodwork and we’ve been video-chatting a lot and playing Jackbox games, and thanks to the Animal Crossing boom, I’ve added a heck ton of people both IRL and online and have been visiting everyone’s islands, which has been a great fun distraction. The Neoshipping Discord has been abuzz with so much great content and discussions, and I’m so happy it’s thriving especially with some recent newcomers! I started an idol duo with one of my best friends and even though we’re still starting out, it’s been so much fun coming up with cover and cosplay ideas with her! I’ve also been keeping up with PM2019 and am aiming to watch at least one new anime before this quarantine ends. I also desperately need to catch up with a bunch of other anime and the MHA manga rip ;_;

A quarter of my life gone by, and it’s been a wild ride! There’s a lot more for me to learn, and there’s still things I haven’t been able to accept yet, but I think I’ve grown a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally. I am capable, smart, strong and beautiful- and I have to keep remembering that despite all odds and all negative thoughts that come my way! You all are all of these things too, and I believe in you! Thank you to everyone who’s read this far as well as those who have sent me so much love today. Cheers to 25 and may the next quarter be filled with brand-new adventures! 💙🌀🎉  

[lildevyl]

Septicscape, Chapter Two: The Corruption is Spreading

Chapter Two! For Septicscape!

Chapter: 1

Summary:  The Corruption is spreading and it is now in Jackieboy Man’s world.  Two students and the Director of the Music and Arts Program from Ego University went missing!  Then they came back but not acting like themselves.

Warnings:  Mentions of kidnapping, static, blood and there is Zalgo Text in here for anyone that might be a little uncomfortable with that.

Tagging: @septic-dr-schneep, @egopocalypse, @starlightxnightmare, @fear-is-nameless, @huffletrax, @burnbrightfadefast, @jackjames-exe, @dolphintreasureart, @dezzydynamite, @power-of-friends-games, @epicfangirl01, @a-humble-narcissus, @thevampireauthoress, @the-scribe-watches, @d-structive, @kisstheashes, @chaoticcrimsonrose, @julywinters, @run-stray-wolf, @thefirsttobreak, @therealjacksepticeye, @weirdmixofweirdness

If want to be tagged or guest star in one of my stories please let me know!

Guest Staring:  River Bayou @egopocalypse, Lou Huffle @huffletrax, Erin Treasures @dolphintreasureart.  Thank You ghouls and fiends for wanting to guest star!  This has been absolutely fun to write!!!!

(The Deep Lab)

"I think he's coming around.  Henrik?  C'mon, wake up.  Come back to us."

Henrik's eyes fluttered open, then he had to shut them quickly shut them.  It's too bright!  Henrik shifted his head and his eyes were able to finally focus.  "Ch-Chase?"  Henrik choked out.

Now, he remembered.  The "Corruption."  But how was he here?  Did Chase find a way to save him?  All Henrik wanted to do was to hug Chase and cry.  He never wanted to leave Chase, make him feel like he abandoned him but Henrik didn't have a choice.

"Yeah, Henrik.  It's me," Chase softly said.  "And I'm not alone."  Chase nodded.

Henrik's eyes followed and he couldn't believe it.  "Jack?"

"Yeah, it's me," Jack smiled.  Henrik looked around where they were.   He was on one of the beds in his Lab.  "I think some explaining is in order

============================================

(Several Pots of Coffee and Tea Later)

"And that's when we dragged you back here.  Making sure to keep an eye on you."  Jack finished explaining.  Then took a huge sip of the last remains of his coffee.

"But  - but how did you combat the Corruption?"  Henrik inquired completely baffled.

"I don't know," Jack answered honestly.  "One minute we were in the room trying to bring you back.  Then the next moment, I saw  .   .   .   The illusion?  And was telling you that you are a good doctor.  Then it felt like - the Corruption  .  .  .  Just - let go?"  Jack shrugged.  "I don't know how else to explain it."

"The Creator's Power,"  Henrik answered more to himself than the others.  Jack and Chase shared a look, hoping the other knew what Henrik meant.

