#quite appropriately...I'm a devil this year

[fordarkisthesuede]

It's midnight. The moon has long since set. The few celestial bodies I could glimpse above my head are covered by clouds. The lights downstairs are out by now. Only the streetlamp shows the shadows of the styrofoam cemetery I put up two weeks ago.

The cool night air is filled with anticipation. It comes in through my window, flowing in my fingertips and prickling at my brain.

The veil between worlds is thin again.

And my dear, sweet readers... I have such sights to show you.

THIS TIME...on seasonally-appropriate kink THE WHOLE NINE YARDS:

[finalgwen]

I'm going to go on a little ramble about representation in Doctor Who because tonight they managed to make me feel a way I haven't felt since 18 June 2005.

So let's start there, with the last time we got to see the Doctor and a male character have a romantic kiss. On family tv in 2005, with kids across the country watching. Two years before that, it was literally illegal to mention LGBTQ+ people in a positive sense in UK schools. Section 28's shadow lingered for a long time, I don't think there was any palpable change to the curriculum in those two years. But RTD gave us Captain Jack and that kiss, and he did so explicitly for the purpose of representation, saying 'It’s time you introduce bisexuals properly into mainstream television'.

Then after that kiss, Jack dies. Tale as old as time for queer characters. But then... He doesn't. He comes back to life, and refuses to die from that point on. A writer that saw too many brilliant gay and bi men disappear from his life (as It's A Sin brings into stark contrast) gave us a queer hero whose power was that he couldn't die, and I still marvel at the power of that.

(... And then sadly the elephant in the room, John Barrowman refused to learn about what's appropriate on set and kept doubling down on why his behaviour was actually just fine and dandy, and so we'll likely never see the character again, which sucks given how much he meant to bi kids growing up in that era.)

So anyway, Doctor Who moves on as it always does. We get Torchwood and a gloriously bi team there, but safely away in the adult television space. RTD era Who keeps on mentioning queer characters but we never get anyone quite as in your face or central to the plot as Jack. River Song briefly mentions flirting with everyone in the same 51st century way, but then stays mostly focused on the Doctor on screen.

Then Moffat era Who comes about and Season 5 doesn't feature a single queer character except River's reappearance. Even Moffat realised how much he'd fucked up here and course corrected. So things get slightly better with Vastra and Jenny (two prominent lesbian characters, only one of whom gets non-consensually kissed by the very male Doctor, yay) and eventually Clara, a canonically bi companion. It's only mentioned in little side snippets about kissing Jane Austen in unseen stories, but it's there? You can't deny she's bi, even if it never really informs her story. And then Bill, who's actually genuinely handled pretty well as a lesbian character, I think Moffat tried and things like getting a gay date interrupted by the pope are genuinely funny gags. Wish we got more of an actual dynamic between her and Heather though.

Then we get the Chibnall era and we do get queer characters here and there, The Witchfinders casting of Alan Cumming as James I is very good, and Praxeus has a quite sweet central gay relationship. But then there's Yaz.

See, Yaz is in love with the Doctor, apparently anyway, it's never mentioned before Revolution Of The Daleks when they became aware of the fan headcanon, and after using Jack to point to the similiarities between them in his last appearance, they kinda kept it on the backburner after that, so it's all very hastily resolved in one conversation in Legend Of The Sea Devils and they never kiss or get to display much affection.

So really we've had two eras where the main character representation has been piecemeal, there's certainly stuff there for queer fans to cling onto, in the same way that we've torn apart the classic era for hints of gayness. But Nyssa and Tegan weren't really for us, and neither is most of this. Even at its best it feels like straight writers realising it's a thing they should include but without any real passion for it.

And along comes Rogue and we get a full fledged romance, a dashing hero stepping into the Doctor's world and them instantly clicking and flirting, the chemistry palpable, all leading to a heartbreaking conclusion where they actually get to kiss before the end, and the chance of more to come in the future. No little one liner where Rogue says 'I like guys btw but anyway moving onto the important stuff'. No nods and winks and jokes about long tongues. Actual text, more development in an episode than Yaz and the Doctor managed across an entire run.

The writers of this episode are Kate Herron and Briony Redman who used to work on Loki, the one with the one side conversation about bisexuality that's a nice nod but never really builds to anything, that RTD famously called a 'craven, feeble gesture'. So they came in without the shackles of the MCU and did it right, and I love them for it. They tried to give us what representation they could, and with a producer that wants the same, we got something authentic.

Authenticity matters when it comes to representation, it can't just be to tick a box, and it really feels like this was for us. Something that might lead to the same brain explosion in a queer kid watching Doctor Who that Parting Of The Ways did in 2005 for me.

[river-muse]

How do you think the DMC crew handles dancing?

Hello Prototype! I forgot to answer this ask yesterday because I received it in the middle of playing in my Starfinder campaign, so I'm answering this right as I wake up instead xD

Hmm. I could go the easy route and say "I can use the EX Provocations in DMC5 as my main evidence" but something about that feels almost like I'm chickening out of a challenge. So time for me to dig into my brain and see what comes to mind! (I might not hit the mark for what you're looking for but this was fun.)

Dante's shown very much throughout the series he can be a showoff if he feels like it- especially when claiming and testing out new Devil Arms. That man can definitely dance and will if he so feels like it (though it's questionable how modern his dance moves are even if Patty's tried to teach him some). I won't say you'll be catching him at the club anytime soon for his own entertainment, but when the mood strikes him he'll dance. It's just a shame more often than not that his audience ends up being demons who're about to get their asses kicked.

Vergil. You know, it would be so simple but so dismissive of him as a character to just be like "he doesn't dance." Instead imagine if he DOES know how to dance(probably the basics of a few styles from observation but mostly self-taught), maybe even better than Dante can. Yet- he thinks he's cringe as hell about it. So he sometimes dances when alone and Sparda help anyone who stumbles in on that. He'd probably tell them not to say anything then won't talk for a day or so not because he's pissed but because he's embarrassed.

Lady probably had taken dance lessons when she was younger. Most likely something like ballet. She seems like the type who would have been neutral about it- but definitely happy to quit the moment she had the chance. The basics of those lessons helped serve as a good foundation for her later demon hunting job. It's not uncommon in real life either for athletes of all kinds taking ballet to help their own profession, so it's not too far off to think the same could apply for Lady's own skills. I think she still does warm-ups when she has time to help maintain her body. Since she classifies her physical health as part of her work she doesn't care if anyone sees. She doesn't dance much anymore- but sometimes she thinks about trying it again.

Nero's not a fan of dancing in public(in this context places not overrun by demons) or around strangers. He'll jam to a good beat if it catches his attention. Nod his head to it a little or even headbang if the music's appropriate. In private? I think he enjoys dancing. Especially if sweeping Kyrie into his arms for a bit can get her laughing after either of them have had a rough day. He doesn't mind if Nico or anyone else from the Devil May Cry crew sees them. Though if Julio jokingly yells "ew" as loud as he can again then the little troublemaker's going to have a stern talking to.

Trish likes dancing. Not around or with anyone she knows, though Lady is an exception to that. She's probably tried a few styles out over the years and hasn't found a favorite yet to stick with for the long haul. If she ever asks Lady to join her either in private or at a club it's constant excuses as to why Lady won't dance with her- but the way Lady watches her is borderline envious.

Nico will swear up and down that she won't dance for no one, but the moment she gets one too many beers in her during downtime I think she loses that fight before it even starts. Put on one of her favorite songs and soon enough someone has to drag her ass back into her seat so she doesn't end up climbing onto the table. If called out about it later she'll defend herself- but won't deny that she did in fact end up dancing.

BONUS ROUND - Propaganda Edition

Patty absolutely loves dancing, and jumps at any chance to try out something new. Especially if it requires a dance partner so she can bug Dante to help her practice when he's lazing around the shop (he won't help unless she bribes him with strawberry sundaes or a good pizza). She'll say to his face that he has two left feet and a dance bar would be better than him even on a good day- but she knows he's just trying to wiggle his way out of their deal the moment he gets a chance.

[caffeinated-chaos-bean]

Guess who's back? Back again Shady's back, tell a friend Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Guess who's back? Ha-ha Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da

Well, look what the stork brung (What?) Little baby devil with the forked tongue And it's stickin' out, yeah, like a sore thumb (Blah) With a forehead that it grew horns from, still a White jerk Pullin' up in a Chrysler to the cypher With the Vics, percs and a Bud Light shirt Lyrical technician, an electrician, y'all light work And I don't got to play pretend you that you I make believe And you know I'm here to stay 'cause me (Why?) If I was to ever take a leave, it would be at spring to break a fever If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me Would I really have a shot at a feat? I don't know, but I'm glad to be, back like-

Abra, abracadabra (And for my last trick) I'm 'bout to reach in my bag Abra, abracadabra (And for my last trick) And just like that I'm back

Now, back in the days of old me When right around the time I became a dope fiend Ate some codeine, as a way of copin', taste of opiates, case of O.E. (Mmm)

Turned me into a smiley face emoji My s**t may not be age-appropriate But I will hit an 8-year-old in the face with a participation trophy 'Cause I have zero doubts, that this whole world's 'bout to turn into some girl scouts

That censorship bureau's out to shut me down So when I started this verse, it did start off lighthearted first But it feels like I'm targeted, mind-bogglin' how my profit has skyrocketed

Look what I pocketed Yeah, the shit is just like y'all have been light joggin' And I've been runnin' full speed, and that's why I'm ahead like my noggin'

And I'm the fight y'all get in, when you debate who the best, but opps, I'm white chalkin' When I step up to that mic, cock it then "Oh my God, it's him, not again"

Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick) I'm 'bout to reach in my bag, bruh Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick) And just like that I'm back, bro

Some times I wonder what the old me'd say (If what?) If he could see the way s**t is today (Look at this shit, man) He'd probably say that everything is gay (Like happy) What's my name? What's my name? (Slim Shady)

So how many little kids still wanna act like me? (Ha-ha) I'm a bigger prick than cacti be (Yeah) And that's why these (What?) words sting just like when bein' attacked by bees (Bzzz)

In the coupe, leanin' back my seat (What?) Bumpin' R. Kelly's favorite group, the Black Eyed Peas (Guy pees) In my Air Max 90s, white Tees, walkin' parental advisory My transgender cat's Siamese, identifies as Black, but acts Chinese Like a muthaf**kin' Hacky Sack, I treat (What?) the whole world 'cause I got it at my feet (Yeah)

How can I explain to you (What?) that even myself I'm a danger to?

