#snake's snakes

[abybweisse]

VolXXXIV, Cover for Snake

Saw this on Twitter/X this morning.

Yep, I figured Snake would end up on the cover of the volume that includes the chapter where he dies....

[shinigami-mistress]

This is my favorite image of Snake so far.

[kurosnakes]

"Why of course want to look appropriate and fashionable while doing our jobs. It's part of the footman aesthetic! Says Emily." ✨

[telekinesis-mind-control-comics]

[redthefortuneteller]

Why Snake delayed reporting to Joker

This was originally within a reblog, but since it's gotten so long I've decided it's more appropriate for it to simply be its own post. I find that it's tidier this way.

The subject of Snake not speaking up about the first tier tents being searched or his snakes having been tied up in knots, is something I see people bringing up somewhat often when talking about his life in the circus.

I'd like to give my humble opinion, which is simply that Snake didn't report right away because he knew Doll knew our Ciel was behind those wooden boxes. Doll is a first tier member, considered his superior, because Doll's part of the main cast. In fact, Doll scolded Snake but said nothing of Smile. If Doll didn't say anything about it right there and then, why would he? He couldn't just throw Doll under the bus in front of everyone, Dagger was there too.

Before I keep going, let me just show the layout of the circus and mark the path the first string took as they came back from the performance, when Wordsworth and Doll found our Ciel.

He heard what had happened from Wordsworth(presumably), and instead of going with Dagger and the others to the food tent as he was before, he walked back in the direction they had come from, to his tent without uttering a word. Doll did tell him to go put them away, so it makes sense that he'd go back to his tent. But I believe in his tent he thought of what to do with what had just happened. Likely deciding together with the snakes.

By this point, the snakes weren't tied in knots because Sebastian had already released all of them, thus our Ciel being found by one.

In the time between this and him reporting to Joker, the Earl had a little talk with Doll and then went to Sebastian to have a little banter and talk about his findings. Meanwhile Doll had changed back into the "Freckles clothes" always worn while not performing, to hide the Doll identity from the other members and keep being Freckles. While talking to Sebastian, our Ciel had an asthma attack and Doll (now Freckles) showed up and went with them to the doctor's tent. Now by this point, while they were all at the doctors tent, Snake was reporting to Joker.

From what Joker says, he told them Smile and Black snuck in, but apparently had no idea what their goal was. We're shown this scene after the reporting had already been done, so we can't know what else exactly was reported to Joker. When Joker questions why he didn't tell him right away, Snake doesn't answer and looks away. Joker shrugs it off and tells him to leave.

About the snakes in knots, it's possible that Black and Smile having been there was much more relevant information than them having been tied and locked. And so they might not even have passed this information to Snake. This information may also have been omitted by Snake when reporting, or simply disregarded by Joker, because to him the important bit is the yard being potentially involved.

After Snake leaves, Joker immediately starts blaming Doll for what happened, with Peter joining in. Which makes me wonder if he did end up telling them about Doll.

So, either Snake didn't say anything about Doll, and his refusal to answer Joker's question was due to not wanting to reveal what truly transpired. Or he did, in the end, decide to tell them of Doll covering up for Smile. If he did say everything, his reluctance to answer Joker's question could be more to do with his loyalty being questioned. Because after all, he still didn't know what to do. It was either obey Doll and keep quiet or tell Joker and do my job, which is to guard the first tier side and report should anything dodgy happen. It would understandably take a while to decide on the correct course of action. Do I go against this boss? Or that other boss? Ultimately, Joker is the ring leader.

Perhaps there's is a chance that Snake confronted Doll in that window of time before Smile's asthma attack. But if this had happened, one would think Doll would've told him not to say anything to Joker… Then there's another possibility, which is that Snake sent a snake after our Ciel. I would like you to consider this panel:

In the middle of our Ciel talking, Sebastian looks to his left side and frowns with a "?" mark. I don't think he's reacting to our Ciel's saying he trusts he can find the records, because he's finding something strange, he's got a question mark. At first glance I thought he was finding the Earl's cough strange. But the thing is that he's been listening to him coughing like that for a good while now. They've been in Will's tent, and he's been coughing practically all night. You could also say that he's feeling that our Ciel's going to have an asthma attack. But then when the Earl starts coughing more strongly, Sebastian looks like he's wondering what's wrong as he looks to the right to his master.

Consider the possibility that, in that panel, Sebastian detected an eavesdropper. Perhaps a snake. And that it has nothing to do with our Ciel, until he turns to him with the concerned look. If Snake went after (or rather, sent a snake after) our Ciel and heard their conversation, despite not understanding the context, he'd get the idea that there was something about the first tier that was being withheld from him and of course when Joker asked him why he didn't report right away, he wouldn't want to let Joker know that he'd been sneaking after Smile and found out the troupe was hiding things from him. I still lean more to think it was because of our Ciel's coughing, but I'm just giving this a chance because sometimes Yana shows us things that aren't what they seem to be in the end. Even if this was the case and Snake overheard this conversation, I don't think he'd understand much of it. "The missing children. The circus. Tom, the piper's son." is about as much as he could get from their conversation that would somewhat make some sense but still, nothing in concrete. Missing children doesn't mean kidnaped ones. I think he really doesn't know what their goal was. Also because what Sebastian and our Ciel talked about in the snake's presence, in Snake's tent, was nothing telling in any way.

