#like no not one task or one role but your entire life revolves around one thing

[lets-try-some-writing]

Just wanted to let you know that your Pretender AU has given me a Smokescreen brain worm.

What is he? What is his purpose? Why is he so secretive and mysterious?

(you don't need to answer these questions)

I am going to answer them anyway because at this point, all of the AUs I am particularly fond of are going to be turned into fics eventually. No use beating around the bush here on Tumblr. Glad to see my Pretender AU has infested a mind other than my own!

Optimus, while devoted to his task, was no fool. With Megatron targeting him and his inner circle of active Pretenders, he needed a failsafe. His initial plan was to create a cache of Pretender larva which would, in time, develop on their own and either come to serve under him or one would naturally evolve to take on the role of Firstborn. Thousands of Insecticons were instructed to remain in stasis alongside the cache as a barrier. Then to be safe, he guarded them through careful artificial EM field generator which gave off the impression that his brood were one huge dweller and carefully never visited. That was Optimus Prime's failsafe.

However, without his knowledge, his creator began yet another experiment.

Optimus was the first, and his biggest folly was being put into the wrong mech. If his host had been ANYONE else, his life would have been all but safeguarded and he could have grown his brood in peace and even become an ally to Autobots and Decepticons alike given enough time. But Orion Pax was influential, and that meant that Optimus was, for all intents and purposes, a failure in Shockwave's optics. He was too well known and in such extreme circumstances that he could neither be studied or fulfill his function properly. With all that in mind, Shockwave attempted to create another Firstborn in order to have a backup.

Everything went according to plan. A new Pretender was made, and this time its biology was adjusted so that it would not require a host. Shockwave built its CNA so that it would have its monstrous form and a completely normal civilian appearance. Then, in order to keep Megatron from noticing his creation, Shockwave quietly placed his newest creation amongst the last generation of sparklings to emerge from the Well. It was then taken in and raised amongst soldiers and Shockwave returned to serving Megatron, content in the knowledge that his Pretenders, his failsafe to ensure the survival of their species, were going to fulfill their function one way or another.

But of course, biology tends to act of its own accord. Smokescreen instinctually knew from the moment he could think for himself that there was already an active Firstborn. And thus, instead of shifting and becoming one himself, he instead adjusted his very CNA over time. He served in the Elite Guard with the express purpose of getting to the only living Firstborn and was quick to take the opportunity to serve Alpha Trion if it meant access to relics that could be of use. He did not intend to be thrown into a pod and sent careening toward Earth, but it all worked out in his favor in the end.

(He did in fact try to eat the phase shifter to store it before Alpha Trion caught him.)

Smokescreen had the potential to be a Firstborn, but with Optimus very much alive and well, he changed to fulfill a less critical role. His entire functioning revolves around safeguarding the future. If he cannot create new life himself, he will protect the future of their kind, consequences be damned.

Backstory out of the way, Smokescreen is an Attendant. He is a one of a kind, but likely won't remain that way if the Pretenders are allowed to increase their ranks. His entire purpose is not necessarily to protect living Pretenders, or even attach himself to any of them. Rather, he developed to be a pragmatic and logical entity more focused on long term planning. He does not care a great deal about any other living Pretender because of the way he functions. If he knew about the cache, he would have been guarding it with his life until he sensed the death of the other Pretenders and knew it was time to wake his kin. But as he was unaware of it, he has settled for throwing his entire spark into taking care of Optimus now that he's on Earth.

Smokescreen does everything he can to keep Optimus relaxed and secure. A happy Patriarch is one who will produce more lava. More lava means more Pretenders. And of course, since Optimus is at war all the time, Smokescreen is able to satisfy his lingering desire to rear young via tending to Optimus's spawn. He is creepy even to other Pretenders. He is a little too obsessed with Optimus, or rather Optimus's spawning capability, for any Pretender to like him all that much. The only reason he is tolerated is because of how much calmer Optimus is around him. The Prime himself assumes that Smokescreen was an early hatcher from his failsafe cache, which is why he is unconcerned with Smokescreen's strange behavior and lack of true attachment to the group.

Smokescreen is well aware he is not well regarded by anyone save for Optimus, and so he has conjured up countless plans to take as many larva as possible and flee in the event things go up in flames. He's a schemer, and he is not willing to risk his life when the Pretenders are yet at risk. Their species comes before all else. Let Optimus fight, Smokescreen will secure their future.

[soulessjourney]

We Go Down Together (Part 1)

Paring: Rhysand x Reader

Word count: 2.1k

Summary: Many believe that everyone is destined for love, but what if that assumption wasn't always accurate? Love should be perceived more as a weapon than a certainty. We're often fed tales of knights saving princesses and their ensuing romance. But what if this narrative were misguided? What if the story revolved around a villain who fought desperately against falling in love with the king, knowing that their love would unleash catastrophic consequences upon the world?

Warnings: Mentions of violence and death

Many believe that everyone is destined for love, but what if that assumption wasn't always accurate? Love should be perceived more as a weapon than a certainty. We're often fed tales of knights saving princesses and their ensuing romance. But what if this narrative were misguided? What if the story revolved around a villain who fought desperately against falling in love with the king, knowing that their love would unleash catastrophic consequences upon the world?

This notion might elicit laughter. Parents would likely alter the story, introducing a new character to better conform to the traditional roles. Villains, conventionally, aren't permitted to experience love; they're destined to endure perpetual solitude and suffering. After all, their purpose seems to be inflicting pain and leaving others to suffer, isn't it? Perhaps it's time to reconsider this way of thinking.

You weren’t entirely sure where things went wrong in your life. It could have been when your father initiated an all-out war with the rest of Prythian, or when you were born as the daughter of Hybern. Your childhood was no easy task, as your father insisted that you follow in his footsteps—a path you neither liked nor agreed with. He was many things, but a truly heartless man was one of them. Concern for your well-being never seemed to exist; his sole preoccupation lay in ensuring that you, his only heir, carried on his legacy. Your mother had fled from your father when you were young, but you suspected she might have met an untimely end.

Standing in front of the mirror, you smoothed your hands over your dress, releasing a shaky sigh. While working alongside Tamlin’s father, he had arranged a marriage between the two of you for political reasons. To him, you were merely a pawn in his political machinations. The dress, by your standards, was hideous. The gold accents clashed against the white fabric, and the shoulder piece made you cringe. Your hair was twisted into a low bun, saved only by a flower hairpin securing it in place. A soft knock interrupted your thoughts, and the door creaked open, revealing Tamlin dressed in a suit echoing the theme of your attire.

“You look beautiful,” he uttered softly, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror. Tamlin appeared worn out and as weary as you felt. He had pleaded with your father to reconsider the wedding, his heart belonging to another. And you? You had surrendered to your father's will the moment he threatened to strip away any remaining shreds of your freedom.

“Don’t lie. We both know these outfits are a fashion disaster,” you remarked, forcing a smile that failed to reach your eyes. Tamlin, like you, was trapped in the political game, suffering just as you were. He had endured much, compelled to abide by his father’s decisions, much like you.

Chuckling, he stepped closer, adjusting his clothing. “We don’t have to do this, you know. I can still find a way to get you out,” he proposed. The idea had been suggested multiple times, but you knew that if you attempted to escape, your father would unleash Amerantha to hunt you down like a dog. Tamlin was aware of the risks in aiding your escape, yet he consistently offered you the option, for which you were immensely grateful.

Glancing out the window, you observed the gathering crowd preparing for the event, but something felt profoundly amiss. Perhaps it was the stark reality of the forced marriage now unfolding, or the piercing sensation of Amerantha's gaze fixed upon you from a distance. Turning to Tamlin, you nervously bit your lip, allowing your thoughts to wander. “What if I agree this time? Do you truly believe you could get me out without my father’s lap dog noticing?”

Tamlin froze, his eyes widening before swiftly checking the door, ensuring no one would intrude. “I could, but we need to act now. If we delay, the opportunity for your successful escape will close, and we’ll both be ensnared in this game,” he declared, crossing the room to a concealed passageway. He pressed against the wall, revealing a hidden door. “There's a passage beneath the castle that will lead you just outside the woods. Run from there as fast as you can, and don't look back,” he instructed, grasping your hand and guiding you toward the entryway. “I'll distract Amerantha. We know she's been after me, so use this chance to escape,” he murmured before pulling you into an embrace. “You have to survive this. You're nothing like your father; you have to believe that,” he whispered into your hair before ushering you through the door.

Stepping back, you watched him close the door, sharing a silent goodbye. As soon as the door shut, you counted to ten, attempting to steady your nerves before sprinting down the tunnel, the echo of your footsteps resonating through the empty passageway. Reaching the end, you scanned the area and noticed a smaller door obscured by vines. Clearing them away, you pushed against the door, groaning when it refused to budge. The hairs on your neck stood on end as voices echoed in the tunnel, calling out your name. Desperation to escape surged within you. Slamming your shoulder against the door, you stifled a yelp as pain shot through it. As the voices drew closer, your urgency to flee intensified. Pushing against the door one last time, blinding light greeted you, followed by the gentle sounds of birds. Looking up, you realized Tamlin had been right; the exit led right to the edge of the woods. Gathering your dress, you dashed into the forest without a backward glance.

Rhysand sensed trouble the moment he arrived at the Spring Court with his father. Chairs were arranged neatly, and the garden adorned as if for a wedding. Rage fueled him as he surveyed the scene. Having recently lost his mother and younger sister, he found the Spring Court seemingly celebrating. His gaze locked onto Tamlin and his father before his own father scoffed, advancing closer.

"Nice of you to dress up for our arrival, Eldric," his father sneered, moving in.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit, Dorrian?" Eldric replied, narrowing his gaze at the High Lord. Rhysand couldn't tear his burning gaze away from Tamlin, standing uncomfortably beside his father, avoiding eye contact. Tamlin seemed nervous, and Rhysand wondered what had him so on edge.

"Well, I heard there was a celebration. Imagine my surprise when I found out I wasn't invited. Couldn't be because you murdered my wife and child in cold blood, could it? No, maybe my invitation just got lost in transit." Dorrian was many things, but patience was his greatest asset in situations like these. His father enjoyed toying with those who defied him, relishing in their eventual breakdown.

"Unfortunately, you haven't missed much as our main event… got away." Something in those words made Rhysand cringe. Observing Tamlin again, it finally clicked—the reason for their words: a wedding. Tamlin appeared to be the groom, but who was the bride? Knowing his father's political involvement, it could be anyone from a powerful family. This could explain Tamlin's guilt; he was likely the cause for the event's cancellation.

"Rhysand, stay here with Eldric's son. I have matters to discuss with him. Do nothing until I tell you," his father ordered, casting a fiery gaze at Eldric, who smiled in a way that would hasten his demise far sooner than Rhysand wished. Nodding in compliance, he watched them walk away, disappearing from sight.

"Rhys, I'm sorry for what happened. I had no idea my father would go that far," Tamlin began. Raising his hand, Rhysand shook his head. If he listened to Tamlin speak any further, he might lash out, inviting trouble with his father.

"Don't even try, Tamlin. I don't want to hear your excuses. Do you understand what it's like to discover your mother was murdered? Your little sister? She was just a child, Tamlin. Lyra had dreams, a future. And you and your family took that away from her. You stole the life of a child, and your father has the gall to smile about it. And you? You're getting married right after your family ended their lives, celebrating it as if it's an accomplishment," Rhysand spat, shaking his head in disbelief.

Tamlin opened and closed his mouth before nodding. Just as Tamlin attempted to speak again, a piercing scream tore through the building. Moments later, Dorrian emerged, wiping blood off his hands.

"Congratulations, Tamlin. You're now a High Lord. I'll stop my son from killing you, but you're no longer on good terms with the Night Court," Dorrian stated curtly.

Rhysand turned to his father, shaking his head. Tamlin's family had just been slaughtered, and he was expected to keep him alive? How was that fair? Tamlin knew of Eldric's plans and said nothing. They were supposed to be friends, yet Tamlin kept this crucial information from him. He had kept silent, and it cost Rhysand his mother and sister. Clenching his fist, Rhysand shot Tamlin one last look before storming out. He needed space, needed air before he lost control.

Winnowing to the edge of the woods, he walked along the path, the sun beating down on his tanned skin. As he licked his lips, something gold caught his eye. Stopping abruptly, he noticed a young woman struggling with her dress, caught on something.

He focused on the ghastly pattern of the dress, letting realization sink in. The dress matched Tamlin's suit, indicating that this was the woman he was to marry—the one who had fled. She was undeniably beautiful, drawing him in with her vibrant personality. Perhaps it was the cascade of colorful words that escaped her lips as the dress tore, or her defiant kick at the log holding the fabric captive. Her demeanor brought a smile to his face as he observed her. Approaching cautiously, he halted at a safe distance and cleared his throat.

"If this isn’t a damsel in distress, I don’t know what is," he remarked, crossing his arms and leaning against a nearby tree.

The young woman snapped her head up, huffing as she raised an eyebrow. "And are you supposed to be my knight in shining armor? Should I play the part and pretend I’m in distress?" she retorted, giving one last tug at her dress, finally freeing herself from the fabric.

Rhysand snorted, shaking his head. "No, if anything, I’m thoroughly entertained watching you rather than attempting a daring rescue from the scary log," he quipped, his violet eyes scanning the dress, pausing at the uneven tear along its side. "What brings you out here anyway? Looks like you were meant to be getting married," he inquired, straightening up as she shot a fiery glare in his direction.

"I decided to skip the wedding and run away. Why do you care anyway? It doesn't concern you," she grumbled.

"You’re right, it doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean I’m not at least curious why you're out here alone. The least the groom could've done is ensure your safety, so you wouldn’t be vulnerable to harm," he replied.

"Are you thinking of hurting me?" she asked, raising a brow, adopting a more intimidating stance. It struck Rhysand with astonishment. She made a valid point, especially since he had floated the idea.

"No, in fact, I’m the last person who would want to hurt you," he admitted, averting his gaze from her. There was something about her that intrigued him, a compelling allure that made him feel a need to protect her. A snort escaped her lips, drawing his attention back.

"What's your name anyway? Might as well let me know so I know who to haunt if I end up dead," she chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her sense of humor strangely put him at ease. But at the sound of a twig snapping, her head jerked towards the noise before she cleared her throat. "I should go. Enjoy your stroll in the woods," she said, darting away once more, leaving Rhysand lost in thought.

