#idek how long this got

[gen-0]

THE PROGRESSION OF OSWALD’S FEELINGS TOWARDS FELIX

So during my first reading of The Inky Mystery, I found it a little rushed for Oswald to have agreed to something romantic with Felix in the far future, especially since I felt at the time that there weren’t many indicators of Oswald potentially having romantic feelings.

OH BUT DURING MY RE-READ….

It’s hard to tell AT FIRST if you aren’t paying attention especially with EVERYTHING ELSE going on in the story.

Here is how Oswald’s feelings toward Felix changes overtime before the confession, along with most of their interactions(warning-I am not counting the times where Felix is genuinely compared to Ortensia cause that isn’t fair)(please let me know if I miss anything)

Was the cat trying to watch out for Oswald’s son? How kind of him. “Hello.” Oswald greeted the cat with a smile. Felix blushed from the tip of his pointed ears to the end of his tail.(69)

Thank you so much. It means a lot to me that you treat my children so kindly.” His smile grew, and Felix felt himself heat up. “I really do hope we meet again very soon.”(69)

Ozzy, this is Boris, Cuphead, and Mugman.” Mickey indicated the three behind him. “And that over there is Alice and Holly, and you remember--”

“Felix! Nice to see you again!” Ozzy walked over to the cat with a bright smile. Felix ducked and flushed.

“Hello, Oswald,” Felix murmured. “Glad to see you’re doing well.”(85)

The rabbit sighed and scratched his ear. “I want to believe you, Felix. Sorry, I’m worried, and I can get hot headed,” he apologized, his sharp eyes turning gentle again.(88)

He had to admit after reading one of Felix' books as a bedtime story, he was colored impressed. He wondered how much was true and how much was embellished. It was hard to imagine the soft spoken man as this grand adventurer.(101)

“Mr. Oswald, hi.” The wolf kid waved with an uncertain smile. Oswald crossed his arms.

He was still getting used to talking again and didn’t really enjoy it, but he couldn’t stay quiet anymore either. It would devastate Mick and the kids if he went silent again.

That didn’t mean he had to be courteous to these people, though.

“We came by to look at the hole and see if we could do anything to help.” Felix stepped up. “We may have an idea of where Mickey’s at too.” Oswald raised a brow but pushed the door open.(101)

“Mr. Oswald,” Felix called from outside his door. “W-we aren’t leaving immediately. If you want to come, we can discuss it. But there are somethings that have be taken care of in town first.”

He threw the door open to see the cat author jump in surprise.

“What’s so important that my brother has to wait!”

“We-well, you see, one of the hostage requests is a girl. We still haven’t talked to her yet, and she isn’t in the best health to travel either.” Felix shrugged helplessly. “We have to plan carefully if we want to save Mickey.” That...was true. He had a bad habit of jumping in without a plan.(101)

Oswald swallowed and nodded. “Fine. But I am coming. You leave me behind, and I will call the police and report all of you.”

Felix’ ears dropped and a strange sorrow entered his eyes. “Of course.” Oswald ignored the pang of guilt he felt for threatening the cat. They had all lied to him. He had nothing to feel bad about, but Felix had been a wonderful visitor and a friend. The kids adored him.

“I’m trusting you Felix,” Oswald found himself saying. He watched the cat’s ears perk and eyes light up.(101)

He felt a bit guilty since he had to admit he didn’t completely trust Felix, and the cat had been nothing but kind and understanding. (103)

Boris is right.” Felix smiled at Oswald gently. “Mickey is a very capable person. I’m sure we will be able to get him back right as rain.”

Oswald tried his best to smile for the kind cat. “Thanks.” (103)

Oswald raised a brow. “Oh really?” He glanced at Felix. “Then hopefully Felix will get me chance to prove myself soon.” Felix looked up from his paper, eyes wide.

“Uh? M-me?” He blinked.