(Yeah)

I hop on tracks like a kangaroo, and say a few things or two to anger you

But f**k that, if I think that s**t, I'ma say that s**t Cancel me, what? OK, that's it, go ahead Paul, quit Snake-a*s prick, you male cross dresser, fake-a*s b***h And I'll probably get s**t for that (Watch)

But you can all suck my d**k, in fact, f**k them, f**k Dre, f**k Jimmy, f**k me, f**k you

F**k my own kids, they're brats (F**k 'em) They can screw off, them and you all (Yeah) You too, Paul, got two balls, big as RuPaul's What you thought you saw (What?), ain't what you saw (Nah) 'Cause you're never gonna see me Caught sleepin' and see the kidnappin' never did happen Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini I vanish into the thin air as I'm leavin' like-

Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick) I'm 'bout to reach in my bag, bruh Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick) And just like that I'm back, bro

[averseunhinged]

i am once again sick af and unable to do any of the things i want to do this weekend. so, here's a consolidated record of watch all the things 2024, one of my new year's resolutions, because i'll forget them otherwise, and there's no way i'll sift back through an entire year of blsky chatter to find anything.

saltburn - the best movie ever. you kind of have to understand what you're getting into with it. like if you don't recognize the title sequence font at the beginning and the way it's shot, you might expect too much from it. it's salacious and sleazy and creepy and weird. those are features, not bugs.

true detective: night country e1-4 - love the vibe, love the characters. far north snow horror is a lot of fun and iceland is mind-bending beautiful. writing's a little uneven. sometimes it's clunky and contrived and the dialogue doesn't help the actors at all. sometimes there's a scene that's so well-written, i'll probably think about it for years. also, if you've been tracking christopher eccleston's attempts at an american accent, this is probably his best one yet. it still doesn't sound quite right, but it's better.

rap sh!t - s1e1. this is just not for me. it's structured around a lot of the things i hate about social media. i do think it has something valuable to say, tho, and it's a shame it's been cancelled.

dungeons & dragons - didn't finish this. the way it's written is interesting (probs more so for ppl who have a better understanding of/actual experience with ttrpg), but it's just not for me atm.

the devil's hour - my favorite thing i've watched in a long time. it's very well-written and the way it's structured is fascinating. it plays like horror for the first three episodes and then the back three are just straight unhinged sci-fi mindfuck. the acting's compelling, for the most part, or at least everyone's doing their level best with what they were given. nikesh patel is good, but he kind of suffers from having to be in the same room with jessica raine and peter capaldi, who are acting their faces off, a lot. phil dunster is appropriately hot. benjamin chivers is sympathetic while doing and saying some legit creepy, chilling things. barbara marten is moving as lucy's mother. i'm thrilled it's been picked up for two more series.

perry mason - s1e1. had some moments i was really into, but most of it was meh. full disclosure, this was heavily influenced by the sound sucking ass. there was a lot of mumbling in true noir style, but if your actors are going to make that choice, you really need to back off on the music and ambient noise. granted, my hearing is shit, and i use captions anyway, but if i can understand other things without looking at the screen, it's not 100% a me problem.

the outsider - s1e1. exactly what i want to watch rn. similar vibes to night country and the devil's hour. i'm not up to date on the stephen king universe at all, so i might be missing a lot, but you don't need to know the background to understand it.

[la-sim-epoque]

"Matilda," said Lady Carver, the steam from her cup of tea billowing over her face, "are you certain that this was the wisest course of action?"

Matilda did not roll her eyes. It was not the proper thing to do, though her posture was already far from what would have pleased her governess. Emmi was a good friend, as she had proven many times before, and once again had proven now by saying to her what she knew was being said of her by every gossip and busybody in Britechester. It was a rare occasion for her not to be pleased by her forthrightness and honesty. This was proving to be such an occasion.

"Whatever could you mean?" she asked, dryly. "Haven't you met Mr Stoney? He's a wonderful boy."

"That is precisely the problem." Emmi stirred sugar into her tea and tapped the excess liquid into her cup. "A boy. All of twenty-one years old, and no titles or education to his name. If he were a learned man, a businessman, a titan of industry -- perhaps these facts could be overlooked, but as it is, he is not. He is, after all, a boy. Do you think that's an appropriate consort for a woman of your stature?"

"By stature, do you mean to say, age, perchance?" Matilda flicked a stray thread off her sleeve. "It's quite the height of hypocrisy how all these lords and barons sneer about me marrying a younger man, and them all with wives decades younger than themselves."

"Now, Tilly," Emmi soothed, "you must know that is the furthest thing from what I meant."

But her calming tone rankled Matilda's already overanxious nerves, and she burst out with: "For Heavens! I'm a fifty year old woman, who on earth else will marry me?`'

"Tilly, Emmi came again, once more in that irritating voice of reason, "think, darling, you hardly knew him for two months before you became ready to move him and his sister with you to England. You are living with practical strangers. Does that not worry you?"

Smiling, Matilda shook her head. "Not a jot."

"Tilly!"

Successfully fighting off the urge to roll once more, Matilda's eyes went wandering around the sitting room, desperate for something to take her mind off Emmi's incessant blabber. Behind the window, a skirt swished. "Why, look," she said, mostly to herself, inclining her head towards the southward-facing window and cutting the old bint off mid-sentence, "the two devils themselves."

beginning | >

[mamamittens]

This is going to be my pending list of possible devil fruits or talents for the reader insert darling this currently (4/14/23) being voted on here!

Some of these will only be available with certain backgrounds because they don't make too much sense with all of them in mind, though currently it appears as though the trembling, nervous marine is going to win. Although I could be convinced otherwise for the talents and devil fruits, ngl, I didn't really think too hard for this list.

Marine - 🛟

Pirate - 🏴‍☠️

Civilian - 🙋

Noble - 👑

Devil fruits

Cupid - Basically limited flight with a bow and arrows that can inflict certain emotional statuses on people that are hit. Such as intense love, obsession, and hate. Cannot create real love between people that truly hate or vice versa and the effects are temporary if the target has sufficient willpower and awareness. Extra laughs to be had with the planned glasses/always losing them trope. 🛟🏴‍☠️

Lucky rabbit- Rabbit attributes such as ears and tail with high jumping, speed, and the ability to give small boosts in luck. Can transform into full rabbit for bigger luck boosts. 👑🏴‍☠️🛟

Fast as fuck boi - speed. Just. All the damn speed. Maybe not quite the speed of light but at some point there's no real difference is there? 🙋🏴‍☠️👑

Lights - creates sparkles, pops of light, or even explosions at bigger scales but is incapable of long, sustained light. Strong heat is possible but usually remains in the firefly/fairy light range. 👑🙋🏴‍☠️🛟

Monkey see monkey do- can cause people to inexplicably mimic their actions as long as the target sees them. 👑🙋

Empathy- can feel the emotions of others and has a limited ability to reflect their own emotions on others 👑🛟🙋

Healing- can take on the injuries/illnesses of others into themselves and, depending on their current health, instantly heal from said injuries. If already in poor health, they will gain a lesser version of the injury based on how well they're feeling. Can be fatal if too much is taken on or too many in a short time period. 🛟🙋👑

Power Dial- can cause other devil fruits to grow stronger in their presence or through direct contact. Mostly passive, with concentration this can be turned off or even reversed. 🛟🙋🏴‍☠️👑

Talents

Baking- specifically with desserts in mind. Someone that can make those joke cakes where it looks like a real object or it's made entirely out of chocolate. 🛟🙋🏴‍☠️

Animal friend- big or small, every animal they run into loves them instinctively. Yes. Even the ones that supposedly hate everyone. 🏴‍☠️🙋🛟👑

Musical savant - not an Uta-level popstar but someone that inexplicably can play anything they put their hands on. Even if they've never played before, give them a free afternoon to experiment and they'll quickly learn all the ropes like they've been tutored for years. 👑🙋

Grace/charm- mostly a joke sort of thing, but basically everything they do just looks... Inexplicably perfect. They look photogenic at all times, even when they should be a mess. If you've seen "Haven't you heard, I'm Sakamoto" it's pretty much that. Also, side note, highly recommend but there is some slightly creepy/sleazy factor involving an in appropriate crush on a (ambiguously aged) minor from a housewife mostly in one episode but it's low-key a gag a few other times.🙋👑🛟🏴‍☠️

Tailor- expert in the craft of making clothes for all shapes and sizes as well as repair. 🙋🛟🏴‍☠️

Photography- they love taking pictures of things and honestly, they always come out wonderfully. 🙋👑🛟

Exploration/finding- if there's a secret, they'll find it. Hand in hand with making maps and general navigation, their curiosity and luck will see them finding anything. 🏴‍☠️🛟👑

Refined pallette- they can identify ingredients, materials, and other such things by the vapor of nuance. Secret recipes are not secret, fakes will be identified, and poisons discovered. 👑🏴‍☠️

[always-thirsty-pocket]

I just read Legends of the Dark Knight #162-163, Auteurism part one and two.

Legends of the Dark Knight is a lot of fun, if you don't know what it is, they're more episodic Batman stories, generally set in Batman's early years, usually, but not always, before the rest of the Bat family came along, with shorter story arcs lasting between 1 to 6 issues, and with diffent artists and writers each time. Very few of these stories are important to the larger canon, most of them may not even be canon, but can still be fun in their own right, since they don't have to adhere to canon.

I've read quite a bit so far, I just haven't made any write ups because none of them have been collected editions, and I started reading this before I decided to start talking about my impressions on reading comics. There have been several stand out arcs. Most of Legends of the Dark Knight has been great, there have only really been one or two stinkers.

I wanted to talk about this one because it kind of has my idealized version of the Joker in it. No obsession with "madness" and "Society", just him being a self absorbed criminal who's obsessed with comedy, and has a classy sense of fashion. Joker, upset that the newspapers are not using very creative language to describe his crimes, is inspired to hire a publicist, so he kidnaps a washed up comedian from the golden age of film, who would famously rave with passion on stage after a few drinks. Joker seeks to make him the star of his own biography, staging false crimes to get footage of the Batman.

Nothing revolutionary, but it's just what I prefer for the Joker rather than edgy shit like slicing his own face off.

The art was appropriately cartoonish too, nothing at all like i've seen in a Batman comic, it reminded me a lot of Bruce Timm's more expressive art when he's doing comics rather than TV, like Mad Love, but this was not Bruce Timm's art at all, it was Roger Langridge. And it got even more exaggerated and cartoonish when looking through the perspective of the drunken comedian. Good stuff.

Also appreciate that Joker sleeps with a plush Devil.

I don't know if i'm going to cover every LOTDK comic I read, because I have already missed so many, so I think i'll only do the ones that really stand out to me, maybe i'll circle back around to my favorites to talk about them at another time. We'll see.

[quoteoftheweekblog]

…

1/7/24 - URSULA LE GUIN (AND ‘THE DISPOSSESSED’ AND ‘CARRIE’ AND ‘POIROT’S EARLY CASES’)

‘ “I’m going to make a speech.” ‘ (Le Guin, 2015, p.250).

REFERENCE

Le Guin, U. (2015 [1974] ) 'The dispossessed'. Amazon.com [E-book]. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dispossessed-S-F-MASTERWORKS-Ursula-Guin-ebook/dp/B0151Q54OE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Accessed 29 June 2024).

*****

HE DID

VOTE LABOUR

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LUKE MURPHY FOR BASINGSTOKE

VOTE LABOUR

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GENERAL ELECTION 2024

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL WEEK 6

…

LOOKING GOOD

VOTE LABOUR

*****

SEE ALSO

' " The one thing everybody knows about the Odonians ... is that you don't drink alcohol. Is it true ... ?" ' (Le Guin, 2015, p.79).