"Rhysand," he whispered as if she could somehow hear him. He turned his head towards a figure standing next to him, tensing as he saw his father shaking his head.

"No wonder she ran from marrying Tamlin; she wasn't meant for the Spring Court," his father remarked, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure of the woman. "Promise me one thing, son. Stay far away from her if you ever cross paths," Dorrian urged, keeping his eyes trained on her direction.

"Why? She seemed harmless. She had a battle with a log over her dress. I doubt she could harm me or you," Rhysand questioned, raising a brow, facing his father, awaiting an explanation.

"Because she's a liability and a danger to both you and your future," Dorrian murmured cryptically.

[americanmobilept]

Restoring Movement and Wellness Through Physical Therapy in Madison Al

Another word for physical therapy is physiotherapy, it is a healthcare profession where some professional people are dedicated to helping certain individuals to regain and improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life. Similarly, physical therapy in madison al, provides personalized treatments and exercises where they work with patients of all ages and try to address various types of conditions, injuries, and limitations. In this article, we will explore how physical therapy plays an important role in promoting wellness and recovery.

Importance of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy mainly revolves around the principle of movement because it is one of the important parts to maintain optimal health. Some people may be suffering from critical surgery, managing chronic pain, or going for rehabilitation after an injury, during these situations physical therapy comes into action as it focuses on restoring and maintaining functional abilities. These physiotherapists mostly try to assess each patient individually and try to identify their unique needs and goals then they develop a personalized treatment plan which has several techniques and exercises to facilitate recovery and improve overall physical function.

Common Therapy Plan

People can find some best therapists in huntsville al, and most of them will follow some common therapy plan from a diverse range of techniques and approaches according to the need of each patient.

Manual Therapy

As the name suggests, therapists will use their hands-on techniques just like joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft tissue mobilization. All these techniques or approaches mainly aim to improve the mobility of joints, reduce tension present in muscles, and improve blood circulation throughout the body.

Therapeutic Exercises

One of the most important parts of physical therapy is therapeutic exercises or we can say it most physiotherapists will recommend this to their patients. All exercises included in this physical therapy mainly target specific muscle groups that aim to restore the strength, endurance, and flexibility of it. Some patients even get stretching, strengthening, balance, and coordination exercises which help regain functional ability.

Modalities

Some physiotherapists may use modalities like heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation so that they can reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. The main motive of these modalities is to complement other interventions to accelerate the healing process.

Functional Training

Most physiotherapists will include functional training in the patient's plan because it mainly focuses on retraining the body to perform all the daily tasks and activities with full efficiency and reduced strain from your body. For people who have completed their surgeries or had operations after certain injuries then this functional training can be beneficial for them to regain daily movement.

Educating Patient

Education is one of the important parts of physical therapy as every patient should be aware of their condition, the mechanics of their entire body and what are available options or strategies to prevent injuries in the future. This knowledge motivates patients to actively participate in recovery therapy and maintain overall progress.

Conclusion

People who are suffering from tremendous pain, going through surgery, facing an injury, or any other circumstances and these things are resolved after treatment but if they want to regain regular movement then they should go for physical therapy.

[mechanicalsquid]

feeling the Eldest Daughter Syndrome™ a bit lately plus other ✨ emotions ✨ so this is a little rambly, venty post about that.

(tw's for some very brief mentions of depression and anxiety)

I want to be a kid again. When was the last time I was a kid? carefree? was I ever a kid? in elementary school I was the "gifted kid", the "mature" one, always put on a pedestal as the example for my brothers. always used as a comparison. my parents asking "why can't your brothers be more like you?" what they saw was a daughter with straight A's while a leader on their robotics team, a successful athlete, and balancing other clubs. this is what they saw up through college, 8+ years of this. 8-12 fucking years. over half my life. what they didn't see was how much that broke me. they never saw that I would wake up at 4:30 in the morning (a habit started in fourth grade) in order to do my homework. because I a) couldn't focus after school due to likely having undiagnosed adhd, and b) was so exhausted. by the end of high school, my typical routine was: up between 5-6, do homework, go to school from 7-2:30, go to cross country/track/robotics from 3-5, and then would often stay till 6 or 7 doing extra testing or drive practice for robotics, go home to eat and do dishes and maybe attempt more homework before passing out at midnight. my entire life revolved around school and extracurriculars, never proper time for friends. a similar story through college. they didn't see how much of myself was lost after pouring it into college. the burnout that resulted. they never saw the panic attacks or breakdowns, how bad my mental health declined, the nights crying myself to sleep because everything was so overwhelming and because I would be a disappointment if I didn't perform to the expectations set for me. because the one time I did tell my mom that I felt depressed, she invalidated my feelings and said that maybe I was just anxious and should just try eating better. because later that summer, after a camping trip with friends, she told me that "being depressed isn't an excuse and you need to suck it up" because I didn't engage "properly" and "wasn't having fun" with everyone. I can't show negative emotions without consequences. I must always be happy. I must always be on my best behavior. I must be the role model. perfect. always perfect. no mistakes. If I fail, no, if /I'm/ a failure all Hell breaks loose. I'm an awful daughter (where did my mom go wrong? what did she do to deserve this?). if I do something wrong or make a mistake then I'm terrible. if my brothers make a mistake or forget to do something, it's my fault for not reminding them (even though one is almost 20). all outrage, all emotions are directed to me. through me. I will never have the peace after a hurricane. if my parents are able to calmly talk to my brother about a task or something he did wrong, it's likely because they have no rage left after using it on me, leaving me a sobbing mess. I will always take the blame, whether by choice or not. will take the brunt of the force, protecting my brothers without them knowing. they will never know. defending my youngest brother before my mom can yell at him (her form of communication. she wonders why my brothers and I have a hard time properly communicating with each other. I don't). being his parent for 12 years so he actually has one. so he can experience kindness and compassion. so he actually has someone who understands what he's dealing with with his adhd and doesn't just dismiss him or yell at him because of the way his symptoms present. trying to re-parent myself in the process. being scared of myself whenever I become my parents. trying to rid myself of them. of their anger. of their disappointment. of all of it. will I ever be rid of it? will I ever be just me? how long will their rage consume me? have I already been consumed? when did they corrupt me? I want to be a kid again. was I ever a kid? can one be a kid if they are their own parent? I will always be the parent, the therapist. the one my parents and friends vent to. the one trying to fix everyone else. the one who needs fixing. I want to be fixed. I want to be loved. I don't want to be a parent anymore. I want to be a kid. I will never be a kid.

[ofcoursethevibes]

This Can’t Be Good For Me?

Max Stossels "We've Been Sneaking Into Your Brains"

In his talk "We've Been Sneaking Into Your Brains," Max Stossel highlights the growing issue of digital manipulation and how it is affecting people's daily lives. He argues that online platforms are designed to grab attention, exploit emotions, and keep people hooked. The constant bombardment of notifications, likes, and comments leads to addiction, anxiety, and depression. Stossel emphasizes the need for individuals to become aware of these manipulations and take control of their digital lives. He suggests setting boundaries, taking breaks from technology, and focusing on real-life experiences. Stossel concludes that it is up to individuals to decrease their digital consumption and re-evaluate the impact of technology on their mental health and well-being.

Emma Rathbone's article, "Before the Internet"

In her article "Before the Internet," Emma Rathbone explores how teenagers in the 1990s spent their free time and connected with others before social media became widespread. Rathbone suggests that teenage activities revolved around three primary means of communication: telephone, in-person interaction, and a network of notes passed in school. Through these methods, teenagers were able to form close friendships and navigate the challenges of adolescence. While the emergence of social media has caused significant changes in the way we interact with one another, Rathbone emphasizes the value of these earlier forms of communication and reminds us that they played an essential role in fostering connection and belonging for an entire generation of young people.

Personal reflection

However, in general, social media has a significant impact on my daily life, affecting my relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. Having constant access to the internet allows me to stay connected, informed, and entertained. However, it also leads to a constant distraction, making it harder to focus on important tasks. When I am without internet access, it reminds me to appreciate simple moments and connect with people in person. To be more intentional about my use of technology, I could set boundaries for myself, such as limiting screen time and practicing mindfulness.

[let-me-call-myself-olga]

THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE GAME. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET SPOILED THEN 'SHU SHU'!

THIS POST IS CENTERED AROUND KOREKIYO'S AB*SE. IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THESE KINDS OF TOPICS PLEASE DON'T READ!

So a lot of people dislike/hate Korekiyo because of his background and the fact that he killed Tenko and Angie, so I shall prove to all these people what a splendor of a character Korekiyo really is.

Let us make a brief description/introduction of Korekiyo:

Shinguji Korekiyo, Super High School Level Anthropologist, one of the 16 students of the Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony cast, is a mysterious and brooding loner who shows to have an obssesion with humanity and all that revolves around it, describing it as 'beautiful, even the ugliest of it's aspects'.

Shinguji Korekiyo used to have an ill older sister, the absence of their parents making him take the role of her caretaker. Desperate to experiencing love, 'sister' enters in what is described as an erotic relationship with Korekiyo, her passing leaving him with nothing but her dreams which he decides to pursue.

At one point in his journey, Korekiyo is met by a 'welcoming tribe' who tie him up and presumably beat him, leading to Korekiyo passing out and receiving a 'message' from his sister that tasks him with killing 100 girls, task that Korekiyo religiously follows untill he is uncovered as the killer of Angie and Tenko.

With that in mind we can properly start, what I like to call, our character dissection:

What many people hate about Korekiyo is the fact that his character 'revolves' around incest. Which is indeed true, because if his entire person wouldn't have revolved agains sister and the relationship between the two then Shinguji Korekiyo wouldn't be Shinguji Korekiyo. But I think it is time we took a deeper dive into Korekiyo's 'sister dillema'.

1. HOW 'SISTER' WAS SUCCESSFULLY ABLE OF BRAINWASHING KOREKIYO

What most Kiyo lovers were able to see about Korekiyo is that he was abused by his sister. But what I was personally able to deduce is that the treatment given to Korekiyo is frightingly similar to brainwashing techniques used in the Korean War.

Article link from which I was able to substract this information: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/brainwashing.htm

One of the first things you need for successful brainwashing is a space in which the victim is isolated, deprived of any 'normal' social reference points, sleep deprivation being a possible factor. We are able to associate this with Korekiyo's lifestyle, as he was deprived of any social interaction outside of 'sister', her health problems making hospital visits a part of Korekiyo's life, as well as possible sleep deprivation out of anxiety.

The process of brainwashing has been devided in multiple steps, the steps in this order:

1. Assault on identity

2. Guilt

3. Self-betrayal

4. Breaking point

5. Leniency

6. Compulsion to confess

7. Channeling of guilt

8. Releasing of guilt

9. Progress and harmony

10. Final confession and rebirth

1ST STAGE: Breaking Down The Self

1. 1. Assault on identity: the agent denies everything that constructs the victim's self[...]-> Once he is forced by his circumstances to take the role of his sister's caretaker, Korekiyo's has to mature, showing that the dire situation also forces Korekiyo to endure a life in which he is denied of being a child, only reduced to 'sister's' caretaker. Nothing more, nothing less;

1. 2. Guilt: while the identity crisis is setting in, the agent is simultaneously creating an overwhelming sense of guilt in the target, critisizing them for every mistake they have made, big or small[...]-> This is the most prominent trait of Korekiyo's abuse that we are able to see, as in the third class trial we are introduced to Korekiyo's tulpa, which is supposed to be a near-perfect copy of his sister, her most recognizable lines being: "You musn't raise your voice. You mustn't stutter. You mustn't lose composure. You mustn't become flustered. You mustn't waver.";

1. 3. Self-betrayal: Once the victim is disoriented and drowning in guilt, the agent forces him to denounce his close ones who share the same 'wrong' belief system that he holds[...]-> Even if we cannot consider the world 'a loved one', sister convinces Korekiyo that the outside world wants to separate them out of ill will and that their relationship is supposed to be 'sacred', lie that Korekiyo is unable to combat;

1. 4. Breaking point: with his identity in crisis, the victim may undergo what in the lay community is referred to as a 'nervous breakdown'[...] At this point the agent sets up the temptation to convert to another belief system that will save the target from his misery-> Something that can be observed if you do Korekiyo's FTE's is that Korekiyo's entire personality was constructed after his sister's wishes, meaning that the old Korekiyo, whose identity wasn't even complete at the moment of the brainwashing process, was completely erased, leaving space for 'sister's ideal partner', as proven by FTE number 3.

2ND STAGE: The Possibility of Salvation

2. 1. Leniency: First, the brainwasher shows leniency. With the target in a state of crisis, the agent offers some small kindness or reprieve from the abuse[...] In a state of breakdown resulting from an endless psychological attack, the small kindness seems huge and the target may experience a sense of relief and gratitude completely out of proportion to the offering, as if the agent has saved his life<-> Korekiyo is introduced to anthropology through a book about tales that exist all around the world, book given by his sister, making him interested in the subject of anthropology. In the same FTE Korekiyo also tells us that his uniform was made by his sister.

2. 2. Compulsion to confess: the brainwasher offers an opportunity for confession. For the first time in the brainwashing process, the target is faced with the contrast between the guilt and pain of identity assault and the sudden relief of leniency. The target may feel a desire to reciprocate the kindness offered to him, and at this point, the agent may present the possibility of confession as a means to relieving guilt and pain-> I don't think I can explain this point since it already offers the core message(I am deeply sorry if this sounds unprofessional of me);

2. 3. Channeling of guilt: after weeks or months of assault, confusion, breakdown and moments of leniency, the target's guilt has lost all meaning, he's not sure what he has done wrong, he just knows he is wrong. This creates something of a blank slate that lets the agent fill in the blanks: He can attach that guilt, that sense of 'wrongness', to whatever he wants. The agent attaches the target's guilt to the belief system the agent is trying to replace[...]-> 'Sister' manipulates Korekiyo into thinking that society is wrong and that the two of them are right, Korekiyo, as the disoriented child he was, believing her;

2. 4. Releasing of guilt: the target is relieved to learn there is an external cause of his wrongness, that it is not he himself who is inescapably bad, which means he can escape his wrongness by escaping the wrong belief system. All he has to do is denounce the people and institutions associated with that belief system, and he won't be in pain anymore[...]-> 'Sister' offers Korekiyo the chance to what seems as a healthy relationship. Since Korekiyo has nothing left but his sister, he accepts (and as time passes becomes dependent of her).