“You’re the most famous adventurer here, after all.” Oswald pointed to the book Holly had. “So, you’re the one that hands out the adventure cards.” He shrugged. “Makes sense to me.”( 104)

Oswald shrugged Felix off and walked away without a word. He looked at Felix and turned. “Mr. Oswald!” Felix called after him. “Mr. Oswald!” The cat went to follow.(105) (it’s unclear what happened between them after this but Oswald is less antagonistic toward cup for the rest of the trip and Felix ended up going to save Mickey instead of the brush despite it being at first a desperate attempt to get ozzy to calm down so in my eyes it counts)

Okay! Let’s go!” Felix said as he pulled Mugs and Boris away by their neck-wear. Oswald watched in entertained and perplexed amazement. Bendy felt like he missed something(106)

Oswald!” Felix stood too. “Wait, there has to be a mistake! We--”

“It’s okay Felix. I can handle this. You fellas just rest and relax,” Oswald said(106)

We’re all in danger as long as this thing is ticking,” Felix said pityingly. Oswald grimaced and looked from the door to Felix and back again. He clenched a fist and banged it against the car wall.

“Fine!” he growled and turned on Bendy and Boris. “But you make sure you get him out safe!”(109)

Holy stars. We’re alive.” Oswald slumped against the wall. Felix stepped up and patted him on the shoulder.

“Nice job Oswald.” Felix smiled.

The rabbit snorted. “You can call me Ozzy after this. Hell, call me anything you want. That was absolutely insane.”( 110)

Felix. He had a new respect for the cat. Soft spoken and kind. He had a tough side too. The toon had been steely yesterday. He was definitely the adventurer from his books. Oswald could see it now.(112)

“If he’s a demon, what is stopping him from going on a rampage with them? Maybe attack the angel’s city or something. I mean, that would make a lot of sense.”

“And you think Felix would actually help with that?” Mickey raised his brows.

“Maybe he’s lying to all of them,” Oswald suggested.(112)

Oswald stayed still, eyes wide as he absorbed what had just happened. How Felix had reacted. Until he felt heat in his ears and face. No way.(112)

“Ozzy?” Felix asked and followed his glance to the other side of the long table. “Is everything okay?” 

The rabbit sighed. It wasn’t his business. It really wasn’t. He was having a good night with his friends and brother.(125)

The inky crew seemed curious, especially cupface, but Oswald could ignore them. Almost. All but Felix.(125)

Oswald sighed. “Let me guess. You said or did something and you’re wondering if this is all your fault.” 

Felix’ eyes widened. “How do you know?” 

Oswald laughed. “Because that’s how a parent thinks.” He grinned. “And I knew you were close to them, Felix.” (149)

Felix scowled. “It’s nothing,” he grumbled and stomped to the sidewalk, the others on his tail. 

“Don’t give me that!” Oswald said. “Now show me.” 

Felix rolled his eyes and lifted his shirt. A couple pieces of glass and a long shallow cut above his scars. Oswald paled. “I’m fine,” Felix said again and sat on the sidewalk(150)

Hey Felix, seems like we’re in the same boat.” Oswald smiled. (156)

You just be the nice fella you’ve been and listen when someone wants to finally talk about it,” Oswald said and shut his eyes. 

“You sound so wise,” Felix said and smiled(156)

Oswald shrugged.  “I’ll be fine. Worry about the others.” 

Felix nodded. “Thanks Ozzy. You’re a great help.” 

The bunny blushed and lowered his chin. “It’s nothing.” (156)

“Don’t worry Felix. I’ll save anything good for you.” Oswald winked. The cat ducked and pulled his hat down.(162)

Oswald blinked. “Okay. Weird. Felix? What’s going o- Why do you have antlers ?” The adventurer had two perfectly mirrored deer antlers right between his ears.(248)

Just the entirety of them in 251 but here are some personal favorites:

“Doubts? You?” Oswald tilted his head, looking surprised.(251)

Oswald flushed and scratched the back of his head embarrassed. “It makes sense that I instantly felt a connection with you. I mean, I understand not getting along with your family and being burned in the past too.”(251)

Oswald winked. “After all, you’re a cussing charming fella. How could they not love that smile!” 

Felix flushed. Oswald blinked and blushed himself. Felix coughed. “Thanks!” the cat said quickly to save both of them from an awkward silence. “I appreciate that. More than you know.” 

Oswald’s face got even darker, his ears fell. “Don’t mention it.”(251)

Oswald’s cheeks flushed before he raised his nose. “Brillant, huh?” 

“You’re everything you listed and then some. I hope I can shape up to be half the father you are,” Felix said. 

Oswald grinned. “Go on.” 

Felix paused a raised a critical brow. 

Oswald smirked teasingly. “I never said anything about being humble.” 

The two burst with laughter. (251)

Okay, okay,” Oswald wheezed. “We better go before anyone bangs the door down.” 