…

LUKE MURPHY IN OUR LOCAL ON X

VOTE LABOUR

*****

ONE DAY AT A TIME 2

XXXX

THE GENERAL ELECTION HAS KNOCKED GLASTONBURY OF THE TOP SPOT THIS WEEK BUT DUA LIPA

…

WORKS

FOR URSULA

And I think it's gonna be a long, long time 'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find I'm not the man they think I am at home On no, no, no (Meredith, Meecham, Taupin, Littlemore, N., Littlemore, S., Mayes, John, 2021).

…

&

FOR LUKE

I’ve always supported Labour, so that’s where I’ll always stand … (Lipa in Harman, 2024).

VOTE LABOUR

… ‘There is only one choice.’ (John in PA Media, 2024).

VOTE LABOUR

REFERENCES

Harman, L. (2024) ‘Glastonbury headliner proud to support Gaza and is willing to “take the backlash” ‘, ‘Metro’ 18 June [Online]. Available at: https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/18/glastonbury-headliner-proud-support-gaza-willing-take-backlash-21057292/ (Accessed 30 June 2024).

Meredith, D.J., Meecham, J.A., Taupin, B.J.P., Littlemore, N.G., Littlmore, S.D., Mayes, P.B. and John, E. (2021) in AZLrics ‘Cold Heart(PNAU Remix)’. Available at: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eltonjohn/coldheartpnauremix.html (Accessed 30 June 2024).

PA Media (2024) ‘Elton John among stars pledging support for Labour in general election’, Guardian 29 June [Online]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/29/sir-elton-john-among-stars-pledging-support-for-labour-in-general-election (Accessed 30 June 2024).

*****

GLASTO

*****

CONGRATULATIONS 2024

…

2024 IS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF 

…

NEWS COMMENT

&

…

NEWS COMMENT

&

…

WIKIPEDIA

*****

CONGRATULATIONS

*****

FOR BOOK GROUP JUNE 2024 

20 (90) GLORIOUS YEARS

…

' ... books were explosives.’ (Le Guin, 2015, p.105).

LAST MONTH I ALSO READ

…

THE ROAD TO WIGAN PIER

EXPLOSIVE

VOTE LABOUR

📚📚📚📚📚

LAST MONTH OUR MEMBERS ALSO READ OR ARE STILL READING …

TOP MEMBER

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MOON DOG

… a good read.

&

…

THE COAST ROAD

… reasonably entertaining.

&

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THE FORGOTTEN SUMMER

… very enjoyable.

&

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THE DEVIL’S NOVICE

… re-reading …

&

…

HEADS YOU WIN

… once I got into it, I am really enjoying.

📚📚📚📚📚

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THE ANARCHY - THE RELENTLESS RISE OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY

I’m half way through now and at the beginning of the unravelling of India.

📚📚📚📚📚

…

THE GREAT ZOO OF CHINA

It was very gory and fast paced but quite clever with a lot of pseudo science descriptions.

📚📚📚📚📚

…

A TIME OF LOVE AND TARTAN

It's in the 44 Scotland Street series, so some of the characters are familiar eg Bertie and his awful mother. It seemed appropriate as we had not long returned from Scotland and I knew it would be light-hearted.

MEANWHILE THE OTHER HALF

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NORMANDY ‘44 - D-DAY AND THE BATTLE FOR FRANCE

… finished the D-Day '44 book with a sigh of relief and passed it on to a friend.

&

…

A TIME OF LOVE AND TARTAN

… now reading … 

📚📚📚📚📚

AND OUR READER LEADER

…

SWING TIME

… finished … enjoyed very much.

&

…

DEMON COPPERHEAD

… half way through …

&

…

THE MEANING IN THE MIRACLES

… also reading …

📚📚📚📚📚

…

BOOK GROUP

*****

URSULA LE GUIN

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 2011 - 2024

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12 EPIC YEARS

*****

FROM THE ARCHIVE

…

25/1/21

VOTE LABOUR

*****

[marshmallowsqoosh]

Ritual of Summoning: Era 3 [4a/5]

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Title (also AO3 link): Ritual of Summoning: Era 3 Rating: General (May go up) CW: No major warnings apply Lesser Warnings: headcanon, not beta read, Terzo’s the youngest because the canon timeline makes no sense, author chooses to believe that Nihil didn’t hate his kids and they have given names, Ghouls are summoned via magical means, summonings involve deals with devils, author is taking a lot of liberties, Ghouls are Generational not Inherited,

Summary: Summoning era three’s Ghouls over the years… aka Terzo constantly getting in trouble for being a small, ambitious dumbass and continuing to be a small, ambitious dumbass.

Chapter Summary: A small break with perspective from Primo.

Extras: Status (and AO3 link!): [ 4a / 5 ] Word Count: ~3712

The entire chamber reacts when Terzo collapses—well.

Almost the entire chamber.

Secondo makes for the ground floor immediately and Primo is only slightly surprised he doesn't just jump the balcony, injuries be damned. His own Ghouls help Special by taking the limp body—he can see Water running a hand over his forehead, as a precaution, but he doesn't look worried—so Special can get the new trio under control, corralling them close to Cowbell, even when it means growling at them to get… Alpha… to stay put. Cowbell lets him control the three, his own attention on their summoner.

All five Ghouls fall into place, Cowbell making gestures to be followed and Special taking up the end to make sure none of them run off, when Secondo gathers the youngest up from Primo's Ghouls. He even tips his head to the group in a rare show of gratitude towards the voids, before he carries Terzo off, Cowbell at his heel and the new voidlings close behind, even as Special struggles to keep the three clustered together.

Father's knuckles are practically bone white, with how tightly he grips one in the other. He releases a slow breath as he stands to make his way to the ground floor, "Papa… if you would, have your Ghouls see to the Ritual materials. We will wait to see if Terzo is any condition to continue in the foreseeable future. But I do not want the ingredients simply lying about for anyone to decide mischief is appropriate."

Primo tips his head to show his understanding; but, all the while, he makes sure to keep Imperator in his peripheral… at least until Father manages to get to the ground floor and he finally turns to the woman with a practiced smile, "I'm certain he will be well to continue soon enough. He's made phenomenal progress, no?"

Imperator simply taps her fingers in a slow rhythm on her clipboard. Primo can't make out any of the notes she's written; but, he also doesn't make much of an effort to read them. He's certain he already knows the content.

"Quite… his Fire Ghoul responded well. It's a shame we couldn't test the other two." She finally stands and smooths her skirt down, then her jacket, clipboard tucked securely to her chest. There's only a small tip of her head before she's heading down to the ground floor, as well.

Primo stays seated, watches the way all of his Ghouls hastily press themselves along the wall once more, arms folded behind their backs and heads bowed, when she passes; and, once the chamber's fallen silent with her departure, he finally stands. It's an effort, even using his crook to help pull himself to his feet. He's barely had a moment to dust the front of his vestments down, when he feels the crook gently pried from his grip, Quinn's arm tight around him to help keep him standing, in the same moment he feels his Air Ghoul come up on his free side. He doesn't bother protesting the light hand over his mouth—barely a wisp in the down hours away from the stage—and simply tips his head to show gratitude and to signal that Quinn's free to move them.

He's never quite tried to understand the ability to walk through shadows or why Quinn was the only one that could do it. It's barely ten seconds—if that—and Air's assistance lets him take Primo through the shadows with him with little more than a small cough as he's trying to regain his bearings.

Air chirps and clicks, anxiously, next to him, despite Quinn trying to assure him everything's fine with his own clicking. Primo smiles when the sensation leaves him and holds a hand out in offering until the Ghoul shoves his face into the offered palm and the distress subsides into pleased, rumbling purrs that fill the air, while he's determined to get the affirming skritches around his ear.

"Thank you, tesoro. I'm alright, I promise." His attention turns up to Quinn, briefly, and he offers his other hand. He's not surprised the Ghoul's more reserved; but, he still settles his cheek against the offering and follows the appreciative skritch. "And you, Quinn. Thank you."

His attention turns to his other Ghouls, as Air finally works himself free and carefully makes his way back over to the rest. Hunched over the smallest bit so his robe will drag and hide the claws of his feet, even as they tap against the stone floor and the tip of his tail peeks out from under the cloth. Earth separates from the three, only looking back for a brief moment to make an inquiry towards Water—who chirps out a surprisingly positive note—, before his attention turns up to Primo, ears flickering calmly and arms folded dutifully behind his back.

More confident in his posture than the others, even Quinn, and a small tip of his head to indicate the way everyone's left, "The little one is fine. We suspect his body is still a touch too young to see the Rituals through in full, even at the capacity he's managed to improve."

Primo nods and gestures for Quinn to return his crook so he can lean on the staff with a heavy breath, "Thank you, for checking…" His words trail as his mind wanders and, after a long moment, he raises his head and gently ushers Earth aside so he can approach the other three. He makes sure to keep his voice gentle and can't quite fight down the smile that tugs the corners of his lips when they all fix their attentions to him with curious tilts of their heads and ears alert to orders.

"Thank you, all of you, for overseeing the Rituals. I'm certain it was quite terrifying, being so close. … Bon, are you alright?"

The Fire Ghoul startles to the use of his name, briefly, but still gives a small nod. His attention goes to Earth, confusion emitting in the quiet growls and clicks. Earth sounds confused when he translates.

"He's uncertain why he would not be. … I cannot say I've followed your thoughts, either, Papa…? Why would he not be?"

"I'm never certain what that woman's capable of. I didn't mean to startle any of you." Primo offers an apologetic tip of his head in place of a full bow, knowing full well he'll likely not be able to stay standing if he tries. "Thank you, again. The three of you may return to your rooms or my office. Please, find something relaxing. … Forrest, Quinn. I'll need a moment longer of your time."

Despite the murmur of uncertainty from all five, Fire, Air, and Water all concede with careful bows—Primo finds himself smiling, again, noting the differences as they do.

The way Water is that little more fluid, even as he has to take a moment when he stands to stabilize and the way his claws click a little less pronounced than the others. The way Air's robes flutter around him and his sleeves and torso temporarily lose form, in short bursts, as his own void flitters between solid and wisp. The way Fire shakes off as he stands, always a subtle glow of light emitting through the seams and openings of his robe until he finds his center and follows close at the others backs—close enough they can help temper the flames, if they begin to spread, while also being the most imposing of the lot, to ensure… certain… members of the clergy left them alone.

Primo still waits for a measure—just to be sure they're far out of hearing range, even when he's certain Air is the only one he needs to worry about being able to eavesdrop, intentional or not—before finally turning his full attention to the remaining pair. Earth still standing at attention, despite the curiosity. Solid and head high, even as it tips that little bit to his right in curiosity. Not as pronounced as the others, but a more controlled gesture. Quinn copies the pose at least; shoulders pulled back and arms folded patiently behind him. A small curve to his back that says he isn't at his full height, even if he were to raise his head from the way he keeps his attention fixed on the floor, ever anxious of eye contact.

