#it just feels appropriate for Victor in particular

[unpretty]

So while there have been a lot of asks about Corinne (understandably so, I love her too!) I have a question about the third chapter of Movie Night.

The manifesto Selina left at the British Museum (I like to imagine she Martin Luthered it right on the front door), is there a specific paper you're referencing? My (admittedly weak) Google-fu to try to find it has been unsuccessful thus far, and it definitely sounds like something I want to read.

she martin luthered it for sure

it isn't a specific reference! previous selina fics have referenced that her deal is It Belongs In An Ancient Ruin, and there's also the part in Stolen Moments where she basically destroys a priceless and irreplaceable piece of art in a kind of funeral because the artist never meant for it to be an aesthetic piece admired by strangers.

there are probably a lot of interesting papers you could find about religious appropriation (warped aestheticised versions of practices being adopted by western spiritualists of no particular tradition etc etc), repatriation (artifacts but also scientific testing on human remains, which is where people tend to have more mixed feelings), and the overall tension between the need to learn from history versus the right to be forgotten (if history is written by the victors, who is learning what? who agreed to be someone else's lesson? if your grandfather killed mine, should i be grateful for everything your family learned from that?)

BUT i'm not gonna write anything about all that because i'm busy with laffs and pornography

i get to just allude to it and everyone has to take my word for it that it was really good, no one can stop me

[honesttoblogjuno]

I absolutely loved your take on a hunger games AU!! I know it is a once shot, so my question is this. What are some headcannons you have about Wednesday and Enid in this particular AU?? ❤️❤️ just any that you think would be accurate?

Thank you so much for reading it, and for the ask and kind words! I spent about an hour thinking about the background before I wrote the little fic, and here is what I came up with!

For this AU, I was thinking 60th Hunger Games, or something in that ballpark. I put Enid in District 2 not just because it seems sort of close to where she is from in canon, but also because I felt like her overall aesthetic and demeanour would put her somewhere a little more proximal to the capitol, and I liked the idea of her being an unorthodox career tribute. I played around with the idea of Wednesday volunteering as well, but I thought she would ultimately be more ethically opposed to the Hunger Games than intrigued by the gore and violence.

I didn’t explicitly mention this in the oneshot, but I pictured her in District 6, with the Addams family being sort of upper-class in the district like how Madge’s family was in the original series, to track with her privileged upbringing from the movies and show’s canon. Fencing lessons felt appropriate for a macabre kid who was a little bit better-resourced than most. I feel like she would have a distain for the capitol but would take the route of using their tools to play her own game rather than outright trying to start a Revolution or something— she always struck me as a bit of a reluctant hero who found her way into saving the world out of her own fixations, (initial/put-on) self-centeredness, and moral code. So, if she won the games, she would make her impact once she was a Victor rather than trying to blow the games apart as a tribute.

They are both 16 in the AU I wrote (hinted at that but didn’t directly say), and Enid’s family sent her off to the academy to train pretty young, whereas Wednesday was always very into school and by nature is entering the arena without formal training but with quite the encyclopaedia of knowledge and without being afraid to get her hands a bit dirty.

No powers in this AU, of course, but Wednesday has good instincts for guessing outcomes based on meticulous analysis and gut instinct, and Enid has modded her canine teeth into fangs á la Enobaria. I think her show-stopper move in the arena would be eviscerating other tributes with her nails but without fanfare or claiming the kills outright. Silent but deadly, and the polish hides the blood underneath her nails. Wednesday grabs a sword at the cornucopia and kills a tribute in the process, but she doesn’t see Enid make any attempt at grabbing a weapon or allying herself with the other careers, which she makes note of.

Wednesday gets a high score for her training test because she was able to demonstrate a exceptional degree of competency in pretty much every area, but especially because she was able to predict other tribute’s scores and the game makers were kind of weirded out and impressed (in my mind, she has a near-photographic knowledge of all the prior games because she is a Weird Kid™️, and uses that as well as her observations during training and readings). Enid got an 11 for dissecting the model dummy with a surgical precision using only her nails.

I’m open to the idea that either one of them dies in my short AU, or that they both do. My MO, which is consistent throughout all my fics, is to show that my core belief is that they are evenly matched. I don’t think Wednesday has the upper hand on Enid, and I think Enid can be a victim of fandom character flattening— I like to call back to the fact that, in canon, she’s not only very popular amongst her peers (a skillset Wednesday lacks), but extracurricularly engaged and being called on by the headmistress to give tours of the campus, which tells me she is probably a high achiever. And, Bianca sees her as a threat to some degree, and she’s the reigning popular AND smart girl. Maybe her grammar and spelling could use some work, but she’s not inherently less smart than Wednesday, and the “this kitty has claws” scene in the pilot deliberately set her up to be Wednesday’s equally balanced foil. So, for this AU, I didn’t want Wednesday to just sweep the games because she’s Wednesday, I wanted Enid to be real competition to her.

The following part of the story would be Enid starting an alliance with Wednesday where their tension and bond continues to grow and eventually they have to decide to kill each other or separate and let other people kill them. I think Wednesday would kill Enid and come out of the games extremely resentful of the Capitol for constructing that situation, or they would separate but she would kill a tribute making a shot at Enid to save her, just further complicating their mutually assured destruction. Enid, however, I see preferring to just separate. Is there room for a situation where they are fighting together and, after they vanquish the final enemy, the camera pans to show that one of them has fatally stabbed the other accidentally? If Enid wins, she gets her scars during the games.

I also considered an AU where Wednesday was a mentor who freshly won the previous year’s games and Enid was the new tribute she had to train, but thought it might strike a bit close to home since the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has a mentor/tribute dynamic going on. In that case, though, I see Wednesday winning her games through mostly tactical moves and a fair amount of well-timed and executed (pardon the pun) kills, possibly starting to get a bit creative with them which won her some points with the capitol. I imagine Enid wanting to take a more charismatic approach to win over the sponsors and form alliances, which she butts heads with Wednesday “I work alone” Addams about.

Anyway, that’s sort of what I was thinking for this particular AU! I feel like there must be an awesome collection of fics with the Hunger Games AU prompt out there, and although I haven’t read those, I bet there are tons of cool directions to take the lore.

Thanks so much for the question and for reading the fic!!! 💕

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor x MC – S2 CH 41 - CH 44 (Eng Translation - Part 1)

“The surrounding clusters of flames emit a bright glow, and the slowly rising lanterns encircle the man. It seems as if he is a god descending from the heavens.”

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

[Disclaimer]: I’m actually going to subtitle the Victor parts for this update, so I won’t give myself double torture by adding sprites here LOL. this is more for keeping a transcript version, and adding the screaming at the end lmao 💕

—

【CH 41-1, Victor part】

The gears of the world rotate silently, propelling mottled time forward, ultimately toward a completely detached direction.

The black vortex contorts as if, with just an attempt to peep, one would be sucked into an abyss from which there is ever no return.

??: It’s indeed difficult to impose restrictions on the abilities of a powerful Space-Time Evolver.

??: You are indeed extraordinary to have persisted up to this point. It’s only appropriate to commend you for your abilities.

Victor turns his head and looks at the little boy who has appeared alongside the black hole. The boy is attired in a gentleman’s hat and a mismatched style of shirt and casual shorts.

Little Boy: Although someone helped you before, you must know that you won’t be able to cheat this time.

Victor has a vague feeling that he has seen this strange little boy somewhere before, but he doesn’t dwell on it as it doesn’t seem to matter.

He roughly has an idea of what the other party’s presence here right now means.

Every demand comes with its own price – this is a truth he understands better than anyone else.

Little Boy: Don’t try to secretly do anything. I can see everything~

It’s as if the young boy could see through his innermost thoughts with a single glance. He places a finger on his lips and speaks in a naïve tone that carries an unusual sense of composure for his age.

The black vortex expands, encompassing the entire space in silent and lifeless darkness. At this moment, the sound of a mechanical violin begins to play slowly.

A distorted space abruptly opens, revealing a crack from which a pair of black leather shoes emerges.

The little boy tilts his head and raises the tail note of his voice with a sense of intrigue.

Little Boy: Are you the Time Observer?

Zero: I would like to discuss a particular condition with you.

—

MC is back at the office, and after exchanging pleasantries with everyone, she heads back to her respective work:

After filtering through a variety of content, I draft a few program topics and want to discuss them with Victor.

As soon as I turn on my phone, I find that he has already sent me a text message.

Victor’s Text: “I’m currently in France. If you have any new proposal ideas, send them to me via email.”

How come he suddenly went to France?

A little puzzled, I type a line in the chat box - “Are you on a business trip?” But I delete the previous text after thinking for a moment and press the keys again.

MC’s Text: “I’m waiting for your return!”

MC’s Text: “Sent the new proposal ideas to your mailbox. CEO Victor, please have a look at them~”

MC [to herself]: Let’s add another cute emoji… perfect!

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 43-13, Victor part】

The sky has just begun to clear up, but there is still a dampness lingering in the air of Paris.

As the wind brushes through the leaves and branches of the surrounding Sycamore trees, it makes a rustling sound that accompanies a faraway sigh, creating the reminiscence of a silent requiem.

The person in his memory used to really like this kind of weather.

Victor quietly withdraws his gaze, lowers his head, and lays down a bouquet of pure white flowers as he looks at the tombstone before him.

Looking at the cold yet familiar name on the marble, he seems to once again see the figure of that person who once took him by the hand and guided him to the window, showing him the birds seeking shelter from the rain under the eaves.

The past scenes are akin to feathers, gradually scattering in the shifting rainy season of a foreign land.

Victor closes his eyes and gently rests his forehead against the tombstone.

The Adam’s apple under his collar quivers for a moment. After a prolonged silence, he finally speaks in a soft voice.

Victor: [shredded my heart into a million pieces]  I’m leaving.

Victor: [x2]  But I will take care of everything beforehand… don’t worry.

As he speaks, his fingertips linger on the cold marble for a long, long time. It seems as if he wants to leave something behind, yet also wants to remember something for himself.

The evening breeze of the late spring brushes over the hair on his forehead, reminiscent of that hand that once gently fell on his head, accompanied by lullabies.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-1】

At MC’s office–

MC is sorting out the materials for her proposal related to the “memory overlap,” and the entire situation, including the public opinion and commotion, is much more under control than before.

—

MC: I knew I should have come and sorted this out last night…

Sighing, I shake the document in my hand. When I subconsciously glance at my phone to check the time, a text message pops up on the screen just at that time.

“Don’t forget that you have to report in a moment.” The sender is Victor.

The conciseness of the content is infused with the familiar flavor, and I can’t help but curl up the corners of my lips.

Victor’s overseas business trip this time has not been a short one. And although we have contacted each other via texts, there are many words that simply cannot be conveyed through words.

After knowing that he would return last night, I immediately scheduled an appointment with CEO Victor, intending to do the so-called “work report.”

I quickly press the keys on the keyboard, typing out a reply:

MC’s Text: “I certainly haven’t forgotten. I have already sorted everything out!”

Victor’s Text: “I’m afraid if a certain someone hasn’t set off yet, she will be late again.”

I feel as if I can see the teasing expression Victor is wearing right now through the screen, causing my hands to accelerate involuntarily.

Just as I’m nearly finished organizing the documents and am about to get up, Anna comes over with a bundled proposal and hands it to me.

Anna: MC, there’s a proposal that you urgently need to go through. It’s about the redevelopment of Loveland City.

MC: Okay… Meng Chang? Why do I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before…

I thumb through the papers in my hands, my gaze falling on the compressed letters.

“Since assuming office, Mr. Meng Chang has made outstanding contributions and has significantly elevated the Evolvers’ social status.”

“This time, he is in charge of the Loveland City redevelopment project, and we are confident that he will be able to acquire even more remarkable achievements.”

The document also contains detailed notes on Meng Chang’s relationships with important figures and the key points for asking him questions. Rather than a proposal, it’s better to say that this is a publicity release.

Anna: This is the material provided by the City Hall, and in two days, there will be a press conference to mark his inauguration.

Anna: The company’s staff is still working on the past memories overlap project. So, I have no choice but to trouble you, the Boss, to make the trip personally.

I nod, thinking about how the main focus of my recent efforts has been on dealing with memory overlap, and the company has also been awfully occupied.

MC: No problem. The press conference will cover our association with the City Hall, and I’ll follow up. You guys have been working hard recently.

MC: Once we are done with the matters at hand, you all should take some time off.

Anna: Speaking of, aren’t you the one who should be taking a break the most?

Anna: Watching you running in and out with dark circles under your eyes every day, we are worried about you.

MC: It’s alright. I’ll find an opportunity to rest later.

Anna: Well, that’s just as well, I have something for you.

Anna suddenly comes up to me and places two tickets in my hand.

The huge Kongming lantern on the ticket enters my line of sight, and the words “Lantern Festival” are written in Chinese calligraphy.

–

[Tidbits]: The person encouraging MC to “go out with someone” to the Lantern Festival in “Victor’s Lantern Date” was also Anna~ 🥺💕

–

MC: Are there any festivals recently? How come there’s a lantern festival?

Anna: It’s a promotional event for the redevelopment project, and the City Hall sent out the invitations a few days ago. I put aside two for you.

Anna: When the time comes, remember to go out and relax~

MC: Thank you, Anna~

MC: I’m going to LFG to submit a report now. Is there anything else going on at the office?

Anna: Anything else…

Anna: Speaking of, something curious did happen. There is a guy in the finance department who hasn’t come to work for over a week.

Anna: We were concerned, so we informed to police to go to his house, but no one ever answered the door.

MC: What about his family?

Anna: We tried to call, but no one answered.

Anna: The police have taken over the matter, so all we can do now is wait. I’ll let you know as soon as we receive any updates.

I nod, and a slight vibration also comes from my phone at this moment.

I pick up my phone, and as expected, I see a line of text messages floating across the screen.

Victor’s Text: “I don’t even see the shadow of a certain someone so far. Didn’t you say you were already on the way?”

Quickly, I put the tickets in my pocket and walk briskly towards the door.

Even though I’m about to be labeled a “habitual latecomer” again, a tinge of joy still surfaces in my heart.

After all, what I can be certain of is that – I will soon be able to see Victor.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-2】

As I approach the door of Victor’s office, I see that Goldman seems to be confirming something over the phone. When he sees me coming, he frowns slightly and draws a few steps back in silence.

I nod at him, then push the door open.

Victor (on the phone): Regarding this section of the proposal, it will be scheduled to discuss at tomorrow’s meeting.

The sunlight is folded into small speckles of light by the blinds, leaving marks on the carpet that reflect the passage of time. However, it is the figure at the window that captivates my attention completely.

With his back facing the door, his entire body is half-leaning against the wide windowsill. His voice is steady, but there is a hidden color beneath it that’s hard to discern.

In the distance, there is a long, dark suit draped over a hanger, while the sleeves of his white shirt are slightly rolled up.

I can’t bear to disturb Victor, so I quietly creep up behind him on my tiptoes.

Victor (on the phone): For the specifics of the rest of the itinerary, send them to me via email.

As he hangs up the phone, I avail myself of the opportunity and abruptly poke his broad back.

He turns around, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness.

Victor: [sigh mixed with a soft laugh]  Did you think I would be caught off guard by this kind of child’s trick?

As I look into his familiar and helpless eyes, my heart is overcome with indescribable emotions.

I can’t decide whether to say it’s been so long since we last saw each other or should I ask about what has happened during this time. Too many words rush to my throat, and in the end, they all turn into an uncontrollable urge to draw closer.

MC: Who asked you to leave the country just after you got your memory back? And it was always so difficult to be in touch with you.

As soon as I open my mouth in a falsely reproachful tone, Victor pulls me into his arms. His chest pressed tightly against mine instantly drowns out all my emotions.

Victor: [extremely soft, indulgent laugh]  Now, does this count as being in touch?

I nod heavily in his arms, feeling this warmth that I’ve missed. The setting sun in the distance draws our figures into the fading twilight as if condensing this moment in time.

The next second, I feel a gentle pat descending on my head.

Victor: [soft laugh]  Are you going to spend the whole day here hugging me like this?

I lift my head to meet Victor’s teasing gaze. Pouting, I straighten myself up, then take out the report I’ve prepared from my bag.

MC: CEO Victor, please review the report for this period.

Victor: This heavy? Looks like a certain someone has been very busy during this time.

MC: Not only have I completed a significant amount of work, but I have also made much progress. It won’t be that easy for you to nitpick this time!

The corners of Victor’s lip curl into a soft arc, his gaze deep as he looks at me.

Victor: [soft chuckle]  In terms of self-confidence, I can tell that you have indeed matured a lot.

Victor: I just wonder when you will grow in terms of your sense of time?

MC: That was because you didn’t come back even after so long, so I made you “revisit the past”~

Victor: Sophistry.