3RD STAGE: Rebuilding Of Self

3. 1. Progress and harmony: the subject is then presented with a path to progress and harmony. At this stage, the agent stops the abuse, offering the target physical comfort and mental calm in conjunction with the new belief system.[...] The choice is not a difficult one: The new identity is safe and desirable because it is nothing like the one that led to his breakdown-> This is when their relationship starts to form and when sister implements her sexual desires, Korekiyo unable of seeing the sexual abuse she is actually putting him through, disoriented by all she has done to him up to that point;

3. 2. Final confession and rebirth: next comes the final confession and rebirth. Contrasting the agony of the old with the peacefulness of the new, the target chooses the new identity, clinging to it like a life preserver. He rejects his old belief system and pledges allegiance to the new one that is going to make his life better. At this final stage, there are often rituals or ceremonies to induct the converted target into his new community-> Korekiyo sees himself as his sister's lover, their relationship becoming official, leading to Korekiyo clinging to his sister and what he saw as 'the perfect being'.

2. HOW 'SISTER' AND HER PASSING AFFECTED KOREKIYO

Now that we made it clear that Korekiyo's entire being depended on his sister we shall talk about the after-effects of the brainwashing and her death.

Once the two of them started their relationship 'sister' was able to get Korekiyo to pursue anthropology and travel around Japan, therefore being able to live through him, and Korekiyo was finally given a moment of peace. Everything seemed to be in perfect balance. But it only looked like it, for sister had the upper hand in the relationship, Korekiyo becoming her little toy.

After 'sister's' death, Korekiyo is left in shambles as he stands completely alone. Since anthropology is the last thing his sister left him with, he continues with his carrier, later becoming the Super High School Level Anthropologist. Throughout the time he deepened his knowledge on his culture and its' traditions, Korekiyo meets a tribe that tied him up and made him pass out as a 'welcome', which made him hallucinate his sister's image, who tells him that he must kill 100 girls for her so that she can have friends in the afterlife, Korekiyo complying.

This incounter shapes him into who we know him as: an observative individual who believes that logic is above emotion (which is quite ironic if you ask me), thinking of himself as an ugly person unworthy of love, as his Love Hotel suggests, his sister being the only person who would've been able of making him feel worth something. Yet Korekiyo was subconciously able to realise what his sister has done to him was wrong and both in his 4th FTE and his Love Hovel he tries to get his possible ideal to secretly confess their love in order to not anger sister.

TLDR: Olga was done listening to Kiyo haters hate on Kiyo without understanding him first so she decides to teach you all the ways of the Shingucci

[uswanth-123]

ABAP Basis

ABAP Basis: The Backbone of Your SAP Landscape

If you’re venturing into the world of SAP, you’ll inevitably encounter the term “ABAP Basis.” This foundational layer is the invisible force that ensures the smooth operation of your SAP applications. Think of it as the machinery that powers your SAP system, handling critical tasks that allow your business processes to run like clockwork.

So, what exactly is ABAP Basis?

The Technological Middleman: Basis acts as the bridge between your SAP applications (written primarily in ABAP), the operating system it runs on, and the underlying database.

Administration Central: SAP Basis administrators are the superheroes of the SAP world. Armed with in-depth technical knowledge, they manage the installation, configuration, performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting of your SAP system.

Not Just Servers: Basis covers a realm that goes beyond physical servers. It involves managing virtual instances, ensuring smooth communication within the SAP landscape, and keeping the entire system humming.

Core Responsibilities of an ABAP Basis Administrator

A Basis administrator’s daily routine revolves around ensuring the health and efficiency of your SAP environment. Here’s what a day in their life looks like:

Installation and Configuration: Setting up new SAP systems or expanding existing ones, ensuring all components work harmoniously.

System Monitoring: Keeping a watchful eye on performance metrics to identify and fix potential problems before they disrupt business operations.

Performance Tuning: Optimizing settings, configurations, and code to ensure your SAP system runs at peak efficiency.

User Management: Handling user creation, assigning roles and authorizations for secure access to the SAP system.

Transport Management: Overseeing the organized movement of code changes and configuration updates between development, testing, and production environments.

Backup and Recovery: Safeguarding your data and systems, making sure you can recover quickly in case of disasters.

Why ABAP Basis Matters

A rock-solid Basis foundation is essential to the success of your SAP implementation and the smooth running of your business. This is why:

System Stability: A well-maintained Basis layer provides a highly available and reliable environment for your SAP applications.

Optimized Performance: Careful performance monitoring and tuning result in applications that run swiftly, reducing frustration and increasing productivity for end-users.

Secure Operations: Strong security measures by Basis administrators protect your sensitive business data.

Business Agility: The ability to react quickly to changing business requirements relies on well-managed and flexible SAP systems.

Embarking on a Career in ABAP Basis

If you’re a tech enthusiast who enjoys problem-solving and wants to become a vital part of SAP-driven organizations, pursuing a career in ABAP Basis could be the perfect fit. You’ll need:

Technical Skills: Linux/Unix and Windows administration, database concepts, and networking knowledge.

SAP Knowledge: Get acquainted with the overall architecture of SAP systems and core modules.

Problem-solving Aptitude: Troubleshooting complex issues is the heart of a Basis administrator’s life.

You can find more information about SAP BASIS in this SAP BASIS Link

Conclusion:

Unogeeks is the №1 IT Training Institute for SAP BASIS Training. Anyone Disagree? Please drop in a comment

You can check out our other latest blogs on SAP BASIS here — SAP BASIS Blogs

You can check out our Best In Class SAP BASIS Details here — SAP BASIS Training

Follow & Connect with us:

— — — — — — — — — — — -

For Training inquiries:

Call/Whatsapp: +91 73960 33555

Mail us at: info@unogeeks.com

Our Website ➜ https://unogeeks.com

Follow us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unogeeks

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/UnogeeksSoftwareTrainingInstitute

Twitter: https://twitter.com/unogeek

#Unogeeks #training #Unogeekstraining

[racoonscript]

Sin Narrativa

Personal Entry

I saw a Reel of a Tik Tok of a guy who looked like he tried to make it on Vine the other day. He said something about most humans needing a narrative, and frankly, I haven't stopped thinking about it. Every day that's passed, I've washed that thought in running water, and every day, its come back a little more clearly than the day before.

Usually, as time goes on, people learn how to be better at things. But I think that even more important than that, people unlearn things that make them bad or weak or careless. And so I've found myself having unlearned a long-running narrative thought process that generally revolves around pain. Even when it wasn't my own, I always made my story about pain. About loss. About that "worse" they mention that occurs before it gets better. It took a long time, but finally I can say that even if life doesn't always feel like it, I know that my life isn't about being sad and losing control.

Without this narrative, this role, this Eeyore archetype, I'm left wondering what remains. If I'm not meant to be sad all my life, why am I always sad?

I think about my Sims. I think about the ones created with the Neurotic trait, or the Over-Emotional trait, or even those with Couch Potato or Commitment Issues. They face individual challenges and sometimes even rewards. The good and the bad, the ups and the downs. Do you think a person who isn't as lazy as me could genuinely enjoy vegging out on a video game for 14 hours straight? Didn't think so. Regardless, those Sims keep on with their lives despite the traits that might set them back in some ways. I suppose a handful of bad traits could become one's entire narrative - but only if they let it.

I wonder if people who do not carry profound and somewhat perpetual sadness see the sunset in the same colors that I do. Do the silver linings shine as brightly? Would they notice the beauty of decay and in ending?

Lately, I have felt lost. I have gone with enough motions by now to know what autopilot feels like and its left me wondering what to do with my hands. Explicitly speaking, I have no idea. Time isn't slowing down or waiting for me to figure it out. Maybe this is enough for now.

As a child, I saw a dozen different futures but I never saw this one. Most people who live their dreams to the fullest do so with their inheritances, but often enough you'll meet the dedicated ones. The Geniuses or the Workaholics. God forbid, the Ambitious. What if I never fell under the weather? What if I never stopped writing to the point that it hurt to even think about? Doesn't make any difference to think about now.

Like most great lessons, I've learned the following from my inner child: look forward with hope and with the expectation that it will follow through. Life can be the sum of a thousand different Create Your Own Adventure books but only when you're willing to turn the page.

The cycles will continue. With dull anticipation, I know that there will be times when I feel low enough that these words don't inspire. And when the sun sets and rises again in the next morning, I'll remember again how to press forward by never failing to turn the page. Each day, every mundane, trivial task will be a new chapter.

The Reel Man Tik Tok'er Dude™ reminded us at the end of the video that narrative comes from within. That much is true - I convinced myself I was meant to suffer forever because I could. I think that there's more to my story than that. Otherwise I wouldn't see the sunsets as beautiful as they are.

[thehuntress-rose]

KIT’S 2022 SWYNWRIMO TRACK LIST

Day 1 – Ghazal Poem: A poem in a ghazal structure! [Mother Moon]

Day 2 – Community Flyer: Make a flyer for a community event that could possibly happen somewhere in town. [SwynGen Blood Drive]

Day 3 – The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Make a list of 10 items your character has received as a gift and describe what the item means to them (if at all).

Day 4 – #OOTD: Come up with five significant full outfits from your character’s wardrobe/life and describe them in detail.

Day 5 – Family Ties One-Shot: Write a one-shot revolving around your character’s family, include 3 family members minimum. [The World Keeps Spinning]

Day 6 – Soundtrack to Your Life: Create a playlist that reflects a significant story moment for your character.

Day 7 – Business Savvy Thread: Plot a thread that takes place in one of Swynlake’s businesses with a mun that you don’t currently have a thread with. [Another Man’s Treasure]

Day 8 – 160 Characters or Less: Write a story using either Tweets or entirely in texts between characters. [Dear Dad]

Day 9 – SwynRPVision: Create your own TV show, book, video game, piece of media, etc. that would exist in the SwynRPuniverse which does not exist in ours.

Day 10 –  Love Is Stored In The Garlic: Write about 10 significant meals that your character has had in their lives.

Day 11 – Lo-Fi Beats to Be a Magick to: Create a playlist for a type of Magick in the Swynverse.

Day 12 – Background NPC: Write about a moment of your character’s life from the perspective of an NPC character.

Day 13 – Crack!ship AU: Write a crack!ship au.

Day 14 – Neighborly Plotting: Plot a thread with your neighbor(s) using the demographic sheet.

Day 15 – Pet Playlist!: Make a playlist for your character’s pet — or a significant animal in their lives.

Day 16 – The Character Tour: create a travel itinerary featuring 10 significant locations from your character’s life.

Day 17 – Wanted Ad: Create a plot call for a service your character needs or wants.

Day 18 – Which Character Are You?: Make a UQuiz for people to determine which of your characters they are.

Day 19 – Five Times X, One Time Y: Five times your character did a thing and one time … they didn’t.

Day 20 – Short and Sweet One-Shot: Write ten short-short stories of no more than a paragraph long.

Day 21 – Back to the Future Thread: Write either a flashback or a flashforward thread with another mun!

Day 22 – Enter the Metaverse: Your character’s computer!

Day 23 – “It’s time to BeReal”: Post five BeReals from a random time of day in your character’s life; give us a front-facing pic and a pic of what they’re doing.

Day 24 – Personality Aesthetic: Make a personality aesthetic for 3 characters or 3 different personality types.

Day 25 – SWYNRP Memes: Create memes (there are websites where you can do this) about characters, places, or things that happen in Swynlake!

Day 26 – The Final Labor: Based on the final task for the labors, write an AU featuring all your characters in a role.

Day 27 – 9 to 5: What does your character’s work/school day look like?

Day 28 – Extreme Makeover: SwynRP Edition: Plot a thread where two characters are giving something — or someone! — a makeover.

Day 29 – LinkedIn: Create a resume for one of your characters!

Day 30 – SWYNRP Character Wishlist: A list of 10+ characters you’d like to see in the RP (for you to play or someone else!)

[sonotthedrama]

SwynWriMo Tracker 2022

11/30

Day 1 – Ghazal Poem: A poem in a ghazal structure!

Day 2 – Community Flyer: Make a flyer for a community event that could possibly happen somewhere in town.

Day 3 – The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Make a list of 10 items your character has received as a gift and describe what the item means to them (if at all).  

Day 4 – #OOTD: Come up with five significant full outfits from your character’s wardrobe/life and describe them in detail.

Day 5 – Family Ties One-Shot: Write a one-shot revolving around your character’s family, include 3 family members minimum. [Snow Fun with the Possible’s]

Day 6 – Soundtrack to Your Life: Create a playlist that reflects a significant story moment for your character. [Songs to be a teenage crime fighter to]

Day 7 – Business Savvy Thread: Plot a thread that takes place in one of Swynlake’s businesses with a mun that you don’t currently have a thread with. [First Impressions are Not Always Great || Kimity]

Day 8 – 160 Characters or Less: Write a story using either Tweets or entirely in texts between characters. [Possible Family Group Chat]

Day 9 – SwynRPVision: Create your own TV show, book, video game, piece of media, etc. that would exist in the SwynRPuniverse which does not exist in ours.

Day 10 – Love Is Stored In The Garlic: Write about 10 significant meals that your character has had in their lives.

Day 11 – Lo-Fi Beats to Be a Magick to: Create a playlist for a type of Magick in the Swynverse.

Day 12 – Background NPC: Write about a moment of your character’s life from the perspective of an NPC character.

Day 13 – Crack!ship AU: Write a crack!ship au. [Risk It All || Herculey]

Day 14 – Neighborly Plotting: Plot a thread with your neighbor(s) using the demographic sheet. [Kitchen Buddies || Hunterly]

Day 15 – Pet Playlist!: Make a playlist for your character’s pet — or a significant animal in their lives.

Day 16 – The Character Tour: create a travel itinerary featuring 10 significant locations from your character’s life.

Day 17 – Wanted Ad: Create a plot call for a service your character needs or wants.

Day 18 – Which Character Are You?: Make a UQuiz for people to determine which of your characters they are.

Day 19 – Five Times X, One Time Y: Five times your character did a thing and one time … they didn’t.