"When you, Jack, our Creator.  Create an Ego, give us a name, a backstory and let the Community know about us.  You give us life.  Creating a spark from you and your Creativity, you give us a soul.  We live as  long as you actively support us through any means."  Henrik explained upon seeing their confused faces. "Fan art, theories, fanfictions, headcanons, fan-made games, edits, cosplay, photos.  Even just watching our videos, help.  This is what's called the Creator's Power."

"Wow.  I had no idea," Jack said in awe.

"Yes, but if you chose to not make an Ego "Canon" but the Community likes them and supports them enough.  Or if members of the Community "invents" an Ego and that Ego gets enough support from the Community.  Then they become what's known as a "Fan Creation."  Henrik concluded.

"My fans are super amazing."  Jack smiled fondly.

"Yeah, they are, Jack.  They are."  Henrik agreed.  "But getting back to the point at hand," Henrik continued.  "The others that you see in the different worlds of the Mindscape.  Are in fact, ordinary people.  Friends, family, people you interact with on a daily bases, even different fans you've met or favorite characters from certain games.  They live, fall in love then eventually die.  They don't live as long as we do here."

"What happens if you're forgotten?"  Jack asked.

"Then we die.  Without you and the Community, we cease to exist.  Our souls would shatter and then we would fade.  And our part of the Mindscape would crumble as well," Henrik solemnly explained.

"B-but Chase said his world crumbled but he's still here!"  Jack protested.  This made absolutely no sense.  The Community and Jack still remembered Chase, so why did his world collapsed?

"To that, I have no explanation," Henrik admitted.

Then Jack remembered something.  "You said that the other Egos are here, right?"  Jack asked turning to Chase.  Getting a nod from Chase, Jack continued.  "I think we better check on the others, then."

"You think they could be affected as well?"

"They might be.  You were affected pretty badly in one of the vlogs.  You've mentioned the Corruption spreading.  Even affecting many of your patients."

Henrik nodded, with a bit of guilty look.  He hasn't spoken to either of the other Egos since the Corruption began.

"I think we need to check on them.  To make sure that they're okay."  Jack stated mistaking the look for Henrik being worried.

"Septic City is the closest one to us.  We could check on Jackieboy Man.  If anybody could help in beating this Corruption.  Then it's our residential Super Hero."  Chase added.

"That's a good place to start."  Henrik agreed.  "Plus, the University has a massive Library here in the Mindscape.  I could do some more research to try to combat this."

=============================

(Septic City)

"Huh, so, this is Septic City?  Beautiful view."  Jack stated seeing the City for the first time.

"It's quite beautiful," Henrik commented.  "I'm not sure where we might find Jackie but if we head to the University.  We should either run into him or at least run into someone who might know where he could be."

================================

(Ego University, Lou Huffle)

Lou Huffle, a senior here at Ego University sat at her desk in the Art Classroom, tapping her pencil.  Glaring at their mortal enemy that mockingly stared back at her.  Creator's Block had decided to strike and strike hard.  Now, here she was staring at a blank page in her sketchbook with a six-week deadline to get her, newest issue of her comic series out.  With a frustrated sigh, Lou slammed her sketchbook closed and stuffed it into her book bag and headed out.  Her next class started in an hour but she wanted to grab some lunch first.

Halfway down the hall, Lou began to notice something strange.  It's the middle of the week, this hallway should be crowded with shoulder to shoulder of people. And yet it’s completely deserted.  Where was everyone?  Lou had a bad feeling about this, quickening her pace she nearly sprinted to the end of the hall.  She pushed on the doors but nothing happened.  She tried again and nothing happened.  What?  Was this thing stuck or something?  No, it was locked, but why?

Lou suddenly had a feeling that she wasn't alone.  Like someone was watching her.  The hairs on the back of her neck stood straight up.  A rattling breath could be heard right behind her.  Grabbing her sketchbook and with the trigger word to bring her creation to life if need be, on the tip of her tongue.  Lou cautiously turned around.  There standing just a couple of feet away from her.  Stood a girl with stringy sprayed painted hair, button eyes, a faded patched shirt, a patch jacket, ripped jeans and a stitched mouth.  Her buttons eyes appeared as if they were bleeding.

The last thing Lou remembered hearing through the muffled whispering and before she succumbed to the darkness was   .   .   .