The silence is comfortable; but, Primo does eventually release a heavy breath to steel himself.

"I'm afraid I've a terrible request of both of you… you are, of course, welcome to decline. But I ask you hear me out in full, before protest or refusal. May I?"

That gets Quinn to look up and Primo can see the way his expression furrows, even beneath the mask. The way he exchanges a look with Earth before they both nod, slowly, and Earth accepts his role of mediator without being prompted.

"Of… course, Papa. Please."

"I will start with the more simple request… Quinn, you know how your Ritual was meant to go." He feels awful when the Ghoul flinches and a flood of shame bubbles in his core; but, he does his best to keep his tone gentle to show he's not upset. He knows it isn't Quinn's fault, anymore than his own for trusting people that didn't trust him. "Please… ensure Valentino has the proper means to see his through. … I'll not have her hurt him the way she's hurt us. Please."

The miserable shame dissipates immediately—shock apparent and appropriate, hearing any of the given names; but, he still nods and turns his attention back to the table of ingredients and the forgotten notebook that Terzo's spent the past few years refining what he learns. Earth shakes off the shock, first, and slowly meets Primo's eye, his ears almost flat and voice wary, "Papa… Quintessence isn't next…"

"It is not." Primo concedes and he sees Quinn pause at the table, apparently very aware of why they've been asked to stay, suddenly, if the increased pressure in his chest is any indication. Primo waits it out, only reacting to the fear with a gentle pressure over his chest to try easing the pain even a little bit. He's not surprised Quinn notices so quickly; but, it doesn't change that he's very grateful the Ghoul pulls the feedback to himself, as much as he can, to ease the pain even a little bit.

"I'm sorry—"

"You've nothing to apologise for, amore. This is going to be a difficult period for all of us. As I've said… you're free to refuse my request."

Quinn shakes his head a little, attention back on the notebook and ensuring Terzo's notes are correct. He scratches something into the paper with a tip of his claw, using the malleable nature of void in place of ink. Primo only gets a moment to appreciate the effort before Earth makes a frustrated noise and his attention turns to the smaller Ghoul, smile falling the smallest bit as he thinks over exactly what his request is going to entail.

He knows Earth's figured it out.

"May I still explain, before you decline?"

Earth's expression narrows and he can practically see the thin line his lips press into beneath his mask. It makes his lips twitch into the smallest smile, despite the severity of the situation.

"Please, do…"

"Valentino will be in no condition to carry out both Rituals. He will be expected to and I've no doubt that the dearest sister will insist he finish tomorrow, regardless of his physical state. I would wager she will threaten the little ones and the pair he's already managed—not in any capacity that will be seen as a threat. But, my understanding is that there were… conditions, allowing him to summon more Ghouls."

"Special mentioned it to me," Quinn offers, voice quiet as he moves to the summoning circle, already setting the ingredients at their points with the utmost care and a quiet word that Primo can't quite make out. He assumes a prayer, given the way his Ghoul crosses his arms, briefly, over his chest, at each point. He only looks back at the circle once more before his attention is back on Primo, arms dutifully folded behind his back. "The improvements needed to meet her expectations… Fire met her expectations. If she's going to argue, it's that she was unable to assess how thoroughly his Water and Air Ghouls respond to other members of the clergy giving them orders."

Primo gives a small nod to show he's heard, even as he turns the information over a few times. "I had assumed as much. Thank you, for the confirmation. … May I have your hands?"

Primo extends his own, palms up in offering, and is only a little surprised they both comply immediately, despite any reservations they've had to his request. He grips both hands in a gentle squeeze—Earth's right in his left; Quinn's left in his right—and does his best to ignore the building throb in his left eye. Quinn's attention goes to the faint glow of silver on the back of his hand; Earth watches for a moment and rolls his shoulders a few times—Primo doesn't doubt for a moment his own seal is glowing, much brighter and more defined, on his back.

"This may be a precaution. You will be free to deny the outcome of this request; and, I will trust your judgement on the matter. If—" He falters, for a brief moment and realises exactly how horrible this must be for his Ghouls. For the pair that can actually process everything around them. That they know their time is coming to an end. He grips their hands as tightly as he can, even when he knows it's barely there. "… If… Valentino is given an ultimatum to finish his Rituals or lose his Ghouls and, truly, even if he is not given an ultimatum… I would like to transfer Forrest's contract to him."

He can feel the tension in the Earth Ghoul's hand, sees it in the way his body pulls in on itself and his tail flickers, rapidly, behind him. Quinn takes his free hand up to offer a reassuring squeeze, in some attempt to calm him down.

"Neither of you are to say anything about this to anyone. Not to the other Ghouls. Not to my brothers. And most certainly not to any member of the upper clergy. I want Valentino to focus on the final Ritual and… far more than that, I want assurance that I will be able to retain one of you when I'm asked to step down. Valentino will need help reining in the three he's summoned and perhaps the fourth… I would be of much sounder mind, if that were you, Forrest."

He releases both of the Ghouls and watches them pull their hands back to themselves. Earth immediately pulls in on himself, arms crossed tight; the only part of him not pulled in, is his tail winding itself tight around Quinn's for at least a small sense of calm. Quinn watches his seals fade back into his void before he finally raises his head, wary and confused and… heartbroken. Even as he tries to keep the feeling to himself, Primo feels it down into his core and perhaps wonders if it's actually his own heartbreak making Quinn feel worse.

"Will they ask you to step down, Papa? There's no one to follow you, is there…?"

"Ideally, it would have gone to Francesco. But, I think father will respect his wish to be excluded from the line of ascension." Primo tips his head, gesturing to be followed. He only glances back at the summoning circle once and quietly prays this won't be necessary. "They may ask Valentino to ascend. Traditionally, in lieu of a clear line of ascension, the Cardinal would be put forward as a candidate—something Francesco has, thus far, succeeded in avoiding. … However, my understanding of Father's ascension makes me worry there may be… other candidates. I've no qualms with such methods, as it were; but, I think we all know that if the line of ascension is severed in this fashion… Valentino will not ascend. Even if he were to adhere to expectations and rise to Cardinal—if he or Francesco are not next… he will not see his potential realised."

There's a stretch of silence when they've left the lower chambers of the ministry and moved up to the more occupied ground floor. Earth and Quinn, both, immediately fall into a compliant silence, heads down, arms folded behind their backs; but still close enough to be barriers, so people are a little less inclined to stop Primo on his way back to his office.

He's perhaps a little disappointed, when he doesn't find any of his other Ghouls; but, the fact that some of Air's models are gone from his desk, he at least knows they stopped in to grab their choice crafts before disappearing to the Ghoul wing. Once his door's been secured shut, he relaxes again and slowly sinks into his desk chair, hands folded on the top as he thinks further on his request and reasoning.

"I did not answer your question, Quinn. My apologies. They will ask me to step down, sooner or later. I've made… very little progress to show for my efforts and the last Ritual will most certainly weigh heavily on the upper clergy's decisions."

Despite the momentary flinch, he's quite proud Quinn doesn't feel regret. Even as he looks away and refuses to make eye contact, the feedback doesn't bring shame and Primo laughs, quietly. "You were fulfilling your purpose, amore, I am not cross with you in the slightest. However, you know as well as I do that we cannot simply lash out at people, deserving or no. … Between this incident and the minor scare of staying in the infirmary for a few nights… I suspect a call for my resignation will be on the horizon. Especially if Valentino succeeds in his final summon…?"

His attention goes to Earth and the Ghoul's attention goes to the floor as he turns over the request. "… If he holds my contract, I will not be permitted to serve you to my fullest abilities, though, Papa… will a transfer even be considered adequate to the sister?"

"I see no reason your duties will change, tesoro." Primo smiles when the Ghoul looks up. Quinn's ears give a small twitch and he seems to have figured it out, as well.

"Terzo would never take you from Papa. You'll be required to attend rehearsal, I'm certain; but, I can't imagine Terzo would have busy work for you during the down hours, especially when he's nowhere near ascension."

"That's… I suppose, that's probably true…" Earth still mulls over it a bit longer before he finally nods and releases a slow breath, raising his head, "If… if he accepts, I would be most honoured to see this task through…" the confidence falters as the words leave his lips and his shoulders begin to sag, attention returning to the floor, and his ears nearly flat. His voice is much quieter, when he asks, "… I'll be the only one, won't I?"

All Primo can do is offer a gentle smile that he hopes isn't as sad as the small voice makes him. "Unfortunately, tesoro… I do not suspect they will have me step down or release the rest of you in the foreseeable future… but, when the time comes… I fear I will need to release the others. I cannot sustain them without the Rituals and the upper clergy would never allow them to simply wander the halls. For the time we have, I would ask all of you to help Terzo's Ghouls learn, the same as you did Special and Cowbell and Mountain. I'm quite certain Special will help Bon, but I also… cannot shake the feeling the others will need guidance."

As healthy as they are, Primo's also… painstakingly aware of how dangerous the situation could get.

Special was terrifying on his own. Something about him is certainly different, but there's something very specifically about the others that makes Primo worry about the newer Ghouls. The eager playfulness in the Water Ghoul. The fact he could feel the heat emitting from the Fire Ghoul, even after he was masked, even with the distance between the floor and balcony. The clarity and ease of movement in the Air Ghoul.

He knows a good deal of it is simply that… Terzo's improved on the Ritual. But even the Ghouls sanctioned by the clergy that didn't antagonise the health of their summoners, they've always been rather… blank slates of voids. Nothing nearly so… individualistic. With time, perhaps—his own Ghouls are proof enough that the voids could grow into unique personalities—but from their summoning is… alarming.

Assigning Earth to Terzo may be for Primo's own desire to keep at least one of his own Ghouls… but, it may also be for even a sliver of peace that someone will be able to help Terzo.

Of course… that also all depends on what exactly his Quintessence Ghoul ends up being like—

His thoughts are interrupted by gentle pressure around each wrist and he realises his Ghouls have moved around his desk to their usual stations to either side of him. Their tails coil around his wrists, loosely, and Earth stands that little bit closer, letting the room fill with a comforting scent of lavender.

"Your call to resign has not been suggested, yet, Papa." Quinn's voice is quiet and Primo feels the spade of his tail slip under Primo's hand, flush to his palm for comfort. "Until then and until it becomes necessary, we are your Ghouls and we will do everything in our capacity to keep your light burning."

A quiet, rumbling purr that reverberates down through his tail tells him that Earth agrees and Primo smiles to himself to fight down the emotion that threaten to bubble up from the pits of a broken spirit.

"I would ask for nothing more. You all continue to exceed my expectations so fantastically and I know you will in the days to come. Thank you."