Day 20 – Short and Sweet One-Shot: Write ten short-short stories of no more than a paragraph long. [Ten Different Dessert Recipes Grace Tilly Has Done Over The Years…. using apples from Tilly Apple Orchard]

Day 21 – Back to the Future Thread: Write either a flashback or a flashforward thread with another mun! [Cocktails and Gossip || Kandy (Flashforward)]

Day 22 – Enter the Metaverse: Your character’s computer! List five bookmarks, their last five visited websites, their last five Google searches, five applications/programs they have on their computer, their screensaver and lockscreen! [Kim Possible’s Phone]

Day 23 – “It’s time to BeReal”: Post five BeReals from a random time of day in your character’s life; give us a front-facing pic and a pic of what they’re doing.

Day 24 – Personality Aesthetic: Make a personality aesthetic for 3 characters or 3 different personality types. [Gryffindor, Gemini & Chaotic Good Personality Aesthetic]

Day 25 – SWYNRP Memes: Create memes (there are websites where you can do this) about characters, places, or things that happen in Swynlake!

Day 26 – The Final Labor: Based on the final task for the labors, write an AU featuring all your characters in a role.

Day 27 – 9 to 5: What does your character’s work/school day look like?

Day 28 – Extreme Makeover: SwynRP Edition: Plot a thread where two characters are giving something — or someone! — a makeover.

Day 29 – LinkedIn: Create a resume for one of your characters!

Day 30 – SWYNRP Character Wishlist: A list of 10+ characters you’d like to see in the RP (for you to play or someone else!) [Tammy’s Character Wish List]

[doc-hudson]

SwynWriMo 2022 - Tracklist

Day 1 – Ghazal Poem: A poem in a ghazal structure!

Day 2 – Community Flyer: Make a flyer for a community event that could possibly happen somewhere in town.

Day 3 – The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Make a list of 10 items your character has received as a gift and describe what the item means to them (if at all).  

Day 4 – #OOTD: Come up with five significant full outfits from your character’s wardrobe/life and describe them in detail.

Day 5 – Family Ties One-Shot: Write a one-shot revolving around your character’s family, include 3 family members minimum.

Day 6 – Soundtrack to Your Life: Create a playlist that reflects a significant story moment for your character.

Day 7 – Business Savvy Thread: Plot a thread that takes place in one of Swynlake’s businesses with a mun that you don’t currently have a thread with.

Day 8 – 160 Characters or Less: Write a story using either Tweets or entirely in texts between characters.

Day 9 – SwynRPVision: Create your own TV show, book, video game, piece of media, etc. that would exist in the SwynRPuniverse which does not exist in ours.

Day 10 –  Love Is Stored In The Garlic: Write about 10 significant meals that your character has had in their lives.

Day 11 – Lo-Fi Beats to Be a Magick to: Create a playlist for a type of Magick in the Swynverse.

Day 12 – Background NPC: Write about a moment of your character’s life from the perspective of an NPC character.

Day 13 – Crack!ship AU: Write a crack!ship au.

Day 14 – Neighborly Plotting: Plot a thread with your neighbor(s) using the demographic sheet.

Day 15 – Pet Playlist!: Make a playlist for your character’s pet — or a significant animal in their lives.

Day 16 – The Character Tour: create a travel itinerary featuring 10 significant locations from your character’s life.

Day 17 – Wanted Ad: Create a plot call for a service your character needs or wants.

Day 18 – Which Character Are You?: Make a UQuiz for people to determine which of your characters they are.

Day 19 – Five Times X, One Time Y: Five times your character did a thing and one time … they didn’t.

Day 20 – Short and Sweet One-Shot: Write ten short-short stories of no more than a paragraph long.

Day 21 – Back to the Future Thread: Write either a flashback or a flashforward thread with another mun!

Day 22 – Enter the Metaverse: Your character’s computer!

Day 23 – “It’s time to BeReal”: Post five BeReals from a random time of day in your character’s life; give us a front-facing pic and a pic of what they’re doing.

Day 24 – Personality Aesthetic: Make a personality aesthetic for 3 characters or 3 different personality types.

Day 25 – SWYNRP Memes: Create memes (there are websites where you can do this) about characters, places, or things that happen in Swynlake!

Day 26 – The Final Labor: Based on the final task for the labors, write an AU featuring all your characters in a role.

Day 27 – 9 to 5: What does your character’s work/school day look like?

Day 28 – Extreme Makeover: SwynRP Edition: Plot a thread where two characters are giving something — or someone! — a makeover.

Day 29 – LinkedIn: Create a resume for one of your characters!

Day 30 – SWYNRP Character Wishlist: A list of 10+ characters you’d like to see in the RP (for you to play or someone else!)

[capricores]

✨ the signs and work (careers, needs in workplace, work-mindset, etc)

♡ check your sun, mars, ascendant, midheaven and sixth house signs. keep in mind your entire chart, especially planets in the sixth/tenth house can hugely change the expression of this. sagittarius mars + midheavens tend to hate routine, but if you have a taurus sun/moon, you’re likely to prefer routine and be more comfortable with it. the aspects to these planets and your midheaven/ascendant can entirely change things too. this is a general post. 

i also recommend checking the position of your midheaven ruler and the sign/house it is in (ruler of the midheaven is simply the planet that rules the signs of your midheaven: sun=leo, moon=cancer, mercury=gemini/virgo, venus=libra/taurus, mars=aries/scorpio, jupiter=sagittarius/pisces, saturn=capricorn/aquarius, neptune=pisces, uranus=aquarius, pluto=scorpio). so if you have a gemini midheaven, look to what sign your mercury is in and read for that as well.

reasons for choosing these placements: sixth house represents routine, habits and service; it will more-so highlight how you feel about and approach day-to-day work and serving others. midheaven is your ideal career and ambitions in the workplace; it’s also your image while at work. ascendant + sun both blend together to create one’s general temperament and personality; as well as outlook on life. these two placements highlight hobbies, desires, wants; and therefore influence career needs and work habits. mars is your drive, ambition, energy, etc; therefore showing up in the workplace strongly.

bite-sized version (see the read more for full sign explanations)

aries: careers that allow independence and decision-making. careers in the outdoors. high-energy, physical careers; careers that allow them to use their hands. entrepreneurship is ideal as they like to have complete control over their projects and schedules. jobs with competitive factors will be most motivating to them. they do really well in high-stress careers that require fast-action. sales, any sort of business ventures, management, directing, athletics, construction, welding, etc.

taurus: careers that offer consistency, stability and security. careers that allow for independence. entrepreneurship; taureans aren’t good at taking orders. anything involving the environment, animals, or children. coffee shops, bakeries, childcare, environmental activism, tree nursery staff, animal rescue, etc. taurus placements hold high levels of creativity and are very good at curating styles that appeal to wide varieties: therefore design (fashion, interior - even food/graphic design) based careers are ideal.

gemini: intellectual stimulation, flexibility and frequent change are absolute requirements in gemini careers. without frequent mental stimulation, gemini placements get anxious and want to quit. it’s hard for them to stick to jobs that don’t offer lots of change, variety and difficulties. engineering, computer programming, math-based careers, etc. geminis are excellent communicators are thrive in careers involving writing, public speaking, sales, etc. the environment and people gemini works with are as important as the job itself for them. gemini needs to do multiple things at once; careers involving multi-tasking are essential. routine, predictable careers are the enemy.

cancer: cancers need stability and control in their career. they’re very nostalgic and can often be seen carrying on family businesses or pursuing careers influenced by their families. research & history based careers are great for cancers (historian, librarian, scientific research, detective, etc). cancers do well connecting with others; careers that allow genuine interaction are great (psychologist, social worker, human resources, etc). careers that allow them control. the environment of a cancer’s work space is extremely important: they usually do best working at home. careers relating to food. careers connecting to childcare.

leo: careers need to allow them recognition and praise; attention via career is important (social media, tv personalities, etc). careers that allow a creative outlet with high-energy; but still offer stability and consistency. competitive environments are best for leo. working with children, athletic coaching, fashion, sales, marketing, and so forth are all great paths. management positions or running their own business is ideal for leos who don’t take well to criticism or direction. leos love being social and enjoy careers that give them a social outlet. analytical careers pair surprisingly well with leo; i’ve noticed they’re often drawn to and successful with paths relating to computer science & engineering.

virgo: similar to gemini, careers that are fast-paced and challenging are essential. mental stimulation is an absolute must, and the most important factor for a virgo. careers revolving around healing, health and nutrition fit well with virgo. working with animals and the environment. analytical, logic-forward careers that requirement complex solutions and quick thinking. careers involving communication, especially written, are ideal. virgos are excellent with small details and do well with careers that focus on these. writing, computer programming, chemistry, engineering, teaching, vet tech, dietician, doctor, surgeon, etc.

libra: careers heavily connected to aesthetics: libras require beauty in every aspect of life, especially career (fashion, interior & graphic design; any art-related field; music, etc). careers loaded with social interactions, libras get drained and bored in a career that’s isolating and lonely. ilbras are charming and do well in positions like sales that utilize this charm for personal gain. careers that require a strong sense of justice and morals (law, judge, detective, managerial positions, etc).

scorpio: competitive, target based careers that give them power. behind-the-scenes careers that give them recognition but still allows their privacy. creative -heavy careers such as writing, art, fashion. careers connecting to the occult (ie: astrology/divination). careers that allow them to utilize their unmatchable investigation skills (detective, lawyer, scientist, etc). careers that give them flexibility, yet stability; the only change they want to experience at work is self-controlled. scorpios prefer to work alone than in groups; careers of solitude or ones that allow them to control others are best.

sagittarius: careers that allow them to channel their natural educator & humanitarian role (teacher, philosopher, lawyer, philanthropist, etc). careers that allow them to travel as part of their job (pilot, travel guide, trip planner, translator, etc). careers with huge amount of flexibility, frequent change; careers that give them independence and allow for constant growth, learning and expansion. they never want to be fully “comfortable”. athletic, physical careers; careers in the outdoors (ie: athletic coach, sports teams, etc). 

capricorn: careers that allow for complete autonomy and control. entrepreneurship was made for capricorns. careers that promise stability, security, and a laid-out climb to the top. careers heavily based in logic & analyzing; finance-based careers are also ideal. financial analysis, architecture, CFO positions, etc. working with animals and being connected to the earth are beneficial. management positions are ideal, although capricorns tend to do everything themselves regardless of who’s working for them. careers that involve a lot of careful planning and thinking ahead; routine.

aquarius: careers involving music and/or art (nearly every aqua placement i meet is talented in + passionate about some artistic outlet, channelling these interests into careers is beneficial). careers involving technology, science, and lots of analyzing/logic. computer science, engineering, mathematician, data analyst, etc. careers that give them longer periods of isolation with healthy amounts of socialization in between; they require a good balance. careers that give them independence, yet structure; careers that change on their own terms only. 

pisces: careers with complete flexibility: routines, heavy structure and similar are the enemy. careers that allow a channel for healing and/or spirituality (divination, astrology, nutrition, psychology, etc). careers relating to philosophy, humanitarianism, teaching; much like sagittarius - anything that allows frequent growth and expansion. careers heavy with travel and new experiences. careers that allow a creative outlet are best for pisces (design, photography, filmography, music), they also do well in social based careers such as being influencers or tv stars. avoid careers with rough environments as they’re the sign most likely to absorb negative energies.

♡ mutable signs (pisces, sagittarius, gemini, virgo):

these signs have busy minds. they always need to be moving, and require constant mental stimulation. work without mental stimulation will quite literally drive them up the wall. if their work traps them into non-challenging (gemini/virgo) or routine (pisces/sagittarius) environments, they’ll not only want to quit, but likely be negatively impacted in terms of energy and mental health. if you have strong mutable placements, it’s important for you to find a flexible and stimulating career; a career with a lot of socializing is often preferable as well. they require lots of encouragement and praise in their work to stay committed and on-track.

the ideal careers for mutable signs are ones that allow for stimulation and change (virgo is more comfortable with routine, gemini is *okay* with routine; but both requirement frequent challenges in the workplace to stay satisfied, they need to be “solving” things). mutable signs don’t mind working behind the scenes, or under the direction of someone else, so long as they’re in an exciting environment that allows them to fully utilize their wit, creativity and quick problem solving skills. 

it’s very important for mutable signs to become friends with those in their workplace (especially pisces and gemini placement individuals). because of their constant need for mental (and also social) stimulation, it’s vital for them to be able to form friendships (not necessarily deep/close friendships, but at least surface level) in the workplace and have a frequent social outlet while working. mutable signs are also extremely susceptible to their environment and those around them (as are the water signs), so a toxic workplace will have a significantly harsher impact on their well-being than other signs would experience. their mental and physical health can both be immensely affected when they’re in toxic environments around toxic people (of course this is true for anyone, but mutables are drained by this on a whole other level). mutable signs can easily love a job they would normally hate, if the environment is positive and fun for them; and vice versa.