Victor curls his finger and taps me on the forehead. Then he turns to return to the table and carefully flips through my report.

It’s not until he turns to the last page does he give the nod, a hint of applause tinging his voice.

Victor: The report is good. It appears that a certain someone has indeed grown up a lot during this period.

—

[Anika’s Tidbits]: BLESS CHINESE ITIREATIONS haha~ there’s a trend with Chinese speakers of using the same phrase twice, so it sounds really cutesy. The first time MC tried to make Victor say it was in “Advice Date (on EN)” 3 years ago LOL, and I just can’t with how he does it so naturally while imitating her now~ 😂💕

—

MC: As it should be. I burned the midnight oil for several nights to write these plans.

MC: Fortunately, the impact is under control now. Otherwise, there will certainly be an increasing number of people experiencing a mix-up between their past and present memories.

MC: And if it continues to develop, it may even lead to QUEEN’s identity being exposed.

Victor’s eyebrows knit into a frown, evidently, also remembering all the hazards this “QUEEN” identity had once brought with it.

Victor: You’ve done well. But resolving this memory overlap issue won’t be that easy.

Victor places the report that he is holding to the side, smoothening a creased corner of the document with his fingertips.

Victor: Memory is the most sensitive part of a person’s life, and it involves numerous connections.

Victor: As long as people believe that a particular memory is real, they are prone to act in ways that are beyond the ordinary.

His tone is solemn, and it seems he isn’t simply talking about the memory overlap issue.

And what’s more, given that everything with LFG is running steadily at the moment, there is no need for an explanation for the other things that could worry Victor.

Tentatively, I voice the conjecture in my mind.

MC: Beyond the ordinary… did something happen with BS?

Victor: There have indeed been some internal changes in BS.

Victor: To be precise, some people have chosen to leave of their own accord.

I can’t help but recall Victor’s rearranging of BS before. His thunderous and decisive approach really helped BS to eliminate its internal obstacles and achieve its ultimate goal.

But such a measure will eventually trigger a chain reaction. Additionally, Poseidon’s whereabouts are still unknown, making him a constant hidden threat.

Victor meets my gaze and seems to see through my concerns.

Victor: Those who left recently had no conflict of interest with BS.

Victor: As for Poseidon, the identity he used to disguise himself has already been found. Rest assured, he won’t be able to be in hiding for long.

Hearing Victor’s words, I finally feel a little at ease. However, his slightly creased brows make the air in the room somewhat stagnant for a while.

Having been with the people in BS, I know that they will get restless as long as there’s even a little hint of turmoil. So, I reckon the current situation is certainly not as simple as Victor is making it out to be.

Pursing my lips into a thin line, I lower my head and shift closer to Victor, crashing straight into his gaze without a care in the world.

MC: Victor, if anything really has happened, you must tell me about it.

MC: Don’t forget, I just saved the world!

Victor: Dummy, don’t worry about other matters.

Victor’s eyes sparkle with laughter, and he reaches out, stroking my hair.

Victor: The most important thing now is your proposal. Is there anything else?

MC: There is indeed something else. It’s about the interview with Meng Chang, the new person in charge of the redevelopment project.

MC: He seems to have come to Loveland City today. I’m going to attend the press conference tomorrow to find out more.

MC: Do you know this guy?

Victor: I’ve heard of him. He is an Evolver and has previously been in charge of the administration of Evolvers on the field.

Victor: But because of his eclectic ways of doing things, he was controversial in political circles.

Victor pauses for a bit before continuing again.

Victor: This, combined with his previously established position, gave him a strong follower base.

MC: What kind of followers?

Victor: Evolvers.

I let out an “ahh,” instantly understanding where this man stands.

Victor: So, even though the outside world was quite critical of him, he was able to soar to the top.

Victor: Reportedly, he applied for his transfer to Loveland City himself.

At some point, it has started drizzling outside, and fine drops of rain swiftly trickle down the glass.

Victor: You must be more careful when you go to meet him.

—

───── [Narrator’s POV Begins] ─────

In front of the City Hall. Leto has been waiting here for a long time.

Even though he tries to assume a calm and indifferent attitude, he still can’t help glancing at his wristwatch out of the corner of his eyes.

The curtain of rain outside has gotten heavier than before. On the misty street, the indistinct roaring at the far end is particularly ear-piercing.

The thunderclaps rumble faintly through the churning dark clouds, reminiscent of the muffled beating of snare drums.

Not long after, a black limousine comes to a halt in front of the entrance, and a pitch-black umbrella is unfolded in front of the car, blocking out all the raindrops falling from the sky.

The car door opens, and an amiable, middle-aged face appears under the umbrella.

??: Really sorry to have kept you waiting like this in this heavy rain.

Leto: Please! Your arrival in our city to lead the redevelopment project is a major event. How dare I will be negligent.

Leto: I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time, Mr. Meng. I’m Mr. Leto, the person currently in charge of the Loveland City Redevelopment Project.

Leto says, smiling as he extends his hand. The man called Mr. Meng is dressed in a loose leather jacket, wearing a pair of glasses on his placid face.

With an apologetic expression, he quickly takes two steps and reaches out with a handshake, the corners of his lips raised into an invulnerable smile.

Meng Chang: Mr. Leto, you’ve already done a great job. I’m simply in charge of adding some icing on the cake. There’s still a lot for me to learn.

Leto also withdraws his hand. Naturally, he won��t easily buy such official civilities.

Leto: That being the case, I wonder where Mr. Meng is going to begin his work?

Meng Chang: Mr. Leto, you just asked the question that was on my mind.

Meng Chang lifts his head. His sharp gaze cuts through the heavy curtain of rain and lands on the towering and radiant LFG building in the distance.

Meng Chang: Let’s just start from there.

—

───── [Narrator’s POV Ends] ─────

—

【CH 44-4】

The next morning, the press conference at the City Hall is completely packed with journalists.

I’m about to turn on my computer and do some more prep work when I hear the sound of discussion coming from behind me.

Reporter A: Do you have any information regarding Meng Cheng taking office?

Cameraman B: What else could it be? He’s definitely seen how well the redevelopment project is going, so he especially rushed over to grab the credit.

Cameraman B: How could a politician who stands by the Evolvers still have the well-being of ordinary people in mind?

Reporter A: There’s nothing wrong with leaning towards the Evolvers. Aren’t we all advocating for helping each other nowadays…

Reporter A: I heard that he was also attacked for promoting Evolver policies. I wonder if that’s true.

Cameraman B: Where do you guys get this much gossip from! Zip it now. They’ll be coming out soon.

The next second, the entrance of the meeting hall is suddenly pulled open. Leto strides to the front of the group, while behind him is an amiable-looking middle-aged man.

A well-ironed suit is fitted to his body. As his calm gaze sweeps across the venue, the sound of chatter filling the space just a moment ago instantly quiets down.

Leto walks up to the podium and steadily places his speech draft on the table, holding the microphone.

Leto: Good morning, everyone. I’m Leto, the person in charge of the Loveland City Redevelopment Project.

Leto: As everyone knows, the Loveland City Redevelopment Project has been underway for a long time. And although progress has been made, it has also encountered many difficulties.

Leto: Therefore, at this special juncture, Mr. Meng Chang will be engaged in the redevelopment of Loveland City, overseeing and directing the said redevelopment project.

Leto partially turns his body and gives a quick look at the middle-aged man behind him. The man smiles and steps up to the podium, tapping his hand on the microphone.

Meng Chang: I express my thanks to our journalist friends for their diligent efforts. I’m Meng Chang.

The moment he begins to speak, the stage is awash with spotlights.

Meng Chang: I’d like to start by expressing gratitude, on behalf of the City Hall, to all those who have shown interest in and supported the Loveland City Redevelopment Project.

Meng Chang: My purpose in coming to Loveland City is not only to oversee the various aspects of the redevelopment but also to boost cooperation among all parties.

Meng Chang: The redevelopment efforts in Loveland City concern the interest of every resident, including both the ordinary people and Evolvers.

Meng Chang: I’m happy to serve as the communication bridge for this process, and I will welcome your opinions and suggestions at any time.

As soon as these words fall, Leto, standing by Meng Chang’s side, immediately breaks into a massive smile and applauds.

Meng Chang’s speech is simple and unadorned, which inevitably leaves a favorable impression on the audience.

Thinking back to Victor’s assessment of this man yesterday, I have a vague understanding of why someone with such thunderous methods could still thrive.

At this moment, the assistant standing next to Meng Chang picks up another microphone, and the reporters raise their hands in unison. My fingertips, which I try hard to lift, are instantly drowned out by the crowd.

Reporter A: Excuse me, Mr. Meng, will your work this time overlap with Mr. Leto’s?

Meng Chang: Regarding my relationship with Mr. Leto, I’d much rather call it mutual assistance.

Reporter B: You mentioned the term “obstruction” earlier. Does it mean you already have an objective for investigation?

Meng Chang: As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.”

Meng Chang: If there is any headway in the relevant investigation, I believe our media friends will be the first to know.

Regardless of how pungent and tricky the questions are, he maintains his composure and speaks in measured tones.

After the previous reporter sits down, I raise my hand again.

Meng Chang: The last question. Miss in the back row, please go ahead.

As I’m called upon, I immediately stand up with the microphone in hand.

MC: Hello, Mr. Meng. I’m MC, from the program team of [MC’s Company Name].

MC: If I may ask, as an Evolver and as a leader, how do you regard the future of Loveland City?

The previously clamorous crowd in the surroundings quiets down, leaving only a few fragmented whispers.

Matters of identity and position have always been sensitive, and no one expected me to be so blunt in bringing this up.

Meng Chang: Miss MC, your question is quite interesting.

Meng Chang: Only, you are not the first person to ask this question.

He lifts his head, and his unperturbed face slightly curves upward beneath the spotlights.

Meng Chang: As an Evolver myself, I do pay more attention to the Evolver community.

Meng Chang: But my dream is to build a society where everyone can coexist in harmony, and I believe everyone present here must share the same vision as well.

MC: And what measures do you plan to implement in the future?

Meng Chang: It’s still too early to talk about measures now, but I do have a premature idea.

Meng Chang: As the proverb goes, “If one cannot clean one’s own room, how can one clean the world?” I want to help this society by cleaning up the garbage first.

—

The sunshine streaming in through the car window brings a touch of early spring warmth, but my heart seems to be covered by a layer of invisible mist, making it impossible for me to see through.

The flawless responses given at the press conference just now have earned Meng Chang a considerably favorable impression.

However, the words “clean up the garbage” that was spoken by his amiable face continues to send shivers down my spine.

MC: I hope I’m just overthinking it.

I shake my head and reach for my phone, intending to call Victor to confirm the press conference details. But at this moment, my phone coincidentally starts vibrating first.

Victor: Is the interview over?

MC: It’s already over. I was just about to call you.

MC: I’m on my way back to the office. I’ll head over as soon as I’ve got the documents sorted.

Victor: Alright, the time remains the same. Be careful on the road.

Victor: By the sound of your voice, it seems like things are not that simple?

MC: You’re right…

I heave a sigh and recount to Victor what happened at the press conference just now, and also share my own vague sense of unease.

Victor: Don’t worry too much about it for now. Since he will be involved in redevelopment-related matters, there will be opportunities to interact with him in the future.

Goldman: CEO, outside…

Suddenly, Goldman’s hurried voice comes through the phone, followed by some loud noise. It’s only after a while that I hear Victor’s voice clearly again.

Victor: Something has come up. Come over after you’ve finished organizing the documents.

MC: Mm, see you later.

As soon as I hang up the phone, Anna’s name begins to flash on the screen. The next second after connecting the call, I hear an urgent voice on the other end of the line.

Anna: MC, something’s happened.

—

By the time I rush back to the company, there are already many people gathered at the entrance. At the far end, I can see Anna standing in front of two men dressed in suits, frantically explaining something.

MC: Anna, what’s going on?

Anna: These two people claiming to be employees from the City Hall came with documents, demanding to take away all our entries and reports regarding the Loveland City Redevelopment Project.

As soon as the two men hear my name, they immediately turn their gaze toward me. The two tall figures stand rooted in place, exuding an intangible sense of intimidation.

I suppress the bewilderment in my heart and meet the opponent’s chilly gaze with a straight face.

MC: I’m the person in charge of [MC’s Company Name].

City Hall Staff: Miss MC, is it?

City Hall Staff: This is an investigation regarding the Loveland City Redevelopment Project. Please cooperate with us.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-6】

The midday sun is shining fiercely, bright, and even a bit blinding. The oppressive air feels as if it’s pressing down on everyone’s chest, making it difficult to breathe.

I take a step forward and fearlessly meet the opponent’s gaze.

MC: Before proceeding, please let me verify your identities.

The investigator, clad in a suit, appears to have been ready for this and promptly retrieves a document from his briefcase.

City Hall Staff: This is our investigation order.

City Hall Staff: Signed by Mr. Meng himself, so we’re kindly asking for Miss MC’s cooperation.

As I take the document, the black text on the white paper makes my heart stutter.

“The City Hall’s Coordinated Investigation Order on [MC’s Company Name].”

Looking at the City Hall’s stamp and Meng Chang’s excessively neat signature in the lower right corner, my heart can’t help but sink.

This investigation order is indeed real.

But seeing how suddenly this investigation has been issued, I can’t help feeling that the other party was planning and preparing for it for a long time… I purse my lips and return the investigation order.

MC: May I ask how we should cooperate?

City Hall Staff: We need your company to provide, including but not limited to: the planning proposal, project plan, financial transaction proof, and complete files of relevant responsible personnel.

City Hall Staff: Once all the documents have been verified, you can collect them autonomously from the City Hall within ten working days following the completion of the investigation.

City Hall Staff: During the investigation period, relevant personnel must maintain immediate real-time communication to promptly confirm any pertinent information.

The other party answers my question like repeating a math formula.

The situation before me has made me realize that continuing to ask more questions would be simply pointless. It would be better to first see what the other party actually wants to do.

After contemplating for a while, I give a nod in Anna’s direction.

MC: Anna, please take them to retrieve the necessary documents.

MC: The two officers are simply following the protocols for an issued investigation, and I’m sure the materials will be returned to us soon.

Anna: …okay. Please follow me.

—

Anna leads the two of them into the office, and shortly after, a few more formally dressed people also flood in through the doorway.

By the time they walk out of the office, their arms are already heavy with documents.

A consistent and heavy sound can be heard ringing on the floor, reverberating in the ears of everyone present.

As the last footsteps fade away at the end of the hallway, the long-suppressed chatters in the office also erupt.

The minute whispers are accompanied by overflowing doubts, creating a pervasive atmosphere of unease.

I purse my lips tightly and force myself to calm down. Although it’s understandable for everyone to feel anxious due to the unexpected turn of events, I must not panic no matter what.

Allowing everyone to speculate randomly will only exacerbate the situation. Plus… if the investigation was actually designed, the current situation is precisely what the other party wanted to see.

After inhaling deeply, I walk briskly to the center of the office and clap my hands.

MC: Everyone, there’s no need to worry. The investigation is simply a routine inspection to cooperate with the redevelopment work, and it’s not intentionally targeting anyone.

Hearing what I said, the crowd around me lapses into silence.

MC: During my interview with Mr. Meng Chang in the morning, he stated that he intends to conduct a thorough investigation for the reconstruction work.

MC: All companies engaged in Loveland City will cooperate with the investigation to facilitate the next work steps.

MC: I apologize for not syncing this information with you all promptly. Keep up the good work, everyone!

It seems like they have accepted the reason I came up with on the spur of the moment. The clamors dissipate, and everyone gradually returns to work, as if the previous commotion was just an interlude.

—

Anna helps me to smooth things over. Once the situation has temporarily returned to normal, she discreetly pulls me back to the office, with a look of undisguised concern on her face.

Anna: Although we knew that a new official would be eager to make his mark, this Meng Chang’s actions are too extreme… I have never seen someone coming in and immediately issuing an order to investigate another person’s company.

MC: Don’t be angry, Anna. Anyway, we’ve done nothing wrong, so we shouldn’t be afraid of being falsely accused. Let them investigate thoroughly.

MC: However, the upcoming work related to Loveland City Redevelopment Project is likely to be quite troublesome.

MC: Send me the relevant plans later, and we’ll figure out our next steps after looking into it.

Anna: Okay, I’ll sort it out now.

As I watch Anna’s gradually receding figure, my brows finally can’t help from creasing into a frown.

Although the investigation itself does indeed hold water, the underlying reason does not withstand scrutiny.

Moreover, conducting such an extensive investigation with great fanfare, if nothing is found, could result in resentment from other companies involved in the redevelopment.

Unless… the other party is trying to obtain their desired outcome through the investigation?

If so, what exactly is it they want?

Numerous possibilities are entangled in my mind, but I can’t seem to grasp a single clue.