“Well, you’d have to get off me first,” Felix pointed out. Oswald looked down and seemed to realize that he was straddling Felix.

“Ah! S-sorry! Oops, sorry! Haha!” The rabbit's face darkened (251)

Oswald's eyes widened. Felix attempted to escape to the door, but a hand closed around his wrist. “Hey,” Oswald said, his tone had dropped. Felix glanced back to see the handsome bunny watching him intensely. “H-how about lunch tomorrow? I’ll buy.” 

What was with that look? “Okay,” Felix agreed, feeling both excited and a little nervous. “What’s the occasion?” 

Oswald smiled, but his eyes didn’t soften. “Does there need to be one?”(251)

The hand on his shoulder squeezed before pulling back. “Bendy and Boris need me. In a lot of ways, now more than ever.” He looked up to see Oswald's smile soften into something warmer(256)

Felix raised a brow. “You’d go into Hell for me?” 

Oswald folded his arms behind his head. “Well yeah, Feels. You’d do that for me. I know you would. You’re amazing so I’m just trying to keep up.” 

Felix felt his face heat up, and he laughed. “You keep up with me? Hahaha! Ozzy, I thought I needed to try to keep up with you!” 

“M-me!” Oswald chuckled. “Well, I’ll be.” (262)

“He’s actually quite the fella. Super smart, fast, funny, bashful, and you’d think he’s all quiet but no. He is full of surprises! Right when I think I have him figured out, there’s a new twist. He can really keep me on my toes. But he’s a good fella. No, a great one. He’s trying to adopt those boys and it’s not easy. I’ve been trying to help and I swear they make those documents as dry as possible in hopes you’d give up! But Felix is smart. Smarter than me. And you should see the look in his eyes when he gets mischievous. You aren’t ready for it since he seems like such a nice strait-laced fella but he can be a real schmuck if he wants to!”(268).

[kkaimmri]

i don’t think anything frustrates me more than pining wolfstar. can you guys just stfu and kiss? like it pushes all of my buttons man

especially when it’s dragged out for so long. AND ESPECIALLY when they’re a background ship!! like this ain’t even your story??

and i thought it was just me not liking the whole pining trope thing but NO! it only annoys me when it’s wolfstar!!!

[barklikeagod]

@killrwolves :)<3

[angelof-thevoid]

The Crucible / Undefeated

“Is it… True? what Lord Shaxx said?” asks one of a fire team of guardians who approach Ikora as she reads. She smiles and lets out a short chuckle before looking up at them. “Depends on what he said. In most cases he enjoys flourishing a story, but there’s always some amount of truth to them.” The guardians nod and shuffle a little nervously before her.

Another speaks up, “So… Do you really hold the crucible record for the longest win streak and are the reason that his helmet is missing a horn?” Their expressions display a mix of awe and fear of her. Ah. New lights for sure. These are old stories about her that have been retold several times, but Ikora had to admit she still reflects on them a little fondly. Even Shaxx still finds the loss of his horn amusing and even gushes about what a mighty battle Ikora gave him. 

“Yes, it’s true.” She sets down the book she was flipping through for personal research and turns to fully face them with her arms crossed behind her. The group lean in, minds open to hearing her version of the stories. 

“In the dark age, it was a very different time compared to now, a time before we were guardians who strove for peace and protecting humanity. Some still had those goals back then, though maybe not always accomplished by the best methods. Others cared more about personal power and chose to be rulers of humanity, calling themselves warlords. They would force those under them to hand over precious limited resources, often at the cost of themselves and under threats of death.”

“Even worse, there were times they were used as meat shields when conflicts arose between immortal risen, most often over territory. It was… A dark time.” As if we haven’t had several since, Ikora comments to herself. “Sometimes we aren’t our best selves during them, and that includes Lord Shaxx. He wasn’t the worst, arguably he was doing what he thought was best for those he deemed his charge.” 

“But still, that power structure wasn’t good, and Lord Shaxx proved himself to be quite formidable in maintaining his lands. Until I came along.” Ikora smiles and winks at the three guardians as they give her their undivided attention. She may not have the same flair for dramatic retellings but it’s nice to know that she could still get others to listen. 

“In those days, I wasn’t a warlord but I wouldn’t say I was my best self either, but I like to think I was at least on the path. I was also quicker to resort to my light and weaponry in those days to handle things instead of talking. So when word about an apparently “undefeated” warlord reached me, I heard a challenge.”