[rxinrxinxx]

prisoner!Donquixote Doflamingo x fem!MarineOC

One Piece has come into my life to stay and invade every corner of my mind and that's why here I am, writing fanfiction for the first time in so many years.

what to expect from this fic: a lot of angst, a lot of manipulation, a lot of opposite feelings. It starts off soft but things get quite a bit off track.

the original character: I wanted to describe Rain as little as possible so that everyone can imagine her as they want, but there are certain things about her that are pre-established (some by self insert —sorry not sorry— and others by requirements of the plot) fem!Marine, has the position of Commander within the organization, adult woman, relatively tall (180 cm, 5'11''—and yet she's nothing next to Doffy—), she smokes. The only other physical characteristic besides than height that I"ll include is that she has long hair, and in the future a description of an old scar will also be included. Rain is an user of a devil fruit that can turn her body into crystal, among other crystal-related abilities.

warnings: future dark content, Spoilers of Dressrosa arc. Use of she/her pronouns. Talks in Impel Down. Doflamingo teasing OC. There are no further special warnings in this first, but there will be NSFW content in future chapters. Only for +18, if you are minor, don't continue reading.

words: 3109

English isn't my first language so I'm really sorry for grammatical errors or inconsistencies.

ᴅᴀʏ ᴏɴᴇ

“Has old Tsuru already tired of watching me?” The distinctive grin of the man chained in the cell fills the entire place. Rain sighs, without taking her eyes off her book, which completely covers her face from the prisoner's gaze. The silence had been pleasant until that moment, when he decided to break it. She was having a very quiet first watch, too quiet to be real. “Come on, don't tell me that my new toy’s mute, that’d be a misfortune” his deep voice sends a shiver through her, a shiver she struggles to hide. Her lips curve into a smile that hides everything but joy. «The irony’s deeper than you know» thinks bitterly. She knew it wouldn’t be an easy task and yet there she is, determined to do her job. The silence bothers the chained man, who laughs again before speaking, taking his time to let his voice fill everything, as if his presence were, in fact, everywhere, and not in the darkness of the cell. “You shouldn't treat me like that, I may be locked up but I'm still Donquixote Doflamingo, you should show a little respect, Commander Leela” says smirking, the chains shake and ring with that characteristic metallic jingle. But his words achieve the desired effect for the first time. “Or do you prefer that I call you Rain? Is it appropriate if I call you by your name?” His chuckles flood everything again.

Rain lowers the book to inspect in the darkness of the cell the enormous silhouette of the blonde man, whose eyes are covered by opaque glasses, which prevent any attempt to study his gaze. That gives him a clear advantage from the start. Thick chains wrap his arms, his legs and his abdomen, giving her a feeling of control, which with each passing second she feels becoming thinner, and senses that, at some point, it’ll threaten to disappear. But Rain already knew it wouldn't be easy. “I know perfectly who you are, Donquixote Doflamingo, but I don't remember telling you my name at all” Rain answers in her calmest tone, giving the man the attention he was waiting for.

“If you know who I am, you should know that as a former warlord I liked to be informed of my allies” the man tilts his head. “That includes knowing at least who all the Marine officers are. Especially those who’ve participated in a meeting in the past”.

Rain sighs. So Doflamingo did his homework all that time. Well, so did she. Rain half smiles still looking at him. “How attentive you are” answers with sarcasm in her voice, covering her face with the book again. «Does he just remember my name or does he also remember me, from those warlord meetings he just mentioned?» It doesn't take her long to hear the man's grin again, which seems to have an annoying edge at the end. She looks attentively at the page but hasn't read it for a while —since he started talking— and is sitting in a chair that’s not comfortable, but her posture is relaxed.

“Oh, no, no, no. Now that we know our names, the game begins” Doflamingo's voice sounds calm, like he's really having fun with every word. Rain wonders if he really finds it funny, or if it's just another one of his tactics, aimed at never letting you know what's really happening in his thoughts. She knows she can’t trust anything in the presence of that man.

«But the game started a long, long time ago, didn't it, Doflamingo?» “You must be very bored there, right?” Rain talks back in a calm voice, noticing a certain tension in the prisoner's chuckling.

“You can see for yourself that there isn't much fun around here. They’ve emptied all the adjoining cells, and left me lonely” Rain watches from the side of the book as Doflamingo curls his lips downwards. «Is he really trying to sound sad?» thinks pressing the pads of her fingers against the leather of the lid. “Lucky for me, now I have a beauty to talk to”.

«What in the hell was that?» Rain moves the book away from her face again and looks at Doflamingo with a frown. She didn't expect the man to go down those paths but it's just a confirmation of how bored he is. And he's only been in there for a couple of weeks. “I'm not a beauty, as you well know I'm a Marine commander, and one of my bosses must really hate me for assigning me this job” reproaches in a calm voice.

Doflamingo seems to be amused by her sarcasm for the way he's laughing now. “Believe it or not, you have a captivating charm” Rain doesn't say anything, just looks at the chained man's glasses, who decides to speak again due to the lack of response. “You should feel grateful, it doesn't happen often that someone like me notices someone like you”.

Rain's frown turns into a smile. Now she’s the one who tilts her head. Slowly leaves the book in a huge covered wooden box next to the chair she’s sitting on. “That would’ve some value if there were more people around here, don't you think?” says without much encouragement.

“No, you're wrong about that” a dramatic pause fills the cold place with silence. “This way I can focus all my attention on you” the prisoner chuckles again, entering the Marine's ears.

Rain smiles at Doflamingo for a few seconds, as if she was truly flattered by his words. «Cheap trash». Reaches one of her hands into the pocket of her trench coat and pulls out a pack of cigarettes, from which it takes one, leaving the pack on the wooden box as well. “Oh, but I don't need your attention” now it's her turn to make a dramatic pause to take a lighter from another of her pockets and light her cigarette. She takes a deep drag which Doflamingo watches in silence. As if he was remembering something. “I need you to be a good boy and stay quiet in there. Ok?” Rain's smirk widens. What are the chances that she —or any other stupid person in this world— could say that to Doflamingo, without him slitting her throat before even finishing the sentence? —If he were out of the cell, definitely—.

They both know that the chances are none. And so he chuckles again, even though he's clearly upset, because Rain’s also enjoying that little moment. “There’s a small problem with your request, Rain” she observes how the man moves his arms, and the chains rattle again. “I’ve never been good at following other’s orders” «That-freakin’-laugh-again». Rain closes her eyes for a second, has to start getting used to that sound if she wants to do her job correctly. She must avoid at all costs that he gives her those chills, and much more, avoid that he notices it at some point. Must maintain her composure at any cost.

“And I guess that's why you're here” Rain's tone is innocent, as if she hadn’t read that man's file more than one hundred and fifty times. Cigarette smoke drifts up around her head.

“Actually that’s a point” He replies with a calm voice. “And as you’ll understand, I’m having a hard time here being good…even if I have patience.” Adds, trying to sound nostalgic. “But things can always get interesting, right?”

“It depends on what you consider interesting. For example, I find this book very interesting.” Rain points to the object, although she continues to stare at the prisoner moving only her hand.

“That's because you're not giving me the chance to show you how interesting I am, Commander Leela” Doflamingo sighs, feigning tension, a tension that disappears in a matter of seconds. «How many facial expressions can the bastard make per minute?» “Maybe you’d end up surprising yourself by enjoying my company”.

“Oh, yeah? Do you have more stories than a book?” She knows the answer to that question, and yet her voice sounds curious, naive.

“Many more than you can think” He answers pleased.

“And they’re all terrifying, I imagine” Rain returns without thinking twice. He denies as she laughs.

“Oh no, Rain, not all of them. I’ve had a great time throughout my life, not only filling my hands with the blood of those who dared to challenge me” he doesn't stop smirking, but she detects a threat miles away. And that feels like one. “I can tell you some good stories if you want” Rain smokes again and Doflamingo's smirk grows wider. “But first…I’d like to hear a story from a Marine Commander, I'm sure you also have interesting adventures.”

«The game is still on, right?» “They’re not as interesting as those of a pirate and king. Surely you already know very well the tasks of a Marine Commander”.

Doflamingo's chuckling is loud again. “A pirate and king… I like the way that sounds on your lips, say it again for me” Rain rolls her eyes at his demand. For the first time since she’s been there decides to get up from the chair she occupies and takes a couple of steps forward, carefully observing the prisoner from top to bottom, taking her time to answer.

“You’re more out of reality than I expected” she remarks after a few seconds of silence.

“Are you sure I am?” Doflamingo chuckles darkly this time. “Will you not please the simple request of a poor chained prisoner? You’re a cruel woman, Rain” shakes his head, abusing the drama once again.

“I must be really bad if you’re the one who says it” she answers with sarcasm, a sarcasm that hides all the truth that exists in her thoughts about him. He smirks back at her, watching every step she takes towards his cell.

“Since you seem to know me so well, I must tell you that evil usually recognizes itself, Commander Leela” Rain crosses her arms as she listens to those words, with the cigarette hanging on her lips, a little surprised. Her face remains impassive, trying her best not to show any reaction, but her eyes betray her showing that internal surprise.

“What makes you think that?” Asks with all the innocence she can feign. Doflamingo sighs heavily and settles against the wall. The chains echo in the silence.

“There’s something in your gaze that tells me” his words sound calm, and clicks his tongue before continuing to speak. “Or are you going to say that you’re one of those who buy into the idea that the Marines are fair and everything they do is moral?” Lets out a chuckle. “Sorry, are you going to lock me up for saying this?” He mocks clearly, raising both hands. Rain can't help but laugh too. A really sincere laugh that Doflamingo listens to attentively without her realizing it.

“You, on the other side, believe that we’re all puppets at the service of power. Don’t you? You know a lot about puppets, I suppose. More than the Marines I’d say” she replies back without losing her smile.

“I think that at least we both agree that there can be no middle ground” the prisoner seems amused by that conclusion. “The question is, which extreme are you on, commander?” 

Rain takes another few steps closer to the cell. She appreciates that he waits for that question in silence, a silence that she enjoys for a few seconds before answering. Takes a deep, final drag before removing the cigarette from her mouth, which is about to end. “I have my own vision of justice. When I was young, I thought it didn't exist, then somebody taught me that it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. That people can do justice where there seems to be none.” A devastating memory overwhelms her mind but she tries hard to keep her face from reflecting it.

“I see. Who taught you that?” Rain can't tell if it's true curiosity, what that tone of voice conveys to him. «It's just your imagination». Not to confuse things for her at this moment is decisive. But the worst thing is that she has doubts. She smiles, puts the dying cigarette one last time to her lips, burning it slightly her bottom lip with the last drag, and throws the butt with too much force to the ground, a movement that doesn’t go unnoticed by Doflamingo's attentive gaze, still hidden behind his sunglasses.

“Does that matter?” Rain tries to deflect the question.

“It must be someone very important if it made you change your mind so drastically” he assumes, completely ignoring her question. “Hasn't the time you've been a Marine made you change your mind again? I'm sure you've seen a lot of things.”

“Oh yes, I’ve seen many things, and that has strengthened it. Justice is only stained paper if people don’t ensure that it exists”. «What the hell are you doing talking to him as if he were an old friend?» She reproaches herself. “But I'm not here to talk about moral issues”.

“I can't talk about the weather being locked up here” Rain sighs at the man's marked sarcasm. “I need to entertain myself with something”.

“Good luck with that, I think I'm going to continue reading my book” she turns to come back to her chair and hears a heavy sigh behind her. That reaction almost made her smile. Almost.