I knead my aching temples and glance down at the clock. It’s almost time to go to LFG for the report.

After the report is over, I’ll tell Victor about this. Perhaps he can help me disentangle the connections involved.

At this moment, out of nowhere, a news article pops up on my phone screen unannounced.

News: “Meng Chang enters a lengthy discussion with LFG! Suspected to conduct an in-depth investigation into the reconstruction plan!”

The huge headline is particularly eye-grabbing, and although the comment section below the news has been banned, countless reposts can still be seen.

I feel a tightening in my chest and immediately turn around, walking swiftly toward the door.

When I arrive at the entrance of LFG, journalists who have rushed over hearing the news are already crowded around the nearby street corners, waiting for first-hand information.

Even though the employees are in a rush, it’s evident that LFG is operating in an orderly fashion, indicating that the sudden investigation has not caused any disruption.

I walk upstairs, and turning the corner, I hear Goldman’s voice.

Goldman: In order to access the documents, we must wait for CEO Victor’s arrangements. Until his arrangements are made, please follow me to the lounge.

The four people across from Goldman are also dressed in suits and leather shoes, identical to the ones who arrived earlier to conduct a search at my company.

My heart can’t help but hang in the air again, prompting me to quicken my pace.

This hallway adorned with exquisite carpets, which I have walked down countless times before, seems especially long at this moment.

As I approach the end of the road, an elusive tension seems to permeate the atmosphere.

—

The moment I push the door open, the intense smell of a close battle assaults my senses. And there is Meng Chang’s amiable side profile that catches my attention.

Meng Chang: I wonder what CEO Victor thinks of what I said just now?

Meng Chang doesn’t seem to have noticed my arrival, as he speaks with an elevated tone while a sinister grin hangs on his lips that makes one’s hair stand on end.

Victor, standing at a distance, sees me and gestures with his eyes for me to remain silent.

Victor: Given that Mr. Meng is also in charge of the investigations, there is no valid reason for LFG to refuse.

Meng Chang continuously nods his head, seemingly satisfied with the outcome before him.

Meng Chang: I had heard before coming here that CEO Victor is an excellent cooperative partner, and today’s meeting with you has indeed proved it to be true.

Meng Chang: I also believe that the investigation results on LFG will not disappoint me.

Victor: I don’t really care about whether you will be disappointed or not.

Victor: And nor has LFG ever been obliged to please everyone.

Victor softly taps on the desk with one hand, his indifferent voice steady yet sharp.

Another tense silence ensues, causing one to be on edge. Meng Chang’s expression also becomes a little awkward.

He darts his eyes left and right, seemingly wanting to change the topic, and just then, his attention is drawn to me standing at the doorway.

Meng Chang: Aren’t you… Miss MC who interviewed me in the morning? I didn’t expect that we’d meet so soon.

Meng Chang’s eyes glide past Victor and rest on me. The inscrutable tone hidden behind his smile involuntarily causes a sense of apprehension to rise within me.

I purse my lips and subconsciously walk over to Victor while maintaining a calm demeanor.

MC: I also didn’t expect to meet you again so soon, Mr. Meng.

Meng Chang: Is Miss MC here to see CEO Victor too?

MC: You seem to be quite forgetful for a person of great wits. LFG is an investor in [MC’s Company Name], and we have many business transactions to deal with.

Upon hearing my words, Meng Chang's face lights up with a look of sudden realization.

Meng Chang: That’s right, that’s right. Miss MC’s company is also invested in by LFG.

Meng Chang: Oh no, the routine investigation this morning shouldn’t have affected your work, right?

MC: Their documents were valid and legitimate, and they also had Mr. Meng’s signature, so we naturally cooperated.

Meng Chang: That’s good to hear. However, I didn’t inform CEO Victor beforehand about this investigation. I wonder if he will be…

Victor lifts his eyebrows gently, not saying a word.

Meng Chang makes a small bow, as if he is genuinely conveying an apology.

Meng Chang: It’s my fault for not considering all the factors. According to regulations, I indeed should have informed CEO Victor first.

Meng Chang: But CEO Victor, please understand that I had no choice.

Meng Chang chuckles softly and adjusts his clothes as if nothing is wrong.

Meng Chang: I’ve already got concrete evidence of wrongdoings for the company under investigation, [MC’s Company Name].

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-7】

The calm words are akin to a sudden clap of thunder, shattering the fragile balance maintained in the room.

MC: I’m unsure as to the source of Mr. Meng’s information. I wonder if there may have been some misunderstanding?

MC: Although our company has been involved in the redevelopment project, we have never had any conduct that violated the regulations!

Meng Chang nods, changing his expression to adopt a sincere one.

Meng Chang: Right. Actually, I also think there is a misunderstanding here. After all, [MC’s Company Name] has a great reputation in the city.

Meng Chang: However, when it comes to our job, the most important thing is the “evidence.” If there is concrete evidence, we have no choice but to investigate.

Meng Chang retrieves an old-fashioned cell phone from his pocket, repeatedly rubbing the surface of his thick leather glove against its buttons.

He holds up his phone, and the small LCD screen displays a vast array of open account details. Alongside it is an extensive list of overseas transfer transaction statements.

Meng Chang: As you can see, every transaction of funds from Loveland City Hall is made public in the community.

Meng Chang: Just three days ago, Miss MC’s company received a sum of money that was deposited to the company’s account, and it was then allocated to various projects as usual.

Meng Chang: However, the money that was originally intended to be allocated to different projects disappeared overseas after undergoing a series of account transfers.

Meng Chang: CEO Victor, you should know what this represents.

Meng Chang’s gaze casually sweeps over Victor, waiting for his response.

Victor: This represents that this company may be involved in major violations.

Victor walks up to my side with absolute composure, giving the other party a chilly stare.

Victor: Mr. Meng, since you’re aware of the relationship between [MC’s Company Name] and LFG––

Victor: Then you should also know what the accusation you just made implies.

Victor’s tone is almost flat, and there isn’t even the slightest trace of wavering in his voice.

An immense sense of oppression rapidly spreads through the room, causing the atmosphere to become so tense that the air begins to feel thin.

Meng Chang puts away his phone and resumes his previous composed posture.

Meng Chang: CEO Victor, there’s no need to feel anxious. As I said before, I also have some personal reservations about this matter. After all, this sum of money is not even worth mentioning in front of LFG.

Meng Chang: Besides, since Miss MC is the boss, it’s inevitable to have some oversight in managing the subordinates from her standing.

Meng Chang: So, there must be some malicious individuals behind this incident, isn’t that right?

Meng Chang’s tone is sincere, as if he truly doesn’t believe that the two of us would engage in anything illegal.

Meng Chang: There will definitely be numerous collaborations between the City Hall and LFG in the future, so considering it as doing a personal favor might be worth it.

MC: Mr. Meng, do you mind being a little more explicit with your words?

Meng Chang’s roundabout probing words make me unable to resist addressing the topic directly.

Meng Chang: I only need a result.

Meng Chang narrows his eyes, calmly looking at Victor before him.

The corners of Victor’s lip twitch slightly, and then he lifts his chin with an air of arrogance.

Victor: But it’s the responsibility of the City Hall to seek the results.

Victor: The request Mr. Meng proposed doesn’t seem to be in accordance with the rules.

Meng Chang: …the rules?

Upon hearing Victor’s words, a smile appears on Meng Chang’s face.

Meng Chang: If Mr. Victor were such a compliant person, perhaps he wouldn’t be sitting in the position he is in today.

Meng Chang: Efficiency is always the top priority to me, especially considering…

MC: [cuts him off immediately]  Especially considering that my company has just collaborated with the City Hall to produce a promotional program.

MC: If you were to start investigating at this moment, the citizens would likely begin to question the competence of City Hall, right?

Seeing that the other party is about to start speaking in convoluted official language again, I immediately interrupt Meng Chang.

Victor frowns slightly, and I turn my head to give him a reassuring look.

Although the current situation is very critical, as Victor said, the responsibility for any errors or negligence in this matter does not lie with us.

Since it was deliberately set up by someone else, being in haste to clear ourselves may actually lead us to fall into their trap. At this time, it would be better to take a step back and turn the situation to our advantage.

This could not only help to dismantle the current situation, but also potentially ferret out the person who is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

And Meng Chang seems to be surprised by my getting right to the point like this, revealing a hint of astonishment.

Meng Chang: Miss MC, your words always catch me by surprise.

Meng Chang: Alright. In brief, as long as you guys can find the person responsible for this and recover the money involved, you will be able to absolve yourself of suspicion.

I look into the other party’s eyes, trying to calm my heart as much as possible.

MC: What about the timeframe?

Meng Chang: I can give you a week.

Meng Chang: If you can’t find this person within a week, I’m afraid I’ll have to meet the two of you every day.

Victor: We don’t need that long; three days is enough.

Victor blinks in a leisurely manner, his eyebrows arched sharply like a blade.

Victor: I believe Mr. Meng doesn’t want this issue to drag on for too long, either.

Meng Chang: From the looks of it, CEO Victor seems very confident, so I won’t inquire further.

Meng Chang: Although this isn’t a formal investigation, I hope that the two of you won’t leave the city. I’ll arrange for my subordinates to ensure your safety, in case any “bad guys” show up.

Meng Chang: I’ll be waiting to hear good news from CEO Victor.

Victor: You can see yourself out.

Victor turns sideways, and his silent figure is outlined by the light, which is his response at this moment.

With a steady gait, Meng Chang slowly walks toward the door, but just as he is about to step out, he turns around and says:

Meng Chang: By the way, there’s actually a personal reason why I don’t want the people from City Hall to get involved.

Meng Chang: Aside from my fondness for Evolvers, I also really like smart people.

The sound of Meng Chang’s laughter resonates through the room, akin to the invisible sword of Damocles.

The suffocating sense of oppression that follows the laughter lingers in the room for a long, long time.

—

Victor and I get into the speeding car, and the street scene outside the window continues to retreat in the rearview mirror.

The person driving the car is not the usual familiar driver, but instead is the “bodyguard” Meng Chang has assigned for us.

Although I understand that this is a deliberate form of monitoring us, the most important thing now is finding a solution to the problem.

I unlock my phone, and unsurprisingly, there are already several missed calls.

I immediately call back and hear Kiki and the girls’ voices on the other end of the phone.

Kiki: Boss, rumors are circulating outside that we've made illegal profits in the Loveland City Redevelopment Project.

MC: Don’t be anxious. I already know about the situation. No need to pay attention to the rumors outside. Right now, we have more pressing matters at hand to deal with.

MC: Kiki, contact the media outlets we are acquainted with and have them focus on who has been promoting these topics recently.

MC: Anna, keep an eye on what’s going on in the company and send me the list of employees who have left recently or seem suspicious.

MC: Afterwards, you guys just go about your normal work and leave the rest to me.

After meticulously arranging everything that needs to be done, I lay back on the seat, feeling a wave of exhaustion washing over me.

Victor: Your response just now was good.

Victor: I thought a certain someone would be flustered, but you were much calmer than I had imagined.

I turn sideways to look at Victor. His lips have a gentle curve to them, and his resolute gaze is filled with an expression of trust.

There has always been something about this man that makes one feel invincible, and this feeling sustains me at every moment.

Without realizing it, I reach out and take hold of his hand, subconsciously stroking his palm.

MC: I told you, I’ve grown up quite a bit.

MC: Moreover, compared to all the things encountered before, these are nothing.

My phone suddenly buzzes. Picking it up, I find that Anna has already sent me the list of names she has compiled.

There haven’t been many employee changes in the recent period, so it doesn’t take me long to go through all the lists of changes.

My gaze sweeps over the form, and I quickly lock onto a person.

I bring the screen closer to Victor, pointing at the ordinary-looking photo on the form with the name “Chen Hui” written next to it.

Victor: What’s your reasoning?

MC: This person has been working for the company for more than half a year and has been responsible for matters related to the Loveland City Redevelopment Project. He appears to rarely interact with others.

MC: But according to what Anna and others said, he suddenly disappeared a few days ago, and the police went to his registered address but couldn’t find him.

After hearing my words, Victor nods and then taps on his own phone.

Victor: The person you mentioned just now, we can focus on him.

Victor: However, we can’t rule out the possibility of other suspects, so I will assign people to investigate them too.

Victor: Regardless of who the other party is, one thing we can be certain of - this matter is far from over.

MC: You mean, their real intention is not what it appears to be?

Victor nods, his gaze steady and powerful.

Victor: The sudden appearance of this oversight indicates that someone must have done it intentionally.

Victor: However, the trick played isn’t sufficient to cause actual harm to you or the interests of LFG.

I nod. Thinking along Victor’s train of thought, I feel that my outlook on this matter has suddenly expanded.

MC: You’re right…

MC: If this matter was planned in advance, it indicates that the “rat” had already been planted in my company a while ago. 

MC: This incident must have gone through a long period of planning and design, and they chose today as the opportunity to detonate it!

And there aren’t that many people who are capable of accomplishing a task like this.

Could it be GR? Or is it Poseidon, who managed to escape under Victor’s subordinates and whose identity still remains a mystery?

If this indeed were to be the case, what would be their purpose? Could it be because of the CORE in my body?

Or perhaps they are using this event to lay the groundwork for an even deeper conspiracy?

For instance, their target perhaps is Victor himself?

MC: Victor, if other motives are involved, could it be that what the other party truly wants is…

Before the words can exit from my parted lips, they are curbed by the expression in Victor’s eyes.

His gaze shifts slightly, meeting the eyes of the man driving at the front. An icy warmth flits across the corners of his lips, as if warning me to hold off on speaking for a while.

City Hall Bodyguard: Excuse me, CEO Victor, where will you go next?

The person seated in the front passenger seat seems slightly embarrassed upon noticing our eyes upon them.

Victor: Turn right at the next intersection.

Victor straightens his cuffs and speaks in a calm tone.

I subconsciously turn my head to look out the window. The sight of the familiar buildings and streets outside makes me blink in confusion.

This is the road to Souvenir.

Seemingly sensing my puzzlement, Victor leans in and approaches me. His breath stirs the locks of hair on my temple.

Victor: I’ve been looking at a certain dummy’s anxious face for too long. It’s time to get her to put on a different expression.

—

[Part 2]: Here!

────

[storm-called]

A snowy getaway in the Shiverpeaks hosted by Glaw. Come share warm drinks, get into some snowball fights, and trade chilly ghost stories.

This event will be held at Victor's Point in the Wayfarer Foothills on Saturday, December 10th, starting at 2:00pm EST (19:00 server time). Unfortunately, this event is NA only.

I originally planned for this to be later in the evening, but I have a work party that Saturday evening, so the event will start earlier and run until I have to leave.

As stated in the original interest post, we will be sharing original ghost stories, so everyone is encouraged to craft one of their own. (It does not have to be spooky or even about ghosts, this is just an encouragement for people to share a cool story that their character might know.)

That said, the stories should not be gory or contain anything that might be triggering in any way. Think things you might share at a sleepover or a campfire, not a true crime podcast.

Additionally, in order to maintain a safe and calm environment that is welcoming to everyone, please read through the following guidelines:

Please respect the host’s wishes; while this is collaborative improv storytelling, it is their event, and not all actions may be appropriate for that particular event.

Before engaging in RP that may involve sensitive or triggering topics with another player, be sure to gain the consent of all other parties involved.

Anyone who needs to remove themself from a situation should be freely able to, without feeling pressured to remain in the RP situation or event as a whole.

Be sure to include everybody! If you notice someone struggling to insert themself into an RP situation, offer them an in if possible.

For those who might be lingering on the sidelines, always ask if they are wanting to engage before beginning any sort of RP.

Always check pronouns before using any to refer to your RP partner(s)!

By attending the event, you are indicating that you have read and understand these guidelines. If I believe anyone is making other attendees uncomfortable and/or disturbing the RP, they will first be given a warning, and if the behavior persists, they will be asked to leave the event.

The above bullet points will also be posted in the squad message for the duration of the event.

See y'all next Saturday!

[nevermelting]

Fire Emblem Cindered Shadows Expansion - review

(Listen, I know I am like VERY late to the party but since FE3 is one of my most favorite games ever and I played the expansion just now, here's my IN DEPTH review.)

Overall impression: With Cindered Shadows, I received more than I bargained for. The whole new underground world (literally a new, explorable location) opens up for you with its special challenges of the disenfranchised people and underdogs. Unusual personalities dwell here with perspectives that were previously unexplored. The monastery and its internal politics just got a massive upgrade and you won't want to go back to how it was before.