“And a challenge it was, we made a real mess of the area we fought in. Trading bullet for bullet, light for light, one rez after the other. It was…” She trails off a moment. “Exhilarating. A battle with someone who was even in power makes victory all the more satisfying, and I definitely reveled in it afterward. I took the land as promised and freed it to humanity.” 

“Whoaaaaa,” the third guardian responded. “Okay, but then what about the crucible record story?” “Yeah, tell us about that next!” pipes up the first again. Ikora finds herself quickly endeared to the enthusiasm of this bunch as she softly laughs. “Now that is a more recent occurrence. As I’m sure Lord Shaxx informed you, the crucible is about forging guardians into better fighters by pitting ourselves against each other, to sharpen ourselves into being the best at combat to face any future foe.”

“So as I told you before, I was often eager to rise to a challenge. Only this was at least cooperatively sanctioned violence instead of a sloppy skirmish over land or a tense encounter that resulted in a permanent death.” She stops for a moment. “At least, usually it’s for sport to strengthen our skills. Some have tried to use it for other means.”

“I participated in the crucible very extensively for a time in my long life. Every day I went in with the goal to be better than I was the previous, and I did excel! Through that hard work I earned a reputation of being one of the best with a 25 win streak.” Ikora moves one of her hands in front and balls it into a fist before slowly releasing, ”But the glory of the crucible still left me wanting.”

She moves her arm behind her back once more joining with the other. “After all, what good is organized arena combat when not every battle is a show of physical prowess? What about the fights that aren’t met through bullets or paracausality or fists?” The silence hangs for a moment as Ikora patiently looks at the three of them like she expects an answer. 

“It’s, also important to have mental fortitude and be strategic in mind?” Answers the warlock of the group. Ikora grins proudly at them. “Correct. It’s not enough to be physically capable, but mentally and strategically as well. Which is why it’s also important to know and learn as well as train to fight. Neither is enough on their own, they are both parts to the whole of being a guardian.”

The warlock beamed at getting the answer correct as she continued. “It’s also good to not know and fight your enemy but be able to know and fight yourself. There will be times you struggle, physically, mentally, emotionally- and it’s important to take care of yourself too. The things we deal with and go through can be a heavy burden, which is why it matters to be able to rely on your fire team, and be reliable in return.”

Ikora crosses her arms in a relaxed manner over her chest, raising one finger. “So remember, it’s not just important to be physically strong and to use your light. You must also be strong of mind and to maintain both by taking care of yourselves, and each other.” The three nod to each other and in acknowledgement of Ikora's words, taking them to heart.

"Good." She smiles again. "Walk steady in the light, guardians."

[evansbby]

I cannot believe the wicked games Drabble was 5000 words long like basically a full ass fic and the low amount of notes it got…

[bunnihearted]

🦭

[graciebrams]

🫧

[s4pphic-sh3nan1gans]

do you want to know how much the jance pictures affected me?

I am currently writing a song about it (or attempting to, at least) and I just- ajshakshak I can't do this anymore, the chokehold they have on me is INSANE.

that said, there is absolutely no better inspiration than something that makes you feel so many things at 3am. no matter what it is, it just hits different and I'm... I'm not okay 😭😭😭

[britneyshakespeare]

did i tell you guys i got my dad to start reading jane eyre

[makedamnsvre]

still playing with this. after uhh. many months. idk what do do with it tbh. my beloved animal

couple of drawings of it from 2019 btw. just because. look at how my creature has changed...........

[hollowwhisperings]

The Mythology of Keyblades: Riku the Beach Boy of Avalon

This theory is partially Crack and partially a genuine investigation into the usage of Arthurian mythology within the KH series.

(this line from Monty Python & the Holy Grail inspired this whole theory: all i had to do was replace the referenced [Lady of the Lake] with Riku)

If you've loitered about the Kingdom Hearts fandom enough and read enough interviews with Tetsuya Nomura, you'll soon conclude that Riku is Tetsuya Nomura's Favourite Child in this series. Riku is the driving force for most of KH's story beats & Riku has played deuteragonist to Sora, story-wise if not in gameplay, in every game that isn't a prequel. Riku seems to gain a new & unique special ability with every game (often at a harsh price). Yet, for all the time the audience spends with Riku... the series is very careful about revealing anything about the boy beyond his utter devotion to Sora. The game even encourages players to Forget and Overlook the integral roles Riku plays in the series, typically via throwing a Kairi between him & Sora.