✧ sagittarius and pisces: no matter how much these two signs love their job, they will still hate their job. pisces and sagittarians tend to hate work. this isn’t because they’re lazy, or incapable of putting in hard work; because they’re more than capable, and do it frequently. but to them, work, especially routine work (nine to fives, forty hours a week, etc), limit them. pisces and sagittarius share jupiter as their ruler; jupiter is all about expansion, growth and freedom. these signs hate being boxed in and tied down. they require living lives that allow for frequent growth. namely, pisces and sagittarius love to always be learning and bettering themselves, especially spiritually and philosophically. if they’re stuck in a career that limits their expansion; or lacks “abundance” when it comes to choices and growth, they’ll be extremely unsatisfied.

pisces and sagittarians are free spirits, and these placements (especially in the personal planets and as ascendant) love physical change; aka traveling. a job that allows them to travel, especially to other countries/long distances, will be ideal and fulfilling for them. creative outlets, educational paths, or any career relating to spirituality, philosophy or similar will be best for them. pisces do really well in careers related to healing and helping; sagittarians do really well in careers related to teaching. sagittarians, being fire signs, also require careers that keep them relatively physically active.

some suggested careers (pisces, sagittarius): travel-related (flight attendant, trip planner, etc), translation/interpretation, photography, arts, astrology, divination, food (chef, front of house, etc), teaching, medicine (namely naturopaths, nutrition, etc), motivational / public speaking, philanthropy 

✧ geminis and virgos: being mercury-ruled, these two signs need intellectual stimulation more than anyone else. they do not do well in monotonous or “easy/simple” jobs. although these two signs might not be as bothered by routine as their fellow mutable signs, they instead require a constantly challenging and stimulating environment. fast-paced, high-stress careers where they’re able to problem-solve and think on their feet are best for these two signs. although they have to be careful of overly stressful jobs and burning themselves out, due to their tendencies of overthinking, nervousness and how easily stressed they can get. it’s best for them to work in challenging environments, with kind and encouraging management, as to avoid any possible burnout or anxiety in the workplace.

again, thanks to their mercury influence, these signs have a way with words. anyone with strong gemini or virgo placements is bound to be great when it comes to writing and/or speaking. being an author is something those with either of these placements would really excel at. also, working in sales (mainly with gemini, virgo shyness and hermit habits may put them off of this career lol) is something gemini & virgo THRIVE in. they’re very good at speaking to others and swaying their opinions, so closing deals with people is a very easy and satisfying thing for them to do.

some suggested careers (gemini, virgo): computer science/technology fields, detective work, writing, research-based fields, nutrition/dietetics (virgo), sales (gemini), something with a lot of public speaking (but this likely freaks them out and makes them nervous- they are amazing at it though), event planning

some mutable careers (all/mixed): teaching, international relations, politics (sagittarius and gemini), music (pisces especially), comedy (gemini and sagittarius), marketing & sales, law, medical fields (virgo and pisces), travel & tourism, librarians/working in bookstores

♡ cardinal signs (aries, cancer, libra, capricorn):

these signs thrive most placed in roles of leadership and entrepreneurship. directing others and having control over their own actions and projects is most satisfying for these individuals. cancers and libras don’t mind working under the control of others, capricorn and aries do not do well in situations controlled or directed by others. however, capricorns and aries can handle working under others as long as they have a means for doing so (ie: they have some power over others at the same time, they’re awaiting a promotion, etc).

these signs are ambitious, initiators, and go-getters. they are the ones with the big ideas and the detailed plans of how things will go. they enjoy motivating others and seeing others succeed, so they make for wonderful managers. managerial positions are great for these signs, since they can struggle a bit with following through/staying on task, having a role where they create the ideas/tasks and have someone else finish it is more ideal.

✧ aries and capricorn: these signs, far more than other cardinals, really do better working alone or in positions of power. entrepreneurship is more ideal for these two than probably any other sign. additionally, both aries and capricorn are very connected to the physical realm. aries does really well in physically-active careers (manual labor, athletics, etc), and they also really love the outdoors. capricorn, being so connected to the earth, also loves any sort of outdoors/earth-connected career. jobs that allow them to be outside in nature, or directly working with nature, will do them both great.

these two signs are very good at managing and directing, however their styles can be a little harsh. they also tend to have the attitude where they’d rather do everything themselves so that it’s done “right”. because of this, it’s best for them to work independently at their own business, or to have someone working as a buffer of communication between them and employees when it comes to instructing and critiquing. they do, however, do very well as trainers, since they’re very to-the-point and enjoy allowing others to shadow them/vice versa. being trainers allows them to let out their overly picky/specific side for the better.

these two especially thrive in any career that allows them to showcase their straight-forward and analytical natures. fields such as law, are so amazing for both of these signs. aries loves the challenge of a field like law, and probably enjoys the ability to “argue” for work. capricorn’s interest will be held by the analytical, research based aspects of law, as well as the ability to “argue” for work. both signs enjoy being right, competitiveness, and independence, so fields similar to law are perfect. 

both signs can also handle high-stress and high-pressure environments with ease, quite possibly more than any other signs. they also need frequent challenge and competitiveness in careers, so any sort of job that hits these requirements would be best. if they don’t feel as if they’re climbing a ladder, or achieving a visible, measurable level of success (ie: hitting/exceeding targets), they won’t feel fulfilled.

some suggested careers (aries, capricorn): entrepreneurship, instructing/coaching (athletics, etc), athletics (aries), project managers/management in general, conservationists, lawyers, food service, finance/accounting, any analytical/logic-based careers (capricorn), architecture, computer programming, sales (aries; they have the energy + charisma for this), marketing, real estate (aries), physical therapy, chiropractor, personal trainer (aries)

✧ cancer and libra: one important thing to mention for these two signs is they require a comfortable, positive work sign; almost to the extent that mutable signs do. their work environments have to be comfort zones, much like their homes, or they’ll struggle a lot in their career despite how much they enjoy the job itself. the people they work with and space they work in are extremely important to them. if they work from home, it’s vital they have a comfortable, well-decorated home office in order to be fully productive and in their “zones”.

these two signs have a very unique way of managing. they’re very good at getting people to do things, without realizing they’ve been influenced to do something. both of these signs can get along with nearly anyone, and have very warm, nurturing natures; which makes them highly successful in roles ranging from management to sales and anything of the likes. their social skills are impressive, as are their problem-solving skills, which makes them well-suited for fields like human resources, law (mainly libra), psychology, social work, etc. both do well in customer service and marketing because of their people skills.

the difference between these two lies in their public preferences. libra is a very public sign, and also the sign of justice. journalist, social media influencer/tv personality, publicist, judge/lawyer, and fashion design are some potential careers that align well with libra’s needs for recognition and admiration. on the other hand, cancer much prefers a more private life, although still enjoys (genuine) interaction with others. due to their nurturing personalities and creativity, cancers thrive in careers relating to medicine, food, design (especially interior, architecture, etc - anything related to the home as cancer is the sign connected with the *home*), and so forth.

these two signs are also highly creative and thrive in roles that allow for this expression. libra specifically thrives in fields like fashion or graphic design, cancer thrives in fields like interior design or baking/cooking. 

some suggested careers (cancer, libra): law (libra), fashion (libra), interior design, graphic design (libra), childcare (cancer), psychology, social work, medicine (cancer), chef/baker/similar (cancer), real estate, sales & marketing (libra), journalist (libra), publicist (libra), architect (cancer), customer service, social media (influencer, marketing, etc), acting, game design/development (cancers especially - they seem to be so good with video games)

some cardinal careers (all/mixed): entrepreneurship, design, development & research, finance/accounting, architecture, lawyers, judges, detectives (especially libra & cancer), real estate, sales & marketing, management, human resources (cancer/libra)

♡ fixed signs (taurus, leo, scorpio, aquarius):

these signs do best in positions of total autonomy. working under the discretion of others is not ideal for these individuals. with creative minds and a need for independence and power; these individuals also tend to do best in fields relating to art, or creation of some sort. aquarius and taurus can handle working under others without much power, but leo and scorpio do not do well when given directions (they can handle it, but they don’t like it). it’s against fixed sign nature to follow orders. however, fixed signs do generally enjoy routine, so they won’t mind working under someone if it provides them consistency and stability. they might even skip on desired promotions, new/better job opportunities and more due to their fears/dislike of change (especially taurus).

fixed signs have this unmatchable resilience when it comes to work. these are the people that will easily put in 70+ hours a week with minimal complaints. they’re excellent at following through with things and sticking to their jobs/tasks, even when they hate them. fixed signs are also the only modality that’s consistent and excellent with following through. these signs have a bit of trouble getting started, though, and often need a push and help to get things going. 

leo and taurus need stability and consistency in their career, whatever it may end up being. these two do not do well with change; and don’t usually like jobs that require them to frequently adapt or start new routines. aquarius and scorpio on the other hand, thrive within change; and are more than used to adapting to sudden, significant changes. these two, however, still prefer a more stable routine; as they tend to fear/dislike change that is not self-inflicted. the biggest things for fixed signs are stable, consistent careers. they also need careers that allow them power and individualism. aquarius and leo specifically need careers that allow them to “show off” or get recognition, preferably from a larger audience.

scorpios & leos thrive with incentives and praise, so careers that offer bonus pays, targets, and promotions with set goals will motivate them a lot more in work. any sort of competitive work will get those two signs going. aquarians however are more indifferent to these things, they tend to be more detached with the material benefits of work. taureans usually dislike these types of careers, they want work with consistency: consistent pay, consistent hours, etc.

✧ leo and aquarius: these signs require attention and recognition for their work more than anyone. they’ll do behind the scenes work if they need to, but generally they enjoy being the center of other’s attentions (aquarius won’t admit this though). these two signs have very unique ideas, and are bustling with creativity. more than anything, they need a career that allows creative expression and individuality. they don’t do well being boxed in and restricted in their endeavors. most of all, these two need careers that are challenging, consistent yet flexible, and allow both social and creative outlets. 

aquarius is the sign relating to technology, so of course they will naturally thrive in technology-related careers. aquarians have busy minds and the patience to work out complex problems; so a career in computer programming, or something similar, would do them well. graphic design and architecture are two other careers that come to mind. engineering (but something more like music engineering, that allows them that creative outlet) is another great choice. aquarians are also humanitarians at heart, so charity-related careers, or careers of similar nature (ie: social worker) would be great for them. careers with a lot of either problem-solving/complex issues, humanitarian causes, or music/art are best for aquarians.

leos are natural born entertainers and story-tellers. they also can fit well into many social environments, and are so naturally charming it’s easy for them to get on anyone’s good side. because of this, any social-heavy career is great for them (motivational speaking, writing, acting, sales, marketing, etc). leos also have big hearts and tend to love children and/or animals, so i always recommend childcare or animal care to these types of leos. at the end of the day, despite leo’s need to be independent/not heavily controlled at work, they do love that social interaction that can come with working. leos are also bursting with creativity, and tend to have affinities with art, so any art-field is a great career selection for them. as a fire sign, leos also thrive in physically-active careers (athletics, manual labor, etc) that keep them up and moving.

some suggested careers (leo, aquarius): music (especially aqua), fashion-related fields; especially design, ANY sort of artistic field (design, painting, acting, etc), childcare (leo), marketing, sales, engineering, charitable organizations (aquarius), computer programming/science (aquarius), writing (leo), social media (marketing, management, influencer)

✧ scorpio and taurus: these signs don’t mind being behind the scenes, so long as they still have significant power in their work environment and control over themselves. overall, they’d typically rather work for themselves than someone else, they truly hate answering to others and generally don’t like being disturbed/overly social at work (it drains them, and they usually find it annoying/disrupts their work flow). i suggest more independent-work type of careers for these signs, or careers that allow them to instruct others on what to do, not the other way around.

both signs are very intense and investigative, and once they start something they have a laser-like focus that will help them see through a project to the end. scorpios specifically need careers that allow THEM flexibility and the ability to enact change when they see fit. taureans, however, need careers with minimal change, including self-inflicted. taurus requires stability and consistency more than any other sign in the zodiac, especially at work. 

taureans have a very nurturing energy, including at work, and they have a natural connection to the earth/environment. because of this, i always see taureans fitting so well into careers involving the environment (think anything from environmental law to conservationist to florist, etc). personally, both taurus and scorpio i can see running adorable little flower shops, crystal shops or cafes and it would be too perfect for them. these two signs are usually bookworms too so i feel like working in a bookstore would be so perfect for them both. scorpios really do need that power and slight competition in work. they need to be challenged more than any of the other fixed signs, or they will get extremely bored. i often find scorpios thrive most in unfamiliar environments, so sudden switches in work may be a comforting thing for them.

some suggested careers (scorpio, taurus): investigator/detective (scorpio), research-based fields (scorpio), interior design, fashion, food-related field (taurus), childcare (taurus), architecture, divination + astrology (scorpio), office jobs (taurus - but more a WFH environment), work from home jobs in general (they don’t like leaving the house), working with animals/rescuing, environmental law (taurus), law (scorpio), environmental activism (taurus), conservationist (taurus), librarian/bookstore jobs

some ideal fixed careers (all/mixed): tattoo artist (this career always comes to mind with scorpio/taurus especially), design, any sort of arts-related career, managerial roles, entrepreneurship, athletic instructor/similar (leo & taurus), farming (taurus & leo), florist/anything working with plants (taurus & scorpio), childcare (leo & taurus), competitive environments (leo & scorpio)

[dramaqueeenamby]

Waves: Quarantine

A/N: It's been way too long since I've done something for the Wavesverse, and I apologize deeply. I have a few requests related to this series to complete, but I couldn't knock this idea.

Words: 4K

Warnings: None

Tags: @babe-im-bi @notacamelthatsmywife @missyperle @queenoftheworldisdead @tashawar @valkryienymph @letsshamelessqueen-m @hello-therree @mani-lifes @liquorlaughslove @toni9 @koko-michelle @theequeenofcurses @taylortheeshowpony

Waves

Summer placed her phone inside of the mount and made sure that it was secured before she sat back in her bed, getting comfortable with the mass of pillows supporting her back, and smiling tentatively. “Hi, guys.”

Summer!

Someone tell me this isn’t a joke???? Please???

She lives!

Sis, blink twice if you need help.

Summer rolled her eyes. “Ya’ll better stop. I know it’s been a minute since I’ve hopped on live, but it hasn’t been that damn long.”

Summer continued to read the comments where more than a few people pointed out she hadn’t gone live on Instagram in over three months. Her mouth dropped. “Ya’ll lying. It has not been almost six months, has it?” She placed her hand over her mouth when people started dropping dates in the comments. “Okay, I stand corrected. Damn, I’m sorry, guys.”

Don’t be sorry, bestie. Do better!

Damn, ya’ll are so entitled. Celebrities have lives too.

What life? We all been in quarantine.

Rich people quarantine be different from us poor folks, I guess.

“So that’s actually one of the things I wanted to talk about.” Summer cleared her throat. “And I’m going to try really hard to make sure I word what I want to say as clear and as effective as I can, but I know this is still going to end up as a salacious headline. So, it is what it is.”

Oooh, Summer about to drop some tea.

I don’t see her wedding ring, ya’ll…..

I’m scared omg.

Watch this be nothing but a role announcement.

She shrugged and took a deep breath. “Okay, so a few days ago, I did the Buss It challenge, after being harassed by Sanda. And can I just say that filming was a challenge in and of itself? Not necessarily the movements but preparing? I’ve got two kids, twins, who are like the Tasmanian devil. I was literally up at 3 something in the morning trying to record it because my wild children won’t let me be great.” She chuckled. “Kids are something else.”

Summer truly jumped through hoops and was a damn near acrobat trying to figure out when she could not only get herself done up but actually record the challenge. Being the perfectionist that she was didn’t help, but the fact that she couldn’t recall the last time she’d put on makeup and dressed up was a whole other fiasco.

Quarantine definitely brought out her bum side.

“All of that aside, I truly was satisfied and happy with the final product when I posted it. In hindsight, I should have just left it that, but I wake up every day and choose chaos, so I decided to read the comments.” She blew out a breath. “One of the most frequent comments and really, insults, I’ve received my whole career. Primarily, since I was cast as Storm, revolves around how I look. I.e., my weight. I’ve been called fat, obese, out of shape, and so many other things.”