The story: Cindered Shadows story opens up quite atmospherically, even though a bit clumsily in the way it ties in with the main lords' story. From the first moment you lay your eyes on Yuri and his team, you know immediately that you are in for something special. Does this feeling remain throughout the story and post-story FE3 main game integration though? That is a more complex question. In my opinion, while absolutely intriguing, Cindered Shadows story couldn't quite live up to the potential of greatness mostly because it promises a story of underdogs almost Victor Hugo style and throws it all away in a rather personal than social confrontation in the end. The villain is rather weak this time and isn't even a bad person per se. Personally, I am rather in favor of the Church but in this case, imo, the rebellion of Wolves would be more appropriate than Edelgard's rebellion (which is, you know, often the excuse for invading other countries). But Wolves are REALLY downtrodden, UNLIKE Edelgard herself and the story doesn't allow them to rebel. Had it been up to me, I'd rather have Yuri's Great French Revolution than Edelgard's....uh, let's just give it a rest this time actually. 'Descendants of Saints living in the slums' is an interesting concept for me as someone who likes the Saints though.

Characters: Characters are interesting but sometimes a bit confusing. When you first meet them, you get the impression of 'thick as thieves' close-knit gang. When you start getting bits of their conversation among themselves though, you start to see that they actually pretty much hate each other. Yuri in particular turned out to be a much more unsavory character for me, being so off-puttingly rude to most and main character too that it made me cringe. His self-absorbed persona of eyeshadow-wearing mafia boss is completely unrealistic, exasperating and irritating. Which is strange because I like his role as a leader in CS side story. (And I would like it even more if he was more about Rebellion and less about fucking around and eyeshadow and looking like an edgy Takarazuka Revue actress.)

Hapi is also sometimes irritating, but unlike him, in a completely realistic way. Her constant complaining, unrelated mentions of personal trauma in seemingly random situations and childish cynicism are all too familiar for everyone who dealt with Gen Z at any point in their life. I actually appreciate her as a character because it is the closest any media came to depicting a fantasy Gen Z girl - without any judgement, but you know, with all her quirks.

Byleth will be just minding their business when Hapi will appear out of nowhere with 'Gentle reminder that I don't trust you because you are with the church scum. I don't care if you saved me. Gentle reminder that the Church literally tortured me.' And the stories keep getting more and more colorful. You aren't half sure if it's true or simply exaggerated but the only thing you can say is 'Valid.' Hilarious. (Even if the stories are true , it is sad but the way she speaks of them is hilariously self-important.)

Constance seems to be like a running joke for most and she doesn't have many support conversations with people outside of the Wolves. She is sometimes a very annoying sadistic anime Princess but sometimes surprisingly human and then you feel bad for her. She is written in a very inconsistent way, perhaps as a villain or traitor originally. While I do agree that she is often bad, the game often treats her in an overly cruel way that isn't reserved for similar characters.

Balthus seems to be the only normal of the bunch and the one I like the most. However, even he isn't free from inconsistent writing. I often feel like with Ashen Wolves, the authors attempted to add edginess without knowing where to add it and managed to create hostility instead. Again, it's not that bad actually. But maybe it's related to the way the existence of Abyss is never really resolved.

Gameplay: Cindered Shadows add a lot of tough missions in both side story and main story where enemies exploit a tactic of reinforcements in a major way. Sometimes you wonder if those waves of enemies can even stop. On the other hand, after playing them the primary game may feel too easy on lower difficulties. Overall, the the difficulty isn't too bad and is mostly fair.

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday : Valicer In The Dark -- Playbook Tweaks, A Bit of Worldbuilding, Potential Scores

Been thinking more about my Valicer In The Dark AU as of late, and I have a few updates and additions to the Three Pillars and their particular version of Duskwall that I would like to share with you, as indicated by the title:

Playbook Tweaks -- While I’m pretty happy with Victor’s stats as a Whisper from the original post on this subject, I found myself wanting to tweak Alice’s and Smiler’s just slightly after writing them up. Specifically, I wanted to add a special ability to Alice’s, and an extra ability point to Smiler’s. I didn’t want to do this without a concurrent trade-off somewhere else, though (yes, I know I’m just using this for potential fic-writing purposes, not actually playing the game, but it still feels only fair!), so after some thought, this is what I’ve come up with for each of them:

Alice -- I felt like she really needed to have The Devil’s Footsteps special ability (the one that allows you to do things like jump extra high or extra far) along with Not To Be Trifled With (the one that allows you to do superhuman feats of strength or battle six people at once) at the start -- those two in concert basically cover everything she can do in the games! So, in exchange for her having two starting special abilities, I’ve decided she also starts with the Haunted trauma! This is a trauma that means you are haunted by bad things in your past and sometimes slip off into fugue states -- which meshes perfectly with Alice’s memories of the fire and Wonderland occasionally dragging her out of reality! It also means she can only take three extra traumas before having to get out of the criminal game -- usually, starting characters have four slots for having their brains broken. *shrug* Them’s the breaks!

Smiler -- After reviewing their stats vs their history, I realized that maybe I should have put that dot in Survey in Attune instead -- after all, they’ve been directly touched by their god Mar-Mal! That’s how they got the glowing yellow eyes in this verse! However, I still liked them having that dot in Survey, as it did also suit their character. So, in exchange for getting that extra starting dot in Attune, I’ve decided that Smiler has a slightly shorter stress tracker than most characters -- instead of nine slots, they get seven. Stress is something that characters can use to push themselves to perform certain feats (get an extra die while rolling a weak stat) or resist the consequences of their actions (downgrade a potentially crippling blow into one that just hurts a lot). It’s very useful, but you have to track it carefully, because once your character fills up their stress tracker, they have a mental break and gain a trauma. I figured that trading two stress slots for the Attune dot was both fair and thematically appropriate -- Smiler has lived in a cult that venerates happiness as holy for years, and was directly touched by a god of pure joy. It only makes sense that they’d be a little worse at handling stress and bad emotions!

Worldbuilding -- I haven’t fully fleshed out my Duskwall yet, but there’s a few ideas I’ve been banding around:

-->This first one is straight from the Oxventure Presents Blades In The Dark stuff -- one of Kasimir’s and Edvard’s earliest scores in Volisport was at Cab-Con, a convention for the various cabdrivers of the cities. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but as I wrapped up the episode, a pun popped into my mind referencing the even-more-powerful gondoliers faction (as more of the city is traversable by canal than by road) -- Con-Dola! XD So yeah, that’s the big convention in my Duskwall -- an annual festival the gondoliers put on where they try out new boat types, exchange stories, and have races. Members of the public can come in for a fee and bet on the boat races. It’s a fun time and everyone looks forward to it!

-->While the official book outlines a few holidays on the Duskwall calendar (the monthly Moontide celebration, Arkenvorn to honor the spirit wardens, Gratitude to honor the ascension of the Immortal Emperor to his throne (and just more general Thanksgiving stuff)), I decided we needed a Halloween equivalent as well and came up with “Devil’s Night,” where children dress up as devils and go around causing minor bits of mischief and knocking on doors for spare food and coin. The actual devils in the city are also said to offer better deals than usual, with prices that mortals are better able to pay, but people tend to be iffy about checking out if this is true or not. Because, you know, devils. There’s always someone desperate enough to try, though. . .

-->I’m still working on how the other Alton Towers coasters beyond Smiler and Wickerman would fit into this world, but I know the other secret weapons would all have various cults -- the Agents of Oblivion for, well, Oblivion (who sacrifice people to the void -- not sure if they’re trying to keep it contained or encouraging to grow yet. Maybe both, with a secret internal schism in the cult?); the Spirits of the Trees for Thirteen (who worship the poisonous trees in that one park and are trying to create more -- though perhaps a little less poisonous so they don’t immediately kill everyone they come into contact with); the Clan of the Creature for Nemesis (who worship this bizarre crab-like demon and believe it will somehow save them when the leviathan blood eventually runs out); and the Galactic Rangers for Galactica (who believe the stars are the remains of their god and that if they give her enough worship, she’ll do something about the moon that seems to keep getting either bigger or closer year by year. . .). Rita doesn’t get a cult -- rather, she’s the leader of the Speed Queens, a group of smugglers known for their insanely fast car that only she can drive properly. She is, however, involved with the head priestess of the Spirits of the Trees, even if she’s not an official member. XD

-->Very tempted to put Doc and Marty somewhere in this world, of course -- don’t know if they’d be criminals, but Doc would HAVE to be a Leech well-known for his bizarre contraptions and strange experiments with electroplasm. Probably they have the local equivalent of the DeLorean around, and Doc’s looking to get his hands on an old train. . .

-->And another one just for the funsies -- having gone through both the main book and a semi-official “cookbook” supplement (see the Supplements page -- I can recommend it, it’s a short but fun read), I have decided to pull a Fallout with this universe and declare that horses went extinct sometime during the great Shattering, and goats have taken over all of their roles. This is purely because sometimes I imagine my Three Pillars trio ending up in other worlds, and it amuses me greatly for them to go “what’s a horse?” whenever the subject comes up. XD

Scores -- Obviously, you can’t have a criminal gang and not have any crimes for them to commit! Here are some of the higher-profile missions the Three Pillars would undertake during their career:

-->Sorting out Dr. Bumby at the Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth (their first score after getting together, and after Alice tells them what he’s up to -- their goal being to either get evidence of his misdeeds to one of the incorruptible Inspectors, or just straight-up kill the guy in a way that doesn’t leave a ghost)

-->Getting some of Victor’s stuff out of the Van Dort mansion (which involves Victor learning just how little his parents worry about his actual safety when he encounters them and all his mother can do is complain about how Victoria Everglot has now TWICE married someone else while he’s been missing; I am also SO TEMPTED to have Barnaby and Kasimir in the mansion on their OWN score to rob the place, only to run into Victor, Alice, and Smiler, and Victor to tell them “hey, help me get my stuff back and I will just GIVE you some money from the safe”)

-->Taking care of one Dr. Kelman and his Sanctuary when he puts out a bounty on the three of them, saying that they need his special “social compliance therapy” (this is how Alice and Victor learn Smiler’s birthname, and Smiler justifies the Advocates’ gray morality by saying “at least we don’t CUT THE SMILES INTO PEOPLE’S FACES BEFORE SCOOPING OUT THEIR SOULS”)

-->Acquiring rare and not-always-legal ingredients for the Golden Plum restaurant (I have this in mind as a score that would be kicked off by the first time Smiler overindulged their Pleasure vice there -- the owner and chef, having realized who they are and that they’re a scoundrel, does a little light blackmail to get the gang to help get him ingredients; part of Smiler’s price is that they get first taste of the resultant dishes, which the owner is happy to agree to)

-->Being hired by Victoria to embarrass her parents by stealing a silver egg they recently acquired and won’t stop bragging about (as you might imagine, she’s a little bitter about the Barkis thing and wants to stop them acting like it wasn’t her husband’s money that bought it; midway through the score though, things go off the rails when the egg HATCHES and produces a baby dragon -- cue the gang getting a surprise new pet)

-->Getting Alice’s Jabberwock’s Eye Staff (she needs it as her scary weapon, and I think it would be fun to make getting it an adventure -- maybe in the Lost District outside the lightning barrier?)

-->Attending Con-Dola (this would be a “joke” score where the goal is to actually have some fun in their lives; I can see Victoria hiring them for this one too, saying she needs them to do a few things there, and at the end they realize she hired them literally to have a nice day out XD)

-->And I’m kind of tempted to do something inspired by The Hangover movies and that one Skyrim quest “A Night To Remember” where, after a night of drinking, the gang wakes up in the Lord Mayor’s house not knowing WHAT happened last night (only that for some reason the lady of the house doesn’t seem to mind they’re there) and have to figure out what they did (possibly may involve them getting drunken group-married and being upset only because they didn’t realize that was an option and they would have liked to do that SOBER damn it)

We’ll see if any of these actually make “written” status! (I mean, I hope so, but with the monster of “Londerland Bloodlines: Downtown Queensland” looming over me. . .)

[geth-mmetal]

What Is Arbitrage Betting? | Strategy To Beat The Sportsbooks

You would have to have an unlimited money, play a video game without any home side, and dip into a table that has no restrictions on bet dimension. Seeking worth and handling your bankroll makes a lot more sense. The concept of discovering the best chances for your wager is easy, yet it can be a full betting method.

What wagering strategy is guaranteed win?

Arbitrage is similar for sports bettors. This wagering method includes placing a wager on all possible results of a specific game or occasion to ensure that that there''s a surefire profit despite the victor. The name could appear complex however the concept of arbitrage is in fact quite straightforward.

We also have a Positive EV Wager Browse Device right here at Odds Help. We automatically https://medium.com/@casinohowtowin/a-comprehensive-comparison-of-major-gambling-and-betting-strategies-74099f8fd8bc contrast odds information from numerous sportsbooks to discover mispriced lines that must lead to a revenue in time. Being effective at sporting activities betting ways taking a look at a great deal of data. While you can have a manual method, this is often just as well lengthy to repay. Bear in mind that when you bet, the lines and/or regulations usually are created to ensure profits for the drivers. Know what your risk tolerance is, and also if you're like me, concentrate on the contests where you can create and endure the greatest affordable advantage.

Maintain Emotions Out Of Your Wagers

It's. similar to hedging, but for this to work you require to produce the very same profit/loss on all outcomes. For example, the LA Lakers are one of one of the most popular groups in the NBA and get a lot of bets based on popularity. If a first spread was at -5.5 which after that wandered to -7.5 then this is not because they have a lot more possibility of covering, yet instead, there has been more money based. Once you learn this team's propensities, you will just need to examine their opponents. Yet, this wagering technique does not mean you have to bet on that particular group every single time. If you see a match that does not look appropriate or the line feels incorrect, hold off.

Keep track of the routine and aspects that can assist keep a streak active.

That's practically impossible and the major factor whyThe Martingale strategy does not work.

This implies that your direct exposure at any kind of once is the same for every wager.

By parlaying both bets, you run the risk of one wager to win 4 times your money.

If you are reading this article, you probably already tried adhering to tipster solutions. Lots of people think that locating a tipster on a platform with a long and profitable prediction history is enough to sustain also your Football betting system. This football betting technique is based on mathematics as well as actual likelihood. By this, I imply that they are supplying chances more than the genuine chance of winning. Every single time you find betting opportunities similar to this, you ought to put bets on them.

Establish A Bankroll When Making Use Of Sports Betting Tips

Best of all, many thanks to these approaches, you will certainly have the ability to make much better picks much easier, as well as also to acknowledge wagers which will certainly bring you the wanted profit easily. As long as in your view a suit offers an excellent value, you should contemplate casting a bank on it. It do without claiming that when it comes to NBA, the teams will most likely to great toughness so regarding see to it that they will certainly not dash the hopes of their fans.

Breaking $100: Free PGA Betting Picks and Strategy - 2023 Mexico Open - RotoBaller

Breaking $100: Free PGA Betting Picks and Strategy - 2023 Mexico Open.

There are great deals of reasons hockey is a great sporting activity for advanced betting techniques. It's fairly low scoring, there are great deals of games and great deals of teams to pick from. There are likewise great deals of sides for bettors happy to place in the work. The fact is, none of these systems can assure a win, also if they assure to do simply that. As such, you can bet in the opposite instructions and profit of extra factors in your favor on the factor spread or extra dimes on the buck with the moneyline. It goes without stating that a team which has actually played 3 suits in four nights will certainly be less most likely to manage its job in contrast with a group which is rested.

The reasoning is that the public is going to be wrong the majority of the moment. To do this, you'll have to find information on the percent of bank on each side of a market and wager the ones where most wagers are heavily on one side. Check to see whether a suit or a game is supplied by the sportsbook a few days in advance. Pinpoint the sportsbook with one of the most beneficial chances and also lines as well as position your wager there. Contrast the lines as well as chances on the very same market on every sportsbook.

Best March Madness Promos: Grab $3,600 in Bonuses for Tonight's ... - 4for4

Best March Madness Promos: Grab $3,600 in Bonuses for Tonight's ....

Handicapping is another preferred approach used by expert sporting activities bettors. This includes researching and also assessing information concerning the teams and players in a certain game to recognize any kind of advantages or disadvantages. This info can be used to make even more enlightened bets and enhance the possibilities of winning. Sports betting has become a preferred leisure activity for lots of people, but for specialists, it is a significant organization. In this write-up, we will certainly take a look at several of the most prominent sports betting approaches utilized by specialists. The very best and also most successful football wagering techniques and also systems are arbitrage betting, matched betting, worth wagering, and also betting based on statistics.