"Lou!  Lou!  You need to wake up!  This is Jackie!"

================================

(Dolphin Treasures Art Gallery)

Erin stood in her Art Gallery finishing up on her latest piece, smiling and humming "All the Way."  She was going to display it for everyone to see before she sent into the Power of Friend Games.  They're working on a fan-made game of one her favorite YouTubers, JackSepiceye.  She wanted to finish this so she could send it in for the possibility of it being in the game.  Erin loved this, she loved doing fan art and being able to express herself like this.  It brought so much of joy to her.  And seeing everyone's reaction when she uploads her pieces and even taking some commissions.  It truly did fill her heart with pride and joy.

Even if her art wasn't in it, seeing all the fan art, the story arch, and seeing all the creativity the Community did into their projects.  Erin's smile broaden even more. She went to dip her brush into the paint once more, she stopped upon seeing a couple of red drops on her hand.  It wasn't paint.  Then she felt something trickled down her chin and landed on her hand.  Putting her paints and brushes down, Erin put her hand to her face and pulled back.  Fresh blood.  Quickly going to the bathroom to see what was going on, Erin realized that she somehow had gotten a random nosebleed out-of-the-blue.  That was weird. Cleaning up and grabbing the first aid kit, Erin saw that the nosebleed had stopped.  She still didn't know what could have caused it.

Going back to the Art Gallery, Erin began to rub her eyes.  There was some sort of discomfort building up all of sudden.  Maybe now, was a perfect time to take a break?  When Erin returned to her painting and was about to start putting everything away.  She taught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and had to do a double take.  Her eyes.  Her eyes were button-like!  One was light brown on the outside but black on the inside.  The other one was black on the outside but light brown on the inside.  And they began to bleed red and black tears down her face.  The last thing she remembered before the darkness took over was   .   .   .

"Erin!  Erin!  You need to fight this!  It's me!  It's Jackie!"

=======================

(Ego University, River Bayou)

River sat in the nearly empty Computer Lab staring at a blank computer screen and a blinking cursor.  She shut her laptop closed with a more force than necessary (she'll apologize later) and stuffed it into her case.  Dejectedly, River pulled out a letter that was the entire cause of her foul mood.  She should have just chucked the damn thing in first trash bin she came across and went on her way.  But instead, she kept the blasted thing as if rereading what it said would numb the pain.  Or would make the cursed wording more bearable.  The letter was from the number one publisher in Egopolcalpse and the cause of her distress.

Miss Bayou,

Thank you for considering us as your publisher.  We received your manuscript and looked it over.  We regret to inform you that Kingdom Come is not what we're looking for right now.  We decided to go with another candidate instead. If you have another story you will like us to take a look at for the possibility of publishing.  Please send in your manuscript and we will take a look at it.  Good Luck and thank you again.

Angel Mercury.

Scowling, River crumpled up the letter and with a low growl, and threw it in the nearest trash bin.  Not what they were looking for?!  Did they know how much time and effort she put into that story?!  What more do they want?!  Sighing heavily, River sank back down into her chair and lazily looked around the Computer Lab for a distraction.  Right now, she honestly didn't care if she was late to class.

One of the games a student was playing caught her eye.  She didn't recognize the student though. Stringy sprayed painted hair, faded patch shirt, patch jacket, ripped jeans and what appeared to be sunglasses that she was wearing.  River came over and sat next to the new student.  River saw that it looked like she might have been crying earlier.  If the running mascara was anything to by.

*Do you want to try it?*  She asked.

"If you don't mind," River answered looking at the game case.

Puppets: A JackSepticeye Game by Power of Friend Games and Sarcastic Pasta Games.  The developers of Septicscape and the Boss.  Private Investigator Chase Brody and his partner Detective Jackie McLoughlin are hired by Marvin the Magnificent to help find his long lost brother, Doctor Henrik von Schneeplestein.  Who's believe to be the Puppet Master's lasted victim.  You must investigate various characters, plow through multiple and sometimes random battles, solve many cryptic puzzles to decode the where about of Henrik.  But beware.  For the Puppet Mater is  à͡l҉w͟͡a̸̢y̴͠s ̵̨wa̵t̵c̴͝h̕҉i͜n̶͝g̶  and will make you his next puppet if you not careful.