“Wait”. Rain stops walking and turns around in her own footsteps, once again facing the prisoner's attentive gaze. “I propose something to you. I’ll tell you a beautiful story of those that I mentioned before, and you’ll tell me a horror story from your years as a Marine” his chuckle fills the entire space again. “I'm sure you have more than one, and so in the end, by the time I leave here, we’ll see that we’re not as different as you may believe”.

Rain can feel another shiver run down her spine. There are too many sensations that thought she could control, some that she expected and others that still cannot identify, but there’s something running inside her that doesn't allow her to maintain all the calm that her position requires. In other circumstances she’d be different, very different. She’d like to say that his words are only to scare her, to tease and mock her. But the calmness with which he talks about himself and his future makes her extremely nervous. As if he already had one foot out of the cell, as if he was taking a vacation from destroying everything around him. She's not sure how much time it takes to respond, but in that time Doflamingo calmly studies every slightest movement of her face.

“I’ve to admit that your optimism surprises me. But you're not getting out of here”. Her voice sounds calm as she says those words, at least she’s putting all her effort into making it so. But still doesn't know which of the two she’s trying to convince.

“I'm going to take that as a compliment, Rain, and you don't know how much I like it” He teases her once again. “But I’m going to get out of here. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow” Doflamingo's back leaves the wall to lean forward, his huge legs bent in front of him. Rests his arms on his knees, his glasses pointed directly at Rain's face, and laughs deeply and slowly. “But one day I will, and who knows, maybe that day I’ll take you with me”.

Rain doesn't know if it's a warning, a threat, or if he's just making fun of her. She doesn't like any of the options. “I’ve nothing to do with you, much less outside these walls”. Responds dryly and seriously. The mere thought sends her a searing pain to the bottom of her head. Calmness is not an option anymore.

“You're entertaining, you like to tell me things that you know you couldn't tell me if I weren't chained” he shrugs his shoulders, his words sound prideful. “I think I liked it, for once in my life. You seem so confident...I wonder if you’d be the same if circumstances were different. I’d really like to see that” he finishes his words with another deep chuckle. “And I also think there are many things we can do”.

“What a shame, ‘cause the only thing that interests me is keeping you in there” she smiles widely, enjoying every word, noticing the man's annoyance at cutting off that poor attempt at flirting from his part. “Besides, I'm sure you can do much better” Rain catches herself reproaching. «The plan wasn’t to enter straight to his domain, you genius».

“So now you wanna play” he smirks darkly, ignoring the previous annoyance. “Better for me” Doflamingo leans his back against the wall again, with nothing else to do but study the new fly in his net. Rain sighs in denial.  She raises her left arm to look at the watch on her wrist, and a smile forms on her lips. «Saved by the bell» thinks for her own gloating.

“As much as I’d like to stay and try one of your twisted games…” Tries to feign pity, although she's not as good at it as he is. “It's time for me to go. It’s already late out there”.

Doflamingo stops smiling. He doesn't seem too happy with Rain's sudden turn of events. “Yeah, it's a real shame, now that we’re starting to have fun” Rain shakes her head and turns again to begin her walk towards the employee area. Her steps are calm, posture relaxed, picks up the book and the pack of cigarettes from the wooden box as she passes by without saying a single word. “I guess we’ll continue tomorrow”. Insists Doflamingo.

“I guess you're not giving me a choice”. Rain answers amused. “Rest, Doflamingo”. Says without turning to look at him as she walks away from the cell. «’Cause education talks about yourself and not about the person in front of you» says to herself somewhat annoyed.

“Good night, Rain”. She hears the mocking tone of the man behind her, which makes her take out another cigarette and put it between her lips. «Not so bad for the first day» tries to comfort herself when arrives at the prison employee area, ready to try to sleep as much as possible. This is just the beginning, something tells her that she still doesn't really know how annoying the man can be when he has nothing else to entertain himself with.

Sorry this man drives me absolutely crazy and this is just the beggining of the fall for Rain. Lets pray for her.

𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩.

[valentines-wolf]

imho, knowing how real-life people handle real-life issues and using that in fiction is not evil. i think OP would rather have people realistically portray disabilities and hardships rather than guess and get shit wrong and be disrespectful about it. but what do i know, the way they worded it was rude af

I did think about it? The post I talked about in the tags is the one directly after that, about protecting your mobility aids from being touched or worse, assaulted. I have this not-quite-OC, Witek, who's basically V from Devil May Cry, set in modern Poland. Just like his canon counterpart, Witek uses mobility aids; canes, and crutches mostly but I can imagine him using a wheelchair later in his life.

Witek's character is meant to represent everything wrong with my country's policies and healthcare regarding disabilities, as well as society's view on the issue. Policies? He can't get a real job because he would lose his disablement benefit (if he can even get it, it's crazy difficult in my country to prove that you're disabled). Societal issues? He was cast away from his family for not being able to work in the family's traditional job, mining (in the Silesian region of Poland, the mining industry is a big fucking deal). And healthcare? This is where I have to say don't come for my ass for writing a disabled person and not giving him a particular disorder, because. It's also crazy difficult in my country to even figure out what's wrong with you. It can take even a year of waiting on the list just for diagnostics in public healthcare, not even mentioning the wait time for treatment. Sometimes, here, in Poland, it's best to shrug, say "I/They don't know", and use whatever means you can to ease the pain.

And how Witek deals with it is by being the most "fuck you" person about it. The disability-punk. And putting barbed/razor wire or nails on his aids. Oh that would fit his character so much. Especially because I imagine him using his cane and crutches as weapons when getting attacked by homophobes, because yeah that does happen in my country.

The problem is, I'm very much abled. I don't know how it is to live the experience I just described. I can only listen to the voices of disabled people and be respectful towards them and learn. I recently said something very stupid in a post made by a black person and I'm still embarrassed about it. It was a misunderstanding but solely because of my poor wording. And that got me thinking about what I learn as a white, able-bodied person when listening to people who deal with problems that I don't deal with. I may have gotten a bit paranoid about what I say, I tend to run my mouth in the tags. I know that yeah yeah you're allowed to write about problems outside of your experience if you research them and approach with respect yadda yadda. But where is that fine line between respect and romanticizing, fetishization? And that post about protecting mobility aids from unwanted contact felt appropriate for an idea for this character. Aaand then I saw that post about not talking about fictional people in posts about real people's problems and I had this "ah shit I did it again" moment.

I'm still unsure, but I hope I explained my train of thought a bit.

[pagesofserene]

Dec. 15th: 10-Days Before Christmas (2022 Story Relay Marathon)

Hi, kindred souls! This is the third story relay of a 12-day story relay marathon I endorsed to my friend, ShiaraS (Discord: Shiara#5382) , that we will be doing from Dec. 13th to Dec. 24th—AKA 12 days before Christmas!

Since this is a marathon of sorts, we decided to lay some ground rules so we can "finish" each relay for each day. It would start with me drawing a prompt every morning from a plastic container that will serves as our bowl for this occasion. These prompts were collected by us from different sources (I will do my absolute best to give appropriate credit for the original creators/source material).

The story relay would then consist of 5 turns for both of us with a max. of 10-16 sentences each turn. After these, the story relay for that day would be considered "finished". THERE WILL BE NO EDITING DONE FOR ALL STORY RELAYS.

These rules were placed since ShiaraS' exams were also scheduled during the set week.

[We started this on the night of the 15th but we fell asleep. XD We then continued it today during our free time. We hope to post the prompt for the Dec.16th sometime tonight.]

HERE'S THE WRITING PROMPT FOR TODAY'S STORY RELAY:

An old and homely grandmother accidentally summons a demon. She mistakes him for her gothic-phase teenage grandson and takes care of him. The demon decides to stay at his new home. (via @writing-prompt-s)

START OF STORY RELAY:

Nana has been living by herself in the retirement village for a few years now. Her two kids live far away and neither they nor their children visited much. Until, one day when she was making her special apple pie and her grandson, Tyler, popped up for a visit. The last time she spoke to Tyler, the boy was going through his goth phase so Nana assumed that explained why he was now wearing a silver studded leather jacket and ripped jeans. "Granny," He smirked, "what a change from the usual - " "Quit dawdling, Tyler, and give your Nana a hug." Before Tyler could do anything, the older woman closed the distance and wrapped her thin arms around him. Tyler froze, not knowing what to do. Because, Nana was wrong. Her grandson did not come to visit, in fact he's currently in his friend's apartment 300 miles away as they slept off the hangover from the night before. No, the boy Nana had mistaken for her grandson was a demon she had accidentally summoned. The demon stood with his arms in the air, not hugging and not pushing away the old woman either. "Come now, Tyler," Nana said, "I haven't seen you in years, I missed you." Somehow, feeling the sadness in the old woman's voice touched the heart the demon would have sworn he never had, and he hesitantly returned Nana's hug. Maybe it's because he had only been a demon for 150 years and he still remembered bits of his human life. Like the old woman across the street who let him crash in her place whenever he needed a decent place to sleep in.

Humans are indeed a complex breed. Tyler wondered how long would it take for this old woman to realize that he wasn't her grandson. "Oh look how much you've grown dear," Nana cooed as she accosted the demon. Demons don't get a name of their own up until the 333rd year since they become one. On the 666th year, they get the chance to either torture souls sent to hell or possess a specific object on earth. Overtaking a human body and ensnaring human souls are highly diabolical power that only the most nefarious and malevolent of demons could do. These are the fiends that raked in the Devil himself's favor. It came as a surprise that he get to be named by a wrinkly human being. A bland name at that. Either way, he decided to accept this mistaken identity at least for the time being. He was summoned by this granny after all, by mistake at best. "How old are you again, Tyler?", Nana turned her back and went straight into the kitchen. "I'm 150—15!" "Oh wow. I thought you're way past your high school. I guess I was mistaken once again." she turned the kettle on after pouring water into it. " I do hope you still like to drink my nettle tea. Come on, sit here. It's been a long time since I have been with a member of the family for the holidays." It seems that nana's in the mood for a monologue. Tyler wondered if this was the only time the old woman received a visitor for days or even for months in her house. "Please pardon me for not getting you anything teenagers nowadays like for Christmas. But I intend to buy you those leather gloves I see the local bikers' been wearing by the pub whenever I pass by for my groceries. I was about to ask Jerry where they buy those but I haven't been able to go out due to this cold weather."