[roadflavor4]

Can You Apply Glue To Pressure Treated Wood

Assuming you love outside air, blue skies, and a rich nursery, you might feel that a home's outside is more appealing than its inside. However, it isn't simply the style and material you must be particular about. Chipping away at an outside project implies working with pressure-treated wood. What materials could you at any point securely use on pressure-treated wood? Is sticking the wood protected after you have treated it? Which paste turns out best for pressure-treated wood? We know the torrent of inquiries that stream into the brain of each and every individual who attempts an open air project. In this article, we will examine finally about sticking strain treated blunder. Issues With Gluing Pressure Treated Wood At the point when you have offered your wood make it appropriate for the outside, you might need to confront specific difficulties in the event that you attempt to stick a similar wood later on. The outer layer of treated wood will by and large contain substances from the synthetic compounds and additives that could give you an issue while attempting to stick the wood. Assuming you utilize oil-type additives during the treatment cycle, you will deal with additional issues while attempting to stick the tension treated blunder boardssame wood later. Waterborne medicines are somewhat less testing in such manner. Whenever you treat wood with high maintenances of pentachlorophenol or creosote, the weighty solvents render the wood unequipped for getting paste. You can expect your wood with low confined maintenances to be more satisfactory towards stick, however wood with creosote treatment will be inconceivable in this occurrence. You should think about involving waterborne medicines for your wood on the off chance that you intend to stick it later in light of the fact that this specific treatment doesn't lessen the timber's sticking potential. Waterborne synthetic substances become receptive to stick whenever they have dried out totally. You can likewise sand or plane the surface first so you experience no issue by any means in sticking the wood later. This progression will just upgrade the holding capability of the timber. What Glue Works Best For Pressure Treated Wood You will go over a wide assortment of ordinary timber glues on the lookout. In any case, you should attempt to get the one that is the most suitable considering the openness condition. The main waterproof paste line for your wood is resorcinol pitch pastes. Polyvinyl and urea pitch pastes are the glues that will just give you a humble water-safe bond. There are likewise particular sorts of elastomeric development sticks that give you equipped dampness obstruction and demonstrate profoundly lenient toward high dampness contents in the forest. The temperatures in these cements are additionally lower than the customary ones. To assist you with reducing your decisions, however, here are the four essential sorts of paste you really want to continuously keep close by for wood development projects. POLYURETHANE GLUE Polyurethane stick is a grand water-safe cement. It functions admirably against water that material improves when it is to some degree clammy with dampness. This paste's qualities settle on it a fine decision when you need to chip away at projects including pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is in many cases moist, and utilizing polyurethane stick on stock dried in an oven implies that you should sprinkle a water on it to make it work. It is for the most part an issue when you need to join end grain to end grain concerning strength. Polyurethane is a victor in such manner since it handles permeable end grain superbly. One of the most well known brands of this kind of paste is Gorilla Glue (Amazon Link), which is what I use. TITEBOND III This glue is water-safe and has great sandability. It gives you roughly ten minutes of open time. This particular cement quality is that it is water-safe just when it is dry, however you can without much of a stretch clean its water when it is wet. Titebond III (Amazon Link) goes with a magnificent decision while chipping away at outside furnishings, cut sheets, or different things where dampness is available. YELLOW GLUE Individuals of each and every age are maybe acquainted with the yellow paste, the woodworker's munititions stockpile. Yellow paste comes from the group of polyvinyl acetic acid derivation and is an aliphatic tar. Assuming you intend to construct cupboards or furniture pieces, you can trust yellow paste to deal with the majority of your sticking necessities. The advantages of this paste are that you can clean it with water while it is as yet wet and it turns more grounded than the wood you are sticking together once it fixes. Yellow paste likewise sands better. Notwithstanding, it's anything but a decent decision for moist materials. CYANOACRYLATE This is one more commendable competitor in the cements office. Cyanoacrylate bonds quicker, and you can track down it in different viscosities, from watery to jam thick. You can utilize the slim assortment for filling punky wood as support. The thicker cyanoacrylate is great for filling holes. نجار الكويت , in any case, is fragile paste. This won't work for where day to day use can break it down. Could You at any point Use Liquid Nails On Pressure Treated Wood? Fluid nails will generally give you blended results. By and large, fluid nails dry out after some time and possible lose their cement power. You want to utilize redwood or treated stumble while coming in direct contact with concrete. As a rule, results have demonstrated that treated wood doesn't take to cements including fluid nails. Does Gorilla Glue Work On Pressure Treated Wood? Gorilla stick has numerous uncommon characteristics in wood projects, one of which is serious areas of strength for incredibly. The gorilla stick name peruses that it is the hardest paste on earth, and most constructors concur sincerely with this. It is hard to evaluate the strength of gorilla stick in carpentry stations. In any case, assuming you apply it to a decent fitting joint, you will notice gorilla stick as the most grounded of the numerous wood species, you will stick to it. Gorilla stick without a doubt makes a great. You can relinquish your apprehension about a legitimate joint disappointment in cement where you use gorilla stick. Step by step instructions to Join Two Pieces of Pressure Treated Wood In the event that you have wood pieces dried in a processing plant, you can think about joining the wood straight and sticking it together. In any case, you should be ready for significant pulls on the joints that will ultimately happen from wood development over the long run. You can take a stab at penetrating through the focal point of the sheets and running several strung bars through the wood when you combine it. You should subset the finishes where you could stick a module to cover the pole from plain sight. Is It Possible To Glue Pressure Treated Wood Pieces Together? You should know that the treated timber you will acquire will doubtlessly have synthetic substances and additives infused for assurance against the components. Security and treatment are vital in light of the fact that the wood needs to remain against the components that could twist it and keep bugs and forms from annihilating it. Treated amble is entirely expected in new homes, open air spaces, decks, walls, boat moors, and so forth. Pressure-treated wood can possibly keep going for over forty years, for the most part in light of the fact that the pretreatment expands and boosts its life. Simultaneously, the treatment of timber can make it challenging for pastes to stick to it since synthetic substances from the dampness make the wood sodden. Notwithstanding, pretreatment might make sticking troublesome yet not feasible. You can follow the means underneath to plan for sticking: You should pick an epoxy. They're accessible in wet and dry, yet the reason for both is something very similar. You should dry the wood completely, for which you need to put it in a dry area. You can likewise utilize a dehumidifier in the room where you will keep the sodden wood. Assuming that you intend to dry the treated wood outside, you should just place in direct daylight at the most sizzling time and at no other time. You can utilize a dryer to blow hot air over your treated wood from one finish to another. Store the wood in a dry spot and permit it to rest for no less than three entire days. Set up the wood for sticking by sanding the outer layer of your treated wood, the region, particularly where you intend to utilize the paste. You could start by utilizing medium-coarseness sandpaper and afterward go to fine-coarseness sandpaper. Eliminate the residue from the outer layer of the wood in the wake of sanding utilizing a tack fabric or a cloth. Ensure the region is pretty much as smooth as anyone might think possible. You can continue with the sticking system now. It is essential to utilize the appropriate apparatuses, hardware, and wellbeing gear during this interaction. Last Thoughts Treated blunder improves the life and strength of your outside wooden pieces. Treated wood can keep going for over forty years in the event that you follow the right works on during your development project, incorporating sticking the wood in the correct way.

[maxwell-grant]

OK, I know this will probably be painful, and I may be a bad mutual for asking but...would you be willing to identify what, in your opinion are the bottom five worst Shadow adaptations, and give a detailed breakdown of why they were so lousy?

Oh christ, okay. I don't think you're gonna get as much of a detailed breakdown for these compared to some of the others, because I take more issue with adaptations that do have good qualities but also big or deep problems to talk about.

For example, I can't include Garth Ennis's Shadow in this list because the comic has a lot of strong points to it, despite a deeply, deeply detestable take on The Shadow's character, where as the rest of the Dynamite run doesn't reach neither the lows or highs of his run. Likewise, Andy Helfer's run has a couple or a couple dozen moments every issue that make me want to tear something to shreds in frustration, but it's also at many points a really good comic with great art and some occasionally very inspired writing. Really, I'd just be repeating myself talking about what I hate in those.

But, fine, let's list some of the others.

I think I'm just gonna have to get the elephant in the room out of the way here, and address that I won't be including Si Spurrier's 2017 Dynamite mini in this list, and I think at least some of you might be angry it's not Number 1 by default. I'm doing this because I intend to one day really revisit it, think about it and it's reception and what it was trying to do, and talk about it on it's own, now that it's been 5 years and everyone has moved on and we can maybe talk about it without kneejerk hatred driving everyone nuts (your mileage may vary on how warranted it was).

I'm also not going to be talking about James Patterson's new novel, because I haven't read it. It seems to be considered a forgettable potboiler by mainstream critics and a resounding failure by everyone who likes the character whether they've read the book or not, and frankly I don't have it in me to learn what the fuzz was about anytime soon, I got my hands way too full as is.

And I won't be including the Batman x Shadow crossovers here, because again, they do have a lot of virtues that put them far ahead of some of the really worst Shadow media, and I've talked enough about how badly I think they mangled The Shadow, which is really the big problem I have with them (well, that and Tim Sale blatantly copying a Michael Kaluta cover, that was really shitty). I don't really hate them anymore, I just get tired and frustrated thinking about parts of them, I said my piece as is. Really, my frustration over this comic is what inspired me to start writing about The Shadow here, so I guess in a way I do owe it at least that much.

5: Archie Comics's Shadow

I think some of you might be wondering why this isn't ranked higher, but to be honest, I don't actually harbor any hatred towards this. I mean, I have to include it, but I find it kinda silly that some people even today actually care about the existence of this comic enough to hate it.

For fans back then? Oh yeah, obviously, but this dropped to such instantaneous backlash that it never really got to live past 6 issues. Really, everything wrong about it can be understood immediately from the covers, and I've actually read the comic in it's entirety to see if there was anything worth taking. I found only a couple of things of note but, no, this really is just a painfully mediocre superhero comic that happens to have a couple of Shadow names in it. If anything, it gets too much credit.

The actual contents of what it is are never going to justify it's reputation, but the existence of it and the disproportionate response to it is the funniest and most enduring legacy it could ever ask for. This whole comic is The Shadow's version of Spongebob's embarassing Christmas photo.

4: David Liss's The Shadow Now

This is another "The Shadow as an immortal in modern times" comic and I think you may have noticed the pattern with those by now. I may revisit this eventually and I do have some moments from it saved for reference, but overall: It sucks, and it doesn't even suck in a way that lets me talk much about it, it's a diet version of Chaykin's Shadow. If Archie's Shadow is a generic mediocre superhero comic wearing The Shadow's name, this is a generic crime story playing beats from movie. The Shadow is an asshole and not even a grandiose or sinister one, he just feels like a sleazy douche in a costume. The art is a 50/50 coin toss between appropriately moody and "Google images with a filter on them", I don't remember anything about the plot other than Khan had a bomb again and he had a daughter, and there were new versions of the agents and the Harry stand-in turned evil and Lamont shacked up with Margo's descendant which, uh, no. I don't really hate this but I really have nothing nice to say about this comic other than Colton Worley's art is nice sometimes. I can't really muster anything else to say here.

3: Invisible Avenger

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

ZZZZZZZZZZ...

...uuh, wha-

Yeah, I remember nothing about this one other than it's painfully boring and nothing about it, nothing at all, works in the slightest and I drift off to sleep even now trying to give this a rewatch. To be honest pretty much every other Shadow serial not starred by Victor Jory sucks and I don't really have anything to say about them, this one is just the worst of the lot. I dearly wish there was a good Shadow tv series but, if it was going to be like this pilot? Good riddance.

2: Harlan Ellison's The New York Review of Bird

This isn't really a Shadow story as much as it's a Harlan Ellison story that happens to feature The Shadow, but man am I glad that Ellison's "Dragon Shadows" was canned, because holy shit what a goddamn nightmare Harlan Ellison writing The Shadow for real could have been, going purely by the one time he ever touched the character. New York Review of Bird is a purely farcical parody story that wears real, real thin even before "Uncle Kent" shows up, and we get to see in it what is by far the most detestable and irredeemable take on The Shadow ever put on print, and not even in a critique or deconstructive way or anything that could be remotely worth discussing.

I don't hold any particular affection for Harlan Ellison and his writing (despite liking some of it) and I've come to notice the major red flag that is finding someone who looks up to Harlan Ellison in any capacity as a person, and this story in particular really feels like Ellison aggressively trying to channel his jackass tendencies through every line, just him being nasty because he built a personal brand on being nasty. The only reason this isn't Number One is because it's a very short story that saw zero influence or reputation, and thus it only exists as a brief mention in The Shadow wiki, and a brief mention is all it really calls for.

1: Howard Chaykin's Blood & Judgment

I'm guessing most of you already knew this one was in the top spot before I started writing.

I would actually rather not write a big piece on Blood & Judgment, because I think (or at least I hope) it's influence on The Shadow has waned a lot over the years and I would prefer to draw it the least amount of attention possible, but if I HAVE to talk about this, I guess I'd rather just vomit this out of my circuits now instead of giving it it's own post.

I would prefer to use a less unpleasant image on my blog, but if I'm going to talk about this comic, there's no image to better convey it than this drawing of macho asshole Cranston holding a sexualized mannequin at gunpoint. By leaps and bounds, Blood & Judgment is the most misogynistic Shadow story I've ever read. It's ironic that Chaykin justified the rampant misogyny he gave The Shadow with the idea that this is just a man from the 30s would act like, when he admits in the same breath that he never even touched the stories, and he wrote a story more sexist and demeaning to it's female characters than anything, literally anything, written in the Shadow pulps. It's almost impressive even.

I'll paste some segments from Randy Raynaldo's review

In Flagg, he intended to present his own point of view on American society while keeping his work tongue in cheek and acessible. But this vision dimmed, and Flagg had become a vehicle by which Chaykin could play out fetishes and portray gratuitous and stylish violence.

In The Shadow, stripped of the political and social veneer which was supposed to make Flagg unique, Chaykin's sensibilities and excesses become disturbingly apparent. For all of his liberal posturing, Chaykin's work demonstrates zero difference from the same kind of mentality exploited and made popular by similarly violent popular culture icons like Dirty Harry and Death Wish.

More than half a dozen individuals are indiscriminately and violently murdered in the first issue. Although the victims are characters who played major roles in the myth of The Shadow, we feel little sympathy for them, even for those of us who knew these characters at the outset. Who dies is unimportant, it's how they die that is the fascination.

Chaykin uses sexual decadence as a means by which to establish villains, and undercuts this device by making the protagonists as promiscuous as the villains. For all of Chaykin's seemingly liberal leanings, he demonstrates very little sensitivity in his portrayal of women.

Because everything works on rules of three, this comic also follows the pattern with other works mentioned here, as this isn't Howard Chaykin writing The Shadow: it's The Shadow reimagined as a Howard Chaykin character. He looks and acts exactly like Reuben Flagg and the typical macho protagonist of Chaykin's other works, he's a cynical sleaze with an entirely new origin who half-assedly dons a garb to machine gun people, and I already wrote a separate piece on why the machineguns are kind of emblematic of everything wrong with this take.

I understand that Chaykin has, or used to have, a big following of sorts, and I've tried to wrap my head around this for years, but I genuinely still don't get why Shadow fans stomach this comic unless they happen to be Chaykin fans first and foremost, I really don't. Everything, fucking everything Shadow fans hate about modern depictions of the character can be traced right back to this. The parts that stuck and changed the character for the worse, like him being defined as an immortal, bloodthirsty warmonger who got all his skills and powers from a magic city in Tibet, or Lamont Cranston being a coward who fears and hates the Shadow, or his agents being expendable slaves, stuff that has been ingrained into the mythos through this and the Alec Baldwin movie and other comics, to the point that people now think of it as the norm, that it's the baseline of what The Shadow is, and I hate it, I genuinely fucking hate it,

I hate it so much that it's a big part of the reason why I created this blog and why I want so badly to get to write The Shadow, because I plainly couldn't stand not having ways to tell people that this is all wrong, that this is actively shooting down the character's odds for success, and that they are missing out on something really great, because the well has been tainted with garbage that won't go away and everytime I read the words Shambala in a Shadow comic, even an otherwise good or great one, I get just a wee bit cross.

The only semi-redeeming aspects I can think of for this comic is one or two cool moments, like when The Shadow hijacks a concert using his Devil's Whisper or when he tames dogs with a stare. Just breadcrumbs of "not garbage" amidst an ocean of anything but. I hate that talking about why I hate this comic in-length can almost feel like I'm still enticing people to check it out of curiosity, but if you wanna do that, fine, just know this: The worst part of Blood & Judgment, even if you don't care at all about what it did to The Shadow, is that it's boring.

It is a deeply boring comic. If you like Howard Chaykin to begin with, you'll probably like this okay (although even Chaykin fans told me that this is his weakest work and that even he seems to agree). If you don't, I plain don't see what you could get out of this.

The comic itself is just nothing. It's the comic book equivalent of a pre-schooler trying to get a reaction by swearing. It has nothing whatsoever other than half-assed attempts at shock value. The plot isn't there, the ideas are stale, the dialogue is needlessly oblique and comprised entirely of unfinished sentences, interrupted conversations and one-liners without build-up. The characters are all unlikable and uninteresting stooges with no personality, or joyless cartoons. There's no heart or emotion or logic, and it isn't even funny enough to succeed as just an outrageous exercise in 80s excess. There's nothing in here.