It was 100% true. The minute Marvel announced that she’d been chosen to play Storm, the racists came all out of the woodworks. She was too short, too chubby, too dark, too black. And Summer didn’t care, not a bit.

“Even,—and I’ll tell you guys this, when I first started my SS training, that’s what I call it, SS for Storm Shape, there was a—person who worked for Marvel at the time who came to visit me while I was training.” She smiled thinking back on that day. She could still recall it so clearly. “He basically was pissed because to him, I still looked the same, fat and out of shape.” She adjusted her top and shifted in her bed. “That same day, I deadlifted and bench-pressed over 200lbs” She paused for effect. “What I need for people to stop doing is stop fucking projecting—and I’m going to cuss in this, so if you don’t like it, oh well. I work for Disney, but I’m a grown ass woman, and I’m going to say what I want.”

I am screaming. Summer said we getting alll the tea today!

So, it’s wrong to point out that someone is physically unhealthy now, cool?

The problem is that no one wants to see a fat superhero. It’s not realistic.

^^^^ Tell me you have a small dick without actually telling me you have a small dick.

“I saw Lizzo, whom I adore, post a Tik Tok where she basically said that she workouts to have the body she wants not what ya’ll want, and honestly? Same. She said that her body type is no one’s fucking business, and that’s so true. Ya’ll love to hop on this internet and pick apart people you don’t even know and criticize bodies you don’t even have to live in and move around with. And for what?” She shook her head, slamming her fist into her open palm as she spoke. She was fully invested now. “I know we in quarantine, but damn, pick another hobby cause being a bully is not it, sweetie.”

I really needed to hear this today.

Using Lizzo as a point of reference makes everything you’re saying null and void. Lizzo is clearly overweight and at risk for diabetes, heart disease, just to name a few…..

I been saying this! You can’t look at a person and say they’re unhealthy.

Bodies come in so many forms, and all are beautiful.

“Now, I bring all this up because a lot of people were commenting on my Buss It challenge and pointing out the fact that I’ve gained weight, and guess fucking what? I have, and you know what else?” She leaned over to whisper while covering her mouth with her hands for focused effect. “I don’t care.”

Summer laughed and shook her head. “As others have pointed out as well, yes, we have a gym in our house. I 1000% acknowledge the fact that having the resources that I do as a celebrity and someone who has money puts me in a different category. Hell, my husband has a whole fitness app. I recognize that. If I wanted to keep up with my workouts, emphasis on wanted, I could have. I own up to that, but I just didn’t feel like it, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is to send and leave mean messages calling me all kinds of names.”

Summer had thick skin. She always had. Growing up with her family, who always ensured to feed her self esteem and make sure she knew that she was beautiful, definitely paid off. It was just a combination of quarantine and not having a lot of opportunities to keep herself busy with work that had her feeling some type of way.

“And that’s something else I wanted to bring up.” She blew out another breath and tried to gather her emotions. This was the subject she was almost certain she’d grow teary eyed discussing. “I love my husband to death. My children are everything. Christopher’s family is like my own, but— I haven’t seen my family, like my mom, grandma, brothers, etc in almost a year.” She paused, dwelling on that. Almost an entire year since she’d been able to physically hug and interact with the people who made her who she was. “And I’ve always made it clear how much I fucking love my family. I live in Australia. I can’t do a drive by with grandma so I and my kids can at least see her on the doorstep.” She quieted again, eyes darting off as she quietly cursed. “I’m trying really hard not to cry right now.”

Please don’t cry, bestie.

This is the side of quarantine that people don’t talk about enough.

Has this woman never heard of FaceTime????

I feel her pain. I live in Europe, and my family is in the states. This quarantine has been brutal.

My grandma died from COVID, and I couldn’t even go to the funeral. Summer is bringing up a good point.

“Damn,” Summer chuckled bitterly and wiped at the tears that fell. “I’m okay, I promise. I just bring this up because quarantine has also been very hard for me in that aspect. At certain points, I’ve been down, I’ve been in my head a lot, and I just was not, for the most part, in a space where I felt like I had to keep up my fitness regimen. And that’s okay. I put my mental wellbeing ahead of making sure my body is socially acceptable. Sue me.”

I really appreciate her honesty.

Summer never goes beyond surface level in interviews, so seeing her this vulnerable is really surprising.

Are we supposed to feel bad for her? She’s rich. She can afford whatever help she needed.

These comments are not passing the vibe check.

Ya’ll are all mental health advocates, but when a black woman is opening up about her struggle, it’s discarded?

“And let me make this clear too, I have an amazing husband who is so patient and so kind. He’s one of the best people I can go to when my anxiety hits, so I don’t want this to come across as me complaining that I’ve been alone. I have him and our children. I just miss the rest of my family. That’s all.” She dried her eyes and started to read the comments, unsurprised by the mixed reaction. She expected as such and was unaffected. At least until she saw one comment.

@ChrisEvans: ❤️❤️❤️

“Evans!” Summer wasn’t expecting to see his name pop up. It’d been such a task convincing him to join IG, let alone teaching him how to operate it. “Let’s go live.”

Not my husband and wife in my head about to go live!!!!

Imagine being able to call Chris Evans your best friend

I still say they smashed idc

It’s Christopher Jamal Evans hopping on this live for me.

^^^ I’m so sick of y’all with that shit.

“Let me try to add him,” Summer spoke to herself, scrolling through the comments to find his so she could request him. “Alright, I requested him. Let’s see if he answers.”

She wondered if she should have sent him a text asking if he was available when he appeared on her screen, effectively splitting it with her on the top and him on the bottom.

“Punk.”

“Kid.”

Summer smiled and greeted, “Hi, best friend.”

He chuckled. “How you doing, Summer?”

“Clearly not as good as the people watching,” she chimed. Summer saw nothing but heart eyes and hearts in the comments. “These people really love you. You truly are a manipulative bastard. He’s an asshole, guys.”

“Don’t be jealous, Summer. It’s so unbecoming of you.”

“You can go to hell.”

“Language,” he playfully reprimanded. “Where are the kids?”

“At preschool. Things are finally starting to open back up over here. Thank God.” She clasped her hands together. “Y’all, please wear masks. Don’t be Karen’s.”

Chris laughed, grabbing his chest. “We’re getting there, Summer.”

“The lies you tell,” she countered. “Don’t A Starting Point, me. Ya’ll are far from getting there, and I’m tired of it. I wanna see my family.”

He sighed. “I know, but how are you feeling today?”

“I got rid of the kids, so that’s definitely a weight lifted,” she answered honestly, laughing when she saw judgmental comments in the chat. “Listen, if you’re a parent, you know where I’m coming from. You love your kids, but my god, sometimes you just need some space.”

“As soon as this all blows over, I told you to send em’ by me for a couple of weeks.”

“Best friend, I already purchased their tickets.” He laughed. “As soon as I get the green light, they are all yours. Feel free to keep them.”

“You guys see how she is?” He pointed to Summer, leaning and squinting to read what was being said. “I do love kids, especially the twins, they’re amazing.”

“He is really really great with them, guys,” Summer added. “One thing about Evans, he’s patient as hell and really, just a big kid. Why do you think him and Christopher get along so well? 40 going on 4.”

“I resent that.”

“Is it a lie though?”

He hesitated. “No.” They both laughed.

I’m loving the dynamic between these two so much.

Is it just me or are they flirting with each other…..

Ain’t nothing inappropriate about this conversation. Ya’ll are reaching…

Ya’ll remember that blind item that came out years ago alleging Chris (Evans) was the biological father of the twins? Hmm…..

^^^^^This kind of bullshit is the reason we’re in a global pandemic.

As always, Summer and Evans ignored any foolery that was being dropped in the comments when she caught a comment that didn’t contain some ridiculous rumor.

“Yes, it is true that Evans and Christopher weren’t allowed to do press together anymore. Ya’ll, they literally could not stay serious for more than a minute. I felt so bad for the poor interviewers.”

“Hey, we were not that bad,” Evans protested, his Boston accent more prominent.

She gasped. “You guys were terrible, Evans, and you know it. I was so mad when they put me with ya’ll those few times. I could barely hear the interviewers over your laughing and stupid commentary that literally no one asked for.”

“We did not.”

“There’s deadass video proof, Evans.”

“Fake news.”

She opened her mouth but caught herself. “I was about to say something.”

He laughed and asked, “Do you remember how we all got drunk before the Infinity War premiere?”

“No, ya’ll got drunk. I was big and pregnant, remember?”

“No,” he dismissed. “You were drinking with us.”

“Evans, how was I drinking when I was pregnant?” She challenged and reminded. “I got drunk with ya’ll for the Endgame premiere, not Infinity War.”

“That’s right,” he remembered and chuckled. “You think we’ll get in trouble for saying this?”

She shrugged with one shoulder. “You’re dead, Christopher never gets in trouble for anything, and I do what I want. I think we’re good.”

Kevin Feige watching this live right now like 🥴🥴🥴🥴

I never realized how arrogant she is……

LMAO. Not the whole cast showing up drunk to the biggest premiere of their lives.

Chris Evans is too damn fine to be approaching 40 and still single.

Their friendship is so goals omg

@ChrisHemsworth: Snitches

Summer’s jaw dropped as she caught the last comment, swiping up to click the name and make sure that she was reading correctly. “Christopher, what the hell are you doing on my live?”

Evans brows furrowed. “Hemmy is here? Shouldn’t he be working?”

“That’s what I want to know,” Summer supplied. “And how long have you been watching?”

@ChrisHemsworth: Long enough.

She smiled nervously and looked off to the side. “I feel weird now. I don’t like when he watches my lives.”

“Aren’t you guys married?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be shutting the fuck up?”

Evans lifted his hands in a defensive manner. “Touchy subject, I see.” They shared another laugh as he cleared his throat. “Why don’t you add him now? I’m supposed to be helping Scott cook.”

“My favorite Evans,” she gushed and furrowed her brows. “You, cooking? Since when?”

“Get out of here.” He waved her off and reminded. “I’m not the one who constantly causes near fires when in the kitchen.”

“So, you really just putting all my business out there like that?”

“Summer, it’s not secret to anyone that you can’t cook for shit.”

“Wow, it really be your own best friends.”

He chuckled. “Love you, kid.”

“Love you too, punk,” she blew a kiss. “I’ll text ya’ later.”

“Alright.” He smiled for the camera. “Thanks for having me everyone.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” she said jokingly. Evans and Summer said goodbye one last time before he left the live. She blew out a breath and ran her hand through her hair. “Baby, comment something so I can add you. It’s too many comments to wade through.”

Summer adjusted her phone and checked the time on the clock on the wall. It’d been a while since the kids were away at school, and she didn’t want to get so caught up that she was late picking them up.

@ChrisHemsworth: I can’t. I’m too drunk.

Summer released a mixture of a laugh and a snort reading his comment. “You are so damn petty.” She clicked his name and adjusted her outfit while waiting for him to answer. She almost cursed when it seemed like he wasn’t going to join, only for her to smile when his face appeared on her screen.

“Hi,” she greeted in a soft voice with a small smile.

“Hello, Sandcastle.”

“Did you just—I swear to god, it’s always something with you.” Summer rubbed her temples and shook her head. Christopher smiled in response. “Why aren’t you working?”

“I am.”

“You are?”

“Yes.”

“If you’re working, how are you talking to me?” She asked, sassily.

“Umm, a little thing called multitasking, ever heard of it?”

“Wow. You are an asshole.”

“That’s mean.”

“You’re mean.”

“Christopher, you are literally a child.”

“Does a child have muscles like this?” He flexed, and Summer stilled. Christopher stayed in ridiculous shape, but this was another level. He’d never been this massive, and she wasn’t too proud to admit that. Just not aloud.

She faked a yawn. “Am I supposed to be impressed?”

They really just be roasting each other all the time, and I’m here for it.

Summer must be legally blind because this man is stupid fine tf

It’s gotta be steroids. That’s not natural.

^^^^^He’s the god of thunder.

Summer rolled her eyes at the typical nature of the comments. These were the reasons she limited her time on social media and especially stayed away from reading the comments. Her attention was redirected to the top of her phone. It was a text from Christopher asking her to call him.

“But we’re—oh, I get it.” She realized he wanted to talk to her, not her and her tens of millions of followers. “Alright, guys, I’m gonna get off here so I can talk to my husband, alone.”

“She just doesn’t want to share me with you all, that’s all.”

“Don’t even start, Christopher,” she lectured while he laughed and got serious, for a minute tops.

“Hope you all are taking care and staying safe,” he spoke honestly. “And we’ll talk to you soon.”

Summer waved and smile. “Bye, guys. Remember to be kind.” Summer offered a final smile before ending the live. Closing up the app, she moved to open FaceTime and called up Christopher. He answered almost immediately. “You know I hate when you watch my Lives. Now, how much did you see?”

“Enough to know you’re coming to see me tonight.”

She laughed aloud. “Funny.”

“I’m serious, Summer.” Focusing on him, she realized that there was no humor in his voice nor his expression. Summer also noticed that he didn’t have the Thor wig on yet, which was probably why he was able to go live with her. He was waiting to get into hair and makeup. “Leave the kids with Liam. It’s not like he’s doing anything.”

“Christopher!”

“What? Is he not a professional unemployed bastard.”

Summer’s smile remained as she shook her head. “You are so mean.”

“I’ll handle the flight arrangements. You, my beautiful wife, just make sure you get on the jet so I can handle you.”

“Christopher, you’re working. People with everyday jobs don’t just up and show up to their spouses workplace because they miss them or need a break from the kids. That’s how folks get fired.”

Christopher started to move around, walking somewhere, she realized. “What are you doing?”

“Hey, Tike.”

Summer’s eyes widened slightly. “Christoper!”

“Sup, man?” Taika asked casually, as Summer laughed again. Taika Waititi was such a character.

“You mind if Summer comes up for a few days?”

“Sure, man,” he replied almost right away. “Bring the kids and chickens too.”

“I am not bringing those damn chickens,” she immediately protested.

Christopher made a sound. “Ha, so you are coming!”

“I didn’t say that.”

Taika joined Christopher so that he was in camera. “Hey, Summer, why don’t you come on join? You can have a cameo. Chickens, too.”