Smiling ear to ear, and her eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree, River dove straight into the game.  She was already getting into this game; playing as, Chase and/or Jackie (you can switch between the two).  River went to different parts of the city.  Interviewing different people, the player (River) trying to figure out who was lying, who was telling the truth, who could be working for the “Puppet Master.”  Every now and then River had to stop and massage her wrists and arms and sometimes she even had to rub her legs.

'Strange?  Maybe I've been playing and sitting for too long?  But this game! Man, I have to know what happens!'  River thought to herself.

She continued to play until what appeared to be the final puzzle of the game. She had to decode a message of some sort.  Ha!  Easy!  River decoded it in nothing flat.  Then something strange happened.  The computer screen went blank.  Completely and utterly dark.  After about ten seconds, the computer screen flickered back on but it was nothing but a black and green static.

"Um," River took an unsteady breath.  "Do - do you know if I might have, accidentally broke the game?"  River turned to the student and nearly knocked over her chair.  She - the student - she has   .   .   .  Button eyes!  And the button eyes began to bleed a blood-like ink.  She tilted her head and smiled not even breaking her stitched mouth.

River then felt a tug on her wrists.  She looked down and realized, there were acid green strings attached to her wrists and ankles.  River tried to run for it but the strings yanked her and she fell face first on the floor.  Digging her fingernails into the carpet as the strings began to drag her.  She grabbed a hold of a leg of one of the tables.  Then one of the love seats in the Computer Lab.  And finally the coffee table itself.  

"HELP!!!"  River screamed.  And to her horror, there was no one else but the Living Rag Doll, smiling at her.  "Jackie!!!"  The last thing River heard before she was completely sucked into the computer was   .   .   .

"M̶̧͝y ͟͝Fa̶̢v̵̛o̕̕ri̡t͘e͘͝ ̛L̸҉o͠y̴͝a̶͘l͏̷̢ ̵͜P̷̕úp̸͠pe̶̸̛t̀"

=============================

(Ego University)

Jackie didn't know what to do.  There was something very strange going on here at the University.  Two students that Jackie had classes with, Lou Huffle and River Bayou, went missing yesterday.  Lou was a very hard working student, even if it wasn't her best subject.  She always strive to do her best.  So, for Lou to just "skip" her classes?  It just didn't make any sense.

Then, for Lou to just materialize out of nowhere the next day, and act as if nothing happened?  That was not like Lou at all!  Not only that but Lou has been obsessing and working at her desk in the Dolphin Treasures Art Gallery none stop.  She's been working on her brand new comic:  Nox.  Never taking a break except to eat and/or to get more art supplies.

And the strangeness doesn't stop there.  Erin Treasures, the Director of the Music and Arts Programs and the owner of the Dolphin Treasures Art Gallery, went missing yesterday as well.  No one had seen or heard from her all day yesterday.  That wasn't like her.  Erin, no matter how busy she might, always took some time out to help someone.  So, for her to not be heard from or no one was able to find her yesterday?  Yeah, something was up!

What made it worst though, was like Lou.  Erin showed up out of the blue, the next day, like nothing out of the ordinary had happened.  Obsessing about making the perfect painting and working none stop, except to eat or get more art supplies.  She's painted about four different Septic Ego portraits, stop to look at them, and then she carelessly chucks them into a storage room.  Constantly saying, "No, it's not right.  It's not perfect.  I need to make the perfect painting.  It needs to be perfect!"

Jackie needed help.  He decided to call Henrik and Chase and see if they could help out.  Jackie felt a little guilty about doing this, he hasn't spoken to Chase since his world collapsed.  And he hasn't spoken to Henrik since he began to research what was causing the Corruption.  Taking a deep breath and taking his cellphone out, Jackie dialed the number he knew by heart.  "Henrik?  It's Jackie. I need your help.  Can you and Chase come by the University?  I think it's spreading."

Dread was beginning to seep it's way into the pit of Jackie's stomach.  River Bayou was still missing.