I get "why" it was popular enough at the time, a rising star creator penning a modern revival of an old character based on controversy that pissed off the old fans, it's an old story that still gets repeated today. But manufactured controversy is not a replacement for storytelling and it rarely ever exists to benefit the people who actually want to enjoy the stories, it only benefits those for the crude benefit of those who want to sell you something out of the controversy.

I guess they got their money's worth back then.

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

Phew, okay, I did it, I finally vomited out a piece on Blood & Judgment and some others, allright, let's put this piece of negativity behind us now.

[ginkgomoon]

After the Future (Season 2)- Song Analysis

So excited to start working on putting my music analyses out! Although I am very passionate about music, I hadn't chosen to study it in school, hence why I hesitated in even trying as I thought I would be lacking the musical terminology and knowledge to fully commit to a proper analysis. However, I did want to persevere, and after back and forth emails to a music teacher, I finally had finally gathered enough material to start the base of own personal analysis on the music tracks. The amazing teacher had helped me with the identifying musical parts of the songs, and I had to be the bridge to connect everything else together with MLQC in a way that would be appropriate to the lore and make it understandable for others to read. Music was and still is a big part of my gameplay. It invigorated so many emotions and I wouldn't be so connected to the game if it weren't for it. It is truly something to be appreciated of. Thank you to all the amazing people who helped made these amazing pieces of art.

If anyone had studied film, the arts, or literally is a fic writer, you would know that the sentence you write or shot you take is something of high value and intent that would contribute to the building of a particular work.

Music is the same. Everything is intentional and necessary. Everything you hear commits to a particular purpose/theme and the message you want to convey. The MLQC music tracks in particular have no lyrics, which accentuates the fact that the emotions, the connections and the information you gather comes strictly from the various instruments and sounds that you hear.

This, therefore makes music analysing much fun but a lot more complicated.

For example, without lyrics we have to be extra vigilant. A certain note or instrument could present itself and we might have to correlate that to something in the gameplay. Or, if a certain instrument represented a certain personality, we would have to expand on that, too.

This analysis includes the PV, which helps further develop the core ideas of Season 1 to Season 2.

Context (Spoilers of S2)

From Chapter 37, we arrive at the end of the first season-

Judgment Day.

MC chooses to crown herself as the White Swan QUEEN and saves the world from Comet X1917.

To do so, she must leave this world behind. She must bid farewell to the guys and turns back time... seventeen years back to her five-year-old self.

Onwards, to Season 2.

Guide

The dot-points (like this) are the musical terms/instruments named that you can hear. - Dashes underneath (like this) will be the storyline connection and interpretation to the music.

Analysis

After The Future is the track that is played as the bridge between Season 1 to Season 2.

Chimes enter. - This is not the first time we hear chimes in the tracks. It's also heard in Love and Vision (Season 1). - This represents MC's faith. Her presence. Her cause and effect's thoughts and actions. Her correspondence to everything. But most importantly, her fate.

Piano enters with chordal accompaniment - chord progression consisting of 4 chords (vi IV I V).

This piece is in E major (a lovely key! Nice and warm!) - We start to see MC with Shaw and Kiro, proceeding to say goodbye to them. We are still in Season 1. - It gives out an almost a saddening, nostalgic feeling. It's like piano is being represented as MC, as we always hear it in Season 1 music tracks.

Lush synthesised string section enters and builds the texture of the music suddenly. - This starts as she says goodbye to Gavin, Victor and Lucien. - This section is like the "ascension" for the boys' gradual realisation and MC's working towards the buildup for her confrontation that she must leave. - This can also be viewed as her ascension as QUEEN, as we can hear the violins and other instruments accompanying it becoming higher in pitch.

Chimes are being heard again as the last thing to "fade out". -MC wears the crown, and the coronation of the White Swan Queen is almost over.

“Love, is what makes me move forward.”

After a silence, electric guitar, drum kit and other instruments enter in a contrasting electronic, slightly rock-style and upbeat section. - This scene in the PV is brilliant, because MC had changed the course and fate of the world. Why and how? - We see a chessboard, exactly parallel to one another. Except the fact that everything use to be black, is now mostly pure white. - In chess, the pieces we play with are black and white. MC is not the Black Swan QUEEN, but crowned herself the victor as White. - This cut happens when the electric guitar picks up, almost symbolising the sudden change that MC makes on the world, therefore, affecting every piece in the board. - The guys can also be argued to be represented as certain pieces in chess (which I am looking forward to expanding on in a future post). - This triggers the happening of Season 2.

The piano improvises a syncopated melody in a mid-high register that sings through the many instruments playing at the same time. This is called a "tutti". - The piano (MC) is heard again. She's alive and kicking in this New World! It drives the rest of the now upbeat instruments, like how MC forges her way through into the world. - The drums accentuates the sense of "intrusion", as we see multiple shots of various locations in Loveland City, almost insights/premonitions to what we will encounter in the future. - MC is with the five guys again, looking bolder, and we can sense that she has changed in the New World, too. - Everyone just looks so good in the PV.

The combination of piano and strings create a more ‘classical’ feel that merge well with the more electronic-sounding instruments that enter in the second section.

The music starts to "ascend" again. - She had used her powers as QUEEN, and now in this world, she must strive towards to fulfil another purpose- to another set of promises.

The continuity of the initial instruments creates a sense of unity in this short piece, then dramatically fades. - This is ultimately representing the worlds that she has merged together to create this New World. - This shows that the unity of the worlds is over, the "reset" has begun, and MC must proceed to find the guys's "old selves". - And so it begins!

"What if... on that day..."

[cheri-translates]

Headcanon - terms of endearment

This work, 关于称呼, was originally written by 君兮耶君兮 on Weibo, and she has given me permission to translate it 🌸

[ VICTOR ]

You very rarely call him by an affectionate nickname. Most of time, you’d just call him “Victor”.

The moment you step into his office, you immediately question, “Victor, why did you call me in here?”

“Weren’t you clamouring about wanting to go on a holiday if your proposal got approved on the first try? I’ve picked out a few places. You can decide where you want to go.” He pushes a wad of papers towards you, with several countries and famous tourist spots listed on them. Even the expected spending has been laid out in detail.

The unexpected surprise leaves a buzzing in your head, and you aren’t sure what you’re feeling so happy about - the fact that your proposal was approved, or the fact that you can go on a vacation with him.

“Vic, you’re the best!” You lunge over, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“What... did you call me?” His voice takes on a rare, uncertain tone.

“...Vic?” You pull away from his arms in puzzlement, tilting your head as you look at him.

A small smile tugs at he corners of his lips. He bring you back into his arms, burying his face into the crook of your neck. “Only my father, mother, and aunt call me that.”

Hearing him mention his mother, you realise that you’ve rubbed a soft spot. Before you can apologise, you hear a gentle yet assertive voice in your ear.

“Since you’ve decided to be a part of my family, there’s no going back.”

[ GAVIN ]

Sometimes, just the slightest teasing can cause Gavin’s face to redden. For instance, when you call him “Darling”.

Sometimes, he’s incredibly bold. For instance, the time he kissed you on the piano in the music room of Loveland High.

After sending your relatives off, you sit on the bed, sensing a headache coming on as you stare at the mess they left on the floor.

Gavin assists in removing your weighty headgear, releasing your complicated braids, and picking out the confetti and ribbons which had accidentally ended up in between strands of hair. He rubs your head affectionately. “Go take a bath. I’ll tidy up.”

Gavin knows that your wedding dress is heavy. After walking around in it for an entire day, and then having to go through the Chinese custom of being pranked and teased by relatives, you’re definitely in a state of fatigue.

You stretch out your hands, watching as the tips of his ears turn crimson. Lifting you up, he carries you to the bathroom.

“Thank you, hubby~” You croon, arms around his neck.

“Cough.” He pauses in his steps, ears turning an even darker shade. “Could you... call me that again?”

You laugh coyly, giving him a sudden peck on the lips. “Hubby~”

Gavin grips you even more tightly. His voice is serious, as though he’s making a vow. “I’ll protect you, and will live up to the promise in this name.”

[ KIRO ]

“You hacked into my phone again!” You twist Kiro’s ears, enraged.

“Miss Chips, let go! I was wrong, I was wrong!” He tosses aside the game console in his hand, doing his best to protect his ears.

You release your grip, handing him your phone. “If you changed anything other your name, change them back right now!”

“There’s really nothing else! Apart from changing my name from ‘The Second Child’ to ‘Mr Chips’, I really didn’t touch anything else!” Kiro holds out three fingers, vowing to the heavens with a serious expression.

You roll your eyes. “Fine, I’ll believe you this time. But why did you change your name? ‘The Second Child’ sounds good. You even sound like Apple Box’s brother.”

[Note] I translated “The Second Child” from the author’s use of “二狗子” (“er gou zi”). It directly translates to “The Second Dog” - an internet slang meant to ridicule the second child in the family

Kiro casts a look of distaste towards the golden retriever lying on the carpet. “I’m not its brother. It only knows how to snatch my Miss Chips!”

You chuckle. “Are you still mad at Apple Box?”

Kiro fumes, snaking an arm around your waist and pulling you onto the sofa. “I don’t care. Next time, you have to call me ‘Mr Chips’. This way, anyone who hears it will know that I'm with Miss Chips!”

[ LUCIEN ]

“Could you change the way you address me?” Lucien has an arm around you on the sofa as he reads a book, his eyes accidentally flitting to the screen of your phone. 

He recognises the familiar display picture as himself, but why is his name saved as “Big Fox🦊”?

“Isn’t it very appropriate?” You straighten up, patting and shaping his hair so it resembles two fox ears. “See? You two look similar and cute.”

He smoothens his hair in resignation, then tousles yours. “But I still think it’s slightly odd.”

You pout while swatting his hand away, tidying your hair. “What name did you set for me in your phone then?”

Lucien picks up his phone from the coffee table, handing it to you. With a tilt of his chin, he beckons you to take a look yourself.

Suspicious, you take the phone, unlocking it with your fingerprint. Unlike your phone, the message bubble at the top doesn’t contain any emojis or strange symbols. Just a simple: “Twelve”.

“Why ‘Twelve’?” You ask, baffled.

Lucien doesn’t say anything. Instead, he flips your hand over, drawing on your palm with his finger.

One stroke, another stroke, a few more strokes... a dot.

A total of twelve strokes.

“You use twelve strokes to write ‘朋友’, ‘恋人’, and ‘家人’.”

[Trivia]

朋友 (“peng you” - friend)

灵魂 (“lian ren” - lover)

家人 (“jia ren” - family)

The original version is slightly different (he saves her name as “Twenty” and writes the Chinese word for “soul” on her palm). But it requires a lot of explanation so I just altered it to make things less confusing!

[ SHAW ]

After coming across an internet article on terms of endearment, you start to reflect on what you usually call him.

“Shaw”, “Pikashaw”, “Eggplant Head”, “Spring Thunder”, “Little Brat”... and a few others.

“Little Brat, I usually call you using so many nicknames, but which one's your favourite?” You push away Shaw’s hand on your thigh before laying on his lap.

Shaw shuffles his legs together so you can be more comfortable, then stuffs a french fry into your mouth. “Spring Thunder.”

You blink a few times, not expecting that he’d actually fancy that particular term of address. Whenever you call him that, he usually starts fuming.

“Why?” You ask, leaving your mouth open as you wait for the next fry.

“It sounds intimidating, and suits my Evol.” He sticks a fry into tomato ketchup before bringing it to your lips.

You frown, though you’re unsure if it’s because of the slight sourness of the tomato ketchup or the fact that Shaw seems to misunderstand what it means to be “intimidating”.

“Tell me the truth.” You sit upright, pulling a sheet of tissue from the box to wipe some salt off the corners of your mouth.

Shaw lapses into a short silence. In an almost imperceptible voice, he answers. “It sounds good with “Spring Plum.”

[Note] In EN, the alias Shaw gives MC in Ch 22 is “Mary Sue”. But in CN, her alias is “刘春梅” (“liu chun mei”), which very loosely translates to “Spring Plum”.

The nickname MC gives Shaw, “Spring Thunder”, is 凌春雷 (“ling chun lei”), which rhymes with 刘春梅 ^o^

–

More translated and original works: here

–

[ Permission to translate ]

君兮耶君兮: You can - just note the source of the author

[kailedger]

for all the YOI fanfic authors

I’ve been reading a lot of fanfics in this particular fandom and, as a Russian, there’s like... little things that constantly bother me. Don’t get me wrong, the works are amazing, but every time I see this little innacurate details in a really good piece I’m like... slightly dissapointed lol

So here’s a couple things from a native speaker and someone who actually lives in Russia. (Also pardon my grammar, since English is not my first language).

NAMES. I couldn't stress it more, honestly. Here's the thing: most of Russian names have a full version and a short version. For example Victor (or Viktor, whichever you prefer) is the full version and Vitya is the short version. Sometimes I see authors using the short version, but most of the time it's described as something unusual (like Victor gets TOO excited to hear it from Yuuri). But in real life everyone in Russia will call him Vitya. It's not a big deal, the closest equivalent I can think of is this: if you wanna adress someone as Ms. or Mr., you can use the full name, but if two people are on the first name basis, in Russia they most likely will use the short version. So, like, Yakov, Yurio, Mila, Georgi will definitely call him Vitya (as I recall, in anime Yakov actually does? Or have I been reading too much fanfiction?). 

If it's an official kind of thing (for example, press meetings etc.) Victor can be adressed by his full name, sometimes even with his paternal name. (Paternal names in Russia is a whole other thing, pretty close to second names, but a little bit different. We always adress elder people like teachers with both full name and paternal name). I actually think Victor would adress Yakov with his paternal name, but that heavely depends in their relationship (honestly, Victor has like zero chill, so I wouldn't put it past behind him to have no respect in this matter lol). 

Oh, and Yurio's name is a mess in most fanfics. The full name would be Yuri, the short version is Yura. Since Otabek is from Kazakzstan, there's a very high chance he's actually fluent in Russian, so he would definitely use "Yura". The cutesy dimunitive would be Yurochka (not Yuratchka as it's stated in the anime subtitles), but it's only appropriate to use with a big age difference (like Yurio's granpa calling him that) or in a really sweet manner, to a point of being almost nauseating. (BTW, dimunitive from Vitya is Viten'ka). 

Mila's full name doesn't actually have a short version, but if you're looking for a dimunitive it's Milochka (which is also the same word for "darling" in Russian, and this version can be kind of sarcastic, so be careful with it). 

Georgi... Oh my God, where do I start lol. There's like two common short versions: Zhora or Gosha (sometimes even Goga, we have a very popular movie quote with this name, it's like a well-known joke for Russians).

Pet names. That's a whole other different level of hell. I often see people writing Victor using pet names, sometimes it's good, most of the times it makes me go "He would never use that, please, stop". 

"Zolotse" as in "gold" is actually a pretty good one - altough it's a little conservative and not often used, it has a personal meaning for Victor and Yuuri and isn't, you know... cringy. But for the love of God, don't use "krasavchik" (handsome guy) or "detka" (baby), it's just... no. Miliy (darling), lyubov moya or lyubimiy (my love) are pretty good. A little too sweet for my taste, but I actually think it's appropriate for Victor since he's clingy lol.

Accents. So here's the thing. I lived my whole life in Russia, I learned English through some additional courses (not very advanced) and watching a lot of american/english tv-shows and movies and reading literature in english. When I had the chance to talk to native speakers (one was from Boston, I believe, and also a bunch of people in England when I went on a vacation there), most of them said that I barely had any accent at all. 

Victor presumably has been participating in international events from a very young age. My point is - sure, he can have an accent, but in my opinion it's not gonna be very distinctive. Unless he's specifically speaking in a broken English, but, like, why would he do that? On the other hand, Yurio and Mila are both pretty young, so it would actually make sense for them to have an accent or even have trouble speaking English.

Customs and traditions. Pretty sure most people know it already, but in Russia we do wear our wedding rings on the right hand. Has something to do with our main religion being eastern orthodox church. 

We don't usually celebrate Christmas. Our Christmas is on 7th of January and it's a pretty religious holiday, most of us barely acknowledge it. So 25th of December is not a holiday in Russia. But! New Year is the biggest holiday for the whole country. We celebrate it starting from 31st of December, and the celebration itself usually involves the New Year tree, champange, tangerines and a whole bunch of salads. We have official holidays from 31st of December all the way to 7th on January (some years even 8th or 9th). So it's a whole week of celebration where people usually get drunk a lot lol. 

The stereotype about russians drinking a lot is not exactly a sterotype tbh. We DO drink a lot, not all of us, of course, but still. And yeah - vodka is pretty common since you can find it really cheap and it doesn't have a particular taste or smell (if you don't count the smell and taste of alcohol itself). But I, for example, prefer rum in my cocktails, so it's like a preference thing. 