Regardless, we might consider that Snake could've heard the conversation between Joker, Peter and Jumbo after being told to leave. Not even necessarily then, but at some other point in time. A conversation between the first tier members that would betray that there was something off going on.

As he said in chapter 50, he knew they were hiding something from him. This situation with Smile was odd, and if he wasn't aware of anything before this, I think this would do it. He was obviously aware that they were leaving the circus grounds, because on the day of the Phantomhive manor attack, he said to them "Going out again?". The way he said this gives me the feeling he was already aware of something, just as when he was suspecting Finny of hiding something from him in the orphanage. Snake hesitates in asking things directly.

What I would like to know is exactly the extent of what he knows in terms of their suspicious activities. I wonder if he already thought something was a little off before Sebastian and our Ciel showed up but it only became more obvious with their presence in the circus. He was suspicious, but I don't think he'd be expecting something so bad, as he clearly had no idea children were being kidnapped and showed shock at the revelation. Apologies for the long post, I hope I've added something to the discussion!

[funtomfactory]

Snake headcanons

(Because I can and I will)

Snakes have no taste buds. Though his tongue is also forked like that of his slithering companions, Snake does have a sense of taste, but it's not that strong, hence why he couldn't tell the difference between the two lemon-flavoured sweets. He also prefers strong-tasting foods and a lit of spices.

Though his sense of smell isn't as highly developed as that of his companions, Snake does smell in stereo too.

Though he might not look the part, Snake is actually pretty strong: some of the snakes he handles (I'm looking at you, Wilde) have an average species weight of anywhere from 10-15 kilograms (22-33 lbs) (note: this is however the estimated average for the females of the species, but still). He's also lean, and has quite a lot of stamina.

Snake doesn't mind if people talk to him or to the snakes directly; he'll gladly reply either way.

Snake's cowlick doesn't just move along with emotions (like trembling when he's nervous or spiking when he's shocked), it is also sensitive to environmental changes; Snake can sometimes tell from which direction wind is blowing just by feeling his cowlick move, much like an antenna.

Snake is mostly shy around strangers. True, he's also not that very talkative and won't take much initiative, but he likes being in the company of the people he trusts.

Snake collects shed skins from his snakes, especially the better preserved ones. Sometimes, he includes them in gifts to others.

Snake was ordered by Sebastian to train with the horses to help them get used to his friends. Horses tend to be afraid of snakes, but those of the estate have now become indifferent to them.

Snake, on principle, doesn't have a favourite snake or snake species; he loves them all equally.

Within the ranks of his extraordinary "family", Snake actually has a role akin to that of a big brother; Wordsworth is like the wise (grand)father, whom is even held in high regard by Snake himself.

The snakes like to sleep in bed with him, because he is "cozy and warm". Finny has expressed his willingness to let them sleep with him as well, but he tosses around a lot at night, making Snake scared that he might accidentally hurt one of the snakes.

Snake tends to be insecure and hasn't had any proper upbringing, making his job as a footman rather difficult for him, though he tries his best.

When Nina Hopkins came in for a fitting of his work clothes, he was reluctant to show his skin to her, but to his surprise, instead of grossing out, Nina immediately jumped into her fabrics to see if she had one that "wouldn't itch his sensitive skin".

In addition to having different voices for the snakes, Snake also has a different style of handwriting for each snake, though it does blur together a little when he tries to write fast.

Snake actually enjoys cooking as well; he likes the warmth of the stove and the bubbling sound liquids make when they're being cooked.

Though he hasn't worn it in a while, Snake still owns his regular circus outfit.

Snake venom does affect Snake, but never to the point of it causing serious injury or risk of death, even from the more lethal snakes.

All the snakes were named after famous authors and poets before Snake ever even learned how to read; the idea came from Wordsworth, who was owned by a herpetologist who liked to read to the reptilians before he came into Snake's possession.

Doll insisted on staying by his side at all times when he first caem to the circus. Much to the chagrin of the other members, out of fear for Doll being bitten by the Snakes, Doll and Snake shared a tent for a while, which is also how the snakes grew accustomed to being handled by Doll as well.

Doll also learned Snake how to dance.

Out of all the first string members, it took Snake the longest to get along with Peter, because of Peter's tendency to make sarcastic jokes, and Snake not understanding it's all in jest.

Let me know if you'd like more of these, I could ramble on for hours lol.

[thefictioness]

5. Map

This work is part of a fictober series. For more information, click here.