==============================

(The Ego Cafe)

Tapping his fingers against his leg, Jackie impatiently waited for Chase and Henrik to arrive as the minutes slowly ticked by.  Huffing a frustrated sigh for the umpteenth time.  Jackie began to pace, outside the Cafe.  The Cafe was on the campus and towards the right as you walk in.  Giving Jackie the perfect view of the Front Entrance.  Jackie knew that he was being illogical, he just called them like no more than ten minutes ago.  It wasn't like they could teleport or had super speed.  So, Jackie continued his illogical impatient pacing for the next half hour. He couldn't help it.  There was this feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. Hopefully, Henrik could tell him something.  Speaking of which, there he is!

And was that, "Jack?"

"Hey Jackieboy," Jack greeted.

"Sshhh.  Keep it down," Jackie whispered looking around.  "I go by Jackson.  Or some people call me Jackie."

"Oh, sorry," Jack sheepishly apologized.

"It's okay.  Wait, Jack?  How did you get here?"  Jackie inquired.

"Do you have ninety minutes?  But seriously, I have no idea.  We're still trying to figure that out," Jack answered.

"Jackie?  You said that Corruption was spreading?"  Henrik asked getting to the topic of why they're here.

"Oh, right.  Let's grab a table and some lunch.  I'll explain everything," Jackie answered.

A couple of hours later, Jackie finished explaining what was going on.  "And that's why I called you.   Think the Corruption is spreading, Doc."

"I think you're right," Henrik confirmed.  "The Corruption could be spreading to your world, Jackie.  I thought I contained it but I guess not.  There's a way to beat the Corruption but I'm not sure on how to apply it."

"What about the Library?  You were using that for your research," Chase suggested.

"That's a good idea.  I could do some more research to see how to help," Henrik agreed.

"Well, the fastest way to do that is if we take a short cut through the Art Gallery." Jackie hesitated a bit, trying to figure out how to phrase what he wanted to say next.  "I was hoping Henrik, that maybe you could take a look for yourself.  See what's going on with Lou and Erin.  Maybe you could figure out how to combat this?"

"That is a good idea," Henrik commented.

"Alright, let's head on out guys," Jackie said sounding more confident then he felt.

===========================

(Dolphin Treasure Art Gallery)

Erin and Lou worked relentlessly at their projects.  Both of them suddenly stopped what they were doing.  The felt the tug on their strings and knew what it meant.  Lou Huffle would get the chance to show her brand new comic and have the perfect story arch.  Erin would be able to paint the perfect painting for she will have for new still life models to paint.  Both of them got ready for the Ultimate Art Show.

=====================

A/N:  Here are a couple of links that helped inspired this story and this chapter.

For those of you here on Tumblr that might not know.  @dolphintreasureart has a YouTube Channel!  Please go and check it out!  It has her doing what I call speed painting and also doing Let’s Plays of various Indie Games and Fan-Made Games

Septicscape Play List: here

This is the post that helped inspire the scene with River:  here

[insertofalord]

Even Numbers plus one for Bart for the F/O as the self shipper asks!!!!

1. What kind of blog does your f/o have? Do they selfship on main? Do they look like a regular fan? Quiet reblogs or lots of gushing? Lots of analyses of your character and your source or incoherent blabbering? Do they have a headcanon blog? Do they try to roleplay as you?

Oh Barto seems like he would self ship on main???? No shame, cringe culture is dead and if you make fun of the selfshipping blog he will know where to find you. The blog will also have reblog about the straw hats.

Oh LOT OF GUSHING. He's a dork and smash those key emojis and incoherent babbles in the tag, with ALL THE POST. Me doing something stupid?? "OMG SO CUTE." Me doing something badass, being sarcastic and dangerous???"SWEET ANGEL I LOVE YOU."

Oh no idea if he would have an hc blog?? I don't really see it, tho I can imagine him trying to roleplay me and that's adorable dkdkdn

2. Do they prefer selfshipping by inserting themselves into your source,  or by daydreaming about you in their own little / personal world, or by  imagining you by their side during their daily life? Hmmm, I would say first option or last? Both??? 🤔

For the last I imagine it more being motivational, like "Lixan would be proud of me!!!!" or something haha

4. Do they spend more time on wikipedia, on your fandom wiki, on your TV tropes page? Looking for official content they might’ve missed, like fun trivia? Looking for fanart, for fics? Looking for information and details and references for fics or art or other fancontent they’re making because they want to make sure they get everything right?