Jokes aside, while Riku's Secret Anime Prince coding is STRONG, it is not the point being explored here: there are 2 seemingly nonsensical Disney Crossovers established prior to most everything else: 'Alice in Wonderland' (something somewhat explored in my 'Princesses of Light as Stars' series of tinhattery) and 'The Sword In The Stone'. This post shall examine the latter, an animated adaption of the King Arthur myth, and how it is represented in KH not solely through the character of 'Merlin' but as the underlying principle behind the x-blade, Keyblade Wielding & how Riku acts as Kingdom Hearts itself.

Boy at Beach Distrubiting Swords

Let's start with Riku's Keyblades: he has had more than one, not due to gears or keychains but due to... apparently being able to churn fresh swords from his Heart as the Plot Requires.

The different keyblades used by Riku throughout the series thus far are the following:

Kingdom Key (Sora's default keyblade)

Souleater/Way to the Dawn (Riku's default from KH1 until KH2.9)

the Keyblade of Heart (while possessed by Apprentice Xehanort's Heartless, AKA Ansem Seeker of Darkness);

the [Combined Keyblade/"Gayblade"] (alongside Sora)

Braveheart (Riku's current keyblade)

(given that King Mickey found Kingdom Key-D in the Dark equivalent of the Destiny Islands & the whole "x-blade was made of light & darkness" thing... THAT keyblade, currently wielded by King Mickey, may ALSO come from Riku)

That's 5 different keyblades (6 if we include Kingdom Key-D), and ALL have been seen onscreen with at least 1 other, typically Kingdom Key, marking each of these keyblades as being 'distinct' and 'separate' from each other. Before figuring out what Heart Maths may be at play here... a brief interlude.

Young Adult Gifts Toddler Giant Sword: More Wholesome than it Sounds

Supposedly, the ability to [manifest] & "wield" a keyblade is only possible through a successful Bequeathing Ceremony: Terra performed such a ceremony for Riku in BBS. This, however, is a method passed on by the Master of Masters & subsequent schools of keyblade masters: given... literally EVERYTHING seen on "traditional" schools of keyblade mastery, this Premise is Factually Dubious. The series shows multiple characters manifesting or otherwise wielding keyblades without any such ceremonies: even assuming that these rites "carry over" through acts of Posession and Cloning, the Need for a ceremony becomes questionable. This would not be the first (nor last) time in the KH series that the "knowledge" of Foretellers, Mentors & Scholars prove to be Assumptions rather than Absolute Fact.

Exhibit A: Axel & Accidents

Axel is the best example as, unless we are later informed that Subject X performed the ceremony on Lea (or that Roxas or Xion did so without knowing), Axel has never been part of nor possessed by an existing keyblade wielder: his keyblade is entirely his own, a surprise to all.

Sora & Kairi were never formally bequeathed a keyblade though the latter "accidentally" inherited the ability from Aqua in BBS. Sora never had such a ceremony, the KH Wiki (dubious resource that it is) explains Sora's keyblade wielding as being a result of Ventus sleeping within Sora's Heart: I think it is more likely that, unlike the Formal Ceremonies of past keyblade schools may have taught, Hearts do not actually require outside recognition of "worth" in order to manifest a keyblade.

Once Upon A Meteor Shower

Riku's Heart entrusting Kingdom Key to Sora in KH1, a last-ditch effort from its Light to keep to its Oath of Protection, strikes me as being more "faithful" to what we have observed of keyblades in-game. For all that the formally schooled Keyblade Wielders past recited "May Your Heart Be Your Guiding Key", no one embodies the intent of this principle more than the entirely self-taught Sora: Riku and King Mickey likely next closest in trusting their Hearts over what they have been taught.

A Heart entrusting its physical manifestation to Another due to the Connection between them seems a "Truer" bequeathment than the (admittedly heartwarming) recitations of a stranger. Keyblades may NOW be deemed "weapons" to conquer Darkness... but the original x-blade was made of Light AND Darkness, a union of forces working in balance rather than opposition. The first x-blade was a tool for Protection, not Hurt: a creation of Heart and, thus, of Love.