It was such a mundane, senseless dialogue that Tyler the demon couldn't help but laugh. "Are you laughing at your Nana?" Nana said, trying to sound stern. Tyler wasn't the least bit intimidated but he decided to humor her. "Sorry... Nana, I was just thinking of a funny joke." Satisfied with the apology, Nana continued her monologue. Switching from the leather gloves to this new herbal medicine she saw on TV. It was easy for Tyler to tuner her out. He was amused by the old lady but he wasn't going to submit himself to mindless chatter for no reason. So, his mind drifted to what brought him here. Summoning a demon isn't an easy feat. Well, technically, it is. It had to be to invite more fools to make demon deals. Still, it's not the king of thing you can do by accident. You'd need an open space for the pentagram, sacrificial blood, and not to mention the summoning spell that needed to be recited. It was completely impossible for this sweet old lady to have summoned a demon. And yet, she did and Tyler intended to find out how. "Hey, Nana," He began "Yes dear?" "I was just curious, were you doing anythin... new before I got here?" Nana thought about it for a moment. She smiled, "I was baking, dear. I was trying a new twist to my famous apple pie." Tyler groaned. "Anything else?" "Hmm well, I was using the recipe from this new cook book I got at the library." Nana went to the kitchen to retrieve the cool book. When she got back, she gave it to Tyler whose eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "Sinful Cooking" The title read. Although perhaps more worryingly was the giant pentagram on the cover.

"You got it at the library, you say?" Tyler racking his unholy brain. Nana nodded and proceeded to check her apple pie from the oven. It was still warm even though it was a while since she turned the machine off after Tyler' arrival. "You see, Cindy, the librarian told me they have new arrivals of books donated from Europe. I do think those folks were nice to send over their books to a tiny American town such as ours." She now placed the apple pie on a wooden tray on top of the table by which enabled Tyler to view the scorched infernal patterns on each strips on top of the pie. There was no question that Nana summoned him through this. "How did you do these symbols Nana?" "What do you mean by that dear? I saw them in the cook book and traced them using just the cooking stave I bought from the thrift store last year." And that 'cooking' stave happened to have a symbol of a ram's skull at the tip. "How did you cook this new recipe, Nana?" "It's quite simple but a bit bizarre, Tyler." Nana proceeded to recite all the common steps to bake an apple pie but the "twists" were she put a 5-pointed star pattern on the oven tray by sprinkling dried hibiscus leaves for the medicinal smell. She placed the pie on top of it which included a trickle of pig's blood. "Oh also dear, there was this European affirmation at the end that I must recite to persuade my pie to be come out as best as it could." There's no question that through this book and Nana's apple pie that she unknowingly summoned a demon. Tyler doubts that there were any purpose for him to be at the old granny's house except to act as her grandson who happens to be a naughty and irresponsible one which he approved. "Let's taste this special apple pie then begore it gets cold." Nana started slicing up a portion for Tyler and placed it on two tiny plates. Tyler gobbled up the pie, it was surprisingly good. Nana seems to also enjoy her baked good despite it's demonic origins. "So Nana, do you have anything you want to do?"

It may have been an accident that Nana summoned him, and he should really tell his superiors about this cook book, but Nana did summon him and the rules dictate that he give the old lady a deal. That and he quite liked Nana. She baked good pie. "I don't know, Tyler, dear." She said, "I'm quite content with things as they are. When you reach my age, you'll realize every day is a gift and regret is pointless." "Aww come on Nana, surely there must be something you want. Anything at all." Nana hesitated as she served Tyler another slice of pie. "Well... I guess it would be nice if my family came to visit more often." Tyler smirked. This was one deal he would happily make. He liked Nana and when he realized how alone the woman was, well... never piss off a demon. "I'm sure I can make that happen." "Thank you, sweet dear." Nana smiled. While Nana turned her back to wash the dishes, Tyler disappeared in a flash of black to grant the old lady's deal.

By the time Nana finished putting the cleaned dishes aside. Tyler came back trying to still himself after he planted whispered illusions to each of Nana's family. By nighttime, each one of them would dream about a moment when Nana did a good thing to them after or before a tragedy or traumatic event happened to them. He surmised that Nana's family will visit her a week after he left for Hell. "Say Nana, we go out and build a fire pit and lit up a handful of fireworks?" "I don't know, Tyler dear. It's so cold with all the snow." "Don't worry about it, Nana. I'll make sure it would be warm for you." "Alright. Let me make cocoa and cookies for our snacks." Nana trotted towards the kitchen island with pots and jars. Tyler liked warm places because he wanted to become a torturer in the coming centuries. He was thinking about torturing drug dealers, mafia members... He wanted to give them different punishments but most especially has anything to do with fiery tortures. They spent the afternoon firing up different types of fireworks. More than once did Nana inquired where Tyler got all the firecrackers and he would just showed her a bag he conjured full of them saying he collected them on the way to her house.

The night Tyler spent having dinner at the fire pit and watching the fore works with Nana, was probably the most serene the demon's ever been. The old lady was surprisingly good company and starved for companionship. She even set up the guest room and insisted he stay the night. Of course, being a demon, Tyler didn't need to sleep. So, he waited until Nana had gone to sleep before disappearing to go back to Hell. He requested a meeting with Azazel and after 13 years, he got his chance. "Sir, I think we have a problem." Tyler wasted no time in telling the older demon about the book. Azazel wasn't happy about it. His eyes burned in his amger and Tyler feared a smiting was on his way. But Azazel spared him. "Go back to the surface." He ordered, "Find out more about this book and who wrote it. I want to know who's responsible for this." "Yes, sir." Tyler said and disappeared again. By the time Tyler got back to Nana's house, it was only the morning after she accidentally summoned him.

Nana was up early and singing by the front porch all covered up holding a cup coca singing to herself. "...You always break the kindest heart with a hasty word you can't recall, so if I broke your heart last night. It's because I love you most of all..." The door squeaked a tiny bit as Tyler closed it behind him. "Mornin', Tyler. Hear have some cocoa." Tyler took a couple of sips while Nana continued singing her old heartbreak song. "Hey, Nana..." "Uh-huh..." "About your cookbook, do you think you could let me read through it?" Nana looked at him "I just wanna see if I could try a recipe or two from that book. Your apple pie came out splendid." "Sure, Tyler. You could read it anytime. It's on the tiny bookshelf near the refrigerator. Perhaps you could make me meal from that book." "Thanks, Nana. I'll try to make an edible meal after reading the recipes." Tyler proceeded to open the book once he took it off the shelf. It was a leatherbound book in emerald coloring. This was proof that this book was way older than a century or two. He sniffed it and there was still a hint left of the arsenic used to color the leather green. This was even more problematic than he thought it would be. How can a book such as this slip through their radar? Even worse, it might have been used and circulated in Europe for decades, even a century. Why weren't their any accounts of demon casting up until Nana called upon Tyler? He flipped through the book and there were tons of recipes and notes taken on herbs and their uses in curses, healings, protection against white magic, and at least 10 ways of summoning demons. This was a diabolical book published in pretence for a cookbook. There was no author indicated but instead a publishing company called "The Grapevine Publishing House" located in Poland. TYler decided he will visit the address so he told Nana he will buy a dozen of fish from the wet market. Nana was delighted by the prospect of a grilled fish for lunch. Tyler snapped his fingers and he was in front of the publishing house. It was now dilapidated but there were still remaining bricks of walls and columns. He went inside and surveyed the mess left by junkies and the homeless who sought shelter within. He then popped outside the town's archival office and asked for the records of the publishing house. He read through it and found out the one who owned the publishing house was also the sole author of the books produced. She was aptly named Lilian Circe. Of course, it has to be Lillian Circe, Lilith's human form.

After confirming that Lilian really was the author and publisher of the Sinful Cooking books, Tyler vanished immediately. The last thing he wanted was to come face to face with one of the most powerful demons ever to exist. He didn't immediately go back to Nana's house. He needed a place to regroup and gather his thoughts and stop shaking. So, he chose a druggie's den. He had no idea where to go from here. Does he follow Azazel's order and risk being killed by Lilith? Or does he pretend he still hadn't made any progress with Azazel's order and hope that he wasn't watching him too closely? Whatever he chose, Tyler was sure a fireball to the face was awaiting him. Frustration mounting, he couldn't help but lash out at the druggies around him. Giving them powerful nightmares even if they're awake. He was in the den for what felt like forever. In the end, he decided to keep quiet for now. Because even though Azazel was a powerful demon, he was nowhere near as powerful as Lilith. Tyler would rather risk his wrath than Lilith's. Decision made, Tyler snapped his fingers once more and returned to Nana's house. It was past noon when he got there and all he wanted to do was sink into the bed Nana made for him. He didn't need sleep but he was damn near exhausted. He walked through the living room intent on doing just that when he was suddenly greeted by Nana's anger. She was fuming as she stood in the kitchen, an uneaten lunch for two laid out on the table behind her. "Where have you been?" She asked, "I've been worried sick!" Tyler sighed and tried to walk closer to her but as he did, she caught a whiff of him and the anger turned to shock. "Tyler have you been doing drugs?!"

"I was hanging out with a few druggies but didn't take some." it seems to be better to tell her the truth as drugs were not pleasurable nor tempting for a demon like him. "Why?" "I stumbled upon something big, Nana." Nana squinted her eyes in confusion. "Hellish big, Nana. I am confused about what to do because no matter what I choose, I am sure to get a punishment or might die DIE." "I don't understand, Tyler but you'll be safe here. Stay for now and we will discuss this with your parents after some time has passed." Nana pulled him into a hug which TYler accepted wholeheartedly. "Do you want to cook a recipe together? From the cook book? I'll guide you." Tyler exhaled and smiled. "Let's visit the pub Nana and ask your friend Jerry about those gloves."

THE END. OR IS IT?

Please stay tuned for the rest of the story relays we will be doing!

[rohitgurumith]

SOURCES AND SIGNIFICANCE : BLOG POST #5

During the session that took place on 8th November, We were asked to find a Semiotically rich media object and uncover its underlying meanings.

As soon as i heard "underlying" and "hidden" meanings, i was instantly reminded of Death Note, a very famous anime that came out in 2006. I will be decoding the symbols referenced throughout the anime with the help of Semiotics.

SYNOPSIS:

The human world is contaminated by gruesome murders, small-time thefts, and needless violence. The realm of the death gods is a mundane, unchanging gambling den, in contrast. They both believe that their worlds are corrupt, including the brilliant 17-year-old Japanese student Light Yagami and the cruel deity of death Ryuk. Ryuk throws his "Death Note" into the human world for his own enjoyment. Light discovers it by accident and finds the first of its rules absurd: the person whose name is listed in this letter must perish. But the temptation is too great, so Light tries writing a criminal's name as an experiment, which unsettlingly recreates his first murder. Light, who goes by the nickname "Kira," is aware of the dreadful godlike power that has come into his possession. Light pursues his cruel sense of justice with the ultimate objective of ridding the world of all evildoers. The meticulous brilliant detective L is already on his trail, but when Light's intelligence surpasses L's, the massive manhunt for Kira devolves into a fierce intellectual conflict that can only be resolved by the execution of one of them.

HIDDEN MEANINGS AND ITS PURPOSE :

Apples : Apples are the most significant symbolic and recurring element in the show.

According to Christian legend, Adam's "First/Original Sin," which resulted in his "banishment" to Earth, was eating an apple. The Death Note is also the First Sin for Light.

2. Colors : Each character is given a colour to represent their thought process over the whole series. I'll just be explaining Light and L for the time being, even though all colors have been appropriately allocated to the appropriate characters.

The colour red for Light is a representation of passion, fierceness, lust (for power), danger, and tenacity. The colour blue for L is a representation of peace, wisdom, self-assurance, and calmness.