Not exactly a tradition or custom, but still fits here. Yeah, it can get pretty cold in Russia, especially in winter or late fall. But this winter (of 2019-2020) was pretty mild honestly, not a lot of snow and the temperature was rarely below -10 degrees celcium. And our summers can get unbearebly hot. Since the humidity in St. Petersburg is very high, it makes the hot weather even worse. Oh, yeah, and in St. P it rains A LOT. The city itself is pretty gloomy and dark, but that's kind of part of it's charm if you're into this kind of thing (some people are not, I've got a lot of friends from Moscow who hate St. P for being so moody). 

Russia is also pretty big. The travel from St. P to Moscow is from 4 to 12 hours on train (depends on what train you're on) or 1.5 hour on plane. But both of those cities are in the western part of the country. Vladivostok (the city on the eastern coast) is actually closer to Japan than it's to St. P or Moscow (2 hour flight to Japan, 45 hour flight to St. P, crazy, right?)

Homophobia. Kinda heavy topic, beware. Russia is a homophobic country. Not to the point of same-sex relationship being a criminal offence, but propaganda, as our authorities would call it, is an administrative offence. And the court can judge A LOT of your actions as a propaganda, especially if you’re a public person. I mostly prefer to not dwell on this topic in fanfiction, I think even the creators of anime itself stated that there’s no homophobia in YOI world, so best stick to it, I guess? But if you wanna go for something realistic, here’s how it would have been in Russia. If Victor EVER publicly acknolewged being in a relationship with another man (like... kissing one on a national televion, ya know), he would be heavely criticized. There would still be supporters, people who would say that it doesn’t matter, what his personal life is like, but there would be a lot of backlash, especially on official level. Which would make his life in Russia pretty miserable tbh. He would most likely lose a majority of his sponsorships in Russia, there’s even a high chance of administrative penalty (since he’s a public person). That’s really sad and makes me very, very angry, but, unfortunatly, that’s the reality. Oh, and same-sex marriage is illegal in Russia, in case that wasn’t clear. 

Phew, that was a lot, and I think I haven’t covered all that I wanted to lol. But in case you have any question, feel free to ask!

p.s.: part two, if you’re interested: https://kailedger.tumblr.com/post/621623611041759232/for-all-the-yoi-fanfic-author-p2

[pennyofthewild]

when all is done and settled

could there be something left for us after all?

***

when all is done and settled //could there be something left for us after all? Characters: Nie Huaisang, Jin Ling I Jin Rulan, Jiang Cheng I Jiang Wanyin Word Count: 1,170 Ratings/Warnings: General Audiences, this is really self-indulgent, please don't judge me? (plot, what plot! can't a fic just be a long conversation?) Notes: written for sangcheng week 2021 day 3: grief//revenge but i am horrible at angst so have this mildly hopeful post-canon thing instead? Alternative Reading Link: [AO3]

***

Cultivation conferences have been particularly tedious lately. Truthfully, Huaisang never really enjoyed cultivation conferences – his idea of enjoyable social events does not encompass sitting in on a bunch of stuffy old men arguing pointlessly for hours on end – but lately –

Lately the meetings have been more grating than ever. It is probably because – well. Huaisang used to be able to catch his eye over his fan when Sect Leader Yao was being particularly odious – exchange half-hearted shrugs with a dimpled smile –

He’d won, Huaisang reminds himself. He’d come out the victor. He’d outwitted the cleverest person he’s ever known, so why –

It must be that cultivation conferences were never Huaisang’s favorite places to be, and now he has to endure being lonely on top of everything else.

Why didn’t anyone tell him victory would feel so hollow? How long will it be before he stops waking in cold sweat, the crack san-ge’s neck had made when he’d been dragged into the coffin resonating in his ears?

I never thought you would be the death of me, Nie Huaisang.

Across the room, Lan Wangji is rising stiffly from the chief cultivator’s position, announcing we will now adjourn for the noon meal sounding practically relieved, for Lan Wangji.

Ironic, Huaisang thinks, how he’d brought about Lan Wangji’s eternal earthly happiness and his elevation in the eyes of the cultivation world through his machinations (though he’d also driven his brother into seclusion, to be fair), and had been unable to secure any such joys for himself.

Perhaps if Wei Wuxian were the sort of person to attend cultivation conferences Huaisang might have at least a conversation partner, but Wei Wuxian, like Huaisang, has a particular distaste for this sort of gathering, and unlike Huaisang, is not at all obligated to actually be present.

And then, Huaisang thinks with a slight pang, trailing in the wake of his fellow sect leaders, there is the matter of another erstwhile old friend. The one who is currently several paces ahead of Huaisang, (tall and unattainable), walking with his hands behind his back, head tipped to the side to listen intently to whatever his nephew is whispering into his ear.

See – Huaisang used to have a long-standing agreement with Jiang Wanyin, at cultivation conferences – to meet up after the day’s agenda had been wrung dry – and poke fun at the general state of the cultivation world’s leadership over greasy street-stall food and a several drinks. Late at night and slightly inebriated is when Jiang Wanyin’s dry, sarcastic wit is at its most razor-sharp; their conversations have always been Huaisang’s favorite part of being at a cultivation conference.

Unfortunately, in the months since Huaisang’s decade-long plot had finally run its course, this agreement has quietly fallen through. The worst of it is, Huaisang cannot be sure why.

As far as he is aware, he hasn’t quarrelled with Jiang Wanyin – unless he is mistaken, the Jiang sect leader had been pretty pre-occupied, that night in Guanyin Temple, and can’t possibly have realized the extent of Huaisang’s role in the night’s events. It is understandable, then, that to Huaisang, this new distance that has cropped up between them is especially frustrating. Could it be, he wonders, that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji had revealed his plot to Sect Leader Jiang? But as far as Huaisang is aware, Jiang Wanyin is still not on speaking terms with the Chief Cultivator or his one-time martial brother.

Lost in his musings, Huaisang runs headlong into Jin Rulan, who has, in the meanwhile, unhooked himself from his uncle’s apron strings in favor of catching up with the Lan sect’s head disciple. As he stumbles backward, Huaisang finds himself on the receiving end of an appraising look from Jin Rulan (he looks down his nose just like his uncle!). He turns away from Lan Sizhui with a murmured give me a moment, A-yuan, and gives Huaisang an appropriately deferential bow, sect-leader-to-sect-leader.

“Sect Leader Nie,” he says, grave, polite (he used to call Huaisang Nie-shushu, once upon a time, Huaisang thinks with a twinge of pain).

Huaisang nods back, crinkles his eyes over his fan. “Sect Leader Jin,” he says, cheerfully. “You look well.”

Jin Rulan takes a step closer, casting a cursory glance around the room. Lan Sizhui is pointedly looking elsewhere.

“I feel I should tell you,” Jin Rulan says, expression frank, straightforward, “I am aware of an obligation I have to return a favor you have done my late uncle.”

Huaisang’s breath catches in his throat. To think he would actually come out and say it, and in such a place! Or perhaps it is because of the place – but if this is a warning, he is doing a horrible job – . The part of Huaisang’s mind that is not absorbed in self-preservation thinks, dimly, that perhaps certain things are in fact passed down, from father to son, like naivety, and a sense of justice.

“I am afraid I must be misunderstanding you, Sect Leader Jin,” Huaisang says, easily, giving Jin Rulan his most innocuous expression, from above his fan.

Jin Rulan smiles. “Rest assured,” he says, a sardonic tone in his voice that, once again, is all Jiang Wanyin, “you are not. But –,” here, he pauses, takes a breath, “ my objective in telling you is to let you know I have in fact decided to let the matter rest.”

Now Huaisang is sure he must be misunderstanding, because none of this conversation is making any sense. “You have,” he says, faintly.

Jin Rulan nods, decisive. “Yes,” he says, “I am not quite sure I will be able to properly forgive you, Sect Leader Nie, but the truth is I have precious few family members left to me. Besides, my jiujiu has assured me that revenge is not a road lightly taken, and that I probably do not have the temperament for it.”

A laugh – rather like a sob – climbs its way out of Huaisang’s throat. “Your jiujiu doesn’t mince words,” he finds himself saying.

Jin Rulan gives him a considering look. “My jiujiu is lonely, too,” he declares, a non-sequitur if there ever was one, “I’d rather he not lose anyone else precious to him, if it is all the same to you, Sect Leader Nie.”

From across the pavilion, Jiang Wanyin – who is caught in what looks like an excruciating three-way conversation with Sect Leaders Yao and Ouyang – turns, as if by some protective maternal paternal instinct. He looks from Huaisang to Jin Rulan, and back. Catches Huaisang’s eye, holds. Gives Huaisang a brief nod. Something bright and painful flares in Huaisang’s chest.

“Thank you, for your magnanimity,” Huaisang tells Jin Rulan – to himself, silently, he adds: perhaps, one day, I will be worthy of it, and then, “and to your point; I think I will go rescue your jiujiu before he embroils us in another diplomatic situation.”

Jin Rulan’s answering smile is blinding.

The feeling in Huaisang’s chest grows brighter.

Ah, Huaisang thinks, this is what it feels like to hope.

[detectiveconnor]

do you think annie sanders is acting in what she believes is the right, that she believes publishing either the footage or the article she tried to leverage it for or both is something that "should" be public for others' safety and genuinely feels that, or do you think it's having her own name attached to the 'exposé' that interests her? what does connor think?

Regarding this

I'll give you Connor's answer first because he was loudest: he thinks it doesn't matter. Whether she genuinely believes invading his privacy, publicising his trauma and demanding an accompanying story is the 'right' or 'just' thing to do, and whether she knew in advance how badly it would hurt him (he insisted on that word - hurt), is not important. To many extents yes, he acknowledges the need for appropriate caution when presented with inconsistent evidence - it was not good, but Michael sharing the video with New Jericho's security staff and, even, Victor forwarding it to the DPD, was acting promptly and with appropriate caution. They were not being cruel, they were being wary. Not great. Also not terribly offensive, he does and will not hold it against them.

Annie Sanders is an external reporter with little to no context for either Connor or his place in New Jericho, seeking to publish a sensationalist story that uses his name to cost both Connor and New Jericho something (if they're framed as not knowing he was "dangerous" - as not being able to protect people under New Jericho's roof - how will that look to Androids who do not feel safe?). She is not seeking an explanation, she's seeking confirmation.

If she thought she was helping or protecting anyone she'd be thinking it as an inconsequential self-soothing afterthought to the story she had 'uncovered'. It doesn't matter if she congratulated herself on her benevolence. The motivation behind publishing it at all, behind using it to threaten Connor for a story (why threaten, if you're protecting people?) - the motivation was not benevolence.

In my view?

I agree with Connor, but I also (also, not instead) think that Annie is probably a deeply misguided human with inherent biases she has neither considered nor identified. Androids probably aren't a topic she has a of experience writing about, or with, because it's only been a couple of years since the revolution (who does have that experience?), and she is used to being the lead reporter for her newspaper on recent technological advances.

I hesitate to call prejudice a blind spot but it's something she hasn't looked at or touched since before the revolution. When it happened that she had a story cross her desk about a recognisable Android 'trying to kill' another recognisable Android, the... fact they were people with entire lives probably didn't cross her mind. She isn't intending to Hurt Connor, it's just that this toaster threatened that toaster, and toasters are a hot topic right now. It will be 'good for her career'. The novelty-toaster-person will face some amount of repercussion, she thinks, and that's it. The very rich, complex, breathing reality of New Jericho and the people within it, and the work Connor does there, and how this kind of gossip will call into question New Jericho's credibility and prevent people from accessing help they need ... these aren't things she's considered.

She's just human, and considers herself having done her part against racism with surface-level recognition that Androids are people, without the context of what being an Android means and how it disadvantages people. There are ways to raise questions about these events, as a reporter, ethically. Mass emailing the footage to anyone who would listen (but not the security team) is not one of them.

Connor isn't interested in affording her the space to reconsider or adjust to a more complex understanding of how irresponsible reporting can disproportionately affect Androids and how this one in particular, again, discounts his voice in matters relating to him.

"I was seeking your voice!" The emails -

"You were seeking confirmation."

He isn't interested. Whether she told herself she was being an activist or not doesn't matter. It was the wrong approach, and deeply ignorant and unkind, regardless of whether she had the prior knowledge that would have been necessary to make it cruel.

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday: Valicer Soulmates AU

Yes, I’m coming at you with another Valicer AU that I came up with a little while back -- mostly because this particular AU will feature in a couple of prompts for my upcoming Valicer take on Polyship Week, so I gotta get it established before then! This one is, as you can see by the title above, a soulmates AU! How does that work for a poly relationship? Like so:

-->This is a Victorian-era AU, with Victor and Alice in roughly their standard canon forms and Smiler in their “child of Dr. Kelman” form. The AU starts before Corpse Bride can kick off (and in fact prevents it from doing so, at least in its regular form) and between American McGee’s Alice and Alice: Madness Returns -- think “standard Forgotten Vows-style AU” time range. :p

-->In this world, soulmates are a thing -- but they’re not necessarily romantic! There have been many recorded cases of a soulmate being a person’s platonic best friend instead of their one-and-only love interest. Basically soulmates are supposed to be someone you just know is going to be important to you in a big way. (Most people DO interpret the bond romantically, admittedly, but still -- other options exist!)

-->What hasn’t been recorded so much is that multiple soulmates are a thing too -- it’s less common than the standard “this is your One Very Important Person,” but it does happen! Again, the combinations can be romantic, platonic, or somewhere in-between, depending on how the people involved connect.

-->The soulmate bond forms on the evening of a person’s 16th birthday; while they form, the person has a symbolic dream featuring stuff meant to represent the other person/people involved.

-->The soulbond exists in four forms:

A. Nascent -- the bond has formed, but the soulmates have not yet met and touched skin-to-skin. The soulmates are all vaguely aware the other exists, but can’t consciously transmit anything over the bond. However, extreme emotions and even injuries can be transmitted unwittingly (though it is impossible to kill a soulmate this way -- the soulmate(s) always recover, with just a faint scar in the appropriate place. If the person who is hurt actually dies from their injuries, the soulmate bond just fades away, leaving the other person unharmed (if very unhappy)).

B. Full -- the soulmates have met and touched skin-to-skin. The bond flares to full life at the moment of contact, letting everyone involved know that they’ve met their soulmate(s) and giving them a rush of whatever information the universe deems pertinent (pretty much always name, age, gender/sexuality, and a few key bits of their history). Once that’s over, the soulmates can now willingly share their emotions with each other (with much more control about what gets transmitted too -- generally injuries stop being shared except in very extreme situations), and can always tell where any other soulmate is in relation to themselves.

C. Dimmed -- either the soulmates, after meeting and activating the bond, end up rejecting each other (in any way short of outright trying to kill each other), or one of the soulmates dies before the other. In the first case, the soulbond reverts to a muted vague knowledge of the others’ existence and no longer transmits emotions at all, allowing the soulmates to get on with their lives. In the second, the surviving soulmate(s) can still sort of “feel” their dead soulmate’s presence, and can recall anything about them perfectly.

D. Snapped -- the soulmates, upon meeting, try to outright murder each other, or one goes to someone who knows the secret ritual to snap a soulbond to have it severed. This violent rejection causes a painful and nasty “soul wound” on all sides that takes a while to heal, leaving all affected feeling oddly empty and lost inside for at least a few days. (In the case of multiple soulmates, this only affects the bond with the person who did the snapping -- the bond with their other soulmates is fine.) It’s considered one of the worst things you can do to a person, and the ritual to snap soulbonds is VERY illegal.

-->Victor, Alice, and Smiler are all soulmates, as to be expected! Victor’s dream is of a glowing tree with spiral-shaped branches and multicolored leaves set in a bright and cheery forest; Alice’s is of sailing an ink sea in a paper boat under a purple sky with yellow spiral clouds; and Smiler’s is of chasing butterflies through the sky on a domino path while accompanied by piano music.

-->Unfortunately, AMA went off as per usual in this world, meaning that Alice is in Rutledge when her dream happens, and doesn’t really grasp the significance (she thinks she’s found some sort of forgotten corner of Wonderland at first, and soon forgets it as she continues her catatonic quest to avoid her feelings about the fire and the death of her family). Worse yet, when she goes after her own wrists with the spoon in Rutledge (after the incident where the Monroe twins spooned porridge all over Mr. Bunny to “feed” him because they were sick of forcing her mouth open), she accidentally hurts Victor and Smiler (Victor at tea with his parents and some guests; Smiler arguing with Dr. Kelman) -- and only realizes what she’s done when she “hears” their screams of pain (though she doesn’t clock at the time she’s getting it from TWO people). She immediately retreats even deeper into catatonia to avoid dealing with THAT guilt, and Victor and Smiler are both left with a faint scar on their wrist -- Victor on the right, Smiler on the left.