Exhibit B: Body & Hearts

A creation of "Heart". As in, 1 heart = 1 keyblade. Multiple hearts in 1 body? Multiple keyblades.

Roxas is the Go-To example: the Nobody Twin of Naminé, created when Sora "unlocked" Kairi from his Heart whilst Ventus slept within it.

Roxas, in his every appearance, is capable of Dual Wielding: a keyblade from Sora, a keyblade from Ventus. Upon gaining an independent, replika body... Roxas can still, apparently, dual-wield.

...despite no longer sharing the Hearts of Sora nor Ventus (nor Xion).

(as this is a Riku speculation post, not a "what the heck is up with Roxas" one, i'll just... put a Pin in this mystery for now but the "maths" of 1 heart = 1 keyblade are, indeed, still facts of canon: Nomura confirmed as much when revealing the Above Album Art he made for Utada Hikaru's KH3 songs)

Exhibit C: Proof of Concept

Then we have Aqua: she lost her keyblade between saving Ven & falling into Darkness. The keyblade of Master Eraqus came to her aid: this is consistent with the established concept of Bequeathing Ceremonies. It's uncertain whether the same person can bequeath keyblade-wielding to multiple persons but it seems likely given the scale of the Unions in KHX.

(At that same point in time, the Heart of Eraqus was hidden within a Nort'd Terra: 3 Hearts existed within Apprentice Xehanort, all of them in conflict with each other, to varying degrees.)

The keyblade Aqua receives, the keyblade of Master Eraqus, is named 'Master's Defender'. This was originally the keyblade of the Dandelion Brain but was passed onto Ephemer and from pupil to student until eventually being inherited by Eraqus. This seemingly aligns with the concept of Masters 'bequeathing' keyblades to students, specifically THEIR keyblades.

Interestingly, Riku has never wielded Terra's keyblade (or its likeness, via keychain) 'Earthshaker/Ends of the Earth' after its being bequeathed to him, likely due to its remaining with Terra's 'Soul', the 'Lingering Will' within his armour. If this is the case... NONE of the keyblades Riku has conjured or wielded are a result of his Bequeathment Ceremony. Terra's Keyblade becomes a 6th (or 7th) keyblade connected to Riku, albeit an unused one.

Speaking of Terra...

Xemnas (the Nobody of Apprentice Xehanort AKA 'TerraNort') is NEVER seen wielding a keyblade, let alone two.

...but he DOES wield two [lightsabers]/'Ethereal Blades'.

If Xemnas had ever believed in his own personhood, it's plausible that he could have dual wielded keyblades like Roxas... though the conflict between the Hearts of Xehanort & Terra are unlikely to have cooperated long enough for dualwielding to be sustainable in combat.

Back to the Beginning

Kingdom Key was formed by the Light within Riku's Heart. That Light entrusted itself to Sora while Riku himself was lost in Darkness. Riku is later seen wielding a different keyblade, 'Soul Eater'. Given that KH1 sets up a premise of there being 'two' Kingdom Keys, one of Light & one of Darkness... perhaps 'Soul Eater' was made from the Darkness within Riku's Heart. Maleficent or Ansem SOD would know better than most anyone how to create such a thing.

(it's still Weird that Riku's Heart is the ONLY Heart we see capable of manifesting TWO, simultaneously existing & separately wielded keyblades: Riku using Souleater never prevented Sora from using Kingdom Key; Souleater becoming 'Way to the Dawn' did not affect Kingdom Key; and Riku & Sora use each other's keyblades interchangeably in KH2, even dualwielding at times)

While Riku is possessed by Ansem SoD (the heartless of Apprentice Xehanort), he wields a keyblade forged by the hearts of 6 of the 7 Princesses of Heart: this keyblade is named 'Keyblade of Heart' or 'Keyblade of People's Hearts'. This is an artificially made keyblade, wielded by an entity made up of at least 4 people's Hearts (Riku, Xehanort, Terra, Eraqus) and it does not seem to survive past Ansem SoD's defeat.

During the events of KH2.9 (at the 'Drop Point' between the first timeline of KH3 & Sora's First Retcon), Riku and King Mickey find themselves struggling in the depths of the Realm of Darkness. They had hoped to find the missing Master Aqua yet their journey has only proven the point of Master Yen Sid's preventing such a rescue 10 years prior: alone, surviving the journey to the abyss would be all but impossible. Similarly, Sora immediately post-DDD would not have survived the pace set by Mickey & Riku: Sora needed the lessons and confidence boost he found through Herc & Meg before he was truly ready for Aqua's Attempted Rescue.