She rubbed her temples. Taika’s and Chris’s friendship would never not make sense to her. They were cut from the same cloth. “One, hey. Two, I was already in Ragnarok. I’m good on the cameos. Three, what is with ya’ll and those creepy looking chickens?”

“Whoa, creepy? What did the chickens ever do?”

“Exist,” Summer answered dryly. She still hadn’t forgiven Evans and Christopher for convincing her to let the kids keep those damn things. Her home was becoming more and more of a farm with each animal that joined the household.

“Tough crowd, that one, ehh?”

“Always,” Christopher agreed.

“I can hear you both,” she reminded and groaned loudly. Summer would love to spend a few days away from the kids. Chris would be working, yes, but she’d at least get some time for herself. Even better, alone adult time with her husband. That had also been a bit tricky during quarantine because of her rambunctious twins. Still, she disliked using her status as a celebrity to gain things, and this would definitely be a case of using status for pull. “I don’t know….”

Deep in her thoughts, she hadn’t realized that Chris had walked away and returned to wherever he was prior to finding Taika, most likely his trailer.

“What if you only stayed a night?” Chris tried to bargain. “The flight is only an hour and a half. That will give you more than enough time to come here, let me fix you dinner, run you a nice bath, maybe get in the good ole’ horizontal tango—”

“You know I hate when you call it that,” she reminded quietly, admitting. “That does sound nice, though.”

“Or, I can come to you—“

“Absolutely not. Christopher, you’re already doing so much back and forth as it is.” One of the good things to come out of quarantine, to Summer at least, was that it forced many people to take a much needed break. Her husband was one of those people. Christopher had been working nonstop since she met him. Project after project, film after film, many of them Marvel films, which put a whole other layer of difficulty what with the strenuous physical requirements. Even now as he shot Thor 4, he was in the best shape he’d ever been, muscles nearly tearing the cotton of his clothes. He looked amazing, but it was what they couldn’t see that she was starting to grow a little concerned over. Christopher wasn’t as young as he once was. He had to slow down, eventually.

Summer realized this would be a perfect chance to have a conversation about just that with him, which all but led her to her final decision.

“Alright,” she conceded, finger up as she made her demands. “Three days, and I stay at the house while you shoot. We may be returning to normal, but we’re still in a pandemic. I won’t go around anyone except you.”

“So I get you all to myself? Hardly consider that a stipulation.”

“And…we talk.”

“After the horizontal tango—“

“I swear to God, if you don’t stop calling it that—“

“What was that, sweetheart? I wasn’t listening.” She saw that he had paused the screen, causing Summer to remember that she hadn’t even consulted with the babysitter. “Making flight arrangements for you.”

“Shit, let me text Liam and make sure he’s available.”

“He gets reception in the box?”

“Christopher! For the last time, your brother is not living in a box.”

“Do you know that for certain?”

“Goodbye, Christopher,” she prepared to end the call before smiling softly. “I love you, Christopher, and thank you.”

He winked. “I’ll always do anything for you, Summer. Anything.” A beat. “Don’t forget to leave the clothes. You won’t need them.”

“Christopher!”

[femalechibiblogger]

My Top 7 Underrated Indie-Horror Games

1. Detention 

Set in 1960s Taiwan of the White Terror period, students Wei and Ray find themselves trapped and vulnerable in Greenwood High School (翠華中學), which is located in a remote mountainous area. The place they once knew has changed in unsettling ways, haunted by evil creatures known as the "lingered" (魍魎). While hiding from the rampaging monsters, the protagonists unveil mysteries which slowly reveal the dark past of the cursed school.

Detention is a horror adventure video game created and developed by Taiwanese game developer Red Candle Games for Steam. It is a 2D atmospheric horror side-scroller set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law. The game also incorporates religious elements based on Taiwanese culture and mythology. The game was released on 13 January 2017. A demo version was released on Steam Greenlight on 13 June 2016.

The concept of the game originates with the Red Candle Games co-founder Shun-ting "Coffee" Yao. In February 2017, a novel based on the game was published by novelist Ling Jing. A live action film adaptation distributed by Warner Bros. Taiwan was released on 20 September 2019.

2. Layers of Fear

The player takes control of an artist who has returned to his studio. His initial goal is to complete his masterpiece, and the player's role is to figure out how this task should be accomplished. The challenge comes from puzzles which require the player to search the environment for visual clues. The house appears straightforward at first, but it changes around the player as they explore it in first person. These changes in the environment provide scaffolding for the puzzles and provide regular jump scares common to games of this genre.

The game is divided into six chapters with various items for the player to find in order to complete his work. The game is heavily dimmed, and there are objects that uncover certain aspects of the painter's history. While completing the painting, there is a letter that is slowly pieced together, which shows the origin of his masterpiece, and objects which explain the secret of the painter through dialogue flashbacks.

Layers of Fear is a psychological horror video game developed by Bloober Team and published by Aspyr. It was released on Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One worldwide in February 2016.

In Layers of Fear, the player controls a psychologically disturbed painter who is trying to complete his magnum opus as he navigates a Victorian mansion revealing secrets about his past. The gameplay, presented in first-person perspective, is story-driven and revolves around puzzle-solving and exploration. Layers of Fear: Inheritance was released on 2 August 2016 as a direct follow up add-on to the first game. This time the player controls the painter's daughter with the downloadable content focusing on her apparent relapse into trauma after returning to her old house.

A definitive port for the Nintendo Switch, entitled Layers of Fear: Legacy, was released on 21 February 2018 and it features, in addition to the Inheritance DLC, Joy-Con, touchscreen, and HD Rumble support. A limited physical retail release for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, published by Limited Run Games in North America, would be available starting October 2018. A sequel titled Layers of Fear 2 was announced in October 2018 and was released on May 29, 2019.

3. The Blackout Club

You are a teenager from a small, modern town. Each morning, you awaken covered in mud or scratches, with no memory of the night before. You've heard of sleepwalking - but this is different. Sometimes you lose entire days.

There are others like you. Your new group of friends bonded over this shared secret, forming a club to investigate the cause of these BLACKOUTS. Together, you discovered a network of bizarre underground tunnels, hidden just beneath the surface of your quiet community. An uncanny, disorienting music beckoned from below.

You hesitated. But last night, your best friend vanished - and now, a mysterious group of adults wants to eliminate you. You must strike back, capture their activities on camera and expose them to the world.

The Blackout Club is a first-person co-op horror game centered around a group of teenage friends investigating a monstrous secret beneath the skin of their small town. 1-4 players explore procedurally-generated missions against a fearsome enemy you can only see with your eyes closed.

The developers describe the content like this:

There is violence in the game where players or enemies might use tranquilizer darts or electric stun guns on another human. Although there is no excessive violence or gore in this game, there are scenes with blood and evidence of crimes such as kidnapping and murder. It should be noted that the player characters and their allies are teenagers. Players are not allowed to injure or hurt another teenager, but the game does depict teens in situations of peril.

4. Cry of Fear

The player controls Simon Henriksson, a 19‑year‑old who wakes up in an alley shortly after being hit by a car. The player must navigate the city solving puzzles and fighting monsters to progress. The game switches between normal gameplay levels representing the city and surrounding areas, and "nightmare" levels, similar to those found in the Silent Hill series of games. 

Cry of Fear features many unique mechanics, such as the limited inventory system, which allows the player to carry only 6 items at a time and does not pause the game while the inventory screen is open. Another unique mechanic is the ability to dual-wield inventory items, allowing the use of two weapons at a time, or one weapon and a light source. Item combination is also possible from the inventory screen. Health is recovered by the use of morphine syringes, which can blur the player's vision if overused. Stamina is consumed through strenuous actions such as running and jumping, and can be recovered by resting or the use of morphine syringes.

Some days before Cry of Fear's anniversary, Valve released a Half-Life update for Linux compatibility, making changes in the folders and engine. This update made several Half-Life mods, including Cry of Fear, incompatible with the base game. Team Psykskallar decided that, since no more could be done for the mod itself, they would finish a standalone version. Confusion due to Valve regarding Cry of Fear's status as freeware caused the game to be delayed until April 25, 2013.

5. The Coma: Cutting Class

The story follows Youngho Choi, a freshman student at Sehwa High. In the midst of finals season, a student attempts to commit suicide during their study session. Despite this event, final exams are scheduled to continue as normal. Youngho proceeds to take his exam, but falls asleep from exhaustion due to having gotten no sleep the night before. Consequently, he wakes up at his school desk in the middle of the night and finds that there is more to Sehwa High than he thought.

The Coma: Cutting Class is a 2D survival-horror video game developed and published by Devespresso Games. It was released on October 19, 2015. It follows the story of Youngho Choi as he explores the mystery behind the abandoned Sehwa High school.

A remastered version was released on September 22, 2017 for Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and on December 21, 2017 for Nintendo Switch. A mobile version was released on January 17, 2019 for Android and January 22, 2019 for iOS. A sequel, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters, was released on PC platforms (Steam, GOG) on January 28, 2020.

6. The Park

The game follows Lorraine, a struggling single mother and widow with a troubled past, as she searches for her young son, Callum, who goes missing in Atlantic Island Park. Lorraine enters the park after her son just as the park prepares to close for the afternoon, only to find that nighttime comes unnaturally fast as she ascends the escalator and discovers the park to be abandoned, vandalized and rundown as if several years have passed. Despite abandonment, the rides and lights mysteriously still function. Lorraine calls for Callum and his voice calls to her, leading her through the decrepit park.

Lorraine boards several rides which reveal the themes and backstory of the game: the Tunnel of Tales tells the story of Hansel and Gretel, this time with a new ending - in which after cooking the witch in the oven, Hansel and Gretel devour her. On the Ferris Wheel, Lorraine remembers Callum's father Don, a construction worker at the park who died in a fall from the Ferris Wheel when Lorraine was still pregnant with Callum. Between rides, Lorraine expresses her frustration with Callum, her belief that she is a failure as a mother, her history of mental health problems, and her fear that Callum is becoming changed by some mysterious threat. However, while aboard the roller coaster, a monstrous top-hatted ringmaster (identified in the credits as The Boogeyman) accosts Lorraine and claims 'the Witch' has her son.

The Park is a first-person psychological horror adventure game developed and published by Funcom. The game was released for Microsoft Windows via Steam on October 27, 2015 and is a spin-off of an earlier Funcom game, The Secret World. It was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on May 3, 2016 and Nintendo Switch on October 22, 2019. It will be released in Japan on September 24, 2020. The game takes place in the Atlantic Island Park that closed back in the year of 1980 for mysterious reasons that are gradually revealed throughout the game.

The Park is experienced from a first-person perspective as the player, Lorraine, interacts with and experiences the decrepit environment of Atlantic Island Park. There is no combat or defense and the player has no health HUD as Lorraine can only interact with limited objects in-game and there are no enemies to battle. These objects mostly consist of pages that reveal the backstory of the park and later, Lorraine. Lorraine can call out to character Callum at any time during gameplay, and this may have a small affect as it allows Lorraine to follow Callum's voice and thus continue the narrative of the story or to reach necessary areas or objectives within the park such as the rides. The rides act as both exposition and scares. To enter the House of Horrors, Lorraine must find a flashlight. Throughout the game, Lorraine narrates her feelings and memories to the player.

7. Mad Father

Mad Father takes place in northern Germany, where the 11-year old protagonist, Aya Drevis, lives with her father, Alfred Drevis, and their maid Maria. Aya is a shy girl who never goes outside. Her mother, Monika Drevis, was incredibly ill, and presumably died of illness before the occurrence of the game. Her father performs secret research in his laboratory in the house's basement, with the assistance of Maria. Aya is aware that Alfred experiments and kills humans in the basement, as well as the fact that he is involved in an extramarital affair with the younger Maria, a former homeless woman he had taken off the street some years prior.

On the anniversary of Monika's death, the very beginning of the game, Aya awakens at midnight to find herself surrounded by test subjects that escaped from the laboratory. Fleeing back into her room, Aya encounters the mysterious salesman Ogre, who offers her the task of solving puzzles to break into her father's laboratory and uncover his secret. Aya discovers that her father had intended to perform taxidermy on her and convert her into a doll, as he had done to numerous other children, having been enamored with preserving humans after having killed his own mother as a youth. Aya soon discovers that her father killed her mother in fear of her mother taking Aya away to prevent him from performing taxidermy on her.

The game has three endings based on the player's choices. In one ending, Aya allows her undead mother to take her father away to another world. After returning to the real world, she runs into Maria, who knocks her out, takes her to the basement and then kills her, turning her corpse into a doll. In the second ending, Aya saves her father from being taken by her mother's spirit. However, after doing so, Monika reveals to Aya that Alfred murdered her for one of his experiments. Horrified, Aya flees while being chased by a chainsaw-wielding Alfred. While attempting to escape, she runs into Maria. Maria attempts to follow her, but when she fails to capture her, Maria is attacked by Alfred. The game then branches into two endings depending on Aya's actions; if Aya neglects to help Maria and instead attempts to escape the mansion, she is found by her father and killed, with Alfred performing taxidermy on her corpse and rendering her into one of his dolls. In the true ending, Aya helps Maria, declaring that the two shall henceforth live together. Maria then kills Alfred and the two women leave the mansion, which is burned down by Dio, the spirit of one of Alfred's human test subjects.

As the house burns down, Ogre transports Alfred's spirit to another world, where he is free to experiment to his heart's content, creating a mature adult clone of his daughter, leading into the events of Misao. Meanwhile, while walking away from the burning mansion, Aya notices that her father's medical book has survived the blaze. Some years later, Aya and Maria have created a clinic, where they perform medical services free of charge. A poor woman named Jean Rooney arrives for an examination, and Aya uses anesthesia to render Jean unconscious, claiming that Jean will no longer suffer from her illnesses. In another room, Maria muses that Aya has become just like her father and that the tendencies run in the family, heavily implying that Aya has followed in her father's footsteps.

[oh-phineas]

Emma’s 2021 BDRPWRIMO!