“Well then…” Sebastian adjusted his glasses using his pointing stick. Across from him, anxiously seated in their chairs, were the four subordinate servants of the Phantomhive household. “Since the trip to Germany was on such short notice, we never had the time to pick up topography lessons to teach you where we would be traveling to. So to prepare for future endeavors, we will be starting them now.” He pointed at a large sheet hung from the ceiling behind him. “Who can tell me what this is?” Finny’s hand eagerly shot in the air. “Oh, oh! Pick me! I know!” Sebastian indicated towards him, and Finny answered. “That’s a map of the world!” “Correct. Can you also tell me where we are at the moment?” Sebastian followed up. Finny frowned. Sebastian turned to the others. “Anyone else want to take a guess?” The four of them were at the edges of their seat, trying to find something recognizable on the map, but to no avail. Sebastian sighed. He pointed his stick at an island. “This is Great Britain. This part of Great Britain is England, and here in the south is where the estate is located.” The four of them blinked in surprise. “Oh, hello there home!” Finny waved at the spot Sebastian just pointed towards. “I knew it was smaller than the States, but I never knew it was so tiny…” Baldroy said. “Where is America?” Mey-Rin asked, searching further. “Well they say it’s westward so it must be somewhere over there, says Webster,” Snake gestures at the left part of the map.  Sebastian Clapped in his hands. “Would you all settle down. Actually, Snake wasn’t too far off the mark. North America is right here.” Sebastian used his stick again and the four watched it slide across the map to stop at a big slab of land. “But we’ll discuss that another time.” The four looked disappointed. “But all that’s surrounding this country is bloody water!” Baldroy complained. “Not quite. This island doesn’t consist of England alone. There is also Scotland and Wales, and even Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.” “So… Then where is the Germany we traveled to?” Mey-Rin asked. “Germany is part of mainland Europe, right here. This is the distance we crossed by boat.” Sebastian let his stick slide across the map. “But those lines indicate there are other countries blocking the way. We couldn't have gone off board in Germany itself, says Keats,” Snake comments. “Correct again. We arrived on land at the docks of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. We traveled by train - this route - to get to Germany and then bought a carriage to get to the village in the woods.” “But that is still such a small part of the map! I want to see aaaaallll the countries!” Finny exclaimed while Sebastian looked at his pocket watch. “Well, for now you’ll have to make do with aaallll the chores waiting to be done. Class dismissed.” The four got up and left the room to get on with their daily tasks. Tanaka, who had been sitting in the corner listening to the lecture, had transformed into his true self. “Ho ho ho. It’s been a while since I’ve had the very same lessons. Soon, they’ll know the names and locations of all countries by heart.” Sebastian replied while taking the map down. “I actually doubt it, but at least they’re enthusiastic….”

[bapydemonprincess]

What if Sebastian's favorite kitty Her and Snake's snakes all met.. 😮 And they got along despite the usual actual logical animosity between their kind... 😮 AND THEY FORMED A BIG GANG TOGETHER THAT ACTS AS ONE UNSTOPPABLE DEADLY CREW- 🐈‍⬛🐍🔪🔥💥

[0the-duchess0]

Snake, ch.202

Judging by this panel alone he doesn't seem so shy, does he? (And that's fine by me, I love me some handsome Snakeboy)

[snakesinsocks2005]

Pin for survivors

[abybweisse]

Ch207 (p3), You've known me long enough

We get a vague understanding of what life was possibly like for Artie before coming to F. O. L. Orphanage...

...and we learn that Artie and Theo already knew each other before then, too.

But what does Artie mean by telling Theo to not "get scared now" after knowing Artie so long? Afraid of holding a gun... or afraid of Artie? Makes me wonder what Artie did before they both ended up in that orphanage!

Before Artie can elaborate (though he probably wasn't going to right then anyway), he and Theo realize more staff are headed their way.

Of course, that fan translation of the above page was very wrong about what Doll says. She doesn't say she will find a way to keep him/make him hers. No one calls anyone "baby". 😮‍💨 This does not, however, rule out the possibility that Doll tries to have Snake turned into a bizarre doll, if he dies. We do have to worry that bizarre doll Snake might turn against Finny and our earl simply because Finny left him to die. Same problem if Snake somehow lives (which I highly doubt); he could feel abandoned and choose Doll. Snake remaining loyal to our earl might not matter, though; Undertaker could turn him into a basic bizarre doll in order to simply show him off to our earl -- and possibly Finny, too -- later, just to make them feel worse about his death.

The fan translation of the next page isn't nearly as bad. The language here is more formal, but the gist of it was right:

I agree with @fwippysays, who said Finny might be thinking back to his master being arrested, then comparing it to now with Snake dying, because these are moments when Finny feels powerless to help those he cares about.

I hope Snake hears Finny's heartfelt apology for leaving him behind. Thankfully, the snakes are there to witness this: that Finny wanted to destroy Doll and take Snake with him. It's just that he felt he had to focus on their mission, otherwise Snake's death would be in vain.

Now what? Kill the approaching staff?

If Snake dies, I hope the snakes paralyze Doll and find the kids outside. Then they could burn the barn down. No bodies, no bizarre dolls.

[shinigami-mistress]

So it appears Jonathan, our newly introduced snake, is a rattlesnake.

[cupcakeshakesnake]

Pills.

[william-snekspeare]

This is so real

[cosmos-kitty]

Finally finished this one after working on it incrementally in my spare time for the better part of a year 🐍