Before Sora has his Hero Moment (complete with Riku's slow-mo heart-eye reaction to it), Riku's keyblade 'Way to the Dawn'... breaks. Riku also spontaneously gets a Hair Cut. Not due to any attack landing on him from the Demon Tide nor due to any bout of Gay Agony: just... "randomly" (Sleeping Realm Theory covers this).

So then Riku casually manifests a BRAND NEW KEYBLADE, while not at all possessed nor acting as a Heart Hotel, and that keyblade is Braveheart.

(which is basically Kingdom Key but Make It Modern)

It's also in the Realm of Darkness that Sora & Riku first wield their Combined Keyblade whilst in the same plane of reality: in DDD, they wielded their blade across parallel dreamscapes. The [combined keyblade] in KH3 looks exactly as it did in Dream Drop Distance: half Mirage Split, half Nightmare's End.

How Many Hearts Does 1 Riku Have?

The highest number of "hearts" occupying 1 Riku is 10, in KH1: his own, Xehanort's & Terra's, the ghost of Master Eraqus (still biding his time for Maximum Drama), with the 6 Disney Princesses of Heart smooshed within the 'Keyblade of Heart' the Riku Vessel is wielding.

By that time in KH1, both Sora and Riku have wielded Kingdom Key. Riku had also acquired & begun wielding the 'Souleater' keyblade.

Kingdom Key is the keyblade born of the Light in Riku's Heart: a sword entrusted to a Crowned Prince from someone hidden within water, a gift that marks its wielder as a saviour and a fate-chosen king. Sora bears Riku's Crown, a pendant he is never seen without, and Riku (& his Heart) was sinking within both literal (storm and tide) and metaphoric (falling into darkness/sinking within deep waters) waters when Sora receives Kingdom Key. When Sora arrives in Traverse Town, the Final Fantasy & Disney characters there hold Kingdom Key in reverence: the Key follows Sora so THEY follow him too.

There is an Irony about every keyblade-related argument Sora & Riku have in KH1: Kingdom Key WAS Riku's before it was Sora's, the authority of the sword & reverence given to its wielder WAS on "loan" from Riku... but, ultimately, the wielder chosen by the Physical Representation of Riku's Heart & the Light within it?

Yeah, no, sorry Riku: your Heart Likes Sora More.

After KH1, Riku never attempts to "reclaim" Kingdom Key: it's probably during the events between KH1 & KH2 that Riku realises that Kingdom Key is not only a literal manifestation of his own Heart but that he believes Sora to be the best person to wield that "Heart", that "Destiny".

Even if Riku had not somehow managed to manifest the Souleater/Way to the Dawn keyblade, needing to "borrow" Kingdom Key during his year-long vigil at Sora's bedside... I doubt he would have KEPT the sword or that it would let itself be "kept".

Riku's unique connections to both Light AND Darkness make it somewhat reasonable to conclude that 'Souleater' is the Dark counterpart to Kingdom Key: a keyblade formed by the Darkness of Riku's Heart, a keyblade that evolves to 'Way to the Dawn' and Riku's efforts to master his Darkness and return to the Light.

(this still begs the question: how the heck does Kingdom Key-D fit into all this?? no, i'm genuinely asking: what is up with that keyblade)

ALTERNATIVELY! Kingdom Key-D was very logically forged by Riku's Darkness, manifesting in the Realm of Darkness alongside the Fallen Destiny Islands. This makes it Interesting that Mickey could carry it around prior to personally meeting Riku but, regardless of any realizations on its nature & likely relationship with Riku (or Sora), Mickey wields this keyblade-D from KH1 onward.

(This potentially leaves Mickey's Original Keyblade, seen in BBS, as yet ANOTHER keyblade available for Riku's use: the count has risen to 9, 8 if excluding Key-D.)

So... if Riku's Darkness forged Kingdom Key-D, what was Souleater & what IS Braveheart?

Alt #1: Riku, like any Strange Pond Person, can summon as many Magic Swords as Destiny Requires because... he is Literally Kingdom Hearts & that leaves ALL hearts "free" for his use.