Day 1 – Relationship Poem: A poem in any structure, about another character from your character’s perspective. [Bruce’s Spoken Word Poem]

Day 2 – Scrapbook Memories: Create a scrapbook/photo album for your character, including a description. [Tanya’s Zine]

Day 3 – Magical Items List: Make a list of 10 magical items your characters possess or wish to possess. [Charming Family Heirlooms]

Day 4 – Community Flyer: Make a flyer for a community event that could possibly happen somewhere in town. [First Friday Dances]

Day 5 – Wardrobe Task: Write about your character’s closet. [Anna’s Closet]

Day 6 –Family Ties One-Shot: Write a one-shot revolving around your character’s family, include 3 family members minimum. [Delete and Draft]

Day 7 – Business Savvy Thread: Plot a thread that takes place in one of Swynlake’s businesses with a mun that you don’t currently have a thread with. [Sugar Rush | Tiaru]

Day 8 – 160 Characters or Less: Write a story using either Tweets or entirely in texts between characters. [A Spring Break Epilogue]

Day 9 – BDRPVision: Create your own TV show, book, video game, piece of media, etc. that would exist in the BDRPuniverse which does not exist in ours. [The Mickey Malloy Magick Hour]

Day 10 – Deux Moi: Write a headcanon for 10 different celebrities in the BDRP world. [Emma’s Magick Celebrity Hot Takes]

Day 11 – Mun Bingo: Make a bingo card with classic X’s character tropes. 5 rows/5 rows/free space). [Mun Bingo: Emma]

Day 12 – Playlist of Plots: Come up with 5 songs that you want plots based off of; write a description for each. [Plot Playlist]

Day 13 – Crack!ship AU: Write a crack!ship au. This should be a one shot of any characters in the roleplay, yours or someone else’s! [You’re On My Heart Just Like a Tattoo | Aquatory]

Day 14 – Neighborly Plotting: Plot a thread with your neighbor(s) using the demographic sheet. [Won’t You Be My Neighbor? | Andrakina]

Day 15 – No Words Necessary Playlist: An instrumental playlist for a character or a relationship (with descriptions for each song). [Wildest Dreams: A Regency!Devanna Playlist]

Day 16 – I Bet You’re Wondering How I Got Here (Timeline): Create a timeline of the significant moments of your character’s life, with anywhere from 5-10 moments that have shaped them. [Tiana’s Life Story Presentation]

Day 17 – Vibe Check: Write out your headcanons for what each of your characters think of the others in canon. [Vibe Check]

Day 18 – Which Character Are You?: Make a UQuiz for people to determine which of your characters they are. [Emma’s UQuiz]

Day 19 – Wanted Ad: Create a plot call for a service your character needs or wants. [Tanya’s Wanted Ad: Sign Spinner]

Day 20 – Short and Sweet One-Shot: Write ten short-short stories of no more than a paragraph long (can star one or multiple characters.) [10 Things in Tanya’s Backpack]

Day 21 – Back to the Future Thread: Write either a flashback or a flashforward thread with another mun! [I Rent a Place on Cornelia Street | Phinnip]

Day 22 – Call Me Maybe: Your character’s phone! List ten contacts, the last five messages, four apps, and screensavers! [Bruce’s Phone]

Day 23 – Sweet Dreams Are Made of These: Create a nighttime routine for your character. Must include at least 7 steps! [Henry’s Nighttime Routine]

Day 24 – Instagram Boyfriend: An in-character Instagram post of another character. [Phineas’s Social Media Marketing Project]

Day 25 – Personality Aesthetic: Make a personality aesthetic for 3 characters or 3 different personality types. [Aquata, Anna, and Anastasia Zodiac Signs]

Day 26 – BDRP Memes: Create memes about characters, places, or things that happen in Swynlake! [Emma’s memes part 1] [Part 2]

Day 27 – The Final Labor: Based on the final task for the labors, write an AU featuring all your characters in a role. [A Wrimo to Wremember | Hallmark Movie AU]

Day 28 – Interior Decorating Collaboration: Get together with your employees/coworkers and create a floorplan for your character’s house or business! [Flynn Fletcher House]

Day 29 – Make a Resume: Create a resume for one of your characters! [Phineas’s Resume 2021 vs. 2031]

Day 30 – BDRP Character Wishlist: A list of 10+ characters you’d like to see in the RP (for you to play or someone else!) [Emma’s Character Wish List]

[dioptre-hertz]

Pathologic 2 ending thoughts

i don’t really use tumblr much anymore, but i recently finished Pathologic 2 and i have thoughts on the ending, which i felt was somewhat incongruous with the rest of the game’s themes and ideas. and tumblr felt like the right place to put a long-form post about it. so, here i am, haha!

MAJOR spoilers for Pathologic 2 below, obviously. this post will probably only be interesting to you if you’ve already played the game, so if you haven’t, be warned! hehehe!

okay, so. i have a lot of thoughts about the ending stuff, but basically it boils down to: i think the ending as presented would have been a good ending for a different game.

quick summary: towards the end of the game, Artemy learns that the Polyhedron, a physics-defying tower and architectural wonder, is rooted into the ground with a long metal spike that pierces the Living Earth. destroying the Polyhedron would therefore open a gaping wound in the Earth, spilling rivers of blood that could be used to mass-produce a cure for the plague. however, doing so would not only destroy the Polyhedron, but also kill the Living Earth, and by extension the Kin. alternately, Artemy can choose to preserve the Polyhedron, which would prevent the Living Earth from bleeding out and dying; but it would come at the cost of the lives of everyone in the town, since the plague would then be unstoppable.

so, the ending choice is principally about this: you have to choose between preserving the magical wonders of the world, the Kin and the Polyhedron and the Living Earth, but at the expense of the actual living humans of the town; or, you save the town and all its mundanities and its ordinary people you've worked so hard to protect, but at the expense of your cultural heritage and all the magical, impossible things of the Steppe. do you choose a world that is dreamlike, enchanted and strange, even if there is no place for regular humans in that world; or do you choose an ordinary, realistic world, one in which there is life for common folk but not for magic and fairy tales?

here’s what irks me though: this dichotomy is not at all what the game is about. or, to be more precise, it never felt to me personally like this was what the narrative was setting up. the choice as presented is fine in a vacuum! there’s nothing wrong with telling a story that creates this kind of clash between magic and realism, and asks you to choose between them. but it doesn’t feel congruous with the rest of the game’s story. let me elaborate.

so, part of what’s going on here is that the game is asking you to make a sacrifice. as the game itself repeatedly tells you: “you can’t save everyone”. either the Kin, the magical steppe creatures, and the Polyhedron are destroyed; or, the ordinary humans of the town are destroyed. you can’t protect both. Pathologic 2 goes to great lengths to show you that you are not a magical fantasy RPG hero who can complete every quest, rescue every NPC, overcome any obstacle and get the Perfect Ending. that’s the whole point of the overly punishing hunger and exhaustion mechanics; that’s why you die so easily in combat, why you’re always running out of time, and why the game is perfectly willing to punish you for every single mistake you make. it’s not a game about being the chosen one, who has magic powers and is uniquely capable of saving the day. right?

except... it kind of is precisely that, if you think about it. Artemy’s story is very clearly a traditional “chosen one” narrative! he is the sole inheritor of his father’s legacy, he is the town’s only menkhu, and so much of the story revolves around his spiritual journey. over the course of the game, Artemy undergoes a coming-of-age of sorts, reconnecting with his heritage, unlocking the secrets of being a menkhu, brewing magical tinctures that slow down and ultimately cure the plague. multiple characters make it explicit that Artemy is important - Foreman Oyun, Aspity, Isidor, and various minor characters of the Kin (like Nara) all talk at length about how Artemy is special, and his role (should he embrace it) is to lead the Kin once he is ready. and the entire conflict with Rubin revolves around the fact that Rubin isn’t the “chosen one” the way Artemy is!

this whole plot thread reaches its climax when Artemy ventures into the Abattoir to seek answers. there, he undergoes a series of harrowing spiritual experiences. several really important things happen here, and i want to focus on two of them.

firstly: upon reaching the central chamber of the Abattoir, Artemy is tasked with performing “surgery” on three seemingly random objects: a candlestick, a fingernail coin, and a spindle of thread. he has a metaphysical conversation with the odongh he meets there and then “connects” these objects into a living, beating heart, and the heart speaks to him. this scene is either hallucinatory or supernatural (or both), but it doesn’t matter which; the point of the scene is that Artemy has finally learned to read the Lines, learned to see how seemingly disparate objects can be spiritually connected into a singular whole. he takes three items that appear to have nothing in common, and he forges a beating heart out of them, a living thing. as Artemy himself learns:

This system isn't symmetrical. It's not just "Nerves, Bones, Skin." Or "Nerves, Bones, Flesh." Or "Spirit, Hair, Blood." Any triad is correct.

Truth is not a set point, but an intersection and confluence of many small truths. Knowing this, I can match and connect anything.

furthermore, shortly after leaving the Abattoir, Artemy has a dream in which he returns there and speaks to the ghost of Isidor, his father. here, he learns a difficult truth: that Isidor intentionally brought the plague back to the town, believing - essentially - that it was necessary for the town’s growth. the decision seems monstrous. Isidor justifies it thus:

This town was… connected wrong. Its parts were tied with artificial seams—so different, so awkward. One could say that Simon, the Mistresses, and I held it all together by force.

So I tore it apart, so you can sew it all back, better than before. Because you're better, and smarter, than I am.

so here we have the high point of Artemy’s spiritual journey, the part of the story where he finally understands why things are the way they are, and what it is he must do.

and this is where things start going wrong, in my opinion.

because all of this, all of what we’ve seen, seems to point in one very clear direction: Artemy will find a way to connect the Kin, the Town, and the Polyhedron into a single coherent whole. it fits so perfectly! Artemy learns that there is a way to mass-produce a cure, but doing so would require him to destroy the Polyhedron and the Living Earth. it appears as though the Polyhedron, the Living Earth, and the Town cannot all coexist; something must be sacrificed. but this choice is presented right after we’re told that Artemy’s destiny is to “sew it all back, better than before”. it is presented once we’ve seen that Artemy can connect a coin, a candlestick, and a spindle of thread into a living, beating heart, no matter how impossible that may sound. knowing this, he can match and connect anything.

and yet, he... doesn’t. the game does not end with a solution that connects the Kin, the Polyhedron and the Town. ultimately, Artemy fails to sew it all back together - and it’s not just that he fails, it’s that the game itself seems utterly unconcerned with that possibility once it heads into its final act. the mere idea that there could be a solution that “connects things right“ goes unexplored. even if the game wanted to be pessimistic and suggest that it can’t be done after all, it should at least acknowledge the thought! the game does admittedly have a focus on the idea that “you can’t save everyone”; this is one of its core motifs. so, fair enough! but since it fails to address that cynicism, it feels less like a statement on the game’s part and more like a lack of awareness.

but that’s not all! there’s a second thing that really bugs me. see, there’s another major event that takes place in the Abattoir: Artemy finally has his fateful encounter with Nara, the Herb Bride who has haunted him throughout the game, insisting that their destinies are intertwined and that he will one day kill her. here, Artemy finally comes to understand what it all means. in the depths of the Abattoir, Nara is waiting for him; the other Herb Brides give Artemy a menkhu’s knife, and they task him with cutting open Nara’s body without killing her:

We know how to open things up. Our way. You know how to open things up. Your way. Do you want to know why the sand pest passes us by? Show yourself.

Cut a living sister in such a way that she stays living. You can do it, if you know the Lines.

Artemy follows through, and he converses with Nara even as he cuts into her flesh; they talk to each other right until the end, when Artemy retrieves a spindle of thread from her body, and she dies.

now, this scene is somewhat tricky to interpret; Artemy must show that he can “cut a living sister in such a way that she stays living”, but in the end, Nara does die. so was he successful or not? well, i would argue that he is; even though Nara dies, he proves that he is able to read the Lines with such precision that she can speak calmly with him until the very end.

more importantly, this scene is the high point of a recurring theme in the game: Artemy’s skill as surgeon.

on Day 1, the very first part of the game, Artemy is sent by his old friend Bad Grief to perform surgery on Piecework, one of the thugs in Bad Grief’s gang. Piecework has gotten in a fight and been stabbed in the gut with a lockpick; without Artemy’s intervention, he will die. you can choose to save him, flub the surgery and kill him, or ignore the sidequest altogether; in any case, this early quest introduces the player to the surgery mechanic and serves to establish Artemy’s unique skills as a surgeon.

on Day 11, the last day of proper gameplay, you have a repeat of this encounter. while pursuing the main quest for the day, you wind up in a pub, where a gang of local bandits have set up shop. they threaten you and order you to rescue one of their pals, who has been shot in the stomach and is about to die. here you again perform surgery to save a man’s life, but this time you don’t do it through the usual surgery minigame - it happens entirely through dialogue choices, and i’m actually not even sure if it’s possible to fail this interaction. in any case, you retrieve the bullet from the man’s stomach and inform his friends that he’ll live.

so what’s the point of all that then? well, the way i see it, the point of all this is to foreshadow a climactic conclusion: Artemy will remove the Polyhedron without killing the Living Earth.

the game spends a lot of time setting this up! on Day 1, Artemy saves a man by removing a long metal spike from his gut non-lethally; in the Abattoir, Artemy proves his spiritual growth by demonstrating that he can “cut a living sister in such a way that she stays living”; and on Day 11, the game throws yet another surgery vignette at you in a scene that frankly feels a bit out of place otherwise.

all of this feels, to me, like it's foreshadowing and setting up one very obvious result: Artemy, having mastered not only practical surgery but also the art of reading the Lines, of being a menkhu, is the one person who can remove the Polyhedron without killing the Living Earth! the game spends all this time explaining that in the Steppe culture, cutting open flesh, or the earth itself, is taboo: only a menkhu is allowed to do so, because a menkhu is someone who knows how to read the Lines, who knows how to cut in a way that will not harm the Living Earth. the culmination of the story, therefore, needs to be that Artemy puts this exact skill to use. that was the point of his character arc, right?

except... no, it isn’t. in the end, there is no way to surgically extract the metal spike from the Living Earth. the only two choices we are presented with are: botch the surgery, or leave it be.

...

in the end, i feel that the ending(s) of Pathologic 2 aren’t appropriate conclusions to the ideas, motifs, and overall narrative progression we’re shown throughout the earlier parts of the game. Pathologic 2 is in many ways brilliant, and i do not hesitate to call it a masterpiece, aforementioned criticisms notwithstanding - but that’s precisely why i cared enough to write all this down! it’s a story that gets into your head, really stays with you, and maybe that’s the reason why i have such strong feelings about the direction the story takes in its final act.

if you reached the end of this post: thank you so much for reading it! i hope you enjoyed my thoughts, and i hope you have a great day!