-->Fast forward a couple of years, and Dr. Kelman is invited to one of Nell’s shindigs and brings Smiler to stay in Burtonsville for a bit to attend. Smiler and Victor meet at the party and discover they’re soulmates when they shake hands. Both are thrilled to meet each other at first. . .and then Victor reluctantly brings up the whole “why did you try to kill yourself” thing, and they both realize neither of them tried to cut their wrists. Meaning. . . “wait, there’s someone else?!”

-->Victor and Smiler naturally spend a lot of time together while Kelman and Smiler are in town, becoming quick friends, and then lovers, before the two head back home. Smiler also does some research and discovers that yes, multiple soulmates are a thing. The two agree through letters that they need to find their mysterious third --

-->And then William and Nell announce that Victor’s betrothed to Victoria Everglot. Victor, not particularly wanting to marry a stranger, tells them about his relationship with Smiler and how they’re soulmates, but is informed that he can’t be romantically in love with “another boy” and that he’s marrying Victoria no matter what. Victor sends the news to Smiler, who tries to petition Kelman -- only to be told that no, they can’t be with Victor, and Kelman is going to ship them off to rural Lithuania to stop them. Unfortunately, he leaves the details up to his assistant, Miles Cedars, and Smiler is easily able to get Miles to help them instead just run away with Victor, who flees into the night shortly before the wedding with just the barest essentials.

-->(Oh, but what of Victoria? I have a scene in mind of them meeting by the wall surrounding the town on his way out, because SHE’S debating running away to find her own soulmate instead of being forced into marrying a stranger. They clasp hands just to check that they aren’t soulmates, then Victor assists Victoria somehow -- I haven’t figured out how yet, mostly because I haven’t decided if Emily is still alive in this AU (having rejected Barkis in the end because he DIDN’T activate her soulmate bond; she’s Victor’s old piano teacher and only too willing to help Victoria find true love) or still dead (in which case, Victoria ends up in one of those “CB but Victoria wakes up Emily” AUs and helps her get revenge on Barkis -- discovering Emily is her soulmate, or at least one of them, possible!). Either way, though, Victoria is NOT left to have to marry anyone like Barkis Bittern because Victor refused to leave the enby he loved!)

-->Victor and Smiler end up in London, either in Whitechapel itself or somewhere nearby, getting a couple of rooms under the names “Smiler Alton” (or “Simon Alton” if the person insists on a “real” name) and “Victor Brown.” Smiler ends up becoming a barperson at the Mangled Mermaid (impressing Nanny with their drink-pouring skills), while Victor ends up a clerk to Radcliffe (a job that actually involves him dusting Radcliffe’s antiques and then doing whatever he wants because Radcliffe hates clients). Smiler becomes passingly familiar with Alice from her visiting a couple of times to see Nanny. . .

-->But Victor first meets her at the Whitechapel Market when he literally bumps into her grocery shopping, and accidentally activates their bond while helping her up. A panicked Alice, not ready to face her soulmate, flees down an alley. . .but after taking a bit of time to get her emotions under control, follows the bond back to Victor and Smiler’s place, where she discovers that apparently she has TWO soulmates, wtf. (She also apologizes for the spoon incident, admitting that she’s felt guilty about that for quite a while.) The three end up getting close, with Alice eventually activating her bond with Smiler and realizing that she too loves Victor romantically (fortunately Smiler proves more than willing to share, and Victor to return her feelings). . .

-->And then the Madness Returns, because Alice does still need to realize Bumby is her sister’s killer. Fortunately, due to the soulbonds, Victor and Smiler are a) aware of what’s happening and b) can track her down with ease, and they’re able to stop her wandering all over London in a hallucinatory daze, instead keeping her with them in their flat. (That being said, there’s a non-zero chance that Victor will actually catch up with Alice right after her dip in the Thames. . .and then they’ll both have to rescue Smiler from the Mermaid when it goes up in flames. This will allow me to improve on Victor punching Splatter by having Alice kick the asshole in the balls immediately afterward. XD)

-->Victor and Smiler end up accompanying Alice to the final confrontation with Bumby, hanging back just out of sight as backup should she need it. Bumby, as a last act of assholery, attempts to snap Alice’s soulmate bonds with them as he knows the ritual (in fact, he used it on himself to snap his bond when he realized it wasn’t Lizzie, not wanting it) -- however, because Victor, Alice, and Smiler all very much want their bonds, it doesn’t work, and he ends up in front of the train as per usual.

-->Alice, Victor, and Smiler end up taking care of Houndsditch for a while until a replacement can be found. . .but the media circus over Bumby’s death, and the subsequent reveal of what he was doing at Houndsditch alerts the Van Dorts and Kelman as to where their missing children are. So as soon as they’re certain the children are in GOOD hands, the trio hop the first boat to another country (probably America) to start over.

Whew! And now you have context for the two short fics coming up next week. XD Enjoy!

[maniclemons]

Yolanda, Camp Sensibility and the "Oscar Wilde Of The Camera"

Okay, so I was minding my business reading stuff for my work on dream narratives in popular culture and suddenly I was attacked at the footnotes section of one of the academic papers (which happens all the time tbh). The author mentioned in passing that, well, there is a musical called YOLANDA AND THE THIEF (1945) which just happens to be one of three Vincente Minnelli musicals that have been characterized as a self-conscious camp style of visual excess. The author argued that the camp style in musicals, especially those made by the Arthur Freed unit at MGM, was particularly appropriate to the even greater visual excess of the dream sequences. 

So yeah, of course I did a double-take and immediately thought of Donde estás Yolanda (Sherlock and John reunion theme) - thanks for the opportunity to refresh the hell out of it @thepineapplering !

FEATURES OF INTEREST of “Yolanda and the Thief” in no particular order:

• The "dream ballet" dream sequence (inspired by Dali); • Repressed homosexuality manifesting itself through nightmares and fear of entrapment in a heterosexual marriage; • Integration of straight romance (plot) and gay-inflected visual codes; • Critique of a capitalist culture industry from the point of view of a queer professional embedded in it (writer/director/set designer/crew member etc.) • Something else?

Also of interest: Holmesosexuality: On Mark Gatiss’s Camp 

As I am not, academically speaking, a specialist in queer theory, all the references can be found below.

I haven’t seen anyone writing about this particular musical in connection with Sherlock yet, but I might be wrong, because my tumblr search skills still suck a bit. Anyways, it was fun and added more contextual layers to my own understanding of the show!

“YOLANDA AND THE THIEF” is a 1945 American Technicolor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer “Arthur Freed Unit” musical-comedy film set in a fictional Latin American country called Patria. It stars Fred Astaire, Lucille Bremer, Frank Morgan, and Mildred Natwick, with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Arthur Freed. The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by Arthur Freed. The “Freed Unit” refers to the “unit” (studio team within the larger studio production house that was MGM) headed by lyricist and producer Arthur Freed. 

"Yolanda and the Thief" is one of three Vincente Minnelli musicals that have been characterized as a self-conscious camp style of visual excess, the other two being " Ziegfeld Follies " (1946) and…….. "The Pirate" (1947). As Jane Feuer suggests, "a gay subcultural reading would elevate these Minnelli masterpieces of the 1940s above the currently more esteemed Freed Unit musicals of the 1950s – "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon", whose sophistication stems more from their smart Comden and Green scripts than from elements of excess in their mise-en-scene."

CAST:

Fred Astaire as Johnny Parkson Riggs Lucille Bremer as Yolanda Aquaviva (aqua-viva? as in Latin vivere/vita? as in "aqua vita(e)" which is "an archaic name for a concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol" and at the same time a type of magical water which brings people (mostly heroes) back to life in Slavic mythology?) Frank Morgan as Victor Budlow Trout (a friend of Johnny's and literally his partner in crime)

FEATURES OF INTEREST (in no particular order):

• The "dream ballet" dream sequence (inspired by Dali); • Repressed homosexuality manifesting itself through nightmares and fear of entrapment in a heterosexual marriage; • Integration of straight romance (plot) and gay-inflected visual codes; • Critique of a capitalist culture industry from the point of view of a queer professional embedded in it (writer/director/set designer/crew member etc.) • Something else?

The narrative of Yolanda offers a romance between a naive and wealthy young woman, Yolanda Aquaviva (Lucille Bremer), who is tricked by a con man, Johnny Riggs (Fred Astaire), into believing that he is her guardian angel. Johnny plays upon Yolanda's gullibility in order to convince her to confer her power of attorney on him, but just as he is ready to depart with the goods, he finds himself romantically and erotically drawn to her. His attraction to her surprises Johnny, because he ostensibly does not expect to find Yolanda a figure of erotic contemplation, and his jaded sensibilities lose out to his romantic impulses. But moments of camp playfulness in the film offer another reading of Johnny's surprise at discovering himself in a seduction beyond his overarching greed and cynicism, for there are strong possibilities for seeing him as gay.

DREAM SEQUENCE BALLET

The "dream ballet" sequence is an extended (approximately 15 minute) routine for Astaire, Bremer, and various others, which Minnelli has described as, "the first surrealistic ballet in film". Its Dali-esque scenery sort of mirrors "real-life" Patria which Yolanda’s Aunt Amarilla called “an out of the world place” elsewhere. That’s really what Minnelli was going for here. He seeks to evoke a feeling that Johnny have left behind what he knows and entered a world of mysticism and dreams.

This dream sequence ballet opens with Astaire dressed in a remarkable dandy outfit with a pair of off-white satin pajamas. Becoming restless in his bed, Johnny dresses and walks through the streets of Patria's unnamed capital, where he moves into increasingly surreal landscapes in which various women trap him in symmetrical dance steps: washerwomen unfold furls of different-colored fabric in stark geometric patterns that form a prison out of which he cannot escape. Yolanda’s entrance into the dream is grandly spooky. Against the backdrop of a Dali-esque desert landscape, Yolanda rises from a pool of water wrapped head-to-toe in pale scarves that float all around her. Her face is obscured, a look reminiscent of René Magritte’s 1928 painting The Lovers, and more suggestive of alienation than romance. Once Johnny unwraps Yolanda from her scarves, the spookiness of the sequence dissipates a little, but the mood has been set, and when the unwrapped Yolanda puts her arms around Johnny and sings, “Will You Marry Me?,” the effect is mildly sinister. The sequence concludes as Yolanda dons a set of outrageously long bridal veils and Johnny gets one of them wrapped around his neck like a noose when he attempts to flee.

In the "Will You Marry Me?" number Johnny wrestles with the trauma of potentially being trapped in a marriage to Yolanda for her money. Yolanda appears throwing off a series of veils trimmed in coins, and sirens in short dresses and high heels entice him with a cask into which Yolanda has dispensed her gold. The number effectively links Johnny's fear of marriage with his greed, or, more properly according to the dream-logic of the "Will You Marry Me?" sequence, his greed is the film's alibi for not stating more directly his desire not to bond with a woman, no matter what her beauty or wealth. The film temporarily addresses the question of whether Johnny will accede to the demands of marriage through the camp art direction's treatment of him as gay.

So this is more specifically a nightmare ballet, one that takes marriage—the typical happy ending of many an MGM musical (including—spoiler alert—this one)—and transforms it into a thing of anxiety and horror.

While the dramatic function of the dream ballet is questionable, its adventurous spirit and execution should not be ignored. Bear in mind that Agnes de Mille’s dream ballet for the original stage production of Oklahoma! first appeared on Broadway in 1943, just two years before Yolanda and the Thief hit movie screens. Yolanda and the Thief also predates The Red Shoes by three years and An American in Paris by six. Minnelli was staking out new territory here, trying out a storytelling technique that he and other filmmakers would employ with greater success in the future.

STYLE

What is labeled as the integration of straight romance and gay-inflected visual codes is more generally within the camp sensibility what we might call "style," or more particularly, a style of excess. James Naremore describes this differentiated style as Minnelli bringing “a rarefied sense of camp to musical numbers, making…[him] ‘an Oscar Wilde of the camera.’” To be an “Oscar Wilde of the camera” would of course conjure images not only of queer sexuality, but a simultaneous devotion to the aesthetics: one who would converse, write, lecture on subjects ranging from poetry to interior design. This parallels Sunsan Sontag’s assertion that “Clothes, furniture, all the elements of visual décor, for instance, make up a large part of camp. For camp art is often decorative art, emphasizing texture, sensuous surface, and style [sometimes] at the expense of content.” Indeed, Sontag begins her “notes on camp” by quoting Oscar Wilde’s famous aphorism, “one should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” However, camp is not simply an adoration of colour and texture, but a certain critical – comical, even – perspective on heterosexist and gender normative culture, both male and female. 

And beyond discussion of pure aesthetics of delight, camp within the Freed Unit is also indicative of a process of labour as method of negotiation between queer identity and heteropatriarchal capitalist hegemony (critique of a culture industry from the point of view of a queer professional embedded in it).

AUDIENCE REACTION

Campy style within Freed films circulated to noncamp audiences under the more general idea of their being “stylized” or “witty". The comments of film-goers who attended previews of, for example, Minnelli's "The Pirate" confirm that the studio knew that the film tended to emphasize its own spectacular art direction while sometimes disregarding streamlined storyline and clear characterization. In the cards, where anonymous viewers offered praise and disparagement, a repeated emphasis on the art direction arises: "the sets detracted from the people and the music was too loud," "not realistic enough," "entirely too surrealistic," "the beautiful background settings were exceptional," "plot rather thin," "truly one of the most exciting pictures from every standpoint, direction, artwork, color, dancing, scoring," "beautiful coloring," "slightly fantastic plot not developed in as natural and realistic a way as it could have been," and perhaps the most telling, "Minnelli back to the small minority who really appreciate him." The above comments would suggest that these viewers had screened a film by Dali or Bunuel, not the product of MGM after twenty years of corporate film-production experience.

Which takes us to the next (and very familiar) aspect…

MISE-EN-SCENE VS. STORYLINE

Musicals have largely been understood as primarily narrative films at the expense of other features. The plotline that structures many musicals is that of straight romance and marriage. The world in which a man and a woman meet and find initial attraction, in which their union is frustrated, and where ultimately the prohibitions to heterosexual bonding are overcome through the mediation of the song and dance number is typically the world of the musical. But there is more to the making of musicals beyond the plotline and its ancillary subplots, all of which are said to be brought to happy closure at the film's completion.

What seem to have been the memorable features of Freed unit musicals for contemporaneous viewers were their dazzling sets, costumes, use of color (in terms of film stock, set painting, and lighting) and choreography. These specific elements of film production are perhaps most likely what the various viewers are locating as the Freed unit's distinguishing style, or, to remember the viewer who commented on the "small minority" who might be interested in Minnelli films, that this style was idiosyncratic enough to have both fans and detractors. This style distinguished the unit's films from those of its rivals.

Minnelli's work habit of plotting a film's numbers by creating a series of paper dolls and scaled-down sound stages in which to place these figures suggests that his first impulses were to conceive of a film through its mise-en-scene rather than its storyline. Within the limits of the system, Minnelli was able to say a good deal about sets and costumes, and he usually influenced the overall visual conception of his films.

Dance (and singing) performance disrupts the narrative by momentarily disregarding the force of the story for the power of the spectacular dance routine. Likewise, the backdrops and costumes perform a similar function but that we tend not to notice their potential to antagonize narrative because, of course, most often the disjunctive features of the mise-en-scene are maintained in the film's movement back to the storyline.

Just as Johnny emerges from his dream shaken but unsure of what it means, the historian of camp production can perhaps trace the presence of a masked homosexual narrative only by remembering the strange details which seem to have been so easily forgotten.

REFERENCE:

Tinkcom, Matthew. Working like a Homosexual: Camp Visual Codes and the Labor of Gay Subjects in the MGM Freed Unit. Cinema Journal, Vol. 35, No. 2 (Winter, 1996), pp. 24-42.

Turner,  Lexi C M K. A Queer Translation: “Camp” Sensibilities of the Classical Hollywood Musical Era, vs. the 1970s Desertion of Narrative Utopia.

Cohan, Steven. Incongruous Entertainment: Camp, Cultural Value, and the MGM Musical (Durham N.C.: Duke University Press, 2005).

Dunne, Michael. American Film Musical Themes and Forms (Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, 2004).

Cohan, Steven. “Introduction: Musicals of the Studio Era.” In Hollywood Musicals, the Film Reader. Edited by Steven Cohan. 1-15 (London and New York: Routledge, 2002).

Feuer, Jane. The Hollywood Musical, 2d ed. (London: BFI Books, 1993).

Sontag, Susan. “Notes On ‘Camp.’” In Against Interpretation and Other Essays. 275-292 (London: Penguin, 2009).

https://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/2018/10/24/yolanda-and-the-thief-1945/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolanda_and_the_Thief