I can imagine him being like me, a pic hoarder. Just becausr he does that in canon LMAO

The fandom wiki, details and references, but not sure it's for getting art references or anything, just the joy of hoarding it and knowing everything! He would 100% read every x reader he can find and sometime cringe at the mischaracterization! He cries when there it's angsty and will mope a little if it somehow involve my death/me getting hurt/me doing something immoral I wouldn't do.

6. Does your f/o have a selfship wedding with you? Do they celebrate it on their blog or more privately, with their fellow selfshipper friends? Do they make any content (like art, fics, etc) to celebrate?

OH NO IDEA??? Probably!!! Seems like something he would do! I am divided between public or not but... Maybe a very public announcement but the wedding is with his friends(the barto club, who would be hardcore into my media as well lol)

I... don't think Barto can draw and I'm not sure he knows how to write or read in canon?????? A playlist and a moodboard maybe

8. Do your f/o and your friend’s f/o plan for double dates since their f/os (you and your friend) are from the same source? How would that go?

... I have no friend's f/os who is close to Barto so no idea vdijjmqh

10. Does your f/o have very creative ship names, or are they bad with finding tags / ship names, or do they just use regular fandom tags?

No shame, regular fandom tag! He tries to be very creative and poetic but fail and goes nevermind. He uses my name or a petname!

12. Do they post any videos related to your source? Like AMVs? Or reaction vids (with them reacting to your source as they read / watch / play / etc)? If your source is a game, do they make a walkthrough? Is it a perfect walkthrough, a more casual one?

He has a badly edited amv of both of us to EVERY TIME WE TOUCH (I GET THIS FEELING), bad boy or womanizer idk dbdjdb

I have no idea what my source would be(I could see a fantastic or sci fi cartoon haha), but anyway every time I'm mentioned/on screen he screams and fanboy. It becomes almost incoherent because he cries. Yes not only in sad scenes, sometime he just needs to cry because I'm on screen dbdbd

14. Do they have merch of you? What kind of merch? Posters? Keychains? Stickers? Stuffed toys? (And if they have a plush of you, do they kiss it and sleep with it?)

Hahaha his whole room is covered are you kidding?? In canon he formed a whole crew as a fanclub for Luffy after meeting him ONCE. He has plushes and all official merches and probably a cosplay.

16. Which of your f/os has 1341 pics of you saved on their phone / laptop? What kind of pic did they choose as their phone / laptop background? Is it a canon pic of you, or fanart, or art of their selfship with you?

Yeah that's Barto, he has 1341 pics of me(which is weak. Just for All Might I have more than 2600 only in the phone gallery). He chose those lovecore edits as his background, I could see it... or those flowercrown edits. Canon pics... Or maybe a fanart of us getting married that he commissioned???

[sae-bae-ran]

Hope you're having a nice day! Sticking with the Halloween theme... Maybe what each of the MCs would dress up as for Halloween? (the four and the unicorn... but the unicorn is that pink headed girl we sometimes see in fanart?) Oooh, or/and maybe matching up each MC to an RFA member/Saeran and Vanderwood? Your writing is amazing and I was so excited to see that your requests was open!!

I am! ^^ It was such a nice, sunny day here that I ended up spending most of it outside.

Masterlist 📜 || Ko-fi ☕ 

The MCs and their partners dressing up for Halloween

MC1 (amber eyes; long, brown hair; long bangs) & Saeyoung  :  Spiderman & Black Cat 🎃

As someone who’s passionate about cosplay and dressing up as fictional characters, Saeyoung is incredibly excited for Halloween. Especially now that he has a partner in crime who wouldn’t mind wearing matching costumes with him.

Despite his many ideas, he settles for dressing up as Spiderman and preparing a Black Cat costume from scratch for MC1.

What can he say? He just can’t miss any opportunity to see her dressed up as a kitty.

As much as he wants to go for Black Cat’s authentic look, he simply adores MC1′s long, brown hair, so he doesn’t let her borrow his white wig.