Alt #2: The keyblades Riku wields (Souleater, Way to the Dawn & Braveheart) are all manifestations of SORA'S Heart. Sora may be oblivious as to why he is so fixated on Riku but, if Chain of Memories is anything to go by, Sora's HEART knows what it wants, damnit! Even without any allegedly required Bequeathment Ceremony, Riku is a "Child of Destiny" and had already crowned Sora as one too: just as Riku's Heart reached out to Sora, Sora's Heart may have reached BACK for Riku. Thus both boys end up with Keyblades: each holding onto a piece of the other (somewhat literally).

This gives additional explanation to their easy trading & wielding of each other's Keyblades in KH2: the keyblades "belonged" to BOTH boys and always had.

This interpretation easily applies itself to Sleeping Realm Theory, too: 'Way to the Dawn' still "broke" because of Riku's Sacrifice but instead of figuratively representing Riku's Heart "breaking" via his actually Dying, it would represent physically the effect that Sacrifice had on Sora: his Heart broke, "dying" with Riku.

Alt #3: Riku's extra keyblades were from Maleficent, "Ansem", Ansem &/or King Mickey. The timeline allows for Maleficent's providing Riku with the 'Souleater' keyblade: it does not QUITE align for the broken connection between Riku & his Would-Be Fairy Godmother that we can assume happened upon her death in KH1, nor account for any effects caused by her subsequent "resurrection". The timelines required for the other candidates to be involved are not consistent with that of the games nor supplementary canon.

Before wrapping up, let's acknowledge the Giant Crowned Rainbow Sword in the room:

The [combined keyblade], wielded by Riku & Sora in DDD & KH3, is a manifestation of "their Hearts [beating] In Tune". It is That Simple: any efforts to straightwash its existence WILL cause plot holes so just Accept The Gayblade is Gay.

That the Gayblade just so coincidentally resembles both the Ultima keyblade(s) and various x-blades, definitely fit most description of what the x-blade is & how it can be made?

These are also Just Gay. Kingdom Hearts has been building up to (gay) Love being the Ultimate Power of the series from its very beginning: it has ALWAYS used heart imagery and symbolism, used Disney Couples to mirror the changing relationship of Sora & Riku, used "the connections between hearts" as a child's understanding of love (in all forms).

The logical evolution for a Coming of Age journey about a Boy & his Best Friend, in a series that repeatedly uses & is named for 'hearts', who have become stronger as their hearts became more attuned... is for said Boy to realise, acknowledge and recognise that the connection of their hearts has Changed into something less platonic: romantic love, like that between couples in Disney films, like Riku (& Selphie) brought up to Sora through star-shaped fruit before ever exploring those stars personally.

The [combined keyblade] was naturally forged through mutual devotion: its existence implies that the fabled x-blade of legend was ALSO forged by mutual love, that Kingdom Hearts chose its guardian because of Love, that the x-blade's legendary strengh came from its need to protect its dearly Beloved: there is no Straight Explanation for Sora & Riku being able to make the combined keyblade.

[g0thsoojin]

🗯️

[swagging-back-to]

part 15 of me obsessing over this 50 gallon tank LOL

so im 100lbs soaking wet. I can lift around 65lbs-- even up and down stairs, but it's still a mild to moderate struggle.

Most 50 gallon tanks weigh 100lbs.

therefore i have to be able to lift my own weight in exactly 9 days time. :))))) help

[koushirouizumi]

{Shaman King} ~ Yoh Asakura & (Aspec!/Demiromantic Queer!) Manta Oyamada + "At the Beginning" {+{Minimal} Anna as Support) (near very End)}

By Me {Do Not Reproduce/Re-upload my AMVs/Video Edits Without my Permission Under Any Circumstances} Music (C) D o n n a L e w i s & R i c h a r d M a r x A N A S T A S I A (C) FOX/D O N B L U T H

[bunnihearted]

🍓

[samixayn]

I remember feeling so heartbroken at the difference of crowd reaction sami got on the main roster compared to his nxt run bc he used to be one of the top babyfaces before getting called up and then a mixture of him getting injured + bad booking decision after bad booking decision let him fade into the background until they gave him a heel gimmick that was meant to make fun of him and even then I feel like he didn't get huge reactions BUT NOW he's made himself an integral part of THE wrestling storyline of the past like what ? two years ? he's proven smth that I've always known which is that he is one of the most talented people on the roster and it would be the stupidest waste of potential to keep trying to turn him into fucking. doink the clown idk