3. Ringing Bells : In the beginning of Episode 25, bells may be heard ringing as L's backstory is revealed. In the same episode, L claims that nobody else can hear the bells ringing while he can. Ringing bells represent committing a crime, or in this case, death. 

4. Foot Massage : Now, this is a symbolism that is quite frequently seen, but because I'm providing a thorough response on symbolism, I'll also quickly discuss this one. This is directly out of Christian mythology. just before he died, Jesus gave one of his disciples a foot massage, and that disciple later betrayed him. in this case, Light ends up killing L with the death note right after this scene.

5. Trinitarianism : The idea that God is three individuals is known as trinitarianism in Christianity. If Light is viewed as the Devil, who murders millions of people while believing himself to be God, then his three adversaries, L, Near, and Mello represent God.

6. The Alias "L" : The fact that "El" is a term used for "God" in Hebrew serves as another evidence that the L is depicted as/symbolizes God/Jesus.

7. Light's Death : Ryuk reveals to Light at the very beginning of the story how he won't be going to either Hell or Heaven. At the very end, Light makes an attempt to climb a set of steps but tumbles in the middle of it. This represents Light as being trapped in the midst of both Heaven and Hell.

REFERENCES :

Ohba, T. Obata, T. (2006). Death Note. Madhouse

ItalianRenaissance.org. 2012. Michelangelo's Creation of Adam - ItalianRenaissance.org. [online] Available at: <http://www.italianrenaissance.org/michelangelo-creation-of-adam/>

Scofield, C.I. (1995) The holy bible: Containing the old and new testaments. Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage.

[the-vault-apprentice]

Tags from @sky-sogira

*cracks knuckles*

Alright. Let's get into this. My faith may not be as strong as it once was, but my knowledge is unshakable.

Disclaimer: I am not a scholar, I am not a theologist, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I LOVE Sky.

Second disclaimer: I am not trying to preach to anyone, just put in my perspective as someone who grew up in Christianity.

So! The easy one. Lucifer was actually NOT really the devil's name first- Lucifer was the name of a minor Roman god. The god of the morning star, which shines very brightly. The name "Lucifer" MEANS "Bringer of light" and is the base for the names of the chemicals that make fireflies glow- Lucifern and Lucifrase? I probably spelled them wrong. When the Bible was being standardized, they took this name to show that Satan had once been both powerful and beloved, at least.... That's how my father told it. He was wrong about a LOT of things, so take that with a grain of salt. What IS certain fact is that Lucifer means "bringer of light" and WAS a Roman god of the morning star. This I am sure of.

Sky takes design elements from MANY sources, but the story is undoubtedly biblical. And that really shouldn't be a surprise, given that the bible is really freaking old and has quite a lot of stuff in it! Like.... A LOT of stuff and some of it doesn't make any sense at all. I mean, there was a law about if a thief got away before the sunrise, it was their stuff now or something? It's been a while since I read those particular verses, forgive my casualness but it's 7 am and I'm doing this off the top of my head while getting ready for the day.

Okay. Take a breath. You still with me? Good. Because I'm about to basically speedrun not only the bible, but my church's scripture as well- The Book of Morm-n.

I am censoring it because I have the name blacklisted after seeing so much hate and ignorance and straight-up MALICE on this website, so if you reblog this, PLEASE don't actually spell it out or I will not be able to view the post. Thank you.

So God (by whatever name you'd like) has his "chosen people". He helps and strengthens them and shows them miracles, yes? And as long as they listen to Him, they are blessed. Seems like a good deal to ME, but you know how it is with humans. Give them too much success and they get cocky. Turn their backs on God and start giving THEMSELVES the credit- Which.... Doesn't sit too well. Consequently, they lose His favor and his help until they humble themselves and realize it WAS thanks to Him they were able to get this far. Rinse and repeat for a few thousand years or so.

Basically, God is HAPPY to help out as long as you don't forget He IS helping. But humans are forgetful and they eventually fall away and need to learn they need His help. We call it the Pride Cycle in my church, and it IS a cycle. You see it over and over again.

Now, if we draw parallels and look at Megabird as "God" and perhaps Resh as "Satan", more things click.

Whatever happened in Eden was BIG. Like major ultimate, plain apocalyptic. And now the cycle of the spirits returning to Megabird can't continue because SOMEBODY had to mess it up with something more powerful than simple indifference. This wasn't just the ancestors turning their backs on Megabird, this was them PHYSICALLY UNABLE to return to the light because of the darkness.

And that's why Skykids were created. To do what they no longer could.

Now, then, if- As I believe- Resh is the king and Alef is the prince and they are not the same, then it also seems likely that Alef was the FIRST Skykid. Like an olive branch from Megabird- "I want you to come back. Please don't go further. There IS a way back, and I will give it to you."

To continue the comparison, it would be appropriate to compare Alef to Christ in this sense- The sense of being "firstborn", of being a PRINCE rather than a king.

And all the other Skykids ALSO fit this comparison because of the fact we lose our light and life so the spirits can go home.

But UNLIKE what is taught in Christianity, it is not a PERMANENT saving, evidenced by the fact that the spirits- and the Skykids- RETURN to the world. It is also possible that Alef was sent BEFORE the fall of Eden as a warning almost- Telling Resh all was not yet lost and he could STOP and be forgiven still.

But Satan's crime was pride and I believe it is the same with Resh. They want the power and the glory and the credit that rightly belongs to another- The being which MADE them. So of course he would not have stopped.

Of course, the Ark, Eden's name... There are other parallels to be made, and this is all just speculation from me based on what I think.

[takerfoxx]

The Sandman, Season 1, Episode 4, "A Hope in Hell," First Impressions!

Sometimes, you just get it right the first time.

A Hope in Hell was a major turning point in the original comic's run. Maybe not quite to the level of The Sound of Her Wings, but it still was a major leap forward in blowing the Sandman mythos wide open and showing us just how huge it really was. Previously, there had been hints to the wider world at play, but mostly we had Dream interacting with mortal or his subjects. But here, we get to see him leave both Earth and the Dreaming to interact with some truly strange and bizarre beings, some of which have gone on to become iconic characters in their own right.

So it's only fitting that this is probably the most comic-accurate episode yet, practically word-for-word in a lot of places. Good thing too, as it is just plain awesome, probably my favorite episode yet. They really blew out the budget with this one, bringing to life something that was already visually amazing and repulsive and making it come alive, from the grotesqueness of the Gates of Hell to the massiveness of Lucifer's citadel. We even got the freakin' Suicide Forest, though I understand why they didn't explicitly name it as such, given that suicide is a more touchy subject than it once was, but if you know you know.

We also get it truly get driven home just how important our protagonist is. Like, Dream is a king, and not only a king, but someone to whom even the gods mind their manners around, to whom even Lucifer himself (or themselves I guess, as we're highlighting Angels' sexlessness again) is polite and hospitable toward, even when trying to screw Dream over. Dream has existed since life began, embodying a crucial aspect of existence and taking his duties as such very seriously. As such, he expects the respect and deference due to him as one of the Endless, and will not tolerate insolence. You don't see that in a lot of protagonists, so it's refreshing.

But at the same time, we also got to meet someone who would become just as much of a comic rockstar as he is, one of the few people more powerful than Dream, and who would go on to cause him a great amount of trouble. Lucifer friggin' Morningstar.

I really like this back to basics take on Lucifer. The character has certainly seen a lot of evolution since Preludes and Nocturnes, throughout The Sandman itself to the series by Mike Carey to the tv show. I'm pretty sure it was tempting to pluck that take on Lucifer out and have him interact with Dream. Instead, they wound things back and present them as they were originally: a beautiful, androgynous being who was clearly an Angel, but with a Devil's wings, and one who just radiates menace. Lucifer towers over the already very tall Dream, and everything they do is filled with danger. Though the part of me that lives for stupid fandom drama is really hoping that we get to Season of Mists and someone who has only seen the Lucifer Tv Show gets all upset that The Sandman ripped off Lucifer by having them quit hell to run a nightclub. With Mazikeen, no less! Also, I just wanna see Gwendoline Christie in a suit playing the piano.

And speaking of keeping things comic-accurate, hello there, Nada! Gee, I wonder if she will be important later! Kudos to Ernest Kingsley Junior for nailing Dream's mannerisms as Nada's vision of Dream, further driving home how he changes depending on who is perceiving him.

Also, it drives home for everyone just how much of a petty bitch Dream can be. Like, we've seen it hints of it before, but now if you didn't already know, this guy sent a woman to Hell for ten thousand years just because she offended his pride by refusing his advances. After said advances wiped out her people. So yeah.

There were a few things changed though, such as Lucifer battling Dream instead of Choronzon, which was thematically appropriate, since Lucifer is the one making trouble for Dream later. I was half-expecting Choronzon to be cut entirely, but since he was here, I'm thinking they're saving him in case we do get Season of Mists. The battle itself absolutely kicked ass, though. Like, we got mentions of Dream feeling whatever his opponent shifted to, but actually see the wounds crop up all over him and Lucifer really drove home the stakes at play. And I did feel like Bart's class egging him on to say the line as I waited for Dream to go, "I am hope." RIP.

I do miss the swanky faux-jazz club of the original. Oh well.

Squatterbloat did get a major glow-up and upgrade, as I guess Etrigan wasn't someone they felt like fighting to secure the right to. Understandable, but it would have been really funny for newcomers to start wondering why some demon wearing a 70's superhero outfit showed up. They kept the rhyming though, so that's good.

But majorly, now we have Matthew along, which is a welcome addition, as originally I don't think he showed up until Doll's House. Here, he acts as an audience surrogate, someone for Dream to give exposition to since we no longer have narration, as well as give the appropriate reactions to all the fucked up shit happening around him, as well to just say what we're all thinking when confronted with the Nada thing. Yes, Matthew. Dream did send that woman to Hell. Because he's a petty bitch.

But perhaps the biggest change takes place not in Hell, but on Earth, with John Dee hitching a ride with Rosemary. Here, the part with her giving him a ride to the ruby and them forming something of a connection is the same, but it plays out almost opposite of how it was before. Before, he was a naked weirdo to hijacks her car at gunpoint, leading her to freak out and threaten him, but later calm down, start talking to him, until the two form a strange friendship, making his murder of her all the more shocking. Here, he's not naked (thank goodness), and she volunteers to give him a ride because he seems like some poor, harmless man in need of help, only to grow more and more concerned over the course of their conversation, realizing just how much trouble she was in, and actually try to call the police on him, leading to what happened to that poor gas station attendant. However, despite having more reason than his comic counterpart, given that she broke his cardinal rule of lying, he instead not only spares her, but gives her his amulet of protection. That was interesting, and adds a new wrinkle to an already fascinating take on the character.

Speaking of which, I am VERY much looking forward to the next episode, because if I'm not mistaken, it's time for the diner, which is one of the most viscerally horrifying parts of the whole series! And judging by the responses I've seen from people who've already seen it, that much has stayed true! Fuck me up, Daddy!