Of course, MC1 does end up wearing that wig just because she wants to completely dive into the feeling of being Black Cat for a day.

Plus, Saeyoung’s unwavering stares from across the room and his flushed cheeks are reason enough for her to keep the costume and wig and wear them not just on Halloween.

MC2 (blue eyes; blonde bob cut) & Saeran  :  The Cheshire Cat & Alice 🎃

Saeran has been intrigued by the Cheshire Cat’s unique personality ever since MC2 let him borrow her favorite books. So when they get to discuss their costumes for Halloween, he’s quick to suggest Alice in Wonderland as their theme.

Designing a costume for the cat proves to be a challenge for him, but one that he’s more than willing to face with all the creativity he’s got.

Seeing him so passionate about his Halloween costume project, MC2 plays along and starts working on her own Alice one with the same excitement.

Saeran ends up perfecting his make-up skills to a point where you can’t tell where his face ends and the Cheshire Cat begins, with its toothy, mischievous grin.

Surprisingly enough, he also plays the part well. Were it not for MC2′s Alice costume to constantly distract him, the cat’s characteristic grin would have reached his eyes as well.

As for MC2 - boy, does she enjoy rocking Alice’s signature outfit with her own modern twist to it. So much so that even after Halloween, she keeps wearing knee-length dresses, black stockings to better accommodate her own style, and big ribbons in her hair.

MC3 (green eyes; long, red hair) & Vanderwood  :  Morticia & Gomez Addams 🎃

Tight black dress that hugs MC3′s curves, bold red lipstick that draws the attention to her beautiful face, her long hair cascading down her back in red waves, and all that topped by the mischievous smile on her full lips. Vanderwood couldn’t have asked for a better Morticia.

Besides, he thoroughly enjoys a day in Gomez Addams’ shoes. It’s the perfect excuse to show the world just how much he loves MC3 without blushing like crazy every time he touches her. Being someone else for a day does work wonders.

Unlike his partner, Vanderwood decides to fully commit to portraying Gomez, so he buys a wig and a fake mustache just for Halloween.

Still, MC3 is the star of the party they decide to attend, everyone’s attention on her costume and how well she plays the part of Morticia.

To no one’s surprise, the two win the party’s award for favorite couple costume and go back home with a plastic pumpkin full of candy.

MC4 (golden eyes; short, black hair) & Jaehee  :  Korra & Asami 🎃

When it comes to pop culture, Jaehee often draws a blank. Yeah, she’s familiar with Zen’s shows and with some of the more popular singers, but it’s MC4 that introduces her to some of the more popular movies and TV series.

Jaehee is quickly drawn to the Avatar universe, so when MC4 asks her to be the Asami to her Korra on Halloween, she doesn’t hesitate to say yes.

Besides, now that she’s let her hair grow out, Jaehee makes for the perfect Asami. It takes her a while to get used to the character’s bold lipstick color, but as the Halloween night progresses, she feels more and more comfortable in the shoes (and clothes) of Ms. Sato.

MC4 is more than enthusiastic to dress up as Korra, especially since she’s found her Asami. She uses Korra’s outfit from the first season of the show as a reference to sew her own.

And since the Avatar is one of her favorite characters, she goes the extra mile and asks Jaehee to teach her some easy martial moves that would let her look like she’s bending. Talk about dedication!

MC5 (”unicorn” MC; blue eyes; long, pink hair) & Zen  :  Red Riding Hood & Wolf 🎃

Zen’s lips can’t help but curve into a wide grin when MC5 asks him to be the Big Bad Wolf to her innocent Red Riding Hood for Halloween. Even though he realizes she’s teasing him, he’s more than willing to play the part that she wants him to play.

Usually the center of attention, this time Zen finds himself on the sidelines. Not that he minds in this case.

All the children that show up at Zen and MC5′s door are fascinated by her kind smile and her long, pink hair that falls in gentles waves down her sides. So much so that some of them ask her if she’s a real princess.

She’s poured her soul into making her own costume from scratch and the result is spectacular, making her smile with joy and pride of her own accomplishment. And the same goes for Zen.

Their evening ends with flirting and teasing, the wolf finally getting unleashed in the middle of the night.